Improvements relating to Bending Printing Plates, and Holding Printing Plates to Carrying Beds.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Dec., 1895-Accepted, 8th Feb., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by ROBERT HOE, Printing Press Manufacturer, of
504 Grand Street, in the City of New York, State of New York, United
States of America.]
Improvements relating to Bending Printing Plates, and Holding
Printing Plates to Carrying Beds.
I, HENRY EDWARD NEWTON, of The Office for Patents, 6 Bream's Buildings,
Chancery Lane in the County of London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to
be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
These improvements relate, firstly, to plate-bending machines, especially adapted
for producing the curvature necessary in printing plates, to adapt them to fit the
peripheries of printing or form-carrying cylinders of printing machines, and
secondly, to holders for printing plates.
The invention, then, consists mainly in combining with a plate carrying cylinder,
and means for holding a plate thereon, of a closely associated curved series of
small bearing rollers, and, in addition to their journalled ends, providing supports
auxiliary thereto, to insure their continued true relation to the carrying cylinder,
or segmental portion thereof, during the bending operation;-and also aims (1) to
provide a plate holder which shall occupy a minimum of space between the plates,
and shall yet be strong and efficient and convenient to use; and (2) to provide a
plate holder which will allow of such slight adjustment of the plates on the
carrying blocks or segment, as may be necessary, as, for example, for the
purpose of causing the impression from the plates to register with previous
impressions.
Practical embodiments of the improved bending machine are illustrated in
Sheets I to VII of the accompanying drawings, in which :-
Fig. 1 is an elevation of the machine, as seen looking at its driving end, or in the
direction of the arrow 1 in Fig. 2.
Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same, with some portions removed, to expose
others, as seen looking in the direction of the arrow 2 in Figs. 1 and 3.
Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation of the same, on the section line 3, and as seen
looking in the direction of the arrow 3, in Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a modification of the machine, as seen looking in the
direction of the arrow 4 in Fig. 5.
Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation thereof, on the section line 5 of Fig. 4, and as seen
looking in the direction of the arrow 5 in Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is a side elevation of a further modification of the machine; and
Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation of the same, taken at the section line 7, and as seen
looking in the direction of the arrow 7 in Fig. 6.
As illustrated, the machines all consist of a plate-carrying cylinder A mounted
upon a shaft B, jourualled in the side frames, and provided with means for causing
its rotation, as the worm wheel C and worm D, the shaft of the latter being
provided with a hand or crank wheel E. The plate-carrying cylinder A is of a
size that will provide a curved periphery approximately corresponding with that
of the supporting bed with which the plate, beut in this machine, is to be adapted,
or upon which it must fit; but, as stereotype and electrotype printing plates, when
bent from the flat, to a curved form, spring slightly after being curved, the

page_text: supporting cylinder A, or segment thereof, and the co-operating mechanisms, will
have a curvature slightly less than that desired in the finished plate.
Arranged in coincident relation with the periphery of the cylinder A, or
the arc of travel of the plate-bearing segmental portion thereof, is a curved
series of bearing rollers 1, journalled at their ends, and arranged to be frictionally
revolved.
The cylinder A is provided with a head plate 2, securely fixed to its surface, to
which head plate is fastened the end of a drawing plate 10, which drawing plate 10
is thin and flexible, and is provided to confine, between itself and the surface of
the cylinder A, the electrotype or stereotype plate P, which is thus carried, with
the cylinder, to be bent into curved form.
The bearing rollers 1 preferably have supports that are auxiliary to the journals
of said rollers, whereby the same are held up to their fixed relation to the arc of
travel of the cylinder or segment A. One species of auxiliary supports is found
in the rollers 3, each of which is journaled in the framework, so as to have
peripheral contact with pairs of the rollers 1.
This auxiliary support for this curved series of bearing rollers 1 may be a
curved support or bearer 9, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the same being placed
midway between the journals of said bearing rollers, preferably centrally, and
operating as a peripheral bearing for each of said rollers.
The printing plate to be operated upon in this machine may be a stereotype or
electrotype, the face of which bears a printing design, as the face of type.
Its forward end is laid upon the cylinder A, abutting against the plate 2, and
the flexible plate or apron 10 is laid over it, au intermediate or protecting
sheet 11 of paper being used or not, to protect the face of the plate, as may be
required.
When the shaft B is moved in the direction of its arrow, the plate P, confined
under the apron 10, will be caused to enter between the bearing rollers 1 and the
surface of the cylinder A and be forcibly drawn onward, being pressed onto the
cylinder A, or segment thereof, as the bearing rollers are passed, the plate P being
thus gradually bent, or made to conform to the curved space existing between the
said rollers 1 and the cylinder A, or segment thereof.
When the shaft B has been rotated far enough to have carried the plate P
beyond the bearing rollers, the apron or plate 10 is raised, and the plate P, now
curved in an arc approximately that of the cylinder A, is removed for use, and will
be found to be adapted to fit its intended seat.
