Abstract: A device and a method is disclosed to maintain plate and anilox mandrel position stability in print decks of a flexographic printing press. In one aspect, the mandrel bearings associated with at least one of the plate roll and the anilox roll are preloaded for the purpose of eliminating backlash and increasing the positional stiffness of the bearings, and thus the mandrel. In another aspect, the roll drive motor control system is enabled to provide a torque additive command the torque profile to maintain rotational consistency and otherwise overcome torque transients experienced by the motor during print bounce. Accordingly, the problem commonly referred to as print bounce and or print banding is alleviated.

Abstract: A device and a method is disclosed to maintain plate and anilox mandrel position stability in print decks of a flexographic printing press. In one aspect, the mandrel bearings associated with at least one of the plate roll and the anilox roll are preloaded for the purpose of eliminating backlash and increasing the positional stiffness of the bearings, and thus the mandrel. In another aspect, the roll drive motor control system is enabled to provide a torque additive command the torque profile to maintain rotational consistency and otherwise overcome torque transients experienced by the motor during print bounce. Accordingly, the problem commonly referred to as print bounce and or print banding is alleviated.

Abstract: A device and a method is disclosed to maintain plate and anilox mandrel position stability in print decks of a flexographic printing press. In one aspect, the mandrel bearings associated with at least one of the plate roll and the anilox roll are preloaded for the purpose of eliminating backlash and increasing the positional stiffness of the bearings, and thus the mandrel. In another aspect, the roll drive motor control system is enabled to provide a torque additive command the torque profile to maintain rotational consistency and otherwise overcome torque transients experienced by the motor during print bounce. Accordingly, the problem commonly referred to as print bounce and or print banding is alleviated.

Abstract: A device and a method is disclosed to maintain plate and anilox mandrel position stability in print decks of a flexographic printing press. In one aspect, the mandrel bearings associated with at least one of the plate roll and the anilox roll are preloaded for the purpose of eliminating backlash and increasing the positional stiffness of the bearings, and thus the mandrel. In another aspect, the roll drive motor control system is enabled to provide a torque additive command the torque profile to maintain rotational consistency and otherwise overcome torque transients experienced by the motor during print bounce. Accordingly, the problem commonly referred to as print bounce and or print banding is alleviated.

Abstract: A side shift mechanism for a deck of a printing press enables a roll, for example, a plate roll and/or an anilox roll, to be shifted axially so that one end of the roll extends out of the frame of the press. The extended roll or a sleeve on the roll is thereby made accessible for easy exchange. After the roll or sleeve is exchanged, the roll is shifted back to its original position.

Abstract: An ink fountain unit for a printing press having a rotatable cylindrical transfer roll, an ink fountain adjacent the roll and parallel thereto, the fountain being equipped with doctor and containment blades and end seals between the blades, all of the blades and end seals having edges bearing against the roll to define a closed chamber for ink, each of the end seals having relatively elongated, spaced apart first and second angled bearing surfaces confronting the doctor and containment blades and an arcuate bearing surface confronting the roll between the angled surfaces and a recess in a chamber wall of each end seal generally aligned with the arcuate bearing surface top provide a cantilevered edge on the arcuate surface so as to apply in operation less lineal pressure to the roll than to the blades.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for flexographic printing wherein a press having a frame is equipped with an ink transfer roll, a subframe is movably mounted on the frame adjacent the transfer roll, a holder being movably mounted on the subframe, the holder being equipped with upper and lower doctor blades engaging the transfer roll and end seals defining with the roll a liquid chamber, and an ink inlet and an ink outlet in the holder, the subframe having portions clamping the doctor blades to the holder, the subframe being pivotally mounted on the frame for movement away from the ink transfer roll, the subframe being equipped with a cylinder for moving the holder so as to unclamp the doctor blades for replacement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing the fountain of a flexographic press including a positive displacement pump coupled to the ink fountain of the press and selectively to solvent and waste containers to a closed circuit for recycling and to atmosphere for purging and, optionally, to a solvent saver receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for printing plate cylinder--impression cylinder registration for a multi color flexographic press wherein pin means are provided on the plate cylinder gear and finger means provided on the impression cylinder gear and when the two come in contact upon rotation of the impression cylinder gear, the plate cylinder gear rotates through a small arc during which time the gears are brought into meshing engagements.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for applying an elastic strand to disposable diapers. It uses canted, spindle-equipped wheels for engaging an elastic strand, moving the elastic strand into a sinuous configuration and stretching the strand. Stripping belts apply the strand to a diaper component.