IMPROVEMENTS IN INKING ATTACHMENTS FOR PRINTING
Year: 1884

page_text: "
I, THOMAS NIGHTINGALE PALMER of 62 Lansdowne Road, Dalston in the County
of Middlesex, Patent Agent do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN INKING ATTACHMENTS FOR PRINTING PRESSES a commu-
nication from William Hughson Golding of Fort-Hill Square, Boston, Massachusetts,
United States, Manufacturer of Printing Machinery to be as follows:-
Among the objects and advantages secured by the said invention, are, a
chromatic attachment which is readily applicable to existing popular forms of job
presses and it comprises an ink fountain capable of supplying at will one or more
colors in desired uniform quantities and readily accessible for cleaning purposes, a
brayer adapted to transfer mechanically and in imitation of hand work, the ink
from the fountain to the disk in one or more stripes and colors as supplied, a disk
having a positive semi-rotation whereby the stripes of color are preserved in
parallel lines thereon, a blending surface below the form adapted to be shifted
while the inking rollers are upon it and provided with means for regulating the
blending effects of its movements and means whereby the entire attachment is
quickly rendered capable of use in single color work.
The roller frame, carrying the ink distributing rollers is oscillated by means of a
connecting rod secured to a gear wheel mounted on the main shaft, the said gear
wheel being operated by a pinion mounted on the crank-shaft which is operated by
a treadle or otherwise, as is usual.
A standard is secured to any convenient upper portion of the press or formed
integrally therewith and secured thereto is a bracket comprising two side arms
which project over and depend above the ink disk and are provided with bearings
for the shaft of the ink-fountain cylinder and for a rock-shaft.
The ink well consists of a bottomless frame or box, the end walls of which
snugly embrace the ends of the cylinder and are provided with two perforated
standards or risers one of the said standards or risers being mounted loosely upon
the rock-shaft and the other serving as a support for a cross bar or rod. The
bottom edge of the lower side of the ink well is thickened and is recessed to form a
seat for the doctor, and the outer surface of said thickened lower edge is disposed
at an angle to form a suitable bearing surface for the screws of a swinging clamp
for which screws, seats or depressions may be made.

page_text: The swinging clamp consists of an open frame mounted loosely upon the shaft of
the ink-fountain cylinder, and is provided at its pivotted ends with laterally and
outwardly projecting stops which limit the downward movement of the clamp by
coming in contact with the depending arms of the before-mentioned bracket. By
dropping the clamp, the ink well with the partitions therein may be raised from
the cylinder, thus exposing all of the parts for cleaning purposes. Each of the
partitions of the ink well is a plate of metal cut out upon one edge to fit the
periphery of the ink-fountain cylinder and having a lower corner cut off, so as to
bear upon the upper surface of the doctor, while its rear edge bears against the
inner surface of the lower wall of the ink-well. The upper corner of the plate is
also cut off to form a bearing surface for a spring-pressure holding device of any
suitable construction whereby the partition or plate may be yieldingly forced down
against the cylinder, ink well and doctor. The lower edges of each partition are
grooved and any suitable flexible or other packing is inserted in the grooves to
render the partitions ink-tight, and to prevent undue wear upon the cylinder.
I may employ a spring-pressure holding device consisting of a collar slotted to
embrace a rod and for the reception of the partition and provided with a coiled
spring arranged therein, so as to bear upon the upper portion or surface of the
partition. A set screw serves to removably secure the collar upon the rod. By
loosening the screw, the collar and partition may be moved along the rod and in
this manner, the compartments of the well designed for different colors, may be
regulated in accordance with the desired width of stripe to be printed. When the
screw is loosened, the collar may be turned so that the bottom wall of the partition
slot is parallel with the edge of the partition, when the latter may be withdrawn
from the well. Thus the number of compartments may be regulated as desired.
When a partition is inserted the collar is turned so as to compress the spring upon
the partition when the set screw is tightened upon the rod, and the collar and
partition are firmly held against longitudinal movement upon the rod and the
partition itself is yieldingly held down into the well and against the ink-fountain
cylinder.
The brayer comprises a transfer roll mounted on slotted bearings or boxes
secured to springs which are inserted in said slots and secured therein by screws.
The rear ends of the springs are secured to the free ends of arms connected by a
cross bar, and rigidly mounted on the rock-shaft by set screws so that when the
said shaft is oscillated the roll is carried from the ink-fountain cylinder to the arın
upon the disk, and back to the said cylinder. In this instance to secure elastic
pressure of the said roll upon the disk and cylinder, the springs are so projected
from the said arms that the distance from the centre of the rock-shaft to a point
upon the lower periphery of the transfer roll is greater than from said centre to the
ends of the arms. In other words, the cylinder and ink disk are so relatively
arranged that both project into the path which the transfer roll would without
obstruction normally pass over or through, and, hence, when it is in contact with
the cylinder, the springs are curved upwardly and when in contact with the disk,
they are curved downwardly. Stiffening plates of steel are secured above and
below the said springs.
A bracket or arm projects from the hub of the inking roller frame, and, pivottally
connected thereto are two rods one of which is provided with two adjustably fixed
collars and passes through a sliding collar pivottally secured to a ratchet lever
carrying a pawl which takes into the teeth of a ratchet secured to the shaft of the
ink-fountain cylinder. The ratchet lever embraces the ratchet and is provided
with two projections which limit its movements by striking a stop projecting from
the depending arm of the before mentioned bracket. A spring holds the pawl in
contact with the ratchet and permits it to be thrown and held out of contact with
the same, in order to stop the operation of the cylinder, at will.
