IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR PRINTING FROM ZINC PLATES
Year: 1886

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Dec., 1886.
Specification Accepted, 25th Jan., 1887.
I, THOMAS RUDDIMAN JOHNSTON, Managing Director of the firm of Ruddiman
Johnston & Co Limited, Waverley Works, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Printers and
Publishers do hereby declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINES FOR PRINTING FROM ZINC PLATES, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
The object of my invention is, to provide a rotary machine, capable of printing
paper in one or more printings, and if the latter in exact register, from flat zinc plates,
temporarily secured to the curved surface of a cylinder.
The machine consists of two cylinders, a larger and a smaller, placed side by side. in
the same frames, their axles being in the same horizontal line. To the larger can be
imparted a constant rotary motion, in one direction, and it again can impart an inter-
mittent rotary motion, in a contrary direction, to the smaller cylinder, and this
intermittent rotary motion, may be given or, not to the smaller cylinder, without
stopping the larger. On part of the surface of the larger cylinder, the zinc plate,
having on its surface the design to be printed from, is fixed, and another part of the
surface, is used as an Ink Table, on which the ink furnished to the Inking Rollers is
first spread, and the remainder of its surface, is used as a Damping Table, from which
the Damping Rollers, receive their moisture. The smaller cylinder carries the sheet
of paper to be printed, and when it is placed in connection with the larger, it during
each revolution of the latter, stands sufficiently long for the sheet of paper to be fed
into its gripper, and then revolves, bringing the sheet in contact with the surface of
the zinc plate, and then continues to revolve, until it comes to the same position it was
first in. Working in slots in the frames, and almost beneath the larger cylinder are
Damping Rollers for damping the zinc plate, after each sheet of paper is printed, they
receiving their moisture from the Damping Table, which again is supplied by a roller
working between it, and another roller, revolving in a water trough. Working in
slots in the upper portion of the frames, and above the larger cylinder, are Inking
Rollers, which ink the plate after it is damped, they receiving a fresh supply of ink
from the Ink Table, which again is supplied by a feed-roller, working between it, and
an Ink Ductor Roller, which moves in a supply of ink; and the ink on the Ink Table,

page_text: is,-before it reaches the Inking Rollers spread by Distributing Rollers, working in
slots at one side of the frames, and which have Riding Rollers working against them,
to further spread the ink. The Inking Rollers are also provided with Riding Rollers,
for the same purpose.
The machines already invented-but which are not in use-fail in many of their
details, to be practical machines, and the object of my invention is, to improve many
of the details, and furnish new parts, so as to provide a machine capable of printing as
described.
The first improvement relates to the starting and stopping of the smaller cylinder.
The motion whereby one wheel constantly revolving in one direction, imparts an inter-
mittent rotary motion, in a contrary direction, to a second wheel, is well known, but
as the cylinders in these machines are of considerable weight, it is necessary to start
and stop the smaller cylinder gradually. This I do by means of a cam on one of the
toothed wheels, fixed on the shaft of the larger cylinder, moving one end of a lever,
oscillating on a bolt, fixed to the frame, and the other end of which moves backwards
and forwards a sliding bar, which again acts on a pin, fixed to a toothed wheel, on the
smaller cylinder shaft. The cam gradually starts and accelerates the motion of the
smaller cylinder, and when its surface speed is the same as the surface speed of the
larger cylinder, the toothed wheels on the cylinder shafts gear with each other, and
the smaller cylinder is made to complete its revolution. The smaller cylinder is
gradually stopped, by a drag, combined with other means more particularly described
hereafter.
The next improvement provides means by which the smaller cylinder can be made
to revolve intermittently, or not at all, with the larger, and also prevents the lever for
accomplishing this, partly disengaging the parts, compelling it to leave them either
in their correct position for causing the smaller cylinder to revolve, or in such a
position that the larger cylinder will not act on the smaller.
The third improvement is the lifting of the Inking Rollers to any desired extent,
by means of wedges acting against pieces, coming in contact with the Inking Roller
shafts, and which wedges are moved by screwed rods, revolved by geared bevelled
wheels, actuated by a handle.
The fourth improvement is the raising of the Ink Table on the larger cylinder,
above the level of the surface of the zinc plate and Damping Table, so that by slightly
raising the Inking Rollers, as described, they can revolve on the former alone.
The fifth is the giving to the Distributing Rollers, which spread the ink on the
Ink Table, a to and fro automatic lateral movement, by-as they revolve-making
pieces fixed to each end of their shafts, work against parts cast on the frame..
The sixth, is the means adopted, to force with any desired amount of pressure, the
Distributing Rollers against the Ink Table, this being done by two bands, having
each one of their ends fixed to the frames, and going alternately round runners on the
shafts of the Distributing Rollers, and similar runners fixed to the frames, the other
ends of the bands being hooked to the ends of weighted levers, oscillating on bolts,
fixed to one of the cross frames..
The seventh, provides a means whereby the Ink Feed Roller conveying ink from
the Ink Ductor Roller, to the Ink Table, can should it vary from the designed size,
be made to bear with any amount of pressure on the Ink Table, and on the Ink
Ductor Roller, and a movement of a similar nature, by which the Water Feed Roller,
can act in a similar manner.
The eighth, covers the means by which the Damping Rollers placed almost beneath
the larger cylinder, can be gradually raised and brought to bear with any desired
amount of pressure against the zinc plates or damping table, by means of two bands,
working alternately round runners on the shafts of these rollers, and similar runners
fixed to the frame, and having each one end hooked to a weighted lever, and their
other ends fixed to screwed rods. The rollers being lifted from the curved ends of
slots in the side frames.
The ninth improvement, is a means of starting and stopping the revolving of the
Ink Ductor Roller, and Water Trough Roller, or either of them, by merely slightly

