Abstract: An intaglio printing press includes: a first intaglio printing unit; a second intaglio printing unit; a dryer for drying a printed surface of a sheet subjected to printing by the first intaglio printing unit; a convertible unit which holds and conveys the sheet received from the first intaglio printing unit and passes the sheet to the second intaglio printing unit in such a way that a surface of the sheet to be subjected to intaglio printing by the second intaglio printing unit is switchable between one surface and another surface of the sheet; and a second skewing adjustment cylinder and a second circumferential adjustment cylinder which are disposed between the convertible unit and the second intaglio printing unit and which adjust a position of a pattern to be intaglio-printed on the sheet by the second intaglio printing unit.

Abstract: This invention discloses a numbering and imprinting machine including an impression cylinder, a stamp cylinder, a first printing cylinder, a second printing cylinder, and a moving inker which includes a first ink supply device and second ink supply device. A first space is formed between the moving inker, which is set at a retraction position, and the first and second printing cylinders so as to permit entrance of the operator into it. A second space is formed between the stamp cylinder and the first printing cylinder to permit the operator who has entered the first space to access the impression cylinder.

Abstract: A variable cutoff printing press includes a plate cylinder, a plate cylinder support removably supporting the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, a blanket cylinder support removably supporting the blanket, an impression cylinder and an impression cylinder support. An actuator for moving the blanket cylinder support accommodates different blanket cylinder sizes, the actuator further moving the impression cylinder support so that regardless of blanket cylinder size a gap exists between the blanket cylinder support and the impression cylinder support. An on impression actuator moves the impression cylinder support against the blanket cylinder support to set a desired print load. A method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printing press. The printing press includes a frame, a plate cylinder, a plate cylinder support supporting the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder for receiving an image from the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder support supporting the blanket cylinder, an impression cylinder for supporting a printing substrate between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder, an actuator connected to and controlling a position of the plate cylinder support or the blanket cylinder support and a controller providing the actuator with a position setpoint, the actuator receiving position feedback signals to maintain the position setpoint during a printing operation. The present invention also provides a method for operating a printing press.

Abstract: An offset print unit includes a plate cylinder having an end, a rotatable plate cylinder support supporting the end and having a first bearing surface, a blanket cylinder having a blanket cylinder end, a rotatable blanket cylinder support supporting the end and having a second bearing surface and an actuating device for rotating the plate cylinder support and the blanket cylinder support, the first and second bearing surfaces contacting during a part of the rotation of the supports. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An offset print unit includes a plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder having an end and a blanket gear coaxial with the blanket cylinder, a drive axle or pinion supporting a gear driving the blanket gear and a blanket lift arm for selectively supporting the end to cantilever the blanket cylinder, the blanket lift arm being rotatable about the drive axle or pinion. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An offset print unit includes a plate cylinder having an end, a rotatable plate cylinder support supporting the end and having a first bearing surface, a blanket cylinder having a blanket cylinder end, a rotatable blanket cylinder support supporting the end and having a second bearing surface and an actuating device for rotating the plate cylinder support and the blanket cylinder support, the first and second bearing surfaces contacting during a part of the rotation of the supports. A method is also provided.

Abstract: In order to provide a printing unit (1; 50) of modular design with the lowest possible expenditure on construction and high flexibility, the printing unit (1; 50) of modular design for printing webs (29) has a stand (2; 2?; 54), which is provided with at least one crossmember (3; 4; 51) at both ends (drive and operating side), printing cylinders (9 to 16) being mounted in the crossmembers (3; 4; 51) in such a way that a structural unit comprising crossmembers (3; 4; 51) and printing cylinders (9 to 16) can be taken completely out of and put into the stand (2; 2?; 54).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet-guiding device in a printing machine. The object of the invention is to provide such a sheet-guiding device which in a printing/varnishing unit that is not involved in the printing/varnishing process, permits the smear-free passage of the printing material in a printing/varnishing nip. This is achieved in that on the blanket/plate cylinder 12, 2 there is arranged a printing plate with an ink/varnish-repellent surface coating, it being possible for the blanket/plate cylinder 12, 2 to be driven at the machine speed, and the sheet-carrying cylinder 1 conveying the printed or varnished printing material.

