US1346601A - Machine for finishing stereotype printing-plates - Google Patents

Description

c. E. HOPKINS. MACHINE FOR FINISHING STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED APILZ. 19H;

Patented July 13, 1920.

RAN T3 W C. E. HOPKINS.

MACHINE FOR FINISHING STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATIDN FILED APR. 2, I917.

Patented July 13, 1920.

8 SHEEIS-SHEET 2 v hawk/w.

C. E. HOPKINS.

FOR FINISHING STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 2. NH].

. Patented July 13, 1920.

MACHINE hwzgzr mp);

. SNM

C. E. HOPKINS. mcnms FOR FINI'SHINVG STEREQTYPE PRINTING PLATES. 1,346,601.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 2. 19-17.

Patentd July 13, 1920.

8 SHEEIS-SHEEI 4.

C. E. HOPKINS. FINlSHING STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES. PPLICATION FILED APR. 2. 1917.

MACHINE FOR c. E. HOPKINS.- MACHINE FOR FINISHING STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 2, 1-9-17- 1,346,601 Patented July 13, 1920.

' 8 SHEEIS-SHEET 6.

IIIIII 1| H IIIII I IIIINMNIII i -51-1 ,HIIIII -JPI/ @b I C. E. HOPKINS.

MACHINE FOR FINISHING ST'EREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 21 1-941. 1,346,601 Patented July 13, 1920.

8 SHEEISSHEEI 7.

C. E. HOPKINS.

MACHINE FOR FINISHING STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 2, 1917.

Patented July 13, 1920.

8 SHEEISSHEI 8 3 I\ I I IQNN PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES E. I-IOPKIhl'S, OF'NEW YORK, N. Y.

, MACHINE FOR FINISHING STEREOTYPE PRINTING-PLATES.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented July 13, 1920.

Original application filed February 25. 1911, Serial No. 610,834, Divided and this application filed April 2, 1917. Serial No. 159,117. g

- To all whom it may concern: 7 I Be it known that 1, CHARLES E. HorKINs,

as are in common use in producing newspapers, and is designed mainly as a labor saving device whereby one man by'manipulating certain handles and levers will be able to produce the stereotype printing plates completely finished, and cooled so they can be handled by the bare hands, in condition to be immediately attached to the printing press cylinder; also to provide means whereby, through the control of the contraction of the curved printing plate during the process of cooling, the operator will be able to pro duce plates of various curvatures or dimensions from the same casting chamber and further, through the control of the cooling fluid, deliver the plates practically dry and ready to be attached to the press cylinders.

More specifically the invention comprises a practicable, simple and convenient mechanism in alinement with the core when it reaches its final open position for receiving the plate therefrom, shaving the ribs cast on the concave surfaceof the plate, cutting off the riser, beveling the riser and, gradually lowering and finally dropping the tail cut off, releasing the plate and allowing it to be fed by gravity from the finishing mechanism to a final cooling mechanism; to provide simple and effective means for receiving the plate from the finishing mechanism and cooling it in such a way as to control the contraction of the plate during the cooling process so that plates both of less or of greater diameter can be provided from the same casting chamber; also to provide for controlling the cooling water so that the plate can be delivered dry and ready for the press cylinders. I r The invention also involves numerous i1n provements in details of construction and in mechanism for carrying out the objects elsewhere specified herein. Further objects and advantages of the invention will appear hereinafter.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings in which' Figure 1 is a side elevation of a complete machine constructed in accordance with this invention Fig. 2 is aplan of the shaving mechanism with the arch removed;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the plate lifter support thereof; 7

Figa is a plan of the cam plate; v Fig. 5 is an end elevation of a stationary cam; a

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view showing how the cast plate is supported on the lifter; 1

Fig. 7 is a sectional view on the line 77 ofFig. 2; i

Fig. 8 is a sectional view on the line 8-8 of Fig.2; I p K F g. 9 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the same on reduced scale showing one position of the parts during the finishing operation;

Figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13 are similar views showing other positions of the same parts;

Fig. 14 is a side view of the cooling apparatus;

Fig; 15 is a fragmentary detail thereof;

Fig. 1G is a sectional view of the same on the line 16 -16 of Fig. 1; c

Fig. 17 is an enlarged sectional view on the same line showing how the edge of the plate is held during one period of the op eration. V A

Figs. 18 and 19 are similar views showing other positions of the plate; I

Fig. 20 is an end view of one of the rollers for supporting the plate with parts in section, and

Fig. 21 is atransverse sectional view on the line 21-21 of Fig. 1 1. a

In. order to get a general idea of the invention it may be stated that the drawings, particularly Fig. 1, show a machine embodying the following elements, namely, a melting furnace and pump A of any desired construction for delivering metal in measured quantities to a segmental back B; preferably located in vertical position on a base or frame 0, also a-convex core I) constituting with the back the lateral walls of the casting box, but capable of moving out of the back with the cast plate thereon, and delivering the plate to a finishing mechanism E which in turn delivers it to a cooling. device F.