The other rod is encircled by a long coiled spring and passes through a sliding
collar pivotted to an arm secured to the rock-shaft and an adjustable collar is
provided outside of the sliding collar to time the movement of the said arm,

page_text: The ink well, being supplied with colors they are transferred to the disk in the
following manner-As the inking rollers are carried down, the first rod operates
the ratchet lever, so as to practically rotate the ink-fountain cylinder the position
of one of the collars on this rod, determining, in a measure, the extent of said
rotation, and, therefore, the quantity of ink withdrawn from the well. The
transfer roll, being yieldingly held in contact with the ink fountain cylinder, is
rotated thereby, thus taking ink therefrom, during the movement of the cylinder.
As the inking rollers approach the disk, the second rod draws upon the arm to
which it is pivotted and gives movement to the brayer or transfer roll, whereby it
is rotated for a short distance upon the ink-fountain cylinder, is directly transferred
to the disk in advance of the inking rollers, carried along and rotated upon the
disk with a yielding pressure, and, then elevated above the same, when the inking
rollers complete their movement upward and return, followed by the brayer, which
again travels upon the disk, and is finally carried again against the cylinder, when
a new movement of the latter supplies a fresh quantity of ink to be again
transferred, as described. This operation is applicable to the distribution upon the
disk of a single color as well as of several colors, and when the latter are in the
well, they are taken out, transferred, and applied to the disk, by the brayer in
distinct stripes, extending the length of the path of the brayer upon the disk and
are continued completely over one half of the disk by the inking rolls.
The cylinder and brayer cover one half the disk and this relative size and
arrangement of the parts when taken in connection with any suitable means for
giving the disk decided intermittent semi-rotations, secures a very advantageous
uniformity in the distribution of the ink or inks to the disk, and, consequently, to
the forms.
The disk has a central hub, the outer periphery of which is cut away on opposite
sides to produce flat parallel surfaces and below these surfaces the hub is turned to
fit a bearing in the disk-supporting bracket and is bored to fit and is secured
firmly to a shaft the lower end of which turns in a bearing in the said disk-
supporting bracket. The said bracket is secured to any suitable part of the
framework of the press which will present the disk in proper relative position to
the fountain and brayer. Two arms formed on the said bracket are adapted to be
secured to a suitable rear part of the bed of the press, and to ono of the usual
strengthening ribs cast thereon. Three collars fitted to the said shaft constitute a
combined clutch and ratchet. The first collar is loosely mounted on the said shaft,
and is provided at its lower end with a pinion and at its upper end with two
inclined steps forming one of the coacting elements of a clutch, each step extending
one balf around the collar. The second collar is also provided with similar steps
inverted, so as to coact with the first collar as a clutch. The end of the second
collar opposite its steps is provided with a circular rock-bar or ratchet, into which
a loosely seated pin pawl takes, by gravity, said pawl being located in the third
collar. A spline on the shaft fits a seat formed in the third collar whereby it is
caused to rotate with the shaft, but is capable of longitudinal movement thereon.
The supporting bracket is provided with bearings for a journal or shaft, on which
is loosely mounted a segmental gear wheel which meshes with the pinion on the
lower end of the first collar and is provided with an arm or lever for the
attachment of any suitable weight or spring for moving the segmental gear wheel
in one direction, or said movement may be accomplished by connecting said lever
with any intermittently moving and properly timed part of the press. There is
also formed upon the supporting bracket, two brackets for a shaft, pin, or bolt upon
which is loosely mounted a disk-operating cam lever which coacts with a cam
formed on the hub of the before-mentioned segmental gear wheel so as to move
said gear wheel in one direction. The disk-operating lever is designed to be raised
by the contact therewith of some suitable moving part of the press, and to fall by
gravity. Such moving part may be a cam or the shaft of the distributing roll
carrier or frame, or a cross bar upon the same. I may use an adjustable cam
mounted on a bracket formed on such cross bar. The cam is pivotted to the

page_text: bracket, and is adjusted to come in contact with the disk operating lever, sooner or
later, in the movement of the bar, and to remain in desired adjustment, by means
of a binding screw seated in the cam, and passing through a curved slot in the
bracket. As the cross bar or the shaft of the roller-frame partakes of its
movement, the disk operating lever is raised once during each movement of the
distributing rolls over and downward below the form.
The disk-operating lever will rotate the segmental gear wheel towards the disk
shaft, and the said gear wheel meshing with the pinion on the first collar will
operate both the first and second collars by reason of their clutch-like connection
with each other. For the purpose of definite semi-rotation of the disk, the second
and third collars are secured to each other by a bolt or bolts, screw threaded
through the latter and partly through the former, so that the movement of the first
collar as described, will be communicated to the disk-shaft by means of the before-
mentioned spline, and the disk being rigidly mounted on the shaft, is also moved.
