Means for Obtaining Correct Register in Printing Machines.
Year: 1897

page_text: WALTER STEAD Lithographic Artist 4 Ethel Terrace Levenshulme near Manchester
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention is for ascertaining the register of color to color on printing
machines by measurement and consists of two measures, one working at right
angles to the other. One measure is permanently attached to the side of carriage
of machine, in which a lithographic stone or chase is placed ready for printing the
said measure having a grove cut out of the centre from end to end. The second
measure is in the form of a T square with a projection at one end to fit in the grove
of the measure that is permanently attached to the machine and sliding in the said
grove of permanent measure from end to end at right angles thereby giving two
measurements at any part of the work on lithographic stone or chase.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Means for Obtaining Correct Register in Printing Machines.
I, WALTER STEAD of 4, Ethel Terrace, Levenshulme near Manchester in the
County of Lancaster, Lithographic Printer do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:--
The object of this invention is to provide simple but efficient means for obtaining
correct register of colours in lithographic and similar printing machines.
My invention consists essentially in the use of or combination with the carriage
or bed of a machine in which a lithographic stone, or chase, or similar means, is
placed, of two scales, rules, measures or the like, one working at right angles to
the other and preferably engraved on their upper faces with suitable indications
for linear measurement, and which can be used in conjunction with the usual
register marks on the stone when setting the latter in position.
The invention will be fully described with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which—
Fig. 1. is an end elevation of a carriage or bed containing a lithographic stone
with my improvements applied.
Fig. 2. A plan of same, and Figs. 3. to 5. modifications I shall hereinafter
refer to

page_text: In carrying out my invention, I apply to one side of a carriage or bed, A, a
scale B preferably graduated to inches and their usual subdivisions as shown and
secured to the former in any convenient manner such as by screws b. In conjunction
with this scale I use a second one C, graduated in a somewhat similar manner and
provided at the end nearest the scale B with a point D, or special mark, so that it
may be readily set to any mark on the scale B. The end of the scale C is provided
with a stock c fitted to slide in a groove E, formed in scale B, so that the two
scales may be kept at right angles to each other. F and G are register marks
which it is usual for the printer to make on each lithographic stone H, composing
the set to be used for the production of a multi-coloured picture or design, these
marks enabling him to set any particular stone a second time to the exact position
it first occupied, as is well known in the trade.
By the means I have described, when a stone is first set and fixed in position by
the usual means, I take note of the measurements to the register marks F and G,
or to any other important part of the work, in two directions; longitudinally, or on
the "grip" side by sliding the scale C on B and noting the position of point D on B;
and transversely, or on the "lay" side, by noting the position of the register marks
with reference to scale C. I can thus set all colour stones of the same "job" to
the noted measurements, with perfect ease and accuracy and in very little time and
ensure the various colours being in absolutely correct register.
I would have it understood that I may carry out my invention in many ways
without departing from its spirit.
1
For instance I may engrave graduations on one edge of the carriage or bed,
without using a separate piece of metal and arrange the scale C to slide on such
edge. Instead also of making a slot in scale B, in the manner shown in Fig. 2,
I may make the scale solid and provide the scale C with a stock c to fit, or embrace
its two parallel edges as shown in Figure 3. Again I may fix the scale B to two
or more brackets such as J Fig. 4 which are in turn secured to the carriage or bed
by screws or bolts. I may also arrange the scale B to be readily removable from
the carriage or bed, by mounting it on two or more studs, pegs, brackets or the
like, K, Fig. 5 the scale being provided with holes or slots for the purpose. In
this case the scale B is simply lifted away when the stone has been set.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. Means for obtaining correct register in lithographic or similar printing
machines, consisting in the use of two suitably graduated scales, measures, or the
like one working at right angles to the other and one of which may be permanently
or temporarily attached to the carriage or bed of the machine substantially as
described.
2. The combination with the carriage or bed of lithographic or similar printing
machines of two graduated scales ono working in conjunction with the other,
substantially as and for the purposes described.
3. The improvements in connection with lithographic and similar printing
machines constructed and arranged substantially as described and as shown in
the accompanying drawings.
WILLIAM H. TAYLOR,
Swan Chambers, 69 Market Street, Manchester, Agent for Applicant.