Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
256 words
In a printing machine inking mechanism having an ink metering device, an ink fountain ductor and set screws for adjusting the ink feed gap between the metering device and the ductor, control means for adjusting selectively the ink feed gap at longitudinally spaced locations along said gap comprising: (a) a plurality of spaced set screws supported by the ink fountain with capacity for selected longitudinal adjustment, each set screw having a relatively short free end extending outwardly of the ink fountain structure, (b) a ball joint affixed to the free end of each set screw and providing a pivot axis extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the set screw on which the joint is mounted, said pivot axis being parallel to the plane of the ink metering device, (c) a plurality of pivot pins affixed to the ink metering device, each pivot pin being located adjacent to one of the longitudinally spaced locations along the ink feed gap, and (d) a plurality of articulatable adjusting levers interposed between the free ends of the set screws and the ink metering device, each adjusting lever being disposed approximately perpendicularly to the ink metering device and having an end connected pivotally to a set screw by mounting said lever end on the ball joint of said set screw and having an opposite end mounted pivotally on one of the pivot pins affixed to the ink metering device, whereby each adjusting lever has only two articulation points, said articulation points being located at the opposite ends of the lever.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
256 words
In a printing machine inking mechanism having an ink metering device, an ink fountain ductor and set screws for adjusting the ink feed gap between the metering device and the ductor, control means for adjusting selectively the ink feed gap at longitudinally spaced locations along said gap comprising: (a) a plurality of spaced set screws supported by the ink fountain with capacity for selected longitudinal adjustment, each set screw having a relatively short free end extending outwardly of the ink fountain structure, (b) a ball joint affixed to the free end of each set screw and providing a pivot axis extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the set screw on which the joint is mounted, said pivot axis being parallel to the plane of the ink metering device, (c) a plurality of pivot pins affixed to the ink metering device, each pivot pin being located adjacent to one of the longitudinally spaced locations along the ink feed gap, and (d) a plurality of articulatable adjusting levers interposed between the free ends of the set screws and the ink metering device, each adjusting lever being disposed approximately perpendicularly to the ink metering device and having an end connected pivotally to a set screw by mounting said lever end on the ball joint of said set screw and having an opposite end mounted pivotally on one of the pivot pins affixed to the ink metering device, whereby each adjusting lever has only two articulation points, said articulation points being located at the opposite ends of the lever.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention according to claim 1, in which the ink metering device constitutes an ink blade.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
62 words
The invention according to claim 2, wherein (a) the ink blade has a front edge disposed proximate the ductor to provide the ink feed gap and (b) the pivot pins are affixed at spaced locations on the ink blade adjacent the free edge thereof and are disposed generally transversely of the set screws to which they are connected by the adjusting levers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention according to claim 1, in which each adjusting lever extends at an angle somewhat less than 90° relative to the ink metering device at all positions within the full range of adjustment of the feed gap.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention according to claim 1, wherein each adjusting lever is provided with a yoke-like connector for mounting said lever pivotably and rotatably on the ball joint of the set screw to which said lever is connected.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention according to claim 1, wherein each joint is releasably secured on its respective set screw.