IMPROVEMENTS IN PRINTING PRESSES
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Alexander Melville Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the
County, of Middlesex, Patent Agent, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN PRINTING PRESSES." A communication from abroad by William Hughson
Golding, of Chelsea, in the County of Suffolk, State of Massachusetts, United
States of America.
Sealed the 21st October 1879, and dated the 24th May 1879.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Alexander Melville Clark at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 24th May 1879.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN PRINTING PRESSES." [A communication from
abroad by William Hughson Golding, of Chelsea, in the County of Suffolk, State of
Massachusetts, United States of America.]
This Invention consists mainly in the combination with a centrally supported
platen and a rocker beam of a thrust lever and adjustable shoe, the construction
being such that the strength of the impression is determined by the adjustable shoe
and lever, and the squareness of the impression by the platen and the beam.
consists further in certain details of construction, all of which in connection with
the foregoing will be fully described hereafter.
lt
The frame comprises a base, a pair of vertical standards, and an inclined bed for
the form, cast in one piece. The shaft of the rocker beam carrying the platen is
mounted in the lower part of the frame, and the shaft of the lever, which gives
movement to the various parts of the machine, is mounted in the upper part of said
frame. The inking rollers are guided in their movement by side pieces, which pro-
ject beyond the face of the bed. The rocker beam is adapted at one end to receive
the platen, and provided at the other with a bearing face and socket for holding the
connecting parts of the lever devices which actuate it. The beam is centrally
pivoted on its shaft between the standards, and is cast with lateral arms, which
embrace said standards between them and form additional bearing surfaces for the
beam upon its shaft. The rocker beam is connected at its rear end by a link to
the forked end of a lever arm keyed on the shaft of the actuating hand lever, the
link and lever arm forming together a toggle joint.
The link is connected with the rocker beam by means of a cast iron foot or shoe,
to which the link is jointed, and which is connected with said beam, as hereafter

page_text: described in reference to the regulation of the impression. By moving the actuating
hand lever in the proper direction the toggles are caused to approach a straight line
and depress with great power the rear end of the rocker beam. By this means
the front end carrying the platen is elevated and the impression made. The reverse
movement of the lever produces the opposite effect, and removes the platen from
the bed. The platen is provided with a socket at back to receive a projection
upon the rocker beam, by means of which the position of the platen relatively to
the beam is accurately determined without interfering with its freedom of adjust-
ment. The platen has a central annular bearing flange or rim received in a recess
formed in the rocker beam, which has a curved bearing surface, to which the
adjacent surface of the flange of the platen corresponds.
The platen is secured to the beam by screw bolts which pass freely through
openings in the beam large enough to admit of adjustment of the platen and screw
into sockets at back of the platen. The points of contact between the platen and
beam coincide with a segment of a sphere, and hence the platen may be moved on
its base within certain limits for the purpose of adjustment without changing in
any degree the solidity of its foundation. When adjusted in any desired position
it is rigidly fixed by screwing up the bolts. To obtain a square and true impression
the platen is loosened upon its seat and pressed up against the form, and when the
platen has adjusted itself to the face of the type the bolts are tightened up.
The devices for regulating the strength of the impression consist of a foot or shoe,
having on the underside a bearing face conforming to the upper surface of the
rocker beam on which it rests, and also a square stud received in a corresponding
socket in the beam to prevent movement in a lateral direction. The shoe is secured
to the rocker by a bolt passing up through an enlarged opening in the rocker
beam, and screwing into the shoe, which is also provided with rocker fingers at the
front end that rest in proper recesses in the rocker beam, there being a recess
between the fingers, in which lies a corresponding projection on the beam, so that
the displacement of the shoe in a forward direction is prevented. Under the head
of the bolt is placed a washer provided with a stud received in a slot in the beam,
so that the bolt, although less in diameter than the opening, is held by the washer
from displacement in a lateral direction. One or more sheets of paper or other
suitable material may be interposed if desired between the adjacent faces of the
shoe and beam for the purpose of increasing the strength of the impression. Instead
of these interposed sheets of paper an eccentric screw or wedge may be employed
for the same purpose. The wedge would be inserted between the rocker beam and
an inclined face on the shoe, and adjusted by a set screw. The effect in either
case is to practically increase the length of the thrust, so that consequently the
platen is moved to a greater distance. The shoe is supported upon the beam in
such manner that none of the strain incidental to the operation of the machine is
borne by the fastening devices, the thrust of the toggle levers being communicated
to the shoe which lies in the curve of the rocker beam without tendency to move in
any direction.
