Abstract: A method for attaching a printing plate (12), especially a flexographic printing plate, to a printing cylinder (14) is described. In a first step, the printing plate (12) is provided in a substantially flat condition. Thereafter, an outer circumference of the printing cylinder (14) is arranged adjacent to an edge of the printing plate (12). Subsequently, the printing cylinder (14) is translatorily moved over the printing plate (12) while rotating such that the printing plate (12) is rolled-up on the printing cylinder (14). Additionally, an apparatus (10) for attaching a printing plate (12) to a printing cylinder (14) is presented. The apparatus (10) comprises a printing plate support unit (16) having a substantially flat support surface (18) for supporting the printing plate (12) to be mounted on the printing cylinder (14), and a printing cylinder support unit (36) for supporting and moving the printing cylinder (14).

Abstract: The subject of the invention relates to a laminating method consisting: in disposing in series on the horizontal path of a first face of the part, several first application units (Ua1, Ua2, . . . ) and in series on the horizontal path of the second face of the part, several second application units (Ub1, Ub2, . . . ) each positioned facing a first application unit located on the first face; in placing the first application units (Ua1, Ua2, . . . ) and the second application units (Ub1, Ub2, . . .

Abstract: A machine for use in picking up objects having a cellophane outer covering using a vacuum, the machine comprising a housing, a vacuum source, a suction cup coupled to the vacuum source, a transport system for moving the suction cup horizontally and vertically within the housing, and a plurality of objects having a cellophane outer covering in the housing below the pick-up device. The plurality of objects include an adhesively applied target on at least one of the cellophane outer coverings, the adhesively applied target having a surface area greater than a surface area circumscribed by a lowermost edge of the suction cup, and the suction cup includes a threaded tubular member extending axially therein through, the threaded tubular member including stops that engage an upper and lower surface of the suction cup.

Abstract: A method for gripping, moving and releasing a piece of cloth with a gripper that is initially placed with opposed, movable, coherent, flexible surface parts in contact with the piece of cloth, and the surface parts are moved with respect to each other and with respect to the gripper in a gripping action, in order to pinch and hold on to the piece of cloth. The gripper with the piece of cloth pinched between the surface parts is moved to a different location, wherein the surface parts move in a reverse direction in order to release the piece of cloth. While in contact with the piece of cloth, the opposed surface parts are moved along a path which brings the surface parts both closer to each other and moves them in a direction away from the piece of cloth.

Abstract: A method and device change printing plates on a cylinder. The method includes opening a first clamping device and releasing a leading edge of a first printing plate and opening a second clamping device and releasing a trailing edge of the first printing plate. The first and second clamping devices are both opened before a first rotation process of a cylinder. The cylinder is rotated during the first rotation process in a first direction to dismount the first printing plate from a circumferential surface of the cylinder. The cylinder is rotated in a second rotation process in an opposite second direction to mount a second printing plate replacing the first printing plate to the circumferential surface of the cylinder. Because the first clamping device and the second clamping device are both opened before the first rotation of the cylinder, the set-up period required for a printing plate change is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for preparing a flexographic printing sleeve (3) comprises a support structure (21), comprising first support mechanism (2) which defines a workstation for rotatably supporting a first flexographic printing sleeve (3) such that it can rotate about a preset axis (K-K), a roll (11) of double-sided adhesive tape rotatably supported by a second support mechanism (10), and a first feeding and guiding mechanism (13) for unwinding the double-sided adhesive tape (12) from the roll (11) and directing the double-sided adhesive tape (12) to the surface of the first sleeve (3).

Abstract: A device for automated implementation of preliminary reverse exposure, main exposure, and development of digitally imagable flexographic printing elements, and a method for producing flexographic printing plates starting from digitally imaged flexographic printing elements, using said apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing a substrate on a support body. The apparatus comprises the support body, at least one registration member, a carriage unit and a controller. The support body is arranged for supporting the substrate. The at least one registration member is adapted for registering the substrate on the support body by engaging the substrate in contact to the at least one registration member, when the at least one registration member is arranged into a registering state. The carriage unit is movably arranged relative to the support body for processing the substrate.

