IMPROVEMENTS IN OR APPLICABLE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF MULTICOLOR PRINTING APPARATUS
Year: 1884

page_text: I, FREDERIC HERVEY BATHURST PHILLIPS, of Fleet Street, in the County of
Middlesex, Colonial Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN OR APPLICABLE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF MULTICOLOR
PRINTING APPARATUS," (a communication to me from abroad by Joseph Thomas
Burton Gibbs, of Sydney, New South Wales,) to be as follows:-
This Invention relates to certain improvements in or applicable to the con-
struction of multicolor printing apparatus.
The improved apparatus may be applied to any typographic, lithographic, or
other printing machinery used for printing colors on paper, calico, or other sub-
stances, and has been designed to enable the printing of two or more colors being
effected on paper or other material at one impression, and direct from the forme,
block, or stone, and of any required number of transpositions of such colors being
obtained.
Amongst its many applications, the improved apparatus is especially applicable
for printing circulars, handbills, play bills, posters, show cards, maps, illuminated
almanacks, floral representations, and other pictorial or other representations
generally in which it is or may be desired to print straight or curved lineal
representations such as borders round pages, lines, or parts of lines, initial letters to
any words, or single words, or numbers of words in any line, or different patches or
parts of any required shape or form, and in any position, and of any pictorial
or other representation, in any different or special colors, according as the display or
representation may require, so that any words or parts may be picked or brought
out in any special color or manner, and so that prominence may be given to any
items advertised.
The improved apparatus is automatic in its action, and simple in construction, it
is perfectly fitted throughout, and is not liable to get out of order or to require
frequent adjustment from the wearing of the working parts or from other causes,

page_text: '
and it can be used by any intelligent machinist without requiring special training.
It is made in two parts in order to permit of the ink ducts, distributors, and inking
details, constituting one part, being detached and slid along the frame of the
machine, to allow of free access being obtained to a series of pattern cylinders
constituting the other part, and which, as hereinafter described, receive the different
colors from the separate inking details, and convey or transfer the same by means
of a common or main sectional pattern drum, which receives the complete series of
colors from such separate pattern cylinders, on to duplicate forme cylinders, which
then ink the forine, block, or stone, from which the printing is directly effected.
There is a separate section of inking details provided for each different color, but
the different sections, are, for convenience, all carried by a common adjustable
frame, and each such section preferably consists of the arrangement in combination
of an ink duct, an ink cylinder taking up the ink therefrom, an ink ducter for
carrying the ink on to a distributor, which, in turn, transmits it to two composition
rollers. There is also a separate pattern cylinder for each different color. These
pattern cylinders are prepared, as hereinafter described, each to receive its particular
color from its set of composition rollers, and at the parts only where this particular
color should or is desired to appear. The series of pattern cylinders are truly turned
to a common size, and are covered with a coating of composition or other material
upon which the patterns are cut, and they are all independently geared with the
said common or main sectional pattern drum, which thus receives in perfectly
correct register the separate patches lines or parts of the different colors from the
respective pattern cylinders, and which together form the complete pattern. This
main drum is also independently geared with two forme rollers, each of which
receives the complete pattern from the said common pattern drum, and both of
which transfer it to the forme, stone, or type, for the purpose of ensuring evenuess
of color.
Thus, there is a complete set of inking details, and a separate pattern cylinder,
required for each color, and the various sections are preferably all of similar
arrangement. For convenience of description, it will be assumed that it is desired
to print any design or pattern, (the arrangement, nature, or detail of which is quite
immaterial,) in three colors, say, red, yellow, and blue, and that the apparatus is
provided with the necessary series of inking details and pattern cylinders to print
this number of colors.
