Abstract: Methods and apparatus described herein form barcode characters by determining a number of pixels associated with forming a first bar and a second bar of a first barcode character. A separation width value associated with the first bar and the second bar is determined based on the number of pixels. A second separation width value is then generated based on the at least one separation width value. A barcode character is then formed based on the second separation width value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling impurity levels in an enclosed printing press environment are disclosed. A disclosed system controls impurity levels by using variable speed fans to control the intake of air into the enclosed environment and the exhausting of air from the enclosed environment. The exhaust fan is used to control the impurity levels within the enclosed environment. Adjustments to the speed of the exhaust fan are based on sensors which measure impurity levels in the enclosed environment. The intake fan is used to maintain a constant static pressure level within the enclosed environment. Adjustments to the intake fan speed are based on static pressure sensors within the enclosed environment.

Abstract: A print screen tonal control and compensation system and method are provided in which a compensated density curve is utilized to increase press predictability, performance, resources consumption, color variation, and quality. A computerized test pattern is generated, and by applying computer to plate technology, a printed press produces a printed test pattern. The test pattern is subsequently analyzed to identify the plugging point of the production run, and a compensated density curve is created to eliminate plugging within the production pattern. The density curve is then used to generate a compensated printing plate for use in a production press run.

Abstract: A debris screen for a printing press having an ink roller train and a paper pathway includes a source reel, a collecting reel, and at least one transfer roller mounted to a supporting frame, a sheet of flexible material extending along a sheet path from the source reel, over the transfer roller, and to the collecting reel, the transfer roller positioned on the frame such that the sheet path extends between a portion of the ink roller train and the pathway for the paper web.

Abstract: The present invention is useful for assembling a book. The inventive method includes the steps of specifying pagination information including an indication of whether a page is to be selectively included in the book, determining whether the page is to be assembled into the book based on the pagination information, and generating page description language instructions for production of the book in accordance with the pagination information.

Abstract: The system described herein generates a search index and a hyperlink database associated with a plurality of printed publications from different publishers. The search index includes a plurality of words and/or phrases from the printed publications. The search index is preferably based on print data received from the associated publisher. The hyperlink database logically associates publication hit specifications with network addresses. A publication hit specification identifies a portion of the print data. Preferably, the network address points to a web page. The hyperlink database is based on network addresses received from an administrator authorized by the publisher (e.g., a person given a password by the content creator and/or copyright owner). Subsequently, the system is able to direct client devices to specific web pages in response to search queries received from client devices by correlating the received queries to network addresses using the search index and the hyperlink database.

Abstract: The present invention is useful for assembling a book. The inventive method includes the steps of specifying pagination information including an indication of whether a page is to be selectively included in the book, determining whether the page is to be assembled into the book based on the pagination information, and generating page description language instructions for production of the book in accordance with the pagination information.

Abstract: A print screen tonal control and compensation system and method are provided in which a compensated density curve is utilized to increase press predictability, performance, resources consumption, color variation, and quality. A computerized test pattern is generated, and by applying computer to plate technology, a printed press produces a printed test pattern. The test pattern is subsequently analyzed to identify the plugging point of the production run, and a compensated density curve is created to eliminate plugging within the production pattern. The density curve is then used to generate a compensated printing plate for use in a production press run.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for automatically executing process steps by processing devices transmitted, over a communication channel, using a workflow file to specify the process steps. Devices are used to edit, initiate, and observe workflow execution. Editing comprises selecting process steps, executing parameter selection software supplied by the processing device, and drawing links between icons. Once workflow execution is initiated, workflow data is passed from one processing device to the next. Each processing device performs the process step specified by the workflow file with the selected parameters and optionally sends status information to observing devices. This sequence continues until all process steps are executed or an error occurs.

Abstract: A CD carrier is disclosed and comprises a single paperboard sheet having a plurality of hinge lines dividing the sheet into a plurality of panels, with each of the panels having first and second faces corresponding to first and second faces of the sheet. The CD carrier further comprises a first panel and a second panel which fold to form a pocket sized to receive a CD. Third, fourth and fifth panels are provided. A tear away strip is defined in part by cooperating frangible connections on each of the third and fourth panels.