page_text: puning out, or pushing in, one or both, of two little pins, thus controlling the supply
of ink and water to the Ink and Damping Tables, as the Feed Rollers receive their
motion from the others.
The tenth relates to the Trough in which the Water Ductor Roller revolves and
which it closely fits this trough being double and having its inner surface perforated
with small holes so that water being allowed to more or less fill the space between its
sides any desired quantity can thus be regularly supplied to the Water Roller.
The eleventh, covers the means of effecting the movement, by pincer-shaped pieces,
attached to the cylinder, and having screwed shafts, of the flat zinc plate bearing the
design, until it assumes its required position, these pincer-shaped pieces, being acted
on by nuts; and by "flat zinc plate," I mean a plate that lies flat before and after it
is attached to the surface of a cylinder, and is only temporarily curved while on the
cylinder, the curve in every part being equi-distant from the centre of the cylinder.
The twelfth covers the means by which a flat zinc plate, temporarily curved, is
firmly fixed to the cylinder, by means of pieces projecting over the ends of the plate,
and screwed against it, by means of bolts and nuts.
The thirteenth is the formation of certain paths, at the sides of the plate, Ink, and
Damping Tables, and pieces holding the plate at each end, the levels of which are so
made, that the runners on the Damping and Inking Rollers, cause these rollers to
come on these tables and the plate when required, and one of these paths also moves
the wheel on the lever which raises and closes the grippers.
The fourteenth is the providing of Setters, with curved faces, to which the edge of
the sheet of paper is laid, the curves exactly corresponding to part of the circum-
ference of a circle, traced from a centre, placed at the top of the bevel, against which
the grippers act, and the closing of which does therefore not cause the sheet to move
on the Feeding Board.
The fifteenth is the using of Grippers, for temporarily holding the paper to the
smaller cylinder, having a straight up and down movement, and not on the path of a
circle as is usual, and so when they close on the paper, not causing it to move, after it
is laid against the setter.
The sixteenth provides for giving any desired amount of pressure, at various parts,
to the brush, which keeps the sheet of paper smooth just before it is printed on.
All of which improvements, will be more easily understood, by reference to the
accompanying drawings, and by the following more fully detailed description.
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the machine, A being the line of the printing surface
of the zinc plate, fixed to the larger cylinder, and which cylinder has other parts of its
surface, used for Ink and Damping Tables, and A' is the shaft of this cylinder; and B
is the line of the face of the sheet of paper, temporarily attached to the smaller or
Impression Cylinder, when it is being printed, and B is the shaft of this cylinder.
Care the Inking Rollers with their Riding Rollers C²; D the Distributing Rollers
for spreading the ink on the Ink Table; and D' their Riding Rollers; and Ê are the
Damping Rollers.
To describe the means used for revolving the larger cylinder, it will be necessary to
also examine Fig. 2, which is an end elevation of a portion of the machine, partly in
section, the reference letters being made to agree with the same parts shown in Fig. 1.
F is a belt running on the fast pulley F2, or loose pulley F³, and conveying motion
from a main or countershaft driven by any prime mover, to the shaft G, on which is
fixed the Fly Wheel G2, and pinion wheel G³, this latter gearing with the large
toothed wheel A³, fixed on the shaft A³, of the larger cylinder, and so revolving it. It
will thus be seen, that by moving the belt from the loose pulley F³, to the fast
pulley F, the larger cylinder can be made to revolve, or by reversing this process
be made to stop. To prevent lateral movement the shaft G has several collars
pinned on it.
On the shaft A of the larger cylinder, fixed to it, and inside the frames Z, see
Figs. 3 and 4, and at each end of this cylinder, and with the pitch line A of their teeth,
coinciding with the surface of the attached zinc plate, are two partly toothed
wheels Hand H, and on the smaller cylinder shaft B, and opposite the wheels H¹

page_text: and H, are fixed two wheels J' and J³, see Figs. & 5, also with teeth on part of
their peripheries, on a pitch line coinciding with the surface of the blanket when com-
pressed by the pressure of the larger cylinder, which can be made to gear at will with
these first named wheels, and so revolve the Impression Cylinder.
The means by which a wheel constantly rotating in one direction, imparts an inter-
mittent rotary motion in a contrary direction, to another wheel, are well known, but
as in this case the cylinders are heavy, it is necessary to start and stop the smaller
cylinder gradually, the larger cylinder revolving at a constant speed, and this is
accomplished in the following manner, see Figs. 3, 6, 7 and 35, and forms one of the
claims of my invention.
One of the larger toothed wheels H', has a cam groove K formed in its side, and
in this groove the wheel L', fixed to one end of the lever L runs. This lever oscillates
on a bolt L³, fixed in one of the side frames Z, and moves, by means of a pin L³,
sliding between the legs of its other forked end, a bar L, sliding against the inner
side of the frame, and carrying at its other extremity a block piece L', capable of
receiving in its grove, the pin M³, of the piece M, which works between guide
pieces M³, fixed to the side of one of the partly-toothed wheels J', keyed on the shaft
of the smaller cylinder. The sliding bar is made in two parts, joined together by
bolts and nuts at Le, so as to admit of adjustment, and it is held against the frame by
the parts L', fixed in position by the bolts L³. The piece M has bevelled edges so
that the guide pieces M³ hold it against the side of the toothed wheel.
When the smaller cylinder is working, the parts as shown in Fig. 3, are in the
position they will be in, just before the smaller cylinder is made to revolve. It will
be seen, that if the larger cylinder continues to revolve, the part of the cam marked K²,
will gradually move the lever L on its centre, and so convey motion to the smaller
cylinder, and this motion is gradually accelerated, until the portion K³ of the cam,
makes the surface speed of both cylinders exactly alike. At this moment the first
tooth H³, of the larger cylinder wheel, will meet the half tooth piece J³ of the smaller,
and the latter cylinder will be completely revolved, the pin M³ releasing itself from
the block L, and the part of the cam K4, will make the lever L bring back the sliding
bar L, to the position shown in the drawing, so that the block L' may again receive
the pin M².
To ease the stopping of the smaller cylinder, a portion-not shown in the drawing-
of the last teeth H, of the larger wheels H₁ and H2, is bevelled away, so that when
these teeth act against the last teeth J of the smaller cylinder, they may not push this
cylinder entirely home at its full speed, but gradually bring it into its place, and the
blank portions H, of the surface of the larger wheels, acting in the recessed portions J,
of the smaller wheels, and against their last teeth Jwhich with other two have
strengthening plates at their sides-keep the smaller cylinder in one position, until
the portion K of the cam, again comes round, and acts on the lever L. It will be
noticed, that the blank portions of the larger wheels, are cut away at H, to prevent
the blank portions J on the smaller cylinder wheels, coming in contact with them,
when the cam first begins to act.
To prevent when desired the smaller cylinder revolving, the piece M is raised, with-
drawing its pin M², from the block piece L', by means of the lower forked arm of the
angle lever M, acting on a pin M, fixed to the other extremity of M. This angle
lever M is centred at M, and is moved by means of the part Ñ³, of the striking-on
lever N, attached to the side frame at N³, as shown in Fig. 1.
It is important that the smaller cylinder be either gearing with the larger cylinder,
or be entirely out of gear with it. If during the process of placing it either in or out
of gear, the cam should commence to act, some damage would probably be done. To
ensure efficient working, on the striking-on lever N, a triangular piece N is fixed, and
opposite to it on the large wheel H', is a part H', with a similarly pointed end H³.
The part H' is carried round the greater portion of the wheel H', and when the part N
of the lever N, is pushed against it, it cannot pass, and therefore cannot withdraw the
pin M³, from the block L, but at one portion H' of the circumference of the larger
wheel, it can pass, and so can withdraw the bolt M², and the pointed part H³ therefore

