US3461798A - Selective and sequential interrupter for a multiple couple printing press - Google Patents

Description

R. A. BULK ETAL v SELECTIVE AND SEQUENTIAL INTERRUPTBR FOR A MULTIPLE COUPLE PRINTING PRESS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed June 7. 1965 INVENTORS ROBERT A. BULK LOUIS P. TOTH ATTQBNEYS .BULK e-rAL 3,461,798 SELECTIVE AND SEQUENTIAL INTERRUPTER FOR'A MULTIPLE COUPLE Aug.

PRINTING PRESS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed June '7, 1965 INVENTORS ROBERT A. BULK LOUIS R TOTH w ATTORNEYS 08 "mm Am 5 P, m E n K L m u I B u I, A m, R

SELECTIVE AND SEQUENTIAL YINTERRUPTER FOR A MULTI Original Filed June 7,1965

4 Sheets-Sheet 3 k ...s, m H N T N E v T M T A mm WW RI- Y B Aug. 19, 1969 original F-il ed June 7, '1965 SELECTIVE AND SEQUENT R. A. BULK QETAL IAL INTERRUPTER FOR A MULTIPLE COUPLE PRINTING PRESS I 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I ROBERT A BULK y LOUIS F? TOTH 7 ATTORNEYS United Patent 3,461,798 Patented Aug. 19, 1969 3,461,798 SELECTIVE AND SEQUENTIAL INTERRUPTER FOR A MULTIPLE COUPLE PRINTING PRESS Robert A. Bulk, Seven Hills, and Louis P. Toth, Broadview Heights, Ohio, assignors to Harris-Intertype Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Delaware Continuation of application Ser. No. 461,795, June 7, 1965. This application June 7, 1968, Ser. No. 739,892 Int. Cl. B4lf 5/14, 13/24 US. Cl. 101184 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A multi-unit printing press includes a plurality of spaced printing units through which sheets travel in sequence. The cylinder members of consecutive units may be moved in sequence between their printing and nonprinting positions. Moreover, the cylinders of any one or any combination of printing units may be moved from their printing position to their nonprinting position by the actuation of solenoid valves which control air motors which effect the movement of the cylinders. The solenoid valves are controlled by control switches located at an operators station and which are in circuit with relays which are energized, when the control switches are closed, in response to a timing signal. The relays in turn effect energization of the solenoid valves.

This application is a continuation of our application Ser. No. 461,795, now abandoned, filed June 7, 1965.

The present invention relates to a multi-unit printing press having a plurality of printing units arranged in tandem and through which material to be printed travels in sequence and, in particular, to a multi-unit printing press wherein each printing unit of the press includes a pair of cylinders having a cooperative printing position to effect printing of the material traveling therebetween and wherein one of the cylinders of each unit may be moved out of cooperative printing position with respect to the other cylinder so that the material traveling therebetween is not printed as it moves through that particular printing unit.

When printing material sequentially in a plurality of printing units arranged in tandem, such as when printing a plurality of colors, it is desirable to be able to print only the color and image at each printing unit and to print various combinations of colors on the material. This provides proofs of each color and image and desired combinations thereof. These proofs are used primarily by the platemaker to determine whether or not the plate at each unit is properly constructed. There are, however, other uses for these proofs, such as in setting up the pressfor running the same job at another time. In order to print such proofs, multi-unit printing presses 'have been constructed so that the printing units may be rendered inoperative to print on sheet material, as desired. This, however, has required an excessive amount of time, effort and expense.

Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multi-unit printing press wherein proofs of the image being printed at each printing unit may be made in a minimum amount of time and with a minimum effort of the operator of the press.

Another principal object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multi-unit printing press wherein the units of the printing press may be selectively rendered inoperative so that material traveling therethrough may be printed, if desired, only in an individual printing unit thereby providing proofs of the image setup of the particular job being printed.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multi-unit printing press having a power means operable to cause different combinations of the units to be rendered ineffective by causing cylinders of certain units to assume a non-printing position, while others assume a printing position while material to be printed travels therethrough.

A still further object of the present invention is the provisionof a multicolor printing press having a plurality of printing units arranged in tandem and a delivery for receiving and piling the sheets from the last of the printing units and wherein an operator at the delivery station may view for inspection purposes the sheets being printed and may actuate a control mechanism located at the delivery station to throw olf a printing cylinder in each of the units so as to render each or a combination of the units ineffective to perform a printing operation on the sheet material. An operator, thus, may stand at the delivery station and run proofs of the image being printed by each of the printing units without leaving the delivery station.

A more specific object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multicolor printing press where each of the printing units in the press includes at least two. printing cylinders, one of which is movable out of the a printing relationship with the other so as not to print on material traveling therebetween, and wherein the printing press includes a mechanism for effecting throw off of a printing cylinder of each individual printing unit in sequence in response to the detection of the absence of material to print and wherein the press includes a control means for actuating the throw off of one printing cylinder and rendering the mechanism for moving the printing cylinder of the next unit to a thrown-off position ineffective so that each printing unit may be rendered ineffective without afiecting the operation of the other printing units.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multicolor printing press having at least two printing units arranged in tandem and wherein the first printing unit includes a mechanism for moving a printing cylinder of the first unit to a nonprinting position and the second printing unit includes a mechanism for moving a printing cylinder of the second unit into a non-printing position and wherein the mechanisms for moving the printing units to a non-printing position are interconnected by a means for effecting actuation of the second mechanism in response to and in sequence with movement of the printing cylinder of the first unit to its non-printing position and including a control means for actuating the mechanism to move the first printing cylinder to its non-printing position and for rendering the interconnecting means ineffective to actuate the second mechanism for moving the printing cylinder of the second unit to its non-printing position whereby either one or both of the printing units may be rendered ineffective.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multicolor printing press, as noted in the next preceding paragraph, wherein the control means for actuating the printing mechanisms comprise air motors operable to actuate a mechanism for moving the printing cylinder of the first unit to its nonprinting position and a second air motor for preventing the means interconnecting the mechanisms for moving the printing cylinders to their non-printing position from operating.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multicolor printing press, as noted in the next preceding paragraph, wherein the air motors are controlled from a control station at which control switches are located and which control the energization of solenoids for valves which control the flow of air into and from the air motors.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved multicolor printing press having a control mechanism operable to move a printing cylinder of each unit to a non-printing position and wherein switches are actuated to actuate movement of the printing cylinders to their non-printing position and the circuit actuated by the switches includes suitable controls so that in the event that sheet material is absent from the printing press when any particular unit is in its thrownout position the other unit or units, as the case may be, will be thrown 01f.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which it relates from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof made with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a multicolor printing press embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating parts of the printing press shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating the parts shown in FIG. 2 in a different operative position;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of another portion of the printing press of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram illustrating the electrical circuitry utilized in the printing press of FIG. 1.

