Abstract: Adjustable ink keys are adjusted to move associated portions of a doctor blade relative to associated portions of an ink roll of a printing unit. Each portion of the doctor blade is moved into contact with the associated portion of the ink roll. Each portion of the doctor blade is then moved a predetermined amount away from the associated portion of the ink roll after the portion of the doctor blade has moved into contact with the portion of the ink roll. A measured value associated with the position of the associated ink key is stored in memory. The stored measured value is indicative of the position of the associated ink key after the portion of the doctor blade has moved the predetermined amount away from the portion of the ink roll. The stored measured value corresponds to the lithographic zero position of the ink key.

Abstract: A plate cylinder of an offset printing press is adjustable. A motor has an output shaft operatively connected with the plate cylinder to, when driven, adjust the position of the plate cylinder. A tachometer provides a speed reference signal indicative of the rotational speed of the plate cylinder. A register mark error sensor provides an adjustment control signal indicating that the plate cylinder should be adjusted. A computer responds to the speed reference signal and the adjustment control signal to control a DC drive. The DC drive drives the motor at a speed which varies with the rotational speed of the plate cylinder. The plate cylinder is thereby moved to a desired position at a rate which is a function of the operating speed of the printing press. The plate cylinder is moved to the desired position at a slow rate when the printing press is operating at a slow speed and at a fast rate when the printing press is operating at a fast speed.

Abstract: In a printing press, a ductor assembly for transferring ink from a slowly rotating fountain roll to a rapidly rotating ink receiving roll includes a carriage and first and second idler rolls supported in counterrotating engagement on the carriage. In one embodiment, the ductor assembly moves between a first position in which the first idler roll contacts and picks up ink from the fountain roll, and a second position in which the second idler roll contacts and transfers ink to the ink receiving roll. The ductor assembly is driven to rotate at a speed intermediate the speeds of the fountain roll and the ink receiving roll, in a direction the same as the direction of rotation of the second idler roll about its own axis, and opposite to the direction of rotation of the first idler roll about its axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a web in a printing press comprises a pair of cutting cylinders for cutting web sections from the web, and a transporting device for transporting the web sections away from the cutting cylinders. The first cutting cylinder has at least one cutting anvil, and the second cutting cylinder has at least one cutting knife which meets the cutting anvil at a nip between the cutting cylinders to cut the web moving through the nip. A plurality of strips are supported on the first cutting cylinder and a plurality of strips are supported on the second cutting cylinder. The strips have positions on the cutting cylinders in which they impress a temporary reinforcing profile onto each newly formed leading portion of the web when the strips move through the nip. At least one smoothing surface is supported on the first cutting cylinder and at least one smoothing surface is supported on the second cutting cylinder.