Abstract:
Design and integration of a UV LED curing system into a multi-station UV-curing process, such as for inkjet or offset printing. Docking ports may be permanently mounted into various stations within the UV-curing process. The UV LED lamps may be modular and may therefore be inserted into any one of the desired docking ports at variable distances from the substrate to be cured without significant loss of optical uniformity or radiant intensity. The docking ports are designed such that they can accommodate UV LED lamps of differing wavelengths and, therefore, power requirements. The insertion of a UV LED lamp into a docking port is designed such that it is accomplished without tools and may be considered a “plug and play” operation. Multiple docking ports may be mounted into a single station in the UV-curing process to allow for the installation of multiple lamps at each station.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, and hereby incorporates by reference, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/237,436, filed 27 Aug. 2009, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/237,455, filed 27 Aug. 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/267,021, filed 5 Dec. 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a method for the design and integration of a UV LED curing system suitable for a multi-station UV-curing process for UV-curable inks, coatings, and adhesives having UV photoinitiators therein. 
         [0004]    2. Background. 
         [0005]    UV LED lamps are permanently mounted at each critical point within the UV-curing process. A critical point at which a UV LED lamp can be mounted will typically be downstream or just after the point where the UV-curable ink, coating, or adhesive has been applied to the substrate upon which it is to be cured. In a multi-station UV curing process, there are multiple critical points within the apparatus or process. These UV-LED lamps require regular cleaning and occasional maintenance. 
         [0006]    Installation and removal of UV LED lamps as employed above is difficult and time consuming. Accordingly, installation and removal of UV LED lamps makes cleaning these lamps difficult because the lamp must be either removed and cleaned or cleaned while still in place in the system. If a UV LED lamp fails, it is again difficult and time-consuming to remove and replace, thereby usually causing excessive downtime. UV LED lamps may also interfere with cleaning and other maintenance tasks associated with the UV-curing process. 
         [0007]    There is then a need for a way to change or repair irradiation sources such as UV LED lamps in such an apparatus. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Docking ports for the UV LED lamps may be permanently installed at various critical points within the UV-curing process. Docking ports enable the UV LED lamps to be easily inserted and removed from different points within the UV-curing process. This gives the user the option to have docking ports installed at every critical point within the UV-curing process, but to nonetheless purchase fewer UV LED lamps. UV LED lamps are costly and will be much more expensive than docking ports. The user could thusly save a significant amount of money by not being required to purchase a UV LED lamp for every critical point within the UV curing process, but by installing a docking port at each desired critical point they will then have the option to place a UV LED lamp at whichever critical point they desire and to move the UV LED lamps from one critical point to another as needed. 
         [0009]    Docking ports for the UV LED lamps may also incorporate moveable, interchangeable plug assemblies that mate to the connection interface of the UV LED lamp. The housing for such a plug assembly may include an industrial connector incorporating the interface for electrical, communications, water and the like, as well with a mounting frame and locking levers that attach to the UV LED lamp without the use of tools. Using a movable, interchangeable plug assembly to mate to the connection interface of the UV LED lamp provides an additional option for making the power, communications, and water connections resulting in increased versatility in the method of installation onto the UV curing process. 
         [0010]    A plurality of permanently installed docking ports and moveable plug assemblies may be installed at various positions within the same UV curing process. Both methods of docking are interchangeable and accommodate the same UV LED lamp depending on the location desired in the process. Being able to use several methods of docking within the same UV curing process may enable the UV LED lamps to be installed onto processes that may otherwise not be possible. 
         [0011]    Docking ports of this invention are designed such that, when empty (i.e. the UV LED lamp has been removed), they are not obstructive to the various non-UV-curing tasks of the UV-curing process. For example, the docking port would be installed into an offset printing press in such a manner and position that, when the docking port is empty, the empty docking port does not inhibit or restrict the tasks of changing blankets or plates, cleaning the impression cylinder, adjusting sheet guides, or the like. Designing the docking ports such that they do not obstruct the performance of non-UV-curing tasks of the UV-curing process would allow the user to perform said tasks quickly and easily, as though the UV-curing system was not there. 