In order to suit the apparatus for use in bending plates of varying thicknesses,
or composed of metals varying in character, the bearing rollers 1 are carried in
adjustable end and auxiliary bearings, preferably as in Figs. 6 and 7. These end
bearings are sliding supporting blocks 5, each of which has bearings for the journals
of two of the rollers 1. So, also, the auxiliary curved support or bearer 9 carries
sliding supporting blocks 8, each of which preferably has a bearing fitting the
peripheries of two of the rollers, as shown in Fig. 7. These blocks 8, and corre-
sponding blocks 5 at opposite ends of the rollers 1, having corresponding -bearings
for the journals of said rollers 1, are adjustable radially in suitable recesses, by
means of screws 7, so as to accurately adjust said rollers and hold them in exact
working positions.
Thus, the bending mechanisms can be adjusted to suit plates varying in thick-
nesses or quality, and curve them into arcs suited to fit the beds upon which they
are to be supported, as the form cylinders of a printing machine. The rollers 3,
although shown as extending throughout the length of the rollers 1, need not
have this extent, but may be limited to a central bearing contact with the
rollers 1.
The working surface of the carrying cylinder A is but a segmental part thereof,
and obviously so much of said surface as is not needed for supporting the plate,
might be omitted.
The drawings illustrating the second head of the invention, comprise Sheets VIII

page_text: Fig. 9 is a section on line 2.
Fig. 10 the same on line 3; and
Fig. 11 the same on line 4 of Fig. 8; and
Fig. 12 is a view taken on line 5 of Fig. 8.
Figs. 13, 14, 15, and 16, are views corresponding to Figs. 8, 9, 10, and 11,
respectively, the blocks, however, being mounted on a curved surface or cylinder
Begment.
Fig. 17 is a detail showing a modification.
In the drawings, 10 represents stereotype or other printing plates mounted on
blocks 11, and having their edges bevilled, as usual, and being held on two
adjoining sides by stationary clips 12.
On one of its remaining sides, each block is provided with a device constructed
as follows - A plate or har 15, extending preferably entirely across one side of
the block, the block being ent away to receive said plate or bar, carries clips a, b,
which may be formed integral with the plate, or secured thereto in any suitable
manner, as by being carried by plates c, d, secured to the plate or bar 15, between
which clips there is left a recess or space e, to permit of operating, as, for instance,
by the insertion of a suitable instrument, a screw 16, by which the plate is held to,
and adjusted toward and away from the block, and the head of which lies against
the plate or bar 15 between the clips. The screw 16 passes loosely through the
plate or bar 15, and screws into a threaded recess 17 in the block, and is provided,
inside the plate 15, with a shoulder 18, which is preferably a pi. as shown,
passing through the screw, and which may be removed to allow of ready removal
of the parts, and is provided on its outer end with a head 19, which is preferably
cut to form a pinion, as shown. Thus, by turning the screw 16 one way or the
other, the plate or bar 15, carrying the clips a and b, will be advanced or.
retracted.
It will be seen that this construction provides a very strong and conveniently-
operated clamping device, which occupies but very little space between the blocks,
the head 19 of the adjusting screw lying close against the plate 15, between the
clips, and extending little, if any, further out from the plate than the clips, and
the space e between the clips permitting the head 19 to be conveniently turned, as
by a rack, such as is usually employed for the purpose, or any other suitable
instrument.
The opposing face of the adjoining block is preferably provided with two
stationary clips f, g, placed at or near either end, leaving between them a space h
corresponding to the space e, instead of a continuous stationary clip. With this
arrangement, even when the head 19 of the adjusting screw extends further out
from the face of the plate or bar 15 than the clips a and b, the blocks-may be
placed almost as near together as when only stationary clips are used, a space being
required between them equal only to the space required for the necessary move-
ment of the movable clips.
In the drawings, the plate or bar 15 is shown as extending the full length and
depth of one side of the block, but it will be understood that the plate or bar may
be made of any other suitable proportionate size or form, to serve as a support for
the clips a, b, as, it may be proportionately either shorter or narrower, or both, the
black being then correspondingly recessed to receive the plate, and allow of its
proper adjustment, as will be readily understood.
It will also be understood that various other changes in the construction shown
may be made without departing from the invention, as, for example, other means
for advancing and retracting the plate or bar 15 may be employed, but the means
shown is preferred, and forms, in connection with other features, part of the
invention.
While the drawings show two clips with the space e between them, it will be

page_text: understood that the plate or bar may be provided with any desired number, one or
more, of clips, alternating with spaces e.
Fig. 17 shows a plate provided with two adjusting screws and a single clip
between the screws, this being considered an equivalent construction in most
respects to that shown in the other views, as the heads of the adjusting screws
can lie close against the plate or bar, and can be conveniently reached for adjusting
the plate or bar.
.
