Abstract: A plate feeding apparatus of this invention includes a storage unit 10 for storing a plurality of plates P with end edges thereof arranged even by a stopper 11, a first and a second nip rollers 12 and 13, a suction device 45 disposed at a distal end of an arm 44 swingable about a moving unit 43 for sucking and holding an upper surface adjacent an end edge of each plate, a moving mechanism for moving the moving unit 43 along the surfaces of the plates, and for swinging the arm 44 about the moving unit 43, thereby to invert a portion adjacent the end edge of each plate sucked and held by the suction device 45, and subsequently to move the portion to a position to be pinched by the first nip roller or second nip roller, and a storage unit moving mechanism 26 for moving the storage unit 10 in directions perpendicular to the axes of the first and second nip rollers 12 and 13.

Abstract: An apparatus positions a plate cylinder and a blanket cylinder in a transport position for assisting in transporting printing plates. The apparatus spaces the blanket cylinder and plate cylinder apart from one another such that a pressure acting on a printing plate during the printing operation is reduced in the transport position. Optionally, one of the cylinders can be replaced with an inking and/or damping roller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing a printing plate of a printing unit of a printing press is disclosed. A printing unit of a printing press, in particular a web-fed printing press, has at least one printing couple, where the, or each, printing couple includes a plate cylinder, a transfer cylinder, an inking system as well as, preferably, a dampening system. Each printing couple is allocated a printing plate changing device for executing a partially automatic or fully automatic printing plate change on the plate cylinder of the respective printing couple. The plate cylinder of each printing couple can be displaced between two positions in such a way that in a first position the plate cylinder is engaged on the inking system and disengaged from the printing plate changing device and in a second position is engaged on the printing plate changing device and disengaged from the inking system.

Abstract: A printing plate cartridge for a press including a housing having an old printing compartment for holding a printing plate to be removed during a printing plate change and a new printing plate compartment for holding a printing plate to be mounted on a form cylinder of a press during a printing plate change. A printing plate to be mounted on the form cylinder is removable from the new printing plate compartment via a first opening for feeding to the form cylinder during a printing plate changing operation. A printing plate to be removed from the form cylinder is capable of being fed to the old printing plate compartment via the first opening during a printing plate changing operation.

Abstract: A method for aligning a printing plate, prior to imaging, on a platesetter includes the steps of: determining a leading edge of the printing plate; feeding the printing plate by the leading edge onto punch equipment resident on the platesetter; centering the printing plate on the platesetter along the leading edge; punching one or more notches along the leading edge of the printing plate according to a predetermined punch configuration; securing the leading edge and a trailing edge to a support surface of the platesetter with respect to registration pins located on platesetter; determining a location of a vertical edge of one of the notches, the vertical edge defined as being perpendicular to the leading edge; and determining a location with respect to the vertical edge of the one notch for transferring an image onto the printing plate.

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 handling device of a printing press, in particular for handling printing plates during an automated change of printing plates on a printing unit of a printing press, is disclosed. The handling device has a manipulator arm, where a manipulator head is allocated to one end of the manipulator arm, which head features a handling element, in particular a holding element for printing plates. The manipulator arm is of a multi-piece design of several segments, where a swivel axis is included on each end of each segment, around which axis at least the respective segment can be swiveled, and where a separate drive for providing the respective swivel motion is allocated to each swivel axis.

Abstract: A device and method for performing a printing plate change on a plate cylinder of a printing press is disclosed. The device includes a rolling element featuring several rollers for pressing at least one printing plate on the plate cylinder during a printing plate change. A strip bearing several alignment elements extends parallel to the rolling element, where a printing plate can be aligned true-to-register between every two adjacent alignment elements before the printing plate is clamped in a lockup slot of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A magazine for printing units for printing machines, comprising at least one track which is adapted to be arranged proximate to a printing machine and allows engagement of a plurality of printing units, further comprising at least one parking track, which is connected to the at least one track, in order to allow the parking of at least one printing unit which is coupled to the at least one track.