The present invention provides an improved multi-unit printing press having a plurality of printing units arranged in tandem and through which sheetlike material travels in sequence, and wherein printing cylinders of each of the printing units are operable to print the material as it travels therethrough and wherein one of the printing cylinders of each unit is movable to a thrown-off position relative to another so as to render that particular printing unit inoperative to print on the material as it travels through the press. By throwing off the printing cylinders of the printing units, it is possible to obtain proofs of the image printed in each unit, as well as the image provided by printing in a combination of the units.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 which illustrates a multicolor printing press 10. The multicolor printing press is a four-color lithographic printing press and includes four printing units 11-14 arranged in tandem and through which sheets are fed in sequence to be printed. The printing units are similar in construction and each of the printing units 11-14 includes a plate cylinder 15, a blanket cylinder 16, and an impression cylinder 17. Each of the printing units 11-14 also includes an inker mechanism 18 and a dampening mechanism 19, all of which are conventional and well known in the printing art.

The sheets to be printed are fed from a supply 20 by a suitable sheet-feeding mechanism down the feedboard 21 and into the first printing unit 11. Each sheet is gripped by gripper fingers on the impression cylinder 17 and is carried thereby between the blanket cylinder 16 and the impression cylinder 17. As the sheet travels between the blanket cylinder 16 and the impression cylinder 17, it is printed with a first color. The sheet is then transferred from the impression cylinder 17 to a double-size transfer cylinder 22 and to the printing unit 12. The sheet is printed in the printing unit 12 with a second color as it travels therethrough and is transferred from the printing unit 12 to a suitable chain transfer mechanism 23.

The transfer mechanism 23 transfers the sheet from the printing unit 12 to the printing unit 13, and the sheet is printed with a third color in the printing unit 13 and is then transferred from the impression cylinder 17 of the printing unit 13 to the transfer cylinder 24 which transfers the sheet from the printing unit 13 to the printing unit 14 where the sheet is printed with a fourth color. The sheet is then transferred to a suitable delivery mechanism, generally designated 25, located to receive the sheets from the last printing unit in line, namely, from the printing unit 14.

The delivery mechanism 25 includes a chain member 26 which is trained around a transfer cylinder 27 and a sprocket 28 and which carries grippers, not shown, to receive the sheets from the impression cylinder 17 of the printing unit 14. The sheets are carried by the chain member 26 to a delivery station, generally designated 29, at which the sheets are released by the gripper assemblies on the chain 26 and dropped onto a pile, designated 30. The delivery mechanism also includes end gate members 31 which engage the leading edge of the pile and which are movable to the dot-dash position shown in FIG. 1 so that a sheet may be removed from the pile for inspection purposes. Moreover, as is well known, the sheets are delivered to the delivery mechanism with the printed side up and an operator at the delivery station may view the sheets and the printed matter on the sheets by looking down at the sheets as they are released at the delivery station 29.

The blanket cylinders 16 of each of the printing units 11-14 of the printing press 10, as is conventional are movable from the printing position in which they are shown in full lines in FIG. 1 to a non-printing position or thrown-off position in which they are shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1. The blanket cylinders 16 when in full-line position shown in FIG. 1 are in a pressure relationship with their respective impression cylinders 17 and effect printing of the sheet as the sheet is fed therebetween. When the blanket cylinders move to their dotted position shown in FIG. 1, the blanket cylinder is in a nonprinting and non-pressure relationship with its respective impression cylinder 17 and if a sheet is fed through the printing units, no printing would occur in a printing unit in which the blanket cylinder is in its thrown-off position.

Each of the printing units 1114 includes a mechanism for moving the blanket cylinder thereof to its thrown-off or non-printing position, and the mechanism for moving the blanket cylinders of the printing units 11, 12 is generally similar to the mechanism for moving the blanket cylinders of printing units 13, 14 to their thrown-off position. Therefore, the mechanism for moving the blanket cylinders of the printing units 11, 12 to their throw-off position will be described herein in detail and it is to be understood that the mechanism for moving the blanket cylinders of the printing units 13, 14 is identical to that described in connection with the printing units 11, 12 with the exceptions which will be noted hereinbelow.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the mechanism for moving the blanket cylinder 16 of the unit 11 to its thrown-oh: position or its dotted-line position shown in FIG. 1 is generally designated 40. The mechanism 40 includes an eccentric 41 which encircles the shaft 42 of the blanket cylinder 16. The eccentric 41 includes a projecting lug portion 43. It should be apparent that upon rotation of the eccentric 41 relative to the shaft 42, the cylinder 16 will be moved between its printing and non-printing positions, illustrated in full and dotted lines in FIG. 1. The eccentric 41 is rotated upon movement of a rod member 45 which is pivotally connected to the ring portion 43 of the eccentric 41 and is pivotally connected to a block member 46. The block member 46 is pivotally connected to the frame of the printing unit 11 by a pivot pin 47 and is movable about the pivot pin 47 to effect movement of the rod 45 and thus rotation of the eccentric 41.

The block 46 is moved about the pivot pin 47 by a reciprocating plunger member 48. The reciprocating plunger member 48 includes a lug 49 and a lug 50 projecting from opposite sides thereof. The block 46 has projecting pin members 51, 52 located on the opposite sides thereof to cooperate with the lug portions 49 and 50, respectively, of

the plunger 48. The plunger member 48 is continuously oscillated during the operation of the printing press in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 by means of a linkage mechanism which includes a bell crank member 55 connected thereto and which is supported for rotation about the axis of the pivot pin 56 and which is pivotally connected to a link member 57. The link member 57 is, in turn, connected to a bell crank 58. The bell crank 58 is pivotal about the axis of a pivot pin 59 by means of a cam member 60 which makes one complete rotation for each rotation of the impression cylinder 17.

From the above description, it should be apparent that upon rotation of the cam 60, the bell crank 58 will be rotated causing the link member 57 to be reciprocated and causing the bell crank 55 to likewise be rotated about the pivot pin 56, causing movement or oscillation of the plunger member 48 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2. From the above, it should also be apparent that if the plunger member 48 is in position so that lug 49 thereof engages the pin member 51 carried by the block member 46 upon oscillation thereof, the blanket cylinder 16 will be moved to its thrown-on position or to its printing position. These parts are shown in their thrown-on position in FIG. 3. If the plunger member 48 is in position to engage the pin member 52, it will effect movement of the block member 46 in the reverse direction, and the blanket cylinder 16 will be moved to its thrown-off position. The thrown-off position of the parts is shown in FIG. 2. The plunger 48, once it has moved the block member 46, will of course, continue to oscillate. However, it will not effect any movement of the block member.

The printing unit 11 includes means for actuating the mechanism 40 for moving the blanket cylinder 16 between its positions. The mechanism for actuating the mechanism 40 to effect movement of the blanket cylinder 16 includes means for moving the plunger member 48 between its positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Specifically, the means for moving the plunger member between these positions includes a rod member 65 which, when moved in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2, will cause movement of the plunger member from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 3. When the plunger member 48 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 3, it will upon oscillation thereof effect movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 into its thrown-on position for effecting printing of the sheet material being conveyed between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder 17.

