Abstract: In an automatic printing plate exposure device, when temporarily positioning a printing plate, a position of the printing plate in a temporary direction is determined by the printing plate abutting a pair of positioning pins. When actually positioning the printing plate in an exposure section, a position of the printing plate in an actual direction is determined by the printing plate abutting a pair of positioning pins. An angle of inclination in the temporary direction with respect to a front is set smaller than an angle of inclination in the actual direction. When positioning the printing plate, a position at which the printing plate abuts the pair of positioning pins and a reference pin, and a position at which the printing plate abuts the pair of positioning pins and the reference pin at a time of positioning in the exposure section, substantially coincide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing cylinder that includes a support cylinder, at least one printing sleeve for mounting the support cylinder, and a recess provided on a lateral face of the sleeve and emerging from an interior wall, and at least one indexing device borne by the support cylinder and that can project from it, the recess and each indexing device cooperating in order to mount the sleeve on the support cylinder while registering its position. According to the invention, the printing sleeve has at least one ring in an extension of an interior wall and which projects from the lateral face. The ring protects the sleeve from impacts between it and the indexing device during mounting of the sleeve on the support cylinder.

Abstract: A press plate mounting apparatus has a press plate placement portion capable of holding a press plate having a partially formed print face region, and a plate cylinder holding portion that rotatably holds a plate cylinder onto which the press plate is mounted. Positioning cross marks are provided in a non-print region of the press plate. The press plate placement portion includes a suction surface that sucks the print face region, and a scale member provided at a position outward of the suction surface and extending in a predetermined direction. The scale member is able to contact the locating cross marks when the press plate is held at a predetermined position. The scale member has a scale that makes it possible to visually check a positional deviation of the press plate in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A printing plate is held at one point thereof by a holding portion provided at a surface plate. When pushed by a pushing portion, the printing plate is only rotationally displaced. Thus, an angular error is substantially eliminated and displacement of the printing plate is small. Then, the pushing portion positions the printing plate in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the surface plate can be moved. Then, movement of the surface plate positions the printing plate in the direction in which the surface plate can be moved.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a frame of a printing press carrying a conveyor belt relevant to printing modules in the three-dimensional axial directions. At least a First guide is provided on the frame for guiding a plate arranged on the frame in a horizontal direction x lengthwise to the frame by a first guiding component for adjusting the frame in the appropriate direction. Second guides are provided in a vertical direction y to the frame, on which two movable guiding components are positioned, and between the two guiding components, a third guiding component is arranged, which can be moved to the third guides on the second guiding components in the direction z transverse to a substantially horizontal plane of the frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registering a sheet for transfer of an image thereto. Disposed in the feed path of a sheet is a transport nip for feeding a sheet and for transversely registering the sheet and image by displacing the transport nip transversely of the feed direction. On each registration step the transport nip shifts in said transverse direction to a middle position. Transverse positioning means bring either the sheet before reaching the transport nip or the image on an image support into a transverse position such that a registration step by the transport nip to a middle position can take place and hence no reset movement of the transport nip is required between successive registration steps.

Abstract: A center justified pin registration system uses a plurality of pairs of registration pins having different thickness heads to align an edge of a printing plate when mounting the plate to a drum of an imaging system. The registration pins are optionally adjustable. The registration system avoids the requirement to punch holes or notches in a printing plate and does not require adjusting the thickness of a common registration pin. The registration system allows printing plates having different widths to be mounted without necessitating adjustments of the registration pins. An alternate embodiment employs a plurality of pairs of registration pins having uniform thickness heads.

Abstract: An image recorder and a method of recording an image on a printing plate are provided. A punch unit for forming punched holes and the like for use in a printing apparatus in the printing plate positions the printing plate by bringing a pair of reference pins into contact with an edge of the printing plate, and punches the printing plate. Next, the printing plate is transferred to a recording drum in the image recorder for image recording. The recording drum is provided with positioning pins mounted upright in substantially the same location as the reference pins of the punch unit. Thus, a portion of the edge of the printing plate which made contact with the reference pins of the punch unit is also brought into contact with the positioning pins of the recording drum. Therefore, the positional relationship between the punches holes for printing and the recorded image is held constant without being affected by an undulation or swell on the edge of the printing plate.