page_text: compels N* either to take the position shown in the drawing, when the smaller cylinder
will revolve with the larger, or the position No, when the part N2 of the handle lever,
will have acted against the pin M' of the angle lever M, and so have withdrawn the
piece M, with its pin M³, from the block L', allowing the bar L, to slide freely
backwards and forwards, without moving the smaller cylinder. As the piece M is
raised, the parts N' and N of the lever N, lock with the projection J', on the smaller
toothed wheel, and so retain the cylinder in its correct position. A spring Ja attached
at one end to the angle lever, and at its other end to the wheel J', keeps the angle piece
in the position shown-the part M on the wheel J¹ preventing it coming further-when
the smaller cylinder is working, and removable pins inserted in the side frame, keep
the lever N in any desired position. The lever N crosses from the outside to the inside
of the frame, as shown at N' Fig. 2, and works against the outside of the frame at N³,
so as to act steadily.
When the Impression Cylinder is completing its revolution, the pin M² of the
piece M, coming in contact with the top of the block I, acts by the pulling of the
spring J, as a drag on the smaller cylinder, but besides this, there is on the smaller
cylinder shaft, see Figs. 1, 5 and 7, part of a grooved wheel O, in the groove of which
works the drag piece 02. This piece 03, can be raised or lowered, by means of the
nuts 03, and its square shaft 04, working in the bracket 05, fastened to the projecting
part Z16, of the frame, by the bolts O, keeps it facing one direction. The first grooved
part 0, of this drag wheel O, comes in contact with the drag 02, when the paper is
just beginning to be printed, and at which time it is important that whatever wear and
tear may have taken place, the two cylinders should at every impression, meet each
other at one constant line, and the other grooved part 07, is for easing the stopping of
the cylinder. This part 02 is made of wood covered with leather, and by raising or
lowering it, by means of the nuts, any amount of drag can be applied to the smaller
cylinder. Fig. 7 shows an end elevation of the parts of the drag, and Fig. 8 is a plan
of the bracket. Fig. 7 also shows-partly in section-the partly toothed wheel J', and
the parts in connection with it, looking from where the two cylinders meet, and Fig. 6
in the same manner, and from the same position, shows the larger cam wheel H', and
its parts, the reference letters being the same in all drawings. The wheel H² gears
with the wheel J, but has no cam, nor any lever &c. working in contact with it.
The movements and parts described, thus permit with a constant rotary movement
of the larger cylinder in one direction, the revolving of the smaller cylinder inter-
mittently, at pleasure, in a contrary direction, the starting and stopping of the smaller
cylinder gradually, and by them, and by the difference in diameter of the two cylinders,
the steady retention of the sinaller cylinder, during about two-fifths of the revolution
of the larger, so as to allow of the sheets of paper, being fed accurately to the gripper,
on the smaller cylinder. And the parts and movements in connection with the
striking-on lever, prevent any damage being done, by the cylinders being made to work
together, when all their parts are not in their proper positions.
To complete the description of the driving arrangements, the shaft G is supported
at one end, as shown in Fig. 2, by the pedestal G* fixed to the floor, and works through
both side frames Z' and Z2, and is prevented by collars fixed to it, from any movement
laterally.
To stop the movements of the whole machine, the belt is pushed from the fast to the
loose pulley, and immediately afterwards a drag is applied to the fly-wheel, by the
continuing movement of a lever, as is now described. In Figs. 1 and 2, F' is a lever
oscillating on the bolt F³, and having at the laying-on-side of the machine Z', a foot-
piece F, and at its other end a pin F, moving in a slot cut in the belt-striker F1.
This striker oscillates on a bolt F, passing through it, and through the piece F, fixed
to the floor. This lever also acts at F10, against the angled piece of metal F, fixed to
the wooden drag F12, which rests on the floor, and is at one end hinged to it, by means
of the part F13, and its bolts. By placing the foot on the foot piece F, when the belt
is on the fast pulley F, and making the foot piece end of the lever to descend, its other
portion with the pin F' will rise, and the pin F' working in the slot 4 of the
striker 5, will cause the latter to move on its centre F8, and so carry the belt by the

page_text: end of the striker F1, from the fast to the loose pulley, but when the pin has travelled
to the portion F7 of the slot, it will cease to move the striker, as the upper portion of
the slot, is on a circumference of a circle drawn from the centre of the lever pin F;
but though it ceases to move the striker, it now comes in contact with the angled
piece F, fixed to the drag F, and lifts the latter against the fly wheel G³, and by
stopping it, stops the entire machine. The belt is thus on the loose pulley before the
drag begins to act. To start the machine, the foot-piece is lifted up by the toe, or
otherwise, the lever first removing the drag from the fly-wheel, and then shifting the
belt from the loose to the fast pulley. The bolt F on which this drag and striker lever
oscillates, is supported by a bracket F18, fixed to the Z side of the machine, by the
bolts F19.
The two cross-frames P and Q of the machine, are shown in Figs. 1 and 2, P being
lowered at its centre, to permit of easy access to the Ink and Water Troughs, and P is
securely bolted to the side frames Z' and Z, by the bolts P, there being projections Z³,
on the side frames into which P fits. The cross-frame Q is fixed in a similar manner
by the bolts Q, its ends fitting the projections 23. Only one of the ends of the cross
frame P is shown, in section in Fig. 2, and at the Zend of the frame, but its other
end is exactly the same as this one. The cross frame Q has its bolts in exactly the
same relative positions as those of P, as shown in Fig. 1, but as it is slightly higher
than that cross frame, and is not lowered in any part of its length, it meets the side
frames, at a higher level Q', and the projections on the latter, are also increased to Z,
to receive it. Crossbars also rigidly connect the two frames Z¹ to Z³, at Z³, Zº, 27, 28,
Z° and Z¹º.
two
To fix the larger cylinder in the side frames, only permitting of its adjustment and
rotation, its shaft A2 is reduced at each end A, and at these parts the brasses A³,
at each end, are inserted. These brasses are again placed in blocks A°, see Figs. 1 and 4,
sliding in the side frames Z' and Z3, and these blocks are held firmly in position by
means of the plates A', secured to the side frames by the bolts A8, and inserted in
grooves cut in the blocks to receive them; and by bolts A, working through screwed
holes, in parts of the side frames at 2 and 23, and which with their jam nuts A,
permit of the exact adjustment of the cylinder, as well as of the tightening of the
brasses should they become worn.
The smaller cylinder is fixed in a similar manner, see Figs. 1 and 2, B³ being the
reduced parts of its shaft, B its brasses, B³ the sliding blocks, Be the plates holding
these in position, and B7 the bolts holding the plates, but at each side against one of the
sliding blocks, is a piece of rubber B, held in position by the plate B, which is again
retained by the bolt B". This rubber permits the smaller cylinder to "give" slightly,
when printing, to meet any inequality in the paper or zinc plate. The bolts B
and B12, work through screwed holes in parts of the side frames "Z" and Z", and have
jam nuts B1 and B
The surface of the larger cylinder is divided into three portions, one of these Fig. 15
being occupied by the plate R, the second by the Damping Table S, and the third by
the Ink Table T.
To hold the flat zinc plate, temporarily bent round the cylinder, against it, and at
same time be able to move the plate until it attains its proper position, is an important
feature of my invention, it being found in practice impossible, to transfer the design to
the plate so exactly, that one printing will register with the next, thus necessitating
the adjusting of the zinc plate, to accomplish this, and another important feature, is
the securing of the plate to the cylinder, after it is adjusted. In other machines the
plates have their edges doubled round a block, or are otherwise more or less sharply
bent, in the means taken to secure them, and this besides preventing the adjusting of
the plate on the cylinder, necessitates a special block being used, in the press, where
the design is transferred to its surface, but the plates I use, are perfectly flat when
being transferred, and are only temporarily bent sufficiently to lie on the surface of the
cylinder, all their parts being equi-distant from the centre of it.
To effect this, I use the "pullers" and "holders," shown in side elevation in Figs. 17
and 18, in end elevation in Fig. 19, in plan in Fig. 16, and in position in Fig. 15,