Abstract: Blanket replacement systems and methods useable with an image forming apparatus are provided herein. The blanket replacement system removes the blanket from the image transfer member and attaches the blanket to the image transfer member. The blanket replacement system includes a frame member, an engagement motor, and a rotation motor. The frame member holds a blanket having a lead edge portion on one edge and a trail edge portion on an opposing edge. The frame member further includes a lead edge clamp unit and a trail edge clamp unit that holds the lead edge and trail edge portions of the blanket and engages with an image transfer member. The engagement motor engages with the frame member and moves the frame member laterally in relation to the engagement motor. The rotation motor is connected to the engagement motor and rotates the engagement motor and the frame member.

Abstract: Blanket replacement systems and methods useable with an image forming apparatus are provided herein. The blanket replacement system removes the blanket from the image transfer member and attaches the blanket to the image transfer member. The blanket replacement system includes a frame member, an engagement motor, and a rotation motor. The frame member holds a blanket having a lead edge portion on one edge and a trail edge portion on an opposing edge. The frame member further includes a lead edge clamp unit and a trail edge clamp unit that holds the lead edge and trail edge portions of the blanket and engages with an image transfer member. The engagement motor engages with the frame member and moves the frame member laterally in relation to the engagement motor. The rotation motor is connected to the engagement motor and rotates the engagement motor and the frame member.

Abstract: A method for changing printing plates in rotary printing presses, including a plurality of printing units each having a plate cylinder and a dedicated drive for driving the plate cylinder independently of an associated blanket cylinder in a respective printing unit, includes moving the respective blanket cylinder at a somewhat higher circumferential speed than the associated plate cylinder while conveying one or more printing plates out of the printing unit, at least in one operating mode, during a plate changing operation. A printing press and a controller are also provided.

Abstract: The loading device according to the invention comprises a magazine for receiving at least one printing plate and transferring it from the magazine to the plate cylinder. It also comprises at least one guide rail to guide a printing plate during transfer thereof by cooperation with a notch of a front edge of the printing plate, the notch sliding along the guide rail during the transfer.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning a generally flat, planar object and for facilitating the mounting of the generally flat planar object, such as a printing plate, in near perfect alignment in a cylindrical manner. A printing plate cylinder is covered with stickyback having a release liner. A narrow axial strip of release liner is removed and replaced with a piece of release liner that may be pulled or tugged from beyond the end of the printing cylinder. The printing plate is next rolled into a cylindrical form and held in place on a device which allows registration marks on the printing plate to align the two ends of the printing plate prior to the printing plate ends being temporarily adhered to one another using a piece of tape or similar product. The aligned printing plate is next slid over the printing cylinder which is covered with sticky back.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a guide for installing a photoconductive film on to a photo imaging plate includes a movable channel located near the photo imaging plate, for example in a digital printing press. The channel has a bed and a pair of sidewalls extending parallel to one another along opposite sides of the bed such that the lateral movement and skew of a photoconductive film lying on the bed is constrained by the sidewalls. The channel movable between a first position in which an open end of the channel is away from the photo imaging plate and a second position in which the open end of the channel is immediately adjacent to and aligned with the photo imaging plate for installing a photoconductive film on to the photo imaging plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for arranging a printing plate onto a plate cylinder that has a channel in which a front and a rear clamping device are arranged. The rear clamping device is part of a slide that is arranged to be movable towards the front clamping device along a clamping path. In a first phase of the clamping process, the slide, together with a rear printing plate end that is clamped into the rear clamping device, is moved towards a first channel wall, and the printing plate is thereby clamped. In a second phase of the clamping process, the printing plate is released again, and the at least one slide is moved away from the first channel wall and towards a second channel wall. In a third phase of the clamping process, the slide, together with the rear printing plate end that is clamped into the rear clamping device, is again moved towards the first channel wall, and the printing plate is thereby clamped.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for changing a printing plate on a printing press, include feeding the printing plate to a withdrawal chute of a plate changing apparatus by rotating the plate cylinder backward. Drivable transport rollers grip the printing plate and pull the latter out of a previously opened clamping device for the leading edge of the printing plate during the plate cylinder rotation, without the plate cylinder having to be stopped.