Abstract: In order to minimize the amount by which a sheet material must be moved for positioning, using a small number of sensors, and to achieve improvement of the operation and stabilization of the positioning accuracy, the size of the sheet material is recognized in advance, a sensor, which requires the smallest amount of movement of the sheet material for positioning the sheet material at a predetermined position, is selected from a plurality of sensors based on the recognized size, and the sheet material is detected by the selected sensor.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a frame of a printing press carrying a conveyor belt relevant to printing modules in the three-dimensional axial directions. At least a first guide is provided on the frame for guiding a plate arranged on the frame in a horizontal direction x lengthwise to the frame by a first guiding component for adjusting the frame in the appropriate direction, whereby two walls perpendicular to the plate are arranged parallel to each other. Second guides are provided in a vertical direction y to the frame, on which two movable guiding components are positioned, and between the two guiding components, a third guiding component is arranged, which can be moved to the third guides on the second guiding components in the direction z to the flat surface of the frame.

Abstract: Rotary printing machine with forme and impression cylinders for variable-format or variable-circumference printing and with service apparatus which are capable of being moved radially in relation to the printing-unit cylinders for throw-on or throw-off movements and in the axial direction of the cylinders or in the side-wall plane. The service apparatus and the printing-unit cylinders are arranged on cross slides which can each be moved in two directions relative to the printing-unit side wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for merging page elements according to a layout signal into one page for reproduction on a reproduction device. The page elements are segmented into smaller area tiles before storage stored into memory. Data from the page elements includes metadata describing the position into the memory of the sub-elements of the page element. Due to the used format for the page elements, data needed during merging can be retrieved, decompressed an processed quickly so merging can be done in real time during printing. The format used for the area tiles enables easy and fast execution of various image operations such as mirroring, rotation, etc . . .

Abstract: A clamping device for locking-up printing forms on a printing-form cylinder of a printing machine, having a plurality of clamping elements disposed so as to be adjustable in axial direction, with an adjusting device for respectively expanding and buckling a clamped printing-form edge, comprising a shaft whereon the clamping elements, with spring elements interposed, are axially displaceably mounted, and adjusting elements disposed on respective outer ends of the shaft for subjecting the clamping elements to forces acting in the axial direction.

Abstract: A device for detecting the position of a printing plate on a plate cylinder of a printing machine includes path measuring systems corresponding with one edge of the printing plate.

Abstract: A method for automatically providing a printing plate to a plate cylinder includes the steps of aligning a first edge of a printing plate against a cylinder adjacent to a plate cylinder, moving the first edge of the printing plate into a gap in the plate cylinder, and wrapping the printing plate about the plate cylinder. The present invention also includes a device for attaching a printing plate to a plate cylinder comprising a first set of grippers for gripping a printing plate and aligning the printing plate against a cylinder adjacent to the plate cylinder, and a second set of grippers for moving the printing plate toward a gap in the plate cylinder. An offset printing press having the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for detecting the position of a printing plate on the plate cylinder of a printing machine has register equipment corresponding with an edge of the printing plate. The device includes at least one mechanical stress sensor assigned to the register equipment. The at least one mechanical stress sensor is a piezoelectric force sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus constructed which accurately guides and adjusts a cylinder axially in a rotary printing machine. For this purpose, an electromagnetic system, with which an axial force can be applied to the cylinder, is arranged on the frame of the rotary printing machine. The cylinder is mounted in mountings that permit axial displacement.

Abstract: A process and system for printing a pattern onto a set of warp yarns which are then woven into a fabric. Specifically, the fabric is woven so that the printed pattern is viewable from at least one side of the fabric. In accordance with the present invention, the printed pattern is applied to the warp yarns using a digital printing device, such as an ink jet print device.