The base C and the'base G of. the. cooling de-' for shaving the ribs P cast on the concavev surface of thestereotype plate P, the mechanism for cutting off the riser and beveling that curved end, and the means for convey-- ing the now finished stereotype plate from the finishing mechanism to the cooling mechanism F, all represented in a general way by the letter E, (Fig. 1).

Mounted in three bearings57. (Fig. 2) on the frames H and G is a longitudinal main shaft 58 operated from the motor K aswill be explained hereinafter. F astened to the main shaft. and within the arch is a shaving knife 59 which extends lengthwise and is of a length slightly longer than the said arch,

' the said knife being so positioned as to engage and smooth off the faces of the ribs P cast on the'stereotype concavity. V j Positioned on the main shaft beyond the arch are adjustable plate stops. 60 and 61 (Fig. 8) which engage ledges 1? cast on the side of the concavity of the riser of the stereotype plate and stop said plate in proper position when moved into the arch, from off the core, on which it has'been cast and hold the said plate from further lateral movement until the lifters have raised it against the dome of said arch. The stop'61 is spring actuated because'the plate enters the arch out of horizontal alinement with the axis thereof and has to be moved sidewise' and into axial alinement when lifted up into the dome of said arch in position to be shaved, as will appear hereinafter. The main shaft is caused to make one revolution each time a foot trip or pedal 159 is ,pushed; down and" released to operate a which is mounted on the top of the frame and axiallyali'necl with the said main shaft. Beneath each straight side of the arch 64s are mounted supporting and guiding rollers 65 and beyond the arch but carried by the main shaft, by reciprocating studs. 66' operat-- ing in bearings 67. are a group of three rollers 68 (Fig. 4). These are caused to move toward or away from the axis of the said main shaft by pins 69 on each stud engaging in grooves 70cut in a cam plate 71. The latter moves axially on the said shaft and is accomplished by the end of the cam arm, 74

moving out of the recess in the fixed face cam. 'Upon the finish of the revolution of the main shaft the spring 7 5 mounted upon the connecting rod moves this rod to the left in Fig. 2 as the arm 7d enters a depression in'the' cam 72'. This carries the cam plate 71 to the left and pushes the rollers out, and the rollers become a support for the stereotype plate as it moves out of the arch and toward the cooling mechanism.

' Beneath one side of the supporting arch V is a mechanism for lifting the stereotype plate into position against the arch dome. Aswill be seen by the drawings the rollers 65 which support the stereotype plates are located out of horizontal alinement with the axis of the arch and a recess is formed beneath one side of the arch. At one side of the arch beneath this recess double flanged rollers 77 are located. The purpose of these flanges is to guide the stereotype plate as it moves into position within the arch and over a plate lifter 80. (Fig. 3). This plate lifter moves in cam ways 81 fastened to the frame at an angle and as the lifter rises, it also moves toward the axis of the arch and a'lip 82 (Fig. 6) formed on the seat 83 of the lifter engages in the groove Picast in the edge of the stereotype plate, as the lifter moves upward. This forces the said stereotype plateto move at the same angle as the lifter so that the plate is moved solidly against the opposite side of the arch simultaneously' with its rise. Upon the return movement, the lip 82 engaged in the groove formed on the stereotype plate, pulls the plate back into position between the flanges of the rollers and a further movement of the lifter downward disengages the lip from they groove.

Pivoted by studs 85 fastened in the lifter are spring rods 86 which operate through a rock roller 87 pivoted to levers 88 mounted on a shaft 89 supported by bearings on the frame. Mounted upon the rods are adjustable compression springs 90, the purpose of which is to compensate for any variation in the circumference of the stereotype plate. To one end of the shaft 89 is fastened a lever arm 91 to which is pivoted a link 92 by one end, the opposite end engaging with acam 93 fastened to the main shaft. For the purpose of holding this arm 91 in position one end of a link 94 is pivoted to it,

the opposite end being pivoted to a cross piece of the frame. The cam roller rests in a recess in the side of the cam and upon turning the main shaft the recess moves from over the roller, the roller thereby be ing depressed which act causes the lifter to rise. The return movement is accomplished by gravity. I

Having described the mechanism for lifting the stereotype into the dome of the arch and shaving its ribs I will now describe the riser separating and beveling mechanism and means for conveying and ejecting the riser from the machine, reference being had especially to Figs. 8 to 13.

For the riser separating and trimming operation I employ a planetary mechanism in which is operatively mounted a revolving circular saw 100 having one of its edges beveled for the purpose of forming a bevel on that edge of the stereotype plate from which the riser has been separated.

This planetary mechanism comprises a' bracket 101 fixed to the main shaft by an extension 102 at one end. The other portion is formed into a convex-concave shell with both ends closed. Extending through the shell and mounted in suitable bearings is a short shaft, 103 to one end of which is attached the beveled edge saw 100 with its bevel facing adjacent to the lower end of the stereotype plate supporting arch. Facing that closed end it is shaped so as to pass outside of and over the end of the arch. To the opposite end of the shaft 103, which extends through that end of the shell is keyed a gear wheel 104, which meshes with a gear 105 mounted on a stud 106 fastened in the bracket 101. Mounted on the main shaft is another gear 108, which in turn meshes with the gear 105. Also mounted on the main shaft is a chain drive gear 109. Beneath the frame is a bracket 110 in which is mounted a shaft 111, having a chain drive gear 112, fastened on each end and in brackets 113 at the back and alined with the frame is the driving shaft 58, which, through the chain connections, operates the two sets of chain gear drives and the beveled edged saw at a high rate of speed.

