Abstract: A system for mounting a flexographic printing plate having a registration mark includes a printing plate support surface having a transparent portion formed therein, a plate cylinder, means operably connected to the plate cylinder for positioning the plate cylinder toward the printing plate support surface in a manner to establish a uniform contact line along one side of the printing plate when positioned on the printing plate support surface, a camera operably disposed adjacent another side of the transparent portion for taking a picture of the registration mark of the printing plate when the same is positioned over one side of the transparent portion and a monitor operably connected to the camera having means for viewing the registration mark and position thereof with respect to the camera in another embodiment which includes a pressure roller and method employing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for mounting flexographic printing plate in registration onto a printing cylinder with a mounting bar and a carrier sheet having the plate mounted thereto. The mounting bar and the carrier sheet each have multiple openings which are located to assure consistent alignment between the bar and carrier sheet. The carrier sheet is secured in registration to the mounting bar by aligning the openings of the bar to the carrier sheet and inserting locking pins into the aligned openings. The method for mounting a flexographic printing plate further includes an apparatus for retaining an end of the carrier sheet to prevent its movement while drilling or punching the multiple openings.

Abstract: An embossing set-up system is disclosed for setting the position of at least one embossing die on the working side of a working die plate, in which system the embossing die features through holes extending perpendicularly to the working side of the die plate, and through which holes extends a threaded element. Each such threaded element is provided with a threaded shank and a head, the free end of the shank engaging a tapped hole in the die plate, and the cross section of the head being larger, and the cross section of the threaded shaft being smaller, than the cross section of the relevant through hole.

Abstract: A lock-up assembly (20) for securing a printing plate (22) on a plate cylinder (10) includes a rotatable lock bar (32) and a spring biased linkage mechanism (36). The linkage mechanism (36) has a first over-center condition in which it rotates the lock bar (32) toward a locked position, and has a second over-center condition in which it rotates the lock bar (32) toward an unlocked position. A movable blocking member (82) blocks the linkage mechanism (36) from switching to the second over-center condition under the influence of centrifugal force when the cylinder (10) is rotating during a printing operation. A hand held tool (40) engages the linkage mechanism (36) to switch it between the first and second over-center conditions upon manual manipulation of the tool (40). The tool (40) also engages the blocking member (82) to move the blocking member (82) from the first position to the second position when the tool (40) is moved into engagement with the linkage mechanism ( 36).

Abstract: A printing blanket is disclosed for use on a magnetic cylinder in a web offset press. The printing blanket comprises an elongate carrier plate of magnetic material having a length greater than a select circumference of the cylinder. An elongate blanket sheet has a length substantially equal to the select circumference of the cylinder. An adhesive secures the blanket sheet to an outer surface of the carrier plate with a trailing edge of the blanket sheet immediately adjacent a trailing edge of the carrier plate so that in use mounted to the cylinder at least a portion of the carrier plate overlaps a leading edge of the carrier plate.

Abstract: A lead edge strip for securing one edge of a flexographic carrier sheet provides improved strength and mounting stability and thus printing accuracy. The edge strip comprises a base portion, a pair of parallel walls extending from said base portion and a short lip for engaging a complementary overhanging edge of a flexographic printing plate cylinder. The carrier sheet is received between the parallel walls and secured there by suitable fastening means. Preferably, the lead edge strip is transparent as this facilitates mounting of the lead edge strip and carrier sheet upon the printing cylinder. The lead edge strip in combination with a carrier sheet is also taught.

Abstract: A cylinder spindle is usable in a device for tensioning bodies on a printing cylinder. The cylinder spindle is divided into a plurality of cooperating spindle segments. These segments are able to be easily removed from the tensioning device through a space between the end of the cylinder and its typically associated bearer ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting flexible printing plates on a forme cylinder utilizes one or more insert bars that are positioned in cylinder grooves. Each insert bar has a pair of tensioning bars which are biased circumferentially toward each other. An inflatable tube is positioned between the tensioning bars and upon inflation will spread plate engaging hooked ends of the tensioning bars apart from each other.