The shoe readily adjusts itself at its front end when the position of
the rear end is changed by means of its rocker fingers, so that it has in all its
adjustments a solid bearing on the rocker beam.
The frame carrying the inking rollers is pivoted on the shaft of the actuating
lever, and one of its lateral arms or extensions is by means of a curved connecting
rod connected to the rocker beam for the purpose of receiving movement there-
from.
The roller journal boxes are held in the hooked ends of spring rods sliding in
openings in the ends of said arms. Their springs are formed of a single piece of
wire, which is first centrally bent to form a loop adapted to enclose the hooked
rods, then coiled to form the elastic portions, and finally extended and united to
the lower ends of the rods by its bent ends. By this peculiar construction also
the spring is located upon the inner side of the rod in the usual manner; the
necessary extension requisite to obtain the proper movement would interfere with
the lever.

page_text: An
The inking plate or distributor is of the usual well known construction.
arm is attached to and moves with the inking frame, and is provided with the
pawl actuating the distributor as usual. A standard or arm is secured to the hub
of the inking plate standard, preferably by a clamp made in two interlocking parts
embracing said hub and united by a bolt. A slot is formed in a horizontal portion
at the top of the standard to receive a bolt, by which the ink fountain is secured
to the standard. A swinging frame is pivoted above to ears projecting from the
ink fountain, and provided below with bearings for supporting the shaft of the ink
fountain roller. The roller is adapted to swing into and close more or less tightly
the discharge opening of the ink fountain. The position of the roller and the
swinging frame which supports it relatively to the fountain is such that when the
frame is free the roller will swing away from the opening by the force of gravity.
The roller is properly adjusted and held in any desired position by means of a set
screw. A ratchet is keyed to the roller shaft at one end, and a pawl lever is
pivoted on said shaft, and carries a pawl, and the said pawl lever is united to the
inking frame by means of a connecting rod. An adjustable block upon the con-
necting rod gives the proper length of movement to the pawl lever.
The construction is such, it will be observed, that when the roller is moved to
regulate the supply of ink that an opening will be made above and below the
rollers, the last of which serves as an outlet for the ink, and the first as an inlet for
the return of that which is not taken up by the rollers.
The chase is provided on its end with studs or projections, having their upper
faces equally inclined in a downward direction from the centre. When the chase
is in position one of its inclined faces at each end bears against the face of a stud
on the side piece of the bed, and it consequently is held by this means in its position
firmly against the bed, and cannot therefore be accidentally displaced. Although
securely held, it is readily removed by lifting it in a vertical direction by means of
the double incline; it is capable of being reversed, and may be used with either
side up.
The shaft of the fingers for holding the sheet on the platen is journalled in ears
of the platen, and the fingers are operated by one end of a bar at one side of the
press striking a stud on the frame just before the platen reaches its backward
position, thereby raising the fingers from the platen. On the forward movement of
the platen the fingers are pressed against the platen by a spring attached to the
other end of said bar.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Alexander Melville Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 24th
November 1879.
ALEXANDER MELVILLE CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN PRINTING PRESSES." A communication from
abroad by William Hughson Golding, of Chelsea, in the County of Suffolk, State of
Massachusetts, United States of America.
તુ
This Invention consists mainly in the combination with a centrally supported
platen and a rocker beam of a, thrust lever and adjustable shoe, the construction
being such that the strength of the impression is determined by the adjustable
shoe and lever and the squareness of the impression by the platen and the beam.
It consists further in certain details of construction, all of which in connection
with the foregoing will be fully described hereinafter. In order that the Inven-
tion may be more readily understood I will describe it with reference to the
Drawings, in which Figure 1 represents a side elevation of the improved press, the
platen being in its backward position; Figure 2, a vertical sectional elevation of
the same, the platen being brought up to the form; Figure 3 is a rear elevation of
the same; Figure 4 a side elevation of the ink fountain detached; Figure 5 an end
elevation of the same; Figure 6, a plan view of the face of the rocker beam;
and Figure 7, views on a larger scale of the clamp for holding the ink fountain in
place.
