Abstract: A system for controlling registration in a Printing press between the moving web having repetitive print patterns and a work station operated cyclically in synchronization with the press. The system includes a photoelectric scanner having a variable sensitivity, a position pulse generator with a backup accumulating device, a motorized compensator for controlling the longitudinal position of the web relative to the work station and a digital control circuit for driving the compensator to correct misregistration. The control system counts position pulses during each cycle of the work station, defines a monitoring period during which marks and repetitive print patterns are scanned and signals differences between the cycles of the print markings and the work station by sampling at the occurrence of each mark, a digital number which corresponds to the instantaneous position of the work station and its cycle.

Abstract: A web severing device has a pair of spaced-apart carriages straddling the path of the web, a severing blade being attached to one of the carriages. Power devices are provided for moving the carriages toward each other to bring the blade into severing contact with the web. Resilient devices are provided to prevent activation of the severing blade if a relatively rigid foreign object such as a human finger is accidentally embraced between the carriages and to prevent injury. When only the web is disposed between the carriages a portion of the resilient devices also functions to urge the blade-carrying carriage into web severing contact.

Abstract: A system for detecting breaks in a web moving through a predetermined area including a scanner head assembly having an infrared emitter, optical filtering and an adjustable receiver for detecting the presence or absence of reflecting infrared radiation from an object within the scanner path. The scanner control system provides a power source for the emitter which pulsates at a predetermined frequency and low duty cycle, a receiver circuit incorporating selective filtering, and a phase-locked detector loop tuned to the emitter frequency for optimum selectivity and performance in the face of varying ambient light conditions. A scanner head having a linearly adjustable operating range is employed for tailoring the system to a wide range of web locations and conditions.

Abstract: A web severing device has a pair of spaced-apart carriages straddling the path of the web, a severing blade being attached to one of the carriages. Power apparatus are provided for moving the carriages toward each other to bring the blade into severing contact with the web. Resilient apparatus are provided to prevent activation of the severing blade if a relatively rigid foreign object such as a human finger is accidentally embraced between the carriages and to prevent injury. When only the web is disposed between the carriages a portion of the resilient apparatus also functions to urge the blade-carrying carriage into web severing contact.

Abstract: A system for positioning a web of material as it enters and passes through a course for treating the web, as in a printing press, is disclosed. The edges of the web are scanned by infrared sensing devices which are connected by various electrical circuits to a tilt mechanism contacting the web, and both the scanning devices and the tilt mechanism may be synchronized, or manually controlled, to direct the web through the press. A broad diameter channel of infrared radiation is utilized in the scanners. The relationship of the web to its desired path and the correcting actions of the system may be continuously read in terms of actual deviation changes on a display panel. The tilt rollers and the scanners may be automatically centered on a fixed reference point in preparing the web for its course through the press. The system includes correlation of the tramming of the tilt rollers to continued position sensing of the web by the infrared scanners.

Abstract: A control for a web processing machine such as for a printing press is described for detecting web breaks, faulty web sensors and inconsistent web threading conditions. A logic network is employed to compare web sensor signals with control signals to detect whether the web sensor signals are consistent with what is called for by associated control signals. Station status signals are produced to stop the machine when inconsistent conditions are sensed and cause appropriate web severing. A bypass control network is provided to inhibit the station status signals for slow speed checkout. However, when the machine speed exceeds a predetermined level, the bypass network is automatically deactivated and full machine control protection restored.