Movement of the rod member 65 in the direction opposite the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 will cause movement of the plunger member 48 from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position of FIG. 2 and when the plunger member 48 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 2, the lug portion 50 of the plunger member 48 engages the pin member 52 on the block member 46 and effects movement of the blanket cylinder 16 to its thrownoff position.

With the plunger member 48 in the position shown in FIG. 2, the rod member 65 may be moved in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 to actuate the mechanism 40 for throwing on the blanket cylinder 16 by manual actuation of a handle 70. Actuation of the handle 70 in a downward direction, as viewed in FIG. 2 causes movement of a link member 71 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2. When the link member 71 moves in the counter-clockwise direction, a rod member 72, to which it is connected, is moved downwardly. The rod member 72 is pivotally connected to the link member 71 and is moved downwardly in response to movement of the link member 71. A block member 73 is carried by the rod member 72 and is likewise moved downwardly when the rod member 72 is moved downwardly. A suitable spring encircles the rod member 72 and at one end engages the block 73 and at the other end engages a collar member 75 on the rod member 72.

The block member 73 is connected with a bell crank arm 7511 which is supported for pivotal movement about the axis of a pivot pin 76. When the bell crank arm member 75a moves downwardly, with the block 73, the leg member 75b of the bell crank moves in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2. When the bell crank member 75b moves in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2, it moves a block 77 which is slidably supported on the rod 65 to the left in the direction of the arrow, as shown in FIG. 2. Movement of the block 77 to the left, as shown in FIG. 2, causes compression of a spring 78 which is interposed between the block 77 and a collar member 79 fixedly secured on the rod member 65. The compression of the spring 78 effects movement of the rod member 65 in the direction of the arrow to move the plunger member 48 to its position to move the cylinder 16 into its thrown-on position. The movement of the plunger member 48 is such that it clears the pin member 51 so that the lug portion 49 thereof engages the pin member 51 on the next oscillation thereof.

From the above, it can be seen that with the parts in the thrown-off position shown in FIG. 2 upon depression of the handle 70, the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 is moved to its thrown-on position in pressure relationship with the impression cylinder 17. The handle member 70 is latched in its actuated position by a suitable latch mechanism, not shown, to hold the plunger member 48 in the position shown in FIG. 3 so that the blanket cylinder 16 remains in its thrown-on position. Release of this latch mechanism, causes the springs 74 and 78 to effect movement of the rod 65 and plunger 48 to its off position. The spring 78 causes the block 77 to engage a stop 77a on the rod member 65 to effect this throw-off movement. The absence of a sheet is sensed, as is conventional, and in response to this sensing the latch mechanism is released to effect throw-off of the printing cylinders. Moreover, depression of the handle 70, as described hereinabove to effect throw-on movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 also effects actuation of a limit switch 80 through a suitable switch actuating mechanism 81. Actuation of the limit switch 80 causes the printing press to begin running at full press speed and this switch will be described in relation to the present invention in greater detail hereinbelow.

The rod member 65 may also be moved in either direction in order to effect throw on and throw off of the blanket cylinder 16 by an operator manually engaging a handle 86 which is connected with a block member 87 fixedly connected to the rod member 65. In the event that the plunger member 48 is in its thrown-off position, as shown in FIG. 2, the rod member 65 may be moved in the direction of the arrow by the actuation of the handle 86, shown in FIG. 2, to move the plunger member 48 to its on position, shown in FIG. 3, to effect throw-on movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11. An operator may manually engage the handle 86 t move the rod member 65 in a direction opposite that indica ted by the arrow to effect movement of the plunger member 48 to its off position to effect movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 to its thrownoff position.

The printing unit 12 also includes a mechanism 90 for moving the blanket cylinder 16 between its printing and nonprinting positions in pressure relationship with the impression cylinder 17 and out of pressure relationship with the impression cylinder 17 of the printing unit 12. The mechanism 90 for moving the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12 between its printing and nonprinting positions is similar to the mechanism described hereinabove in connection with the printing unit 11. The mechansm 90 for moving the blanket cylinder between its positions includes an eccentric 91 operatively connected with the blanket cylinder 16 and when rotated is operable to effect movement of the blanket cylinder 6 to between its printing .and nonprinting positions, shown in full and dotted lines in FIG. 1. The eccentric 91 has a lug portion 92 to which one end of a rod member 93 is pivotally connected. The other end of the rod member 93 is pivotally connected to a block member 94. The block member 94 has a pin member 95 and a pin member 96 projecting from opposite portions thereof and is pivotally supported for pivotal movement about the axis of a pivot pin 94a. The block member 94 when pivoted about its pivot axis effects rotation of the eccentric 91 which, in turn, effects movement of the blanket cylinder between its positions.

The block member 94 is moved about the axis of pivot pin 94a by means of a plunger member 97 which oscillates in a vertical direction, as indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 2. The plunger member 97 has oppositely projecting lug portions for engaging the pin members 95, 96 to effect movement of the block member 94 about the pivot axis 94a, in the same manner as the plunger member 48 which is operable in connection with the printing unit 11. The plunger member 97 is pivotally connected to one leg of a bell crank member 98 by a pin member 99. The bell crank member 98 is pivotally supported for rotation about the axis of a pivot pin 100. The other leg of the bell crank member 98 is pivotally connected with a reciprocating link member 10.1 which is, in turn, connected with a bell crank member 102 which is supported for pivotal movement about the axis of a pivot pin 103. The bell crank member 102 has a cam follower 105 which runs in engagement with a cam 104 which is fixed for rotation upon rotation of the impression cylinder 17 of the printing unit 12. From the above description, it should be apparent that upon rotation of the impression cylinder 17 of the printing unit 12, the bell crank member 102 is rocked about the axis of the pivot pin 103 causing reciprocatory movement of the link member 101 which, in turn, causes rocking movement of the bell crank 98 about the axis of the pivot pin 100. This rocking movement of the bell crank 98 effects reciprocatory movement of the plunger member 97 and the plunger member 97 will effect movement of the block member 94, depending upon the relative position thereof.

The printing press includes a means interconnecting the mechanism for moving the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 into and out of printing position and the mechanism 90 for moving the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12 into and out of printing position. This interconnecting means is generally desigated 110 in the drawings and is operable to effect actuation of the mechanism 90 for moving the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12 to a thrown-on or thrown-off position in timed relation and, specifically in response to and in sequence with movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 to its thrownoff position. The mechanism 110 is thus operable to actuate the mechanism 90 to effect movement of the blanket cylinder of the second printing unit in response to movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the first printing unit to its non-printing position.