The remaining side of the block may also be provided with similarly mounted
adjustable clips, and will preferably be so, when it is desired to economize space
to the same extent on both sides of the block, but it frequently happens that it is
not necessary to economise space to the same extent in one direction of the block
as in the other, as, when it is not necessary that the plates be mounted so closely
together in one direction as in the other. This is so, for example, in printing
playing cards, the margins left at the ends of the cards being wider than those left
at the sides thereof. In such cases, the remaining side of the block may be
provided with any suitable form of movable clip, such, for example, as those
shown in the drawings; and 1 prefer to provide, on such remaining side of the
block, two such adjustable clips i j, thus providing a convenient arrangement for
adjusting, to a slight extent, the position of the plate on the block, such as may be
necessary for causing the impression to be taken therefrom, to register with
previous impressions, such adjustment being readily made by inserting suitable
paper, or other wedges or slips, between the plate and the stationary clips; the
clips, on being then screwed down, accommodating themselves to the position
of the plate. The plate or bar 15 is preferably a little loose ou the screw 16, so
that it may also accommodate itself to the position of the plate.
As shown, the clips i, j, are carried by plates which are loosely mounted on
longitudinally moving screws 20, screwing into threaded holes 21 in the block, said
screws being provided on the inside of the plates carrying the clips, with
shoulders 22, which are preferably pins passing through the screws, as shown,
and on the outside of said plates, with heads 23, which are preferably cut to form
pinions, as shown.
It will be understood that the invention may be employed, and will be found
useful, not only where it is desired to secure plates to separate blocks placed
close together, as shown in the drawings, but also in other cases, where it is desired
to economize space, and any such application of the principle of the invention is to
be considered as within the scope of the claims.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
from abroad, I declare that what I claim is:-
1. The combination with the carrying cylinder A, and means for holding a plate
thereon; of a curved series of small bearing rollers 1, arranged in close proximity
to each other, and revoluble in fixed bearings, substantially as described.
2. The combination with the carrying cylinder A, and means for holding a plate
thereon, of a curved series of bearing rollers 1 journalled at their ends in fixed
bearings, and having a bearing auxiliary to said journals, substantially as
described.
3. The combination with the carrying cylinder A, and means for holding a
plate thereon, of a curved series of bearing rollers 1, journailed at their ends, and
having a bearing auxiliary to said journals, consisting of rollers 3, substantially as
described.
4. The combination with the carrying cylinder A, and means for holding a
plate thereon, of a curved series of bearing rollers 1, arranged in close proximity
to each other, journalled at their ends, and pairs thereof having auxiliary supports,
substantially as described.
5. In a plate holder, the combination of a plate or bar, means for advancing
and retracting the plate or bar, and one or more clips carried by the plate or bar,

page_text: said clips not extending the entire length of the plate or bar, but leaving one or
more spaces to permit of operating the means for advancing and retracting the
plate or bar, substantially as described.
6. In a plate holder, the combination of a plate or bar, one or more screws for
advancing and retracting the plate or bar, and one or more clips carried by the
plate or bar, said clips not extending the entire length of the plate or bar, but.
leaving one or more spaces, to permit to turning said screw or screws, substantially
as described.
7. In a plate holder, one or more clips a b, carried by a common support, and
alternating with one or more spaces e, substantially as described.
8. The combination of a plate or bar, clips a, b, carried by the plate or bar, and
leaving a space e between them, and an adjusting screw for said plate or bar, the
head of which lies against the plate or bar between the clips, substantially as.
described.
9. The combination with a block, of a plate or bar extending entirely across
one end of the block, clips a b carried by the plate or bar, and leaving a space e-
between them, and an adjusting screw for said plate or bar, the head of which.
lies against the plate or bar, between the clips, substantially as described.
10. The combination of a plate or bar, clips a, b, carried by plates c d, secured.
to the plate or bar, so as to leave a space e between the clips, and an adjusting
screw for said plate or bar, the head of which lies between the clips and their
plates, substantially as described.
11. The combination of a plate or bar, clips a, b, carried by said plate or bar,.
and leaving a space e between them, and a longitudinally moving screw which
passes loosely through the plate or bar, and carries the plate or bar in its.
longitudinal movement, the head of the screw lying between the clips, substantially
as described.
12. The combination of a plate or bar, clips a, b, carried by the plate or bar,.
and leaving a space e between them, a screw 16 passing loosely through the plate
or bar, between the clips, and having a shoulder inside the plate or bar, and a
pinion on said screw, outside the plate or bar, substantially as described.
13. The combination with two adjacent blocks, of a plate or bar lying between.
said blocks, clips a, b, carried by the plate or bar, and leaving a space e between
them, an adjusting screw for moving said plate or bar toward and away from one
of said blocks, the head of which screw lies between the clips a b, and stationary
clips f, g, secured to the other of said blocks, and leaving between them a space h,
corresponding to the space e, substantially as described.
14. The combination with a block, of stationary clips adapted to engage two
adjoining sides of a plate, clips ab carried by a plate or bar, and adapted to engage
one of the remaining sides of the plate, an adjusting screw for said plate or bar,.
the head of which lies between said clips a b and independently adjustable clips ij,.
adapted to engage the remaining side of the plate, substantially as described.
Dated this 17th day of December 1895.
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant..