Ink level control system

Claim 1

A mechanism for maintaining the level of ink in an ink fountain at a predetermined minimum level comprising: a. an ink fountain containing a quantity of ink, b. a fountain roller extending into said ink fountain and adapted to remove ink from said ink fountain in small amounts, c. wave making means mounted adjacent to said ink and extending below the level of ink in said ink fountain, d. means for moving said wave making means longitudinally along the length of said ink fountain to form a wave of ink which extends above the level of ink in said ink fountain, said wave making means including switch activating e. an ink supply means containing a supply of ink for feeding to said ink supply, f. a control means operatively associated with said ink supply means, said control including means to permit ink feeding and means to prevent ink feeding, g. switch means operatively associated with said control means, said switch means being positioned to be activated by said switch activating means as said wave making means moves longitudinally of said ink fountain and being adapted to cause ink feed, h. ink sensor means mounted adjacent to said ink fountain, said ink sensor means including a first member which extends into said ink fountain to a position above the level of ink in said ink fountain, i. said first member of said ink sensor means being operatively associated with said control means and said means for preventing ink feeding, j. said control means being adapted to feed ink in small measured quantities to said ink fountain unless the wave of ink caused by said ink agitator is sufficiently high to activate said first ink sensor member to thereby prevent further ink feed.