The segmental gear wheel is proportioned to give the pinion a half revolution only,
and, hence, that is the extent of the rotation of the disk. In this movement of the
segmental gear wheel its arm or lever is drawn or vibrated against the action of its
weight or spring and when the disk-operating lever has completed its operation
upon the cam the said lever falls by gravity, during the return of the moving part
of the press by which it is raised, and the said arm or lever is drawn by its spring
or weight, and operates the segmental gear wheel through a return semi-rotation,
giving a like movement to the first collar, which rides the inclined inversed steps of
the second collar, which slides together with the third collar upwards upon the shaft
until the highest point in one of the steps on the first collar is passed by one of the
steps of the second collar when the second and third collars recede or fall along the
shaft and the mechanism is set for giving another half turn to the disk. This
movement of the disk being intermittent, suitable cushioning mechanism is desirable
to gradually overcome the momentum of the disk. I provide one or more clamps
constructed and arranged to bear yieldingly against the flat end portions of the
periphery of the hub. The disk-supporting bracket is provided with two transverse
bars or lugs to one of which, one end of a clamp is pivotted, while upou the other
bar the opposite or free end of the clamp slides. Near the free end of the clamp,
a coiled spring is attached, and extends across the said bracket and secured it may
be to any suitable projection on the last mentioned bar or lug, but when two clamps
are employed to increase the cushioning effect I attach one end of each of the coiled
springs to the pivotted end of one clamp, and the other end, to, or near the free end
of the opposite clamp, whereby short springs of high tension can be used, and
a compact arrangement of the parts is secured.
When the disk is at rest, the inner edges of the clamps rest and are yieldingly
held against the plane surfaces of the disk hub, and, as the disk is rotated, the
cylindrical portions of the hub swing each clamp outward, against the stress of
the springs, until it again reaches its normal position, when the clamps, are, by the
springs, drawn inwardly, and bring the disk to rest. As this change or semi-
rotation of the disk takes place when neither the brayer nor the distributing rolls
are on it, the slight vibration of the disk when the clamps are employed as the sole
cushioning mechanism, is harmless, but for accurate and rapid intermittent operation,
I use additional cushioning devices.
As thus far described, it is clear that the vibration of the disk at the end of each
semi-rotation, can be reduced to a minimum, by increasing the number of clamps
arranged parallel with, or at right angles to those described in which latter arrange-
ment the disk hub would be substantially square at the part where the clamps
would embrace it. In order to secure rapid, successive, intermittent, semi-rotations
of the disk without undue vibrations thereof, I employ a lever adapted and operated
to automatically interpose a combined air and spring or other cushioning device.
The said lever is pivotted to the disk-supporting bracket and carries at its outer or
free end, a cylinder, having an air-tight plug or piston, the end of which is provided
with a rubber spring, these three elements constituting a combined spring and air

page_text: cushion. Upon the disk are two oppositely located depending stops which alter-
nately strike against the said rubber spring after a semi-rotation of the disk, and
after the free end of the lever is raised. The arm of the said lever which projects
in rear of its pivot, may be so constructed and connected with any other moving
parts of the attachment or of the press, as to be depressed at proper intervals to
clevate the free end into the path of the stops. Thus a rear arm of the said lever
may be extended to pass over the disk shaft, and the hub of the first-mentioned
collar, on the said shaft, and a cam on the lower end of the clutch portion of the
said collar may be employed to depress the said rear extension or arm. The outline
of the cam would be substantially parallel with that of one of the inclined steps on
the said collar, and, as the collar is operated successively in opposite directions the
cam would be carried therewith, and would alternately depress and allow the
clevation of the said rear arm which elevation would be caused by the greater
weight of the free end of the said lever. The lever may also be provided with
a second or an additional arm in rear of its pivot, which arm is operated by a cam
at one end of the segmental gear wheel so that as the latter partially rotates, the
pinion on the said collar and the clutch mechanism to give the disk a semi-
rotation, it, also, by means of the said cam simultaneously depresses the rear end of
the said lever and projects the air and spring cushion, or other cushion, carried by
the said lever into the path of the stops on the disk. When printing in a single
color, intermittent motions or partial rotations less than a semi-rotation are desirable
to insure even distribution of the ink and to adapt the disk-rotating mechanism for
such a use of the attachment, I remove the said lever and reverse the bolt or bolts
uniting the collars so that the clutch collars move together as one piece, while they
act as a ratchet in which the pin pawl operates. I, then, either substitute for the
disk-operating lever, another having a cam end which shall operate the cam and
segmental gear-wheel through a desired shorter distance, or, I adjust the cam on
the cross bar of the distributing roll frame so as to move the disk-operating lever
a less distance, and, in both cases, the pawl takes into a tooth of the ratchet during
the disk-rotating movements of the pinion gear and cam lever, and rides the teeth
inoperatively, during the return movements of those devices, so, that, by a proper
operation of the disk-operating lever, the disk may be moved through a greater or
less portion, as desired, of a semi-rotation, the shortest movement being that
produced by the change of the pawl over a single tooth of the ratchet after each
operation of the lever.
I arrange below the form an ink distributer mounted upon a shaft or rod, and
adapted to be reciprocated along the same, when the distributing rolls are upon it.
Upon the main shaft is arranged a cam adapted to vibrate one arm of a lever
pivotted to a bracket on the frame of the machine, the other arın of the lever being
extended above and in rear of the lower edge of the distributer, and having
a projecting pin or bolt entering a slot or slotted bracket formed in or on the
distributing plate. At one end of the slot or bracket is an adjusting screw which
abuts against a swinging or sliding button against which the pin or bolt of the
lever strikes when vibrating in one direction, said pin or bolt striking the opposite
end of the slot or slotted bracket when vibrating in the opposite direction. By
shortening or lengthening the slot by moving the button, a longer or shorter
reciprocation of the distributer is secured, and a desired greater or less blending of
the colors upon the distributing rolls, and, therefore upon the form, is attained than
if the reciprocations of the distributer were uniform and unchangeable. Again, by
timing the said cam relatively, with the advancement of the distributing rolls upon
the distributer a greater lateral movement is given to the first of those rolls, than
to the succeeding ones, so that the margins of the colors are more thoroughly
blended. Furthermore, in single color printing, this relative timing of the
distributer and the rolls, gives a fresh supply of ink at points on the rolls touched
in their downward passage over the form, which is highly advantageous when
printing forms with heavy lines running down.