page_text: The plate being laid on the cylinder, is held at its corners between the jaws of the
"pullers." Each "puller" holds the plate by means of an upper U₁, and lower U
jaw-piece, pressed together by means of a bolt U³, and nut U. These bolts are of
square formation, in the portion passing through the two jaws, to prevent the upper
jaw revolving when the nut is being turned. The lower jaw terminates in a screwed
shaft, which passes through an eye U, which forms part of the cylinder, and has on it
on each side of this eye, nuts U and U. The jaws are roughened on their surfaces,
which grip the plate, so that a firm hold may be secured. By slackening the nut U',
and revolving the nut U%, of the two "pullers" at one end of the plate, so that they
will move further on to the screw, it is evident that the plate will be pulled along, if
the nuts on the "pullers" at the other end of the plate, have been previously screwed,
so as to push the plate in this direction. As it is intended in this machine to use plates
of an uniform size, the "puller " Fig. 17 is shown in its furthest in position, and the
ones at the other end of the plate must be at their furthest out one. The aim of the
workman, will be to place the design on the plate, so that the pullers will be in their
central position, as shown in Fig. 16, that is with an equal amount of their screw on
each side of the eye Us. The printer will then-if necessary-adjust the plate, by
slackening the nuts at one end and tightening those at the other. If the nut U be
first slackened, and the nut U' made to revolve more off the screw, it will make the
puller "have a pushing effect on the plate. When the plate attains its correct
position, both nuts are tightened, and act as jam nuts. The upper jaws may have pins,
and the lower ones corresponding holes, the pins passing through holes in the plate.
The "holders" for securing the plate after it is adjusted, are each composed of a
part V1, forced against the zinc plate by the nut V2, and bolt V3. This bolt is square
where it passes through V, and is screwed firmly into the cylinder. The part of V₁
gripping the plate, is roughened, so as to secure a better hold, and projects over the
plate, so that the latter may be adjusted to its correct position, and then be held by the
"holders." Figs. 17, 18 and 19 are on double the scale of the other figures. The
position on the cylinder of these plate "pullers" and "holders," is shown in Fig. 15.
They are sunk in recesses in the surface, and only project the thickness of their upper
jaws, above the surface of the plate. It is intended to have a "puller" at each corner
of the plate, but several "holders" at small distances apart at each end of the plate.
In Fig. 15, the section shows at one end the "puller" in solid lines, and the "holder
in dotted ones, and the opposite of this at the other end..
"
"
In Fig. 4, R represents the plate in its central position the way of its length, R' and
R³ being its edges, and R and Ro the limits of the largest design on it.
The upper surface of the zinc plate, exactly coincides with the pitch line of the
toothed wheels on its shaft, and I place the surface of the Damping Table slightly above
the pitch line, and the surface, of the Ink Table higher still, so that it is possible by
slightly lifting the Inking Rollers, to allow them to run on the Ink Table, and yet
clear the Damping Table, and Zine Plate, and the "pullers" and "holders" which
secure it to the cylinder. These differences in elevation, are shown in Fig. 15, but
more clearly in the sections Figs. 4, 9 and 10, where A in each case is the pitch line,
and where in Fig. 4 it passes along the surface of the plate R, in Fig. 9 through the
Damping Table S, and Fig. 10 through the Inking Table T.
Fig. 12 shows an Inking Roller with its runner C³. All the Inking Rollers are
alike, and can move laterally to a certain extent, as shown at C, their shafts being
thicker inside the frames Z, than in the portions passing through them. The runners
are as nearly as possible the same diameter as the Rollers.
Fig. 13 is a Damping Roller with its runners E2 of the same diameter as it.
When printing is taking place, it is necessary for the Inking Rollers to run on the
Ink Table T, and on the Plate R, but neither to touch the plate "pullers" and
"holders at either end of it, nor the Damping Table. It is also necessary for the
Damping Rollers, to run on the Damping Table S, to clear the Ink Table T, and run
on the Plate R, but also not to touch the plate "pullers" and "holders" at either end.
To accomplish this, there are several paths left on the larger cylinder, at each side of
the plate, its pullers and holders, the Ink Table, and Damping Table, on which the