Abstract: A magazine for printing and converting heads for printing machines, comprising at least one containment body which is adapted to be arranged in close proximity to a printing machine and is adapted to accommodate a plurality of printing and converting heads, a carriage being provided for conveying the printing and converting heads from the at least one containment body to the printing machine and from the printing machine to the at least one containment body.

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 releasab a 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 changing station for sleeves of a printing machine has a conveyable magazine with at least one take-up device for the sleeves. The magazine is both vertically and horizontally conveyable alongside the printing machine. The horizontal movement can be provided by a rail, and the vertical movement can be provided by a crane or hoist.

Abstract: A method for handling printing plates includes moving the printing plates from a first process station to a second station by a printing plate holder. The process stations are all arranged on a cylinder circumferential surface around a mid-axis, and it is possible for all to be opened out by the printing plate holder in the same way as with a distributor for the purpose of input or output. An apparatus for handling printing plates has a printing plate holder containing at least two mutually parallel, intercoupled holding decks for printing plates which can be pivoted about a common axis of rotation. The holder is located in the vicinity of the process stations and is suitable for transporting a printing plate from a first process station to a second station. Therefore, different types of printing plate can be handled manually, automatically or partly automatically in a less complex structure.

Abstract: A packing or dressing is mounted on a cylinder of a rotary printing press. A dressing suspension leg, situated at an end of the dressing extending in the production direction of rotation of the cylinder, is positioned in an opening in the surface of the cylinder. That suspension leg is retained in the cylinder opening predominantly by its own weight.

Abstract: A plate feeding apparatus includes a multi-cassette unit for storing, in a stacked state, a plurality of cassettes storing plates, a loader unit for fetching from each cassette plates to be fed to an image recorder, and a plate feed unit disposed above the multi-cassette unit to be tiltable about a horizontal axis in a state of having a portion thereof vertically overlapping the multi-cassette unit.

Abstract: A plate supplying apparatus 1 allows, when taking out a plate P from a cassette 2 and transporting the plate toward an image recording apparatus 8, a support section 33 to operate such that the pivot angle of the support section 33 follows an optimum path based on the type of a plate P to be transported. In addition, upon control of the pivot operation of the support section 33, it is not necessary to control the pivot position of the support section 33, and a rotation drive pulse RP is easily generated so as to synchronize with a linear motion drive pulse DP outputted from a control section of the image recording apparatus 8. In the plate supplying apparatus 1, when a plate P stored in the cassette 2 is held via suction, only suction pads 31 are brought into contact with a plate P to be transported, and when the plate P is transported by transport rollers 51 and 52, the suction pads 31 do not contact with the plate P.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a printing plate feeder for feeding printing plates to a first plate cylinder. The printing plate feeder has a pair of transport rollers acting as a leveling roller and a driven roller. The leveling roller is fixed to a leveling roller rotary shaft extending parallel to a rotational axis of the first plate cylinder, and is opposed to middle and opposite end regions of the first plate cylinder. The leveling roller rotary shaft is connected to a driving device, a one-way clutch for permitting rotation only in a transport direction of the printing plates, and a torque transmission clutch acting as a loading device for applying a load to rotation in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the printing plates.

Abstract: Depending on the lateral width thereof, an image recording material P is stably positioned on a recording drum, employing two positioning pins with an appropriate pitch therebetween. Non-contacting portions prevent any irrelevant positioning pins from coming into contact with the material P. The material P may be transported onto the recording drum 5 while one end thereof constitutes an angle U with a rotation axis 5N of the recording drum 5. A reference notch 44ae first fits with a positioning pin 51a. Thereafter, as the aforementioned end of the material P abuts with a positioning pin 51b, accurate positioning occurs. Each positioning pin 51 includes a tapered portion having a reference taper angle 2T. When a leading-end clamp 52 clamps the aforementioned end, the material P comes in contact with the tapered portion, with a, reduced friction force against the positioning pin 51, thereby preventing deformation of the material P.

