Abstract: A registration controller for sensing the presence and location of registration marks on a web as the web passes a scanner, and for generating a signal for use in controlling downstream operations such as cutting and/or printing operations. The controller includes a light source located remotely from the scanner. Light from the source is directed to the scanner and onto the web. The web reflects the light, the amount and intensity of the reflection depending upon the color and reflectivity of the particular area of the web on which the light is being currently directed. The reflected light is directed to a photo receptor which converts the reflected light to an analog electric signal, the level of the signal being determined by the amount and intensity of reflected light, within a particular predetermined range. This analog electric signal is then amplified, processed and converted to a digital signal for use in controlling the aforementioned downstream operations.

Abstract: The delineating cylinder of the web apparatus of this invention has a cutout around one-third of its periphery to be out of contact with the web through an idle phase of its rotational cycle during which a web portion at that cylinder is drawn rearward through an adjustably variable distance. Through the remainder of that cycle that web portion is moved forward in step with delineating cylinder rotation. Upstream and downstream from that cylinder are feed roller pairs, driven through a variable ratio planetray transmission, whereby other portions of the web are moved forward steadily at the rate of one repeat interval length per delineating cycle. Between each pair of feed rollers and the delineating cylinder is a control roller around which there is a loop of web. Each control roller is moved bodily in an orbit whereby its loop is alternately increased and permitted to decrease. The radius of its orbit is adjustably variable for variation of repeat interval length.

Abstract: Register control apparatus for a rotogravure color printing press positions an adjustably movable web (or cylinder) compensator mechanism to, in effect, adjust the web length between printing roller nips in successive printing decks to correct for printing registration errors. The register control apparatus employs the principle that there is a predetermined position of the compensator mechanism for any given length of web wherein register error is eliminated. The register control apparatus, which is initially provided or programmed with electronic signal information representative of web length and compensator mechanism position (null position) wherein no registration error occurs, also includes electrical devices and circuitry for sensing and electronically processing incoming signal information relative to web speed; direction, magnitude and rate of registration error; and change of position of the compensator mechanism.

Abstract: A key color control system for a multicolor rotogravure printing press maintains a constant actual base printing repeat length at the key color printing deck. A control system for a printing press comprises means to detect and measure the magnitude of a repeat length error as it is printed by a key color deck and further comprises means to correct for the repeat length error by varying the tension on the web ahead of the key color deck. The system includes means for establishing high and low limits within which repeat length errors of certain magnitude are likely to occur and for which correction is made. The system also includes means for warning the press operator that there is a trend in the change in magnitude of repeat length errors to exceed the limits so that the press operator may either establish new limits or establish a new base repeat length within the same limits so that repeat length errors of a different magnitude (usually smaller) are likely to occur.