The arrangement was somewhat similar to that known as the platen machine; the printing being produced by two flat plates, as in the common hand-press.

It also embodied an ingenious arrangement for inking the type.

Instead of the old-fashioned inking balls, which were beaten on the type by hand labour, several cylinders covered with felt and leather were used, and formed part of the machine itself.

Two of the cylinders revolved in opposite directions, so as to spread the ink, which was then transferred by two other inking cylinders alternately applied to the "forme" by the action of spiral springs.

The movement of all the parts of the machine were to be derived from a steam-engine, or other first mover.
"After many obstructions and delays," says Koenig himself, in describing the history of his invention, "the first printing machine was completed exactly upon the plan which I have described in the specification of my first patent.