The mechanism 110 includes a link member 110a pivotally connected to the block member 46 of the mechanism 40. The link member 110:: is connected with a rod member 111. The rod member 111 has an actuating block member 112 slidably supported thereon between spring members 113 and 114. The spring member 113 engages the block member 112 and engages a portion of the link member 110a. The spring member 114 also engages a portion of the block 112 opposite the portion engaged by the spring member 113 and engages a stop member 115 fixedly connected to the rod 111. The block member 112 is pivotally connected to .a plunger member 120. The plunger member is pivotally connected to one arm of a bell crank member 122 by a pivot pin 122a and is oscillated in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 by a bell crank mechanism 122. The other arm of the bell crank member 122 carries a cam follower 123 which runs in engagement with a cam 124 carried by the shaft of the transfer cylinder 22 and upon rotation of the transfer cylinder 22, causes oscillation of the plunger member in the direction of the arrow, as should be apparent. The cam member 124 has two raised portions to effect oscillation of the plunger member 120 once for each sheet carried by the transfer cylinder 22. The two cam portions are provided because the transfer cylinder 22 is a double-size transfer cylinder and, therefore, the plunger 120 operates twice for each revolution of the transfer cylinder 22.

The plunger member 120 cooperates with a block member in a manner similar to the manner in which the plunger member 48 cooperates with the block 46, as described hereinabove. The block member 130 carries space pin members 131, 132 and is pivotally connected for pivotal movement when the plunger member 120 and, specifically, when opposite lug portions thereof engage the pins 131, 132. The plunger member 120 has lug portions 133, 134 adapted to engage the pin members 131, 132, respectively, to effect pivoting movement of the block member 130. The plunger member 120 is in the position shown in FIG. 2 when the printing press is not in operation and the blanket cylinders of the printing units are in their non-printing position. Upon clockwise movement of the block member 46, the block 1.12 will be moved vertically and the plunger member 120 will be moved vertically, as shown in FIG. 2, to the position shown in FIG. 3. When the block member 120 moves to the position shown in FIG. 3, it will on oscillation engage the pin member 131 and effect movement of the block member 130 from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 3.

Movement of the block member 130 to the position shown in FIG. 3 effects movement of a link member in a downward direction, as viewed in FIG. 2. Movement of the link 140 in a downward direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, causes downward movement of a rod member 141 which is connected with the link member 140. The rod member 141 carries a block member 142 in the same manner as the block member 112 is carried by the rod 111. The block member 142 is pivotally connected to one arm of a bell crank member 143 which is pivotally supported for rotation relative to a pin member 103 about the axis thereof. The other arm of the bell crank member 143 is pivotally connected to a push rod 144. The push rod 144 is moved in the directions of the arrows shown in FIG. 2 upon movement of the block member 142 and effects movement of the plunger member 97 between its throw-on and throw-off positions upon movement thereof.

It can be seen from the above description that the mechanism 110 actuates throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12 upon throwoff movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11. Moreover, it should be apparent that upon throwon movement of the blanket cylinder 16, the mechanism of the printing unit 11, the mechanism 110, will effect throw-on movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12. The operation of this mechanism should be clear from the description hereinabove. Assuming that the printing press is in its thrown-off position, and it is desired to throw on the blanket cylinders, as noted hereinabove, the plunger 48 will be moved to efiect clockwise pivoting movement of the block member 46 about the axis of the pivot pin 47. This effects vertical movement of the link member 110a and vertical movement of the block 112, as shown in FIG. 2. The plunger memher 120 is thus moved from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 3 and causes lowering movement of the link 140 and the rod 141 which causes lowering movement of the block 142. Lowering of the block 142 effects movement of the push rod 144 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 2 so as to move the plunger member 97 to the position shown in FIG. 3, which is the throw-on position of the printing unit. In the event that the plunger 48 is moved to its thrown-off position from its thrown-on position, the link member 110 is lowered causing lowering movement of the block member 112, which, in turn, causes lowering movement of the plunger member 120. When the plunger member 120 is lowered from the position shown in FIG. 3 to the position shown in FIG. 2, the lug member 134 thereof engages the pin 132 and effects pivoting movement of the block 130 in a clockwise direction. When the block member 130 is pivoted in this manner, it raises the member 140 and causes raising movement of the block member 142, causing pivoting movement of the bell crank 143 in a counterclockwise direction about the axis of the pivot pin 103 and causes movement of the push rod 144 in a direction opposite to the direction of the arrow to move the plunger member 97 out of engagement with the pin 95 so as to engage the pin 96 on the next vertical movement thereof to effect throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12.

The blanket cylinders 16 of the third and fourth printing units 13, 14 of the printing press are similarly constructed so as to be moved between their thrown-on and thrown-off positions, shown in full and dotted lines in FIG. 1, by a structure which is generally similar to the structure described hereinabove in connection with the printing units 11, 12. In view of the fact that the structure is similar, the mechanism used in conjunction with the printing units 13, 14 will not be described in detail. There are, however, some differences, and the main difference is in the mechanism for throwing on the printing units when the printing press is initially started and throwing off the printing units when the absence of a sheet is sensed.

As described hereinabove, when the printing press is initially started, the handle 70 is depressed causing throwon movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 and in sequence therewith throw-on of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12. The sheet is printed with a first color in the printing unit 11 and then is printed with the second color in the printing unit 12. The sheet is then transferred to the delivery mechanism 23 and is delivered to the printing unit 13 where it is to receive the next color. As the sheet is being transmitted to the printing unit 13, a photocell, designated 150 and shown in FIG. 1, senses the presence of the sheet and effects energization of a solenoid 151, shown in FIG. 4, and which is operable when energized to effect movement of the blanket cylinder 16 in the printing unit 13 to its printing position.

When the solenoid 151 is energized, it moves a link member 152 to the right, as shown in FIG. 4. Movement of the link member 152 to the right causes movement of a toggle linkage, generally designated 153, from the dotted position shown in FIG. 4 to the full-line position shown in FIG. 4. This movement of the toggle linkage 153 causes extension of the toggle linkage 153 and causes lowering movement of a link member 155. The link member 155 is connected with one arm of a bell crank mechanism 156. The other end of the bell crank mechanism 156 is connected with a block member 160 which is moved in the direction toward the left, as viewed in FIG. 4, when the solenoid 151 is energized. Movement of the block member 160 to the left, as shown in FIG. 4, effects thrown-on movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 13 in the same manner as the printing unit 11 is thrown on upon movement of the block 77, as described hereinabove.

Throw-on movement of the blanket cyinder 16 of the printing unit 13 is effected by a mechanism similar to that described hereinabove in connection with the printing unit 11. The throw-on movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 14 is effected in sequence and in response to throw-on movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 13 by a mechanism similar to that described hereinabove in connection with the printing units 11, 12.