Abstract: In a planographic printing plate feeding apparatus, a load W applied to a stack of plates by a pickup roller which feeds a planographic printing plate from the stack is adjusted. If the load W is increased and exceeds a single feeding threshold, and if a conveyance force F1 applied from the uppermost planographic printing plate to the slip-sheet is increased by such a degree that the conveyance force F1 exceeds a maximum static friction force F2? between the slip-sheet and the planographic printing plate under the slip-sheet, the uppermost planographic printing plate and the slip-sheet 22 can be conveyed integrally (set feeding). Hence, it is possible to obtain a planographic printing plate feeding apparatus with a compact, simple and inexpensive structure and able to feed a planographic printing plate swiftly and reliably.

Abstract: A printing unit consists of at least two printing groups, which are placed vertically above each other, in a printing machine. Each of the printing groups includes a printing cylinder, an inking unit with at least one inking roller, a dampening unit with several dampening rollers arranged in a line, and a transfer cylinder that cooperates with the printing cylinder. The inking cylinder and the dampening roller, in an operational state in which they are adjacent the printing cylinder, form an obtuse opening angle with the printing cylinder. The rollers of the dampening unit are arranged with at least the first and last rollers in the roller train arranged inside an acute angle depending from the transfer cylinder. A horizontal line extending from the transfer cylinder defines an opening angle of less than 45° with the rollers of the dampening unit. A printing forme is fed to the printing cylinder through an obtuse angle between the dampening roller and the inking roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing a printing plate enabling to easily replace the printing plate of a plate cylinder of a printing unit in an easy posture in a variable cutoff rotary press of a web offset press or the like is realized.

Abstract: An automated method is provided for carrying out a production change, which is specific to the printing plate, on a printing press. After a first print job is printed on a printing press, the printing of the first print job is stopped automatically after a predefined print run level has been reached or another termination criterion for the first print job has occurred. Parameters required for printing a second print job which follows the first print job are loaded automatically by the printing press. Before or after the parameters of the second print job are loaded, a printing plate change is automatically carried out on the printing press, thus achieving production readiness for the second print job. The second print job is then either started automatically, or a production readiness signal for the second print job is generated automatically.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in storing a blanket that is to be exchanged on a cylinder of a printing machine and which has a plurality of blankets on its periphery. The blanket to be exchanged is stored in a tray that includes at least one code reader which will detect a characteristic that was applied to the blanket for purposes of its identification. The detected characteristic is matched with a plan that is used to accomplish a planned printing process. If a discrepancy in the match is noted, a message, which warns of the presence of an incorrect blanket, is generated before that incorrect blanket is mounted on the cylinder.

Abstract: A plate replacing apparatus includes a plate-winding support roller that presses a plate on a plate cylinder and a plate pressing unit that rotates around the plate-winding support roller and thereby pressing a trailing end of the plate in an edge portion of the plate pressing unit. The plate pressing unit presses the plate in a position in front of a lower tooth of a vice built in the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A new-plate holding unit holds a surface of a new plate in a width direction on a new-plate insertion path. A movement constraining unit constrains the new-plate holding unit to move in a direction of inserting the new plate, with a margin in the width direction of the new plate. A pressing unit presses the new-plate holding unit in a direction in which the new-plate holding unit is constrained with a constant force by a distance equivalent to a moving distance of the new plate. A position returning unit presses the new-plate holding unit to be returned from a position where the new-plate holding unit is pressed to a position before being pressed.