         [0012]    The instant docking ports may be designed such that they accommodate UV LED lamps of differing input power requirements. For example and not by way of limitation, a UV LED lamp wherein the LEDs are of the 365 nm type would have different voltage and/or current requirements than a UV LED lamp wherein the LEDs are of the 385 nm type; the docking ports could be designed to accept and power of either of the UV LED lamps. Different UV-curable inks, coatings, and adhesives can have different conditions under which they cure. Designing the docking ports such that they can accommodate UV LED lamps with different input power requirements would accordingly enable the user to choose different UV LED lamps depending upon the curing application. This may allow the user to perform UV-curing applications that would not otherwise be possible. 
         [0013]    Multiple docking ports may be at all or some of the critical points within the UV-curing process. Multiple docking ports may enable the user to quickly increase the UV energy available at a particular point within the UV-curing process by inserting multiple UV LED lamps. Multiple docking ports would also enable the user to apply multiple wavelengths of UV light at a particular point within the UV-curing process by inserting lamps of different wavelength output. This may allow the user to perform UV-curing applications that would not otherwise be possible. 
         [0014]    The UV LED lamps may be designed so as to be interchangeable, which means that any UV LED lamp can be easily inserted into and removed from any of the provided docking ports that are permanently installed at various points within the UV-curing process. By designing the UV LED lamps such that they are interchangeable, any UV LED lamp can be inserted into or removed from any docking port within the UV-curing process. The user can place the UV LED lamps into the docking ports that each particular application would require, making the overall system more flexible. The interchangeability of the UV LED lamps could enable the user to exchange lamps between multiple identical UV-curing processes. The interchangeability of the UV LED lamps creates flexibility in the UV-curing system that could save the user a significant amount of money. 
         [0015]    The UV LED lamps of this invention could be designed to incorporate an optical design consisting of parabolic or elliptical trough reflectors to direct the UV light emitted by the LEDs onto the substrate to be cured in a controlled manner that maximizes the irradiance and energy density delivered to the substrate. By designing these interchangeable UV LED lamps such that they incorporate a common optical design using a parabolic or elliptical trough reflector, these UV LED lamps can be located at varying distances and mounting locations with respect to the substrate being cured without a significant loss of uniformity or optical (irradiant) intensity. 
         [0016]    The UV LED lamps and their associated docking ports may be designed such that the insertion of the UV LED lamp into the docking port, and the removal of the UV LED lamp from the docking port is a quick and tool-less procedure. For example, when a UV LED lamp is inserted into a docking port, a latch mechanism may secure the UV LED lamp into its correct operating position. Then, when it is desired to remove the UV LED lamp, the latch mechanism could be released by the push of a button, or the twist or pull of a lever, or the like. The ability to quickly insert a UV LED lamp into, or remove it from, a docking port makes the overall operation of the UV-curing system much more convenient for the user as well as demanding much less of the user&#39;s time. The tool-less design reduces the incidence in which tools and/or fasteners are dropped into the UV-curing process during the insertion or removal procedure. Dropping such an item can consume large amounts of time because the item must be found or, significant, possibly catastrophic damage can be caused to the UV-curing process if the dropped item is not removed. 
         [0017]    The UV LED lamps and their associated docking ports are to be designed such that all necessary connections (e.g. electrical, water, communications, or the like) are engaged automatically when the UV LED lamp is inserted into a docking port. The connections are then automatically disengaged when the UV LED lamp is removed from the docking port. No process or procedure is required to engage or disengage the connections between the UV LED lamp and the docking port that is in addition to that required to install the UV LED lamp into, or remove the UV LED lamp from, a docking port. Automatic engaging and disengaging of the connections between the UV LED lamp and the docking port upon insertion and removal of the UV LED lamp ensure that the connections are made properly, and save time and make the overall operation of the UV-curing system more convenient for the user. 
