Patent ID: 6435086
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: B41F,B41P

Abstract:
In a printing press of the type having side frame members forming a printing unit tower on which a plate cylinder and blanket cylinder are supported for rotation, the improvement comprising:inking/coating apparatus for applying ink or coating material directly to a plate mounted on the plate cylinder or directly to a blanket mounted on the blanket cylinder when the inking/coating apparatus is in an operative position; and a carriage assembly including a support arm having a first end portion including a counterweight coupled to the support arm, pivotally mounted to the printing unit tower and a second end portion pivotally mounted to the inking/coating apparatus, the carriage assembly being movable to an operative position in which the inking/coating apparatus is suspended laterally adjacent to the plate and blanket cylinders, and being movable to a retracted position in which the inking/coating apparatus is elevated with respect to the plate and blanket cylinders.