Abstract: A printing press has several plate cylinders on which printing plates can be placed and from which they can be removed. Changing of these printing plates is accomplished by remote control through the use of a central controller which is associated with the printing press. The central controller is in control of all of the units which are involved in the changing of the printing press. At least one printing plate on at least one of the plate cylinders can be changed while the press is in operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling printing plates contains at least one image-setting device and a frame that at least partially encloses the image-setting device. The image-setting device is decoupled from the frame via decoupling feet that stand on the floor through cutouts in the frame. If the image-setting device is decoupled from the frame, it is problematic or at least time-consuming to align the image-setting device and the frame with respect to one another. Alignment is particularly necessary when the frame contains further processing stations and transport systems. Simpler and more rapid alignment can be achieved by at least one guiding alignment element assisting the alignment of the image-setting device and of the frame with respect to one another.

Abstract: A plate feeding apparatus includes a multi-cassette unit for storing, in a stacked state, a plurality of cassettes storing plates, a loader unit for fetching from each cassette plates to be fed to an image recorder, and a plate feed unit disposed above the multi-cassette unit to be tiltable about a horizontal axis in a state of having a portion thereof vertically overlapping the multi-cassette unit.

Abstract: A dressing is pressed against a surface of a cylinder of a printing machine by the use of pressing elements. Several such dressings may be arranged next to each other in the axial direction of the cylinder. The pressing elements, used in connection with one of the plurality of dressings, are operable independently of other pressing elements that are used in connection with other ones of the dressings. These pressing elements may be provided as roller elements. Additional pressing elements are located, spaced in a circumferential direction of the cylinder, from the other pressing elements. Those additional pressing elements may be positioned before, in a direction of cylinder rotation, the other pressing elements.

Abstract: A dressing is pressed onto a surface of a cylinder of a printing machine by the use of at least two pressing elements. These two pressing elements are separated from each other in a circumferential direction of the cylinder. A portion of each of the two pressing elements can be moved toward or away form the surface of the cylinder independently of each other. The pressing elements are preferably arranged on supports that are connected to each other. Each of the pressing elements is provided with its own independent actuator.

Abstract: A dressing is guided onto a cylinder of a printing machine. At least one roller element is used to accomplish this dressing guidance. A support, which includes spaced first and second ends, is provided. The first end of the support is connected to a cross-piece that is running along parallel to an axis of rotation of the cylinder. The at least one roller element is situated on the second end of this support. The support is an elastically flexible body. An actuator is arranged between the cross-piece and the support. The actuator is operable to move the roller toward or away from the cylinder by flexing the elastic support.

Abstract: A computer-to-plate (CTP) machine is operated using processless printing plates. A plate bender is built directly into the CTP, bending the plate after imaging in order to make it ready for mounting on the printing press, eliminating all intermediate steps. For presses requiring punched holes in addition to the bend in the plate, the required holes are also punched in the CTP machine.

Abstract: A planographic printing plate supply unit comprising: carrying rollers rotating while pressing a stacking bundle, in which planographic printing plates and covering papers are stacked alternately, so as to carry the planographic printing plate and covering paper at the top of the stacking bundle, wherein convex portions which are elastically deformed when pressing the stacking bundle and whose contact area with the planographic printing plate is larger after being elastically deformed than before are provided on the outside periphery of the carrying roller.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a metal-backed printing blanket onto a printing press cylinder in a controlled fashion is provided. A carton containing the rolled printing blanket may be provided, and a lengthwise slit or opening is opened to withdraw a mounting end of the printing blanket. The alignment and tension of the printing blanket is controlled as it mounts on the printing press cylinder. Parallel reference lines on the carton may be used to draw alignment marks on the printing blanket such that it may be properly inserted into a locking device of the printing press cylinder. The alignment and tension may be controlled using graspable sides of the carton.

Abstract: A data creating device for printing plates optimizes image data for use in forming printing plates using a printing press having a feed reel for feeding printing film onto a circumference of a plate cylinder from a circumference recess formed in the plate cylinder, a rewind reel for rewinding the printing film fed from the feed reel so as to draw the printing film from the circumference of the plate cylinder, and an image forming device for forming an image on the printing film placed on the circumference of the plate cylinder. The data creating device detects a maximum position of the image data in a plate transfer direction. The data creating device deletes data downstream of the maximum position in the plate transfer direction, thereby creating optimized image data. The data creating device stores the optimized image data in a memory to be used in forming the printing plate.

