US2425680A - Printing press - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 12, 1947.` c. R. KADDELAND v PRINTING PRESS l0 Sheets-Sheet l MSM.,

CHP/5752s' E #aan 4N@ Aug.'l2, 1947. c. R.KADDE1.AND

PRINTING PRESS 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed sept. 4, '1941 CH2/:raw 1 Knaus-4 No ATTORNEY 3 ZAZE C. R. KADDELAMD PRINTING PRESS Aug. l2, 1947.

Filed Sept. 1941 /iaav Aug. l2, 1947.' c. R. KADDELAND PRINTING PRESS Y Filed Sept. 10 Sheets-Shenet 4 INVENTQR Cae/.fren A? imag-Ana ATTORNEY:

Aug. 12,1947. c. R. Imran-:LANl;V 2,425,680

A f PRIITING PRESS' um sept. 4. 1941 1o sums-snm s Aug. '12, 1947.'

c. R. KADDELAND PRINTING russ FE11M!A Sept. 4, 1941 10 Shovel-Shut 6 mvEN-mn BY CHI/:21H16 {Imc/.Anp MMfM ATTORNEYS All@ 12, 1947. c; R. KADDELAND rnmma mass Filed sept. 4, 1941 10 Sheets-Sheet 'i' BY {waan/vo E; l s' l: l ATTORNEU Aug. 12, 1947; c. la.` KADDELAND y2,425,680 PRINTING PRESS Filed sept. 4. 1941 1o Shasta-shew;v a

K INVENroR. (Hc/anw Shanna/vo Anonrms BY E; ,l

printing.

Patented ug. 12,V 1947 to Han'lsSeyboldCompanna corporation oi Delaware 1 Application September 4, 1911,`Serial l -lo.4|)9,54;1V

This invention relates toprintingpresses and like, machines adapted to perform operations` s associatedrwith printing, such as delivering, slitting,` perforating, etc.. and more especially 'to rotary multicolor printing presses adapted to print on sheetsof paper. cardboard and the like.

Oneof theobjects Vof the invention-"is u the 1" arranged as to be especially suitedto `the production of multicolor printing either intaglio for typographical, or a combination of the two, or

a combination lof either with other kinds of Another object is the ing improved accessibility for removaland ref placement of the form cylinders and for operations which must be performed by the press op# erator.

provision of a press hav-` provision of a printing pressso constructedand Another object is the provision oi apress or 1 similar machine having spaced operating units with head-high iloor-level workingspace pe-` tween them which is accessibleA from at least one y side of the machineand over which sheets are carried in accurate register fronone unit tothe next. I vAnother object Aiso-the previsione!V a multiunit press having novel means for `transferring sheets from one unit to another and including air devices for supporting the sheets "and simultaneously drying the ink thereon,

A'further object is the provision in a multi-` o. unit machine oi novel supporting means for a iexibleendless sheet conveyor whereby the con-` o veyor is yieldably maintained taut under vary-` ing conditions@ VAnother object is to provide a unit typeof i l multicolor press having means forming a part i cylinder. regardless of whether or not that cylof the framing of the press for holding the units in rigid and accurate alignment;

Other objects residein lthe various combine.`

tions of features and details of construction and operation which are disclosed in the following specification and pointed out inthe claims.

VA preferred formof the invention iii-described 1 Fig. 5 is a-vertical sectional fview of the con. veyor 1mg. s 1s i an enlarged n fragmetal pmu view of that portion of Fig. 4 vshowingfthe resilient support for the chain tracks; f .Flg. 'l is a fragmental sectional view` taken onV a-larger scale;` the view being taken substantially along the line 1"| oi' Fig. 5; f i i Fig; 8 is a plan-view on a larger scale of one oi?` theconveyor take-ofi drums;

Fig.v 9 is `a `plan view o f oneoi the feeding drums; i i o Fig. 410 is a vertical sectional view taken through oneof the printing unitsand its associated take-oi! and feeding drumson a plane per- Ipendicular `to the impression cylinder. axis;

Fig. 11 is a vertical sectionalview of one'of the take-oil drums substantially along the line l I-Il oiFigr; c f i i Fig. 12 uis a plan view of one of the gripper units oi the endless conveyor; A

Y Fig. 13 is a .fragmental sectional view taken substantially alongthe line lS-Ii of Fig. 8;

Fig. 14 is aI view of the gripper unit mounting. partly in section,along the line M--Il of Fig. 12;

Fig. 15is a detailed sectional viewtaken substantially along the line IS-ll of Fig. 12;

Fig. 16 is a detailed sectional view taken sub` stantially along the line IB-IG of Fig. 12;

Fig.\17 is a partial view oi' an end of one of the gripper units `of the endless conveyor showing the chain tracks in section. i

Fig. 18 is an elevational view, partly in section, takenalong the line i8-II of Fig. 8, illustratinga movable cam employed for actuating the gripper-bar-holdingmeans on a sheet taire-oi!V lnder is moved by the throw-oil mechanism Figs. 19 and 20 areside and end views. respectively, of a fragment of a form cylinder together with apparatus used in removing the cylinder;

view," partly di- 3 agrammatic. of the operators side of. that portion of a printing' press required to illustrate the invention; i

Fig. 2 is a side elevationalviewoia` part of the drive side of the press; i

Fig. 3is a plan view, partly in section,` along the line 3 3 of Fig. `1 with the inking devices` omitted: Y o.

Fig. 4 is a partial plan view showing the arrangement of lthe conveyor mechanism; o

Fig. 21 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of thedeliveryend ofthe press illustrated in Fig.

l; and i f Fig. 2211s a'diagrammatic side elevational view of `a press constructed according to a modification of the invention. l l

`Inreierring to the drawings.` and particularly to` Fig. 1. the letters A; B. and C designate generally threeV printing `unltsgoi a multicolor press constructed according to the invention. As illustrated, units A` and B are arranged for intaglio or gravure printing and comprise a printing couple including an impression cylinder lll, a form cylinder "cooperating therewith, and inking mechanism tor inking the design cn the latter 'l' OFVl-lcgf Il mechanism; the view being taken substan-i tially along the line l-Iof Fig. 4;

cylinder. The form cylin'diermay be either a solid cylinder or one to whichf/a thin' metal plate is attached, and the inking mechanism may be of any preferred or known construction. As diagrammatically illustrated, the inking mechanism comprises a trough I2 to which gravureV inl: is supplied from-a source, not shown, a brush I3 partially submerged in the ink and rotating counter-clockwise, as lseen in Fig. 1, to apply ink to the'form cylinder Il. a doctor blade |4`pivotally carried by a frame I5, and a pan- I8 into which excess ink drains and from which itis returned by a circulating system, not shown. to trough I2. Y,

Any desired number of similar unitssuch as the gravure units A and lB may be employed to print successively on each sheet passing through the press, and all the units may be of one kind. Preferably, however, at least one of the units is of a different kind than the gravure units described for the reason that certain kinds of printed matter, for example, type matter, may be reproduced to better advantage by vother than the gravure process. Such a different unit may be an oil'set lithographie unit, a typographie unit, or a unit employing any other suitable printlng process. In the illustration such diiferent unit is a typographical printing unit C comprising a printing couple including an impression cylinder I0, a typographical form cylinder `I1, and inkng mechanism for the latter having inking rollers, generally indicated at I8, which distribute ink supplied by a fountain |8 and apply it to the form. Each printing couple is supported by framing comprising a base 20 adapted to rest upon the floor, lower side frames 2|, 22 secured to base 20 by bolts 23, and upper side frames 24, 25 secured to frames 2|, shown. f

'I'he bases 20 are somewhat wider than the dis-V tance between side frames 2|, 22, as shown best in Fig. 3, being provided with integral lateral extensions 26 at the drive side of the press which serve to support the driving mechanism and co- 22 by bolts, not

Aoperate with spacer blocks, aslater described.