         [0018]    Accordingly, a docking port for securing a lamp emitting radiation toward a substrate in a printing press is provided. The docking port may include a connection portion and a cradle portion. The connection portion may have fluid and electrical connectors mating corresponding fluid and electrical connectors in the lamp. The cradle portion may have a cradle accommodating a portion of the lamp and a latch arm assembly securing the lamp into the cradle and against the connection portion. The latch arm assembly may be pivotable between an open position in which the lamp can be removed from or inserted into the docking port and a closed position in which the lamp is secured to the docking port. 
         [0019]    A docking port for securing a lamp emitting radiation toward a substrate in a printing press may be provided. The docking port may include a connection portion and a cradle portion. The connection portion may include means for aligning electrical and fluid components present in the lamp. The cradle portion may have a cradle accommodating the lamp, a pivotable latch arm assembly, and a push plate mounted to the latch arm assembly. The latch arm assembly may secure the lamp in the cradle and the push plate may be biased against the lamp connection portion. 
         [0020]    A method of curing an ink, a coating, or an adhesive deposited on a substrate traveling a path through a printing press is provided. The method may include directing UV radiation at the ink, coating, or adhesive when the ink, coating, or adhesive is present in a critical location within the printing press. The UV radiation may be emitted from lamp secured in a docking port mounted to the printing press. The docking port may include a connection portion and a cradle/latch portion. The connection portion may have an alignment hole and may provide coolant and electricity to the lamp. The alignment hole may align with an aligning pin present on the lamp when the lamp is secured in the docking port. The cradle/latch portion may have a cradle and an arm assembly. The arm assembly secures the lamp in the cradle and against the connection portion. 
         [0021]    A method of attaching a docking port to a printing press is provided. The docking port may include a connection portion and a cradle/latch portion. The method may include mounting the connection portion and latch portion such that a lamp can be secured into the docking port, such that the lamp directs UV radiation at a critical location, and a such that a cradle arm assembly of the cradle/latch portion biases the lamp against the connection portion. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1A  is a plan view of a sheet-fed offset printing press of this invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1B  is a cross sectional view of the sheet-fed offset printing press of  FIG. 1A  along line A-A. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a side of a multi-station sheet-fed offset printing press. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connection portion of the docking port of this invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cradle/latch portion of the docking port this invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a UV LED lamp of this invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6A  is an exploded view of the connection portion of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 6B  is another exploded view of the connection portion of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 6C  is yet another exploded view of the connection portion of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of one embodiment of a female electrical block of this invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 7B  is a plan view of the female electrical block of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0033]      FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of the female electrical block of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0034]      FIG. 8A  is a plan view of the cradle/latch portion of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 8B  is a front view of the cradle/latch portion of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 8C  is a partially exploded, perspective view of the cradle/latch portion of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 8D  is a front view of the cradle/latch portion of  FIG. 4  in an intermediate position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8E  is a front view of the cradle/latch portion of  FIG. 4  in a lowered position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 8F  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a push plate of this invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective, exploded view of the UV LED lamp of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 9B  is another perspective, exploded view of the UV LED lamp of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 9C  is yet another perspective, exploded view of the UV LED lamp of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 9D  is a top, exploded view of the UV LED lamp of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 9E  is a side, exploded view of the UV LED lamp of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 9F  is a bottom, exploded view of the UV LED lamp of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of the instant docking port and UV LED lamp in a raised position. 
           [0047]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of the instant docking port and UV LED lamp of  FIG. 10A . 
           [0048]      FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of the instant docking port and UV LED lamp in an intermediate position. 
           [0049]      FIG. 11B  is a side view of the instant docking port and the UV LED lamp of  FIG. 11A . 
           [0050]      FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of the instant docking port and UV LED lamp in a lowered position. 
           [0051]      FIG. 12B  is a side view of the instant docking port and the UV LED lamp of  FIG. 12A . 