page_text: The devices and combinations of devices herein described are capable of use in
inking attachments differing essentially from that herein described and I therefore
do not limit myself to their use, in this particular apparatus, but deem Buch
separate, complete, devices and combinations as comprehended by my invention,
when used singly or jointly in other inking apparatuses.
Nor do I confine myself to the exact mechanism herein described, for giving the
disk a semi-rotation or for giving the clutch and ratchet partial_rotations as any
well known clutch-operating mechanism may be substituted and I may substitute
well known mechanical elements for giving motion and position to the herein
described novel devices and combinations of devices and even these may be altered
in any manner and to any degree within the skill of persons conversant in the
construction of printing presses.
Dated this 13
A 1004

page_text: operated by a pinion B' mounted on the crank-shaft Be which is operated by
a treadle or otherwise, as is usual.
C represents a standard secured to any convenient upper portion of the press and
(formed integrally therewith, it may be) or secured thereto as shown is a bracket C¹
comprising two side arms which project over and depend above the ink disc, and
are provided with bearings c, c¹ (see figure 3) the foriner for the shaft of the ink
fountain cylinder C² and the latter for a rock shaft C³.
D represents the ink well, which consists of a bottomless frame or box, the end
walls of which snugly embrace the ends of the cylinder C and are provided with
two perforated standards or risers d, the former mounted loosely upon the
shaft Cs and the latter serving as a support for the cross bar or rod d. The bottom
edge of the lower side d³ of the ink well is thickened and is recessed at d' (see
figure 5) to form a seat for the doctor d³ and the outer surface of said thickened
lower edge is disposed at an angle to form a suitable bearing surface for the
screws e of the swinging clamp E for which screws, seats or depressions de may
be made.
The clamp E consists of an open frame mounted loosely upon the shaft of the
cylinder C and provided at its pivotted ends with laterally and outwardly
projecting stops e¹ which limit the downward movement of the clamp by coming
in contact with the depending arms of the bracket C¹ (see figure 4). By dropping
the clamp as shown in this figure, the ink well, with the partitions therein may be
raised from the cylinder, thus exposing all of the parts for cleaning purposes.
Each of the partitions F is a plate of metal cut out upon one edge f to fit the
periphery of the cylinder C₁ and having a lower corner f1 cut off, so as to bear
upon the upper surface of the doctor, while its rear edge få bears against the inner
surface of the wall d³ of the ink well. The upper corner of the plate is also cut off
to form a bearing surface f³ for a spring-pressure holding device of any suitable
construction. whereby the partition or plate may be yieldingly forced down against
the cylinder, ink well and doctor. The lower edges of each partition are grooved
and any suitable flexible or other packing f' is inserted in the grooves to render
the partitions ink tight and to prevent undue wear upon the cylinder. The spring-
pressure holding device employed in this instance consists of a collar F¹ slotted at
fto embrace the rod d and at f* for the reception of the partition and provided
with a coiled spring f" arranged therein so as to bear upon the upper portion or
surface of the partition. A set screw F' serves to removably secure the collar
upon the rod. By loosening the screw, the collar and partition may be moved
along the rod, and in this manner, the compartments of the well, designed for
different colors may be regulated in accordance with the desired width of stripe to
be printed. When the screw is loosened, the collar may be turned so that the
bottom wall of the partition slot is parallel with the edge of the partition, when the
latter may be withdrawn from the well. Thus the number of compartments may
be regulated as desired. When a partition is inserted, the collar is turned so as to
.compress the spring upon the surface f³ when the set screw is tightened upon the
rod, and the collar and partition are firmly held against longitudinal movement
upon the rod and the partition itself is yieldingly held down into the well and
against the cylinder.
The brayer comprises the transfer roll G mounted on slotted bearings or boxes g
secured to springs G² which are inserted in said slots and secured therein by
screws g. The rear end of the springs are secured to the free ends of arms G
connected by a cross bar G³, and rigidly mounted on the shaft Cs by set screws g³
(see dotted line figure 3) so that when the said shaft is oscillated or rocked, the
roll G is carried from the ink fountain cylinder to the arm upon the disc and back
to the cylinder.
In this instance, to secure elastic pressure of the roll G upon the disc and
cylinder, the springs G¹ are so projected from the arms G that the distance from
the centre of shaft C³ to a point upon the lower periphery of the roll G is greater
'than from said centre to the ends of the arms. In other words, the cylinder and

page_text: ink disc are so relatively arranged that both project into the path which the roll G
would, without obstruction normally pass over or through, and, hence, when it is in
contact with the cylinder, the springs are curved upwardly, and when in contact
with the disc, they are curved downwardly (see figure 4). ³ are stiffening plates
of steel secured above and below the springs G¹.