The bases 20 are spaced apart accuratelyand rigidly by blocks 21 which are machined parallel on two faces28, 29 which are fastened by bolts 30 against similar faces on the base extensions 26, the latter machined accurately parallel to the axes of the cylinders of the printing couples.

The arrangement ofbases 20 and blocks 21 is seen to provide an open floor area between adjacent bases, which areas are unobstructedly connected to the floor area at one side of the press. The purpose of this arrangement will be more evident as the description of the machine proceeds'.

Form cylinder mounting The form cylinders and |1 are mounted in side frames 2 I, 22 in such a way as to be readily removable from the frames into the spaces between unlts. Referring especially-to Fig. 3, the form cylinder is provided with integral shanlds 3| which have mounted thereon roller bearings 32 whose outer races are clamped against shoulders 33 of sleeves 34 by threaded clamp rings 35. Sleeves 34 rest in openings 38 in ,frames 2| and 22, the arrangement being such as to permit lengthwise sliding movement of the sleeves while preventing rotation thereof in the frame.

At one end of cylinder I I the inner race of roller bearing 32 is clamped toshank 3| by a flanged collar 31 which is keyed to the shank. On this collar there is mounted a ball Vbearing 38 for a purpose presently to be referred to. Journal 3| isA also provided with a threaded hole into whichis removably inserted a'f stud 4I). In practice,

certainy mechanism, not shown. is provided which is mounted onY frame 2| and arranged to engage stud 40 to adjust cylinder II and its mounting, including sleeves 34, endwise to a slight extent to bringA thesa-me into proper registration with the other cylinders of the press.

Atthe en'dof cylinder opposite that just referred to, the inner race of roller bearing 32 is clamped'on shank 3| by anged collar 4|, the latter being keyed to the journal. On this collar is mounted a ball bearing 42 similar to bearing and for a similar purpose. Collar 4| is formed with a slot 43 whose outer end is open and into which a driving lug 44, which is rotated b y drive mechanism described below. projects with a snug' sliding flt. It isby means of this lug 44 that cylinder l|| is rotated during operation of the machine. this driving connection being such as lto readily permit removal of the cylinder. y Y

Frame 22 is formed with the recess 45 to accommodate the rotating lug 44 and driven collar 4|,.this recess extending from the outer face of the frame inwardly to the wall which supports sleeve 34. 'Ihis frame is also provided with a removable block -or cap 46 which is secured in place during operation of the machine by a bolt 48' and other suitable fastenings not shown, and which may be removed at other times to allow Y sleeve 34 to be moved perpendicularly to its axis for removing or replacing cylinder Frame is similarly arranged with a recess 41 and cap Each of the caps 48 and 48 is shaped to provide an opening 48 into which a bar 50 may be inserted when itis desired to remove or replace'the cylinder. Bar 50 rests on the ledge 5| of the frame and is of such height that it engages ball bearing 38 or 42, as the case may be, to support the latter. When it is desired to remove cylinder from its frame, stud 40 is removed from shaft 3|, bars 50 areinserted under ball bearings 38, 4'2, caps 46 and 48 are removed, and cylinder is rolled out on the bars 50 onto a suitable truck or other support positioned in the spaces between bases 20. The cylinder does not revolve. The

outer races of ball bearings 38 and 42 do, however, revolve. Thus when the cylinder is in the position shown in Fig. 3, collar 4'| is easily disengaged from-drive lug 44 without disturbing the drive mechanism. The level of the space between 55 adjacent bases being the same as the level surrounding the press, namely, floor level, a truck or other cylinder carriage is easily and quickly moved into and out of position.

ADrive to form cylinders The form cylinders and |1 are driven by drive mechanism, viewed best in Fig. 3. Power from a motor, not shown, is supplied to belt 52 which runs upon pulley 53 keyed to shaft 54. The latter shaft extends through housing 55 which is bolted to extension 26 of base 20 of unit A and attached to frame 22 by spacer block 55'. Inside the housing, shaft 54 carries a worm gear 56 which meshes with the worm wheel 51 havin'g a 7o backlash ring 58 adjustably clamped to wheel 51 by bolts 59, permitting slightly angular displacement of ring 58 with respect to Wheel 51.

Shaft 54 is connected by angularly adjustable couplings 80 and connecting shaft 6| to another shaft 62 for driving unit B. 'I'he details of the tained hymns-ee se', 01.1 shea sa extends turques plate 61," and vkeyed to `this extension; is' a gear 68 which meshes witha gear on the impression cylinder shaft, as later described. Associatedwith gear 60 is a carrier ringe! which carriesdriving lug 44.v The ring 09 is arranged to loosely fit on l the end of shaft 63 and to lbe -adlustably clamped against face 10 orgaan-6 0 by clamp ring 1| and bolts 12. Thel arrangement issuch that carrier ring 69 maybe adjusted to any desiredy angular relation with gear Baby simply loosening bolts- 12 and moving the ring and gearrelativelyto each other.

The driving arrangements for `additional printf which sheetsai'e'fedeither completely separated tance, in; sojdoing. raise'cylinder III away fronriorgncylinder I|. i

:Impression cylinder i equipped'lwith a i series of sheet grippers 00'` .mounted on shaft |00 journaledin the cylinder and `.operatedto open and closegrippers 0 0?"` at the proper times to receiveand releasea sheet, allin vmensual manner oi-'sheetf-.fed machingas` The grippers 00' preferably are located :in known manner just below the 1o penphermftne cylinder when gnppingn sheet in order that they may clear the form cylinder I I asthey pass thelattenw e or in lapped relation, and I 02 arethe usual guides against Whichthe sheets are front-registered and ingjunits are preferably the same as those al- 20 Whihal'e Plflially liveredirom theiroperaready described. It is to'be noted that. in effect,` n 191V? DOSitQn 0,01%? each Sheet as it is drawn n single main driving. shaft-is .provlded. frcmq Antoine press.- A diacentsuides |02 is asheet which" all printing units are, driven by gearing fefedin! .device `|03 `Of any knOWl-l 0 Suitable kind. from which backlashmaybefremoved; that are. Preflfbly; Provided, With `Slippers |04 and rangmentga provided (of adjusting vdigerente 2 mounted on antifriction bearings |05 in frames segments oi the main driving shaft Ltobring each` unit into desired angularl relation with the others;

that the I orm cylinder o! each unit is angularly and longitudinally adjustable independently of, the position of the driving shaft, drive gears.- or 'other printing cylinders;` andthat the form. cyl-` inders may be quickly and easily, disconnected from their drive mechanism and accurately, re;

turned to their previous positions.A 1 i Impressipnpyzmder mennen@ Y". All the impression cylinders ,fi 0 are` similaily` mounted ,in the following manner. See particularly Fig. 1 and unit A of Fig;A 3. Cylinder |0i`sprog vided at one end with an integral shank 13fwhiciv1,-`

on a reducedportion. carries roller bearix 1 g j14.

