Improvements in Rotary Web-printing Machines.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Apr., 1898-Accepted, 4th July, 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Rotary Web-printing Machines.
I, FRANCIS MEISEL, of No. 86 Stoughton Street, in the City of Boston, County
of Suffolk, and State of Massachusetts, United States of America, Factory
Manager, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement :-
My invention relates to an improved printing-machine in which each plate or
printing cylinder is provided with a companion impression-cylinder, and in which
said cylinders are so arranged around the framework as to afford a space in the
center of the machine within which the operator can stand in order to have
convenient access to the impression cylinders, and also to the plate-cylinder and
fountain of the perfecting side, thereby avoiding the necessity of the operator
working in a pit beneath the machine as heretofore, and also enabling him to
"make ready the impression cylinders by "overlaying " or otherwise to much
better advantage than has hitherto been possible in machines of this character.
To accomplish this result and secure other advantages is the object of my
invention, which consists in certain novel features, combinations of parts, and
details of construction as will be hereinafter fully set forth.
In the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 is an elevation of one side of my improved printing machine.
Figure 2 is an elevation of the opposite side of the same.
Figure 3 is an elevation of the machine looking from the left hand side of
Figure 2.
Figure 3 is a longitudiual vertical section on the line 3, 3, of Figure 3, looking
in the direction of the arrow.
Figures 4 and 5 are details of the paper unwinding mechanism.
Figure 6 is an enlarged detail showing in elevation a plate and impression
cylinder, the inking mechanism for the same, the impression cylinder "throw-off,"
and the form-roller "throw-off."
Figure 7 is a plan of the parts shown in Figure 6.
Figure 8 is an enlarged section on the line x, x, of Figure 6.
Figure 9 is an enlarged section on the line z, z, of Figure 6.
Figure 10 is an enlarged section on the line y, y, of Figure 6.
Figure 11 is an enlarged detail illustrating a portion of the mechanism for
actuating the vibrator-rolls in the direction of their length.
Figure 12 is a side elevation of the same.
Figure 13 is a detail of the eccentric mechanism for actuating the rocker-shaft
by which longitudinal motion is transmitted to the vibrator-rolls.
Figure 14 is a sectiou on the line 14, 14, of Figure 13.
Figure 15 is an enlarged detail in side elevation of the cam-wheels and
connecting-rods which operate the ratohet-and-pawl mechanism for actuating the -
fountain-rolls and the lever mechanism which operates the ductor-rolls.
Figure 16 is a section on the line 16, 16, of Figure 15.
Figures 17 and 18 are details showing the "throw-off" device applied to the
feed or drawing roll .
Like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.
In the said drawings A represents the framework of the machine in suitable
bearings in which runs the driving shaft B carrying at one end outside the frame-
work a driving pulley Cand a pinion b which meshes with and drives a large gear D

page_text: running loosely on a heavy stud a projecting from the framework. Around the
circumference of this gear D are arranged a series of plate-cylinders E, Figure 3*,
to which the type forms or plates are secured-in the usual manner, and each of
these cylinders E is provided with a companion or co-operating impression-
cylinder G; the web of paper d, which is drawn from the roll I, passing between
the several pairs of cylinders by which the impressions are produced in the usual
manner, and after being printed passing between a pair of feed or drawing
rolls &,, having the same surface velocity as the plate and impression cylinders,
and being subsequently wound up on a roll 25, Figures 1, 2, and 34, or cut into
sheets according to the requirements of the case. The shaft of the feed roll, is
provided with a gear &, Figure 2, which meshes with an intermediato gear *,
meshing with aud driven by the large gear D, the roll 6, being rotated by
frictional contact with the roll b'.
The shaft of each plate cylinder E is provided with a gear e, Figure 2, which
meshes with and is driven by the large gear D, and each of the gears e meshes
with and drives a gear on the shaft of its impression cylinder G which is thus
rotated with the same surface velocity as the plate-cylinder. The faces of the
goarse, are double the width of those of the gears f, to permit the large gear D,
to be placed in front of the same, as shown in Figure 3.
