Abstract: A device for transporting flat products to further processing units is provided which includes a track 4 forming a continuous loop, a plurality of gripper elements 1 and a driving module 99. The gripper elements 1 are arranged on the track 4, and include a gripper 2 for seizing a flat product 11 from a first device and releasing the flat product to a second device 13. Each gripper element 1 moves independently from each other gripper element 1 along at least a portion of the track 4. Each gripper element is selectively engaged by the driving module 99 for movement along the track. The driving module 99 may include, for example, a drive unit 9 for driving the gripper elements in a side-by-side configuration without pitch; an extended pitch driving unit 7 for driving the gripper elements at a defined pitch; an acceleration unit 6 for accelerating the gripper elements to the defined pitch; and/or a diverting unit 32 for diverting selected gripper elements to an alternate track.

Abstract: A plate scanning device for measuring diffused or reflected light is provided. The plate scanning device includes a longitudinally extending silicon sensor strip and at least one light source extending substantially parallel to the sensor strip. Adjustably mounted light funnels form an aperture therebetween for receiving light reflected from a printing plate. The aperture has a width and length which is slightly smaller than a width and length of the sensor strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for mounting a printing plate on a printing unit cylinder's surface, the printing unit cylinder having an open passage in a retaining area of the printing unit cylinder. Within the open passage a lock-up bar is slidably mounted. The lock-up bar includes an element for retaining at least one edge of the printing plate. A tucking device assigned to the printing unit cylinder has a tucker bar substantially covering the retaining area of the printing plate.