To prepare the apparatus to effect the object required, the frame carrying the
inking sections is unscrewed and slid back along the frame of the printing machine
a sufficient distance to allow of the pattern cylinders being got at, and removed,
and replaced with convenience. The forme, block, or stone, containing the design,
matter, or device to be printed, is prepared or set precisely as if intended for
printing but one color in the usual way, and is then laid on the bed of the machine
in the usual way. It is then inked by hand roller, and the machine is slowly
turned, so as to obtain a transfer onto the said type or forme rollers; and this
transfer, is, by the motion of the said connecting gearing, conveyed on to the main
pattern drum. The complete pattern is then cut on this drum, and this is effected
by cutting a dividing line between each of the colors intended to be printed; this
having being effected, the series of independent pattern rollers are then placed in
position and the main pattern drum on which the dividing lines are already cut,
as aforesaid, is inked by hand in one color; the machine is then again turned
slowly, and the pattern is thus transferred from the complete pattern drum on to
the said independent pattern cylinders, which are then removed, and the composi-
tion or other material with which they are covered, and which is used for making
the pattern, is, in each such cylinder, all cut away excepting the parts which each
such cylinder is to transfer to the pattern drum in its own particular color; thus,
the pattern is split up into its component parts, each pattern cylinder receiving the
complete pattern from the complete pattern drum, but finally bearing only the
particular parts of the pattern which will be printed in its color,

page_text: The pattern cylinders and drum are all run on steel point centres and bearings
to avoid wear and vibration; and the former are mounted in carriers and provided
with disconnecting gear to permit of them being removed and replaced without
interfering with the gearing, to allow of them being removed for cutting, the
patterns, and of their being replaced with absolute certainty of correct register.
The machine should now be washed up, and the independent pattern cylinders
replaced in position; the separate ducters should also be supplied with the proper
colors, which, by means of a handle attachable to one of the inking sections, and
of gearing connecting the other sections, can all be worked up and distributed at
one time, each up to the composition rollers in its section, after which, the complete
inking section is pushed forward into position, so as, in the operation of the
machine, to cause the separate pattern cylinders each to be inked with its own
color, and these cylinders; as aforesaid, convey a complete transfer in the three
colors, (or in as many as may be used,) to the main pattern drum, which then
conveys the complete transfer on to the two forme inking cylinders which finally
ink the stone, forme, or block, and ensure its being properly inked. The machine
is then fed in the usual way, and the complete multicolored pattern, device, or
design, is then printed direct from the stone, forme, or block, at but one impression
for cach copy, and at the usual rate of production of the machine to which the
improved multicolor printing apparatus is applied.
Rainbow" tints, and graduated colors such as ground and sky tints, may also
be printed in the same tints at one impression, and may be blended under an
engraving or lithograph in black; and where very heavy or very light patches of
color occur, the forme or block may be easily worked by this improved apparatus,
as by, for the time, throwing off one or more of the inking sections, as required,
the requisite graduation of color may be obtained.
Each of the said cylinders is provided with adjusting gear, for compensating the
backlash and wear, and when at a standstill, the pattern cylinders and drum do
not rest against each other, to avoid the flattening of the pattern which would be
apt to occur otherwise.
Amongst the special advantages derived from the use of the bereinbefore
described improved multicolor printing apparatus, may be mentioned, that the
forme is prepared or set and laid on in the usual manner as if intended for one
color printing, and the compositor is not, as hitherto, required to make up a separate
forme for each color, and so long as the spaces between lines or words are not less
than say of an inch wide, the forme can be printed in any required number of
colors at one impression. The improved apparatus permits of parallel lines being
printed in different colors with only say of an inch between them, and of
angular or curved work also with only say of an inch between, and there is no
tendency of the various colors to mingle at the edges; the more colors there are
used, the greater is the advantage attained, as, instead of running the impressions
through once for each color; if, say, four colors are used, by the improved process
of printing all the colors at one impression direct from the forme, three fourths of
the runs of the machine would be saved, and four fifths of the time would be
saved if five colors were used, and so on.
The absolute certainty of correct register being obtained by all the colors being
printed at one impression from one forme, and which is so liable to be wanting
when the impression has as formerly to be so many times passed through the
machine, and which, when wanting, spoils so great a proportion of the impressions.