       
    
    
       [0052]    It is understood that the above-described figures are only illustrative of the present invention and are not contemplated to limit the scope thereof. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0053]    Comprehension of this invention can be gained through reference to the drawings in conjunction with a thorough review of the following explanation. Any references to such relative terms as front and back, top and bottom, upper and lower, or the like, are intended for convenience of description and are not intended to limit the present invention or its components to any specific positional or spatial orientation. Dimensions of the components in the attached figures may vary with a potential design and the intended use of an embodiment of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0054]    The following is a description of the design and implementation of the UV LED curing system disclosed herein. For clarity, sheet-fed offset printing will be used as an example of a UV-curing process in which the UV LED curing system can be applied. The following examples and figures are intended to teach a person skilled in the art how to effectively design, manufacture, and practice the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The features and methods disclosed in the detailed description may be used separately or in conjunction with other features and methods to provide improved devices of the invention and methods for making the same. The features and methods disclosed in this detailed description may not be necessary to practice the invention in the broadest sense, but are provided so that a person of skill in the art may further understand the details of the invention. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, a sheet-fed offset printing system is indicated generally at  100 . When the sheet-fed offset printing system  100  is operating, a UV-curable material, e.g., ink, coating, is metered onto a blanket cylinder  102 , from which the UV-curable material is transferred onto a substrate, such as paper, board stock, or plastic. Within the exemplary sheet-fed offset printing system  100 , the substrate travels along a path  104 . Transfer of the UV-curable material from the blanket cylinder  102  onto the substrate occurs when the substrate is rolled between the blanket cylinder  102  and an impression cylinder  106 .  FIGS. 1A and 1B  show an exemplary critical point or location  108  at a position suitable for directing UV radiation (energy) at the UV-curable material which has been transferred onto the substrate. 
         [0056]    In practice, the sheet-fed offset printing system  100  may be a component of a multi-station printing system  120 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 . In  FIG. 2 , a plurality of, e.g., three, sheet-fed printing systems  122 ,  124 ,  126  are present and include respective blanket cylinders  128 ,  130 ,  132  and impression cylinders  134 ,  136 ,  138 . In the exemplary multi-station printing system  120 , the substrate is conveyed along path  140 . Along the path  140 , the substrate is transferred from system  122  to system  124  by a transfer cylinder  142  and from system  124  to system  126  by a transfer cylinder  144 . In each of these systems  122 ,  124 ,  126 , a plurality of different UV-curable products, such as coatings or differing color inks, may be applied in succession. Consequently, a critical point or location  146 ,  148 ,  150  is present in each of the respective systems  122 ,  124 ,  126 . Additional, optional critical points may be present at an end of press portion  152  and an upsweep portion  154 . In each of the printing systems  122 ,  124 ,  126 , the UV-curable product is applied to a blanket cylinder  128 ,  130 ,  132  and transferred to the substrate where the substrate is rolled between the blanket cylinder  128 ,  130 ,  132  and the respective, corresponding impression cylinder  134 ,  136 ,  138 . The UV-curable product is then cured by UV radiation at a corresponding, respective critical point  146 ,  148 ,  150 . 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 , one embodiment of the invention is providing docking port portions  160 ,  162 , which may be permanently mounted at any of the critical points  108 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154  of this invention. Together the docking port portions  160 ,  162  comprise a docking port  90  of this invention as shown in  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B,  11 A,  11 B,  12 A,  12 B. Referring again to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  5 , in the embodiment depicted, docking port portion  160  is a connection portion and docking port portion  162  is a cradle/latch portion. The docking portions  160 ,  162  accordingly provide a means whereby a UV LED lamp  164  can be quickly installed or removed. While the docking portions  160 ,  162  may differ in form between different critical points  108 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 , the docking portions  160 ,  162  may be similar or substantially identical in function. As such, the UV LED lamp  164  can be installed onto any specific combination of the docking portions  160 ,  162 . In one embodiment, the docking portions  160 ,  162  are low profile and, hence, would not inhibit other non-UV-curing tasks associated with the UV-curing process. Such tasks include cleaning, maintenance, and the like. 
