New and Improved Mechanism for Multi-color Printing.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Oct., 1899
Complete Specification Left 13th Aug. 1900-Accepted. 26th Oct., 1900
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
New and Improved Mechanism for Multi-color Printing.
I, ALBERT EDGAR ALEXANDER, of 19, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane,
London, in the County of London, Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention (a communication from abroad by Louis Warren
Southgate, of 339 Main Street, City and County of Worcester, Massachusetts,
United States of America, Patent Attorney) to be as follows:-
This invention relates to new and improved mechanism for multi-
color printing.
The principle on which the invention works is as follows:-
A printing plate or form is prepared. The same is placed on a suitable base
or carrier, co-operating with which is an impression member which will force
or press the material to be printed against the printing plate or form.
Separate color-plates are prepared, generally three in number, each color-plate
being designed to be used in connection with one of the distinct colors used.
These color-plates may have raised or relief surfaces corresponding in height
and position to the particular application which is to be made of the particular
color.
These color-plates are secured to an integral carrier or base which is entirely
independent of, and distinct from the carrier or base for the printing plate
proper.
A plurality of ink fountains are employed in connection with the carrier or
base for the color-plates.
An ink fountain is arranged for each color, ink spreading rollers are arranged
between the ink fountains and the color-plate carrier or base, and suitable cam
devices are provided, so that the ink rollers will be raised and lowered relatively
to the carrier or base which carries the color-plates, so that, for example, the
inking rollers which are arranged in connection with the fountain which has red
ink put therein, will only contact with the color-plate which is designed relatively
to the application of red, etc.
Between the color-plate-carrier and the printing-plate-carrier is arranged a
transfer member having a soft or receptive surface, which member is generally
cylindrical in form.
A transfer eylinder may be used for each color, or one or more transfer cylinders
for the entire color design.
The operation with this construction is substantially as follows:-
The color-plates will be properly inked as before described.
The design of all the color-plates will be transferred to the transfer cylinder or
cylinders.
The printing-plate-carrier or transfer cylinder or cylinders will then move, one
relatively to the other, so that the transfer cylinder or cylinders will properly
ink the printing-plate, so that the various color designs properly blended or
matched will be applied to the printing-plate.
The impression member will then press the material to be printed onto the

page_text: properly inked printing-plate, and in that way the multi-color impression will be
made.
A separate mechanism, consisting of a separate plate for black ink, an ink
fountain, a set of inking rollers, and one or more transfer cylinders, is usually
arranged in connection with the above described color printing mechanism to
apply black ink to the printing-plate or form, so that the impression made will
not only be a color impression, but will have black matter, as reading matter,
thereon.
This mounting of the color-plates on a carrier independent and separate of the
printing-plate permits of the application of the invention to almost every variety
of printing press, and permits of the designing of machines which will operate
at a high speed.
:-
The way the invention is applied to the various forms of presses is as follows:
When it is desired to use the invention in connection with a rotary sheet print-
ing machine, an impression cylinder is arranged to co-operate with a plate
cylinder.
Arranged in the impression. cylinder are the usual grippers, etc., and arranged
in connection with the impression cylinder are any of the usual feeding devices
and delivery devices.
The printing-plate cylinder has a printing-plate secured thereto, which print-
ing-plate is of the size of the multi-color impression to be made on the sheet.
A color-plate cylinder is arranged near the plate-carrying cylinder.
The color-plate cylinder has a plurality of, generally three, color plates secured
thereto.
An ink fountain for each color is arranged in connection with the color
cylinder, plate inking rollers are arranged between the ink fountains and the
plate carrying cylinder, and cam devices are provided, so that each set of inking
rollers will only ink one of the plates.
Between the printing-plate-carrying cylinder and the color-plate cylinder are
arranged one or more transfer cylinders of appropriate diameter.
One or more transfer cylinders may be used for the plurality of colors, or a
separate transfer cylinder for each color; in the latter case, each transfer cylinder
is moved to contact only with one color-plate.
The operation of this mechanism is such that the color-plates will be properly
inked by the rotation of the color-plate-carrier or cylinder.
The design of the color-plates will be transferred to the transfer cylinder or
cylinders, and the transfer cylinder or cylinders will apply the three colors to
the printing-plate, so that the same will be properly inked to give a properly
matched or blended multi-color impression.
The operation will be about as rapid as sheets can be fed to the impression
cylinder, as the cylinders can be made of convenient size.
One convenient relative proportion of the above described parts, is to make the
impression cylinder half the size of the printing-plate carrying cylinder, or a
two revolution cylinder, to use two-thirds of its surface for the sheet, and one-
third of the surface of the printing-plate carrying cylinder for the printing-plate,
and all the surface of the color-plate carrying cylinder for three plates. The
transfer cylinders may then be made of one-third the diameter of the printing-
plate cylinder and color-plate cylinder.
While this is one relative proportion of the parts that may be used to good
advantage, other relative proportions and arrangements of the parts may be
employed.
If it is desired to also apply black ink to the printing-plate, separate plate
cylinder may be provided, and on this cylinder a single plate which has its sur-
face prepared so that it will correspond to the portions of the impression that are
to be in black, may be arranged.
!
A suitable ink fountain and inking rollers are provided to ink this plate.
One or more transfer cylinders are arranged between this plate cylinder and