Abstract: A lateral register system, in particular for flexible printing forms which are held by their edges in an axially extending gap in a plate cylinder, the edges being pre-bent according to the inclination of the gaps. The register system includes an insert strip for each printing form, which insert strip can be inserted into the gap and has at least one stationary register pin. When a plurality of printing forms are to be held in a common gap, the insert strips have different lengths and can be placed one on top of the other so that each printing form can cooperate with the register pin provided for it. Each insert strip can be adjusted individually in the axial direction of the plate cylinder by an adjusting system.

Abstract: A device for fastening a flexible printing plate (11) on a form cylinder includes a plurality of leaf-shaped springs (5) disposed in a slot (2) of the form cylinder (1). The springs (5) have two legs (6, 7) which rest in the slot (2), one leg (6) being elongated and tensioning the edges (12, 13) of the printing plate (11).

Abstract: A clamping device for attachment of a printing plate having registry defining notches in the leading edge thereof in proper registry on the plate cylinder of a sheet-fed printing machine is provided. The clamping device includes a clamping rail disposed in an axis-parallel recess in the plate cylinder and has a closable plate receiving gap therein for fastening the leading edge of the printing plate to the clamping rail. A plurality of adjustable stops are disposed in the plate receiving gap of the clamping rail for abutting the corresponding registry defining notches in the leading edge of the printing plate for locating the printing plate on the cylinder in proper registry.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a flexible printing plate onto a plate cylinder including an adjustable front clamping strip for releasably engaging a leading end of the printing plate and a plurality of axially spaced pins which engage respective axially spaced holes in the rear of the printing plate. The printing plate is held on the circumference of the printing cylinder with relative little force so that any inaccuracies can be easily corrected through adjustment of the front clamping strip.

Abstract: Clamping and tensioning device for an inwardly bent trailing edge of a flexible printing plate disposed in an axial gap at the circumference of a plate cylinder adjustable in axial spacing and cooperating with a blanket cylinder, the printing plate being fixable at a leading edge thereof on the plate cylinder and being tensionable in circumferential direction on the plate cylinder, includes two clamping bars displaceably supported in the axial gap and forming therebetween a clamping slot for receiving therein an inwardly bent trailing edge of the printing plate, the two clamping bars extending axially in the gap within the cross-sectional contour of the plate cylinder and being loadable by reversible opposing clamping forces as well as by reversible tensioning forces in common in tensioning direction of the printing plate, and being respectively braced against the plate cylinder, the two clamping bars being formed with radially outer edges, the clamping and tensioning device being radially displaceably dispos

Abstract: A blanket clamping device for clamping a blanket mounted on a transfer cylinder of an offset rotary printing machine. The blanket is clamped by clamping rails mounted at an angle relative to each other in the clamping duct. In the middle between the clamping rails is arranged at least one screw which is screwed into the body of the transfer cylinder and has a truncated cone-shaped head. The clamping rails each have a step on a surface facing the at least one screw. Movement of the clamping rails out of the clamping duct is prevented by engagement of the steps with the truncated cone-shaped head.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an apparatus capable of easily and accurately mounting a plate to a predetermined position of the circumferential surface of a plate cylinder. A safety cover for covering the circumferential surface of a plate cylinder is suspended and is vertically opened/closed by a hydraulic cylinder. A plate reception member and a plate holder are mounted on the safety cover to hold a plate to be mounted on the plate cylinder. In mounting of the plate, the safety cover is opened, and the lower end of the plate is removed from the plate holder and is inserted into a plate lockup device mounted in the plate cylinder. At this time, notches formed at the lower end of the plate are respectively engaged with reference pins formed on the plate lockup device. When the upper end of the plate is inserted into the plate press member, the notches of the plate are fitted on the reference pins by the weight of the plate and the behavior of the plate press member.

