Method and apparatus for aligning a cylinder in an engraver

Abstract

An automatic self-centering chuck system for use on an engraver. The chuck system includes a plurality of jaws which are slidably mounted for movement in a radial direction toward a central aperture of the chuck to clamp a shaft for an engraving cylinder. Each of the jaws is actuated for movement by a lever pivotally mounted within the chuck. The levers are actuated for pivotal movement by an axially reciprocating drawbar which is energized for movement by a series of pneumatic cylinders. The components of the chuck are accurately machined to provide close tolerance, precise movements of the jaws whereby a cylinder will be accurately positioned at the central rotational axis of the chuck. In order to ensure that the precise level of jaw movement is maintained throughout the life the chuck, a lubricant flushing or purging system is provided for flushing normal wear particles from the precision components internal to the chuck.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.