Ink monitor system
US4852604A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 1987 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86445
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for monitoring ink flow from an ink storage tank to at least one ink fountain of a high-speed, web-fed printing press employing a scale for measuring the weight of the ink storage tank and comparing weight signals from the scale at successive times to determine the weight of ink consumed over the interval between readings. A pump is associated with the storage tank for pumping the ink to the fountain via coupling lines. An ink level sensor detects the level of ink in the fountain and provides an ink demand signal for operating a valve means in the ink coupling line to in turn cause ink flow to the fountain so as to provide replenishment of ink thereat. With the use of plural fountains, means are provided for prioritizing delivery to the fountains so that individual ink consumption on a per fountain basis can be determined. In this regard, the system also employs a volume sensor preferably in the form of a pump stroke position sensor for determining incremental weight delivery per stroke.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.