Abstract: A register control device for the cylinder of a printing machine that emits a signal when a printing plate is resting in register on one or more register pins associated with a print cylinder. The signal is communicated to a stationary evaluation unit by a magnetic field. In this regard, a magnetic field sensor is attached to the printing machine frame and is used to detect the signal and forward the signal to the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit uses the communicated signal to determine whether or not insertion of the printing plate was properly performed.

Abstract: In order to compensate for slippage of a printing-plate sleeve on the plate cylinder of a printing unit having its own motor, a first reference point for the position of the printing plate is sensed by a sensor. The first reference point is then compared with the position of a reference printing-plate sleeve of a reference printing unit. A motor during the printing unit is then readjusted when there is a determined deviation from the desired position.

Abstract: A device for use in a rotary printing machine having at least one printing mechanism including a plate cylinder which can be releasably mounted on a shaft carrying the plate cylinder. The plate cylinder and the shaft can be oriented both axially and also in the peripheral direction relative to the shaft and thus relative to the article to be printed. When the plate cylinder and the shaft are oriented as desired, the plate cylinder is capable of being fixedly attached to the shaft. The plate cylinder can be fixed in the peripheral direction and in the axial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling media sheets in a photo-plotter includes a plurality of aligning mechanisms for precisely positioning the media sheet relative to a drum of the photo-plotter. Each aligning mechanism has engaged and disengaged positions and include a registration pin having corresponding extended and retracted positions. In the engaged position, the extended registration pins of the aligning mechanisms pass through mounting features formed within the media sheet and are engagable with a plurality of drum openings formed within the drum of the photo-plotter. The present invention ensures that the media sheet is properly placed on the drum and also precisely positions the generated image relative to the mounting features.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for correctly registering mounting of a printing plate. Task of the invention is to provide an apparatus to control the correctly registered position of a printing plate, which can be realized with simple means and can withstand abrupt load changes of the printing plate. The task is solved according the invention by inserts allocated to registering elements, which are contacting the printing plate electrically isolated from the registering elements and are connected to a control unit.

Abstract: A guide roll (22, 24) for a printing press (10) printing an image on a flat surface (16) of a web (12) of a lenticular lens material. The other side of the material has a series of lenticules (14) formed on it which extend parallel of each other longitudinally of the web and generally across the width of the web. The surface on which the lenticules are formed is drawn across the guide roll as the web of material is pulled through the press. The guide roll has a band (B) of circumferentially extending grooves (G) formed on an outer surface (26) of the roller. The grooves are formed so at least one lenticule fits in each groove. Thus, as the web is drawn through the press, and across the idler roller, the grooves prevent both lateral movement of the web with respect to the press, and distortion of the web. This helps maintain a printing alignment established between the printing press and the web of material prior to beginning a print run.

Abstract: A plurality of patterns respectively having different area factor of dot formation area are formed by forward and reverse scanning printing of a print head, and then optical characteristics of the plurality of formed patterns are measured. A function representing the relationship between the printing position offset between the forward and reverse printings is determined from the optical characteristics. Then, respective pattern having a predetermined area factor of dot formation area is formed by means of forward and reverse scanning where the speed is differentiated according to the mode of a printing apparatus, and then the optical characteristics of this pattern is measured. By applying this measured optical characteristics to the function, an adjustment value of the dot formation position conditions between the forward and reverse scans is obtained for each mode.

Abstract: A method for mounting a substrate having a first image printed thereon on a digital printer to be used to print a second image in a desired alignment with the first image, wherein the first image is printed on the substrate using a nondigital process. The first image is related to a second image to form a composite image. First, registration holes in a template are placed over registration pins on the digital printer, thereby mounting the template on the printer. The second image is printed on the template using the digital printer, and the template is then removed from the digital printer. Registration holes of substrate leaders and the registration holes of the template are placed over registration pins extending from a work surface. The substrate is then positioned with respect to the substrate leaders and the template at a desired location where the first image on the substrate aligns with the second image on the template. The substrate leader is then secured to the substrate at the desired location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining color registration in a multi-color printing press having a plurality of printing stations. A process black registration mark is formed in an identified area by positioning a plurality of color registration marks on top of each other. The process black registration mark is position in a portion of the image that is intended to be printed black, and preferably adjacent to a black ink image. The identified area is examined to determine whether the process black registration mark is properly positioned.