Abstract: A system for mounting a flexographic printing plate to a cylinder includes a flexographic printing plate with a first alignment feature; a fixture with a second alignment feature which matches the first alignment feature; aligning the plate to the fixture using the first and second alignment features; mounting the cylinder in the fixture in alignment with the second alignment feature; and transferring the plate from the fixture to the cylinder maintaining registration.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for treating and a process for positioning a cylindrically-shaped element. The apparatus includes means for supporting the element adapted to contact a first part of an interior surface of the element, the supporting means having an axial length; and means for moving the element along the axial length of the supporting means.

Abstract: A photoconductive foil sheet applicator applies a photoconductive foil sheet about a circumference of a drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of loading and unloading of plates to and from an imager. The apparatus includes a loading area holding one single or a plurality of plates and an unloading area holding a single plate, the areas arranged vertically. The plate includes ultraviolet curable material. The apparatus includes a control system configured when in operation to control the automated loading and unloading and the apparatus elements therefor. One fully automatic version includes automatic loading from a stack or set of plate magazines and in the case that the plate includes a protective sheet thereon, includes removing the protective sheet from the plate. Some versions also include one or more ultraviolet sources to irradiate the flexographic plates with ultraviolet radiation during the automated loading and/or unloading. The ultraviolet sources are controlled by the same control system.

Abstract: A printing plate loading apparatus (10) configured to load plates into a printing plate imaging device (120) includes a plate pallet loading system (100) for loading plates from originally packed plate pallet into the printing plate imaging device. Additionally a plate cassette unit (110, 310) connected to the plate pallet loading system, which is configured to receive a single cassette (112) from the plate cassette unit and to load plates from the single cassette directly into the printing plate imaging device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for replacement of sleeves (6, 6a) (6, 6a) that can be slipped on arbors (5, 5a) of ink transfer rollers (4) of at least one printing machine (1), with a storage device, in which the sleeves (6, 6a) (6, 6a), which are not used in the current ink transfer, can be stored, and/or with transport devices (8, 9), with which several sleeves (6, 6a) (6, 6a) can be transported to the printing machine (1). The inventive step lies in the means for the transfer of the sleeves (10-19, 21), with which the sleeves (6, 6a) can be transported between the storage device and/or the transport devices (8,9) and the arbors (5, 5a) of the ink transfer rollers (4) in at least one printing machine (1) and/or between the storage device and the transport devices (8, 9).

Abstract: A method and apparatus of securing and tensioning a printing form in an apparatus having a rotatable drum includes securing a first portion of the printing form to a first means for receiving that is coupled to a surface of the drum, and securing a second portion of the printing form to a second means for receiving that is disposed on a rotatable member that extends over a portion of the drum. The rotatable member is rotated so that the circumferential distance between the first receiving means and the second receiving means is about the same as a length of the printing form. A rotary torque means is coupled to the rotatable member to apply a substantially constant torque on the member and tension the printing form about the surface of the drum. The rotary torque means adjusts torque on the member which adjusts tension on the printing form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for storing at least two printing plates (2) successively removed from a same plate cylinder (16) of a rotary press, each printing plate (2) having a central region (4) bearing patterns to be printed and a front edge (6) and a rear edge (8) opposite each other, the front edge being provided with a front fold (10) for fastening the printing plate (2) on the plate cylinder (16). According to the inventive method, the printing plates (2) are stacked on each other by fitting their front folds (10) into one another.

Abstract: A device for feeding printing plates to a plate cylinder in a printing press includes a pivotable guide element. The pivotable guide element has pivotable guide members which are in contact with an image side of the printing plate when the printing plate is being fed to the plate cylinder. These pivotable guide members are disposed in such a way that they can be disengaged from the printing plate when the printing plate is being wrapped around the plate cylinder. A sheet-fed rotary printing press having the device, is also provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically feeding printing plates to a rotary printing press include conveying devices spaced apart from each other transversely to a conveying direction for feeding the printing plate to a clamping device having register pins. One of the conveying devices is lifted briefly off the printing plate in the event of a lack of in-register contact while the other conveying device remains in contact with the printing plate and thus ensures a forward drive of the printing plate, while the lifting of one conveying device promotes stress relief in the printing plate. A sheetfed rotary printing press having the apparatus, is also provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for feeding printing plates to a plate cylinder of a printing press, load the printing plate in the vicinity of its front edge with a curvature which extends convexly with regard to the plate cylinder axis.