         [0058]      FIG. 3  depicts one embodiment of a docking or connection portion  160 , which is a docking port of the present invention. At connection portion  160 , power, communications, coolant (e.g., water) supply and the like are provided to the UV LED lamp  164  when the UV LED lamp  164  is attached as will be more fully described hereinbelow. Referring now to  FIGS. 3 ,  6 A,  6 B,  6 C,  7 A,  7 B,  7 C, an exemplary structure of the instant connection portion  160  is depicted and includes an LED connection block  170 , which may house a female electrical block  172 . The LED connection block  170 , in turn, has a housing  176 , fluid valves  178 ,  180 , a latch bar guide  182 , respective short and long mount brackets  184 ,  186 , a mount plate  188 , and respective electrical and fluid supply assemblies  190 ,  192 . Alignment holes  194 ,  196  are defined in the housing  176  and the valves  178 ,  180  are accommodated by valve bores  198 ,  200  (valve bore  200  not shown). As best viewed in  FIG. 6A , a linear bearing  232  (not shown) is retained in the rear portion of each alignment hole  194 ,  196  by a retaining ring  234  (not shown). The instant alignment holes  194 ,  196  serve to align coolant and power connections with the instant LED lamp to thereby avoid misalignment during connection and possible damage resulting from misalignment. Each linear bearing  232  facilitates a guide pin present in the LED lamp of this invention during insertion and removal, serving to keep the guide pins from binding in the alignment holes. Each of the exemplary valves  178 ,  180  may be a valve assembly  201 , which includes a valve sleeve  202  accommodating a valve stem  204 , and an O-ring  206  providing a seal between the valve sleeve  202  and valve stem  204 . Another O-ring (not shown) provides a seal between the valve sleeve  202  and the interior surface of each of the valve bores  198 ,  200 . A valve spring  208  biases each of the valves  178 ,  180  in a closed, sealing position. The latch bar guide  182 , in the embodiment shown, includes unitary, or otherwise integral, plate  210  and prongs  212 ,  214  extending from the plate  210 . Each of the prongs  212 ,  214  terminates in a respective tip  216 ,  218 . The tips  216 ,  218  extend above a continuous, planar upper surface of the plate  210  and prongs  212 ,  214 . The short and long mount brackets  184 ,  186  attach to the mount plate  188  and to opposing sides of the housing  176 . The electrical supply assembly  190  includes an electrical cover  224 , a conduit  226 , and one or more swivel fittings  228 . Either the conduit  226  or a swivel fitting  228  attaches to a basal portion of the electrical cover  224 . The swivel fittings  228  allow rotation to occur without strain or torsion being applied to the conduit  226  or to the electrical cover  224  during maintenance and replacement operations. When the conduit  226  and/or swivel fitting  228  is attached to the electrical cover  224 , the electrical cover  224  then attaches to the housing  176 , wherein the electrical cover  224  is accommodated within a recess  230 . The fluid supply assembly  192 , in the embodiment disclosed and depicted, supplies a cooling fluid, such as water, to each of the valves  178 ,  180  by means of a pair of tubings  246 , each tubing  246  being coupled to an adapter  248 . Each adapter  248 , in turn, is attached to a reducer  250 . In one case, the reducer  250  is attached to an elbow  252 , which attaches to a nipple  254 . The nipple  254  couples to the housing  176 , thereby ingressing and egressing coolant through pathways formed in the housing between the nipples  254  and valve  178 ,  180 . In one embodiment the valves  178 ,  180  are poppet-style valves to minimize drip and leakage when disengaged. 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 ,  7 A,  7 B,  7 C, the female electrical block  172  has a three-pin female contact module  260  secured between a pair of electrical block bolt plates  262  and a pair of electrical block side plates  264 . The electrical block bolt plates  262  and electrical block side plates  264 , when attached together, form a housing within which the three-pin female contact module  260  is secured. The three-pin female contact module  360  defines three holes  268 ,  270 ,  272 , which accommodate pins present in the UV LED lamp  164  and described in greater detail hereinbelow. 