' The inner race ofY theJatter @is clampedv against shoulder 15by the hub O f a gear lli-which 'iskeyed to a further' reduced portion oi shank .13 and vheld endwiseby plate 11 and bolt 10 in the end of the. shank. Gear 10 meshes with gear.` 00, previously described, and is provided with Vadjustable y haelt-1 lash gear 19 to eliminate loosenessbetween inipression cylinder I0 andiormcylinderfl I. Y

' The outer ra-ce'of bearing 14 yislclampedfiriIn eccentric80rby two sleevesf iii. 02securedto the eccentric by screws 03.` Eccentric 80 isrotatably Journaled in frames 22, ;2 5. and held against end:

wise movementby a plurality of; gibsf04. .f At its opposite endj cylinder |0 is provided withI shank 05y which alsocarries a roller bearing 00; held on the shank by plate 01 and'screw-BB.; Thel o uter race o! said bearing. issupportedpwithout clamping in an eccentric 88 rwhose outer Lend' is covered-by plate 00 andfwhoseinner'end carries a sealing ring 0|. yI iccentric 801s v4heldlagainst endwise movement-by gibs 102.,':," i Eccentric 09 is formed with an ear 03 for a purpose later to appear,` and afsecond-ear 04 which is connected by link 95 to arm 00 keyed onshait 9,1, which isja power throw-oi! shaft oftheikind `neuf-- allyv` employed in printing presses to :move one printingcylinder away from another. A Iurther shaft 0 1 `and arm00 islreyed to the other endet connected .by link 90 'to anca;- on eccentric 00 Similar tor 94- Y i When shaft 01 s .moved fromthesolid line poesitionv of Eig. 1` to the dotted line 'positionbythe' trip mechanism of "the machine; not shown,` ece' 'centrics 00; 89"'are rotated'A clockwise a shortciis pes |04" close on eachsheet while they are at rest and then kaccelerate the sheet tothespeedof the Dress. before releasing it, all in known-mane ner as exempliedinKaddeland et al., Patent No.

Between feedingdevice `|03 and'. impression.

I01`,the `sha it "i 08 `oi' which is Journaledat itsA ends inerenti-friction 4bearings |09 supported` inthe upperside frames 24, 2l and, held in hplace by caps;

|"0 1"h as a gripper shaft li I and grip- `pers |2 o fknown construction,--and the grippera are operated at proper. times by cams,.not show n,

r toclose upon a.sheet ,presente`d to thembygrippers |04 andto release the sheet to. grippers 0 0' V `of ilrn'iression cylinder I0.

45 a gear ,i me keyedfen shaft les and arranged i tomeshwithand be driven by Sear 1 6 oi impres-` sion cylinder '|0. a backlash gear |I4 meshing withbacklash gear" is ralso provided for removing slack between drum |01 and cylinder 0.

The'frame members ot printing unit A are Joined at an overhead elevation to the frame. membersoi' unit B by means of stationary conveyor` side frames I II. ||0. These frames. are

boltedto frame member |00 at lace 1 l@mi to upper framemembers 24, 25 of vunits A-andrat.

faces I I8, IIO respectivelyfby bolts, het shown.l They are also joined transversely ofthe press b y cr'ossjnernbers |20 secured to frames IIE, Iiby holtsl|2`|fan`d byspacerbars |22 andboltsi. Iframes ||5,f| |0 through the intermediacy oi devicesjto b e later described ksupport a s lieetconev vey'or indicated generallyat |24 in Fig. 1, by. which sheetsare conveyed in register fromunit A to unit .Br Conveyor |24 comprises apairpf parallel 05" chains |25. |20 andV a plurality of gripper units |21 secured thereto at appropriate intervalsfforV taking successive sheets from one uniti and transf:

Chains |25. "I 26 comprise the` usual side links 'lo [20 and pins` |20, bilt, contrarytc usual practica each pinV I 29 carries three 'indepc rdently rotatrest and carry anged sleeves |3I', |32 held in place by cotter pins |33, see Fig. 17. Each of the groups of three sleeves 3i, |32 supports an end plate |34, one for each end of the gripper unit. in the manner best shown. in Figs. 14 and 17. End plate |34 is arranged with two parallel slots |35 in the general direction of the pitch line .of the chain, and one slot |36 midway between the'other slots and at right angles thereto. Sleeves |3| nt-slidably in 'slots |35, and sleeve |32 in slot |35. By means of this construction the position of end plate |34 transversely ofthe pitch line of the chain is determined by sleeves 3| and its position longitudinally ofthe pitch linev by sleeve |32. At the same time the sleevesvare free to slide in their slots to accommodate themselves to the various degrees of curvature of the chain path.

Each of the end plates |34 is formed with a lateral extension |31` which isprovided with a beveled end surface |38 and beveled side portions |39, |40 for purposes of registration, as will be hereinafter explained. Extensions |31 are secured by` screws |4| to the end portions of gripper supportv bar |42 which extends acrosslthe press from one chain tothe other. Centrally of bar |42 a p1-ate"'|43 issecuredby screws |44, this aaaaeso 12 is provided with integral shanks |13, |14 on reduced portions of which are mounted roller bearings |15, |16 carried in eccentric sleeves |11, |18. Sleeves |11, |18 are rotatably mounted in frames 24, 25, and frame caps |19, |80, respectively, and are held against endwise movement by gibs, not shown. The ends of eccentric sleeve |11 are sealed by a plate |'8I and sleeve |82, and

the ends of sleeve |18 by sleeves |83, |84, which serve to clamp the outer race of bearing |16 to sleeve |10.