For convenience and clearness of description the Invention will be referred to
under separate beads as follows:-1st, the frame and bed; 2nd, the mechanism for
moving the platen; 3rd, the platen and the devices for adjusting it to give a square
and even impression; 4th, the devices for regulating the strength of the impression;
5th, the inking mechanisın; 6th, the ink fountain; 7th, the chase and the means
for holding it in place; 8th, the frisket for holding the sheet while receiving the
impression.
FIRST. THE FRAME AND BED.
A, Figures 1 and 2, represents a casting of proper form and size, which is pro-
vided generally with a base a, preferably of circular form, vertical standards a¹, a',
Figures 1, 2, and 3, rising from the base, and the inclined bed a², Figure 2, as
shown. Bearings are provided in the frame to support the shaft of the rocker beam
carrying the platen, and at a4, Figure 1, are similar bearings to support the shaft
of the actuating lever, by which movement is given to the various parts of the
machine; a³, Figure 2, represents a stop upon the top plate, uniting the vertical
standards a', by means of which the movement of the lever is limited, as will be
hereinafter described; a, a, Figures 1 and 3, represent side pieces projecting
beyond the face of the bed a2, by means of which the inking rollers are guided in
their movement; a', Figure 3, represents a recess formed, it will be observed,
between the standards a¹ to afford space for certain moving parts hereinafter
referred to.
A frame thus constructed possesses great strength with simplicity of form and a
comparatively small amount of material. The bed and frame, it will be observed,
are cast in a single piece, and the former is centrally supported by the latter.
SECOND. THE MECHANISM FOR MOVING THE PLATEN.
B, Figures 1 and 2, represents a rocker beam consisting of a suitable casting,
preferably of semi oval form in its general outline, which is provided at one end
with the bearing portion b, Figure 1, adapted to receive the platen, as will be herein-
after described, and at the other with a bearing face b', Figure 2, and socket b²

page_text: for holding the connecting parts of the lever devices by which it is actuated; b³,
Figures 1 and 2, represents a shaft supported in bearings in the frame A and
passing through an opening in the beam B for the purpose of centrally pivoting
said beam to the frame A, as shown; b, b, Figure 3, represent arms formed upon
the rocker beam, which extend from their point of connection with the beam B in
an outward and rearward direction in such manner as to einbrace the standards a¹
between them. These arms have openings fitting on the shaft b³, and forming
additional bearing surfaces for the beam to rock upon said shaft b³.
C, Figure 2, represents a toggle bar, which is pointed below to the rocker beam
near the rear end of the latter by intermediate devices hereinafter referred to, and
above to a forked lever arm D by a transverse pin, by means of which it is pivoted
between the arms of the fork as shown. This lever arm is fixed by set screws d
on a transverse shaft e, Figures 1 and 2, which is mounted in the bearings a of the
frame standards a', and passes through a proper opening in the lever as shown.
E is the actuating lever, also rigidly fixed on the same shaft e as lever D, so that the
movements of the former are positively communicated to the latter; d¹. Figure 1,
represents a stop projection, which is adapted to come in contact with the
corresponding stop as on the frame, and limit the movement of the lever in one
direction. The operation of this mechanism will be readily understood. By moving
the lever E in the one direction, C and D which form a toggle joint are caused to
approach a straight line in the usual well known manner, as shown in Figure 2,
and depress with great power the rear end of the rocker beam B. By this means
the front end carrying the platen is elevated, and the proper impression made. The
reverse movement of the lever produces of course the opposite effect, and moves
the platen away from the form, as shown in Figure 1.
THIRD. THE PLATEN AND THE DEVICES FOR ADJUSTING IT TO GIVE A SQUARE
AND EVEN IMPRESSION.
F, Figures 1 and 2 represents the platen constructed generally in the usual well
known or other suitable manner, and provided with the clamps f.f, Figure 1, for
securing the paper thereto; f1, Figure 2, represents a socket adapted to receive a
proper projection upon the rocker beam, as shown, by means of which the position
of the platen relatively to the beam is accurately determined without interfering
with its freedom of adjustment; f2, Figures 2 and 2ª, represents a central bearing
flange or rim of annular form, as shown; 66, Figures 2 and 6, represents a recess
formed in the upper face b of the rocker beam, which is provided with a curved
bearing surface corresponding with the adjacent surface of the flange of the platen,
as shown. There is a screw hole in each corner angle of the platen, and 6', Figure 6,
represents ears on the beam B corresponding in position to the screw holes in the
platen; G, G, Figures 1 and 2, are screw bolts screwing into the said screw holes,
the diameter of the shank of said bolts being less than the diameter of the hole b
for the purpose of securing the platen in any desired position. When these parts
are together the platen is supported upon the curved bearing surface of the rocker
beam by means of its central bearing flange f³, as shown. The points of contact
between them it will be observed coincide with the segment of a sphere, and hence
the platen may be shifted within certain limits for the purpose of adjustment without
changing in any degree the solidity of its foundation.
