Abstract: An inking control system for a printing machine has an operating panel with operating and display elements for adjusting the zonally acting ink distribution devices in the printing machine. A spacing distribution along a given direction and a number of the operating and display elements corresponds to a spacing distribution and a number of the ink zones in the printing machine. A full size color monitor is integrated in the operating panel. The color monitor is enabled to display a full-size printed image on a scale of 1:1 and to spatially correlate the display of the printed image with the operating and display elements to directly visually associate the inking zones in the displayed printed image with the operating and display elements. One or more image recording devices in the printing machine record printed images while the printing material is conveyed through the printing machine.

Abstract: A web-fed rotary printing press (1) for alternatively printing, in a perfecting mode, a single web (10) or, in a non-perfecting mode, first and second webs (6, 8), comprises a first impression cylinder (16) having a plurality of first blanket cylinders (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) and a corresponding plurality of second plate cylinders (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) arranged along a periphery of the first impression cylinder (16). A second impression cylinder (18) located adjacent to the first impression cylinder (16) has a plurality of second blanket cylinders (28a, 28b, 28c, 28d) and a corresponding plurality of second plate cylinders (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) arranged along a periphery thereof. In the perfecting mode, the single web (10) is passed over first impression cylinder (16) to be printed on a first side (10a) thereof and is afterwards passed through a gap (20) between the first and second impression cylinders (16, 18) to the second impression cylinder (18) to be printed on a second side (10b) thereof.

Abstract: A method for modifying an image surface of a printing plate includes identifying a location of a pixel of an image at the image surface, an ink being disposed at the location of the pixel. The ink at the location of the pixel is then irradiated using a laser imaging system. The ink may be cured by the radiation so that it is hardened and useable to receive liquid ink and be used as a printing surface. The ink may be ablated and removed. Individual pixels of the image may be added or removed from the printing surface.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate substrate is conditioned for imaging in a printer engine by attaching a leader to the leading edge. The leader is sufficiently flexible to be drawn into the printer engine and is adapted to pull the plate substrate through the printer engine.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a negative working lithographic printing plate by means of ink jet printing is disclosed. This method uses a lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a lithographic support and an image forming layer containing a polymeric binder soluble in an aqueous alkaline developer. The precursor is image-wise printed by an ink jet fluid comprising a compound capable of reducing the solubility of the binder in the aqueous alkaline developer. After development a negative working printing plate is obtained.

Abstract: An improved printing press includes a tubular-shaped printing blanket removably disposed on a blanket cylinder rotatably supported by a frame and having an outer circumferential surface. The printing blanket is disposed in rolling engagement with a conventional printing plate disposed on a plate cylinder having an axially extending gap in which opposite ends of the printing plate are secured. The printing blanket is removed by opening a portion of the frame and axially sliding the printing blanket off of the blanket cylinder. The blanket cylinder has passages which deliver a stream of air to the outer surface of the blanket cylinder which expands the inner circumferential surface of the printing blanket so that the blanket can be axially removed or inserted onto the blanket cylinder. The printing blanket has a metal inner surface which is tensioned by the blanket cylinder to retain the printing blanket on the blanket cylinder during operation of the press.

Abstract: A fault and noise tolerant system and method for obtaining an original signal which is not influenced by a fault or noise occurring in an electronic equipment. The fault and noise tolerant system includes a first estimation filter for estimating an original signal from a signal output from the electronic equipment, considering noise of the electronic equipment; a second estimation filter for estimating the original signal and a fault signal from the signal output from the electronic equipment, considering a fault and the noise; a fault detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of a fault in the electronic equipment based on the estimated fault signal received from the second estimation filter; and a selection unit for selecting one of the estimated original signals from the first and second estimation filters, respectively, according to the result of detection of the fault detection unit.

Abstract: A printhead gap adjustment mechanism for use in an imaging apparatus includes a worm gear coupled to a carrier shaft to transmit a rotational motion to the carrier shaft. A worm screw is positioned in rotational cooperation with the worm gear, the worm screw having an axis of rotation. A first cam is coupled to the carrier shaft. A first cam follower surface is disposed in proximity to the first cam. A guide device guides the carrier shaft in a translational direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the worm screw. A rotation of the worm screw transmits rotational motion to drive the first cam via the worm gear and the carrier shaft, the first cam engaging the first cam follower surface to effect a translational motion of the worm gear in the translational direction, thereby effecting a movement of the printhead in the translational direction.

Abstract: A method for making a printing plate including a step of forming a hydrophobic image area on at least a part of a hydrophilic surface of a plate. The plate surface contains a photocatalyst and the image area is formed by using an organic compound which is decomposed and removed by the irradiation of light having a higher energy than the band gap energy of the photocatalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved retail process and apparatuses for putting customized marking devices, commonly called rubber stamps, in the hands of a customer in a convenient period of time such as five minutes after data entry. Prior art processes make stamps in a batch mode, generally forming text on a separate rubber sheet, cutting the sheet, and adhering individual rubber stamps to stamp mounts taken from inventory. The instant process forms text and/or graphics on stamp mounts that are complete except for the marking data on the rubber and an index card. A special purpose one-stamp-at-a-time laser engraver can be used with the process. As an alternative, a multiple cavity fixture can be used in conjunction with existing laser engravers. A further alternative uses a photopolymer method of producing single stamps.