page_text: runners of these rollers run on, or above, and raised parts of which they come in
contact with, when it is necessary to raise the Rollers, to make them clear a part of the
surface of the cylinder. These paths are most clearly shown in the sections Figs. 4, 9, 10
and 11, in which all the relative positions agree, and from which it will be seen, that
in Fig. 4, the runners C³ of the Inking Rollers C, fall into the recess C³, permitting
the Rollers to come in contact with the plate R, but in Fig. 9, are raised by the
parts C, over the Damping Table S, and are again in Fig. 10, lowered at C7, to permit
the Inking Rollers to come in contact with the Ink Table T. These paths for the
Inking Rollers, are broad enough to allow of the lateral movement of the Inking
Rollers, already mentioned: In the same manner the Damping Roller runners, are at
Fig. 4. E below the surface of the plate, thus permitting the Damping Rollers to come
in contact with it, in Fig. 9, E13 they are also below the surface of the Damping Table,
so that their rollers come in contact with it, but in Fig. 10 E, they carry the
Damping Rollers clear of the Ink Table. Both Damping and Inking Rollers, as
shown at C and E Fig. 11, are made to clear the plate "pullers" and "holders."
The paths of these rollers are also shown clearly in Figs. 15 and 16, and in the
former case, the various paths can be traced right round the cylinder, and in the latter
diagram the arrows indicate where the paths rise and fall.
To follow the Inking Rollers during a revolution of the cylinder, it will be seen that
they revolve on the Inking Table T, their runners being just above the path C, that
when they come to the end of the Inking Table, their runners come in contact
with the part C, protecting the plate "pullers" and "holders," and compel the
Inking Rollers to rise and clear these, the runners coming next down just over
the path C, permitting the Inking Rollers to run over the plate R, but when
they come to the end of the plate, the runners meet the other parts C³, compelling
the Inking Rollers to rise and clear the second set of plate " pullers" and "holders,'
the runners then continuing at a slightly higher level C6, keeping the Inking
Rollers clear of the Damping Table S, and at the end of it, descend again to
the Inking Table T.
The Damping Rollers in a similar manner, revolve on the Damping Table S, their
runners being just over the path E¹³, the runners then mount the part E, keeping the
Damping Rollers clear of the Ink Table, they then fall slightly in coming to the
part E protecting the plate "pullers" and "holders," and further at the beginning of
the plate, when they are just over the path E, the rollers revolving on the plate, but at
the end of the plate, they come in contact with the other protector E15, of the second
set of plate "pullers" and "holders," compelling the Damping Rollers to rise clear
of them, and then down to E¹³, to allow the Damping Rollers to again return to
the Damping Table.
Fig. 14 shows one of the Inking Roller Riders, shown in position in Fig. 1, C².
These Riders as shown at C, can have a greater lateral movement than the Inking
Rollers. Their shafts are thicker than those of the Inking Rollers, and as they
work in the same openings in the frame, these openings are contracted at their
lower portions, as shown in Fig. 1, so that the Riders only come in contact with
the Inking Rollers, when the latter are on the Ink Table, and are forced up to
meet them.
Fig. 20 shows a Distributing Roller D, for distributing the ink on the Ink Table,
and D its Rider. The openings in the frame in which these rollers revolve, are
only made sufficiently deep to permit of the Distributing Rollers meeting the Ink
Table, but not deep enough to permit them to touch the zinc plate, damping table,
or plate "pullers" and "holders." In some cases the design printed from, requires
much more ink at some parts than at others, and to provide a regular supply to
the Inking Rollers, the Distributing Rollers have a forced to and fro lateral
movement given to them, as shown in Fig. 20. Pieces D1 and D¼ of circular
form, are cast on the inside of the frames. On the Distributing Roller shafts are
fixed circular pieces D and D16, of the same diameter as the Distributing Rollers,
and having projecting parts, which revolve in constant contact with the parts D¹³
and D. But these pieces D1 and D¹ are reversed, so that when the projecting

page_text: part of D is in contact with the lowest part of D, the projecting part of D is
in contact with the highest part of D", and the projecting parts are made broad enough
to prevent them catching in the slots, in which the Distributing Rollers work.
As the rollers revolve, they will therefore have a lateral to and fro movement given
to them. This same movement, can be given to the Inking Roller Riders if desired.
It will be noticed in Fig. 4, that the Rider D³, of the Distributing Roller, is longer
than that roller, and that its edges do not come in contact with the surface of the latter,
and therefore cannot mark it. The Distributing Roller D, is again longer than the Inking
Roller C, even when the latter is furthest the one way, and the former furthest the other.
The Distributing Rollers can therefore never leave by their edges, marks on the Ink Table,
to be taken up by the Inking Rollers. The Inking Roller Riders C³, are also longer
than the Inking Rollers, as is the Ink Table, and so they also cannot mark them, and the
Inking Rollers are longer than the largest design on the plate. The plate will therefore
be inked without any marks or streaks.
Though the Inking and Damping Rollers are longer than the design on the plate,
the plate itself is, and that in the direction of the length of these rollers, longer than
them, in whatever position it may be. Its edges therefore can never cut or mark the
rollers. The diameters shown of these various rollers are the required diameters of
the finished rollers ready for working in each case but the machine is designed so that
should the Inking Rollers be made slightly smaller or increase slightly larger than
their correct size this will not affect the working. In Fig. 1 the Inking Rollers at
each side of the centre one are shown of larger and smaller diameters. As the
plate in a rotary machine, passes only once in each revolution beneath the Inking
Rollers, and not twice as in the reciprocating lithographic machines, now in use,
more rollers are necessary to give the same amount of inking power, and as heavy
Inking Rollers, or rollers pulled down by springs, are necessary, it would be difficult
to lift a large number of these simultaneously, by a lever as is now done, and two or
more levers would be inconvenient. To permit therefore of all the Inking Rollers,
which occupy the upper and about a third part of the frames, facing the larger
cylinder, being lifted regularly and simultaneously, so that they inay only run on the
Ink Table, or be entirely clear of it, pieces W¹ Figs. 1, 21 and 22, having their upper
surfaces so sloped at the shafts of each Inking Roller, that when they are raised per-
pendicularly, they lift all the Inking Rollers an equal distance from the cylinder, lie
against the side frames, being held in position by the bars W, and the guide
pieces W³, cast on the side frames, the bars being secured to the guide pieces, by the
bolts W. The lower portions of these pieces W1, are sloped diagonally, and rest on
the wedges W³, these latter being held in position, by the plates We, fixed to the parts
W, overlapping them. It is evident that when the wedges W, are forced in below
the parts W, that all the Inking Rollers, will be simultaneously raised. The
wedges are moved by rotating the handle W7, which revolves the shaft W",
carrying the bevel wheel W8 at one end, and the bevel wheel W at the other,
and these wheels being geared to other similar wheels W10 and W", each
fastened to the ends of screwed shafts W and W13, working through nuts WH,
forming part of the wedges, do by their rotation, move the wedges.
parts connected with the Inking Rollers are the same at each side of the frame,
excepting, that the bevelled wheels W and W, are placed on opposite sides of the
wheels W10 and W", which they gear with, so that the screws may revolve in the
same direction. The screwed shafts W12 and W1, are supported by brackets W15
and W16, fastened to the main frames Z' and Z2, and their diameters are reduced, to
form a shoulder to work against these brackets.
Ali
As the Distributing Rollers D, are at one side of the frames, and almost perpen-
dicularly one over the other, to compel them to work against the Ink Table T, and
spread the ink evenly on it, there are placed on the shafts of their Riders D, and at
each of their ends, and outside of the frame, circular brass pieces D³, see Figs. 1 and 2,
Bands of
and corresponding pieces D', revolve on pins fixed to the side frames.
flexible leather or other substance Do, are fastened to the ends of the cross bar Z,
and then taken round the brass pieces of the first Distributing Roller Rider, round the