Referring to figure 2, H represents a bracket or arm projecting from the hub of
the inking roller frame B and pivottally connected thereto are two rods I J the
former provided with two adjustably fixed collars I' I' and passing through a
sliding collar I³ pivottally secured to a ratchet lever i carrying a pawl i which
takes into the teeth of the ratchet secured to the shaft of the cylinder C². The
lever i embraces the ratchet, and is provided with two projections which limit
its movements by striking a stop projecting from the depending arm of the
bracket C¹. A spring (figure 4) holds the pawl in contact with the ratchet, and
permits it to be thrown and held out of contact with the same, in order to stop the
operation of the cylinder, at will. The rod J is encircled by a long coiled spring j
and passes through a sliding collar 1 pivotted to an arm secured to the shaft C
and an adjustable collar is provided outside of the sliding collar, to time the
movement of arm j³.
The ink well, being supplied with one or more colors they are transferred to the
disc in the following manner :-As the inking rollers B' are carried slightly further
down, than shown (figure 2) the rod I operates the ratchet lever so as to practically
rotate the cylinder C the position of the collar I¹ on the rod, determining in a
measure, the extent of said rotation, and, therefore, the quantity of ink withdrawn
from the well.. The transfer roll G, being yieldingly held in contact with the
cylinder, is rotated thereby, thus taking-ink therefrom, during the movement of the
cylinder. As the inking rollers approach the disc, the rod J draws upon the arm ³
and gives movement to the brayer or transfer roll, whereby it is rotated for a short
distance upon the cylinder C is directly transferred to the disc in advance of the
inking rollers B, carried along and rotated upon the disc with a yielding pressure,
and, then elevated above the same, when the inking rollers complete their move-
ment upward and return, followed by the brayer, which again travels upon the
disc, and is finally carried again against the cylinder as shown, when a new
movement of the latter supplies a fresh quantity of ink to be again transferred, as
described. This operation is applicable to the distribution upon the disc of a single
color, as well as of several colors, and when the latter are in the well, they are
taken out, transferred, and applied to. the disc by the brayer in distinct stripes,
extending the length of the path of the brayer upon the disc and are continued
completely over one half of the disc by the inking rollers B¹.
It will be noticed that the cylinder and brayer, cover one half the disc and this
relative size and arrangement of the parts when taken in connection with any
suitable means for giving the disc decided intermittent semi-rotations secures
a very advantageous uniformity in the distribution of the ink or inks to the disc,
and, consequently, to the forms.
In ink fountains, inking rollers, and discs heretofore constructed, the supply has
been almost wholly at the edge of the disc, and, then, when partly distributed by
the inking rollers, is, by them transferred to the form in such partly distributed
condition, resulting in more ink at the edges of the form than at the centre.
Referring to figures 3-7-8 and 9 which illustrate the disc-supporting, rotating
and cushioning devices, K. represents the disc which has a central hub K, the outer
periphery of which is cut away on opposite sides to produce flat parallel surface k
(see figure 7) and below these surfaces is turned to fit a bearing L' in the disc-
supporting bracket L and is bored to fit and is secured firmly to the shaft K* the
lower end of which turns in a bearing K³ in the bracket L. The bracket Lis
secured to any suitable part of the framework of the press, which will present the
disc in proper relative position to the fountain and brayer. The arms L³, L³,
formed on the bracket, respectively, are adapted to be secured to a suitable rear

page_text: part of the bed of the press, and to one of the usual strengthening ribs cast
thereon.
M, N and O represent three collars, fitted to the shaft K2 and constituting a
combined clutch and ratchet. The collar M is loosely mounted on the shaft, and is
provided at its lower end with a pinion m and at its upper end with two inclined
steps m² forming one of the coacting elements of a clutch, each step extending one
half around the collar. The collar N is also provided with similar steps n inverted,
so as to coact with the collar M as a clutch. The end of the collar N opposite its
steps is provided with a circular rack-bar or ratchet n' into which a loosely seated
pin pawl o takes, by gravity, said pawl being located in the collar O. A spline or
on the shaft K' fits a seat formed in the collar O whereby it is caused to rotate
with the shaft, but is capable of longitudinal movement thereon.
The bracket L is provided with the bearings L' and I for a journal or shaft P¹
on which is loosely mounted a segmental gear P which meshes with the pinion m
and is provided with an arm or lever p for the attachment of any suitable weight
or spring for moving the segmental gear in one direction, or said movement may
be accomplished by connecting said lever with any intermittently moving and
properly timed part of the press.
There is also formed upon the bracket L the brackets L, L', for a shaft, pin or
bolt Qupon which is loosely mounted a disc-operating cam lever R, which coacts
with a cam P' formed on the hub of the segmental gear P so as to move said gear
in one direction. The lever R is designed to be raised by the contact therewith of
some suitable moving part of the press, and to fall by gravity. Such moving part
may be a cam, or the shaft of the distributing roll carrier or frame, or a cross bar,
as b upon the same. In figures 2 and 10 I illustrate an adjustable cam R' mounted
on a bracket R' formed on the cross bar b. The cam is pivotted at r to the bracket,
and is adjusted to come in contact with the lever R, sooner or later, in the move-
ment of the bar, and to remain in desired adjustment, by means of a binding
screw, seated in the cam, and passing through a curved slot in the bracket.
As the cross bar or the shaft of the roller frame partakes of its movement the
lever R is raised once during each movement of the distributing rolls over and
downward below the form.