         [0060]    The docking port embodiment of the cradle/latch portion  162  is depicted in  FIGS. 4 ,  8 A,  8 B,  8 C,  8 D,  8 E. The cradle/latch portion  162  has a latch mount plate  302  to which a latch stop pad  304 , a cradle mount plate  306 , a pivot plate  307 , and a latch mount block  308  are directly attached. A cradle  310  is affixed to an upper surface of the cradle mount plate  306 . Pivotally attached to the latch mount block  308  is a latch arm assembly  312 . With respect to the latch arm assembly  312 , latch arms  314 ,  316  are pivotally connected to, and extend from, the latch mount block  308 . Latch handle arms  318 ,  320  orthogonally, or otherwise transversely, extend from ends of the respective latch arms  314 ,  360 . A latch handle  322  is affixed to, and spans between, the latch handle arms  318 ,  320 . A spring mount plunger  324  is affixed to, and extends through, the latch mount block  308 . An internal spring (not shown) biases the spring mount plunger  324  such that a plunger pin  326  extends so as to abut an upper surface of the latch arm  314  to retain the cradle/latch portion  162  in the position or configuration depicted in  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B,  8 C. A push plate  328  is pivotally affixed to, and extends between the latch arms  314 ,  316 . Referring to  FIG. 8F , the push plate  328  has a central portion  330  and extensions  332 ,  334 . Mounting bores  336 ,  338  (mounting bore  338  not shown) are formed in, and extend inboard from, outboard surfaces of the central portion  330 . Linkages  340 ,  342  extend between the pivot plate  307  and the push plate  328 , such linkages  340 ,  342  being attached to the push plate  338  by extending connectors through the linkages  340 ,  342  and into the mounting bores  336 ,  338 . Accordingly, the linkages  340 ,  342  function to orient the push plate  328  such that the push plate  328  faces toward the opening of the latch arm assembly  312  as shown in  FIG. 8C  when the latch arm assembly  312  is in a closed position as depicted in  FIG. 8C . The linkages  340 ,  342  also orient the push plate  328 , such that the push plate  328  faces orthogonally, or otherwise transversely, to the latch arm assembly  312 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . A cavity  346  formed in the push plate  328  accommodates a plurality of, e.g., five, push springs  348 , the push springs  348  being retained and biased within the cavity  346  by a push pad  350 . The push pad  350  may be secured to the push plate  328  by a plurality of connectors  352 . 
         [0061]    One embodiment of a UV LED lamp, which can be utilized with the instant invention, is shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  9 A,  9 B,  9 C,  9 D,  9 E,  9 F at  164 . Another description of the lamp of this invention is present in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. XX/XXX,XXX, Attorney Docket No. 1013.12US02, and filed concurrently with this application, hereby incorporated by reference. The embodiment of the lamp  164 , as shown, includes a connection endcap  360 , a crossover endcap  362 , an LED segment  364 , a heat sink  366 , an A/R glass  368 , and a reflector  370 . The LED segment  364  and heat sink  366  may be enclosed within module body portions  372 ,  374 . It is contemplated that the instant lamp  164  may output UV radiation of any specific wavelength or desired combination of wavelengths. 
         [0062]    The connection endcap  360 , in turn, has an alignment bar  376 , alignment pins  378 ,  380 , coolant ports  382 ,  384  and an electrical connector  386 . Electrical pins  388 ,  390 ,  392  may be present in the electrical connector  386  and may mate with holes  268 ,  270 ,  272  in the female electrical block  172  of the connection portion  160 . The alignment bar  376  may be mounted between alignment bar brackets  394 ,  396 , the alignment bar brackets  394 ,  396  secured to the connection endcap body  398 . The alignment bar is dimensioned and positioned to be retained by the latch bar guide  182  on the upper surface of the prongs  212 ,  214  and behind the raised tips  216 ,  218 . The crossover endcap  362 , in turn, has a coolant crossover opening  404 , which may be sealed by a crossover O-ring  406 , the crossover O-ring  406  attached to a crossover endcap body  408 . A cavity  410  is formed in an opposite face of the crossover endcap body  408 . The cavity  410  is dimensioned and disposed so as to accommodate all or a portion of the push plate  328  of the cradle/latch portion  162 . A plurality of, e.g., two, LED segments  364  each containing six LEDs may be attached to the heat sink  366 . As stated before, the LED segments may output a single wavelength or range of wavelengths or may output a combination of wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths. The heat sink  366  defines a plurality of, e.g., two, coolant tunnels  416 ,  418 . One of the coolant tunnels  416 ,  418  receives coolant by means of one of the coolant ports  382 ,  384  of the connection endcap  360 . At the other end of the heat sink  366 , the coolant tunnels  416 ,  418  are positioned and dimensioned so as to open into the crossover opening  404 , so that coolant egressing from one of the coolant tunnels  416 ,  418  ingresses into the other of the coolant tunnels  416 ,  419 . The crossover O-ring  406  forms a seal between the crossover endcap  360  and the heat sink  366 . Individual O-rings (not shown) or equivalents may be utilized to form seals between the connection endcap  360  and the heat sink  366  proximate the coolant ports  382 ,  384 . In one embodiment, the coolant tunnels  416 ,  418  are dimensioned and located such that a minimum temperature gradient exists over the surface of the heat sink  366 . Stated otherwise, the coolant tunnels  316 ,  318  are dimensioned and situated within the heat sink  366  such that an essentially constant average temperature is present at the heat sink  366  surface proximate where the LED segments  364  are attached thereto. 