page_text: the carrier which carries the printing-plate, so that the black design will be
taken by the transfer cylinder or cylinders and properly applied to the printing-
plate.
This mechanism for applying the black ink is preferably arranged to apply the
black ink after the printing-plate has received its colors; so that there will be
an impression taken from the plate before the plate again comes around to the
transfer cylinder or cylinders which apply the colors, so that the black ink will:
be prevented from working into the color fountains.
With the particular proportion of parts above described as one good form for
practicing this application of the invention, this carrier cylinder may be made
one-half the diameter of the printing-plate carrier cylinder, although as before
pointed out, the relative size and proportion of the parts may be varied.
In some cases, it is contemplated placing the plate which is to apply the black
ink on the color-plate carrier, and making the carrier large enough for this
purpose.
1
In other cases, the plate which is used for obtaining the application of the black
ink to the printing-plate may be arranged on the printing-plate carrier and the
ink may be taken therefrom and applied to the printing plate by a suitable
transfer cylinder or cylinders.
In cases where it is desired to print more than three colors, more color-plates
can be used on the color-plate carrier, or a separate and additional color-plate
carrier, ink fountains. inking rollers. and transfer cylinder or cylinders can be
arranged to co-act with the carrier which has the printing-plate secured thereto.
Another advantageous way this device can be used, is to make the carrier which
carries the printing-plate carry one or a number of other plates which will print
black.
The impression cylinder with this arrangement is preferably made to present
a continuous web, although it may be arranged to present long sheets.
A suitable ink fountain is arranged in connection with the printing-plate-
carrier-cylinder, and its inking rollers are controlled by suitable cams, so that
the plate or plates which are to print in black on the printing-plate-carrier-
cylinder will be inked with black over their entire surfaces, but the color-printing-
plate will not be operated upon by said inking rollers.
The last plate, however, corresponds to the printing-plate of the color-hearing-
plate of the previous devices, and the same will be inked in colors and black, if
desired, by the transfer cylinder or cylinders which co-operate between the color-
plate-bearing-cylinder and the printing-plate-cylinder.
If three plates for black printing and one for color printing are arranged in
this manner, a continuous web or long sheet may be printed with three pages
in black matter, and the fourth page in colored matter. This is especially advan-
tageous for magazine work.
If desired, of course, the plate-carrier for the printing-plates may be made to
carry any number of printing-plates which give black impressions more or less
than three, so that any desired signature of pages can be obtained with one page
thereof printed in colors.
With these previously described arrangements, the carrier which carries the
printing-plates need not necessarily be made cylindrical, as it can be made in
the form of flat plates or beds connected together by links, and turned around
in any desired manner, so as to
come continuously under the impression
cylinder, or of a cylinder with facets.
The above described invention is also capable of convenient use in connection
with flat bed machines in which the bed reciprocates..
In this case the printing-plate is made flat in form, and is arranged on the
reciprocating bed. The reciprocating bed prints or contacts through the material
to be printed with the impression cylinder upon but the movement in one
direction.
The transfer cylinder or cylinders may be operated by suitable cam mechanism

page_text: so as to contact with the plate on the reciprocating bed upon one movement
thereof.
The color-plate carrier is usually arranged in front of the impression cylinder,
and the device that is used in connection with the black ink is arranged back of
the impression cylinder under the feed-board.
This arrangement comprises a reciprocating flat bed machine which may be
arranged to print multi-color work, and in which the bed has the usual stroke,
and is therefore very rapid.
This press, as well as the previously described one, also has the advantage, that
the color mechanism may be disconnected, and the sheets simply printed in
black, or one color.
The invention is also capable of easy application to the ordinary platen press
where it is desired to keep the sheet or card which is to be printed in flat condi-
tion, or to apply the invention to a press for small work.
When it is desired to do this, the color-plate-carrier or carriers are arranged
as before described, and one or more transfer cylinders are used between the bed
or base which carries the printing-plate or form and said color-carrier or carriers.
Then either the base or piece which carries the printing-plate is moved, or the
transfer cylinder or cylinders is or are moved to properly ink the printing-plate,
the transfer cylinders being controlled by cams in case the carrier on which the
printing-plate is mounted is moved so that the same will properly co-operate
therewith.
Any of the previously described devices may be made into perfecting machines;
that is, machines which will print, as desired, upon both sides of the paper by
duplicating the apparatus, and so arranging the devices that the sheet or web
will be transferred from the first to the second impression member, so that the
second printing will be done on the other side thereof.
Another way in which the press can be made perfecting when the invention is
applied to the printing of a web, is by making the various cylinders of double
length, and by leading the web twice around the impression cylinder by the
usual turner devices.
In some classes of printing suitable cleaners or wipers are arranged for the
printing-plates, color-plates, or transfer cylinders, or for all of these parts.
A desirable way to do this is to arrange a cylinder to contact with the parts it
is desired to wipe or clean, so that the same will bear on the same after the
impression, and before the next inking, and to arrange in connection with this
roller another roller or an apron or blanket which may bear thereon, and to shift
this wiping-roller or blanket from time to time so that when ink is taken from
the surface to be cleaned it will be received and held by the wiping-roller or
blanket. In this manner the parts can be automatically kept clean as the wiping-
roller or the blanket is moved the proper distance from time to time while the
press continues in operation.
Summarizing the invention, the same may be said to consist; first, of a multi-
color printing machine in which the color-plates are secured to an integral carrier
or base entirely independent of, and distinct from the carrier or base for the printing-
plate proper; second, in the application of this invention to rotary printing
presses, to print a multi-color or a multi-color and black impression, or one page
multi-color or multi-color and black, and separate pages in black; third, in the
application of the invention to flat bed machines; fourth, in the application of
the invention to platen presses; and fifth, in the use of cleaning devices for the
various parts.

page_text: New and Improved Mechanism for Multi-color Printing.
I, ALBERT EDGAR ALEXANDER, of 19, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane,
London, in the County of London, Chartered Patent Agent do hereby declare the
nature of this invention (a communication from abroad by Louis Warren South-
gate, of 339 Main Street, City and County of Worcester, Massachusetts, United
States of America, Patent Attorney) and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention relates to new and improved mechanism for multi-color print-
ing.
The principle on which the invention works is as follows:-
A printing plate or form is prepared. The same is placed on a suitable base
or carrier, co-operating with which is an impression member which will force or
press the material to be printed against the printing plate or form.
Separate color-plates are prepared, generally three in number, each color-plate
being designed to be used in connection with one of the distinct colors used.
These color-plates may have raised or relief surfaces corresponding in height
and position to the particular application which is to be made of the particular
color.
These color-plates are secured to an integral carrier or base which is entirely
independent of, and distinct from the carrier or base for the printing-plate proper.
A plurality of ink fountains are employed in connection with the carrier or
base for the color-plates.
An ink fountain is arranged for each color, ink spreading rollers are arranged
between the ink fountains and the color-plate carrier or base, and suitable cam
devices are provided, so that the ink rollers will be raised and lowered relatively
to the carrier or base which carries the color-plates, so that the inking rollers
which are arranged in connection with one fountain will only contact with the
color-plate which is designed to receive the particular colored ink put in said
fountain.
Between the color plate carrier and the printing plate carrier is arranged a
transfer member having a soft or receptive surface, which member is generally
cylindrical in form.
1
This member has a surface equal to one of the color plates or to the printing
plate or to the multi-color impression which is to be made.
The operation with this construction is substantially as follows:-
The color-plates will be properly inked as before described.
The design of all the color-plates will be transferred to the transfer cvlinder.
The printing plate carrier or transfer cylinder will then move, one relatively
to the other, so that the transfer cylinder will properly ink the printing-plate, so
that the various colour designs properly blended or matched will be applied to
the printing-plate.
The impression member will then press the material to be printed onto the
properly inked printing-plate, and in that way the multi-color impression will
be made.
A separate mechanism, consisting of a separate plate for black ink, an ink
fountain, a set of inking rollers, and one or more transfer cylinders, is usually
arranged in connection with the above described color printing mechanism to
apply black ink to the printing plate or form, so that the impression made will
not only be a color impression, but will have black matter, as reading matter,
thereon.