Abstract: A device and method for synchronizing at least two printing-unit groups (2, 3) which represent a sheet-fed printing machine (1). Between the two printing-unit groups (2, 3) there is provided a transfer unit (10) being operable by means of a separately controllable drive (12). The present invention is used in sheet-fed printing machines assembled in serial arrangement.

Abstract: A support structure for a blanket cylinder of an offset printing press includes: a first eccentric bearing that is rotatably supported by frames of the offset printing press; a second eccentric bearing that is rotatably supported by the first eccentric bearing so as to rotatably support an shaft of a blanket cylinder; a printing pressure adjustment device that rotates the first eccentric bearing relative to the frames, thereby adjusting a clearance between an impression cylinder and a blanket cylinder; and a throw-on device that rotates the second eccentric bearing relative to the first eccentric bearing, thereby performing throw-on and throw-out operations. In the thus arranged support structure, a throw-on distance of the throw-on device is variable.

Abstract: A method for driving a printing press includes driving, in a printing operation, via a gear train by at least a first motor, at least one drum for advancing printing material and a printing-form cylinder, processing angle-of-rotation signals of the drum in a control device for controlling the driving of the drum and the form cylinder, and driving, in a printing-form production operation in the printing press, a printing-form cylinder by a separate motor. The method further includes, in an operation for producing the printing form, synchronously actuating the first motor and the separate motor by providing a gear allocated to the driving of the printing-form cylinder, and an adjacent gear allocated to the driving of the drum of the gear train, the gears being disposed relative to one another at the most out of contact with one another, and at the least barely in engagement with one another so as to exert a slight pressure on one another, and a device for performing the method.

Abstract: A method of operating a sheet-processing rotary printing press provided with a die cutting or punching unit and a delivery for forming processed sheets into a sheet pile or stack includes, in a first method step, moving the punching or die cutting unit, during production printing by the rotary printing press, from a first operating state of the unit wherein the sheets are punched or die cut, into a second operating state of the unit wherein the sheets are not punched or die cut as they pass the punching or die cutting unit, and after a given number of non-punched or non-die cut sheets have passed through the unit. In a second method step, the punching or die cutting unit is moved back into the first operating state thereof. The invention also includes a method of operating the printing press.

Abstract: Sheet perfecting apparatus for a satellite-type printing press by which double-side printing is performed with a single satellite-type press and if sheet perfecting is not needed the sheet is printed on one side only. In the course of printing with a plurality of printing units (26) which are provided in satellite-like manner around a common pressure cylinder (10), a plurality of chain gripper conveyors (38, 42) are arranged in parallel and are connected via a perfecting cylinder (40) to invert the sheet of material.

Abstract: An inserter (10) for synchronously feeding a preprinted portion (X1) of a pamphlet into a printing press (P) to be adhered to a complemental portion of the pamphlet in substantial registration to form the completed pamphlet is disclosed. The inserter (10) broadly includes a feeder assembly (12), an aligner assembly (14), and a drive assembly (16). The feeder assembly (12) moves a plurality (Xn) of sequential preprinted portions (X1, X2 . . . Xn,) of the pamphlets along a substantially horizontal support surface (42) and then feeds them, one at a time, into the aligner assembly (14). The aligner assembly (14) includes aligner pins (246,248), that are universally spaced independent of the dimension of the preprinted portions (Xn), that aligns each of the pamphlet portions into the desired alignment so that the aligner assembly (14) can introduce them one at a time into the printing press (P) in sufficient registration to allow the formation of the completed pamphlets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for operating a sheet-fed offset press so as to reduce the occurrence of spoilage caused by nonuniform printing. In this method, the timing of start of oscillating motion of oscillating rollers is regulated. Also, the present invention provides an oscillation mechanism for a sheet-fed offset press, in which less failure and wear occur, and a smaller force is required to accomplish a changeover from transmission to stoppage of oscillation and vice versa.