A portion of the shell of the saw bracket 101 is made loose and attached by hinged joints 115, to the fixed part of the said shell and to the loose edge of the hinged .part of the shell is connected a flat piece 116 of steel having its extending edge formed into short teeth 117 (Fig. 1) for the purpose of holding the riser after it has been separated from the stereotype plate as hereafter shown.

Fastened on the main shaft 58 is a semicircular riser support 120, which is so positioned that when the shaft turns it will pass under the riser of the stereotype plate, and support the riser after it is separated by the saw from its plate; During the opera tion of sawing away the riser'from the stereotype plate the planetary shell 101 passes over the'surface of the riser until the saw has finished the cutting operation when the separated riser now resting on the support beginsto turn with said support and planetary shelhbnt as the revolution continues from the position shown in Fig. 12 to that in Fig.- 13 the loose riser has a tendency to slip ahead. Thisis resisted by the fact that the riser is in contact with the teeth in the hinged portion of the shell. As the turning continues the weight of the riser is transferred from the support to said teeth of the hinged portion of the shell and is carried ahead with said shell until the pivot point of the hinge has been passed on the upward motion when the said hinged portion tips over on its hinge and allows the riser to drop free fromits conveying mechanism. (See Fig. 9.) 1

.It will be seen that the concavity of the saw bracket 101 serves the purpose ofa sawdust receiver. The dust is carried along between the shell and the riser until the said riser is ejected by the openingout of the hinged shell, whereupon the sawdust escapes.

Mounted upon the saw bracket opposite the .saw is a plate supporting roller 1 21. Alined with the rollers on that side of the machine and mounted in the frame opposite is a similar roller 122 which, with the rollers within the arch and upon the main shaft, forms conveying means for the discharge of the stereotype plate directly on the CO0]: ing saddle 170 the end'of which is in alinement with said rollers.

Having described the construction and operation of the shaving and trimming mechanism I will now describe the niecha-' nism shown for operating the same. (See Fi s. 14 and 21). p

. Iieyed to the lower end of what I call the main shaft 58, that is, the main shaft of the finishing device, is a large worm gear 125 which for the purpose of preventing acci: dent is made intwo parts, one of which is a toothed rim 126 mounted upona hub 127, which has a broad flange 128 facing the said ring. The'rim and hub are made to travel together by a breaking pin 129 positioned in a hole through both members. The rea son for making the gear in two parts is to prevent accident in. case the main shaft should for any reason'be prevented from moving with the gear in which case as con structed the pin 129 would be cut in two and no other damage done. I

Positioned below the worm gear and loosely mounted on across shaft 131, so as to mesh with the gear teeth is a worm 132. One end of it is formed with a clutch jaw 133. Mounted on the same shaft and facing iii) engage the roller 1 40 and" force the jaws of r the sliding clutch out of engagement with the jaws of the worm and holdthem disengaged until the latch ismoved on its pivot out of engagement with the yoke extension roller 140. The yoke at all times is held toward the engaging position by a compressed spring mounted on a rod 144 operating through a bracket'145 on the frame, the rod being attached to the yoke exten: sion 136. p 1

A trip mechanism for disengaging the latch 142 is located so as to push the said latch up and free from the yoke extension roller which consists of an upright rod 148 operating in hearings on a leg of the frame and/carrying on its top an extension 149 with a beveled side 147. This extension when pushed up ashort way engages with a pin 150 on the side of the latch which raises said latchand releases the yoke 186. Then the spring 151 will move the same which in turn advances the sliding jawinto engagement with the jaw onthe worm.

It must be understood that the cross shaft 131 i's revolved continuously by the driving shaft 152 to Which it is connected. by beveled gears 155. The driving shaft is'driven by any suitable source of power and connec-v tion, the motor K, belt, and pulley 154, on the shaft 152, being shown for this purpose. The means employed for operatingthe trip rod 148- consists of a short leverl56,'fast on a rod 157,.operating in bearingsand extending lengthwise of the machine and located at the backside but beneath the frame. Tothe opposite end of thisrod is fastened an;'arm 158 (Fig. 2). which extends toward the front side of the machine. 'Io thebase C ofthe casting mechanism is piv-. otedona stud a foot pedal 159 having an extending arm which engages the armon the aforesaid shaft. ,7 V

By this mechanism. the operator by pushing the pedal down can'force the pawl out of engagement withthe yoke extension and thereby start the machine, but in case he wishes to stop the machine for anyreason before the trip acts, a second push down ward will force the beveled edge 147 of. the extension of: the cam 149 up into engagementwit'h the'yoke extension roller and curved stereotype plate I will now describe the improved flexible cooling and drying mechanism employed, and explain how by controlling the contraction of the stereotype plate duringthe cooling process I am able to produceplates of both less or greater diameter from the; same casting chamber, also ,how by the control ofthe cooling water I can produce the platedry and ready for the press cylinders. I

Curved stereotypeplates, such as are used in. producing newspapers, are of a semi-circumference equal to the length of the print ed matter of a newspaper page. and vary in diameter from 13},to 1 61 inches.