Abstract: A fabric which is formed by a weaving system designed to automatically maintain a printed pattern in alignment with a woven pattern as the fabric is being formed. The printed pattern is printed onto the warp yarns. A controller is used to monitor the position of the printed pattern during the weaving process relative to the position of a woven pattern that is being formed into the fabric. Should the printed pattern and woven pattern fall out of alignment, the controller then alters the longitudinal size of the woven pattern, the printed pattern, or both patterns, in order to realign the patterns.

Abstract: A printing unit enabling format variability, is distinguished by substantial component standardization and simple stand design. For this purpose, printing unit cylinders are mounted in slides which are arranged on at least one carrier and which, for distance adjustment, can be displaced on the carrier in each case by means of a drive.

Abstract: A method and software program for determining printability of a defect on a reticle or photomask onto a substrate during processing. That is performed by creating a pixel grid image having a plurality of individual pixel images showing the defect. A gray scale value is assigned to each pixel image of the pixel grid image and a probable center pixel of the defect is selected. Then the polarity of the defect is determined, with a coarse center pixel of the defect optionally selected using the probable center defect and polarity of the defect. If a coarse center pixel is selected, then a fine center of the defect can optionally be selected from the coarse center pixel and polarity of the defect. From the center pixel the physical extent of the defect can be determined followed by the determination the transmissivity energy level of the physical extent of the defect.

Abstract: An exposure frame (30) and a registration printing pallet (130) are disclosed for registering a printing screen frame (10) holding a screen (12) first to the artwork (4) and next to the pallet (19) supporting the product (T) to be screened.

Abstract: A screen printing press is provided for printing on a web having defined, successive areas and indicia provided in predetermined positions relative to each of the defined areas. The press includes a base defining a work station, a screen supported on the base for movement between a printing position overlying the work station and an interrupted position, and a web handling assembly for advancing the web along a path of travel to successively feed the defined areas of the web toward the work station. A registration system successively positions the defined areas of the web in a desired predetermined relationship to the screen as successive defined areas are brought into a position to be printed. The registration system includes longitudinal, lateral and angular shifting mechanisms for adjusting the longitudinal, lateral and angular alignment between the screen and the web.

Abstract: A method for setting and regulating the position of webbing in a printing press using pre-marked makeready tape (10) having a top side (12) defining at least a first mark (22) and a second mark (10) spaced apart a distance equal to a whole multiple page length of printed matter and a bottom side (14) having an adhesive compound disposed about a substantial portion of the bottom side (14). The method involving the steps of threading the pre-marked makeready tape (10) along the path of the continuous web (18), aligning a mark (22) on the pre-marked makeready tape (10) near the former (48) with a mark (22) on the former (48) in the folder (42), and adjusting the compensator (40) to align a mark (22) on the makeready tape (10) near the impression cylinder (28) with a mark (30) on the impression cylinder (28) of the printing unit (26).

Abstract: A system for imprinting stationery including envelopes, letters and cards with return addresses, sending addresses, letterheads and other indicia uses inexpensive self inking stamps. A horizontal rectangular top plate is provided with apertures through which the stamps pass when imprinting on a piece of stationery. The top plate is supported above a flat horizontal support surface on which the piece of stationery rests by a three sided fence which provides positioning stops for the stationery. The apertures are located at predetermined positions on the top plate so as to correctly position imprinting of sending addresses, return addresses and letterheads on stationery of various sizes. The positioning and registry is so well maintained that different colored stamps may be used in the same aperture to produce multicolor printing. By providing a system that produces high quality custom printed stationery as needed, the volume storage and expenses of preprinted stationery is avoided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the mutual alignment of a film and a printed circuit board prior to printing of the printed circuit board. At least two cameras are used to optically register the respective position of a marker on the film in relation to a respectively associated reference marker on the printed circuit board. In the event of a deviation or deviations from a set position, the relative position of the printed circuit board to the film is corrected within a tolerance range. At least two markers and associated reference markers are registered simultaneously with at least one camera. Preferably, the markers and the associated reference markers are each respectively arranged in squares of groups of nine and each of the groups is registered by one camera.