-plate being providedwithbeveled portions similar A to bevels |39, |40 of plate extensions |31. Gripper bar |42 is provided with integral bearing portions 45,| 46 in which is Journaled gripper shaft |41. Secured to this'shaft at appropriate intervals are a plurality of grippers, each of which comprises a dog |48 fixed to shaft |41 by a screw |49, a gripper nger |50 loose on shaft |41 and straddling dog |48, a springV socket |5| pivoted at |52 to dog |48, and a compression spring |53 bearing against the bottom of socket |5| and against a shouldered pin |54 to force the latter against the head of pin |55 set in the rear part of gripper finger |50. Socket |5| bears against a raised portion |53 of bar |42, and finger |50 bears against contact area |51 -of contact bar |58. Dog |48 is provided .with lug |59 for raising nger |50 when shaft |41 is turned, and the arrangement of parts is seen to be such that spring |53 exerts less force on linger |50 the farther the latter. is lifted off of contact `|51, owing to the decrease inthe length of the lever arm on which the spring force is applied. An arm |60 carrying a cam roller |6| is also keyed to shaft |41 and extends through an opening |62 in bar |42 for cooperation with gripper opening mechanism to be presently described. Arm |60 is formed with a lug |63 adapted to -engage bar |58`to limit the movemen of shaft |41 in one direction, vand also has an ear |64 carrying a pin |65 to which is pivotally secured spring socket |66 whose other end rests on portion |56 of bar |42. Spring |61 bears against the base of socket |86 and against the shoulder of a pin |68 which, in turn, lbears Shank |14 has a reduced portion |85 extending beyond bearing |16 to which is keyed gear |86 having a hub |81 which contines the inner race of bearing |16 against the shoulder of shank |14. Gear |86 meshes with gear 16 on impression cylinder |0 and has a backlash gear |88 meshing with backlash gear 19.

Eccentric sleeve |11 is provided with an ear |89 to which is pivotally connected one end of rod |90 whose other end is pivotally connected to ear 93 of eccentric 88.

Eccentric `sleeve |18 likewise is provided with an ear |9| joined by a rod |92 to ear 93' of eccentric 80. By means of rods |90 and |92 ecvcentrics 11 and |18 are made to follow the movements ofeccentrics 89 and 80 when the latter are rotated by throw-off shaft 91.

The eccentrics 69 and 80 are so designed that operation of throw-off shaft 91 moves impression cylinder IIIV away from form cylinder in a direction substantially at right angles to the line joining its center and the center of feeding transagainst the head of a pin |69 in arm |60 to urge membermay, if desired, be-inthe form cfa shaft bearing spaced disks of known construction and provided with suitable meansy for supporting the working partshereinaftcr described. The drum fer drum |01, and eccentrics |11 and 18 are so designed that take-off drum |12 moves in a substantially vertical direction a sufficient distance to maintain its desired relation to cylinder |0. These movements are not suilicient to destroy the mesh of driving gears 68, 16, |3, |86, nor to impairthe transfer of sheets from drum |01 to cylinder I0.l 1

Each gripper unit |21, as it comes into association with drum |12, is clamped thereto in accurately determined position longitudinally of the press -by the following mechanism, viewed best in Figs. 8 and 10. Near each end of drum |12 and also at its center, slots are provided to accommodate pairs of blocks |93 which are secured to the drum by screws |94. Adjacent surfaces of the blocks of each pair are milled out to form an opening |95 through which certain operating parts project. Each block |93 has two upstanding projections |96v with oppositely disposed inclined surfaces |91 which, in combination with the surface |98 between them, form a channel with inclined' sides having xed and accurately determined relation to the drum |12. Blocks |93 are so proportioned and located that end plate extension |31 and central plate |43 of the gripper units |21 fit accurately vin the said channels, beveled surfaces |39 engaging inclined surfaces |91 and the bottom of the plate extension |31 engaging the land |88. The inclines |81 are of such I steepness that the plate extensions |31 and plate |43 may move freely into and out oi' engagement with the blocks |93 while at the same time providing sutlicient inclination to ena'ble the plate |43 and extensions |31 to be readily forced into proper position against surfaces |98. Each pair of blocks |93 carries at its ends two pins |99 on which are pivotally mounted clamp jaws 200 in the opening |95. The lower ends of jaws 200 are pivotally connected by links 20| to pins 202 in one end of a link 203, the other end ofwhich is pivotally connected to a lever 204 keyed to shaft i |33 and is'slidably t t t t frame. 25 and cap |80 bygibs 2| I. Plate 203 `is 4 further provided, with a l pin zia' which is adiustamy j the time its grlppers are the same pins with sleeves engage beveled surfaces 205. As stated above, there are three pairs of blocks |93, and `each from to shaft 205 as just described. 1 t

Shaft 205 ,is rotatably iournaled` in the end walls of druml |12` and projects from said drum toward the gear side of the press to carry an arm l'205 having a cam roller 201 which follows groove 208 of cam plate 205.` The latter plate is loosely mountedon cylindrical projection `2|0 of sleeve held against the inner lace of groove 2|2` extending substantiallyin the direction of movement of` drum |12 when thelatter is moved by the throw-L poses. proportioned so `as to clamp each gripper unit |21 to drum |12 shortly after the gripper its arcuate travel around the drum and toV re# lease each unit shortly before it leaves said arcuate travel, andspecifically, the locking mechanism maintains each gripper unit so locked during grippers ofthe impression cylinder I0. `Before pairl has associated there`l t with a pair of laws 200 Vand connections there,`

mounted in frame t altering the operation of the locking jaws 200." Furthermore,

the eccentricity of pin 2|3'` Ipermits a slight ro-L f tary adjustment of cam plate 209 for timing pur- .'Ihelocking mechanism just described is taking a sheet from the loosely held against the inner face of frame and cap |19 by gibs 228. Plate 225 has a groove 229 similar -to groove2 I2 of plate 203 for slidabiy W engaging block 230 pivotally mounted on an ecl centric stud in cap |13in the manner Vdescribed l' with respect to block 213. By the mechanism 'just described gripper.

'at proper times" .'15 and thisgroove slidably engages `rotating member:23|` referred to` as |50 are openedand closed during rotation: of drum` |12. Furthermorecam 2221 is enabled to: follow the bodily movements ofdrum |12V in response to the throw-off shaft 31, whereby the gripper operation remains substantially unchanged in all positions ofthedrum. i ,i Q

Theconveyor |24 at the other end of .its elongated path` cooperates with another normally 4.transfer dn'um which in construction andoperation is similar to the take-off drumll12. No eccentricmounting is providedffor drum 23|: however, shanks 232, 233 `thereof carry roller bearings 234whic`h are mounteddirectly in frames 24, 25 and their associated caps235. 235. Drum j 23| has fixed thereto sprockets` 231 238. and

unit starts each gripper unit is locked to drum |12,its position relative'thereto is determined by the chains |25,

|25 and sprockets |10, |1|.` During the time the' gripper unit is locked to the drum, itis'desirable that the influence of the chains and sprockets upon the exact position of the unit beeliminated.

