Abstract: A web alignment method and apparatus for a printing system that includes a friction drive, wherein the alignment device provides one or more of the following: a) a stable medium path with reduced web-walk, b) an alignment system that is not sensitive to the mechanical alignment of an upstream device such as a roll unwinder, c) an alignment system having a lower complexity and lower cost than active controlled systems, and d) an alignment system that is compatible with a wide range of media, ranging from lightweight papers (for example 60 gsm) to heavyweight stock (such as 300 gsm) including high weight high gloss coated grades. The alignment device includes an arrangement for supporting the web in an arcuate form between adjustable side guides.

Abstract: An imaging system for performing a computer-to-plate imaging process on printing plates includes a plate imaging bed for exposing radiation to a printing plate. The bed includes an input section for receiving a printing plate and an output section for transferring the printing plate to a chemical processing unit. The system further comprises a loading device for loading the printing plate from a multiple plate stack to the input section of the plate imaging bed. The input section is adjustable with respect to the output section to adjust the position of the input section to near the top of the multiple plate stack. The latter is accomplished in a preferred embodiment by providing the plate imaging bed with a pivot axle near the output section.

Abstract: A gripping unit for gripping a paper from a top surface of a stack includes a first and a second friction wheel having rotation axes that are mainly parallel with respect to each other. The friction wheels are arranged to exert a friction force on sections of a paper. Further, the gripping unit comprises an actuator on which the first friction wheel is mounted for moving the first friction wheel towards the second friction wheel. The first friction wheel is arranged to rotate with respect to its axis during the movement towards the second friction wheel such that a paper section on which the first wheel exerts the friction force is forced into the direction of the second friction wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved electrostatographic single-pass multiple station printers as well as methods of operating the same being able to avoid displacement of different color images by effects of the toner coverage of the printed pages. To obtain this, a main encoder means (50) and a printing medium advancement measurement means (60a) are provided, the main encoder means (50) for producing a first signal (501) indicative of printing medium displacement and the printing medium advancement measurement means (60a) for providing a second signal (601) representative of printing medium advancement. The printing medium advancement measurement means (60a) is adapted to co-operate with the main encoder means (50) for automatic adjustment of said first signal (501) using said second signal (601).