page_text: This mounting of the color-plates on a carrier independent and separate of the
printing-plate permits of the application of the invention to almost every variety
of printing press, and permits of the designing of machines which will operate at
a high speed, and the fact that the transfer cylinder has a surface equal to the
printing plate or multi-color impression to be made, gives a printing effect by
which any multi-color design perfectly blended or matched can be produced.
Several ways by which the invention can be practiced with various style print-
ing machines, are illustrated in the accompanying nine sheets of drawings.
In said drawings,
Fig. 1 is a diagramatic elevation illustrating the application of the invention
to a rotary sheet printing press;
Figs. 2, 3 and 4 are an enlarged plan, partial section, and end elevation, of the
color plate carrier illustrating the arrangement of the color plates and plate
inking rollers.
Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating a slightly modified form of press;
Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating one application that may be made
of the invention to a rotary printing press printing on a continuous web, and
printing not only one page or sheet in colors. but one or more pages or sheets in
black or colored ink.
Fig. 7 is an underneath plan view of the printing plate carrier shown in Fig. 6:1
Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 6 illustrating the arrangement in a rotary sheet
printing press when it is desired to print one page in colors, and one or more
pages of a signature in black or one colored ink.
Fig. 9 is a sectional diagram illustrating the application of the invention to
an ordinary two revolution cylinder reciprocating flat bed printing machine;
Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9. the impression cylinder having made one
turn from the position shown in Fig. 9:
Figs. 11 and 12 are views similar to Figs. 9 and 10, illustrating a modified form
of device;
Fig. 13 is an enlarged plan, and
Fig. 14 an enlarged elevation of the color plate cylinder. showing how the
inking rolls are arranged;
Figs. 15 and 16 are an enlarged partial sectional. and end views respectively,
illustrating the mounting of the transfer cylinder, and
Fig. 17 is a sectional elevation illustrating the application of the invention to
a platen press.
Refarring now to the first and second sheets of drawings, the application of
the invention therein shown will be described.
A represents an impression cylinder, which has the usual grippers a, and to
which sheets are fed as from feed-board B.
The printed sheets are taken from the impression cylinder by the usual stripper
fingers 10, and pass out on any of the usual delivery tapes 11.
The impression cylinder may be of the two revolution pattern, the stop-
cylinder pattern. or the drum-cylinder pattern. The two-revolution is shown, and
is preferred for large work, while the drum-cylinder is preferred for small work.
C designates a printing plate carrier. The same is designed to carry the
printing plate c.
One convenient relative arrangement between the impression cylinder and
printing plate carrier, is to make the impression cvlinder one-half the size of the
printing plate carrier, and to use two-thirds of the surface of the impression
cylinder for the largest size sheet that is to be manipulated, and one-third of the
surface of the printing plate carrier for the largest plate that is to be used.
E designates the color-plate-carrier. This color-plate carrier is separate and
distinct from the printing plate carrier. The same is capacitated to receive three
color plates e¹ e, e3 of the size of the printing plate c.
D designates a transfer cylinder which has a soft or receptive surface, and

page_text: which is arranged between the printing-plate-carrier C and the color-plate-
carrier E.
The transfer cylinder has a surface equal to the desired multi-color impression,
and its circumference is equal to the length of the printing plate, or to the cir-
cumferential length of each color-plate.
The color-plate-carrier and the printing-plate carrier are driven by any suitable
gearing, as the ordinary spur-gearing. to turn in the same direction.
The transfer cylinder makes as many revolutions, relatively to the color plate
carrier E, as the number of plates said plate carrier is adapted to receive. Thus,
in the specific application now under consideration, as the color plate carrier has
three plates, the transfer cylinder D will make three revolutions for each revolu-
tion of the color-plate-carrier.
Co-operating with the color-plate-carrier E is an inking apparatus for each
color-plate.
The inking apparatus for the color-plate e¹ consists of an ink fountain F¹, an
ink carrier roller h¹, a distributor roller g', and two form or plate inking
rollers f¹ f¹.
The inking apparatus for each of the other two color plates is of the same
pattern, and is referred to by the same reference letters. except that the inking
apparatus which is used for color-plate e, is referred to by reference letters F2, h³,
etc., and the inking apparatus that is used for the color plate e³ is referred to by
the reference letters 13, 3, etc.
The plate or form inking rollers are journalled in arms or brackets 12--12
which are hung on the shafts of the distributor rollers, as shown in the second
sheet of the drawings.
The distributor rollers are rigidly journalled in the side-frames, or in suitable
brackets, in the ordinary manner.
On the shaft of each of the plate inking rollers is arranged a roll or wheel 13.
Three cam grooves are cut in each end of the color plate carrier E to correspond
with the position of the respective color plates. Thus, for example, grooves 14
correspond in position with the color-plate e', grooves 15 with the color-plate 3,
and grooves 16 with the color plate e.
The wheels 18 on the plate inking rollers f³ f³, are set to engage the grooves 15,
the wheels on the plate inking rollers f f the grooves 16, and the wheels on the
plate inking rollers f¹f the grooves 14. The grooves and wheels are preferably
duplicated at each end of the color plate carrier.
Each distributor roller and its two form or plate inking rollers may be
inserted in the press as one set, the brackets 12-12 being kept in compara-
tively the same relative position by springs 17 arranged between the brackets.
The form inking or plate rollers are also forcibly pulled towards the center
of the color plate carrier by hooks 18 which engage the brackets 12-12 or the
shafts of the plate inking rollers, and which connect by heavy springs 19 to
studs 20 on the inside of the frames.
These hooks are used, so that the inking devices can be readily taken out,
or put in place, as desired.
By this described arrangement, it will be seen that the form or plate inking
rollers of each set will only supply ink to one of the color-plates. Thus, for
example, the form inking rollers ff will turn about the distributor roller g¹
to contact with the color plate el as the same passes the first inking apparatus,
by reason of the cam grooves 14, allowing the springs 19 to pull them into
operative position, but when the plate el passes the first inking apparatus, the
smooth portion at the end of the color-plate-carrier will cam or raise the plate
or form inking rollers f¹ fl clear of the color plate-carrier, so that the first
ink fountain will only supply ink to the first color plate e¹.
The operation of this mechanism before described is such that the color-
plates will be properly inked by the rotation of the color-plate-carrier or
cylinder, and if the three primary colors are used, as for example, red in the