page_text: opposite sides of the next brass pieces on the frame, and so on, round every Rider, and
every brass piece fixed to the frame, and finally hooked to the Levers De, to which
again are fastened the weights D'. The consequent strain on these bands, will force
the Riders D² against the Distributing Rollers D, and the latter against the Ink Table.
The brass pieces are removable from the shafts of the Riders, and rotate freely
on them, and are grooved to receive the bands, but the brass pieces on the frames,
though rotating on their pins, are by the rivetted heads of the latter,
prevented from coming off, and so guide the bands over the Distributing Roller
Riders. The Levers De, work on bolts Ds, fixed in the cross frame P, and the
weights D' slide on the levers, by means of the eye pieces D, and are fastened at any
parts of them, by the pinching screws D10. At the ends of each lever, and immediately
below the bands, are hooks D, to which the bands are fixed, by the eyelets D", which
are placed at regular distances apart, and permit any number of Distributing Rollers
to be used. If the levers are raised by their handle ends, the pressure on the bands
can be relaxed, and the Distributing Rollers and their Riders, gradually allowed to
come away from the Ink Table, and by unhooking the bands from the levers, they can
be entirely set free. By moving the weights D on the levers, more or less pressure
can be conveyed by the band to the Distributing Rollers. If desired, a strong spring
can be fastened from the levers to the floor, to take the place of the weights, or smaller
springs can be taken from each Rider to the frame.
The Damping Rollers E, are pressed against the zinc plate, and Damping Table, in
a similar manner, see Figs. 1 and 2, the bands E2 being fastened in this case, to the
projecting portions of pins, passing through the ends of screwed rods E³, then going
over the guide pulleys E*, fixed to the frames, then round the brass pieces rotating on
the shafts of the first Damping Roller, and so on, round the brass piece on each Damping
Roller E, and each piece E fixed to the frame, until they are finally fastened to the
levers E. The weights E slide on these levers, and can be fixed in a similar manner,
as those on the Distributing Roller Levers, and the bands have eyelets, and the levers
hooks, as already described. To permit the Damping Rollers to be more quickly
released from contact with the plate, a hooked piece E, fixed to the side frame by the
bolt E', is placed at each side of the machine, and can hold up the levers E³, and so
allow all the Damping Rollers to fall away from the plate. By rotating the nuts E³,
the screws on which they run can be pulled through the eyepieces E, fixed to the side
frames, and so help to lift up the Damping Rollers; and to prevent the Damping
Rollers falling to the floor, as they are almost immediately under the larger cylinder, I
so curve the ends of the slots, in which their shafts work, that recesses are formed, in
which they lie, before and after they are raised against the cylinder. The levers E',
oscillate on the pins E, working through the cross frame Q, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
To convey a constant supply of ink automatically to the Ink Table, a trough having
a revolving Ductor Roller, as one of its sides, is placed beneath the larger cylinder,
and a Feed Roller works between this Ductor Roller, and the Ink Table, conveying
any desired quantity of ink to it. The position of the Ink Trough, is shown in
Fig. 1, X being its end, secured to the frame Z, by the bolts X2 In Fig. 27 is
shown an end elevation of it, partly in section, the ink lying between the cast piece X³,
and the Ductor Roller X, and being retained by the side pieces X³, working against
a reduced diameter of the same Ductor Roller, and fastened to the cast piece by
means of the bolts X. The position and shape of the cast piece is shown in mid-
section at X, at its end at X', and at midway between its centre and end, at X³, as
shown in end elevation, and partly in section, in Figs. 25, 26 and 27. Fixed to this
cast piece, by means of the rivets X10, and along its portion bounded by the side
pieces X, is a thin blade X, which is left free at its edge nearest to the Ductor
Roller X Close to this edge are thumb-screws X", working through the cast piece,
but against this thin plate, as shown at Fig. 24 in side elevation, and Fig. 28 in plan.
When the Ink Ductor Roller is revolving, as this plate is not fixed in close contact
with it, by screwing in these thumb-screws, the plate can be brought more or less
against it, and so permit any desired amount of ink to pass on its surface.
The Ink Ductor Roller X, is revolved by the endless chain X, running on the

page_text: chain pulley X", fixed to its shaft, and which takes its motion from another cham
pulley Y, running on the shaft of the Water Roller, see Figs. 1 and 30. The Ink
Ductor Roller can also when required, be revolved by hand, by means of the cross
piece X". To convey the ink from this Ductor Roller X, to the Ink Table T, a Feed
Roller X is employed, see side elevation, partly in section Fig. 23, and end elevation,
partly diagramatic, Fig. 30. As this Feed Roller may vary slightly in diameter, it is
necessary, besides making it to revolve against the Ductor Roller, and against the Ink
Table at the proper time and travel over it, to provide means, whereby it may be
brought with any amount of pressure, both against the Ductor Roller, and the Ink Table.
To the side frames Z, see Figs. 23 and 30, are fixed by means of the bolts X", but
with power to oscillate, the angle-shaped levers X1 and X", Fig. 30 showing at the
right hand side, only that arm of the lever and parts connected with it, nearest the
cylinder. The arms of these angle-levers nearest the cylinder, carry at their ends, the
shaft of the Feed Roller X, and at their centres, and fixed to them, by means of
the bolts X2, on which they work, the levers X. These levers carry at one end the
pullies X, working against the cams X24, on the Ink Ductor Roller shaft X3, and
are forked at their other ends. Working in a slot in the arm of this angle-shaped
lever, is a bolt X2, square in its portion working in the slot, but round in its larger
portion, working between the legs of the forked lever, and capable of being secured at
any part of the length of the slot, by tightening the nut X%. As the inner sides of
the legs of the fork, run diagonally to the sides of the slot, by moving the bolt
down it, the pulley is brought more or less against the cam X2, on the Ink Ductor
Roller shaft. As the other arm of the angle-shaped lever X18 carries a similar lever
and pulley, capable of adjustment in a like manner, the pulley X 23 can be set so as to
take the Feed Roller, with any desired pressure against the Ink Table, and the other
pulley X27 can be set, to bring it back with any desired pressure against the Ductor
Roller. It will be understood that there is an angle-lever at each side, with similar
parts, each carrying one end of the shaft of the Feed Roller. The majority of the
parts of the two arins of the angle-lever are lettered alike in the drawings, as they are
exactly the same. The cams on the Ductor Roller shaft, are shaped, so as to produce
those alternating movements, and allow the Feed Roller to run on the Ink Table
only, this being also regulated by the chain pulley X", revolving the Ink Ductor
Roller, taking its motion from a second pulley Ya, on the Water Roller shaft Y*, and
this pulley receiving its motion, from a third pulley Y", on the same shaft, which
again takes its motion from a fourth pulley A", fixed to the main shaft A2, of the
larger cylinder. As all these four pullies are the same diameter, and all are connected
by chain belts, working on teeth on their peripheries, when the union is completed
between them some being loose on their shafts they will all revolve at exactly the
same speed, or in other words, make each a revolution, for every revolution of the
larger cylinder. The collars X on the Ductor Roller shaft prevent any lateral
movement of it.
up or
The Water Roller as shown in Figs. 23, 29 and 30, revolves in a trough Y², with
double sides. Between the plates of this trough, water is led, by means of a small
rubber pipe fastened to the trough by a coupling at Ys, and taking its supply from a
small tank--not shown in the drawings-placed at any convenient spot, above the
trough, and near the machine. The inner plate of this trough, is perforated with
small holes, permitting the water to escape very slowly, and these holes are continued
from the bottom to the upper edge of the trough. A tap being fixed to the tank, and
the rubber pipe coupled to it, the supply of water to the trough, can be carefully
regulated. As the soft material covering the Water Roller, will work in close contact
with the inside of the trough, and as the perforations will together, not permit the
water to escape as quickly, as it can be supplied, as the water is permitted to rise in the
trough, will the Water Roller be more or less damped, and that in a regular manner.
The trough, so as to be easily removable, is fixed to the Water Roller shaft Y, by
means of the parts Y³, going over the shaft, then through eves Y', in the ends of
the trough, and secured by pins Y, passing through both ends of the parts. The
trough can, if need be, be steadied, by securing it to the frame.
,