Abstract: An offset printing press includes a plurality of printing units. These printing units are typically each so-called five cylinder printing units. The spacing distance between two adjacent ones of these five cylinder printing units can be adjusted or modified.

Abstract: The invention relates to the drive of a printing machine. Cylinders and functional groups are to be driven with low technical expenditure. To this end, all form cylinders (1.1, 1.2) in a printing unit, for example, are driven respectively by separate electric motors (7) and are not in mechanical drive connection.

Abstract: A sheet-fed rotary printing machine has a plurality of units arranged in tandem, at least one of the units including a first cylinder for transporting a sheet and a second cylinder disposed opposite the first cylinder, the first cylinder and the second cylinder being mounted so as to be disengageable from one another; the second cylinder being stoppable and having a device by which an outer portion of the second cylinder is displaceable; and a method of transporting a sheet through a unit of the printing machine.

Abstract: A link mechanism is provided for setting and maintaining a minimum spacial distance between a blanket cylinder and a plate cylinder of a rotary printing press. The link mechanism includes a first link arm that is rotatably mounted on an axle of the blanket cylinder at one of the blanket cylinder. A second link arm rotatably is mounted on an axle of the plate cylinder. The first link arm and the second link arm are pivotably connected to each other for single axis pivoting about a point offset to one side of an imaginary line drawn through centers of the plate cylinder axle and the blanket cylinder axle. An adjustment mechanism is positioned between the first and second link arms on projections offset to the other side of the imaginary line so that the set minimum spacial distance between the plate cylinder axles and the blanket cylinder axle can be adjustably set and maintained throughout impression rotation of the rotary printing press.

Abstract: A retractable impression cylinder coater printer known as the “Lithoflex I™” combines lithographic and flexographic printing and coating in a single pass operation. The apparatus is adapted for installation on any printing station of a multi-color lithographic press, and is not limited to the last printing station. Ink or coating materials are applied from a printing plate or a blanket mounted on the plate cylinder of the retractable printer-coater unit and applied directly onto the surface of a substrate passing over the impression cylinder of the lithographic printing station just after being lithographically printed on that station. The combination printed substrate is passed to the next or a following lithographic printing station where it is lithographically overprinted.

Abstract: A printing unit is disclosed which incorporates an applicator roller (66) such as anilox roller with bearer surfaces (206) at the ends thereof for positively positioning the applicator roller relative a cylinder, such as a plate cylinder (32) or a blanket cylinder (34). The bearer surfaces (206) on the applicator roller are engaged with the bearer surfaces (202, 204) of the plate or impression cylinder to precisely and consistently position the applicator roller (66) relative the cylinder.

Abstract: A sheet-fed rotary offset printing machine accomplishes multi-color printing. A central impression cylinder carries sheets to be printed as they pass by at least two serially located blanket cylinders. These blanket cylinders are provided with ink images from cooperating plate cylinders. A sheet is gripped only once by grippers of the impression cylinder and is held in this single gripping operation during printing. At least one short inking unit is associated with each printing cylinder.

Abstract: An offset perfecting press is disclosed which has a pair of blanket cylinders on opposite sides of a web traveling along a predefined path. Bearing different images to be printed, two plate cylinders are disposed in circumferentially spaced apart positions on each blanket cylinder. Each plate cylinder is independently movable between an image transfer position, where the plate cylinder is held to the blanket cylinder in order to print an image thereon for subsequent transfer to the web, and an image nontransfer position where the plate cylinder is spaced from the blanket cylinder. Only one plate cylinder is held in the image transfer position on each side of the web. For a change from one image to another, the plate cylinders that have been printing the opposite sides of the web are retracted to the image nontransfer positions, and the other plate cylinders, rotating in phase with the blanket cylinders, are moved to the image transfer positions. There is no need for stopping the web or the blanket cylinders.

