Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method to produce magazines, books, catalogues, brochures, periodicals, or the like on a collation or binding line, transport these products in a single stream of products towards a packaging line, divide the single stream of products into distinct streams of products where one such stream comprises products requiring wrapping and another such stream comprises products which do not require wrapping, transport the products requiring wrapping to a wrapping machine and sending these products through a wrapping process, transport the products that do not require wrapping around the wrapping machine, and merge the separate streams of products back into a single stream of products such that the products are arranged in a predetermined output order, such as demographic order.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering signatures to a binding line, the apparatus and method preferably comprising a printer feeder apparatus and method for providing personalized information in a variety of locations upon a selected one of a plurality of signatures types before the signatures are fed to the binding line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of eliminating wrinkling, tearing and web-breaks of a web in an offset printing press as the web contacts the chill rollers on start-up. The system operates to eliminate the wrinkling that generates the tearing. During startup, a spreader roller impinges the web, stretching out wrinkles. During acceleration of the press, when thermal contraction of the paper also achieves the desired stretching, the spreader roller is retracted to prevent smearing of ink on the web. Uneven pressure of the spreader is utilized to implement steering of the web to enhance web centering.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the color quality of color patches printed on a web is disclosed. The method includes the steps of using an imaging device to receive light reflected from the printed image on the substrate to produce a signal. The signal is transmitted from the imaging device to a computer and processed in the computer. Processing the signal in the computer includes the steps of digitizing the signal to produce a digitized array of pixels, each pixel having an associated color value, determining a portion of the pixels within the digitized array corresponding to the color patch, determining an acceptable range of color values for the pixels in the portion of the pixels, determining for each pixel in the portion of pixels whether the color value is within the acceptable range, and computing an aggregate color value for the color patch by averaging the color values of each pixel in the portion of pixels including only those color values within the acceptable range.

Abstract: A method for combining in zip code order pre-personalized printed items with items that are not pre-personalized. The method includes the step of producing a grouping of the pre-personalized items in zip code order according to a first mailing list. The first mailing list is merged with a second mailing list associated with the items that are not pre-personalized to produce a master mailing list of a desired zip code order. The pre-personalized items and the items that are not pre-personalized are selectively fed to a conveyor in the desired zip code order. The items that are not pre-addressed are addressed and the zip code bundles are prepared according to the master mailing list.

Abstract: A method for customizing a book using a printer conveyor system which provide 100% non-contact print coverage on any portion of both covers of a book being conveyed thereon while maintaining custody and precisely registering each book prior to non-contact printing.

Abstract: A diverter wedge for a pinless folder is adapted for cooperative association with a diverter guide mechanism operating to direct the lateral disposition of the leading edge of a signature relative to the wedge to one of a plurality of collation paths. The diverter wedge includes an elongated bar having a longitudinal axis and a generally triangular cross section transverse to said longitudinal axis. The bar is fixed in position and also includes a base, a vertex edge opposite the base, and planar diversion surfaces diverging from the vertex edge, an air inlet port connectable to a source of pressurized air, and a plurality of air discharge ports connected to the air inlet port and intersecting one of the planar diversion surfaces. At least one air discharge port intersects the vertex edge.

Abstract: The inertial drag of idler rollers in a web-offset press with independently driven drive rollers is compensated by successively advancing downstream rollers during speed changes. This prevents low-tension conditions on the web and subsequent web breaks. Compensation is made for inertial coupling to the idler rollers through the web. Tension control is utilized to stabilize web position during startups and splices.

Abstract: An anti-ghosting roller having a main shaft, an inner race detachably mounted on the main shaft, a rotary bearing having movable bearing elements (e.g., needle bearings) positioned on the inner race, a roller core secured to the rotary bearing, and an end collar mounted to the shaft and spaced from an end of the roller core such that the roller core can both rotate and axially oscillate relative to the main shaft. The inner race extends beyond the end of the rotary bearing. An end collar is mounted to the end of the shaft. The end collar includes a spacer portion extending axially toward the roller core. The spacer portion is radially spaced from the main shaft so that it is free from interaction with the inner race.

Abstract: An anti-ghosting roller having a main shaft, an inner race detachably mounted on the main shaft, a rotary bearing having movable bearing elements (e.g., needle bearings) positioned on the inner race, a roller core secured to the rotary bearing, and an end collar mounted to the shaft and spaced from an end of the roller core such that the roller core can both rotate and axially oscillate relative to the main shaft. The inner race extends beyond the end of the rotary bearing. An end collar is mounted to the end of the shaft. The end collar includes a spacer portion extending axially toward the roller core. The spacer portion is radially spaced from the main shaft so that it is free from interaction with the inner race.

Abstract: A method of highly accurate printing using a web offset press, particularly suited for stereographic printing. Consistent reproductions of a composite image are produced on a paper web, and registry between the image and an embossed screen is maintained, by preshrinking (e.g., reducing the moisture content of) the paper prior to printing the composite image on the paper web. Preshrinking the paper prevents the subsequent ink drying operation from causing shrinkage of the paper and concomitant variations in the image, permitting inline formation of a screen in accurate registry with the image.