' Itis often found that although the printing faces oftwo different makes of web perfecting presses are the same yet the cylindersmay vary in diameter an eighth of an inch, more or less, the difference being in the margins or space b'etween the two printing halves of the circumference of the cylinders which form the top and bottom blank space or margins of the paper. 7

Owing to this variation it has heretofore been necessary to cast the plates in machines for each size, and again owing to there being a largevariety of sizes of prcssesbetween the13l; and 161; (about 20) it has been considered impracticable to carry casting and finishing machines, in stock. These dillicuL- ties I am now able to overcome.

I find that an average sized curved stereotype plate will suddenly contract about in diameter when the cooling water engages its concavity, and as the cooling advances fromith'e concave side through to the exterior theplate will slowly contract on the outside and counteract the interior contraction, and if left perfectly free the plate will resume itsnormal. curvature. However if the curved plate is supported in amanner so its straight edges are held against axial contraction during the cooling of the interior surface it will nevertheless contract on the exterior and through this contraction cause the straight edges of the plate to draw away from its axis and thereby become of a larger, diameter than when cast. By utilizing aiid controlling: this contraction I am able to produce plates of all sizes from four sizes of stock machines. i

To accomplish this control of the contraction I have: made the cooling saddle 176) (Fig. 2) with flexible sides. or wings 171 (Figs. 14 to 20), arranged so.,as'to contract or expandwiththe plate during the cooling operation, the wings 171 are composed of spring metal, and are normally of a curvature slightly smaller than the diameter of the concave face of the finished ribs P on the interior of thestereotype plate P. They are fixed to the sides of an overflow outlet 173 of a water distributing chamber 174 which is supported by pivots 175 on the frame G. The water chamber 174 is connected by a flexible tube 176, to a supply pipe 177 and a water controlling valve 178. At each straight side of the wings are mounted rollers 180 for supporting the stereotype plate as it is delivered by gravity from the finishing mechanism. Also mounted on each straight side of thewings are brackets 181 (Figs. 16 to 19), which extend beneath the edges of the stereotype plate and have a lip 182 extending up so as to engage the outside edge of the stereotype plate. Beneath the wing brackets and supported by the frame are adjustable stops 183 which engage grooves 184:, in the underside of the wing brackets when the stereotype has contracted or expanded the required amount as hereafter described.

The pivoted cooler, plate rollers, and brackets are normally held on the same angle as the main shaft of the finishing mechanism by a spring 186 attached to an arm 187 fast to the pivot 175, and'a pivoted latch 189, is arranged to hold it at that angle during the delivery of the stereotype plate,

but as the said plate positions itself by sliding down over the rollers from the finishing mechanism the beveled end of the plate engages the said latch and lifts it up (Fig. 14:). This releases it from engagement with the cooler whereupon the cooler and plate will turn to horizontal position owing to the greater portion of the stereotype plate being beyond the pivot point. When the plate is lifted by hand from the cooler the spring 186 rocks the cooler back to the inclined receiving position shown in Fig. 141.

The balanced Valve 178 is positioned in the water connections so that its plunger 191 can be operated by a lever 192 attached to the pivot 175, of the cooler. To one end of the plunger is fastened a rod 19 1, operating ina bearing. It is provided with a spring actuated latch 195 in the path of a pin 196, positioned upon the lever 192 so that when the cooler turns on its pivot the pin engages the latch and opens the valve allowing the water to flow up into the cooler water distributing chamber and overflow between the hot stereotype plate and flexible wings. As the outlet for the water is confined to the space between the wings 171 and concave face of the stereotype plate,

which space is less in cross section than the inlet, the water will be held under pressure against the stereotype plate and drive ahead any steam that may form thereby causing very quick action in cooling the stereotype plate. A stop 199 limits the rocking of the saddle.

For the purpose of stopping the flow of water before the stereotype plate is entirely cold and allowing it to drain free from the plate so that the heat remaining will evaporate any moisture remaining, any desired construction can be used as for instance, a valve which opens automatically in a given time, but I have shown a friction driven timing mechanism composed of a wheel 200, mounted on a stud 201 on an arm 202. This arm is pivoted to the frame G, by a stud 208. This wheel is intermittently driven by a small pin 204C, axially mounted on the end of the worm'cross shaft 131. facing this pin is a recess 206 formed across the face of the wheel. To the side of the wheel is fixed a pin207 which is engaged by a projection 208 formed on the lower end of the arm 192, and positioned so that as the cooler turns to horizontal position it Will cause the said projection to engage the pin of the revolution a second pin 210 engages and trips the valve plunger latch 195, which action causes the valve to close and the flow of water to stop. A drip opening 211 is positioned near the overflow of the cooler which allows all water above the said drip to escape so that when the stereotype plate is being lifted, (which action allows the cooler to be turned by its spring 186 into alinement with the main shaft and in position to receive the following stereotype plate,) there is no danger. of splashing the stereotype which is now cooled and dried.