Now referring to figures 3 and 9, it will be seen that the lover R will rotate the
segmental gear towards the shaft K² and the gear meshing with the pinion m will
turn the collars M and N by reason of their clutch-like connection with each other
in the direction shown by arrows thereon. For the purpose of definite semi-
rotation of the disc the collars N and O are secured to each other by a bolt or
bolts 0 screw threaded through the latter and partly through the former, so that
the movement of the collar M as described, will be communicated to the shaft K*
by means of the spline o' and the disc K. being rigidly mounted on the shaft, is
also moved. The segmental gear is proportioned to give the pinion a half revolution
only, and, hence, that is the extent of the rotation of the disc. In this movement
of the segmental gear the lever p is drawn or vibrated against the action of its
weight or spring and when the lever R has completed its operation upon the cain Ps
it, the lever, falls by gravity, during the return of the moving part of the press, by
which it is raised, and the lever p is drawn by its spring or weight, and operates
the segmental gear through a return semi-rotation, giving a like movement to the
collar M which rides the inclined inversed steps of the collar N, which slides
together with the collar O upwards upon the shaft until the highest point in the
step m² is passed by one of the steps n of the collar N, when the collars N and O
recede or fall along the shaft, and the mechanism is set for giving another half
turn to the disc.
•
This movement of the disc being intermittent, suitable cushioning mechanism is
desirable to gradually overcome the momentum of the disc. In this instance
I provide clamps S (see figure 7) constructed and arranged to bear yieldingly
against the flut end portions of the periphery of the hub K³. Each of the clamps

page_text: is capable of performing the required function without the assistance of the other,
and I therefore, do not limit myself to an employment of any specified number,
but may increase them to increase the aggregate cushioning effect as desired.
The bracket L is provided with two transverse bars or lugs L, L' to one of
which at 8, one end of the clamp S is pivotted, while upon the other bar, the
opposite or free end of the clamp slides. Near the free end of the clamp, a coiled
spring S is attached, and extends across the bracket Land, secured, it may be, to
any suitable projection on the bar L' but, in this instance as two clamps are
employed to increase the cushioning effect, I attach one end of each of the coiled
springs to the pivotted end of one clamp, and the other end, to, or near the free
end of the opposite clamp, whereby short springs of high tension can be used and
a compact arrangement of the parts is secured.
In the normal position of the disc that which it assumes when at rest, the inner
edges of the clamps rest and are yieldingly held against the plane surfaces k of the
hub K, and as the disc is rotated, the cylindrical portions of the hub swing each
clamp outward, as shown in dotted lines, against the stress of the springs until it
again reaches its normal position, when the clamps, are by the springs, drawn
inwardly, and bring the disc to rest. As this change or semi-rotation of the disc
takes place when neither the brayer nor the distributing rolls are on it, the slight
vibration of the disc when the clamps are employed as the sole cushioning
mechanism, is harmless, but for accurate and rapid intermittent operation, I have
illustrated additional cushioning devices.
As thus far described it is clear that the vibration of the disc at the end of each
semi-rotation can be reduced to a minimum by increasing the number of clamps
arranged parallel with, or at right angles to those shown in which latter arrange-
ment, the hub K' would be substantially square at the portion where the clamps
would embrace it.
Referring to figures 3 and 8 T represents a lever adapted and operated to
automatically interpose a combined air and spring or other cushioning device
whereby rapid, successive, intermittent, semi-rotations of the disc are secured
without undue vibrations thereof.
The lever T is pivotted at t to the bracket L and carries at its outer or free end
a cylinder T¹ having an air-tight plug or piston T2 the end of which is provided
with a rubber spring Ts these three elements constituting a combined spring and
air cushion. Upon the disc K are two oppositely located depending stops T which
alternately strike against the spring T3 after a semi-rotation of the disc, and after
the free end of the lever T is raised as shown by dotted lines. The arm of the
lever T which projects in rear of its pivot, may be so constructed and connected
with any other moving parts of the attachment or of the press, as to be depressed
at proper intervals to elevate the free end into the path of the stops. For example,
a rear arm To may be extended to pass over the shaft K' and the hub of the
collar M (as shown) and a cam m² (dotted lines figure 9) on the lower end of the
clutch portion of the collar may be employed to depress the rear extension or
arm T. The outline of the cam m² would be substantially parallel with that of
the inclined steps m¹ and, as the collar M is operated successively in opposite
directions, as shown by arrows thereon figure 3, the cam would be carried there-
with, and would alternately depress and allow the elevation of the arm T³, which
elevation would be caused by the greater weight of the free end of the lever T.
In the construction shown in figure 3, the lever T is provided with a second or
an additional arm To in rear of its pivot, which arm is operated by a cam P³ at one
end of the segmental gear P so that as the latter partially rotates, the pinion m
and the clutch mechanism to give the disc a semi-rotation, it, also by means of the
cam P³ simultaneously depresses the rear end of the lever T and projects the air
and spring cushion, or other cushion, carried by lever T into the path of the stops T.
When printing in a single color, intermittont motions or partial rotations less than
a semi-rotation are desirable to ensure even distribution of the ink and to adapt
the disc-rotating mechanism for such a use of the attachment 1 remove the lever T,

page_text: and reverse the bolt or bolts o² as shown by dotted lines o³ figure 9, so that the
clutch collars M and N move together as one piece while they act as a ratchet in
which the pin pawl o operates. I then either substitute for the lever R another
having a cam end, which shall operate the cam P and segmental gear P through a
desired shorter distance or, I adjust the cam R' so as to move the lever R a less
distance, and in both cases the pawl takes into a tooth of the ratchet during the
disc-rotating movements of the pinion gear and cam lever, and rides the teeth
inoperatively, during the return movements of those devices, so, that by a proper
operation of the lever R, the disc may be moved through a greater or less portion
as desired, of a semi-rotation, the shortest movement being that produced by the
change of the pawl o over a single tooth of the ratchet after each operation of the
lever.