`For this `reason the three grooves 340 of sprockets |10, |1| which accommodate the three rollers on |3|, |32 are cut'slightly deeper and wider than the othervg'rooves of the sprocket l(Fig. 13) Vso that these three rollers are l determined by the posii tion of plates |31, |43I in blocks |33.

free to assume a position The position o! gripper units |21 to the direction of sheet travel while they are `passing over the drum is accurately ilxed by means of beveled `blocks 2|4 which are secured |1| by `screws 2|5. `Blocks 2|4 |35 of plate extensions to sprockets |10,

|31 and the parts are so proportioned that when plates |31, |43 are locked end play by the blocks `2 |4. i Y

Whilegripper units |21 are locked in drum |12 by the mechanism describedabove, gripper fingers |50 are opened and closedzby the following mechanism at proper timesto receive a sheet from im-` pression cylinder grippers 93'. `In one end of drum |12 is a rotatable stub, shaft 2 I5 to the inner end of which is `keyeclfan arm 2|1v having a cam face 2|5 adapted to engage roller |5I carried by each gripper unit |21, drum|12 being provided with an opening `2|9 through which arm 2|1 and arm '|50 may project. To the outer end of shaft 2|5 is keyed a cam arm 220 carrying a roller`22| which is urged againstgripperoperating cam' 222 by spring 223 transversely in the grooves of blocks |93, the gripper units |21 are rigidly held against surrounding spring rod 224 which gripper `operating a gear 233 and associated backlash gear'240 are keyed to shank 2331for drivingthe drum from the adjacent impression cylinder gear 15. Drum 23| is provided withsimilarlocking;.registerlng, and

' Fig. 5) leaves sprocket .|1|, it is guided between stationary tracks 243,

" fthe arched side frame I |.5 by screws 245. It then 45" passes between t .the

upper-.tracks 245, 241 which are securediby screws `245 to a `movable frame 245 resiliently supportedas described below. At

" the point where chain 238; it is` guided between |25 approachesf sprocket stationary tracks 250, 25| which are secured by screws 252 to frame ||5.

The lower run of chain E25, as it leaves sprocket Y zas, is` gilded between tracks. 25s, 254 which are guides zal `(i5 is guided in perforatedear 225. Cam 222 is formed ina plate 225 which is loosely mounted on of sleeve |82 and` is cylindrical projection 221 secured by screws 255to a movable frame 255 that is resiliently mounted as `described below. Tracks 253, 254 extend upward and across the space between adjacent `units and downward to guide the chain to sprocket |1|. H I

At each lower end oimovable chain frame 245 is a :dovetailbloek' 251 fastened to frame 243 by screws 258. i Blocks251 are arranged to slide vertically between beveled guides 253 secured'to frame H5. Lower chain frame 255 is similarly provided with dovetail blocks 250 which are arranged to slide vertically between beveled secured to frame ||5. Frame 255 has a third beveled block 252 at its upper central portion, which slides between guides 253 bolted to frame H5. At-the upper central portion of frame 240, a rack 264 is secured by screws 255. 'The teeth of .this rack engage the teeth a feeding devices similar to those de- 244 which` aresecured to 4 split collar 21| and screw 212 in the end of rod 210. On the side opposite rackr 264 pinion 266 engages the teeth of a rack 213 which is slldably carried on a rod 214 and urged downward on this rod by compression spring 215 conilned between the rack 213 and a pair of adjustably` located nuts216 at the top of rod- 214. The latter rod extends downwardly through block 262 y on the lower frame and has` a collarA 211 below the block which lifts the block and its frame when the rod is lifted. Racks 26| and 213 are confined between guide blocks 218, 216 secured by screws 280 to frame II6, which blocks also act as spacersV t maintain frame 249 at the proper distance from frame: I I6. The arrangement is such that frame 249 and rack 264 secured thereto are free to slide vertically between blocks 218, 219 `and collar 21|, andV pinion 266 is free to rotate under .the influence oi racks 264 and 213.

By means of the mechanism described, lower -frame 256 is enabled to move in a vertical direction and carry with itthe conveyor chain supporting tracks 253, 254, and the upper frame 246 is enabled to move vertically and carry with it tracks 246, 241, thus permitting shortening or lengthening of the lower and upper runs of the conveyon Furthermore, by means oi the resilient connections comprising, block 262, rod 214, spring'215, rack 213, pinion 266, and rack 264,

anyvertical movement of one of the fra- mes 249, 256 tends to cause movement of .the other frame in the opposite direction. For example, the downward movement of frame 256 pulls rod 214 downward, thus urging spring 2'I5 downwardlyV against rack 213, which tends to rotate pinion 266 counter-clockwise, as viewed in Fig. 5; rack 264 is thereby urged upwardly, carrying wlthvit frame 246. The strength of spring 215 is suiiicient to overcome the effect of the weight of frames 256 and 246 and produce lthe desired amount of tension inthe conveyor chain |26. The arrangement of the racks and pinions is such asto tend to produce equal .vertica1 movements of the two frames in opposite directions when iorce is exerted on the conveyorchain, tending to depress one o! the frames. On the other hand,

spring 215 tends normally to hold both i'rames of those described above with reference to the gear side of the press for supporting chain |26, except to point out that in Fig. 4 the upper track 28| corresponds to track 241, and frame 262 corresponds to frame 246.

It is to be noted that during a part of the time each gripper unit |21 is Alocked to take-o drum |12, another one of the gripper units |21 is locked to feeding drum 23|. Furthermore, by means of the driving connections previously described, drums |12 and 23| are-both driven positively and without backlash from the 'common main driving shaft comprising rigidly connected segments 54, 6I, 62, etc. 'Thus conveyor I 24 is positively driven at two points of its elongated path. Owing to inaccuracies of manufacture and adjustment oi the parts during assembly, the angular positions of drums |12 and 23| will not exactly correspond within the limits for registration of the printing,

.These arrangements 12 nor will the spacing between adjacent gripper units I 21 always beV the same. By means of the resilient chain supporting means described, variations in the length of the upper and lower runs f of the conveyor caused by such inaccuracies are compensated for and both runs are kept properly taut at all times.v v

Owing to the angular direction of movement of impression cylinder I6 when the printing impression is thrown oil', there is a slight change in theI rotational relation of this cylinder to the form cylinder II. The rotational relation to take-off drum |12 is also aiected, as may b'e readily seen. This effect, combined with the vertical displacement of the drum |12, may result in a lengthening of both the upper and lower runs of the conveyor |24 or the lengthening of one and the shortening of the other in varying amounts depending upon the precise direction and amount of the throw- 0H movement. If both runs are lengthened, the force latent in spring 215 will cause the latter to expand and raise both the upper and lower sets of chain tracks and in all cases the connections described will operate to maintain the upper and lower runs of the conveyor taut.

In order to effectively confine the chains |25, '|26 between their tracks, these tracks are specially i'ormed to cooperate with the three chain rollers as shown in Fig. 17. The track on one side, for example track 246, is provided with two runways 283 which engage the outside rollers, and the track on the other side, for example track 241, is provided with a single runway 284 engaging only the center roller. The arrangement of runways is such that each roller tends to rotate in one direction only as it travels from take-oil drum |12 tofeeding drum 23|, and vice versa, and looseness between the tracks and chain 4 -ment and direction of rotation of the cylinders.

In order to properly support the sheets during this'interval and in order to properly condition them for subsequent printing, devices employing -air and heat areprovided, which will now be described.