Abstract: A method and a system of preparing a flexographic printing form, and a preparation table used in the method and system, involves placing printing plates in a plate magazine and delivering the printing plates in a predetermined order from the plate magazine to the preparation table. The printing plates are transported by a transporter, such as a conveyor belt, on the preparation table and further to a printing sleeve or a printing cylinder. During transportation, the printing plates are exposed on the backsides to a light source. The printing sleeve is rotated with a speed adapted to the speed of the transporter in such a way that the printing plates are placed staggered in two or more lanes on the printing sleeve. The printing plates placed on the printing sleeve are then imaged, e.g. by laser ablation.

Abstract: To provide a plate supply and discharge device and a printing plate forming device which are capable of transferring plates and printing plates of various sizes and preventing the plates and printing plates from being damaged in the plate supply and discharge device (printing plate forming device). A plate supply and discharge unit (4) which supplies a plate (P1) to a drawing unit (3), receives a printing plate P2, which is obtained by drawing an image on the plate P1, from the drawing unit (3), and delivers it to a processor. The plate supply and discharge unit includes a plate supply table (41) for allowing the plate (P1) to float at atmospheric pressure, moves the plate (P1) in a state of being allowed to float at atmospheric pressure above the plate supply table (41), and supplies it to the drawing unit (3).

Abstract: Apparatus for removing printing plates (8) having leading and trailing edges located in a lock-up slot in a plate cylinder (2) of a rotary printing press, from said plate cylinder (2) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises means for extracting the trailing edge from a lock-up slot which is also operable to partially extract the leading edge from a lock up slot. The apparatus further includes an extraction member for engaging, as the printing cylinder rotates, a portion of the leading edge (8a) of the printing plate protruding from the lock up slot (9) following its partial extraction, to complete the removal of the printing plates from the printing cylinder and leave the removed plates, hanging by their leading edge (8a), on the extraction member. A method of loading printing plates onto a plate cylinder (2) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cartridge for histological specimen slides includes a generally enclosed body and a slide holder. The body is configured for removable insertion into a specimen slide printer, and includes a slide holder receiving opening and a slide feed opening. The slide holder holds a plurality of specimen slides and is configured to be positioned within and removed from the body through the slide holder receiving opening. When loaded in the body the slide holder positions and presents the slides to the slide feed opening in the body. A memory chip for storing information relating to the slides can be mounted to the holder, and is located adjacent an access opening in the body when the holder is positioned in the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of loading and unloading of plates to and from an imager. The apparatus includes a loading area holding one single or a plurality of plates and an unloading area holding a single plate, the areas arranged vertically. The plate includes ultraviolet curable material. The apparatus includes a control system configured when in operation to control the automated loading and unloading and the apparatus elements therefor. One fully automatic version includes automatic loading from a stack or set of plate magazines and in the case that the plate includes a protective sheet thereon, includes removing the protective sheet from the plate. Some versions also include one or more ultraviolet sources to irradiate the flexographic plates with ultraviolet radiation during the automated loading and/or unloading. The ultraviolet sources are controlled by the same control system.

Abstract: A printing plate module is disclosed. The module comprises a printing plate support member (3) having means to locate printing plates (4) in a predetermined position thereon and, engagement means (8) on the plate support member for the releasable engagement of the printing plate support member (3) with a printing press during a plate loading operation to locate printing plates (4) located on the plate support member (3) in a predetermined position relative to a plate cylinder (7) of the press. The invention also discloses a printing apparatus and, a method of loading printing plates onto a plate cylinder of a printing unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for changing a printing plate on a printing press, include feeding the printing plate to a withdrawal chute of a plate changing apparatus by rotating the plate cylinder backward. Drivable transport rollers grip the printing plate and pull the latter out of a previously opened clamping device for the leading edge of the printing plate during the plate cylinder rotation, without the plate cylinder having to be stopped.