Referring to figures 1, 2 and 11, U represents an ink distributor, located below
the form; and mounted upon a shaft or rod u and adapted to be reciprocated along
the same, when the distributing rolls B are upon it.
Upon the shaft B' is a cam V adapted to vibrate one arm of the lever V1 pivotted
to a bracket V on the frame of the machine, the other arm of the lever being
extended above and in rear of the lower edge of the distributor, and having a
projecting pin or bolt V³ (see figure 11) entering a slot or slotted bracket V* formed
in or on the plate. At one end of the slot or bracket is an adjusting screw V³
which abuts against a swinging or sliding button V against which the pin or bolt
of the lever vi strikes when vibrating in one direction, said pin or bolt striking
the opposite end of the slot or slotted bracket when vibrating in the opposite
direction. By shortening or lengthening the slot by moving the button, a longer
or shorter reciprocation of the distributor is secured, and a desired greater or less
blending of the colors upon the distributing rolls, and therefore upon the form
is attained than if the reciprocations of the distributor were uniform and
unchangeable. Again, by timing the cam V relatively, with the advancement of
the rolls B upon the distributor (as shown in figure 1) a greater lateral movement
is given to the first of those rolls, than to the succeeding ones, so that the margins
of the colors are more thoroughly blended. Furthermore, in single color printing,
this relative timing of the distributor and the rolls gives a fresh supply of ink at
points on the rolls, touched in their downward passage over the form, which is
highly advantageous when printing forms with heavy lines running down.
The devices and combinations of devices herein shown, are capable of use in
inking attachments, differing essentially from that herein shown, and I therefore
do not limit myself to their use in the particular apparatus herein shown, but deem
such separate, complete devices and combinations as comprehended by my invention,
when used singly or jointly in other inking apparatuses. Nor do I confine myself
to the exact mechanism herein shown, for giving the disc a semi-rotation or for
giving the clutch and ratchet partial rotations, but adhere to my right to substitute
any well known clutch-operating mechanism and I may substitute well known
mechanical elements for those shown for giving motion and position to the novel
devices and combinations of devices herein shown, and even these may be altered
in any manner and to any degree within the skill of persons conversant in the
construction of printing presses.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
First. An ink fountain, comprising a supply cylinder, a suspended well, and a
swinging clamp, substantially as specified.
Second. An ink fountain, comprising a supply cylinder, a suspended well, a
swinging clamp, and removable partitions, substantially as specified.
Third. A bottomless ink well, having a doctor secured to its lower edge, and
walls perforated for suspension, and removable partitions, substantially as specified.
Fourth. An ink well having end walls, interiorly finished, to snugly embrace a

page_text: supply cylinder, and perforated for suspension or pivotal support, and having at a
lower edge a doctor, and an exterior bearing surface for a clamping device,
substantially as specified.
Fifth. An ink well having partitions provided with packing, substantially as
specified.
Sixth. An ink well, having removable partitions, a cross bar or rod arranged
above said partitions, and intermediate, yielding partition-holding devices sub-
stantially as specified.
Seventh. A partition-holding device, consisting of a slotted collar, provided
with a spring arranged in the slot, substantially as specified.
Eighth. A partition-holding device, slotted to embrace a partition, slotted to
embrace a fixed portion of a well, and provided with a securing device for its
removable attachment, to said fixed portion, substantially as specified.
Ninth. A partition-holding device, slotted to embrace a portion, apertured for
mounting and longitudinal movement upon a fixed portion of an ink well, and
provided with a suitable securing device, substantially as specified.
Tenth. A partition for an ink well, having a concave edge provided with
packing, substantially as specified.
Eleventh. A partition for an ink well, having a concave edge, opposite parallel
edges, and opposite, upper and lower flat surfaces or straight edges, substantially
as specified.
Twelfth. The combination of a supply cylinder, an ink well, a partition con-
forming to both, and a slotted partition-holding device rotatably mounted, whereby
it may bear against, to retain, or permit the reinoval of the partition, substantially
as specified.
Thirteenth. The combination with a fixed portion of a press, of a standard or
bracket projecting over the ink disc and having depending arms provided with
bearings, for the support and operation of an ink fountain and a mechanical brayer,
substantially as specified.
Fourteenth. The combination with a fixed portion of a press of a standard or
braket-projecting over and above the ink disc thereof, a rock shaft mounted in
said bracket, a mechanical brayer secured to said rock shaft, an ink well
suspended therefrom, a supply cylinder, mounted below said rock shaft, and a
swinging clamp, substantially as specified.
Fifteenth. A brayer or transfer roll mounted upon spring arms, substantially
as specified.
Sixteenth. A brayer or transfer roll, mounted upon spring arms, secured to
arms of a rock shaft, substantially as specified.
Seventeenth. A transfer roll, mounted for oscillatory motion, in combination
with a supply cylinder and an ink disc, both of which project into the path of the
roll, substantially as specified.
Eighteenth. The combination of a supply cylinder and a transfer roll mounted
on spring arms and for oscillatory motion in a path which includes a portion of the
cylinder, substantially as specified.