page_text: first fountain, blue in the second fountain, and yellow in the third fountain,
the color-plate-carrier with its three plates will be adapted to give fine shad-
ings and blendings to make up almost any multicolor design.
The design of all the color plates will be transferred to the transfer
cylinder D, and the transfer cylinder will apply the three colors, blended or
matched, to the printing plate c, so that the same will be properly inked to
give a perfectly matched or blended multi-color impression. The operation
will be as rapid as sheets can be fed to the impression cylinder, as the cylinders
can be made of convenient size.
If it is also desired to apply black ink to the printing plate, a separate
carrier K may be arranged to turn in the same direction as the printing-plate-
carrier and the color-plate-carrier. A plate k may be secured thereon, and may
have portions in relief which correspond to the application which is to be made
of the black ink.
An ink fountain F, ink carrying roller h, distributor roller g, and plate or
form inking rollers f f, are arranged to properly ink the plate k.
This separate carrier K may be made one-half, or of the same diameter as
the printing-plate-carrier.
A transfer cylinder L is arranged between this third carrier K and the
printing-plate-carrier, said transfer cylinder L being the same size as transfer
cylinder D.
By this arrangement the black design will be properly applied by the transfer
cylinder L to the printing plate c, so that the impression made will not only
be a multi-color impression, but will have portions thereof, as reading matter,
in black.
This mechanism for applying the black ink is preferably arranged to apply
the black ink to the printing plate after the latter has received its application
cf the colored inks, so that there will be an impression taken from the printing
plate before the same again comes around to the transfer cylinder which applies
the colored inks, so that the black ink will be prevented from working into the
color fountains.
A cleaning device is generally provided for cleaning the printing plate be-
tween each impression and inking.
This cleaning device may consist of a soft cylinder M turning in connection
with the printing-plate-carrier to remove any surplus ink therefrom after
impression.
This cylinder M bears on a blanket or apron N which is trained around suit-
able guide rollers n¹, n², n³, and is held in place by a roller n.
The blanket N is preferably held stationary so as to take up the surplus ink
from the cylinder M, and is shifted from time to time so as to present a fresh
surface. In this way the printing plate will be cleaned after each impression,
and before the next inking.
The parts A, C, L, K, and C, M, and C, D, E, are connected to turn together
by spur-gearing, which is not deemed necessary to detail in this case for a clear
understanding of the invention.
The before described mechanism constitutes a very simple and rapid multi-
color press, in which a multi-color impression can be made; or a multi-color
impression with part thereof in black; or by putting some ink besides black
in the fountain F, the impression may be made four color; or three color,
with the reading matter, or matter printed from plate k, in a separate color.
In Fig. 5 a slightly modified form of the foregoing machine is shown.
In this modification, the plate is arranged on the printing-plate-carrier C.
The ink is taken therefrom by the transfer cylinder L and put on the printing
plate c. The inking apparatus for the plate k is arranged as shown, and the
form inking rollers ff are allowed to contact only with the plate by using
the mechanism illustrated in the second sheet of the drawings.
The plate in this modification is preferably set a little below the plate c, so

page_text: that the same will not contact with the impression cylinder A, or the transfer
cylinder D, and the transfer cylinder L is arranged in sliding boxes 21 which
are controlled by springs 22 to contact both with plate and printing-plate c.
Another advantageous way the invention can be applied to a rotary press, is
to make the carrier which carries the printing plate, carry one or a number
of other plates which will print in black. This construction is shown in the
fourth sheet of the drawings in Figs. 6 and 7.
In this construction, the color plate carrier E is made to carry four plates,
one of which may be the plate of the previous devices, and this carrier has
four fountains co-operating therewith.
The printing-plate-carrier has not only the plate e which is to make the
multi-color impression, but three other plates c', ², e, secured thereto.
In this case, the transfer cylinder D is made one-fourth the size of the
cylinders C and E. The same is arranged in arms 23 which are hung about
the center of the cylinder E, and which are normally held up by springs 24
arranged between said arms and fixed studs 25.
An inking apparatus is arranged in connection with the plate carrier C to
ink the plates c, c², c³.
This inking apparatus may consist of a fountain F, four form or plate
inking rollers +, two distributor rollers gt, two ink carrying rollers, an ink
drum, and a ductor "
This inking apparatus is preferably made double as shown, on account of
the large amount of ink it has to supply.
The form or plate inking rollers f, f, are mounted as shown in the second
sheet of drawings, and are controlled by grooves 30 which extend around the
cylinder in position to register with the plates,
The transfer cylinder D is allowed to contact only with the plate e by means
of wheels 28 mounted on the shaft thereof which engage grooves 29 cut in
the cylinder C to register with said plate c.
The impression cylinder A in this modification is made to present a con-
tinuous web e by means of web-guides 26 and 27.
In this mechanism, the ink fountain last described, arranged in connection
with the printing plate carrier cylinder, has its inking rollers controlled by
the cam mechanism, so that the plate or plates on the printing plate carrier
cylinder which are to print in black, will be inked with black over their entire
surfaces, but the color printing plate e will not be operated upon by said
inking rollers.
This last plate e corresponds to the printing plate of the previous devices,
and the same will be inked in colors, and black if desired, by the transfer
cylinder which co-operates between the cylinders C and E.
If as shown, three plates for black printing, and one for color printing are
arranged in this manner, a continuous web will be printed with three pages
This is an advantageous
in black matter, and the fourth page in colored matter.
arrangement for magazine or newspaper work.
If desired, of course, the plate carrier for the printing plates may be made
ic carry any number of printing plates which are to give black impressions
more or less than three, so that any desired signature of pages can be obtained,
with one or more pages thereof printed in colors.
In Fig. S the same arrangement is shown as applied to a press arranged to
print sheets.
In this arrangement, the plates are arranged to extend only part way around
the cylinders C and E, so that time will be given for the feeding and delivery
of sheets to and from the impression cylinder.
In the particular device shown, the plates are made to cover four-ninths of the
surface of the impression cylinders, and the transfer cylinder D) is proportioned
to make nine revolutions for each revolution of the cylinders C and D; or in other
words, its circumference is equal to the circumferential length of one plate.