Abstract: A device is used to store blankets or dressings which are to be supplied to a cylinder of a printing machine. A plurality of such blankets or dressings, which are to be applied to the cylinder adjacent each other and axially spaced, are stored next to each other. These blankets or dressings are stored vertically above a supporting surface, in at least two vertically offset planes. The offset planes form a first storage position and the supporting surface forms a second storage position once at least one of the blankets or dressings has been stored in the different planes.

Abstract: A method for handling printing plates includes moving the printing plates from a first process station to a second station by a printing plate holder. The process stations are all arranged on a cylinder circumferential surface around a mid-axis, and it is possible for all to be opened out by the printing plate holder in the same way as with a distributor for the purpose of input or output. An apparatus for handling printing plates has a printing plate holder containing at least two mutually parallel, intercoupled holding decks for printing plates which can be pivoted about a common axis of rotation. The holder is located in the vicinity of the process stations and is suitable for transporting a printing plate from a first process station to a second station. Therefore, different types of printing plate can be handled manually, automatically or partly automatically in a less complex structure.

Abstract: Blankets or packings to be supplied to a cylinder of a printing machine, and having a certain length, are stored in a storage device. A holding element, in a first operating state, holds the blanket in a first storage position. The holding element and the blanket are separated when the holding element moves into a second operating state. When the holding element is detached, the blanket moves into a second storage position that is vertically spaced, along the length of the blanket, from the first storage position. Two holding devices can be used to hold the blanket on two of its opposed sides. When at least one of the holding elements moves into the second operating state, the distance between the two holding elements is at least temporarily enlarged above the dimension of the blanket held by the holding elements.

Abstract: A device is provided for the storage of a blanket or a dressing that is to be supplied to a cylinder of a printing machine. A retainer is usable, in a first operating position, to retain the blanket in a first storage position. The blanket can leave the first storage position when it is disengaged from the retainer as the retainer is moved to a second operating position. A second storage position is situated below the first storage position and is vertically spaced from the first storage position along the length of the blanket to be supported. The second storage position stores the blanket that is detached from the retainer before it is supplied to the cylinder. The blankets are stored lengthwise without touching each other. Blankets to be applied to the cylinder are stored in the storage positions one on top of the other.

Abstract: An interleaf at the top position of a stack of plates and interleaves stored in a cassette is removed by attaching the interleaf to suction pads mounted to a vertically movable support. When the interleaf in the cassette is moved upwardly to a position opposed to a pair of nip rollers, movable suction pads move horizontally in such a direction as to stretch the interleaf to remove wrinkles in the interleaf. Then, a leading edge portion of the interleaf is held between the pair of nip rollers and removed outwardly.

Abstract: Devices for accomplishing the alignment of a covering applied to a cylinder in a printing machine include a detent and a roller element. The detent is situated in a mounting direction of the covering and is upstream of the roller element. The covering to be applied engages with the detent. In an alternative configuration, the roller can itself act as the detent. A method for aligning or for mounting the covering on the cylinder utilizes the detent or the roller element.

Abstract: Positioning of a printing plate in an image recorder is performed by the same method used for punching positioning holes for printing press in the printing plate. Specifically, the positioning for image recording is performed with reference to an edge of the printing plate on the same side as the edge of the printing plate used as a reference for punching the positioning holes for printing press. When the positioning for punching the positioning holes for printing press is performed with reference to the central position of the printing plate, the central position of the printing plate is detected based on a measured width of the printing plate, and the positioning for image recording is carried out with reference to the central position. Consequently, an image recorded on the printing plate by the image recorder and the positioning holes for printing press in the printing plate always have the same positional relationship.