Abstract: A retractable in-line inking/coating apparatus can apply either spot or overall inking/coating material to a plate and/or a blanket on the first printing unit or on any consecutive printing unit of any rotary offset printing press. The inking/coating apparatus is pivotally mounted within the conventional dampener space of any lithographic printing unit. The aqueous component of the flexographic printing ink or aqueous coating material is evaporated and dried by high velocity, hot air dryers and high performance heat and moisture extractors so that the aqueous or flexographic ink or coating material on a freshly printed or coated sheet is dry and can be dry-trapped on the next printing unit.

Abstract: Modular printing apparatus wherein multiple central-impression presses may be linked to one another, either directly or through a perfecting assembly that reverses the facewise orientation of cut sheets. The presses each contain circuitry defining a signal and control path for the press and a plurality of electrical contacts that renders the path accessible and facilitates serial connection of the presses without disruption of the path. At least one of the presses includes a port for receiving connection to a controller, which thereby engages the signal path and, via the path, operates the presses independently or together as appropriate. The system includes a connector that is used to couple the electrical contacts of one press to those of the second press, thereby establishing a single, continuous signal and control path through both presses accessible to the controller.

Abstract: An offset printing press comprises a plate cylinder onto which a printing plate is attached, a form dampening roller having an elasticity on its outer surface, a water fountain roller immersed into water in a water pan, and intermediate roller means for transferring the water from the water fountain roller to the form dampening roller. The intermediate roller means comprises a water oscillating roller which has a hydrophilic property on its outer surface and is capable of reciprocating in its axial direction with contacting the form dampening roller. Also, the offset printing press comprises first moving means for moving the form dampening roller close to and away from the plate cylinder; and second moving means for moving at least one of the water oscillating roller and the form dampening roller so that these two rollers can be moved close to and away from each other.

Abstract: A gripper bar conveyor mechanism for transferring sheets to be printed from one rotating impression cylinder to another in a multiple color rotary offset printer of the type having sets of impression cylinders and corresponding blanket cylinders for rolling contact with the sheets to be printed therebetween. The gripper bar conveyor mechanism includes a transferrable gripper bar activatable for releasably securing sheets to be printed in a fixed orientation with respect to the transferrable gripper bar. The registration projection is affixed to the transferrable gripper bar. A registration pocket is adjustably affixed to each of the impression cylinders for temporarily receiving the registration projection of the gripper bar and thereby holding the gripper bar in a desired position with respect to the impression cylinder. A conveyor band is attached to the gripper bar and is operably connected to the rotary offset press for moving the gripper bar from one impression cylinder to the next.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a sheet by a belt drive in a plotter, so that the position of a transfer rail, on which grip devices which grip the sheet are disposed, does not shift during such transfer. The plotter includes a sheet support surface, an endless carrying belt for moving the sheet support surface, and the transfer rail supported over the sheet support surface. The transfer rail can shift in the direction of movement of the belt, and includes a drawing line head for drawing on or cutting the sheet. The transfer rail further includes two sets of grips, one for gripping the belt, and one for gripping the belt and sheet supported on the sheet support surface. Both sets of grips are adjustable according to the width of the sheet. The sets of grips, when gripping the belt and sheet, enable the sheet, sheet support surface, and transfer rail to move collectively in the direction of movement of the belt.

