Kenneth A Leavell

US Patent:

20020030707, Mar 14, 2002

Filed:

Sep 5, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/946208

Inventors:

Peter Arnold - Olathe KS, US
Jessica Brunk - Edgerton KS, US
Kenneth Leavell - Shawnee KS, US
Dennis Schupp - Leawood KS, US
David Strumpf - Columbia MO, US

International Classification:

B41J029/38

US Classification:

347/009000

Abstract:

A spray bar dampening system () having at least one spray bar () that is controlled with a distributed control system to provide high-speed adaptive and custom control of spray dampening in a printing press or other application. Along with the spray bar, the dampening system includes a bar address module () for coupling with the spray bar, a speed converter module (), a network interface module (), and a remote terminal module () that all communicate with one another over a communications bus (). Each module performs distributed control functions unique to its particular place in the overall system. The spray bar includes an elongated support (); a plurality of spray nozzles () spaced along the support; a conduit () carried by the support and connected to the nozzles for supplying fluid or other substance thereto; a plurality of electrically actuated valves () operable to control the flow of fluid or other substance through the conduit to the nozzles; a plurality of valve drive elements () for driving the valves; a bar interface module () positioned on the support and operable for receiving information from an external control element and for calculating a spray request signal such as a target pulses per minute (PPM) valve in response to the information; and a plurality of valve control modules () positioned on the support, each coupled between the bar interface module and one of the valve drive elements, for controlling operation of the valve drive element in response to the spray request from the bar interface module.