Graph-tech, Inc.

James R Loudon

The present invention relates to a dampening apparatus for lithographic offset printing presses. A form roller having an ink receptive compressible surface is pressed against a plate on the plate cylinder, and a metering means lying parallel and tangent to the form roller having a relatively incompressible ink receptive surface is pressed against the form roller. A reservoir of dampening solution is maintained above the nip of the form roller and metering roller, and is automatically maintained. Rotation of the form roller results in a metered quantity of solution being fed to the form roller, a portion of that quantity being applied to the lithographic plate, and the excess of that quantity being returned to the supply. The ink applied to the plate is allowed to transfer to both dampener rollers, and the action of the rotating rollers, forced together, on the ink-solution mixture or emulsion, mills that emulsion into essentially uniform small particles which result in quick, thorough, and uniform inking and dampening of the plate.

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Toledo, OH, United States of America

James R Loudon