page_text: The Feed Water Roller Y³, is fixed and moved generally, in a similar manner to
the Ink Feed Roller, Y being the angled-levers, having on their arms next the
cylinder, the water feed roller Ys only, and on their other arms the forked levers Y,
with their pullies Y", working against the cams Y", on the Water Roller shaft Y
These levers centre on the bolts Y, and can be adjusted by the bolts Y", and nuts Y
But as there are only pullies Y", for bringing back the Water Feed Roller Y³, to the
Water Roller Y¹, springs Y", fastened at one of their ends, to the prolongations Y18,
of the lower arms of the angle-levers Y, and at their other ends to the shaft of the
Water Roller, are employed to carry the Water Feed Roller to the Damping Table S.
The cams Y on the Water Roller shaft, are so made, that the Water Feed Roller
comes on the Damping Table only, and travels over its length, and then returns to
travel in contact with the Water Roller, to be replenished. The collars Y28 on the
Water Roller, prevent any lateral movement of its shaft.
As it is necessary to stop the supply of ink to the Ink Table, and water to the
Damping Table, at will, the chain wheels already mentioned, work as follows. On the
main shaft A3, of the larger cylinder, is fixed the chain pulley A", see Figs. 1 and 4,
and the endless chain A2 gearing with it, is crossed, and gears also with a second
chain pulley Y, of exactly the same diameter, revolving loosely on the shaft of the
Water Roller. On this same shaft, see Fig. 30, and fixed to it, is the small piece Y20,
and also on it and revolving loosely, is a third chain pulley Y21, of the same diameter
as the two already mentioned. The endless chain X2, on this pulley Ya, gears with
a fourth chain pulley X", also of the same diameter as the others, fixed on the Ink
Ductor Roller shaft. Through two opposite parts of the chain pulley Y, and at
different distances from its centre, two pins Y and Y23 pass, being capable of a certain
amount of movement out and in, but prevented from coming out altogether, by pins
working in grooves cut a certain length on one of their sides. A hole in the sinall
piece fixed to the Water Roller shaft, and another in the third chain pulley, correspond
with the holes in which these pins move. When the machine is running, the second
chain pulley Y, will be constantly revolving, and if the pin Y be pushed in, until it
enters the hole in the piece Y, it will cause the Water Roller to revolve, with the
pulley Y. In like manner if the other pin Y23, be pushed into the hole in the third
chain pulley. Y", it will also revolve, and so cause the Ink Ductor Roller to revolve in
a similar manner. It will thus be seen, that either the Water Roller, or the Ink
Ductor Roller, or both of them, can be made to revolve as may be desired. Brackets Y24
and Y25, see also Fig. 1, fastened by bolts Y2, support the pins Y27, carrying the angle
shaped levers already mentioned.
I have now described how the plate is fastened to the larger cylinder, how it may be
evenly damped and inked at each revolution, and will now describe how the paper is
brought accurately in contact with its surface.
The smaller cylinder with its shaft B2 revolves as we have seen by the partly toothed
wheels H and H gearing intermittently with the wheels J' and J² on its shaft B2.
The cylinder itself see Fig. 5, for side elevation, and Fig. 31 for end elevation, both
partly in section, has a smooth surface for about half of its circumference, the other
portion being open, excepting where the balance weight a¹ occurs, and all the surfaces
of the larger cylinder may thus freely pass it when the cylinders are not in gear.
This smaller cylinder has ends a² and a³, carrying bosses a* and a³, through which the
shaft B2 passes, and to which it is securely keyed-collars a being also on the shaft
where necessary, to prevent any lateral movement of any of the parts. The smooth
portion of the surface of the cylinder, is covered with an indiarubber or other blanket
a and as, the surface of which when the blanket is compressed, coincides with the
pitch line of the partly toothed wheels J and J. One end of this blanket a', goes
round the square bar a³, and the other a round the square bar a10. On revolving these
bars, the blanket is tightened, and the four pauls a" and a¹, working in the four
ratchet wheels a¹³, placed at both ends of each of those bars, retain the blanket in a
smooth condition. By slackening the paul a¹, and partly revolving the rod a, and
then tightening again the blanket, by partly revolving the rod a, the edge of the
blanket against which the gripper acts, and which is apt to get worn, can be frequently