When adjusted in any
desired position, it is rigidly fixed by screwing up the bolts G, the latter being per-
mitted by the enlarged holes of the ears to adjust themselves with the platen.
The manner of obtaining a square impression is as follows:-The chase containing
a form of type having been secured in place the platen may be properly adjusted by
making it loose upon its seat and pressing it firmly against the face of the type.
Being free to move upon its base it follows that it will necessarily adjust itself to
the face of the type so that when secured by tightening the bolts a square impression -
may be obtained with certainty. This operation can of course be quickly and
easily performed with a certainty of obtaining a perfect result.

page_text: FOURTH. THE DEVICES FOR REGULATING THE STRENGTH OF THE
IMPRESSION.
g, Figure 2, represents a foot or shoe consisting of a proper casting, which is
provided on its underside with a bearing face of such outline as to conform to the
upper surface of the rocker beam on which it rests, and is also provided with a
square stud or projection g', Figure 2b, adapted to fit in a corresponding socket in
the beam in order to prevent movement in a lateral direction. At g near the rear
end of the shoe is a screw hole in which the end of a bolt is received; g³, g³, are
fingers at the front end which are adapted to rest in proper recesses in the rocker
beam; and g is a recess between the fingers in which lies a corresponding projec-
tion on the beam, as shown, the construction being such that the displacement of
the shoe in a forward direction is prevented; g³ is the bolt extending through an
enlarged opening in the rocker beam by means of which the shoe is properly secured
thereto; g is a washer interposed between the head of the bolt and the underside
of the beam which is provided with a stud y adapted to rest in a slot in the beam,
as shown, the construction being such that the bolt although less in diameter than
the opening in which it rests is held by the washer from displacement in a lateral
direction; 9 is a sheet of paper or other suitable material which may be interposed
if desired between the adjacent faces of the shoe and beam, for the purpose of
increasing the strength of the impression. Instead of these interposed sheets of
paper, an eccentric, screw, or wedge may be employed for the same purpose.
It will be observed that the foot is supported upon the beam in such manner
that none of the strain incidental to the operation of the machine is borne by the
fastening devices, the tst of the toggle bar C being communicated to the shoe which
lies in the curve of the .cker beam without tendency to move in any direction.
The operation of these devices is as follows:-When the press is actuated the
thrust of the toggles is communicated through the shoe to the rocker beam carrying
the platen. If it is desired to increase the strength of the impression, the bolt g³ is
loosened and one or more sheets of paper as required are interposed between the
shoe and rocker beam, as shown, and the bolt then tightened up. The effect of this
is to practically increase the length of the thrust so that the platen is consequently
moved to a greater distance. The shoe it will be observed readily adjusts itself at
its front end when the position of the rear end is changed by means of its rocker
fingers, so that it has in all its adjustments a solid bearing on the rocker beam. By
means of this construction the strength of the impression may be adjusted very
quickly and easily and also with nicety. As shown in Figure 2º, B is the rocker
beam, and the shoe secured thereto in the manner previously described; x¹ is an
inclined face upon the shoe; and a wedge block adapted to come beneath the
inclined surface as shown; a is an adjusting screw by means of which the wedge
block may be moved into any desired position. The strength of the impression is
determined by the position of the wedge block, this being moved forward to increase
the same, and backward to diminish it by means of the adjusting screw.
FIFTH, THE INKING MECHANISM.
H, Figure 3, represents the frame carrying the inking rollers, consisting of the
U shaped bend h pivoting at h³, h', upon the shaft of the actuating lever and
having the lateral arms h², h², Figure 1; h³, Figure 3, is an ear upon one side of the
frame; and 5, Figures 1 and 3, is a curved connecting rod jointed thereto by a trans-
verse pin, Figure 3ª. The connecting rod extends in a downward direction, and
is secured at its lower end to the rocker beam, as shown, for the purpose of receiving
movement therefrom; ho, ho, Figure 1, are rods fitted to slide in holes in the arms h²;
they are provided at one end with a hook adapted to hold the roller journal
box, as shown, and at the other with a hole for receiving one end of the spring h³.