page_text: In all the previously described devices, of course, as many plates may be
arranged axially on the cylinders as desired, or what has been described as
one plate, as plate e, etc., may be made up of a number of plates, or of a plate
which will print a number of pages.
Plates smaller than those shown, may be arranged on the respective cylinders,
by making the heads thereof come to the same point where the heads of the
plates shown come.
With these previously described arrangements, the carrier which carries the
printing plates need not necessarily be made cylindrical, as it can be made in
the form of flat plates or beds connected together by links, and turned around
in any desired manner so as to come continuously under the impression cylinder,
or under a cylinder with facets.
The above described invention is also capable of convenient use in connection
with flat bed machines in which the bed reciprocates.
By applying the invention to this style of machine a device is produced which
will have a short-stroke of bed, and thereby great speed, and which will also
have the advantage of the previously described modifications of having the color
plates arranged on one carrier so that there will be perfect registration, between
the same.
In Figs. 9 and 10 is shown one application of this character.
In this arrangement, the color plate carrier E is arranged in front of the
impression cylinder A of an ordinary two-revolution reciprocating flat bed print-
ing press.
The printing plate e is made flat, and is arranged or mounted on the recipro-
cating bed C¹.
The reciprocating bed prints or contacts through the material to be printed
with the impression cylinder A only upon the movement thereof in one direction, the
impression cylinder being slightly raised on the other movement of the bed.
With this application of the invention, a back-delivery, so called, is preferably
used to take the printed sheets from the surface of the impression cylinder A.
This back-delivery consists of a cylinder or wheels 50 carrying suitable
grippers, stripper-fingers 51, and tapes 52, which will deliver the sheet to a fly
or any suitable delivery mechanism.
The transfer cylinder 1) in this arrangement is mounted in arms 53 hung
on quills 54 rigidly secured in the framing.
Arranged in said quills 54 are short shafts 55 which have pinions 56 on their
outer ends, which mesh with the gears on the ends of the shaft of the color-plate-
carrier E.
Pinions 57 are arranged on the inner ends of said shafts 55, and the same drive
gears 58 secured on the shaft of the transfer cylinder D by means of suitable
intermediates 580 journalled on studs secured in the arms 53.
This last described mechanism is illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16.
By this arrangement, the transfer cylinder D) will turn at the same speed as
the color-plate-carrier E, but in the opposite direction, so that the same will
accurately contact with the color-plates thereon.
The transfer cylinder is also capable of a rising and falling motion about the
quills 54 as pivots.
The transfer cylinder is raised and lowered by means of suitable cams 59
which connect by yoke 60 to said arms 53.
These yokes 60 carry rolls which bear on said cams, and the rolls are normally
kept in contact therewith by means of springs 61.
The cams are geared to make one turn for each cycle, or each two revolutions
of the impression cylinder.
If the plate cylinder E is capacitated to receive three color plates circum-
ferentially, a mechanism is usually arranged in back of the impression cylinder
to supply black ink to the printing plate c.
This mechanism consists of a fountain and inking rollers arranged as before

page_text: described, and a plate k controlling the supply of black ink arranged on a carrier
cylinder K.
The transfer cylinder L is arranged in suitable aims 62 hung on the shaft of
the cylinder K.
These arms are controlled by cams 64 which connect by yokes 63 thereto, and
which have rolls bearing on said cams, which rolls are held in place on the cams
by springs 65.
The cams 64 are geared to make turn for turn with the cam 59.
With this arrangement the operation is substantially as follows:--.
As the plate cylinder E turns, each plate carried thereby will receive a supply
of ink of the color the plate is designed for.
The plates are arranged so that when the designs of the same are superimposed,
the desired multi-color impression will be made.
The transfer cylinder D) is held up in contact with the plate cylinder E for at
least a full revolution thereof, so that said transfer cylinder will receive the
design of each color plate, the designs of all the color plates being superimposed
upon said transfer cylinder. Then the transfer cylinder will lower to contact
with the printing plate on the bed, and by this arrangement the design of all
the color plates will be transferred, properly blended and matched, to the printing
plate or form c.
The transfer cylinder 1) is arranged to contact with the form only as the bed
moves in one direction, preferably on the forward stroke. Then as the bed moves
forward under the impression cylinder, the sheet will receive the multi-color
design.
When the bed passes back of the impression cylinder, the transfer cylinder J,
will apply in black ink the design of plate k, which is properly prepared for this
purpose. In this way a multi-color impression, having such parts thereof in
black as desired, can be made upon the sheet.
By disconnecting the transfer cylinder 1) and using a plain plate k, the press
may be used as an ordinary press, in which the sheets will be simply printed in
black or one color.
In Figs. 11 and 12, a modified form of this last application of the invention is
shown, in which the plate cylinder E is made large enough to carry in addition
the plate which controls the supply of black ink, and the four ink fountains
are arranged in co-operative relation with this cylinder.
This arrangement works the same as before described, except, that the transfer
of cylinder D applies the black ink as well as the colored inks to the printing
form or plate c.
If desired, this form of machine may be arranged to receive any of the ordinary
inking apparatuses at the back of the impression cylinder, as indicated in dotted
lines, so that if desired the mechanism for supplying the colored inks can be
disconnected, and the machine run simply to make an ordinary black or single
color impression.
With the previously described arrangements, a flat bed multi-color printing
machine is provided in which the bed has substantially the ordinary stroke, and
a press is provided in which the color plates will register very accurately with
each other, as they are all carried by a single integral carrier.
It is an advantageous construction to have the transfer cylinder D out of
contact with the plate cylinder E when inking the printing plate or form c,
and so controlled as to only contact with the plate cylinder E for one revolution
of the latter.
As the cylinder E makes two revolutions for each cycle, each plate will be twice
inked, but by said construction the plates will only contact once with the transfer
cylinder D in each cycle.
This gives a very even and perfect blending and matching of the inks.
By having the transfer cylinder only contact with one part at a time, distor-
tion of, and strain on the transfer evlinder is avoided.