By this combination of water control I not only require less water, as'by actual test a plate can be sufficiently cooled after a water contact of three seconds, and a draining and evaporating lapse of three seconds more, butv also I succeed in cooling the stereotype plate so it can be removed from the cooler by the bare hands. This regulation of the water dispenses with brushes or any other means of wiping the plate dry as has been the practice heretofore.

During the cooling operation, as stated, the stereotype plate contracts first on the interior and then, as the cooling advances through the plate, on the exterior. This is due to the cooling water engaging the concavity of the stereotype :only..

The means employed for controlling the contraction as previously stated comprises adjustable stops 183 which engage the brackets 181 attached to'the flexible wings of the cooler, the stereotype plate being held against the wings by projections 182 on the bracket overlapping the straight. edges of Normally the stereotype plate. So if it is desired to I reduce the curvature the adjustable stops are axially moved to the dlameter desired so when the hot platerolls down over the cooler and trips the latch 189 the .coolerturns on its pivot until the groove 18% of the'bracket 181 engages the top of a lip 21? (Figsrl'l to 1 9) of the adjustable stop. Theact .of tipping the cooler having opened the valve, the

water rushes intovcontact with theconcave side of the stereotype plate which causes the inside of the stereotype plate to contract,

thereby reducing the diameter. Thiscauses the wings'carrying the grooved bracket to move axially inward until the groove 184:. is over the lip 217 of the adjustable stop,

whereupon the weight of the stereotype plate causes the cooler to turn on its pivots. This allows the lip to enter and engage the groove thereby holding the stereotype plate:

and wings againstany further flexing of the stereotype plate in either directlon, and

thereby leaving the stereotype of a less di-- ameter than when cast. To cause the stereotypcto be of a greater-diameter after cooling than when cast, the-adjustable stop 183 is moved axially out to the desired diameter.

If'the full limit of expansion is required the stop is moved so it will engage the projection 219 on the lower-side of the bracket 181 which will prevent anyinterior. contractions,

but as the exterior'cools the, contraction on the outer side will-cause the stereotype plate to open out until the lip of the adjustable stop. engages the groove as in: the opposite operation. However if a lesser expansion ofthe diameter'is desired the stop shouldbe' moved outless, thenthe action will-be, first an interior and closing-in contraction which will cause the projection 219'on the bracket to engage the stop 183, andupon the exterior contraction taking place the stereotype plate will expan duntil-the lip of the ad justable stop entersthe' groove of tee bracket 1 andresists further expansion of the diameter ofthe-stereotype plate. If the plate is cooled onv the'exterior instead of on the interior the process w llbemodified accord-- in glv. i

Beneath the cooler 'sinlCQQOis formed for catching thewaste water" which sink is a pipe 221for carrylngthe' provided with water away. 1 While I have-illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention 1 am aware that many modifications can be made therein by any person skilled in the art without departn g fromthe scope-of the in-' vention;- Tliereforc I do not wish 'to' be li'mitcd to allthe details of construction herein shown-and describedexcept as de fined 1n the appcnded claims, but what I clann1s: V

, 1.- In a stereotype platefinishingniachinc, the combination of a shaft ha'vin g finishing devices, with axially movable supports can ried on transverse axes by said'shaftlfor supporting a printing plate. V

In a stereotype plate finishing machine,

'thefcomb'ination with a' shaft, finishing devices connected with' said shaft, rollers carried by said shaft for supporting the edges of the plate when introduced into the finishing machine, and means for retracting said rollers inwardly.

3. In a stereotype plate finishing machine,"

the combination of an arch, a shaft having finishing devices located adjacent tothe carried thereby, 'and'two' series of rollers arranged along opposite sides of said shaft rotatable onaxes transverse to the axis of said'shaft, and means fo'r withdrawing said rollers inwardly along their axes.

5. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination of a shaft having finishing devices, a series of rollers mounted'thereon, a reciproca'ble cam, and means connected with saidcam for moving the rollers transversely to the axis'of said shaft.

6/111 a stereotype plate finishing machine,

the combination of a'rotary shaft" having finishing ClGYlCGS, rollers carried by said shaft for supporting theedges of a concave plate, a fixed cam, 'movablemeans carried by the shaft for engaging the cam as the shaft rotates, and a second cam movable with said movable means and provided with cam slots in position to retract saidrollers axially as the shaft rotates.

7. In a stereotypeplate finishing machine, the combination of a shaft, finishing'means carried thereby,two series of idle anti-friction rollers arranged along oppositesides of said shaft rotatable on axes transverse'to the axis of said shaft, a shaving arch above the shaft, and means for raising one edge of the plate from the rollers on one, side, tipping its opposite'edge about the" tops' of the rollers on that side, and forcing it into close lnterior of said shaving contact with the arch.