page_text: renewed, without requiri
the blanket to be replaced.
The square rods are round in
their portions, which pass through the ends of the cylinder.
The sheets of paper are fed against Setters, which are secured in position, before a
piece of work is started to be printed. They are constructed as follows. The rod b',
see also Figs. 33 and 34, which are on double the scale, partly revolves in the frame,
and carries on it the setters ³, and setter raisers 63. To these Setters 62, the edge of
the sheet of paper is placed, and as soon as the cylinder commences to revolve, its
parts push the setter raisers from them, thus lifting the setters clear of the paper.
The edges of the setter raisers then travel on the ends a² of the cylinder, coming along
their reduced portions a¹, and so back to the position shown in Fig. 31, the rubber
ring 6 fastened to the pin be in the frame, and going over the hooked piece b', fastened
to the rod b, forcing them to take this position. The setter rod is also supported by
the pieces , through which it passes, these pieces having also the crossbar 2 passing
through them, and to which they are secured. The setters can slide on their bar, and
are secured in position, by the square headed pinching screws, which are broadened
near their points, to prevent them being completely withdrawn, and perhaps falling
between the cylinders. As two setters are required for each size of sheet, there are
two at each side of the cylinder, close to the side-lays, to which the edge of the paper
at right angles is set, and one between every two supporting pieces . All the setters
are curved at 60, where the sheets rest, as shown in Fig. 34, the centre of the circle
of curvature, being the top of the edge where the cylinder begins to be bevelled. In
existing machines the sheet being fed to a part not thus shaped, is when forced down
by the grippers which centre on a rod, frequently pushed slightly up the feeding board,
or dragged further into the gripper, thus causing imperfect register.
The Grippers e, e, and e³, shown also in Fig. 32, on double the scale, fit closely on,
but can be pushed along, the rod c¹, and the two at each end of the rod, are preferably
of the shape c' and c, so that the corners of the larger sheets can be held by then,
and so prevent these from catching on the brush d. The rod c on which the grippers
slide, moves up and down between the-guiding pieces and c, fixed to the inside ends
of the cylinder, and is pulled towards its lowest position by the springs c', hooked at
one end to eyes cs, screwed into the gripper rod, and having the hooks on the cylinder
shaft B, going through the rings on their other ends. By the grippers coming
straight down, and by the curve in the setters, the sheet when being gripped, is not in
any way pushed out of position. To raise the grippers, the bar on which they slide, is
raised by the arms c, secured to the shaft c", oscillating in the ends of the cylinder,
and which has fixed to it, at one end, the forked arm, carrying the pulley c³, working
against the cam c, see Figs. 4, 9, 10, 11, 15 and 16, on the larger cylinder. When
the smaller cylinder is not in gear with the larger, this cam keeps the grippers
constantly up, excepting when it comes to the part e, which the pulley slowly entering,
permits the grippers gradually to close, and also at a part near c¹ see Fig. 15--not
shown in the drawing. When the smaller cylinder is in gear with the larger, the
pulley entering the part cs of the gripper cam, causes the grippers to close just
before the smaller cylinder starts to revolve, and as it is completing its revolution the
pulley, enters the aforementioned hollow, near ¹, so that the grippers do not again
rise, until they have passed beneath the feeding board. To prevent the pulley rising
beyond the pitch line of the smaller cylinder, a pin passing through one of the collars
on shaft e, comes in contact with another pin, fixed in one of the ends of the
cylinder.
The brush for smoothing the sheet of paper just before it is printed, is shown at d¹,
Figs. 5 and 31. The pieces d² carrying it are of a slightly springy nature, and have
the crossbar Z passing through them, but to which they are not fastened, and they are
prolonged above the crossbar, and have their ends d³ projecting over similar pieces d'
alongside of each of them, but fastened to the crossbar. Through the projecting parts
of these brush holders, screws 5 work, being rivetted at one of their ends after
passing through the pieces d', and having at their other ends square heads. When
these screws are revolved, the brush is made to act, with more or less pressure, against
the cylinder.

page_text: The setters, setter lifters, grippers, brush &c. are shown in their relative positions,
but partly in section, in Fig. 31.
The Feeding Board is shown at e Fig. 1, and has on it sidelays of the usual
character. A table is used to receive the sheets after they are printed.
The cylinders are constructed of a cellular nature, so as to give strength and
lightness, and on the surface of the larger cylinder, at the sides and ends of the
Damping Table, holes are left, to receive wooden plugs, to which the water absorbing
covering of the Damping Table is nailed.
The side frames are indicated by the letters Z throughout, and are made of varying
thicknesses, being thickest near where the ends of the cylinders rest, so as to withstand
the pressure of the one cylinder bearing against the other. Ábove the Inking
Rollers C, see Fig. 1, recesses are left in the side frames, to receive the Inking Rollers
when not in use. Close to the Distributing Rollers D smaller recesses are left in their
slots, to receive them, and the frames are here shaped, so as to prevent these rollers
falling out, when the pressure on the band pulling them against the cylinder is reduced.
The frames at the Damping Rollers is shaped as shown in Fig. 1, so as to receive these
rollers before and after they have been in contact with the larger cylinder.
The scale is only added to make the drawings more easily understood. Any size of
sheet smaller than the full size can be printed in this machine, and with any margin,
but the zinc plate is always of one regular size.
To describe the printing. A sheet of paper taken from a heap lying on the upper
portion of the feeding board, is slid down the lower portion, by the person feeding the
machine, until its front edge comes against the setters, and one of its side edges is laid
to the side-lay. The larger cylinder revolving, brings round the zine plate bearing
the design, which has been damped and inked, and as it approaches the smaller cylinder,
the gripper pulley which is attached to the latter enters its recess, and the grippers
close on the sheet of paper, and hold it to the smaller cylinder. The cam on the larger
cylinder now causes the smaller to gradually revolve, and when both cylinders have
attained the same surface speed, the sheet of paper is brought in contact with, and
pressed against, the zinc plate, receiving an impression of the design on it, and the
smaller cylinder continues to revolve at the same speed, until it approaches its first
position, which it gradually assumes. The grippers opening immediately afterwards,
the sheet is pulled off, and laid on the table to receive it. Another sheet is now fed
in, to be printed in the same manner, and so on, until the lever is used to put the
smaller cylinder out of gear with the larger, or the whole machine is stopped.
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
1. The cam and parts in connection with it, as described, for gradually starting and
stopping the smaller cylinder.
2. The arrangement of the lever and its parts as described for permitting the
working or stopping of the smaller cylinder.
3. The raising of the Inking Rollers, by means of pieces, acted on simultaneously,
by wedges, worked by screwed rods, as described.
4. The placing of the Ink Table, on a higher level than the plate and Damping
Table, so that by slightly raising the Inking Rollers, they can revolve on it alone.
5. The automatic lateral movement of the Distributing Rollers, as described.
6. The means by which the Distributing Rollers, are forced against the Ink Table,
by bands joined to weighted levers, as described.
7. The method of adjusting the pressure of the Ink Feed Roller, against the Ink
Table, and against the Ductor Roller, and the pressure of the Water Feed Roller,
against the Damping Table, and against the Water Roller as described.
8. The means of raising the Damping Rollers, by bands acted on by screwed rods,
and weighted levers, and the using of curved recesses in the frames for resting these
rollers in, before and after they are raised against the cylinder, as described.
9. The movable pin arrangement, as described, by which the water feed roller, and
ink feed roller, can each be started, or stopped, at will.

page_text: 10. The water trough as described, by which any desired quantity of water, can be
evenly supplied to the surface of the water roller.
11. The means taken to move flat sheets of zinc, temporarily curved to the surface
of the cylinder, until they are brought to their proper position, by the plate "pullers,"
as described.
12. The means taken to clamp flat sheets of zinc, temporarily curved to the surface
of the cylinder, by the "holders" as described.
13. The arrangement of the paths, for the runners of the Inking and Damping
Rollers, and Gripper Wheel as described.
14. The using of Setters, to which the sheet of paper is laid, with curved faces,
as described.
15. The using of Grippers, with a straight up and down movement, as described.
16. The means by which the pressure of the brush is increased at will, as described.
17. A machine for printing from zine Plates, as described.