Abstract: A printing press includes an apparatus for handling or manipulating varnishing plates or printing plates, having a plate feed channel which is at least temporarily disposed in a plate feed position for feeding a varnishing or printing plate out of the plate feed channel to a plate cylinder. A seat or step surface for an operator is disposed above the plate feed channel.

Abstract: A handling device of a printing press, in particular for handling printing plates during an automated printing plate change on a printing unit of a printing press, is disclosed. The handling device has a manipulator arm, where one end of the manipulator arm is assigned a manipulator head, which features a handling element, in particular a holding element for printing plates, and the manipulator arm is embodied in a multi-part manner of several segments. A swivel axis is embodied on each end of each segment, around which at least the respective segment can be swiveled, and each swivel axis is assigned a separate drive for providing the respective swivel movement. The other end of the manipulator arm is mounted so it is translatorily and rotationally movable on a traverse or on a frame or on a wall of the printing press.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method is provided for handling printing plates which are provided in the form of a printing plate stack on at least one storage plane. If printing plates having a particularly large format are required to set images on them in an exposer, loading cassettes for a magazine of cassettes is at least problematic. Therefore, a tray is moved out of a storage device via an adjacent lifting device into the lower region of the storage device, and is fed there to a drawer which can be moved out of the storage device. If the tray is situated on the drawer, the latter can be moved by an operator in a second horizontal direction out of the handling apparatus, in particular out of the storage device. In this position, the tray can then be loaded in an ergonomically favorable manner.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for handling printing plates which are fed to at least two process stations, include at least one receiving deck on which the printing plates are provided and fed to the different process stations by pivoting the receiving deck. The receiving decks are pivoted first of all about a first rotational axis and likewise about a second rotational axis which is different than the first, in order to ensure favorable receiving angles between the receiving deck and the individual process stations in each case for the printing plate transfer. A printing plate exposer having an apparatus for handling printing plates, is also provided.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a rear plate of a printer is disclosed. The printer rear plate mounting assembly comprises a rear plate comprising a retaining member, an opening located in the rear plate, the retaining member comprising a connecting arm and a transmission portion connected to the connecting arm, a clasp located on a distal end of the connecting arm, the transmission portion comprising a pull portion which is aligned to the opening and accessible via the opening; and a mounting bracket defining an engaging hole, the clasp engaged in the engaging hole; wherein the pull portion is adapted to be pulled to bend the connecting arm, and the clasp is adapted to move out of the engaging hole.

Abstract: Transportation of a lithographic plate uses an indexer to load plates into pods for delivery to a press cylinder via a pod elevator or a pod cart. The plates are imprinted with a bar code, imaged, punched, bent, sheared, corner notched, and registered to a press cylinder. The plates are loaded into the indexer, which moves the loaded plates into a position in alignment with designated pod compartments, and loads the plates into each of the designated pod compartments by indexed movement of an elevator within the indexer. The pod elevator or the pod cart moves the pods proximate to a press cylinder where the plates are unloaded from the pod and loaded onto a press cylinder. A computing device, such as a PLC, directs the process. A vision system senses information from the indexer, pod, pod elevator, and the plate for feedback to a PLC, which initiates all of the foregoing operations.

Abstract: Printing forms are prepared in assembly positions on one of several printing cylinders in a printing press. Several such printing forms are made available at a distance from the printing press, at the end of at least one sheet extruder with a sheet exposure device. A particular printing form for the printing cylinder is distributed among mobile collector containers that are standing ready on the sheet extruder. Different mobile collection containers, with printing forms for the same printing cylinders are supplied to that printing cylinder. At a particular time, and on an operating side of the printing press, several such mobile collection containers are provided and are positioned adjacent each other in the axial direction of the print cylinder.