Abstract: A method of calculating engraving parameters for a gravure cylinder at a desired raster, cell shape and stylus angle given an estimate of the engraving parameters. The method includes inputting a set of initial parameters including an initial raster, an initial cell shape, an initial stylus angle, an initial highlight width, an initial shadow width, an initial channel width and an initial space. The method proceeds by calculating an initial value of a cell volume from the initial parameters. Next, a set of new parameters are inputted including a desired raster, an estimate of a desired highlight width, an estimate of a desired shadow width, an estimate of a desired channel width and an estimate of a desired space. Then, a new value of the cell volume is calculated from the new parameters.

Abstract: A device for carrying a compact disc having a central aperture and a method of forming the same are provided. The device comprises a blank formed from a single piece of paper board stock, with the blank including a plurality of fold lines dividing the blank into a plurality of panels. A first one of the panels and a second one of the panels are foldable along a first one of the fold lines to a confronting position, with the first and second panels cooperating to form a pocket therebetween when in the confronting position. At least one of the first and second panels defines a receiving area and includes a receiving aperture. A third one of the panels is foldable along a second one of the fold lines to a folded position overlying the receiving area. The third panel includes an elongated protrusion sized for insertion through the receiving aperture and into the pocket.

Abstract: A method of calculating engraving parameters for a gravure cylinder at a desired raster, cell shape and stylus angle given an estimate of the engraving parameters. The method includes inputting a set of initial parameters including an initial raster, an initial cell shape, an initial stylus angle, an initial highlight width, an initial shadow width, an initial channel width and an initial space. The method proceeds by calculating an initial value of a cell volume from the initial parameters. Next, a set of new parameters are inputted including a desired raster, an estimate of a desired highlight width, an estimate of a desired shadow width, an estimate of a desired channel width and an estimate of a desired space. Then, a new value of the cell volume is calculated from the new parameters.

Abstract: A device that determines conditions under which a web break is more likely to occur in a printing system stores data pertaining to ink temperature or ink temperature gain. The device then implements a correlation analysis, such as a decision-tree induction analysis, using the stored data to determine if there is a correlation between the one or more attributes and the occurrence of a web break. The device has a multiplicity of ink fountains and includes a first temperature sensor that measures a first ink temperature and a second temperature that measures a second ink temperature. A controller compares the first ink temperature to the second ink temperature to determine an ink temperature gain, compares the ink temperature gain to a desired ink temperature gain range and generates an output signal based on the comparison.

Abstract: A compact disc storage book is formed with board book pages having pockets therein to receive compact discs. The board book is comprised of folded, printed signatures adhered to one another. A hard cover is attached to and covers the pages to protect the pages and compact discs from damage or contamination. The board book has an expandable spine, which increases its size or thickness from its smaller empty size to its larger, filled size when filled with compact discs. In the preferred method of making this storage book, the signatures have been printed and slit to form the CD receiving pockets prior to being folded on a signature folding machine. The folded signatures are fed by feeders of a signature gathering machine in proper sequence onto a gathering conveyor. The signature gathering machine has a programmable glue applicator to form the glue pattern including the glue pattern for the accordion fold, expandable backbone for the book form.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an electronic press develops first and second sets of template data representing associated first and second template pages, respectively, wherein each set of template data includes master data representing fixed information to be printed and area data representing an area of a page in which variable information is to be printed. A database is developed having a number of entries, each of which represents variable printed information and an electronic press is responsive to the sets of template data and the database to print the first and second template pages with selected variable printed information.

Abstract: A method for folding demand printed webs into signatures for gathering by rotary gathering and binding machines, as well as the signatures produced thereby, are disclosed. The method involves the steps of digitally printing pages onto a moving web of material, creating a series of fan folds across the transverse axis of the web, severing the web after a desired number of fan folds have been created to form a separate log, and chop folding the resulting log zero one or more times to form a signature. The resulting signature includes a plurality of layers each having pages printed thereon in proper orientation and sequence and includes a sturdy closed backbone which enables the signature to be easily handled by conventional high-speed rotary gathering machines.

Abstract: In order to create interest in advertising pieces in a consumer, a pop-up advertising piece includes a booklet-shaped advertiser movable from a closed position to an open position. An anchoring strip is in vertical confronting relation to a normally inwardly facing surface of one of the cover portions and has top and bottom edges secured to the normally inwardly facing surface in general proximity to top and bottom edges thereof. An internal substrate has one vertical edge secured to the one of the cover portions opposite the anchoring strip and the other vertical edge is secured to the anchoring strip. A first fold line is provided on the internal substrate in spaced relation to a generally vertical fold line of the booklet-shaped advertiser when it is in the closed position. The internal substrate also has a second fold line on the side of the anchoring strip opposite the first fold line.