Abstract: Alignment of a mask, such as a photolithographic mask, to a workpiece, such as a printed circuit board is improved using a frame having sides that are individually thermally expandable. The mask is fabricated to be undersized so that the distance between fiducials on the mask is less than a desired distance, which may be the distance between corresponding fiducials on the workpiece. The mask is mounted on the frame, whereafter at least one side of the frame is heated to expand the side and stretch the mask to achieve the desired interfiducial distance.

Abstract: A flexible printing plate mounting system, physical register record plate (PRRP) and method employing the same, wherein the system includes a sticky back covered plate cylinder, a plate support surface, arms operably connected to the cylinder for drawing the cylinder toward the support surface in a manner to establish a uniform contact line, the PRRP having a microring formed on a surface thereof and arranged in a fixed position on the support surface such that the microring is in a predetermined position in relation to the contact line, a printing plate having a microdot formed on a surface thereof, wherein the microdot is of a size and configuration to be generally complimentarily received within the microring when positioned thereagainst to place the printing plate in condition for mounting by the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A cylinder positioner apparatus for offset presses and duplicators which provides for rapid and efficient alignment of plate cylinders of single-color and multicolor presses. A detachable adjustment member is placed on printed images and a micrometer adjustment is used to accurately set the instrument for removing vertical misalignment or to change the vertical positioning of the plate cylinders of the press. The positioner can be used on two-color presses, single stations of multi-station color presses and single-color presses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning flexible printing plates and for accurately drilling pin register holes therein includes a three-way adjustable table top assembly which can be selectively adjusted in X and Y directions and rotated about an axis. A pneumatic clamp is positioned on the table top assembly for clamping a pre-marked flexible printing plate to be drilled in place thereon. A movable stereomicroscope viewer is slidable above the table top assembly to view the flexible plate for position adjustment via the adjustable table top assembly. A drill assembly is also positionable over each location at which a pin register hole is to be drilled. The drill assembly includes a movable hollow core drill bit surrounding a stationary rod. Once the flexible plate is aligned via the viewer, the drill assembly is sequentially positioned above the flexible plate at each point to be drilled with a pin register hole and operated to drill each hole therein.

Abstract: Stamping dies and method for stamping parts using multiple stamping stations with different bottom markers in successive dies that mark the part being produced at selected stations with different markings related to one another, which cumulatively provide an observable completed set of marks on a part such as one finally stamped to readily show whether or not the stamping has been properly executed and to identify any stamping station or stations that is not stamping to specification.

Abstract: An electrographic label system is disclosed whereby flexographic and electronic printing are combined in a modular design to produce multi-color labels. Label stock is unwound from a roll and passes over an automatic shut off roller that shuts down the entire printing process and stops the flow of label stock when it runs out so that a new roll of stock can be sliced to the old roll and rethreading the system is not necessary. A back slitter having a roller cutter cuts the desired height of the label leaving a feed strip between the label and opposite edge. The label stock is fed into a flexographic printer having a drum which imprints a first image, cuts the label to the correct length, and imprints a register mark on the feed strip. The label stock material is next fed into an electronic printer interfaced with a computer or programmable logic controller which imprints a second image upon each label.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in printing which includes a print table mounted on a base frame, a support secured to the print table, a vision device secured to the support which is disposed such that the vision device uses a major face of the print table, securing a substrate to the print table, mounting a screen, a device for effecting relative movement between the print table and screen mounting from a first position in which the vision device can view fiducial marks carried by the substrate to a second position in which the screen is positioned between the vision device and the substrate, in which the vision device can view fiducial marks carried by the screen to facilitate the adjustment of relative positions of the screen and substrate so that the fiducial marks on the screen and substrate are in register.