The printing press 10, as is conventional and as noted hereinabove, is constructed so as to effect throw-off movement of the blanket cylinders of the printing units 11, 12, 13, and 14 in sequence when a sheet is not properly fed to the printing press. A suitable sheet detector is used for this purpose and which is not shown. The sheet detector is used in connection with the feeding mechanism for feeding the sheets to the first printing unit 11. In the event that the absence of a sheet is detected in advance of the printing unit 11, the sheet detector mechanism is operable to release the latch, described hereinabove, to hold the handle 70 in the thrown-on position and release of the latch effects movement of the handle 70 to its thrown-01f position and, as described hereinabove, the blanket cylinder 16 of the first printing unit 11 is thereby moved to its thrown-off position. The blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12 is then thrown ofi in sequence with the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11, as described hereinabove.

When the photocell detects the absence of a shee being delivered to the printing unit 13, the solenoid 151 thereof is de-energized, and since the solenoid 151 is spring loaded to its off position, the toggle linkage 153 moves to the dotted position shown in FIG. 4. When the toggle linkage 153 moves to the dotted position shown in FIG. 4, the bell crank member 156 is moved so as to effect movement of the block member 160 to the right, as viewed in FIG. 4, causing throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 13. The blanket cylinder 16 in the printing unit 14 is then thrown off in response to and in sequence with the throwing 01f movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 13, in a manner described hereinabove in connection with the printing units 11, 12.

In multicolor printing presses, as described hereinabove, it is desirable to print proofs of the image and color to be printed in each of the printing units. It is also desirable to print proofs of combinations of the colors to be printed in the various units. These proofs may be used to correct the plates in the event that the proofs show some defect therein. The proofs may also provide for and facilitate setup of the particular job for the next run, all of which is well understood in the printing art. For example, it would be desirable to print sheets with only the color and image to be printed in the printing unit 11, or 12, 13, 14. Moreover, it is desirable to print combinations of the colors to be printed in these printing units, such as for example, the combination of colors printed in printing ;units 13, 14. It has been found desirable to print all the combinations of colors which include one unit and then print all the combinations which include the next unit. For example, first printing in units 11, 12, then in 11, 13, then in 11, 14, then in 11, 12, 13 and so on as desired. The printing of the combinations involving units 12, 13, 14 would then follow, as desired and required. It should be apparent from the above, that in order to print only the color and image in the printing unit 11, the printing units 12, 13 and 14 must be rendered inoperative and may be rendered inoperative and ineffective to print by movement of the blanket cylinders thereof to their thrown-off positions. When the blanket cylinder of any one of the printing units is moved to its thrown-off position and sheets are printed in another unit or units, ink from the inker mechanism and water from the dampener build up in the inker and dampener mechanism, thus rendering many sheets printed in this unit defective when it is thrown on. It is thus desirable to speed the printing of the proofs so that any one unit is not thrown off for too long a period of time causing an excessive build-up of ink and dampening solution.

In accordance with the present invention, the printing press is provided with a control means for effecting throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder of any one of the printing units independently of the other blanket cylinders of the other units. The control means is operable to selectively actuate different combinations of the mechanisms to cause the blanket cylinders of different combinations of the units to assume a non-printing position while other cylinders assume a printing position as sheets to be printed travel therethrough. The control means, in general, includes a power means connected with a source of power and the mechanisms for moving the blanket cylinders to their non-printing position. The power means is operable to actuate the mechanism 40 for moving the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit to its on position and rendering the interconnecting means 110 ineffective to throw off the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12, as is its normal operation, as described hereinabove. Moreover, the power means provides for actuating the mechanism 90 for throwing off the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12 independently of throwoff movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11. Moreover, the control of printing units 13, 14 is effected in a similar manner so that any one of the blanket cylinders of any of the printing units may be thrown off without effecting throw-off of the other blanket cylinders, and thus any combination of blanket cylinders may be thrown off by the present mechanism in order to provide for printing of any combination of colors or for printing any individual color on sheets conveyed through the press.

The throw-off of the blanket cylinders by actuation of the control means, to be described hereinbelow, is effected without stopping operation of the press and without requiring the operator to move from the inspection or delivery station where the sheets which are being printed are delivered.

The control means is actuated from a control panel 160 shown in FIG. 1 and located at the delivery station. An operator at the delivery station may view and inspect the sheets which are being printed, and he may, as desired, actuate the control mechanism for throwing off any one of the blanket cylinders of any one of the printing units independently of movement of the blanket cylinders of the other printing units and, thereby effect printing of sheets with only one of the colors or any combination of the colors without leaving the delivery station. The operator may inspect the sheets as they are delivered at the delivery station, either by viewing the sheets as they are dropped on the pile or by removing the sheets from the delivery pile, as noted above. For example, the operator may first desire a proof of the color and image being printed "by the printing unit 14. In this case, the blanket cylinders of the printing units 1113 are moved to their thrown-off position, and the sheets are run through the press and will be printed with only, the image and color which is printed by the printing unit 14. When these sheets are delivered at the station, the operator may inspect them and he will run the press in this condition until he is satisfied that the sheets which are being run are of the best quality possible. He may then throw off the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 14 and throw on the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 13 and then run the press with the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit. 13 on only. He will then let the press run until he receives sheets which are of the best possible quality from the printing unit 13. This he may repeat with the printing units 11, 12 and thereby have a collection of sheets with only the color being printed in the individual printing units. He may then desire to run combinations of colors which are being printed in the printing units, such as the combination of units 13, 14. In this case, he will throw on the blanket cylinders of the printing units 14 and 13 and throw off the blanket cylinders of the printing units 11 and 12 and then run sheets until the color combination is of the best quality. All combinations of colors may be printed in this manner until the operator is satisfied that he has collected the necessary proofs, either to be used for correction of the plates or which may be used in setting up the press for the next job, as is well understood in the printing art.

The specific control means for effecting the printing of the progressive proofs, as described hereinabove, is actuated from the control panel 160. The control panel has a plurality of control members, such as actuators for switches, equal in number to the number of printing units and generally designated 161, 162, 163, and 164. A so-called initiate proof switch is also provided on the control panel 160. The switches 161, 162, 163, 164 may be operated in any predetermined sequence or together and each switch, when actuated, effects throwoff of only the blanket cylinder of the particular printing unit with which it is associated. The particular circuit in which these switches are located will be described in detail hereinbelow.

In general for present purposes, when the switches 161-164 are actuated, solenoids are actuated which, in turn, actuate the control means for throwing off the blanket cylinders of the various printing units. The control means actuated by the switches for throwing off the blanket cylinders of the individual printing units 11, 12 is identical to that of the printing units 13, 14 and the specific structure of the throw-off mechanism for the printing units 11, 12 only will be described for this reason.

The control means for independently throwing on and throwing off the blanket cylinders of the printing units 11, 12 includes power means which, in the preferred embodiment, is in the form of a pair of fluid motors 170, 171. The fluid motors 170, 171 are preferably air motors, and motor is a single-acting air motor, while the air motor 171 is double-acting. The air motor 170 is operable to effect movement of the rod member 65 in a throw-off direction, and when energized effects movement of the rod member 65 in a direction to the right, as viewed in FIG. 2, so as to effect actuation of the mechanism 40 to effect throwing off of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11.