Air blasts Above the upper run of the conveyor a series of spaced smooth bands 285 of shape conforming to the conveyor path are supported by brackets 286 on cross rods 281 which are fixed in frames 246, 282. Bands 285 therefore move vertically withv the upper run of conveyor |24. Adjacent take-oir drum |12, iixed bands 288 are supported on rods 286, 260 fixed in frames 24, 25 and II5,

I I6, respectively, and adjacent feeding drum 23|.y

iixed bands 29| are supported on rods 292, 293 fixed in frames 24, 25 of unit B and frames I|5, I|6 respectively. The bands 288, 285 and 29| being spaced apart may be said to constitute perforate guide means.

effectively supported assunse ward,` thus pr ucing a corrugated contour to the sheet aridevenv causing Vcontrolof the sheet to be lost. Spaced holes, howevenprovide a distribution of air which eliminates the tendency to suckthe sheet down between pipes and provides full support throughout `tl'ie length and breadth of -the sheet.

other end open into a, `manifold. 298 fastened by screws 291 to the arched side frame |16, During 'Y Pipes 294 are plugged at one end anduatfthe the remainder of the travel 4of these sheets, they are supported and Air-under sufcient pressure to; support 4the sheets is supplied to manifolds 296,299 through branch ducts 30| and 302,resspectively` ductl being ,provided with 4an electrical `heating `jacket 303 to heat Athe air in cases where this is desirable. The branch ducts stem from la, common air` duct 304 provided withva deector, plate 305' by which the amounts of air directed into the branch ducts 30|, 302 may be adjusted. Main `duct 304 is connected to blower 306 which is ,driven by a motor 1 301, the blower` andmotorbeing supported on a f the volatile gases, solidifyingthe ink 'andin general conditioning the sheets for theneirt printing. Under some circumstances it is desirable toheat the sheets to a, higher temperature than is possi- A .ble with the heated air, `or to provide means for burningthe `volatile constituents of the inkeas they are driven off. For this Apurpose pipes 3H are provided which extend outwardly through e, manifold- 296 and are connected through mixing device 3|2 to acoirnnion pipe 3|3 which is connected to a source of gas supply, not shown.`

By this arrangement flames may be directed from pipes 3I| toward thesheets, `as shown in` Fig. 5

The above description has been directed mainly to the arrangement of printing unit A, the devices for introducing sheets into unit A, the Vdevices for conveying the sheets ,from unit A to unit B, and the means for supporting and conditioning the sheets during their passage between'these l units. It is to be understood that the arrangements for taking the sheets from unit B and conveying them tounit C are the same as those described in connection with units A and B, and that 7 further similar printingunits togetherwithl similarinterconnecting means maybe employed in f any number which may be desired. From the last such unit, for example unit Cin the illustration, the sheets are preferably takenby conveyor3l4, differing in the pathiwhich it follows, but ofsimilar construction` to conveyors |24, and carried over the working space adjacent unit C to a delivery unit D (Fig. 21) wheretheyare deposited and stacked byknown devices-not shown.. The

blown` against' the bands by blasts emitted fr'om similar pipes 200, which are `plugged. at one endand open at 'the other into the manifold 299Mfastened to frame I'Bbyscrews -15 The operation o! therabove described embodiment of the invention has been largely explained in connection withthe preceding description, but

for convenienceis `summarized as'tfollows;

' Sheets arevtaken individually from the feed hoard, |0| by feeding 'device |03 and transferred to feeding transfer `drum |01 bynwhich they are 4transferred to grippers 00' `ofimpression cylinder I0 of unitA. Bythe latter `cylinder they arecar- `ried into contact with form cylinder; ||,;,from whichthey receive a printed impression. `From `impression cylinder I0 theyare accurately transferred to gripper units |21 of conveyor |24, each gripper unit "as it `receives a sheet being accurately`locked against beveled blocksg|93 and .2|4 of drum |12 bylaws 200.` 'The sheets are carried s bythe upper -runl of conveyor `|24 upwardlyand over the working space. adiacenti unit-` A, and

downwardly toward. unit B. Duringlthis travel the printed side of the sheets is down and blasts ofVheated air from pipes 234, andcooledyorunheated 'air from pipes 208aredirected againstthe sheets to dry the printing and supportv the sheets against guides 288, 285, 29|.` As each gripperyunit` approaches unit MB, itl is Alocked in ,accurate `register to feeding drum 23| and while so locked, it transfers its sheet to the grippers of impression` cylinder I0 oi unit B.` The latter cylinder `car- 1 ries-the sheet into contact with form cylinder I0 of unitiBtfrom whichitreceives alsecond printed impression in register with the first impression. From impressioncylinder i0A of unit *Bf the sheetsiare transferred in register to the vsecond conveyor |24by which they are conveyed to'unit C`for1a thirdimpression. The sheets are similarly conveyed through additional printing `*units if such are provided, and from `the last unit `the sheets are conveyed, as by conveyor 3|4for example,'to arle1ive1'y` Point. l

During operation of the machine, the locking of gripper units |21 into the take-oil and feeding drums |12 and 23| causes slight variations in .the

length of the upper and lower runs ofconveyor |24. Such variations are taken up and both runs kept `taut `by .the spring, 215 and` associated, connections supportingthe movable chain tracks.

. If -the `feed of sheets is stopped or a sheet is presented to stopsl V|02 outl of, alignment` thetrip mechanism with which such. presses are provided will be caused to operate. ,e This, will` resultA in `oscillation of shaft 91 which in turn `fwill raise cylinder l0 cut of contact withform cylinder and will raise take-off drum |12 `a substantially delivery unit D comprises` a baseportion similar to the bases of the printing units and accurately and rigidly joined thereto by one of the spacer blocks 21.

similar amount. Under suchiconditions the force latent in the compression spring 215 will act to move the upper and lower chain tracks and maintain the conveyor chains taut.`

`Iffitis desired to remove a formY cylinder Il' from the machine, the pressisturned to bring cylinder to the position shownin Fig. 3, a truck orother device'is moved along the iioor` intothe working space between units, bars r50 are inserted under ballbearings 30, 42, frame caps 4B, 40 are removed and cylinder is movedalong bars 50 to the truck. If the operator desires to inspect the printing cylinders or inkingmechanisni or make adjustments during `operation ofthe niachine `he enters `the working space between units for this purpose. ,l e,

During assembly `of the press, the sectizons of Vthe maindrive shaft are moved intofsuch rotative relation that all of the printing units `are substantially in the same. angular position;` at all times. The sections `aretheri` clamped together in fixed `relation through couplings 60. --Backlash pression cylinders. Y Y "Another form of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 22. In'this form the sheets are conveyed through the' successive printing units A', B', C', and to the delivery unit D' by a single endless conveyor, designated generally as 330, which has a forward moving run for conveying the sheets j from one unit to the next over the working spaces between units and a return run extending from the-delivery unit over the printing units to the iirstprintingAv unit. The conveyor 330 comprises inders il', I1 by which they are printed. The

gripper units |21', as they travel around each impression cylinder are registered therewith and 1 locked in a recess therein by mechanism of similar construction to that by which gripper units |21 are registered and lockedl to the feeding transfer drum 23|,vsuch changes in the details Athereof being made as are required by the fact that cylinder I0 is an impression cylinder. For example, when locking mechanism of the kind above described is employed, I may omit the central one of the three pairs of clamping jaws and associated mechanism and employ for the print- -ing impression only that portion of the cylinder which liesbetween the two outer pairs of clamping jaws. Y