Abstract: A register mark and a system for bringing a pair of register marks into alignment is disclosed. A first register mark comprises a plurality of dots of a first frequency, and a second register mark comprises a plurality of dots of a second, generally higher frequency. When the first and second register marks are overlaid, an interference pattern resulting from the difference in frequency is observed. The first and second register marks are in alignment when the interference pattern produces a maximum bright spot in the center of the register mark. A small relative movement of the first and second register marks results in a larger relative movement of center of the bright spot. The position of the bright spot indicates which direction and how much to move the second register mark in order to achieve image registration. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the frequency of dots in each register mark is warped with distance from the center of the mark.

Abstract: The invention presented provides a method of accurately, precisely mounting a flexographic printing plate on a printing press cylinder. A mounting device is utilized having a plate support which includes a pair of movable studs for maintaining the plate in proper position as it is mounted on the press cylinder. The flexographic plate is formed with a pair of removable alignment projections along its border which assist in the formation of precise apertures therein. During alignment, plate mounting studs are adjustably positioned on the support plate for reception by the apertures formed in the printing plate to accurately position the printing plate on the printing press cylinder.

Abstract: Plural types of register mark configurations are displayed in window W1, and a specified page layout pattern is displayed in window W2. A plurality of register mark candidate positions, which can be decided according to the page layout pattern, are also displayed in window W2. The operator selects one of the register mark configurations available and also selects a register mark candidate position to locate the register mark. The selected register mark will be located at the selected candidate position after rotation by the specified rotation angle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the registered application of printing plates to a printing cylinder applies the printing plates to the jacket face of the printing cylinder exactly registered and free of bubbles and warping. The printing plate is clamped in a frictionally connected manner in a stretched position by holding arms and is exactly registered in a horizontal and vertical set position. The plate is then aligned and spaced apart from the printing cylinder and is maintained in a frictionally connected manner. Subsequently, the printing plate is brought into line contact with the jacket and is then pressed against it. The printing plate is pressed down against the cylinder jacket, starting at the contact line, and the pressing force is then applied to the plate circumferentially around the cylinder from the initial contact line.

Abstract: A plate lockup device position detecting apparatus for a printing press includes first and second limit switches, and a series circuit. The first limit switch is provided in a gap of a plate cylinder and detects that a leading-side plate lockup device, a position of which is adjustable at least in one of vertical and horizontal directions of a plate, is restored to its origin position. The second limit switch is provided in the gap and detects that a trailing-side plate lockup device, a position of which is adjustable at least in one of the vertical and horizontal directions of the plate, is restored to its origin position. The series circuit detects that the plate lockup devices are restored to their origin positions from a logical product of the detection outputs from the first and second limit switches.

Abstract: Multi-station web handling apparatus having a pair of nip rolls at each station, where at least one of the rolls of each pair of nip rolls is deformed at the nip and having a print-to-print and/or cut-to-print image registration system and method that prevents image mis-register errors from occurring, as opposed to attempting to correct mis-register errors after they have occurred and have been sensed. Each of the stations includes a driven nip roll positioned upstream of and closely adjacent to the nip of the pair of nip rolls of the station. The rolls are driven at the same speed as the pairs of nip rolls at the stations are driven.

Abstract: While a pattern side register mark provided on a pattern transferring plate provided with a transfer pattern and a work side register mark provided on a work are optically observed by means of an observation optical system, at least one of the pattern transferring plate and a work surface plate carrying thereon the work is moved in a non-contact state in accordance with information provided by the observation optical system to effect registration between the transfer pattern and the work, so that the pattern transferring plate is pressed to the work thereby to transfer the transfer pattern onto the work.

Abstract: A printing plate making apparatus for color printing is provided with a depicting section for recording an image on the surface of a printing plate, a processing section for processing the printing plate, with a processing solution, while conveying the printing plate, and a punching section for punching notches for positioning and winding the printing plate around a plate cylinder of a rotary press, the depicting and punching sections are provided with a first reference pin for abutting against a side edge of the printing plate being moved in a first direction to position the printing plate in the first direction, and a second reference pin for abutting against a side edge of the printing plate being moved in a second direction to position the printing plate in the second direction. The positional relation between the first and second reference pins in the depicting section and the positional relation between the first and second reference pins in the punching section are set identically.