Abstract: A device for converting the function of a cutting/collecting cylinder (4) of a folding apparatus for rotary printing presses is provided. The cutting/collecting cylinder is convertible from a "collect" to a "non-collect" mode of operation and vice versa. Within the cutting/collecting cylinder (4) there is placed at least one group of pins (7), the pins (7) being disposed on a pin-bearing shaft (9) which can be actuated via a cam follower (41) rolling off on a cam body (27). The cam body (27) is adjustably mounted in a side wall (25) of the folding apparatus so as to be situated opposite a face side of the cutting/collecting cylinder (4). The relationship between the circumferential speed of the cutting/collecting cylinder (4) and the cam body (27) is changeable through a second power transmission element (34) which is coaxially movable and engageable with a first power transmission element (29) having at least two engagement areas (29a, 29b) .

Abstract: A device (10) and a method for positioning a rotatable printing cylinder (16) for a printing press (12). A drive (24) can rotate the cylinder (16) about a cylinder axis (52) at relatively high and low speeds. A sensor (68) is positioned adjacent to the cylinder (16) for detecting rotational positions of the cylinder (16) and providing a signal which varies in response to detected rotational positions of the cylinder (16). A sensor exciting target (66) has first and second edges (74 and 76) at first and second ends, respectively, of a sector of the cylinder (16). The sensor (68) is aligned with the first edge (74) at a first rotational position of the cylinder (16) and is aligned with the second edge (76) at a second rotational position of the cylinder (16).

Abstract: A web printing press and a method of reducing ink build-up on a printing cylinder of a web printing press are described. The web is moved sideways, either by web guides or by moving a web roll stand, during a printing cylinder wash operation to aid in removing ink build-up.

Abstract: A folder apparatus is disclosed which has at least one lead-in tape mechanism having a left lead-in tape and left exit roller and a corresponding right lead-in tape and right exit roller, the fight and left lead-in tapes forming a signature passage for delivery of a stream of signatures. One of the exit rollers is spring-loaded in the direction of a fixed exit roller. The spring loading takes place with two springs acting opposite one another, the springs having different spring rates or modula. This dual spring action reduces pounding caused by the signatures as they pass through the lead-in tapes.

Abstract: A folder apparatus is disclosed which has at least two side-by-side lead-in tape mechanisms having a left lead-in tape and left exit roller and a corresponding right lead-in tape and right exit roller, the right and left lead-in tapes forming a signature passage for delivery of a signature, and the left exit rollers being at a different height than the right exit rollers. The rollers of the side-by-side tape mechanisms have alternating heights. The exit rollers may be fixed or spring-loaded in the direction of the corresponding roller.

Abstract: A tubular printing blanket for a blanket cylinder in an offset printing press comprises a cylindrical sleeve, a compressible layer over the sleeve, and an inextensible layer over the compressible layer. The cylindrical sleeve is movable telescopically over a blanket cylinder. The compressible layer comprises a first seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing compressible microspheres. The inextensible layer comprises a second seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing a tubular sublayer of circumferentially inextensible material. A seamless tubular printing layer over the inextensible layer has a continuous, gapless cylindrical printing surface. Methods of manufacturing the tubular printing blanket are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for extracting samples from a folder, includes a cutting cylinder pair including a blade cylinder and a grooved cylinder, the blade cylinder having at least one cutting blade mounted on the periphery thereof, the grooved cylinder having at least one groove bar, a respective holding device for signatures assigned to the groove bar, conveyor tapes for conveying signatures emerging from a nip between the blade cylinder and the grooved cylinder of the cutting cylinder pair to a signature delivery and to a conveyor unit assigned to the cutting cylinder pair, and a device for remotely controlling the holding devices.

Abstract: A production apparatus has several printing units with collecting tanks for receiving wash residue. A cleaning and waste disposal system within the production apparatus includes a collection feeding pipe connected to the collecting tanks of the printing units. A central collecting tank which is connected to the collection feeding pipe contains a pump module. A thermal dryer has a burner system. A burner feeding pipe is connected between the central collecting tank and the burner system for guiding fluid from the central collecting tank, through the burner feeding pipe, to the burner system during a production run.

Abstract: A device for presetting a cut-off register in a folder of a web-fed printing press, includes a marking device for applying at least one mark in an image-free region between two printed images of a web, a detector for detecting the image-free region on the web, the detector being connected to the marking device for signalling the marking device when the image-free region is detected thereby, the marking device being disposed a defined distance in front of a nip located between cylinders of at least one printing unit, and a device for activating the marking device to apply a mark to the image-free region of the web when a respective output signal of the detector indicates the presence of the image-free region on the web.

Abstract: An offset printing apparatus rotates the plate cylinder steadily with a minimum of torsional interference caused by impact of the reciprocating ductor roll with the vibrator roll. The ductor roll is reciprocated at a rapid rate to impart a rapid succession of torsional shocks to the vibrator roll and thereby to urge the gear train toward a steady-state condition wherein a level of torsional loading is maintained without substantial change in response to reciprocation of the ductor roll.

Abstract: A device for the identification of a roller shell includes a microchip incorporated into a flexible material roller shell for printing presses. A scanning device excites the microchip for emitting signals permitting a definite identification of the microchip and of the roller shell.

