US Patent 7281473 Ink proofer arrangement including movable ink proofer tool holder

An ink proofer arrangement to generate consistent and reliable ink draw-downs irrespective of the size of the substrate or the user preparing the ink sample. One example embodiment includes an ink proofer arrangement and an ink proofer tool. The ink proofer arrangement includes a cylindrical roller and a drive motor adapted to rotate the roller. In addition, a first movable mounting assembly is included that retains the ink proofer tool adjacent to and in a non-contact position with the roller. The proofer arrangement further includes a first variable pressure assembly coupled to the mounting assembly and adapted to move the ink proofer tool between the non-contact position and a contact with pressure position with the roller, wherein a transfer roller of the ink proofer tool is adapted to transfer ink to a substrate that is inserted between the roller and the transfer roll when the drive motor is engaged.