The perfect inking of the forme ensured by the provision of two forme inking
rollers. The adaptability of this apparatus to any printing machine, rendering
it capable of turning out multicolor printing at its usual speed of one color
printing.
As the inking apparatus is separate, and can be slid along the frame of the
machine out of the way of the machinist, great facility is afforded for the removal
and replacement of the pattern cylinder, and the ducters being all arranged at

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one end of the apparatus are as easily manipulated as on an ordinary printing
machine.
The improved mode of obtaining the transfer of the pattern from the type,
block, or stone, being automatic, is consequently absolutely accurate.
A distinguishing feature between the present and other multicolor printing
machines is that the printing is done directly from the forme, block, or stone, and
that the latter receives ink from duplicate forme rollers ensuring evenness of color.
By duplicating the apparatus, double the rolling power would be obtained, four
inking rollers passing over one forme instead of two only.
DAY, DAVIES & HUNT,
321, High Holborn, W.C.
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: I, FREDERIC HERVEY BATHURST PHILLIPS, of Fleet Street; in the County of
Middlesex, Colonial Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the Invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN OR APPLICABLE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF MULTICOLOR PRINTING
APPARATUS" (a communication to me from abroad by Joseph Thomas Burton Gibbs,
of Sydney, New South Wales,) 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 certain improvements in or applicable to the con-
struction of multicolor printing apparatus.
The improved apparatus may be applied to any typographic, lithographic, or
other printing machinery used for printing colors on paper, calico, or other
substances, and has been designed to enable the printing of two or more colors
being effected on paper or other material at one impression, direct from the forme,
block, or stone, and of any required number of transpositions of such colors being
obtained.
Amongst its many applications, the improved apparatus is especially applicable
for printing circulars, handbills, play bills, posters, show cards, maps, illustrated.
almanacks, floral representations, and other pictorial or other representations
generally in which it is or may be desired to print straight or curved lineal
representations such as borders round pages, lines or parts of lines, initial letters to
any words, or single words, or numbers of words, or figures in any line, or different
patches or parts of any required shape or form, and in any position, and of any
pictorial or other representation, in any different or special colors, according as the
display or representation may require, so that any words or parts may be picked or
brought out in any special color or manner, and so that prominence may be given
to any items advertised.
The improved apparatus is automatic in its action, and simple in construction,
it is perfectly fitted throughout, and is not liable to get out of order or to require
frequent adjustment from the wearing of the working parts or from other causes,
and it can be used by any intelligent machinist without requiring special training.
It is made in two parts in order to permit of the ink ducts, distributors and inking
details, constituting one part, being detached and slid along the frame of the
machine, to allow of free access being obtained to the other part, which comprises a
series of pattern cylinders, which, as hereinafter described, receive the different
colors from the separate inking details, and convey or transfer the same to a
common or main sectional pattern drum, which receives the complete series of
colors from all of the said pattern cylinders, and transfers the same on to duplicate
forme inking cylinders, which ink the forme, block, or stone, from which the
printing in any number of colors is directly effected at one impression.
The improved apparatus is illustrated on the accompanying drawings as applied
to an ordinary Dawson's "Wharfedale" Machine. Fig; 1, represents a perspective
view showing the bed of the printing machine over which the apparatus is placed:
the framing being omitted to show the connection of the parts. The left hand end
of Fig; 2, represents the method of fitting or securing the rollers and cylinders,
and the right hand end of the same Figure represents the arrangement for avoiding
back lash and compensating wear and tear, and which may be utilized in ensuring
correct register of the pattern rollers.