page_text: Instead of using the two revolution impression cylinder in connection with
the reciprocating nat bed, a drum impression cylinder, or an inipression cylinder
known as a stop cylinder may be employed.
As many color plates as may be desired can be arranged on the plate
cylinder E. These plates may occupy the whole or any part of the surface
thereof circumferentially or axially, so that the entire printing form, or any
part thereof, may be inked to give a multi-color impression.
Thus for example, if the form or printing plate is made up to print a number
or pages, one or more, or all of the pages can be inked to print in colors. Or if
the printing plate or form c is made up of large size, a picture or cut therein may
be inked to give a multi-color impression.
The arrangement of plates is controlled by the design which it is desired to
print.
The arrangement of ink fountains and inking rollers used in connection with
the devices shown in Figs. 9 to 12 is substantially that before described in connec
tion with Figs. 2 to 4, except that it is preferred to make the wheels 13 of con-
siderably larger size, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14.
The invention is also capable of easy application to the ordinary platen press
where it is desired to keep the sheet or card which is to be printed in flat condition,
or to apply the invention to a press for small work.
When it is desired to do this, the color-plate-carrier is arranged as before
described, and a transfer cylinder is used between the bed or base which carries
the printing plate or form and said color-plate-carrier.
One convenient application of this idea is illustrated in Fig. 17.
In this modification, the bed or printing-plate-carrier (whch carries the
printing plate e is arranged to reciprocate up and down on suitable guides or
ways 66.
The bed carries a rack 67 which engages a gear (8, which is oscillated by suit-
able mechanism to affect this reciprocation.
The transfer cylinder D is arranged as described in the modifications illus-
trated in Figs. 9 to 12, so as to contact with the printing plate e as the carrier C2
moves in one direction.
69 designates the ordinary oscillating platen on which the sheet is placed and
held by the usual nipper-fingers 70.
By this arrangement the bed or carrier (2 will move up, so that the printing
form will be properly inked, and then the platen 69 will press the sheet on te
the properly inked form.
In some cases it is contemplated reciprocating the transfer cylinder D from
position where it contacts with the color-plate-carrier E down to properly ink
the printing plate c.
Any of the previously described devices may be made into perfecting machines:
that is, machines which will print, as desired, upon both sides of the paper by
duplicating the apparatus, and so arranging the devices that the sheet or web will
be transferred from the first to the second impression member, so that the
second printing will be done on the other side thereof.
Another way in which the press can be made perfecting when the invention
is applied to the printing of a web, is by making the various cylinders of double
length, and by leading the web twice around the impression eylinder by the
usual turner devices.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I wish it to be under-
stood that I am aware that it has previously been proposed to employ, in machines
for printing in several colours at one impression, a number of colour plates or
pattern blocks placed on the surface of a cylinder, a corresponding number of
inking-devices for inking the several colour-plates with their respective colours,
and transfer rollers for transferring the colours from the several colour plates to
a single printing forme; also that is has previously been proposed to gear

page_text: the transfer rollers to the colour-plate cylinder and to bring them alternately
into contact with the colour plates and the printing forme, and I lay no
general claim to these features of invention, but I declare that what I claim is:-
1. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate color plate carrier
adapted to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for each color
plate, and a transfer device having a surface area equal to one of the color plates, or
to the multicolor impression to be made, on which the designs of the color plates
are superimposed or matched, arranged between the color plate carrier and the
printing plate carrier, substantially as described.
2. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate color plate carrier.
adapted to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for each color
plate, and a transfer cylinder having a surface eara equal to one of the color
plates, or to the multicolor impression to be made, on which the designs of the
color plates are superimposed or matched, arranged between the color plate
carrier and the printing plate carrier, substantially as described.
3. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a rotary printing plate
carrier, an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate rotary color
plate carrier adapted to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for
each color plate, and a transfer cylinder having a surface area equal to one of the
color plates, or to the multicolor impression to be made, on which the designs of the
color plates are superimposed or matched, arranged between the color plate carrier
and the printing plate carrier, substantially as described.
4. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a rotary printing plate
carrier, an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate color plate
carrier rotating in the same direction as the printing plate carrrier, and adapted
to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for each color plate,
and a transfer cylinder having a surface area equal to one of the color plates, or to
the multicolor impression to be made, on which the designs of the color plates
are superimposed or matched, arranged between the color plate carrier and the
printing plate carrier, substantially as described.
5. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate rotary color plate carrier
adapted to carry a plurality of plates circumferentially, an inking apparatus for
each plate, and a transfer cylinder arranged between the color plate carrier and
the printing plate carrier, and making as many revolutions relatively to the plate
carrier, as the number of plates said plate carrier is adapted to receive circum-
ferentially, substantially as described.
6. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate color plate carrier
adapted to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for each color
plate, a transfer member having a surface area equal to one of the color plates,
or to the multicolor impression to be made, on which designs of the color plates
are super-imposed or matched, arranged between the color plate carrier and
the printing plate carrier, a plate for applying black ink, an inking apparatus
for inking this plate, and a transfer member having a surface equal to the multi-
color impression to be made, arranged to take ink from this plate and apply it to
the printing plate, substantially as described.
7. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate color plate carrier
adapted to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for each color
plate, a transfer member having a surface area equal to one of the color plates,
or to the multicolor impression to be made, on which the designs of the color
plates are super-imposed or matched, arranged between the color plate carrier
and the printing plate carrier, a plate for applying black ink, an inking apparatus
therefor, and a transfer member having a surface equal to the multicolor impres