K, L, are the web-perfecting pair of plate and impression cylinders which are
arranged to print on the opposite side of the web and are placed nearer the center of
the unchiue or within the line of circumference of the gear D.
A single pair only of these web-perfecting cylinders may be employed as shown,
or two or more pairs according to the requirements of the case. The shafts of the
cylinders K, L, are connected by gears g, h, Figure 2, to rotate at the same speed,
and the gearg, is driven by a train of gears i, k, l, rotating on studs pro-
jecting from the framework, the gear 1, meshing with and being driven by the
gear D.
In order to produce first-class color-work each plate-cylinder should have its
companion impression-cylinder the same as in a single color press constructed for a
fine grade of work, and to produce the desired sliades "overlaying" must be
resorted to, which necessitates convenient access to the impression-cylinders.
To enable the operator to conveniently reach these cylinders, and also the web-
perfecting plate-cylinder and its fountain, one of the side pieces of the framework
is provided with a large opening M, Figure 1, through which the operator can
pass into the machine and stand up between the two sides of the framework in a
convenient position to reach and operate upon the several impression-cylinders, as
is required in "making ready" for printing; the perfecting plate-cylinder K and
its ink-fountain being also within easy reach of the operator when standing within
the machine; and by thus arranging the several pairs of cylinders, and the
mechanism conuccted therewith in such manner as to afford standing room in the
center of the machine, as described, the operator is relieved from the necessity of
working in a pit beneath the machine, as has heretofore been customary, and which
bas added to the expense, and has also proved extreinely inconvenient and unsatis-
factory. When standing within the machine the operator can slowly set it in
motion by means of a hand lever N, inside or outside the framework, connected
with ratchet-and-pawl mechanism 26, applied to the driving-shaft as shown in
Figure 1, according to his requirements while "making ready." In this manner
the operation of "overlaying" can be performed with great facility and with the
minimum expenditure of time and labor. By arranging the several pairs of
cylinders in the arc of a circle instead of in a straight or irregular line, the web of
paper is held away from each plate-cylinder until the point of contact of the same
with its companion impression cylinder is reached, thereby avoiding blurring and
insuring a clean sharp impression. :
Each impression-cylinder is provided with the usual means for holding and
stretching thereover the packing and overlay sheets, and in order to allow the ends
of the packing and overlay sheets to be fastened with reel-rods within the

page_text: periphery of the cylinder in the usual manner, a longitudinal slot p, Figures 3^,
and 5, is formed in the periphery of each impression cylinder communicating with
the hollow or cored out part of the same which contains the reel-rods or fastening
mechanism. The roll of paper 1 is mounted on a horizontal shaft the journals of
which rest in suitable bearings in the framework, the web being drawn from said
roll by a feed or unwinding roll g, Figures 34, 4, and 5, which does not run in
contact with the adjacent impression cylinder but receives the same surface speed
by means of gears 28, 29, shown in Figure 2, the latter gear 29, meshing with and
being driven by the gear e on the shaft of the adjacent plate-cylinder. The paper
passes between the roll g, and a pressure-roll, rotated by frictional contact
with the roll, the shaft of said roll r, being supported in journal boxes 30,
Figures 3, 4, and 5, which slide in guide-ways a, in the two side pieces of the
framework A, whereby the pressure-roll r is made movable toward and from the
roll g, said movement being effected by an eccentric shaft 31, passing through
slots 32, in the sliding journal boxes 30, and having its bearings in the sides of the
framework, outside which said shaft is provided with a crank-handle 34, the
eccentric shaft 31, being secured in place when adjusted by means of a set-
screw 35, in a hub 36, outside the framework, through which the said shaft 31
passes. The roll can thus by a simple movement of the handle 34, be "thrown
off" or withdrawn from the roll g, whenever the paper is to be introduced into the
machine.