A separate section, a; b; c; of inking details is provided for each different color
there is used, and the different sections, are, for convenience, all carried by a

page_text: common frame, 1, adjustable as herein before referred to in relation to the pattern
cylinders and transferring or printing drums. Each such section, a, b, c, preferably
consists of the arrangement in combination of an ink duct, 2, an ink cylinder, 3,
taking up the ink therefrom, an ink ducter, 4, for carrying the ink on to a
distributor 5, which, in turn, transmits it to two composition rollers, 6, 7. There
is also provided for each different color a separate pattern cylinder 8, and each of
such pattern cylinders is prepared, as hereinafter described, to receive its particular
color from its set of inking details and composition rollers, 6, 7, and at the parts
only where this particular color should or is desired to appear. The pattern
cylinders, 8, are truly turned to a common size, and are covered with a coating or
suitable composition upon which the patterns to be printed are cut, and they are
independently geared with the said common or main sectional pattern drum, 9,
which thus receives in perfectly correct register the separate patches lines or parts
of the different colors from the respective pattern cylinders, 8, and which together
form the complete pattern. This main druin 9, is also geared.with two independent
forme inking rollers, 10, each of which receives the complete pattern from the said
common pattern drum, 9, and both of which transfer it to the forme, type or
stone, 11, and thereby ensure evenness of color.
The pattern cylinders and drums are all run on steel point centres and bearings
to avoid wear and vibration; and are mounted in carriers and provided with
disconnecting gear to permit of them being removed from the machine and
replaced, without interfering with the gearing, and which thus allows of the
pattern drum being removed for cutting the patterns, and of their being replaced
with absolute certainty of correct register.
The detail of this arrangement is illustrated in the left hand end of Fig; 2, in
which, 12, represents a carrier keyed on to the shaft, 13, which runs through the
cylinder and carrier, and fits into a lubricated cavity, 14, in the end of a feathered
centre, 15, which is operated so as to screw up or unscrew the centre points by
means of a screw, 16, 17, is a bush on which the gear wheel 18, rotates, and, 19, is
the frame of the apparatus, and, 20, a nut which tightens up the bush 17, and has
a front plate 21, secured by small screws, 22.-23 is a collar on the screw, 16,
which screws up and unscrews the centre points.
Each of the said cylinders is also provided with adjusting gear for avoiding all
backlash, and compensating for any wear and tear which may take place in the
gearing.
The detail of this provision is illustrated in the right hand end of Fig; 2; in
which, 24, represents a projection from the carrier, 12, and, 25, opposite projections
from the gear wheel 18, and which latter projections are provided with set
screws, 26, so that the projection, 24, from the gear wheel, 18, can be set in any
desired intermediate position between the projections, 25, This provision also
affords facility for adjusting the pattern rollers to a certain small extent if
necessary to obtain correct register by such adjustment...
For convenience of description, it will be assumed that it is desired to print a
design or pattern, (the arrangement, nature, or detail of which is quite immaterial,)
in three colors, say red, yellow, and blue, and that the apparatus is (as illustrated
in Fig; 1), provided with the necessary series of inking details and pattern
cylinders to print this number of colors.
To prepare the apparatus to effect the object required, the frame, 1, carrying the
inking sections, a, b, c, is unscrewed and slid back along the frame of the printing
machine a sufficient distance to allow of the pattern cylinders, 8, being got at, and
removed, and replaced with convenience. The forme, block, or stone, 11,. containing
the design, matter, or device to be printed, is prepared or set precisely as if intended
for printing but one color in the usual way, and is then laid on the bed of the
machine in the usual way. It is then inked by band roller, and the machine is
slowly turned, and a sheet is run through so as to determine the proper and correct
position of the forme on the sheet; and upon the position being found correct or
-adjusted if required, the forme, 11, is again inked, and the machine again slowly

page_text: turned, so as to obtain a transfer onto both of the said type or forme inking
rollers, 10, and this transfer, is, by the motion of the connecting gearing, 18,
conveyed on to the main pattern drum, 9, The complete pattern is then cut on
this drum, and this is effected by cutting a dividing line between each of the
colors intended to be printed; this having been effected, the series of independent
pattern-rollers, 8, are then placed in position, and the main pattern drum, 9, on
which the said dividing lines are already cut, is inked by hand in one color; the
machine is then again turned slowly, and the pattern is thus transferred from the
complete pattern drum, 9, on to each and all of the said independent pattern
cylinders, 8, which are then removed, and the composition or material with which
they are covered, and which is used for making the pattern, is, on each such
cylinder, 8, cut away, excepting the parts which each such cylinder is to re-transfer
in its own particular color, to the pattern drum, 9; thus, the pattern is split up
into its component parts, each pattern cylinder 8, receiving the complete pattern
from the complete pattern drum, 9, but finally bearing only the particular parts of
the pattern which will be printed in its color and which it is intended to re-transfer
onto the drum, 9.