Abstract: A tubular printing blanket for a blanket cylinder in an offset printing press comprises a cylindrical sleeve, a compressible layer over the sleeve, and an inextensible layer over the compressible layer. The cylindrical sleeve is movable telescopically over a blanket cylinder. The compressible layer comprises a first seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing compressible microspheres. The inextensible layer comprises a second seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing a tubular sublayer of circumferentially inextensible material. A seamless tubular printing layer over the inextensible layer has a continuous, gapless cylindrical printing surface. Methods of manufacturing the tubular printing blanket are also disclosed.

Abstract: A folder delivery apparatus for single or multiple-stream production includes several delivery systems which are operable in parallel and can be driven independently of one another. During operation of the folder as well as during machine standstill, the delivery systems can be simultaneously shifted automatically or manually through adjustment units, in such a way that while adjustment takes place, the distance between the delivery systems can be set as desired within a minimal and a maximal setting position.

Abstract: A tubular printing blanket for a blanket cylinder in an offset printing press includes a cylindrical sleeve, a compressible layer over the sleeve, and an inextensible layer over the compressible layer. The cylindrical sleeve is movable telescopically over a blanket cylinder. The compressible layer includes a first seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing compressible microspheres. The inextensible layer includes a second seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing a tubular sublayer of circumferentially inextensible material. A seamless tubular printing layer over the inextensible layer has a continuous, gapless cylindrical printing surface. Methods of manufacturing the tubular printing blanket are also disclosed.

Abstract: A printing unit (10) includes a frame (22), first and second brackets (50, 54), and upper and lower plate cylinders (14, 18). The first bracket (50) is supported on the frame (22) for movement relative to the frame (22). The upper plate cylinder (14) has an end supported to move with the first bracket (50). The second bracket (54) also is supported on the frame (22) for movement relative to the frame (22), and the lower plate cylinder (18) has an end supported to move with the second bracket (54). The printing unit (10) also includes a skewing mechanism and a throw-off mechanism. The skewing mechanism moves the brackets (50, 54) transversely relative to the frame (22) independently of each other. The throw-off mechanism moves the brackets (50, 54) pivotally relative to the frame (22).

Abstract: A device for presetting a cut-off register in a folder of a web-fed printing press, includes a marking device for applying at least one mark in an image-free region between two printed images of a web, a detector for detecting the image-free region on the web, the detector being connected to the marking device for signalling the marking device when the image-free region is detected thereby, the marking device being disposed a defined distance in front of a nip located between cylinders of at least one printing unit, and a device for activating the marking device to apply a mark to the image-free region of the web when a respective output signal of the detector indicates the presence of the image-free region on the web.

Abstract: An unwinding apparatus supports a reel (60) of web material (22) which is to be unwound and directed into a printing unit (14) having a front/operator side and a rear/gear side. The unwinding apparatus comprises a frame (16) including a rear side part (28) located at the rear side of the printing press (14), and front side parts (24, 26) located at the front side of the printing press (14). The front side parts (24, 26) define an opening in the frame (16). Guide and locating bars (38) on the frame (16) extend from the rear side part (28) to the front side parts (24, 16) of the frame (16). The apparatus further comprises a movable reel cartridge (18) having front and rear cartridge frame parts (64, 66) for supporting the reel (60) of web material (22). The reel cartridge (18) is movable through the opening in the frame (16) and onto the guide and locating bars (38) to locate the reel (60) in its operating position.

Abstract: A rotatable plate cylinder (10) for supporting a printing plate (150) has an open passage (34) and a locking member (26) supported for movement in the passage (34). The locking member (26) is movable inward of the passage (34) to a closed position, and is movable outward of the passage (34) to an open position. The locking member (26) is subjected to a first centrifugal force which urges it to move outward from the closed position toward the open position when the plate cylinder (10) rotates. A balance member (28) is subjected to a second centrifugal force when the plate cylinder (10) rotates. Connecting pins (100) direct the second centrifugal force against the locking member (26) oppositely to the first centrifugal force.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously transporting, separating, and changing the path of webs in machines for processing webs prior to further processing are disclosed. A web consisting of at least one ribbon of material is conveyed by a pair of nip rollers arranged in a first transport path. When it is desired to separate and convey the web, for example when the web is of insufficient quality, a separating flap pivotally mounted on a first rotary axis located above the first transport path pivots downward cutting and directing the web to a second transport path. A blade flap pivotally mounted on a second rotary axis located below the first transport path opens and closes the transport path to the web. When the blade flap is in the closed position it bridges a gap between a lower guide and a guide section to allow the conveyance of a web through the first transport path.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a mechanism having ink-conducting rollable cylindrical members in a printing unit of a rotary printing press includes spraying solvent into a nip between the ink-conducting rollable cylindrical members, rotating the ink-conducting rollable cylindrical members so as to squeeze the solvent through the nip between the rollable cylindrical members and thereby apply pressure in the nip to an ink/dampening solution mixture on the rollable cylindrical members for loosening the mixture, and removing loosened ink and impurities from the printing unit; and apparatus for performing the method.