         [0063]    Herein, one embodiment of a connection portion  160  is depicted. At the connection portion  160 , power, communications, coolant, and the like are communicated between the UV LED lamp  164  and the docking portions  160 ,  162  upon installation of the UV LED lamp  164  as described herein. The electrical connections may be pins  388 ,  390 ,  392  and sockets  268 ,  270 ,  272 . The water or coolant connections  178 ,  180  may be poppet-style valves to minimize leakage and drip when disengaged. In one embodiment, the connection portion  160  defines alignment holes  194 ,  196  to accommodate alignment pins  378 ,  380  contained in the connection endcap  360  of the UV LED lamp  164 . The connection portion  160  may support the connection endcap  360  of the UV LED lamp  164 . The connection portion  160  may contain an alignment hook or plate such as the latch bar guide  182  to thereby aid in the alignment of the connection endcap  360  as the UV LED lamp  164  is being installed and to also aid in supporting the instant UV LED lamp  164  when the UV LED lamp  164  is an unlatched state during installation or removal. The connection portion  160  may also contain features such as bolt holes for mounting into a printing press assembly. 
         [0064]    In one embodiment, the cradle/latch portion  162  provides support for the UV LED lamp  164  proximate the crossover endcap  362 . The cradle/latch portion  162  also provides a means whereby the UV LED lamp  164  may be quickly and securely mounted into the UV-curing process in a manner ensuring that fluid and electrical connections are fully and properly made between the docking portions  160 ,  162  and the UV LED lamp  164 . The cradle/latch portion  162  may contain a cradle  310  to support the UV LED lamp  164 , e.g., opposite the connection end  132 . The cradle/latch portion  162  may also contain a latch lever such as the latch arm assembly  312 , which can be raised and lowered by the operator. As shown in  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, the latch lever  312  is shown in an up or open position. The latch lever  312  must be in this up or open position in order to remove or install the instant UV LED lamp  164  into or out of the docking ports  160 ,  162 . The UV LED lamp  164  is then secured into the docking ports  160 ,  162  by lowering the latch lever  312  through the intermediate position shown in  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B and into the lowered or closed position depicted in  FIGS. 12A ,  12 B. The cradle/latch portion  162  may further contain a push pad  288  attached such that when the latch lever  312  is lowered into the down or closed position of  FIGS. 12A ,  12 B, the push pad  288  is displaced forward, thereby pushing the UV LED lamp  164  firmly against the connection portion  160  and ensuring that all connections between the UV LED lamp  164  and the docking portions  160 ,  162  are secure. When the latch lever  312  is in the down or closed position, both ends  360 ,  362  of the UV LED lamp  164  are securely supported such that the UV LED lamp  164  cannot accidentally fall out of the docking port or cannot be unintentionally removed from the docking port without first raising the latch lever  312  into the up or open position. The cradle/latch portion  162  may contain a locking pin  324 , or other suitable locking mechanism, that would securely lock the latch lever  312  into the down or closed position, thereby preventing the latch lever  312  from being raised unintentionally. It may also be useful in certain embodiments for the locking mechanism or pin  324 , or perhaps a second, additional locking mechanism, to be present to lock the latch lever  312  into the up or open position, such that the latch lever  312  stays in the up or open position until intentionally lowered. The cradle/latch portion  162  may also contain features such as bolt holes for mounting to the instant printing press. 