The machine should now be washed up, and the pattern cylinders 8, be replaced
in their several positions, the separate ducters should also be supplied with their
proper colors, which, by means of a handle attachable to the central one, b, of the
inking sections, and of suitable gearing connecting the other sections, a, and, c,
therewith, can all be worked up at one time, and distributed each up to the
composition rollers, 6, 7, in its section, after which the frame, 1, carrying the
series of inking sections, is pushed forward into position, so as, in the operation
of the machine, to cause the separate pattern cylinders, 8, each to be inked
with its own color, and these cylinders, as aforesaid, convey a complete transfer
in the three colors, (or in as many as may be used,) to the main pattern drum, 9,
which then conveys the complete transfer on to the two forme inking cylinders, 10,
which finally ink the stone, forme, or block, 11, and ensure its being properly
inked. The machine is then fed in the usual way, and the eomplete multi-
colored pattern, device, or design, is continuously printed direct from the stone,
forme or block, at but one impression for each copy, and at the usual rate of
production of the machine to which the improved multicolor printing apparatus
is applied.
"Rainbow" tints, and graduated colors such as ground and sky tints, may also
be printed in the same tints at one impression, and blended under an engraving or
lithograph in black; and where very heavy or very light patches of color occur,
the forme or block may be easily worked by this improved apparatus, as by, for the
time, throwing out of operation one or more of the inking sections, as required, the
requisite graduation of color may be obtained.
When at a standstill, the pattern cylinders and drum do not rest against each
other, and so avoid the flattening of the pattern which would be apt to occur
otherwise.
Amongst the special advantages derived from the use of the herein before described
improved multicolor printing apparatus, may be mentioned, that the forme is
prepared or set and laid on in the usual manner as if intended for one color
printing, and the compositor is not, as hitherto, required to make up a separate
forme for each color, and that the more colors there are used, the greater is the
advantage attained, as, instead of running the impressions through one for each
color; if, say, four colors are used, by the improved process of printing all the
colors at one impression direct from the forme, three fourths of the runs of the
machine would be saved, and four fifths of the time would be saved if five colors
were used, and so on, and so long as the spaces between lines or words are not
less than say 2nd of an inch wide, the forme can be printed in any required
number of colors at one impression. The improved apparatus permits of parallel
lines being printed in different colors with only say 2nd of an inch between them,
and of angular or curved work also with only say th of an inch between, and there

page_text: is no tendency of the various colors to mingle at the edges. The absolute certainty
of correct register being obtained by all the colors being printed at one impression
from one forme, and which is so liable to be wanting when the impression has as
formerly to be as many times passed through the machine, as there are colors to be
printed, and which, when wanting, spoils so great a proportion of the impressions.
The perfect inking of the forme ensured by the provision of two forme inking
rollers. The adaptability of this apparatus to any printing machine, rendering it
capable of turning out multicolor printing at its usual speed of one color printing.
As the inking apparatus is separate, and can be slid along the frame of the
machine out of the way of the machinist, great facility is afforded for the removal
and replacement of the pattern cylinders, and the ducters being all arranged at one
end of the apparatus are as easily manipulated as on an ordinary printing machine.
The improved mode of obtaining the transfer of the pattern from the type,
block, or stone, being automatic, is consequently absolutely accurate.