The double-acting air motor 171 is operable to render the mechanism 110, which is operable to effect operation of the mechanism 90 for throwing off the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12 upon throwing off of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11, ineffective when the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 is thrown off by the motor 170. Moreover, the double-acting air motor 171 is operable to effect throw off of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12 without effecting throwoff movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11. Thus, it should be apparent that the motors 170, 171 are operatively associated with the mechanisms described hereinabove so as to effect throw-on and throwoff movements of the blanket cylinders of the printing units 11, 12 independently so that either one or the other, or both, of the blanket cylinders of the printing units 11, 12 may be thrown off, so as to render the printing units 11, 12 ineffective to print on the sheet material being conveyed therethrough.

The air motor 170 is operatively connected with the rod member 65 to effect movement of the rod member 65 to the right upon energization of the air motor 170. The air motor 170 is fixedly supported adjacent the end of the rod member 65 and includes a piston rod 175 connected with a block 176 which, in turn, is connected to the end of the rod member 65. Energization of the air motor 170 effects movement of the rod member 175 to the right, as

viewed in FIG. 2, and effects corresponding movement of the rod member 65 to the right to effect actuation of the mechanism 40 for throwing off the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11 by moving the plunger 48 to its position shown in FIG. 2.

The air motor 170 is energized upon actuation of a conventional solenoid air valve 177 having a solenoid 177a associated therewith which controls the flow of air from a power source, such as a pump through a conduit 173 to one side of the piston of the air motor 170, The piston and piston rod 175 of the air motor 170 are thus moved to the right, as viewed in FIG. 2 to effect the throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11. Upon de-energization of the air valve 177 the air pressure on the left side of the piston of the air motor 170 is dumped; a suitable spring, not shown, returns the piston toits previous position. The 'right side of the cylinder of the air motor 170 is provided with a suitable vent 180. with a filter therein so that no dirty air is sucked into the right end of the cylinder upon de-energization of the motor 170.

The motor 171 is a double-acting air motor connected with a power source by a fluid conduit and is controlled by a solenoid valve 185. The solenoid valve 185 is a conventional valve which is operable to vent one side of the cylinder of the air motor 171 and apply pressure to the other side or to vent the other-side and apply pressure to the first side of the cylinder to effect movement of a piston member 186 in opposite directions in the air cylinder. The piston member 186 is connected with a piston rod 187. The outer end of the piston rod 187 is connected with the arm of the bell crank member 143 to which the block member 142 is connected. The solenoid air valve 185 includes a first solenoid 190 and a second solenoid 191 for effective movement of the valve between its positions. Energization of the solenoid 190 effects the application of air pressure to the upper side of the piston member 186 of the air motor 171 and energization of the solenoid 1'91 effects the application of air pressure to the underside of the piston member 186 of the air motor 171. When neither solenoid is energized, both sides of the piston member 186 are vented so that the piston member 186 may freely move within the cylinder of the air motor without affecting the normal operation of the press.

When the air motor 170 is energized to effect a throwoff movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11, fluid pressure is also applied to the upper side of the piston member 186 in order to hold the actuating member 112 of the interconnecting means 110 and thereby hold the bell crank member 143 from raising movement so as to prevent movement of the block member 142 by the operation of the linkage 110. This renders the linkage 110 ineffective to throw off the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12 in response to the throw off of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11. If it is desired to throw off the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12 by operation of the air motor 171, it is necessary only to energize the solenoid 191, thereby applying air to the underside of the piston member 186. This effects vertical movement of the piston rod 187 and causes sliding movement of the block member 142 on the rod member 141 and causes movement of the bell crank member 143 to effect movement of the push rod 144 to move the plunger member 97 to its off position. Of course, this does not effect actuation of the mechanism 40.

If it is desired to throw on the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12 independently of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11, it is necessary only to apply air pressure above the piston member 186. In so doing, the piston member 186 will move downwardly causing downward movement of the bell crank 143 and cause movement of the push rod 144 to the left, as viewed in FIG. 2, and causes movement of the plunger member 97 to its thrownon position to effect movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12 to its thrown-on position. It

can be seen, therefore, that from the above description, the motor 170'can be energized to effect throw-off of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11. Moreover, the motor 171 is operable to render the interconnecting means ineffective to throw off the blanket cylinder of the printingunit 12 when the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11 is thrown off by energization of the motor 170. Moreover, the motor 171 may be energized independently of the 'motor to effect throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12.

As noted above, the throw-on and throw-off movements of the blanket cylinders of the printing units 13, 14 are effected by air motors similar to those described in connection wtih the printing units 11, 12 and which will not be described in'detail in view of the similarity in structure.

The solenoid 177a for controlling the valve 177 and the solenoids 1190, 191 for controlling the valve are energized upon; actuation of the switches for the printing units 11, 12 and similar solenoids 177a, and 191 for units 13, 14 are energized upon actuation of switches for controlling the printing units 13, 14. A particular circuit for energizing the solenoids in response to the closing of the switches 161, 162, 163, 164 is shown in FIG. 5, and the operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be clear from the description of the electrical circuitry shown therein.

As described hereinabove, when the handle 70 of the printing press 10 is moved to its on position, it closes the switch 80. Closing of the switch 80 completes a circuit from the power line 200 through the contacts of the switch 80, conductor 201, and relay 202 to the power line 203. Energization of the relay 202 causes normally open contacts202-1 of the relay 202 to close. Closing of the contacts 202-1 of the relay 202 performs no function at this time, since they are in circuit with now open contacts. The printing press will o erate in its normal fashion with throw-on and throw-off movements of the blanket cylinders in response to the presence or absence of sheets, as described hereinabove. When it is desired, however, to print a proof of the image and color being printed in each of the printing units, or combination of units, it is necessary to render, as described hereinabove, the printing units ineffective except the One or ones in which printing is desired.

If it is desired to throw off the first printing unit 11, switch 161 is moved to its closed positiori, and the initiate proof switch 165 is closed. Closing of the initialte proof switch 165 completes a circuit from the power time 200 through the normally closed contacts 205 of a rgelay operated by the photocell 150, conductor 206, 'normally closed contacts 207-1 of a relay 207, conductor 208, the contacts of the initiate proof switch 165, conductor 209, and relay 210 connected with the power line 203. At the same time a current flows through an indicator light 211 which is in parallel with the relay 210.

Energization of the relay 210 causes the contacts 210- 1, 210-2, and 210-3 thereof to close. Closing of contacts 210-1 provides a holding circuit around the initiate proof switch 165. Closing of the contacts 210-2, 2103 does not immediately perform any function. However, as the transfer cylinder of the printing unit rotates, a limit.

switch 220 is closed at a predetermined time in the press cycle. When the limit switch 220 is closed, a circuit is completed from the power line 200 through the now closed contacts 210-2 of the relay 210, conductor 221,

- now closed contacts of the selector switch 161, now closed contacts of the timing switch 220, conductor 223, and relay 224 to the power line 203.