Abstract: A transport system is used to provide printing forms to a printing press. Several printing forms may be transported in the same cassette. A transport vehicle is provided, and several cassettes can be transported simultaneously with the transport vehicle. A conveyor device is provided in the printing press and is used to convey printing forms that have been stored in cassettes, that have been transported by the transport vehicle. The printing forms are conveyed, by the conveyor device, to a form cylinder of the printing press and are arranged on the form cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing printing plates is disclosed. A printing plate cartridge for a printing press has multiple cases for accommodating printing plates to be removed during a printing plate change and for accommodating printing plates to be installed during a printing plate change. The printing plate cartridge is mounted in such a way that it may be moved in a rotationally pivotable fashion and in a linear fashion relative to a printing group of the printing press, such that the printing plate cartridge is able to service multiple printing units of the printing group during a printing plate change.

Abstract: A method for ejecting printing plates from an imaging apparatus includes providing a plurality of the printing plates to the imaging apparatus; forming an image on at least one of the printing plates; determining a desired tail-to-tip spacing between adjacent printing plates; ejecting a sequence of the printing plates from the imaging apparatus along a path; and adjusting a spacing between two adjacent printing plates in the sequence of the printing plates to reduce a variance between a projected tail-to-tip spacing and the desired tail-to-tip spacing.

Abstract: A device and a method for separating printing plates from a stack uses a lifting device for lifting the printing plates and at least one separating element to be moved under the lifted printing plates. The structurally simple device is able to react flexibly to different printing plate formats and, at the same time, avoids damage to a surface to be imaged of the individual printing plates. In order to avoid such problems, the device includes at least three separating elements which, as they move under a lifted printing plate at any time, are continuously disposed at distances from one another having a ratio that always remains constant.

Abstract: A method for registering a printing plate includes supporting the printing plate on a support surface. A plurality of registration members adapted to register an edge of the printing plate is provided. The first printing plate is moved over the support surface along a first direction to a position where the edge of the printing plate contacts a first registration member of the plurality of registration members. The first registration member is moved along a second direction that intersects the first direction while maintaining contact between the first registration member and the edge of the printing plate at a location on the edge that does not substantially vary as the first registration member moves along the second direction. Contact is established between the printing plate and a second registration member of the plurality of registration members after the first registration member has commenced moving along the second direction.

Abstract: A plate inserting apparatus includes a plate cylinder, press roller, and braking unit. A plate is to be mounted on the outer surface of the plate cylinder. The press roller is rotatably supported to oppose the outer surface of the plate cylinder, and inserts the leading edge bent portion of the plate, supplied to the plate cylinder upon rotation of the plate cylinder, into a groove portion formed in the outer surface of the plate cylinder. The braking unit is arranged in a plate storing portion for storing the plate supplied to the plate cylinder, and brakes the plate with the leading edge bent portion inserted in the groove portion of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are used for providing information about printing plates to be manufactured for a new production of a printing press. A point of use of at least one of the printing plates is visualized on a display. Several different positions exist at the point of use of each respective printing plate. Each may relate to one of several installation positions on a plate cylinder disposed in the printing press. These can also relate to storage positions of a printing plate magazine. Using the display, several different points of use in the printing area, for a particular printing plate, are displayed. The display depicts which one of the positions of use is to be provided. The display additionally depicts different states or properties of at least one printing plate. It may also depict a print location of a printing plate on a transport path.

Abstract: A device and method are described for the easy and rapid loading and unloading of flexographic sleeves from flexographic processing machines. The device includes internal chucks that hold on to the end of a sleeve or sleeve adapter. The chucks are rotatably mounted within a flexographic processing machine to permit sleeve processing. In addition, the chucks may move to accommodate a large range of sleeve or adapter diameters and lengths. The method permits the loading and unloading of sleeves with a minimum amount of sleeve handling and without additional end pieces or adapters.

Abstract: In an apparatus for feeding printing plates to a plate cylinder of a printing press, the printing plate is prealigned on stops outside the plate cylinder with a lateral offset and with an oblique skew. Then the printing plate is fed, in the thusly aligned position to the register pins of the plate cylinder, wherein the printing plate is finally aligned by lateral displacement and by a pivoting movement about the first register pin, until the printing plate bears with its receptacles against both register pins.