Abstract: The accurately positioned tensioning of a printing plate on the printing cylinder of a printing mechanism. The circumference of the printing cylinder has a groove extending in the axial direction of the cylinder which accommodates a tensioning and fastening mechanism for the printing plate. The mechanism includes a front tensioning bar for the start of printing of the printing plate and a rear tensioning bar for the end of printing of the printing plate, the rear tensioning bar being disposed ahead of the front tensioning bar in the direction of rotation of the printing cylinder.

Abstract: A cylinder blanket fastening assembly utilizes a resilient clamping bar that is secured to a channel edge of a cylinder and generally adjacent a tensioning shaft carried in a channel in the cylinder. A leading edge of an inner blanket is positionable between a clamping edge of the clamping bar and the channel edge. The clamping bar is moved into clamping position by rotation of the tensioning shaft.

Abstract: A plate lock-up device for a printing press includes plate lock-up bases, a plurality of gripper plates, spring members, and a plurality of plate gripper cams. The plate lock-up bases extend in the axial direction of a plate cylinder and at least one of leading and trailing plate lock-up units is located in a gap formed in the circumferential surface of the plate cylinder. The gripper plates are pivotally supported by the plate lock-up bases and aligned in the axial direction of the plate cylinder. Each of the spring members is inserted between a corresponding one of the gripper plates and a corresponding one of the plate lock-up bases. The springs bias the corresponding gripper plate in a plate gripping direction. The plurality of plate gripper cams are aligned on pivot shafts and each is engaged with the corresponding gripper plate. The plate gripper cams cause the gripper plates to pivot in a plate release direction upon pivotal movement of the pivot shafts.

Abstract: A plate mounting device for an imprinter has a magnetized outer surface, and an imprinter plate cylinder having one or a plurality of positioning pin holes provided near a portion near an end of a plate to be mounted on the imprinter plate cylinder. A ferromagnetic base plate is mounted on the imprinter plate cylinder. The ferromagnetic base plate has a plate face provided with pin through-holes which are brought into alignment with the positioning pin holes so as to position a plate. When the base plate is mounted on the imprinter plate cylinder, those of the positioning pin holes which are not used are filled with magnetic pins.

Abstract: This invention provides a securement apparatus for a printing plate. The apparatus includes a first flat strip-like portion, a second flat strip-like portion narrower than the first flap strip-like portion and a third flat strip-like portion which is also narrower than the first flat strip-like portion. A first connecting strip-like portion connects the first flat strip-like portion to the second flat strip-like portion and a second connecting strip-like portion connects the first flat strip-like portion to the third flat strip-like portion thereby forming an S-shaped printing plate securement apparatus.

Abstract: An embossing registration system is provided wherein an embossing block has at least one adjusting means in each corner of the block. A minimum of three adjusting means can be used to adjust the block left to right, backward and forward and to skew the block in any position needed to line up with printed material. Each corner adjuster includes a spring biased adjustment stud having a tapered annular groove such that the stud has an hour-glass shape. A set screw for each adjuster has a cone point which mates with the tapered groove. Turning the set screw forces the cone point into or out of the tapered groove which forces the adjustment stud in a perpendicular direction with respect to the axis of the set screw. Each adjustment stud may be spring biased so that each stud maintains a constant pressure on the side walls of the block cavity while positioning of the block takes place.

Abstract: A cover mounting (10) for a printing press (14) having a rotatably mounted roll (12) having an elongated lateral recess (16) extending from an outer surface (18) of the roll (12), a bracket (20) having a pair of outwardly directed flanges (22) and (24) in said recess (16), and a blanket (30) for covering said roll (12), said blanket (30) having a pair of clips (44) and (46) adjacent opposed ends of the blanket (30), with each of said clips (44) and (46) having a pair of opposed spaced resilient clipping members (48) and (50) for placement on each of the bracket flanges (22) and (24) in said recess (16).

