Abstract: A sheet handling device for receiving a flow of sheets from a discharge end of a processing apparatus and the delivering the sheets into an input end of a second processing apparatus characterized by a first conveying path of belts extending between an input end and exit end of the device, a second conveying path of belts having a longer or greater length than the first path extending from the input end to the exit end, nip rollers forcing the belts of each path into engagement with each of the sheets in the first and second paths to impart a new speed thereto, the ends of the first and second paths being arranged so that a sheet in the second will be deposited on a following sheet traveling in the first path, and a device arranged adjacent the input ends of each of the paths for alternately directing the sheets into said paths.

Abstract: A sheet handling device for receiving either a flow of sheets or a flow of transverse rows of interconnected carton blanks from a discharge end of a processing apparatus and delivering the sheets or rows into the input end of a second processing apparatus characterized by a first conveyor path of belts extending between the input and exit ends of the device, a second conveyor path or belt having a longer or greater length than the first path extending from the input end to the exit end, nip rollers for forcing the belts of each path into engagement with each of the sheets in the first and second path to impart a new speed thereto, the ends of the first and second paths being arranged so that the sheets in the second path will be deposited on a following sheet traveling in the first path and a pivotable blade arranged adjacent the input ends of each of the paths for alternately directing the sheets into the paths.

Abstract: A system for controlling the emission of solvents from a printing press having a plurality of printing stations characterized by the solvents being evaporated from the ink solution in a drying hood or section of each of the printing presses and the volatile organic compound of the solvents being converted into harmless gases by heating in an oxidation chamber. The exhaust from the oxidation chamber is recirculated back to the drying hoods so that the amount of fresh air being brought into the system is minimized to reduce the amount of exhaust gases being discharged back to the atmosphere to minimize the amount of the volatile organic compounds being discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A paster roller is provided for use on high speed web handling equipment of the type having a support upon which a feed roll and a new roll are mounted. Variable torque brakes associated with each roll exhibit a substantially constant coefficient of friction at all web speeds. Apparatus for splicing the web from the feed roll onto the web from the new roll is provided including a uniquely designed paster roller having a deflectable outer surface with annular grooves situated therein. The brakes each include a brake caliper assembly for use in conjunction with the rotatable shaft upon which the roll is mounted which has a disc member associated therewith. The assembly includes a housing having a bore therein. A port provides a fluid connection between the extension of the housing and the bore. A cylindrical puck member is at least partially received within the bore.

Abstract: Solvents evaporated from ink solutions in the drying sections of a multi-station printing press are converted into harmless gases by heating in an oxidation chamber. The amount of energy required to maintain the oxidation temperature is substantially reduced by preheating the exhaust by passing same through a previously heated bed of ceramic heat exchanger elements prior to introduction into the oxidation chamber. At high solvent concentration levels, preheating to the ignition temperature may result in excess heat of combustion being generated which is detrimental to the oxidation chamber structure. In order to regulate the heat generated, a portion of the heat exchanger bed is bypassed by a regulated amount of exhaust. Alternatively, the solvent concentration level of the exhaust can be lowered by mixing same with the floor sweep exhaust (of substantially lower solvent concentration) in regulated proportions in order to control the amount of heat of combustion generated during preheating.

Abstract: The LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) control includes a gas analyzer normally connected to receive sample gas from the evaporation enclosure of a press dryer section and which, during calibration, is sequentially connected to first analyze solvent free gas and then gas having a known solvent content. Situated with the analyzer is a detector the resistance of which changes in proportion to the temperature within the flame cell of the analyzer. The detector forms a portion of a bridge circuit, which also includes a potentiometer. The output of the bridge is amplified, compared to a selected reference voltage and a signal representing the difference therebetween is processed. The processed signal is combined with a signal representing the web speed to form a resultant signal to control a pneumatically operated damper in the enclosure exhaust conduit. Automatic calibration of the system is initiated periodically and takes place in two phases.

Abstract: A variable torque core brake exhibiting a constant coefficient of friction at all web speeds is regulated in accordance with the position of a dancer roller to maintain web tension at a constant level. Steady state changes in web tension caused by the gradual reduction of the diameter of the feed roll as web is removed therefrom are compensated for by electronically generating a signal representative of the effective diameter of the feed roll and varying the torque on the brake associated with the core of the feed roll in accordance with the signal so as to maintain a dancer roller at a substantially constant position. Transient changes in web tension are compensated for by sensing dancer roller displacement and generating a signal proportional thereto. The signal is processed by taking the derivative thereto and combining the proportional and derivative signals. The combined signal is then utilized to vary the brake torque.