Energization of the relay 224 causes the relay contacts 224-1 and 224-2 to close. Closing of contacts 224-1 establishes a holding circuit around switch 220. Closing of the contacts 224-2 completes a circuit from the power line 200 through the now closed contacts 202-1 of the relay 202, conductor 225, contacts 224-2 of the relay 224, conductor 226, and solenoid 177a of the solenoid valve 177 to the power line 203. At the same time, a circuit is completed from the power line 200 through the closed contacts 202-1, conductor 225, normally closed contacts 230-1 of a relay 230, conductor 231, now closed contacts 210-3 of the relay 210, conductor 232, and solenoid 190 of the solenoid valve 185 to the power line 203. Energization of the solenoid 177a, as described above, causes air pressure to be applied to the left side of the piston member of the fluid motor 170 to cause throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 11. Energization of the solenoid 190 of the valve 185 causes air pressure to be provided on the upper side of the piston 186 of the air motor 171 and, thus, prevents the linkage 110 to effect throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12 in response to throwolf of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11. Thus, only the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11 is thrown olf. Moreover, the timing of actuation of the switch 220 is such that the reciprocating plunger 48 is pivoted after the shoulders 49, 50 thereon pass the abutments '51, 52 on a return or down stroke, so that on the next actuating or up stroke the blanket cylinder is moved.

If it is desired to throw off the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12, it is necessary to energize the selector switch 162. Energization of the selector switch 162 completes a circuit through the now closed contacts 210-2 of the relay 210, conductor 221, contacts of the switch 162, and contacts of a timing switch 240, which is closed at a predetermined time in the cycle of operation of the press, conductor 241, and relay 230 to the power line 203. Energization of the relay 230 causes the normally closed relay contacts 230-1 to open and the normally open relay contacts 230-2 and 230-3 to close. Closing of contacts 230-2 provides a holding circuit around switch 240. Opening of the relay contacts 230-1 breaks the circuit to the solenoid 190 of the solenoid valve, described hereinabove, while closing of the relay contacts 230-3 of the relay 230 completes a circuit from the power line 200 through the now closed contacts 202-1 of the relay 202, conductor 225, now closed contacts 230-3 of the relay 230, conductor 245, solenoid 191 of the air valve 185, and conductor 246 to the power line 203. Energization of the solenoid 191 and de-energization of the solenoid 190 of the valve 185, of course, as described hereinabove, causes the application of air pressure to the underside of the piston member 186 of the air motor 171 and causes the actuation of the mechanism 90 for moving the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12 to its thrown-off position.

It should be apparent from the above description that both the switches 161, 162 may be energized at identical times in the operation of the press and that the circuits described hereinabove in connection with these switches may be operated to effect throw-off of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11, and the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12. Moreover, only the blanket cylinder 16 of the printing unit 12 may be thrown oif, if desired, by closing only switch 162. Thus, all of the blankket cylinders of these printing units may be thrown off or either one or the other may be thrown off independently.

In the event that it is desired to throw off the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 13 or of the printing unit 14, it is necessary only to close the switches 163, or 164 which completes circuits similar to those described hereinabove in connection with the switches 161 and 162. Closing of the switch 163 completes a circuit through the now closed contacts 210-2 of the relay 210, conductor 221, closed contacts of the control switch 163, closed contacts of a press timing switch 250, conductor 251, and relay 252 to the power line 203. Energization of the relay 252 causes relay holding contacts 252-1 thereof to be closed permitting opening of the switch 250 Without deenergizing the relay 252. Energization of the relay 252 also causes relay contacts 252-2 to close. Closing of the relay contacts 252-2 completes a circuit through the new closed photocell contacts 205, conductor 206, now closed contacts 252-2 of the relay 252, conductor 255 and solenoid 177a corresponding with the solenoid 177 of the printing unit 11, and conductor 256 to the power line 203. Energization of the solenoid 177a, of course, energizes the motor corresponding with the motor 170 of the printing unit 11 to effect throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 13. At the same time, a circuit is completed through the photocell control contacts 205, conductor 206, now closed contacts 260-2 of a relay 260, conductor 261, now closed contacts 210-3 of the relay 210, conductor 262, and solenoid 190 corresponding with the solenoid 190 of the unit 12 to power line 203. This causes air to be applied to the upper side of the motor corresponding with the motor 171 to prevent throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 14 in response to and in sequence with the throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 13.

Throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 14 may be effected, as in the case of printing unit 12, upon actuation of a separate switch, namely, the switch .164. Closing of the switch 164 completes a circuit through the now closed contacts 210-2 of the relay 210, conductor 221, now closed contacts of the switch 164, closed contacts of a timing switch 270 when the timing switch 270 closes, conductor 271, and relay 260 to the power line 203. Energization of the relay 260 causes relay contacts 2 60-1 thereof to close providing a holding circuit around the timing switch 270'.

The energization of the relay 260 also causes relay contacts 260-2 to open breaking the circuit to the solenoid 190" and causes the relay contacts 260-3 to close. Closing of the relay contacts 260-3 completes a circuit through the photocell control contacts 205, conductor 206, now closed contacts 260-3 of the relay 260, conductor 272, and solenoid 191' to the power line 203. Energization of the solenoid 191' causes the air to be applied to the underside of the piston member of the motor of the unit 14 corresponding with the motor 171 of the unit 12 to effect throw off of the blanket cylinder of the unit 14. Throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder of the unit 14, of course, may be effected independently of or at the same time as throw-off movement of the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 13 in the same manner as that described hereinabove in connection with the printing units 11 and 12.

In the event that the operator is running progressive proofs with certain of the blanket cylinders of the printing units in their thrown-otf or non-printing positions and the printing press senses the absence of a sheet, it should be clear that if the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 11 is not in its thrown-off position, it will be immediately thrown off to its non-printing position. If the blanket cylinder of the printing unit 12 is not in its thrown-off position, it will likewise be moved to its thrown-off position. This is effected due to the fact that when no sheet is present, the latch, noted above, for the handle is released and switch is opened. This de-energizes relay 202, opening relay contacts 202-1 which immediately deenergizes the solenoids 177a, 190, or 191, whichever may be energized.

When the photocell senses the absence of a sheet, the photocell contacts 205 open, thus rendering throwoff of the blanket cylinders of the printing units 13 and 14 ineffective and de-energizing solenoids 177a, 19.1, whichever may be energized. The solenoid 151 will also be de-energized causing throw-off of the printing units 13 and 14 in sequence. When the printing unit 14 is moved to its thrown-off position, a switch 280 is closed causing energization of the relay 207. Energization of the relay 207 causes the relay contacts 207-1 to open preventing the energization of the relay 210 upon closing of the initiate proof switch 165. Thus, the proof control is 17 rendered inoperative when no sheet is fed to the press, and thus it is necessary to again actuate the control switches to obtain any progressive proofs when the sheet material is restored.