Abstract: An improved compressible-type printing plate composite for use in a printing arrangement and a printing plate composite securing device is provided by this invention. Such composite includes specially designed members having each of a carrier sheet and a printing plate carrier sheet secured thereto. Disposed intermediate such carrier sheet and such printing plate carrier sheet is a sponge-like member which provides the requisite amount of compressibility to such composite. This sponge-like member is secured to one surface of the carrier sheet.

Abstract: This invention provides a flexible sheet-like roll covering and securement apparatus for a printing plate. The apparatus includes a first flat strip-like portion, a second flat strip-like portion narrower than the first strip-like portion and a third strip-like portion which is also narrower than the first strip-like portion. A first connecting strip-like portion connects one outer edge of the first strip-like portion to an outer edge of the second strip-like portion and a second connecting strip-like portion connects an axially opposed outer edge of the first strip-like portion to an outer edge of the third strip-like portion thereby forming an S-shaped securement apparatus having a flexible sheet-like roll covering member secured to such first flat strip-like portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for tensioning flexible printing plates on a plate cylinder of a rotary printing machine by means of tensioning rails. The tensioning rails are provided in a cylinder channel for clamping the two plate ends. At least one tensioning rail is mounted on spring elements in a freely resilient manner for the purpose of tensioning the printing plates precisely and exactly.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a printing plate to a flexographic press cylinder includes a first and second end formed of a flexible plastic strip. An elastic strip has first and second ends and a mid-portion. Heat pressure and a liquid solvent are utilized for fusing the first and second ends of the elastic strip to a portion of each of the first and second flexible strips, respectively. The first and second ends of the plastic strips are then bent to form a fold useful for securing the apparatus to the printing plate and to the flexographic press cylinder.

Abstract: A clamping device of a plate cylinder for recessed in-line varnishing in a rotary press which comprises two axis-parallel clamp bars having a top part and a bottom part, which are circumferentially adjustable in a parallel or an inclined relationship to one another in guides by means of clamp screws bearing against the plate cylinder, and which are axially adjustable by means of axial setscrews, and having a groove extending over the entire length of the clamp bars in the bottom part which provides for the insertion and fixing of reinforced bent ends of the blanket, and the top part is pivotally and slidably connected to the bottom part by locking devices and recesses for the clamping screws, and additional centering means are provided for at least two of the clamping screws.

Abstract: A resilient sheet gripper for a sheet-fed rotary printing press having a gripper shaft to which is secured a pivoting clamping member in resilient relationship with a pivoted gripper finger having adjustable biasing provided by compression spring means, is provided including an adjusting screw mounted in a stop strip, an abutment for contacting the screw mounted for movement around the gripper shaft, a guide pin fixed to the abutment and disposed in a biased conical sleeve in the gripper finger so that the finger can move perpendicular to a gripper support upon closure of the gripper finger.

Abstract: A clamping device for a printing plate mountable on a plate cylinder of an offset printing machine and having perforations formed at leading and trailing edges thereof, as viewed in direction of sheet travel through the machine, the clamping device includes clamping bars formed with hooks respectively engageable in the perforations formed in the printing plates, the clamping bars being disposed in a channel formed in the plate cylinder, one of the clamping bars being pivotable about a pivot point diagonally to a longitudinal direction of the plate cylinder, the pivot point being located in the cylinder channel substantially on a center line of the cylinder extending transversely to the longitudinal direction thereof, and adjusting means mounted in the cylinder channel for moving another one of the clamping bars in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder, the other clamping bar having additional degrees of freedom of movement accommodating an accompanying diagonal movement which respect to the longitudinal

Abstract: The first end of the printing plate is introduced between the jaws of a clamping device housed in an axial groove of plate cylinder and tightened by means of screws. The plate is stretched on the cylinder surface and its distal end is engaged between the jaws of a second clamping device located in the axial groove, and the jaws are tightened by means of screws. The plate is stretched by feeding hydraulic jacks set at spaced intervals along the lower jaw of the clamping device of which the pistons react against the adjacent radial face of the groove, thus moving the clamping device in the peripheral direction of the cylinder. After obtaining the desired adjustment the displaced clamping device is locked by tightening in a tightening body responsive to screws projections of the displaced clamping device in order to lock same, and the pressure in the hydraulic circuit is relieved.