page_text: sion to be made for taking the ink from this plate and applying the same to
the printing plate after the latter has received the colored inks, substantially
as described.
8. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier.
an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate color plate carrier
adapted to receive three color plates, three inking apparatuses co-operating there-
with, each arranged to ink only one of said color plates, and a transfer member
making three turns to each turn of the color plate carrier, arranged between
the color plate carrier and printing plate carrier, substantially as described.
9. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate color plate carrier
adapted to carry three color plates, three inking apparatuses co-operating there-
with, a transfer member arranged between the color plate carrier and printing
plate carrier, and making three revolutions to each revolution of the color plate
carrier, a separate plate for applying black ink, an inking apparatus for this
plate, and a transfer member for supplying the black ink to the color plate,
substantially as described.
10. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate color plate carrier
adapted to carry three color plates, three inking apparatuses co-operating there-
with. a transfer member arranged between the color plate carrier and printing
plate carrier, and making three revolutions to each revolution of the color plate
carrier, a separate plate for applying black ink, an inking apparatus for this
plate, and a transfer cylinder Diaking three revolutions for each revolution of the
color plate carrier, and adapted to supply black ink to the printing plate after
the latter has received the application of colored inks, substantially as described.
11. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate color plate carrier
adapted to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for each color
plate, a transfer member arranged between the color plate carrier and printing
plate carrier, a third carrier carrying a plate for the application of black ink, and a
transfer member arranged between this third carrier and the printing plate carrier,
substantially as described.
12. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate color plate carrier
adapted to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for each color
plate, a transfer member arranged between the color plate carrier and printing
plate carrier, a third carrier carrying a plate for the application of black ink,
an inking apparatus for this plate, and a transfer member arranged between
this third carrier and the printing plate carrier in position to apply black ink
to the printing plate after the latter has received the application of colored inks,
substantially as described.
13. In a multicolor printing presse, the combination of a printing plate carrier
cylinder, an impression cylinder of half the diameter thereof co-operating there-
with, and geared to make two turns for every turn of the printing plate carrier
cylinder, a color plate carrier cylinder of the same diameter as the printing
plate carrier cylinder capacitated to receive three color plates circumferentially,
an inking apparatus for each of said color plates, and a transfer cylinder arranged
between the printing plate carrier cylinder and the color plate carrier cylinder
of one-third the diameter of the printing plate carrier cylinder, substantially
as described.
14. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier
cylinder, an impression cylinder of half the diameter thereof co-operating there-
with, a color plate carrier cylinder of the same diameter as the printing plate
carrier cylinder, capacitated to receive three color plates circumferentially, an
inking apparatus for each color plate, a transfer cylinder arranged between the
printing plate carrier cylinder and the color plate carrier cylinder of one third

page_text: the diameter of the printing plate carrier cylinder, a plate for applying black
ink, and a transfer cylinder of the same size as the previously named transfer
cylinder for taking the ink therefrom and applying it to the printing plate,
substantially as described.
15. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of the three cylinders
E, C and of the same size, and geared to turn in the same direction, the
cylinder E serving as a color-plate carrier cylinder and capacitated to receive
three, color plates circumferentially, an inking apparatus for each of said color
plates, the cylinder E serving as a printing plate carrier cylinder, a transfer
cylinder between the cylinders E and C of one-third the diameter thereof, the
cylinder K serving as a carrier for carrying a plate for applying black ink, an
inking apparatus for said plate, a transfer cylinder L arranged between the
cylinders C and K and of one-third the diameter of the cylinders E, Cand K, and
an impression cylinder A of one-hait the size of the cylinder C geared thereto
and making two turns for every turn of the cylinder C, substantially as described.
16. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate carrier adapted to carry
a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for each color plate, a transfer
member having a surface area equal to one of the color plates, or to the multi-
color impression to be made, on which the designs of the color plates are super-
imposed or matched, arranged between the color plate carrier and printing
plate carrier, and a cleaning device for cleaning the printing plate after each
impression, substantially as described.
17. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a rotary printing
plate carrier, an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate rotary
color plate carrier adapted to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking appar-
atus for each color plate, a transfer member having a surface area equal to one
of the color plates, or to the multicolor impression to be made, on which the
designs of the color plates are superimposed or matched, arranged between the
color plate carrier and printing plate carrier, and a cleaning device for the
printing plate arranged between the impression member and transfer cylinder,
substantially as described.
18. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate
carrier, an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate color plate
carrier adapted to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for
each color plate, a transfer member having a surface area equal to one of the
color plates, or to the multicolor impression to be made, on which the designs
of the color plates are superimposed or matched, arranged between the printing
plate carrier and color plate carrier, a plate for supplying black ink arranged
on the printing plate carrier, an inking apparatus therefor, and a transfer mem-
ber for taking the ink from said last named plate and applying the same to the
printing plate, substantially as described.
19. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate color plate carrier
adapted to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for each color
plate, a transfer member having a surface area equal to one of the color plates,
or to the multicolor impression to be made, on which the designs of the color
plates are superimposed or matched, arranged between the color plate carrier
and printing plate carrier, a plate for supplying black ink arranged on the
printing plate carrier, an inking apparatus for this plate, and a transfer member
for taking the black ink from this last named plate and applying the same to
the printing plate after the latter has received its application of colored inks,
substantially as described.
20. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier.
an impression member co-operating therewith, a color plate carrier adapted
to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for each color plate, a