Abstract: The device has a sheet-transfer cylinder (2) with a movable setting plate (3) which bears the sheet grippers (4) and whose lateral ends are individually adjustable during each revolution of the transfer cylinder (2) with the aid in each case of a roller lever (9) in the circumferential direction in such a way that the sheet transferred to the impression cylinder is in a position which corresponds to the precise printing register. For this purpose, each roller lever (9) mounted movably on the transfer cylinder (2) is guided in a guide path (15c), surrounding the cylinder axis (1) in an annular manner, of an actuator (15, 16) which is suspended pivotably above the cylinder axis (1). Said actuator is provided with individually adjustable stops (19a, 19b) which, by interaction with peripheral cams (24a to 24d) pivot the relevant actuator (15, 16) by a predeterminable amount during each revolution of the transfer cylinder (2) and thus displace the relevant end of the setting plate (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a sheet between a plurality of printing units is disclosed. A transfer cylinder is provided between the adjacent units and is rotated by a motor. A drive gear mechanically connected to the motor and a driven gear mechanically connected to the transfer cylinder mate with each other. The press on a single surface and on both surfaces of the sheet are selectively performed, and a phase between the gears is adjusted by a phase adjusting mechanism. Stoppers are formed with the drive gear and driven gear respectively, for stopping relative rotation between the gears.

Abstract: A sheet transferring apparatus transfers a sheet between a plurality of printing units. Multiple color press on a single surface of the sheet and a single color press on both surfaces of the sheet are selectively performed. A feed cylinder is rotatably provided between the adjacent units. A power source actuates the feed cylinder. A first rotating member is mechanically connected to the power source. A second rotating member is mechanically connected to the feed cylinder. The second member is arranged to be driven by said first member. A phase adjusting mechanism automatically adjusts a phase between the first and second members in accordance with the multiple color press and the single color press.

Abstract: A gripper bar conveyor mechanism for transferring sheets to be printed from one rotating impression cylinder to another in a multiple color rotary offset printer of the type having sets of impression cylinders and corresponding blanket cylinders for rolling contact with the sheets to be printed therebetween. The gripper bar conveyor mechanism includes a transferrable gripper bar activatable for releasably securing sheets to be printed in a fixed orientation with respect to the transferrable gripper bar. The registration projection is affixed to the transferrable gripper bar. A registration pocket is adjustably affixed to each of the impression cylinders for temporarily receiving the registration projection of the gripper bar and thereby holding the gripper bar in a desired position with respect to the impression cylinder. A conveyor band is attached to the gripper bar and is operably connected to the rotary offset press for moving the gripper bar from one impression cylinder to the next.

Abstract: A gripper bar conveyor mechanism for transferring sheets to be printed from one rotating impression cylinder to another in a multiple color rotary offset printer of the type having sets of impression cylinders and corresponding blanket cylinders for rolling contact with the sheets to be printed therebetween. The gripper bar conveyor mechanism includes a transferrable gripper bar activatable for releasably securing sheets to be printed in a fixed orientation with respect to the transferrable gripper bar. The registration projection is affixed to the transferrable gripper bar. A registration pocket is adjustably affixed to each of the impression cylinders for temporarily receiving the registration projection of the gripper bar and thereby holding the gripper bar in a desired position with respect to the impression cylinder. A conveyor band is attached to the gripper bar and is operably connected to the rotary offset press for moving the gripper bar from one impression cylinder to the next.

Abstract: A process for setting a production run ink zone profile on an offset printing press. Initially, an ink zone profile is established which is the reverse of the desired ink zone profile, and, thereafter, this reverse ink profile is switched over to the ink profile actually desired.

Abstract: The device has a transfer cylinder (2) with a drum (4) which is adjustable in the circumferential direction relative to its shaft (3) and which carries sheet grippers (8) with a front stop (8a) for the sheets (B). The diameter of the transfer drum (2) is equal to 1/N of the diameter of the plate cylinder which carries N printing plates. The shaft (3) of the transfer cylinder (2) rotates at a constant speed and executes N revolutions when the plate cylinder is executing one revolution. By means of a controllable setting device, the drum (4) is so displaced relative to the shaft (3) during each revolution that the front stop (8a), when its transfer position in which a sheet is transferred to the impression cylinder (D) is passed, assumes a position by which the exact register of this sheet in relation to the position of the printing plate printing it on the plate cylinder is set.