Abstract: An embosser combined with a steel rule die for embossing sheets of stock where the embosser includes an insert positioned within an opening formed in the steel rule die. Threaded bores are formed in the steel rule die and extended into its opening. Screws are threaded into the threaded bores and contact the embosser insert such that longitudinal movement of the screw in the bore is translated into lateral movement of the insert for adjustable registration of the embosser with the print on a sheet of stock.

Abstract: A printing plate holder for pad printing machines is comprised of a plate-shaped base body that has a recessed ink reservoir on its upper surface extending parallel to the back. Located in the area of the plate holder in front of the ink reservoir is a receptacle which is dimensioned to accommodate the measurements of the desired size printing plate which is held by clamping means. For the plate holder to accept plates of various sizes, the ink reservoir and the plate receptacle extend over the entire width of the base body with the same cross section. Two clamping bars function to adjust the width of the ink reservoir and of the plate receptacle to the width of the printing plate used. The undersides of the clamping bars are constructed to conform to the contours of the top surface of the base body and are provided with a flexible, solvent resistant sealant coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for positioning and holding a screen carrier in a serigraphic machine. The positioning and holding apparatus is essentially constituted by two parallel grooves (21, 22) machined in the screen carrier (10) and cooperating stops and a side latch mechanism on the machine. The two grooves have at least one extremity opening on the same edge (C1) of the screen carrier. In these two grooves (21, 22) are respectively mounted the two stops (23, 24) which are designed to come respectively into contact with two fixed reference pins carried by the serigraphic machine. During insertion of the screen carrier, by sliding in its plane along two sides of the serigraphic machine, the two reference pins ride in the respective slots contacting the stops when the screen carrier is inserted fully. A latch locking arrangement is provided on the machine or maintaining and holding the screen carrier in position once the reference pins are in contact with the associated stops.

Abstract: Individual blocks with the register elements provided on one of their sides are fitted to corresponding register pins on a strip-like mounting device and are optionally affixed with small double adhesive tape portions. The mounting device is then fitted to the printing roller, where it engages in bores with corresponding pin-like alignment means. The printing blocks are affixed in conventional manner with double adhesive tape and the mounting device is removed again. In other embodiments, the register elements can also comprise projections on the block and corresponding recesses on the mounting device.

Abstract: A screen printing frame is formed with hollow extruded metal frame members joined at their ends by extruded metal interfitting connectors which are retained within the ends of their associated frame members by frictional engagement supplemented by a bonding agent. The force required to establish the frictional engagement is maintained in the preferred embodiment by elastic flexure of a bowed side wall on each connector arm. The structural members may have prefinished surfaces such as anodized surfaces and are joined together without welding as would mar such surfaces during the welding operation. The amount of metal used for the extrusions has been minimized for cost reduction and to obtain a lightweight structure.Grooves on the interfacing surfaces of the connector arms and the frame members cooperate to form an interstitial lattice which receives a bonding agent. Miter joints at the corners of the structure are sealed by corner webs on the connectors in combination with a bonding agent.

Abstract: Flexible printing plates are mounted in a located in-register position on the plate cylinder of a rotary printing press or equivalent cylinder of a mounter-proofer by forming matching registration holes in the printing plates and at least one carrier sheet respectively.

Abstract: A product name stamping device of the label printers in which an ink-soaked member is provided to the stamp holder and a light and small ink-soaking member which contacts the ink-soaked member of the holder is fitted to the stamp. This construction make the stamp small and compact. The compactness of the stamp makes easy the handling and storage of a large number of stamps and also spares material bringing about a reduction in cost. The device is so constructed that setting the stamp into the holder automatically supplies ink to the stamp.