page_text: transfer member having a surface area equal to one of the color plates or to the
multicolor impression to be made, on which the designs of the color plates are
superimposed or matched, arranged between the color plate carrier and print-
ing plate carrier, one or more printing-plates for printing in black arranged on
the printing plate carrier, and an inking apparatus therefor, substantially as
described..
21. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
an impression member co-operating therewith, a color plate carrier adapted to
carry a plurality of color plates, and a plate for applying black ink, an inking
apparatus for each of said plates, a transfer member having a surface area equal
to one of the color plates, or to the multicolor impression to be made, on which
the designs of the color plates are superimposed or matched, arranged between
the color plate carrier and printing plate carrier, one or more plates for print-
ing in black arranged on the printing plate carrier, and an inking apparatus
therefor, substantially as described.
22. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
an impression member co-operating therewith, a separate color plate carrier,
an inking apparatus for each plate thereon, a transfer member having a surface
area equal to one of the color plates, or to the multicolor impression to be made.
on which the designs of the color plates are superimposed or matched, arranged
between the color plate carrier and printing plate carrier, one or more plates
for printing in black ink carried by the printing plate carrier, an inking appar-
atus for such plates, and means controlling said transfer member so that the
same will only apply ink to the color printing plate on the printing plate carrier,
substantially as described.
23. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier.
an impression member co-operating therewith, a color plate carrier adapted to
carry a plurality of plates, an inking apparatus for each of said plates, a transfer
member having a surface area equal to one of the color plates or to the multi-
color impression to be made, on which the designs of the color plates are super-
imposed or matched, arranged between the plate carrier and the printing plate
carrier to contact only with one plate carried by the printing plate carrier,
one or more plates for printing in black carried by the printing plate carrier,
and an inking apparatus therefor arranged to supply ink to said plates, but to
clear the plate which is to print in colors, substantially as described.
24. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier
arranged to carry a plate which is to print in colors, and one or more plates
which are to print in black or one color, an impression member co-operating
therewith and presenting a continuous web to the printing plate carrier, a color
plate carrier adapted to carry a plurality of plates, an inking apparatus for
each plate thereon, a transfer member having a surface area equal to one of
the color plates, or to the multicolor impression to be made, on which the
designs of the color plates are superimposed or matched, arranged between the
color plate carrier and printing plate carrier, and controlled to supply ink to the
printing plate which is to print in colors, and an inking apparatus arranged
fo co-operate with the plate or plates which are to print in black, but to clear
the plate which is to print in colors, substantially as described.
25. The combination in a multicolor printing machine of an impression
cylinder, a reciprocating bed co-operating therewith, a plate cylinder capacitated
to receive a plurality of color plates circumferentially, a separate inking appar-
atus for each plate co-operating with said plate cylinder, and a transfer cylinder
having a surface area equal to one of the color plates, or to the multicolor
impression to be made, on which the designs of the color plates are superimposed
or matched, arranged to take ink from the color plates and apply the same
to the printing form carried by the bed, substantially as described.
26. The combination in a multicolor printing machine of an impression
cylinder, a reciprocating bed co-operating therewith, a plate cylinder capacitated

page_text: to receive a plurality of color plates circumferentially, an inking apparatus for
each color plate co-operating with said plate cylinder, a transfer cylinder having
a surface area equal to one of the color plates, or to the multicolor impression
to be made, on which the designs of the color plates are superimposed or matched,
arranged to take ink from the color plates, and means for moving the transfer
cylinder to contact with the form on the bed as the bed moves in one direction,
and to clear the form as the bed moves in the opposite direction, substantially
as described.
27. The combination in a multicolor printing machine of an impression
cylinder, a reciprocating bed co-operating therewith, a plate cylinder con-
tinuously revolving in one direction, inking apparatuses for each plate co-operat-
ing therewith, a transfer cylinder having a surface area equal to one of the
color plates or to the multicolor impression to be made, on which the designs of
the color plates are superimposed or matched, geared to the plate cylinder, and
means for moving the transfer cylinder to contact with the form on the bed
as the bed moves in one direction, and to clear the form as the bed moves in
the opposite direction, substantially as described.
28. The combination in a multicolor printing machine of an impression
cylinder, a reciprocating bed co-operating therewith, a plate cylinder capacitated
to receive three color plates and a plate for black ink circumferentially, four
inking apparatuses co-operating with said plate cylinder, and a transfer cylinder
having a surface area equal to one of the color plates, or to the multicolor im-
pression to be made, on which the designs of the color plates are superimposed
or matched, arranged to take ink from the plates and apply the same to the
printing form carried by the bed, substantially as described.
29. The combination in a multicolor printing machine of an impression
cylinder, a reciprocating bed co-operating therewith, a back delivery for the
sheets, a plate cylinder arranged in front of the impression cylinder, a plurality
of inking apparatuses co-operating with the plate cylinder, and a transfer
cylinder arranged to take ink from the color plates, and apply the same to
the printing form carried by the bed, substantially as described.
30. The combination in a multicolor printing machine of an impression
cylinder, a reciprocating bed co-operating therewith, a plate cylinder adapted
to receive a plurality of color plates circumferentially, a plurality of inking
apparatuses co-operating with the plate cylinder, a transfer cylinder mounted
in pivoted arms and geared to the plate cylinder, and means for moving the
transfer cylinder so that the same will take ink from the plates and apply the
same to the form carried by the bed, substantially as described.
31. The combination in a multicolor printing machine of an impression
cylinder, a reciprocating bed co-operating therewith, a plate cylinder capacitated
to receive a plurality of plates circumferentially, inking apparatuses for the
plates, a transfer cylinder, and means for moving the transfer cylinder so that
it will alternately and separately contact with the plate cylinder and printing
form carried by the bed, substantially as described.
32. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate
carrier, a reciprocating platen co-operating therewith, a separate color plate
carrier adapted to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for each
color plate, and a transfer device having a surface area equal to one of the color
plates, or to the multicolor impression to be made, on which the designs_of
the color plates are superimposed or matched, and which transfers the same to
the printing plate, substantially as described.
33. In a multicolor printing press, the combination of a printing plate carrier,
a reciprocating platen co-operating therewith, a separate color plate carrier
adapted to carry a plurality of color plates, an inking apparatus for each color
plate, a transfer device having a surface area equal to one of the color plates,
or to the multicolor impression to be made, on which the designs of the color

page_text: plates are superimposed or matched, and means for reciprocating or moving
the printing plate carrier to cause the printing plate to contact with the transfer
device, substantially as described.
F
1941
1000
[!
E. P. ALEXANDER & SON,
Chartered Patent Agents,
19, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Filing Agents.