         [0065]    In one embodiment of the instant UV LED lamp  164 , such lamp fits into a docking port  90  as described herein. The UV LED lamp  164  may have a connection endcap  360 , which mates with a connection portion  160  of the docking port  90  and an opposite endcap  362  resting in the cradle  310  of the cradle/latch portion  162 . The connection endcap  360  may contain electrical pins  388 ,  390 ,  392  and water valves  382 ,  384  to transfer power, communications, and coolant (e.g., water) from the connection portion  160  to the UV LED lamp  164 . The connection endcap  360  may also contain alignment pins  378 ,  380  which fit into mating aligning holes  194 ,  196  on the connection portion  160 . Such pins and holes may ensure that the fluid and electrical connections are securely attained during engagement. The connection endcap  360  may also contain an alignment bar  376 , which may mate with the alignment fork, alignment, hook, or latch bar guide  182  of the connection portion  160 . The alignment bar  376  and alignment hook  182 , along with a cradle  310 , may support the UV LED lamp  164  as the UV LED lamp  164  rests in the docking port  90  with the latch lever  312  in the up or open position. 
         [0066]      FIGS. 10A ,  10 B show the connection portion  160  and cradle/latch portion  162  of the docking port  90  as these portions  160 ,  162  would be in relation to each other when mounted to a UV-curing process. In such a relation, the latch lever  312  is in an up or open position. The locking pin  324  holds the latch lever  312  in the up or open position. In the up or open position, the UV LED lamp  164  can be freely placed onto, or removed from, the docking port  90 , wherein the UV LED lamp  164  is supported loosely at each endcap  360 ,  362  and may be slid back and forth along its longitudinal axis between the connection portion  160  and cradle/latch portion  162  of the docking port  90  and with all fluid and electrical connections disengaged. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 11A ,  11 B depicted the docking port  160 ,  162  with the instant UV LED lamp module  164  in place with the latch lever  312  partially down in an intermediate position. To attain such an intermediate position, the locking pin  324  must be pulled to disengage or release the latch lever  312  before the latch lever  312  can be pushed into the position shown. As the latch lever  312  is pushed down, the push pad  288  is displaced forward into the cavity  410  of the crossover endcap  362 , pushing the UV LED lamp  164  closer to the connection portion  160  of the docking port  90  of this invention. Alternatively, the push pad  288  abuts the outer surface of the crossover endcap  362  and the cavity  410  is used to grip the lamp  164  by accommodating inserted fingers therein. This action pushes the alignment pins  378 ,  380  into the alignment holes  194 ,  196  in preparation for the electrical pins  388 ,  390 ,  392  and water valve  382 ,  384  making contact. When the latch lever  312  is pushed completely down, or closed, the UV LED lamp  164  will be pushed firmly against the connection portion  160  and all connections are then tightly and properly accomplished. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alignment pins  378 ,  380  and alignment holes  194 ,  196  may be present on either the connection portion or lamp and that equivalent structures may be used in lieu of the alignment pins  378 ,  380  and alignment holes  194 ,  196 . Additionally, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the latch bar guide  182  and alignment bar  376  may be present on either the instant connection portion and lamp as well and that equivalent structures to the latch bar guide and alignment bar are within the contemplated scope of this invention. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 12A ,  12 B depict docking portions  160 ,  162  with the UV LED lamp  164  in place with the latch lever  312  in the down or closed position. With the latch lever  312  in the down or closed position, the locking pin  324  can snap into place, thus preventing the latch lever  312  from being pulled open unintentionally. The UV LED lamp  164  is thusly pinched or clamped tightly between the docking portions  160 ,  162 , the UV LED lamp  164  hence pressed firmly against the connection portion  160  of the docking port to ensure that all connections are proper and sealed. In such a position, the UV LED lamp  164  cannot be removed. 
         [0069]    Because numerous modifications of this invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments illustrated and described. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.