Abstract: A cylinder setting mechanism for a single or multi-color offset printing device in which a blanket cylinder moves eccentrically about a first pivot point to make contact with a master cylinder so that it can be inked and then subsequently moved eccentrically about a second pivot point to make contact with the impression cylinder to transfer the image to paper. The invention enables the first and second pivot points to be adjusted to compensate for wear, plate thickness, and paper stock. In addition, a stop is provided to ensure that there is a predetermined contact pressure between the surfaces of the blanket cylinder and the master cylinder. The stop is automatically adjusted when the toggle is adjusted for a different thickness plate so that the desired offset printing pressure between the master and blanket cylinder surfaces is held at the optimum level.

Abstract: An offset printing press having a wetting unit and an inking unit which has an ink metering device to set an ink profile, the inking unit and the wetting unit each having at least one applicator roller which can be moved into a position in contact with a printing plate mounted on a plate cylinder. To generate an ink profile which is very close to that required for the printing run and to reduce waste, the applicator rollers are moved by a control apparatus into a position of contact with the printing plate during the establishment of the ink zone profile which occurs before the beginning of printing, or during a jam or a blanket washing process which interrupts the printing process. A corresponding process is also described.

Abstract: A double-sided printing machine in which two sides of fed sheets are printed by two adjacent impression cylinders, each with their own plate and blanket cylinders. Thereby, the first impression cylinder acts as a sheet feed cylinder for the second impression cylinder.

Abstract: A detachable printing unit for offset printing presses, which can be incorporated during their manufacture or fitted to existing presses, said unit being defined in that it is composed of an independent inking module 16 (FIG. 3) comprising all the components required for effecting in chronological operating order the moistening and inking of an offset plate ready for printing on a blanket, and a likewise independent detachable blanket cylinder 7C. One embodiment of the invention is defined in that the numbering device with which the press is equipped (FIG. 6, View B) is replaced by the blanket cylinder (FIG. 7, View B) of the printing unit working with the inking module 16 (FIG. 3), and use is made of the drive mechanism 8 (FIG. 6) and pressure adjustment mechanism 9B provided in the press to obtain for each printing cycle, instead of the numbering, an additional color obtained by color superimposition with the aid of the pressure cylinder 4.

Abstract: A rotary offset press in which an inked image carried by a plate cylinder is transferred to a blanket cylinder from which the image is offset to a paper sheet fed into the nip between the blanket cylinder and an impression cylinder. The opposite ends of the impression cylinder axle are received in bearings which fit into the bores of a pair of like cylindrical bushings supported on the frame of the press. Each bore is eccentric with respect to the outer circumference of the bushing. The bushings are coupled to a pair of ganged crank mechanisms which function to concurrently adjust the rotary angle of the bushings and thereby the size of the nip between the impression cylinder and the blanket cylinder to provide a printing pressure appropriate to the paper to be fed into the nip.

Abstract: In a method of multi-color offset printing each of a plurality of blankets is contacted with respective printing plates corresponding to each color of the blankets to transfer their respective colors to each of the blankets. Then, each of the blankets is contacted with respective preceding printing plates whose colors are respectively printed prior to that of each of the blankets for transferring color ink of the respective preceding color printing plates to each of the blankets. Next, each of the blankets is pressed in the predetermined order onto a sheet of printing paper to transfer each color ink to the printing paper one after one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a facility for the operation of a single-color or multi-color printing facility. A first, uniformly designed, idle time occasioning movable machine group of at least one machine unit is used substantially constantly for printing operation. It interacts along a congruent separating line (T), common to all colors, with a second, idle time occasioning machine group of the machine unit, which, for a new run, is exchanged for a further idle time occasioning machine group. The stationary machine groups can be designed differently for the passage of divided or continuous printing material. The separating line runs between plate cylinders of the movable machine group and rubber blanket cylinders of the stationary machine group, which can be components of a rotary sheet-fed or reel-fed printing press. The stationary machine groups are connected by a transport device to a turning device for receiving the movable machine groups.