As each gripper unit |21' reaches the impres-Y sion cylinder i0' of unit A' it is locked thereto in register and while so locked receives a sheet from feeding ytransfer cylinder |01 which is constructed and operated in like manner to cylinder |01. Thereafter the sheet travels through the resiliently carried by the frame of the machine Vby means not shown to compensate for slight changes in the length of the chains 33| between printingunits due to manufacturing variations and differences in the position of the printing units. The return run oi.' the conveyor 330 is supported by any suitable means, as by tracks 334 secured to the machine frame.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

l. In a rotary multicolor printing press for printing on sheets, a plurality of printing units f each comprising an impression cylinder, a printing cylinder and a rigid frame `for supporting said cylinders, said frames being spaced apart toform a working space between adjacent units,

means for conveying sheets in register from one 'unit to the next over said working space, and

means at one lateral end only oi said printing units for rigidly joining said spaced apart frames, said working space being substantially unobstructed at the other en'd beneath the conveyor. 2. In a rotary multicolor printing press for printing on sheets, a rigid base adapted to rest on a floor for supporting the working parts of the press, said base extending longitudinally of the press and having a plurality of horizontal. transversely projecting portions spaced apart to provide an unobstructed iioor area between adjacent projecting portions, a printing unit supported on each of said projecting base portions, and means for conveying sheets in register from one unit to another over the floor area between them at an elevation sumcient to provide a work- .ing spacebetween the units, entrance to said working space being substantially unobstructed at the side of the press corresponding to the ends of said transversely projecting base portions.

3. In a rotary multicolor printing press for printing on sheets.la plurality of printing units each comprising an impression cylinder, a printing cylinder, and a rigid frame for supporting said cylinders. said units being spaced apart to form a working space between them, the frame for one unit being provided with movable bearing blocksv arranged to permit removal of the correspondingvprinting cylinder therefromv transversely to its axis into said working space, means for conveying sheets in register from one unit to the next over said working space, and means at one lateral end only of said spaced apart printing units f for rigidly 'joining the frames thereof, said working spacev being unobstructed at the other end substantially from floor level upward to said conveying means,` whereby a cylinder carriage arranged to rest on the iioor may be moved into said working space to receive a cylinder removed from said frame.

4. In a multicolor printing press for printing on sheets, spaced printing units, a drive member, separate driving connections between said member an deach of said units, a flexible endless conveyor having sheet grippers for conveying a sheet from one unit to the next including means for registering the sheet grippers ilrst with one unit and then with the other, and resilient means for supporting and tautening the advancing and returning runs of said conveyor adapted to permit either run to lengthen and the other to shorten under the influence of said registering means while maintaining both runs aut.

5. In a rotary multicolor sheet printing press l having iirst and second printing couples, an endless conveyor arranged between the couples to transfer sheets in register from the iirst to the second couplel comprising a pair vof parallel chains and a series of sheet gripper units carried 'i thereby, means for driving both said printing couples, means for registering each gripper unit successively with the first couple to receive a sheet therefrom, means for registering each gripper unit successively with the second couple t deliver a sheet thereto, movable supportin means for the advancing run of said conveyo movable supporting means for the returning ru thereof, and connections between said support ing means tending to cause movement of eithe of said supporting means in one direction in r sponse to movement of the other of said su porting means in the opposite direction.

6. In a rotary multicolor sheet printing pre having first and second printing couples,'an en Vprintingcylinder.

between said couples to veyor vcarrying sheet' member adjacent theA i around which said conveyor Y cam plate,;and guide permitting movement l tatingl member upon operation `oi the throw-oi! mechanismfto maintain the v 'r u 17 v less conveyor arranged between the couples to transfer sheets in register from the first to the second comprising a pair oi parallel 'chains and a series o! sheet gripper units carried thereby,

means for driving both-saidprinting couples, i means for registering each gripper unit succes- -sively with the first coupleto receive sheets therefrom, means `for registering each gripper unit :successively with the second couple to deliver :sheets thereto. movable supporting `means for the` advancing runoi `said conveyor, movable each oi said supporting `means vbeingarranged to denne `an upward and a downward path `ror the corresponding run oi the conveyor, and connections between said snpportingmeans tending' to cause upward movementoi either oi said supporting means in responseto downward movement oi the other oi said supporting means. o

- 7.,YIn a rotary' multicolor sheet printing press t having first andsecondzprinting `couplesleach comprising an impression cylinder and a printing cylinder, throw/oil means for `moving each impression cylinder away -from its associated f printingy cylinder for interrupting- `the printing Y operation, an endless conveyor arranged between i .said couples to transfer sheets; from` they iirst to a the secondimpression cylinder, a `first rotating ltlnexnberadJaoent. the rst impression cylinder around-which said conveyor travels to takesheets from the first impression cylinder, a second roaaneen fone couple toanother comprising a pair ot pari, allel chains, certain of the links oi each chain vhaving pins oi greater length than the width of `the chain, a support member on each chain, said ucentral slot, elongated ,in a direction parallel to said pitch `1ine,sa,ii` longer pins ofthe chain extending into said slots, a shaft carried by said opposedsupport members, andsheet grippers on i @supporting means for the returning run thereof,` said shaft. v

` `groups of three Htating member adjacent the` second impression cylinder Varounci which said conveyor travels to i deliverv sheets to the second impression cylinder, .1 means for moving one oi' said rotating-members bodily to an extent-substantially corresponding f. tothe movement oi its adjacent impression cylt inder` and resiliently interconnected supporting means for-the advancing and returning runs oi said conveyor including spring means arranged to produce movement of the supporting means for both runs in the same direction when said movablerotating member is moved. V

` 8. Ina rotary multicolor sheetprinting `press havingilrst and second printing couples, eachv couple comprising an impression cylinderand a Atransfer.: sheets from.- the iirst to thesecondimpression cylinder, said congrippers, a first rotating ilrst impression cylinder travelsto `take sheets from the rst impression cylinder. aneccentric mounting* for` said first impression-cylinder,` throw-ofi Vmeans for vturning `said eccentric mounting to move said 'impression cylinderaway` i from its associatedf printing i cylinder for interregister to said impression cylinder at the "o of one an endless conveyor arranged l a a a tion at overhead elevation.