This construction enables the paper to be continuously unwound, so as to
register accurately without regard to the open slot p in the impression cylinder,
which slot, if said cylinder was in contact with the unwinding roll and dependence
was placed upon their frictional contact to unwind the paper, would cause an
interruption of the lead when it was brought opposite to the roll g. The feed or
drawing-rolls b, b, serve to maintain a uniform tension on the web of paper at all
times and keep it tightly stretched over the impression-cylinders as it passes
through the machine, insuring, in connection with the unwinding rolls y, r, a
positive feed without possibility of the paper becoming slack between any two
pairs of cylinders, whereby absolutely perfect register of the colors is attained
which is of the greatest importance in the production of fine or high class work.
Without the feed or drawing-rolls 2, 3, the web would be liable at times to
become slack between two adjacent pairs of cylinders by reason of adhering to
some one of the plate-cylinders which carried more ink than the others, and being
thereby lilted out of its proper straight course, which would spoil the register and
produce imperfect work. The roll, is provided with a throw off" device.
similar to that used for the feed-roll previously described, whereby said roll 6³
may be withdrawn from the roll 6, to facilitate the entering of the paper. This
"throw off" device is constructed as follows. The shaft of the roll b is supported
in journal boxes 610, Figures 17 and 18, which slide in suitable guide-ways in the
framework A, whereby the roll, is made movable toward and from the roll 62.
said movement being effected by an eccentric shalt b12, passing through slots in the
sliding journal-boxes 10, and having its bearings in the sides of the framework,
outside which, said shat is provided with a crank-handle 6, the eccentric shaft 6",
being secured in place when adjusted by means of a set-screw 6", in a hub 61,
outside the framework through which said shafts, passes. The roll, can thus
by a simple movement of the handle 6, be thrown off or withdrawn from the
roll 6, whenever the paper is to be introduced into the machine.
Each of the impression cylinders G is provided with a "throw off" device by
which it can be moved away from its companion plate-cylinder to avoid taking an
impression, thereby rendering it unnecessary to run the paper through the
machine while the ink is being distributed and preventing injury to the "mako
ready" by depositing ink thereon as would otherwise be the case, while waste of
time and paper as well as much annoyance to the pressman is avoided. This
"throw off" is effected by mounting the journals of the impression-cylinder in
eccentric journal boxes 38, Figures 6 and 7, turning in bearings in the framework,

page_text: each of said boxes being provided with a toothed sector 39, which is engaged and
turned by a pinion 40 on a shaft 41, the latter being provided with a crank-
bandle 37, located in a convenient and accessible position outside the framework,
as shown in. Figure 1.
The shafts 150 of the form-rollers t, the shafts 127 of the vibrator-rolls wo, and
the shafts as of the ink-distributing cylinder a, Figures 34, 8, and 10 belonging to
cach plate-cylinder are mounted on a swinging frame 1, Figures 34, 6 and 7,
pivoted in the framework at 20; an arm or projection at at the opposite end of
each of the side-pieces of the frame P, being provided with a slot a through which
passes an eccentric shaft 22, having a crank-handle 23, Figure 1, by turning which
A half revolution the entire set of form-rollers and vibrator-rolls can be lifted
away from the plate-cylinder either while the machine is in motion or while it is at
rest without danger of breaking or injuring any portion of the mechanism. This
feature is a very important one as the ink can be distributed without depositing it
on the plates, thereby saving ink and the time required to wash the plates; it is
also very useful and in fact almost indispensable during the time the pressman is
engaged in "overlaying" and "making ready," as he can lift the form-rollers
clear of the plates on the cylinder at which he is at work, enabling him to work up
the colors one by one to the shade desired. t, t, Figure 7, are two bolts which
serve to hold the frame P, up against the side of the framework A, said bolts
being tapped into the frame P and passing through holes or slots in the
framework A, of sufficient size to permit of the movement of the swinging
frame P.
The vibrator-rolls w, and the ink-distributing cylinder a, are operated by means
of gears 42, which are driven by intermediate gears 43, the latter meshing with
and being driven by gear s, on the shaft of the plate-cylinder E, as shown in
Figure 6.