' S. Ina device for cooling stereotype plates,the' combination of means for direct}- mg cooling water on the surface thereof,

and means for automatically shutting olf the water at a predetermined time before the plate. is entirely cooled and while it remains" in the cooling device, whereby the heat left-in theplate will evaporate the water left on surface. I

-9. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination of a concave arch, a shaft the plate thereby drying its extending longitudinally thereof and having finishing" devices, means on said shaft for supporting both edges of the printing plate when it leaves the arch, supports for one edge of the plate along one edge of said arch, and means ,for liftingthe opposite edge of said plate and forcing it into the arch and clamping it there with the first named edge in contact with the supports at the other edge. 7 Q

1.0, In' a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination of a concave arch, a shaft extending longitudinally thereof ano having finishing devices, rollers on said shaft for supporting both edges of the printing plate, roller supports fOItllG plate along the sides of said arch, and means for lifting one edge of said plate and forcing it into the arch and clampingit there with the other edge in contact with the rollers at the other side. 3 11. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination of a concave arch, a shaft extending longitudinally thereof and having finishing devices, rollers on said shaft for supporting both edges of the printing plate, means for'lifting one edge of said plate and forcing it into the arch, and means for withdrawing the rollers on the shaft inwardly to allow them torotateinside the concave plate.

12. In a stereotype plate finishing ma chine, the combination with an inclined finishing arch, of a'cooling device arranged at the lower end thereof to receive plates therefrom. and having means for supporting the plates therein in position with their lower straight edges located atan angle to the inclination of the arch, and means adjacent to said supporting means for holding the plates in fixed position while being cooled.

13. In a stereotype plate finishingjma chine, the combination of an arch for receiving a segmental plate, flanged rollers located along one side of the arch for temporarily receiving and guiding the plate into the arch, a plate support located along theother side of the archfor the opposite edge of the plate, and a plate lifter located adjacent to said flanged rollers and movable upwardly toward the arch at an inclination to the vertical for tilting the plate about said support.

i i. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination of an arch for re ceiving a segmental plate, means for receiving one side of the plate and guiding 1t into the arch,a plate support located along the other side of the arch for the opposite edge of the plate, a plate lifterlocated adjacent to said plate support and movable upwardly toward the arch, a cam, connections from said cam for operating said plate lifter positively and swinging the plate into the arch about an axis, and resilient means for re turning the plate lifter to retracted position.

15. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination of a plate lifter having a projecting lip rigidly mounted thereon for engaging a groove in the edge of the cast plate, and separate means in position to receive the edge'of the plate when pulled back by the retractive movement of'said lip.

16. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination with an arch, of a plate lifter for one side of the arch adapted to move into the arch and seat a plate therein, said plate lifter having a projecting lip for engaging a roove in the edge of the cast plate, and anged rollers within the arch in position to receive-the edge of the plate when pulled back by the retractive movement of said lip. i

17. I11 a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination with an arch adapted to receive a segmental stereotype printing plate and a rotary shaft for carrying finishing tools, of adjustable plate stops near the end of said arch and in position to engage lugs on the inside of the riser of the plate, said stops being arranged to stop the plate and prevent lateral movement thereof while the lugs are in engagement with them.

18. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination with an arch adapted to receive a segmental stereotype printing plate, of adjustable plate stops in position to engage lugs on the inside of the plate, one of said stops being resiliently actuated to permit the movement of the plate sidewise into axial alinement with the arch.

19. In a machine for finishing stereotype printing plates, the combination with an inclined finishing arch, of a cooling device for the plates having supports for holding the plates in horizontal position after they come from the arch.

20. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination with a shaving arch, of a longitudinal shaft therein, means for supporting a stereotype plate therein, means whereby the shaft will rotate through a complete revolution and then automatically stop, a cutter connected with theshaft for cutting ofi the riserof the plate, and means for holding. the riser on the supporting means until it revolves beneath the support-j ing means and thereafter delivering said.

supporting a stereotype plate therein, a trip, means whereby upon the operation of the trip the shaft will rotate through a coin 'plete revolution and then automatically stop,

a cutter connected with the shaft forfcutting off the riser of the plate, means carriedby the shaft for Supporting the riser" p rated fronrthe plate.

when'jitis' cut off, and means for holding the riser in the supporting means until it revolve-s beneath the supporting means and thereafter delivering said riser from the mechanism. f

P22, In a stereotype plate finishing apparatus, the combination with a shaving arch, of a cutter for cutting off the riser of the plate, ineansjfor supporting the riser when it is cutoff, and means for holding the riser in thejsupporting means until it revolves beneathv thesupporting means and thereafter delivering said riser'from the mechanism. '23. A cooling device for plates-having means for supporting the plates in horizontal position, and means adjacent thereto for holding the edges of the'plates in fix'ed po- I 'sition while being cooled;