The springs are formed of a single piece of wire which is first centrally.bent to

page_text: form the loops ho, ho, Figures 2d and 3, adapted to enclose the rods h, as shown,
then coiled to form the elastic portions 10, 10, and, finally extended and hooked
into the hole at the lower ends of the rods by the bent, ends ", as shown. By
means of this peculiar construction also the spring is located upon the inner side
of the rod where the space is ample, whereas if coiled upon the rod in the usual
manner the extension requisite to obtain the proper movement would interfere with
the actuating lever.
"
h represents the inking rollers having the usual shaft h¹; and h¹, the boxes in.
which the shafts revolve... h15 represents the inking plate or distributor, of; the
usual well known construction, and 10 the standard by means of which it is
supported; 7 represents an arm properly, attached to the inking frame and con-,
sequently moving with it, which is provided with the pawl h18 adapted to actuate
the distributor in the usual well known manner.
The operation of the inking mechanism is as follows:When the actuating
lever E is raised after the impression has been made the rear end of the rocker
beam is also raised by the intermediate mechanisin previously described, and
consequently also the rear end of the inking frame united thereto by the connecting
rod described. The elevation of the rear end necessarily depresses the front end of
the frame, and the rollers are consequently carried off from the distributor. down
over the face of the type in the usual well known manner. By this movement also
the position of the distributor is changed after the rollers have passed off.from it in
the manner well understood. The reverse movement of the lever of course brings
the rollers back over the type again to their normal position.
SIXTH THE INK FOUNTAIN.
:
I, Figure 3, represents a standard or arm secured in any proper manner to the
hub of the inking plate standard, but preferably in the following manner :-
i, Figure 7, represents a jaw formed upon the lower part of the standard, and
2 is a second jaw on a clamping block bolted to the part by a screw i*, passing
through hole in the clamping block and screwing into a tapped hole in the
part are projecting ribs or feathers on the part that fit into corresponding
recesses in the block . The jaws i, 2, embrace the hub of the ink plate
standard, and are secured by tightening the bolt ; J, Figure 4, represents the
ink fountain consisting of a triangular box provided with an opening below of
proper form to receive a roller by which the opening is closed or partially closed as
shown. The ink fountain J is secured to the upper end of arm I by a bolt passing
through a slot in the arm, and screwing into a tapped hole in a stud or pro-
jection j on the back of the ink fountain; j', Figure 5, is a swinging frame pivoted
above to ears projecting from the ink fountain as shown, and provided below with
bearings in which spindle of the roller jo is supported. The roller is adapted
in size and position to swing into and close more or less, tightly as may be desired,
the discharge opening in the ink fountain. The position of the roller j³ and the
swinging frame j¹ relatively to the fountain is such that when the frame is free
the roller will swing away from the opening by the force of gravity, the roller
being adjusted and held in any desired position by means of a set screw j passing
through a hole into the frame, and screwing into a tapped hole in the fountain;
js is a ratchet rigidly secured to one end of the roller spindle, and j a pawl lever
pivoted on said spindle carrying the pawl j; 8 represents a connecting rod by
means of which the pawl lever 7 is coupled to the inking frame H, as shown in
Figure 3 represents an adjustable block upon the lever by means of which the
proper length of movement may be given to the pawl lever.
When it is desired to use the ink fountain, it is turned on the standard into
proper position over the inking plate, and the proper connection being made the
fountain supplied with ink and the roller adjusted to deliver the proper quantity.
The operation is as follows when the machine is at work:-When the rollers pass
over the inking plate in their upward movement, the upper roller 12 comes at one

page_text: 2nd. In the combination with a toggle joint and rocker beam of the removable
strip g, and an intermediate shoe and set screw for determining the length of
the thrust, substantially as described.
3rd. The combination of the following elements, a rocker beam, a thrust lever, an
intermediate shoe capable of adjustment, and mechanism substantially as described
for securing the shoe in any position in which it may be adjusted.
4th. The mechanism for adjusting the platen, substantially as described.
5th. The novel device shown in Figure 2c for regulating the strength of the
impression.
6th. The novel parts and combination of the ink fountain, as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Alexander Melville Clark, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty fourth day of November, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy nine.
A. M. CLARK. (L.S.)