Abstract: A method of making a plate cylinder for a web printing press in which a hollow cylinder with a conical interior is formed of ductile steel. Two nickel printing plates are formed to shape so that they will fit virtually exactly around the cylinder without joins between them being readily apparent. A cylindrical mould having two semi-cylindrical mould halves is formed with its inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the plate cylinder being produced. One mould half is placed with its semi-cylindrical inner surface facing upwards and a printing plate is placed inside. Then the hollow cylinder coated with epoxy resin is placed on this plate, and the other printing plate is placed on the cylinder. The second mould half is secured to the first half, and a conical core is forced into the cylinder to expand it radially so that the plates are held under pressure against the mould surface. Then the mould is heated and the resin allowed to set under conditions of temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A device is provided for the rapid clamping of flexible printing plates on the printing cylinder of rotary printing presses which includes a support bar mounted within and adjacent to the front side of a cylinder groove to which the forward end of plate is clamped by means of clamping springs and a clamping arm disposed opposite of the support bar, which is pivotably mounted within and adjacent to the rear side of the groove and has a plate attachment arm to which the rear end of the plate is clamped. The clamping arm is actuated by means of pressure springs in the clamping direction and in the counter direction by adjustment means so that the plate ends may be clamped independently from one another as well as independently of the plate thickness so as to prevent damage to the plates during the clamping operation and an easy servicing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting sublimation printing of a substrate wherein a matrix comprising the design to be printed is electrostatically charged in a given polarity and then a fine disperse dye powder, oppositely charged, is brought into contact with said matrix wherein the charged matrix attracts the oppositely charged dye particles to effect coating of the matrix with the dye, after which the coated matrix is moved into registry with the substrate to be printed, and specifically in overlying relation with respect to a surface of the substrate that has been coated with a dye receptive coating, after which the matrix is brought into pressurized contact with the coated surface of the substrate to cause sublimation of the dye pattern into said coated substrate surface.

Abstract: A plurality of circumferentially extending mounting recesses are formed in a cylinder assembly and arcuate saddle members having marking means, such as print type, on their outside surface are mounted in the recesses. Each saddle member has a locking recess formed in its inside surface with a pair of spaced apart, flexible locking wires extending therethrough. Mounting studs having a mounting head with a relatively narrow neck portion are affixed to the cylinder within the mounting recesses. The saddle members may be mounted within the mounting recesses by snap-on engagement of the mounting head with the locking wires, and readily removed by snap-off disengagement of the head with the wires. The saddle members may thus be readily replaced and interchanged by means of the snap-on, snap-off mounting and demounting.

Abstract: Clamping apparatus is provided for clamping thin flexible printing plates in position on a press cylinder. A continuously spring biased rigid clamping member is engageable with a bent over portion of the trailing edge of the printing plate to clamp the same against the circumference of a printing press cylinder. In order to accommodate loading and unloading of printing plates on the clamping member, retaining straps are attached to the clamping member, which retaining straps are engageable with a release bar detent to lock the straps and clamping bar in a non-clamping position against the force of the clamping springs. The release bar is continuously spring biased to a locking position so that whenever the clamping bar is moved to the non-clamping position, the same is locked in said position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an ink-containable stamp used for a printer of a computer or the like is disclosed, wherein a number of printing types and a drum or plate are moulded from a mixture comprising synthetic resin consisting of polyvinyl acetate resin and polyolefin resin, fillers, stabilizers, plasticizers and pigments, irradiated with gamma-rays, immersed in an enzymatic solution and then in an acid solution. The type and drum or plate are then assembled to form a printing element.

Abstract: The invention is a saddle lock-up for flexible printing plates utilizing a plurality of radially and axially moveable sleeves contained within an inverted wedge-shaped opening.