24. In a, stereotype plate "finishing ma chine, the combination of :a rotatable shaft, means for supporting a curved stereotype plate, means for cutting the riser from the plate as the shaft rotates, a frise'r support. fixedly mounted'with' respect tosaid shaft,

and a riser holding means carried around" with theshaft. V

25. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, theicombination of a shaft, means for supporting a curved plate above the same,

a saw for cutting the riser from said plate,

and aipivotedmember carried around with the shaft-for engaging theriser andsupportingandfdeliveringit after it is sepa 26. In a stereotype'plate finishing machine, the combination'of a shaft, meansffor supporting a curved plate above thesame, aisaw for cutting the riserfrom said plate,

: and a member carried around with the shaft from the plate.

and pivoted on an axis parallel with the shaft for engaging the riser and supporting andrlelivering it after itis separated 27. Ina stereotype 'platefinishing 'machine, the combination with a shaft, of a semiecircu'lar "riser support carried by the shaft in position to pass between the shaft and riseras the shaft turns and to support the riser'ja fter' itis separated from the plate, afSi W forseparating theriserfrom the plate,and means carried by the shaft for rotating the separated riser with the sup'{ portas "soonpas it is separated from the platep V 28. Ina stereotype plate finlshing ma chine, the combination of a shaft, finishing mechanism comprising means for cutting a riser from a pla'te'aslthe shaft rotates, a

; riser support, in position to pass under the riser whileit' is being separated, and a hinged member carried by said shaft in: positiontofbe dragged over the surface of the riser while'the'riser is being cut off,

and :tohold the'riser when it is separated from the plate, whereby as the revolution at the end of the. cutting operation said member will engage the riser and prevent it suddenly dropping from the machine, whereby as the turning motion continues the weight of the riser is transferred from the support to the pivoted member and carried ahead thereby until it passesover the pivotal point of the pivoted member when it swings the same and drops free from the machine 7 30. In a stereotype plate making machine,.the combination of an inclined rotary shaft, means for "cutting the riseroff the plate, supports carried by 'the'shaft, and means", for moving said supports longitudinally with; respect to the shaft into a position to support the edges of the plate after the riser is cut ofi' so as to deliver the plate.

31. In a I stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination of a shaft, means connected therewith" for cutting thefrlser ishing mechanism -located' at an inclinatiom and a cooling mechanism located at the lower end of the finishing mechanism in position to receive plates delivered therefrom by gravity, and provided with a rock;

111g support for the plates adapted to move the platesinto horizontal position after they havebeen delivered to the cooling dev1ce.

34.]In a device forpreparing stereotype printingplates, thecombination with a finishing device, of a cooling device having supports mounted on an incline, in position to receive theed'ges of the plate delivered from the finishing device and adapted to be moved into a horizontal position by the weight of the plate supported thereon.

In a device for cooling stereotype printing plates, the combination of a pivoted saddle for receiving the plate, yielding means for normally holding said saddle at an inclination to the horizontal, means for positively holding the saddle at said inclination, the last named means being located in position to be engaged by the plate when it slides down the inclination to its final resting place and to be disengaged thereby, and means for allowing the saddle to be treed.

36, In a device for cooling stereotype printing plates, the combination of a piv oted saddle for receiving the plate, yielding means for normally holding said sad die at an inclination to the horizontal, a latch for positively holding the saddle at said inclination in position to be engaged by the plate when it slides down the inclination to its final resting place and to bedisengaged thereby, and means controlled by said latch for allowing the saddle to be turned by the weight of the plate.

37. In a stereotype plate cooling apparatus, the combination of an inclinel guideway, a pivoted cooler mounted normally in alinement with said guide-way to receive a plate therefrom, and a latch for holding said pivoted cooler in alinement with the guide-way, said cooler being pivoted at a point on the side of its center of gravity opposite that on which said latch is lo cated.

38. In a stereotype plate cooling apparatus, the combination of an inclined guideway, a cooler mounted normally in alinement with said guide-way to receive a plate therefrom, a latch for holding said cooler in alinement with the guide-way, said cooler being pivoted. at a point between the latch and its center of gravity, said latch being located in position to be engaged by the plate when it slides down to the end of the cooler and released, whereby the plate will be turned on the pivot to a horizontal position, and means for stopping the cooler in horizontal position.

39. In a cooling device for stereotype printing plates, the combination with a supply pipe, of a valve for controlling the same, a cooler for supporting the plate, means whereby after the plate is located on the cooler the valve will be opened automatically to allow the water to flow into the cooler, and a trip mechanism for causing the valve to close while the plate is on the cooler.

40. In a cooling device for stereotype printing plates, the combination with a supply pipe, of a valve for controlling the same, a lever for operating the valve, a cooler for supporting the plate, means whereby when the plate is located on the cooler it will turn on an axis, a latch in position to be engaged by a part of said cooler when it turns, means connecting the latch and lever for opening the valve when the latch is thus operated to allow the water to flow into the cooler, and a trip mechanism for disengaging the latch.

etl. In a cooling device for stereotype printing plates, the combination with a supply pipe, of a valve for controlling the same, a lever for operating the valve, a cooler for supporting the plate, means whereby when the plate is located on the cooler it will move the lever for opening the valve to allow the water to flow into the cooler, and means for automatically stopping the fiow of the water while the plate remains in the same position.