From the above, it can be Seen that the printing press operator standing at the delivery station may actuate the printing press to effect throw-off of the blanket cylinder of any one or of all of the printing units so as to provide a proof of the color and image printed in each of the individual printing units or combination of units. In this manner, proofs of all of the images and colors being printed in the printing units may be provided in an extremely rapid time period without requiring the operator to leave the delivery station and without extensive down time of any one of the printing units.

It should be apparent from the above, that the present invention has been described in considerable detail and that certain modifications, changes, and adaptations may be made therein by those skilled in the art to which it relates. For example, the initiate proof switch 165 could be wired into the circuit so as to require depression each time a selector switch is energized. Certain advantages would flow from such a circuit. Moreover, rather than the toggle switches 161464 being utilized in the circuit, some other type of switch mechanism may be utilized and in certain applications, prepunched cards or tape may be utilized for closing the contacts to provide for energization of the relays at the desired time interval and in any desired combination sequence.

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-unit sheet printing press comprising at least first and second spaced printing units arranged in tandem and through which sheets to be printed travel in sequence, means for sequentially feeding sheets to said printing units, each printing unit including a pair of cylinder members, said cylinder members of each unit being movable relatively between the printing position to print sheets travelling therebetween and a non-printing position ineffective to print sheets travelling therebetweeu, means operable selectively to relatively move said cylinder members of consecutive units in sequence from their printing to their non-printing positions, or to relatively move the cylinder members of any one or any combination of units between their printing or non-printing positions, and maintain the cylinder members in their non-printing position while the cylinder members of other units maintain their printing position and while sheets travel through all of the printing units, said means operable selectively including a first throw mechanism for relatively moving the cylinder members of the firstunit between their printing and non-printing positions, and second throw mechanism for relatively moving the cylinder members of the second unit between their printing and non-printing positions, each of the said throw mechanisms including a reciprocating member movable in a return stroke and an actuating stroke to actuate relative movement of the cylinder members and having first and second positions for relatively moving said cylinder members of the unit to their printing and non-printing positions respectively; each of said throw mechanisms including a pair of abutments which are engaged by respective portions of said reciprocating member on its actuating stroke to effect relative movement of the cylinder member of the unit; said means operable selectively further including control means for each unit energizable to actuate said throw mechanism of that unit, a separate control for each unit, actuating means for actuating said control means for any unit in response to actuation of said control for that unit, said control means including a solenoid means, said separate actuatable controls comprising switches in a circit for energizing said solenoid means, and said actuating means comprising relay means for each unit in circuit with the switch for that unit, said relay means having contacts operable to energizersaid solenoid means for that unit, said actuating means further including timing means providing an electrical timing signal to eflect actuation of said relay means to provide for movement of said reciprocating member between its first and second positions after said respective portions pass said respective abutments on said return stroke and prior to movement of said reciprocating member in an actuating stroke.

2. A multi-unit printing press as defined in claim 1, further including operators control station at which all of said separate controls are located, said press further including a sheet delivery station and means providing for removal of the sheets from said delivery station for inspection purposes.

3. A multi-unit sheet printing press comprising at least first and second spaced printing units, each printing unit including an impression cylinder and blanket cylinder defining a printing nip, the impression cylinder of each unit having sheet grippers thereon for gripping a sheet and conveying it through said printing nip, means for transferring sheets from the grippers on the impression cylinder of said first unit to the grippers on the impression cylinder of said second unit, eccentric means for mounting the blanket cylinder of each unit and rotatable to effect movement of the blanket cylinder between a printing and non-printing position relative to the impression cylinder of the unit, a respective throw oif mechanism for effecting a rotation of the eccentric means associated with the blanket cylinders of each unit and operable to effect movement of the associated blanket cylinder relative to the impression cylinder of the unit, said throw-off mechanism. including a pivotally mounted reciprocating member pivoted between first and second positions to elfect actuation of said throw-off mechanism, mechanical means for pivoting the reciprocating member for the throw-off mechanism of said first unit to efiect actuation of the throw-01f mechanism of the first unit, said mechanical means comprising a manually actuated linkage means, means operable to effect actuation of the throw-off mechanism of said second unit in sequence with actuation of the throw-off mechanism of said first unit and power operated proofing control means for selectively actuating each of said throw-01f mechanisms independently of the other while sheets pass therethrough, said power operated proofing control means including respective solenoid means for effecting pivotal movement of said reciprocative member between said first and second positions to actuate said throw-01f mechanism of each of said units independently of said mechanical means.

4. A multi-unit sheet printing press comprising at least first and second spaced printing units, each printing unit including an impression cylinder and a blanket cylinder defining a printing nip, the impression cylinder of each unit having sheet grippers thereon for gripping a sheet and conveying it through said printing nip, means for transferring sheets from the grippers on the impression cylinder of said first unit to the grippers on the impression cylinder of said second unit, a throw mechanism including a pair of eccentrics associated with the blanket cylinder of each unit and operable to effect movement of the associated blanket cylinder relative to the impression cylinder of the unit, each of said throw mechanisms including a reciprocating member movable in a return stroke and an actuating stroke to actuate movement ofthe blanket cylinders relative to their impression cylinders and having first and second positions for relatively moving said blanket cylinders of the units to printing and non-printing conditions respectively, each of said throw mechanisms including a pair of abutments which are engaged by respective portions of said reciprocating member on its actuating stroke to effect movement of the blanket cylinders of the units, a mechanical linkage operatively interconnecting the throw mechanisms of said first and second units, and including a member selectively operable between a first position in which said linkage is conditioned to cause the sec- 0nd unit to be responsive to actuation of the throw mechanism of the first unit and a second position in which the linkage is conditioned to prevent operation of the throw mechanism of the second unit in response to operation of the throw mechanism of the first unit, means for actuating both the throw mechanism of said first unit to effect movement of the blanket cylinder of the first unit to its nonprinting condition and the member of the said linkage to its second position to prevent movement of the blanket cylinder of the second unit to its non-printing condition in response to movement of the blanket cylinder of the first unit to its non-printing condition, means for operating the reciprocating member of the second unit to efiect movement of said second blanket cylinder to its non-printing condition while the throw mechanism of the first unit is in its printing condition, and means responsive to an absence of sheet detection to restore the member of said linkage to its first position in the event either said first unit or said second unit is in its non-printing condition at the time said sheet detection occurs.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Fischer 10 1-184 XR Kaddiland 101-184 Horton et al 101-137 Auer 101-247 Albrecht 101-247 Wood 101-218 Crawford 101-182 Klauss 101-184 Charlwood et al 101-184 FOREIGN PATENTS U.S. Cl. X.R.

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