Nineteenth. The combination of a transfer roll, mounted on spring arms, and
for oscillatory motion, with an ink disc, located within the path of the transfer roll,
substantially as specified.
Twentieth. An ink disc, the hub or spindle of which is provided with a flat
bearing surface, in combination with a clamp spring pressed against said surface,
substantially as specified.
Twenty-first. An ink disc, having a hub or spindle provided with opposite
bearing surfaces, in combination with pivotted clamps, connected by springs,
substantially as specified.
Twenty-second-The combination of an ink disc, provided with opposite
bearing surfaces, spring pressed clamps and disc semi-rotating mechanism, sub-
stantially as specified.

page_text: Twenty-third.-The combination of an ink disc mounted on a shaft, a clutch
having semi-circumferential steps and clutch, semi-rotating mechanism sub-
stantially as specified.
Twenty-fourth.-The combination of a shaft supporting an ink disc, and
provided with a clutch having two diametrically opposite steps and a pinion, with
a segmental gear, having a cam, and with a cam lever for operating the gear,
substantially as specified.
Twenty-fifth. The combination with a disc-bearing shaft, of a combined clutch
and ratchet, and means for giving the clutch partial rotation, substantially as
shown and described.
Twenty-sixth-The combination with a disc and its spindle or shaft, of means
substantially as specified for giving the disc a positive semi-rotation substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
Twenty-seventh. The combination with an ink disc having stops, of a cushion,
intermittently movable, into and out of the path of said stops, substantially as
specified.
Twenty-eighth.-The combination of an ink disc having stops, a lever, provided
at its free end with a cushion, means substantially as specified for giving partial
rotations to the disc, and for intermittently projecting the free end of the lever
into the path of the stops substantially as specified.
Twenty-ninth. The combination with an ink disc having stops, of a combined
air and spring cushion, substantially as specified.
Thirtieth. The combination with an ink disc having stops and its supporting
shafts provided with a clutch having a pinion, of a lever carrying a cushion, and a
segmental gear having a cam and means for operating the same substantially as
specified.
Thirty-first. In an inking attachment, a combined clutch and ratchet, com-
prising a shaft clutch, collars, one of which is provided with a ratchet, a spline-
sented collar, carrying a pawl, and a bolt or bolts for securing two of the collars to
each other substantially as specified.
Thirty-second. The combination with a semi-rotating ink disc of an ink-
supplying apparatus, extending over one half of the disc, substantially as specified.
Thirty-third. The combination of a semi-rotating ink disc, an ink-supplying
fountain, and a brayer, extending from the centre to an edge of the disc sub-
stantially as specified.
Thirty-fourth. The combination of an ink disc, a series of distributing rolls,
and a distributing surface or plate, located below a form, and mechanism sub-
stantially as specified, for reciprocating said plate as the rolls come or are in
contact therewith substantially as, and for the purpose set forth.
Thirty-fifth. A reciprocatory, distributing plate, provided with means, sub-
stantially as specified, for regulating the extent of the reciprocation.
Thirty-sixth.-The combination with an ink disc provided with means, sub-
stantially as specified, for giving it intermittent semi-rotations, of an ink fountain
and a brayer, substantially as specified.
Thirty-seventh.-The combination of an ink disc, mounted upon a fixed portion
of a press, a moving portion of the press, and intermediate disc semi-rotating
mechanism, substantially as specified.
Thirty-eighth. The combination of the arms C₁, shaft C³ well D, having
perforated risers d, cylinder C² and clamp E mounted on the shaft of the cylinder
and provided with the binding screws e substantially as shown and describod.
Thirty-ninth. The combination of the arms C₁, rock shaft C³, rock arms G³,
springs G¹ and roll G, with rod J, bracket H and roller frame B substantially as
shown and described.
Fortieth. The combination of roll G, spring arms G¹ auxiliary or re-inforcing
spring plates g and arms G³ substantially as shown and described.
Forty-first. The combination of the well D, having the riser d', the rod d²,
collar and partition F substantially as shown and described.

page_text: Forty-second. The combination of the roller frame B, bracket H, rods I, J, pawl
lever and pawl i, i, ratchet and cylinder C with the roll G arms G³, shaft 0³
and arms secured to standard C substantially as shown and described.
Forty-third. The combination of the disc K having hub K¹, provided with flat
surfaces k, clamps S, springs S¹ and bracket L having bars or lugs L³, Lº,
substantially as shown and described.
Forty-fourth. The bracket L provided with the bearings L', L*, L³, Lº, L'
and K substantially as shown and described.
Forty-fifth. The combination of the shaft K', the clutch collars M, N, spline-
seated collar O, pawl pin o, ratchet n³, segmental gear P, cain P³, and cam lever R
substantially as shown and described.
Forty-sixth.-The combination of cam P³, lever T, having arm T, with the
disc K, having stops T", substantially as shown and described.
Forty-seventh. The combination of lever T, cylinder T', piston T' and rubber
spring T substantially as shown and described.
Forty-eighth. The combination of lever R segmental gear P having cams P³, P³
clutch M, N, and lever T substantially as shown and described.
Forty-ninth. The combination of frame B, rollers B¹ and plate U, with lever V₁,
cam V, shaft B4, gear B³, and rod B³, constructed and timed substantially as
specified.
Fiftieth. The combination of plate U, provided with an adjustable button Vº,
with the lever V₁, and cam V, substantially as shown and described.
Fifty-first. The combination of the lever R, with the cross bar b, and adjustable
cam R, substantially as shown and described.