Abstract

Apparatus for distributing ink or other fluid on the surface of a rotating roll in flexographic or gravure type printing equipment. The ink distributing apparatus includes a backplate, first, second and third blades affixed to the backplate and having edges that define points of an arc, a secondary reservoir defined by the backplate and first and second doctor blades, and a primary reservoir defined by the backplate and the second and third doctor blades which is adjacent to the secondary reservoir. Inlets are also provided for communicating a fluid into each reservoir at relatively low pressure. The edges of the blades may be placed in close proximity with a surface of a roll having a periphery corresponding to the arc defined by the blade edges. Thus, the apparatus may be used to distribute a quantity of fluid received within the reservoirs on the surface of the roll when the roll rotates past the apparatus.