Abstract: There is provided a printing press that can guide a printing plate, which is held in clamped relationship with the clamping gripper, so as to be mounted on the plate cylinder with accuracy, while guiding a printing plate in the plate discharge direction with accuracy, as well as preventing deterioration of the reliability for a long time. A printing plate guide plate having a leading end provided with guide rollers and guide blocks guides a printing plate when it is supplied to a plate cylinder and discharged therefrom. A pivotally moving plate auxiliarily guides the printing plate when it is guided by the printing plate guide plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for positioning an element with respect to at least two reference points (4a, 4c), in which said device acts upon a working point on the element to be positioned and comprises a positioning arm attached to a fixed hinging point with respect to said reference points (4a, 4c), comprising two mutually hinged parts (6a, 6b) allowing a movement of said element to each reference point (4a, 4c). The invention related further to a device for positioning at least one offset plate on a positioning table of a pre-press equipment, comprising means to move the offset plate in a plane parallel to the positioning table to at least one reference point (4a) on the positioning table, in which said means acts upon a working point situated in the supporting plane of the offset plate on the positioning table.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting printing sleeves is provided. The transport apparatus includes a housing with a bottom wall, a plurality of side walls, and at least one cover. A plurality of reception devices are mounted in the housing. Each reception device receives a printing sleeve in a vertically oriented transport position with a longitudinal mid-axes of the respective printing sleeve extending vertically. Each reception device is movable out of the housing into an outside position when the at least one cover of the housing is open. Each reception device is pivotable in the outside position such that the corresponding printing sleeve can be moved out of the vertical transport position into a horizontal extraction or insertion position.

Abstract: A device for feeding a plate to and/or removing a plate from a printing press includes a plate storage device for holding a new and/or used plate. The plate storage device has a linearly movable plate support. The plate is particularly a printing plate.

Abstract: A short-circuit detection probe comprising a probe body having a housing and a cover, the housing defining an internal cavity having a profile, a probe pin comprising an upper part and a lower part, mounted within the internal cavity, the upper part comprising an electrically wired upper end and the lower part comprising a lower end connected to a magnet, a push springs wound around the upper part of the probe pin, a stoppage means mounted at the bottom of the push spring and a return spring wound around the lower part of the probe pin, wherein the internal cavity profile comprises a stoppage step for accommodating the stoppage means at its lowermost position.

Abstract: In the plate supplying apparatus of the present invention, various vibrations are provided to a plate secured via suction during a separating operation by causing pad rods 403 to repeat a slight ascent and a pause, and thereafter causing the pad rods 403 to make an abrupt descent, thereby reliably peeling off a slip sheet adhering to the back face of the plate. Further, vibration in the rod-up/down direction is provided to the plate during the separating operation, and the plate is not pushed hard. Thus, it is possible to prevent the plate from being damaged. A raising and lowering motor 52 is driven to lower the cassette 9. A separating operation for peeling off a slip sheet S adhering to the back face of the plate P is performed, and thereafter the plate P secured via suction is turned over and transferred.

Abstract: A printing press can securely supply a printing plate while bringing a printing plate into alignment with a plate cylinder in an axial direction of the plate cylinder, as well as omitting the necessity to return the plate registration of the plate cylinder to the original point. The printing press includes a printing plate guide plate that is pivotally movably mounted in an opening of a body cover that covers the plate cylinder, a sucker for holding a printing plate by suction so as to pull the same towards the printing plate guide plate. The sucker is disposed so as to be movable towards a clamping gripper disposed on the plate cylinder and in a direction parallel to an axis of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A punch unit includes punch blocks supported by an arm through support plates. The arm has, arranged thereon, a motor for rotating a drive rod, a detector for detecting rotation angles of the drive rod, and a sensor for detecting a forward end of a recording material. The punch unit is movable by a moving mechanism including support members arranged at opposite ends of the arm, slide shafts and ball screws connected to the support members, and a pulse motor for driving the ball screws through a synchronous belt and synchronous pulleys.