Abstract: To improve the versatility of offset printing machines by permitting, selectively, prime printing or prime-and-verso printing, a printing system of at least one plate cylinder (1) in engagement with a rubber blanket cylinder (7) is provided, the plate cylinder having the customary inker (3) and damper (5) associated therewith. Printing is effected against an impression or counter cylinder (9). The impression or counter cylinder is arranged for application of verso print image on the sheet by having an attachment arrangement (13-24) to attach a flexible planographic printing plate (12) on the surface thereof; a further inker (29) is provided, selectively engageable with the planographic printing plate, if verso printing is to be effected. If the printing plate is an offset printing plate, an additional damper may be provided, selectively engageable therewith.

Abstract: A process color offset duplicator uses a plurality of duplicator heads arranged serially to print full process color. The duplicator heads are adapted to apply a thin layer of ink onto plates held on their respective plate cylinders, in order that plate cylinders which are prepared using a dot screen can be used. The plate cylinders further include registration pins, whereby tha various ones of said plates can be mounted in relative alignment on different ones of said plate cylinders.

Abstract: A method for recording a variant information and a steady information onto a recording medium, wherein the variant information and an identification information for designating the steady information which is to be recorded later are first recorded, and the identification information is then read to select a desired steady information from a plurality of pieces of stored steady information in accordance with the read identification information, and finally, the selected steady information is recorded on the recording medium. An apparatus for effecting the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-color offset printing press having two plate cylinders simultaneously engageable with a single blanket cylinder is disclosed. The plate cylinders and the blanket cylinder are rotatably mounted on a printer head fixed to the mainframe of the press. A first set of dampening and inking rollers is mounted on the printer head and engageable with one of the plate cylinders. A second set of dampening and inking rollers, engageable with the other plate cylinder, is mounted on a ball bushing supported carriage linearly movable to and from the printer head along a pair of parallel rails fixed to the mainframe. Image registry between the two plate cylinders is established by an operator-accessible adjustment mechanism for shifting one of the plate cylinders back and forth along its axis of rotation. An electrical safety interlock system precludes operator access to the carriage-associated plate cylinder during predetermined operating modes of the press.

Abstract: The basic press structure includes a printing couple consisting of a lower printing cylinder, having a single work area, and a large printing cylinder, having an effective diameter which is a whole multiple, greater than one, of the effective diameter of the lower printing cylinder, and has a number (equal to the whole multiple) of work areas, in each of which one of a variety of the especially constructed removable and interchangeable segments may be mounted. One of a variety of different printing surfaces may be carried in each of the various work areas on the cylinders of the printing couple, in a wide range of combinations. The printing couple is mounted in a frame structure constructed so as to provide a plurality of module mounting positions, at each of which one of a variety of printing modules may be mounted in cooperative relationship with the large printing cylinder.

Abstract: A two-color offset printing press having two plate cylinders simultaneously engageable with a single blanket cylinder is disclosed. The plate cylinders and a blanket cylinder are rotatably mounted on a printer head fixed to the mainframe of the press. A first set of dampening and inking rollers is mounted on the printer head and engageable with one of the plate cylinders. A second set of dampening and inking rollers, engageable with the other plate cylinder, is mounted on a ball bushing supported carriage linearly movable to and from the printer head along a pair of parallel rails fixed to the mainframe. Image registry between the two plate cylinders is established by an operator-accessible adjustment mechanism for shifting one of the plate cylinders back and forth along its axis of rotation. An electrical safety interlock system precludes operator access to the carriage-associated plate cylinder during predetermined operating modes of the press.

Abstract: A combined lithographic/flexographic printing process having a plurality of successive printing stations for printing color images on a substrate in a continuous in-line process. One of the stations prints a first color image using the flexographic process and at least one of the successive printing stations prints a second color image over the first color image using an offset lithographic process in the continuous in-line process.