., of their upperruns.

l the conveyors lare arranged to convey sheets from rupting thejprintingi operation, an eccentric l lmounting for saidA ilrst rotating: member, con- 'njecting means between said eccentricsior communicating throw-od movement `from said 4irripression cylinder to said'rst rotating member, whereby the later moves with the impression cyl- Inder on throw-oir, means associated with` said iirst rotating member for 4openingand closing the l `sheet grippers as they pass over said iirst rotating ,i member, said last-named means 'comprising a a meansiorsaid, cam plate i thereof with said `first roo gripper opening and closing means inoperative condition. y

9. In arotary multicolor` sheet printing press having a plurality oi.' printing couples spaced i line; below the fimpression cylinder, a a jwhichpresents sheets tov the impression cylinder is 4made to travel around aarotating feed drum in a direction transverse `to `the pitch line oi apart, a conveyorior conveying 'sheets from one thelong. pins of the other'chain, support mem- `oi the 'chaina shaft carried by each pair of ,tions consecutively on individual sheets, said ments rigidly Tconnectedalong one side o! the `aclaptedto receive` sheets from aprior operating station, convey them their upper runs,

support member having a` central slot elongated the chain and two'siots, one on each side oi said 10, Ina rotary multicolor sheetprinting press having a `plurality v oi printing' couples spaced couple to another comprising a pair oi parallel chains, each chain, having at spacedV points pins oi greaterv length than :the width oi the chain. the groupsoi long pins of one chain being arranged opposite the groups of bers 3for each chainhaving threeslots for the `reception of the long pins of a group, the central slotrbe'ing at right angles to the outer slots and at least one of the slts being in the pitch line opposed support a members, `and sheet grippers on said shaft. n f

, 11. In a machine having a plurality of separated `operating stations `for performing operaseparated stations having transverse, basejele- 12. Mechanism asclaimedineialin 1i in which the conveyors are arranged to convey the sheets from oneV operating station to the. next by means i3. Mec anismasclaimed in claimlhinwhich one operating station to theneirt by means o! a guidebandsabove the path oi the sheets, and means for playing upwardly directedstreams o! air against thesheets to hold them against said ,bands and to facilitate the dryingoi the ink thereupon. l

ifi. Mechanism as claimed in claim 11 inwhich the printingcylinder is arranged with its center horizontal,` center line of the and `in which the conveyor sheet, and the conveyor which the impression cylinder is,

while presenting a receives sheets from made to travel around a rotating take-oidrum while receiving a sheet, said feed and take-ofi drums being located with their center lines above the vhorizontal center line of theL impression cylinder. i

apart, a conveyor for conveying sheets from 15 15. Ina;.rrlulticolorprinting press for printing on sheets, spaced printing units,a flexible endelements, a'printing to print onthe a sta v thereof.

portionof a rotation thereof. 19. In a machine of the class described, a pair member as it passes over the drum, the sockets between certain of the teeth of each sprocket being enlarged in order to permit-the gripper members to beheld by the drum during a part of their travel thereover independently lof the u chains.

16. In a rotary multicolor sheet printing press having first and second printingcouples 'spaced apart, an endless conveyor for transferring sheets e from one couple to the other,` said conveyor comprising two parallel chains, upper and lower tracks for said `chains, each chain link having three rollers. the two outer rollers running on `one track and the intermediate rollerrunning on .the other track,ewhereby,the chains are accurately guided with a minimum of friction.

17. In a machine of the classdescribed, a pair Voi' parallel chains, a plurality of sheet gripper units carried thereby, each unit comprising a support bar having end portions slidably supported at a plurality of points by said chains, a normally rotating member, sprockets for said chains se- .cured for rotation with said member, and means rotating with said member adapted to'engage 4each bar in succession at a plurality of points between said end portions for clamping said bars to said member inaccurately determined relation thereto during a portion of a rotation 18. In a machine of the class described, a pair ofparallel chains, a plurality of sheet gripper units carried'l thereby, a normally rotating member,'sprockets forsaid chains securedfor rotation .with said member, and means rotating with said member adapted to engage each gripper unit in succession at three points. one near each end thereof, and one intermediate the ends thereof, for clamping said units to said member in accurately determined relation thereto during a of parallel chains, a plurality of `sheet gripper v units carried thereby, a normally rotating member around which said chains and gripper units side walls and bottom wall of said channel dui'- ing a portion of a revolution of said member.

21. In a machine of the class described, a pair of parallel chains, a plurality of sheet gripper units carried thereby, a normally rotating member around which said chains and gripper units are adapted to travel, a pair of-.clamping jaws on said rotating member acting'successivelyupon said gripper units.t0 secure the same in accurate position relative to said rotating member during a portion of aV revolution thereof and means rotating'with said rotating member for operating said `iaws comprising a pair of links' one end of each of which is connectedto one of said jaws and the other end to a member common `to the two links, said links being movable into substantial alignment with each other whereby said jaws are firmly held in clamping position.

22. In a machine of the class described, a pair of parallel chains, a plurality of sheet gripper units supported thereby, each gripper unit com- 1 prising a plurality of grippers spaced lengthwise of the unit, a normally rotating member around which said chains and gripper'units are adapted to travel, clamping devices carried by said rotating member and adapted to engage each of said gripper units at a plurality of points along its length, including at least one point between the endmost grippers, to clamp the unit to said member during a portion of a revolution thereof, .and

means for operating said clamping devices.

23. In a machine of the class described, a pair `of parallel chains, a plurality of sheet gripper units carried thereby, a normally rotating member around which said chains and gripper units are adapted to travel, mounting means for said member permitting bodily movement thereof transversely to the axis thereof, means rotating with said member operable to clamp said gripper units in succession to said rotating member for a portion of a revolution thereof, a cam at one end of said rotating .member for operating said clamping means and mounting means for said cam arranged to permit bodily movement thereof corresponding substantially to the bodily movement of said rotating member whereby operation of said clamping means is eiected in various positions of said rotating member.

24. In a machine of the class described, a pair of parallel chains, a plurality of sheet gripper units carried thereby, a normally rotating memare adapted to travel, provided with two oppo- Y .sitely disposed inclined surfaces and a dat sura face therebetween, said surfaces extending axially of said rotating member andelying substantially midway between said chains, and means acting in succession upon said gripper units to hold the same firmly in. contact with said three surfaces simultaneously during a portion of a revolution of said rotating member. t

20. In a machine of the class described, a pair of parallel chains, a plurality of sheet-gripper units carried thereby. a normally rotating mem-- ber around which said chains and 'gripper units -ar'e adapted to travel, provided with a channel u having two oppositely disposed inclined surfaces and a flat surface therebetweemsaid'channel extending axially of said rotating mem-ber and lying between said chains, said gripper units being provided withsurfaces mating with the y surfaces of said channel, and a pair of clamping laws on said rotating `member acting successively upon said gripper units to exert force parallel to said inclined surfaces for pressing said units into firm contact' with the inclined isisY ber around which said chains and gripper units are adapted to travel, a frame, eccentric boxes in said frame for supporting the ends of said rotating member, means for rotating said eccentric boxes to move said member bodily, means rotating with said member operable to clamp said gripper unitsin succession to said member for a portion of a revolution thereof, a normally stationary cam at one end of said memb'er for operating said clamping means, a bearing concentric with saidI member on which said cam is loosely mounted and guide means for said cam arranged to permit bodily movement thereof while preventing substantial axial and rotative lmovement thereof. Y

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