A distinguishing feature between the present and other multicolor printing
machines is, that the printing of the device in any number or arrangement of
colors is done directly and at one impression from the forme, block; or stone, and
that the latter receives ink from duplicate forme inking rollers ensuring evenness
of color. By duplicating the apparatus, double the rolling power would be obtained,
four inking rollers passing over one forme instead of two only, and by decreasing
the size of the pattern drums and otherwise modifying the arrangement of the
apparatus as fully provided for in its construction, an increased number of
impressions may be got from a small forme, two or more of which may "be
simultaneously used so as to convey two or more transfers to the main drum and
so print two or more impressions for every revolution of the main drum.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
1. The application to typographic, lithographic, and other printing machinery,
of the hereinbefore described improved arrangement of apparatus for printing two
ór more colors at one impression direct from the type, stone, forme, or block, onto
any desired or suitable material.
2. The hereinbefore described improvements in the art of multicolor printing,
such improvements consisting in the printing of any variety or arrangement of
different colors at one impression direct from the type, stone, forme, or block,
substantially in the manner hereinbefore described.
3. The hereinbefore described improved mode of automatically and accurately
transferring direct from the type, stone, forme, or block, 11, and by means of
duplicate independent forme inking rollers, 10, and a common main sectional
drum, 9, a transfer of the complete design in absolutely correct register onto a
series of independent pattern cylinders, 8, each covered with a suitable composition,
and by a dividing line or lines splitting up the complete pattern into its com-
ponent parts so far as regards the disposition of its tints or colors, so that the
composition may be cut from each of the said pattern cylinders, 8, excepting at
the parts which each such cylinder is to re-transfer to the said common main
sectional drum, 9, in its own particular color.
4. The herein before described improved mode of automatically and accurately
transferring from a series of independent pattern cylinders, 8, each bearing only
the particular parts of the pattern which will be printed in its color, and the series
bearing the component parts of the complete pattern in the several colors, a
complete transfer of the whole design in absolutely correct register onto a common
or main sectional drum, 9, and by which it is transferred to duplicate independent
forme inking cylinders, 10, by each of which it is further transferred to the type,
stone, forme, or block, 11, from which the printing of the completè pattern in its
various colors is effected at one operation..
5. The combination in multicolor printing apparatus, of a series of independent
nattern cylinders: 8 each bearing only the particular part of the pattern which

page_text: will be printed in its color, a main sectional drum, 9 common to the series of
independent pattern cylinders, and adapted to receive therefrom a transfer of the
complete pattern in its several colors, and duplicate independent forme inking
rollers, 10, each adapted to receive a transfer of the complete design in its several
colors from the said main sectional drum, 9, and to separately transfer such
complete design in its several colors onto the type, stone, forme or block, 11, from
which as herein before described the printing of the complete pattern in its various
colors is effected at one operation, when such parts are combined and co-operate
substantially in the manner herein before described.
6. The combination in multicolor printing apparatus with the improved arrange-
ment of mechanism referred to in Claim 5. of a frame, 1, adjustable relatively to
the pattern cylinders, 8, for the purposes hereinbefore mentioned, such frame being
adapted to carry the separate sections a, b, c, of inking details required for each
separate color, and to present the same in operative contact with the relative
pattern cylinders, 8, when required, substantially in the manner herein before
described,
7. The application and use in multicolor printing apparatus of duplicate
independent forme inking cylinders, 10, each receiving a transfer of the complete
design in its several colors, and each transferring such complete design in absolutely
correct register onto the type, stone, forme, or block, 11, for ensuring the perfect
and sufficient inking thereof, substantially in the manner herein before described.
8. The herein before described improved means of mounting and securing the
several cylinders and drums, 8, 9, 10, such improved means consisting of the use
in combination, of carriers, 12, steel point centres, 13, 15, and disconnecting gear
wheels, 18, in such a manner as that such cylinders or drums can be removed for
any purpose required, and replaced exactly in register, substantially as herein-
before described with reference to the left hand end of Fig; 2, of the accompanying
drawings.
9. The application to such cylinders, 8, 9, 10, of the means of adjustment, 24,
25, 26, and of avoiding backlash, and of compensating for wear and tear of the
gearing, substantially as herein before described with reference to the right hand
end of Fig; 2, of the accompanying drawings.
DAY, DAVIES & HUNT,
321, High Holborn, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.