The upper edges of the swinging-framo P are curved in the arc of a circle
concentric with the periphery of the plate-cylinder E, and are each provided on
the inner side with a T-shaped guide-flange 125, Figures 6, 8, and 10, on which
are mounted the journal boxes 126 of the shafts 127 of the vibrator-rolls, said
journal boxes having grooves corresponding in shape to the flanges 125, upon
which they are fitted to slide in the arc of a circle; set screws 128, being provided
for clamping the journal boxes in place when adjusted. Each journal box 120 has
projecting from its outer side a stud 129 upon which runs the intermediate gear 43,
by which motion is transmitted from the gear 4, to the gear 42, of the shaft 127 of
the vibrator-roll.
The journal-boxes 130, Figure 10, of the form-roller shafts 150, are mounted in
housings 132, which are provided with dovetailed grooves 133, to adapt them to
slide upon the T-shaped flanges 125, of the frame P, said housings when adjusted
being clumped in position by set screws 134. The journal-boxes 130 are each
supported within a recess 136 in the housing 132, by means of an adjusting
Ecrew 137, tapped through the box 130, and bearing on the bottom of the recess,
said screw being held down in place by a cap as, Figure 10, adapted to be swung
over its head, and in this manner the form-rollers can be adjusted to the exact
height or position required with relation to the plate-cylinder. By thus mounting
the housings of the form-roller journal-boxes, and the journal-boxes of the vibrator-
rolls upon the curved edges of the swinging-frame P, and making them movable
upon the same, they can be adjusted to any position required with great facility,
whereby the form-rollers if reduced in diameter by shrinkage, can, together with
the vibrator rolls, bo set up toward the ink-distributing cylinder as, Figures. 2
and 9, from which the ink. is supplied to all the forin-rollers.
I will now describe the mechanism for operating the vibrator-rolls to; in the
direction of their length, reference being liad. particularly to Figures 1, 11, 12, 13,
and 14.
a, Figures 2, 34, 14, and 15, is a transverse shaft mounted in the framework and
carrying a gear 1, Figure 34, which meshes with and is driven by a small

page_text: intermediate gear a', which is fastened to a short shaft 140, Figures 34, and 16,
having its bearings in the framework and currying outside the same the larger
intermediate gear i, Figuro 2, which receives motion from the large gear D,
through the gears k, l, as previously explained.
The shaft a¹ carries at one end outside the framework a crank-pin c', working in
a box ato, fitted within a slot 55, in a slide 56, supported in guide-ways 57, as
shown in Figures 13 and 14. The slide 56 is connected by a link 58, to au
arm 59 on an inclined rock-shaft 60, supported in suitable bearings on the outsido
of the framework, as shown in Figure 1. The motion of this shaft 60 is transmitted
by bevel-gears 61 and 62, to a short rock-shaft 63, and by means of rocker-arms 64,
and rods 65, to lever mechanism by which suitable motion is transmitted to the
vibrator-rolls to actuate the same in the direction of their length. As the
mechanism for operating each set of vibrator-rolls is substantially alike, I will
describe that for one set only, which will apply equally to the others, referring
particularly to Figures 1, 11, and 12. f¹ is a rock-shaft which is connected with
one of the rods 65, aither by a rocker-arm 67, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, or
by means of intermediate mechanism consisting of rocker-arms, ruds, and shafts, ns
shown in Figure 1.
This shaft carries a double rocker-arm g!, having at its opposite ends.
projections 9', which engage grooved disks 89, secured to the ends of the shafts 127,.
of two of the three vibrator-rolls of a set. The grooved disk 69, on the shaft of
the third vibrator-roll of the set is engaged by a projection g', on a bell-crank
rocker-arm 71 which is secured to a short shaft g, parallel with the shaft, and
is connected by a short rod 72 with the rocker-arm g', on the shaft, and in this.
manner all of the vibrator-rolls are actuated in the direction of their length from
a single central rock-shaft 60, in a simple.aud convenient manner, and at a slower
speed than if connected directly with the shafts of the impression-cylinders.