42. In a cooling device for stereotype printing plates, the combination with a supply pipe, of a valve for controlling the same, a lever for operating the valve, a cooler for supporting the plate, means whereby when the plate is located on the cooler the cooler will move, a latch in position to be engaged by a part of said cooler when it moves, means connecting the latch and lever for opening the valve when the latch is thus operated to allow the water to flow into the cooler, and means for automatically stopping the flow of the water.

4L3. In a device for preparing stereotype printing plates, the combination with a finishing mechanism located at an inclination,

and a cooling mechanism located at the lower end of the finishing mechanism in position to receive plates delivered therefrom by gravity and adapted to hold them in horizontal position.

44. In a cooling device for stereotype printing plates, the combination with a water supply pipe, of a valve for controlling the same, a lever for operating the valve, means for supporting a plate, a latch, means connecting the latch and lever for opening the valve to allow the water to flow, a wheel, means for rotating the wheel, means whereby when a plate enters the machine, the lever is moved and causes the wheel to rotate through one revolution, and means controlled by the rotation of said wheel for closing the valve and shutting oil? the water.

45. In a cooling device for stereotype printing plates, the combination with a water supply pipe, of a valve for controlling the same, a wheel, means for rotating the wheel, means whereby when a plate enters the machine the wheel will rotate through one revolution and stop at the end thereof, and means controlled by the rotation of said wheel for closing the valve and shutting off the water.

46. In a device for cooling stereotype printing plates, the combination of a water outlet, means for supporting a plate, and movable wings constructed and arranged to come into contact with the concave face of a stereotype plate when in position to be cooled.

47. In a device for cooling stereotype printing plates, the combination of a cooling mechanism adapted to support a plate, flexible wings adapted to be received within'the plate, adjustable stops for the wings, means whereby when a plate is introduced into the cooler it will cause the wings to tip on an axis, a valve for controlling the admission of a cooling fluid, and means whereby the tipping of the wings will open said valve.

4-8. In a device for cooling stereotype printing plates, the combination of a cooling mechanism adapted to support a plate, flexible wings adapted to be received within the plate, adjustable stops for the wings, means whereby when a plate is introduced into the cooler it will cause the wings to tip on an of a cooling fluid,'means whereby the tipping of thewings will open said valve,

means for directingthe water on the inside .of the curved stereotype plate, and means for limiting the motion of the wings with the contraction of the plate. 1

49. In a device for cooling curved stereotype printing plates, the combination of a cooling saddlehaving flexible wings for receiving the plate to be cooled, said wings having brackets extending into position-beneath the edges of a, plate carried on the saddle and each having a lip extending up in position to engage the outer edge of the plate, and adjustablestops located below the said brackets adapted to be adjusted into position to engage the under sides of the winged brackets when the plate has contracted or expanded to the desired amount, whereby the amount of expansion or contraction of the curved plate and the distance apart of its straight edges can be limited.

50. In a devicefor cooling curved cast plates, the combination of a cooling saddle having flexible wings for receiving the plate to be cooled, said wings being arranged and I adapted to contract and expand with the plate, and means. for causing water to flow over said wings 1n contact with the interior of the plate and out of contact with the tending up in position to engage the outer edge of the plate.

51. In a device for cooling curved cast plates, the combination of a cooling saddle having flexible wings for receiving the.

plate to be cooled, said wings being arranged and adapted to contract and expand with the plate, and means for causing water to flow over said wings and in contact with the interior of the plate.

52.'In a device for cooling curved cast plates, the combination of a support for the plates, means for applying a stream of cooling fluid to the concave side of a plate, and means for holding its straight edges against axial contraction during the cooling of the interior surface to prevent themotion of said edges inwardly and leaving said edges free to expand or draw away from each other during the remainder of the cooling of the plate.

53. In a device for cooling curved cast plates, the combination of means for applying a stream of cooling fluid to the concave side of a plate, and means for holding its straight edges against lateral expansion during the cooling of its convex surface.

54. In a device for cooling curved cast.

plates, the combination of a support for the plates, means for applying a stream of cooling fluid to the concave side of a plate, and means for positively holding its straight edges against lateral contraction during the cooling of its concave surface.

55. In a device for cooling stereotype plates, the combination of a support for the plates, and a water distributing chamber adapted to contain a large body of water having outlets in position to discharge water and havinga separate drain opening at a point below said outlets but above the bottom of the chamber. V

56. In a machine 'for finishing curved stereotype printing plates, the combination of a knife for shaving out the interior of the plate, a saw located outside the-plate for beveling the end edge of the plate, and 7 means for giving the saw a planetary motion around the outside of the plate at the end thereof. a

57 In a machine for finishing curved stereotype printing plates, the combination of a shaving blade for shaving out the interior of the plate, a saw located outside the plate rotatable with said shaving'blade for cutting the tail from the plate, and means for giving the saw a planetary motion around the outside of the plate at the end thereof. V r a g 58. In a stereotype plate cooling apparatus, the combination of an inclined guide way, and a pivoted coolermounted normally in alinement with said guideway in position to receive a plate therefrom.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto aflixed my signature.

CHARLES E. HOPKINS.

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