Each of the fountain-rolls is operated by a ratchet-and-pawl mechanism i',
provided with a slotted lever 24, adjustably connected at 73, with a reciprocating
rod 74, the lower end of which carries a cam-roll 52, which runs in a cam-
groove 75, in a cam-wheel 76, Figures 2, 15, and 16, secured to the shaft a', which
carries the gear b¹, which meshes with and is driven by the gear a', the rod 74,
being held in its proper position while being operated, by means of an arm or
link 79, pivoted thereto, and to a stul 80, projecting from the framework. By
making the ratchet-and-pawl mechanism adjustable by means of the slotted
levers 24, each fountain-roll can be given more or less rotation independently of
the fountain-rolls of the other cylinders. The ink-cylinders a, are supplied with
ink by the ductor-rolls k', in the usual manner, said ductor-rolls receiving the iuk
from the fountain-rolls and being supported in U-shaped bearings k, Figure 2,.
at the upper ends of the arms 81, which are vibrated to bring the ductor rolls
alternately into contact with the fountain-rolls h', and ink-distributing cylinders a³,
by means of connecting-rods 82, and lever 83, cach rod 82, being pivoted to one of
the levers 88, and carrying at its lower end a cam-roll 93, Figure 16, which runs.
in a cam-groove 94, in a cam-wheel 141, on the shaft a', said rods 82, being cach
maintained in its proper position while being operated by means of an arm or
link 95, pivoted thereto, and to a stud 96, projecting from the framework. By
this construction, the entire series of fountain-rolls and ductor-rolls are operated
in a very simple and convenient manner, two cam-wheels only being required, one
for the fountain-roll rods, and the other for the ductor-roll rods.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-.
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. A web-printing machine, comprising a frame having an opening in one side for
the entrance of the operator, a large gear wheel journaled on a short stud at the
opposite side of the frame, a series of impression-cylinders arranged on an arc above
aud at opposite sides of the door-opening, a throw-off for each impression-cylinder

page_text: provided with an operating handle at the open sido of the frame around its opening
and within reach of the operator, a series of plate-cylinders exterior to the
impression cylinders and geared thereto; the plate-cylinders being also geared to
the said large gear, two pairs of feed rolls; one pair located in advance of the
first pair of cylinders and the other pair beyond the last pair of cylinders, the
pressure roll of each pair having a throw-off provided with an operating handle
at the open side of the frame and the feed-rolls being geared to said large gear,
and an inking mechanism for ench plate cylinder.
2. In a web-printing machine, the combination with a plate cylinder, of a
pivoted swinging-frame having its upper edges curved in the arc of a circle
concentric with the periphery of said plate-cylinder, the form-rollers, and vibrator-
rolls having their bearings or supports made adjustable toward and from cach
other on the upper edges of said swinging frame, and means for clamping the same
when adjusted, substantially as described.
3. In a web-printing machine, the combination with the swinging pivoted frame,
of the form-rollers having the journal boxes of their shafts supported in housings
made adjustable on the upper edges of said swinging frame, said journal boxes
being made adjustable in height, substantially as described.
4. In a web-printing machine, the combination with the swinging pivoted
frame P, of the form-rollers having the journal boxes of their shafts supported in
recesses in housings made adjustable on the upper edges of said frame P, said
journal boxes being made adjustable in height by means of screws 137 tapped
through the same, and bearing on the bottoms of said recesses, and swinging caps a',
for holding said screws in place within said recesses, substantially as described.
5. In a web-printing machine, the combination with the plate-cylinder and the
swinging-frame P, of the form-rollers, vibrator-rolls, and ink-distributing cylinder
mounted on said frame, said form-rollers and vibrator-rolls being made adjustable
on said frame P, whereby they can be set up toward the iuk-distributing cylinder,
and said vibrator-rolls, and the ink-cylinder having their shafts provided with
gears meshing with intermediate gears, the latter meshing with and being driven
by the gear s, of the plate-cylinder, all operating substantially as described.
Dated this 21st day of April 1896.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.