Abstract: A printing device reads an image on a printing paper with an image pickup part. It image-processes obtained image data in a control part, and operates the positions of respective register marks (R1 to R4). It operates the quantity of displacement necessary for positioning an image. It obtains an offset count number Co for deciding an image recording starting position from the obtained quantity of displacement. It stores the obtained offset count number Co while obtaining starting position data. Then, dimensional correction data for the image is calculated. The image on the printing paper is first picked up, and the necessary quantity of displacement is calculated. A speed coefficient k is calculated for changing the rotational speed of a plate cylinder. Following this, a correction quantity by a Cd default count number previously set for deciding the image recording starting position is changed. Accordingly, the offset count number Co is calculated again on the basis of the obtained speed variable k.

Abstract: The recording medium comprises a recording layer. The recording layer has a first material and a second material independently dispersed. The first material has a property that a backward contact angle to a liquid lowers when the material is heated in a state of being in contact with the liquid, and that the value of the backward contact angle recovers when heated in the air. The second material has a polyorgano-siloxane structure.

Abstract: A multi-level printing process using a printer by converting electronic page data to multi-level bitmap data with a specific number of gradation levels Nlev at a specified spatial resolution higher than that of the printer; converting the multi-level bitmap data to a lower spatial resolution; reducing the number of gradation levels by a processing technique to some lower number Nlevp giving a second multi-level bitmap; and printing the multi-level output bitmap by a printer having at least Nlevp different gradation levels at a single pixel location.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sensor component, in particular, a thin-film high-pressure sensor, as well as a sensor component, is described, in which at least one measuring element, in particular an expansion measuring strip is arranged on a membrane, and separated from the membrane through an electrically insulating film, the measuring element being arranged on an electrically insulating substrate, which is mounted in a subsequent step onto the membrane on the side that faces away from the measuring element, so that the electrically insulating substrate forms the electrically insulating film. The electrically insulating substrate performs both a carrier function during the application of the expansion measuring strip to the substrate as well as an insulation function after the mounting of the substrate onto the membrane. In this way, the application of a separate insulation film made of silicon dioxide becomes unnecessary.

Abstract: A color printer with a single photo sensor for detecting the position of the ink ribbon. A single photo sensor is place so that it can detect transparent and opaque sections of the ink ribbon. The ribbon winds at a constant speed, so the pattern of transparent and opaque sections periodically repeats. The controller can use the periodicity of the transparent and opaque sections to calculate which dye frame the print head is positioned over. Using this information, the printer can advance the ink ribbon to the desired dye frame for printing onto the photo paper.

Abstract: A device for fast image data transfer in at least one printing press having at least one RIP, includes a data manager to which image data is supplied, at least one storage unit and at least one imaging unit. A bus system is provided for connecting the at least one storage unit both to the at least one data manager for intermediate buffering of the image data, and to the at least one imaging unit for setting an image. The at least one imaging unit serves for communicating with the at least one storage unit, and for reading the image data directly from the at least one storage unit. A method is also provided for operating the device.

Abstract: Lids (10) of a substrate material (5) having a plastic film, featuring printing (6) on the outside, with respect to a container (1) on which the lid (10) is employed, and an inward facing sealing layer (8,9), for closing the container (1) which has a shoulder region (4). The inward facing side of the substrate material (5) features the sealing layer (8,9) in the form of a printed image, and the printed image corresponds with the shoulder region (4) of the container (1) and is in the form of a series of points (12). The printed image (12) which forms the sealing layer (8,9) and the printed pattern (12) may be deposited in the same printing machine in which the printing (6) on the substrate layer takes place. The printed image (11) enables easy removal of the lids (10) individually from a stack of lids in the packaging machine without having to depend on embossing of the lids.

Abstract: A positive piece engagement indicator for marking tool is provided in which a metal workpiece is contacted with a workpiece contact probe for providing physical contact with, as well as electrical communication with the metal surface of a workpiece. A test voltage and indicator means are placed in series between the workpiece and marking tool. Upon physical contact of the marking tool engagement surface with the surface of the metal workpiece, a circuit is completed by the electrical communication there between, thereby engaging the indicator means. This allows positive verification of actual engagement of worktool to workpiece.

Abstract: An electronic instrument with a housing in the form of a rectangular body. The housing has a front panel with a display screen, and opposed side panels extending perpendicularly from the front panel to a rear panel. The housing defines a cavity adjacent to the rear panel and at least one of the side panels. The cavity includes a recessed panel portion having attached electronic connectors, so that cables connected to the connectors can flex to avoid protruding from the side panel to facilitate rack mounting, and may extend without protruding from the rear panel for bench usage. A circuit board to which the connectors and a microprocessor are connected may be oriented parallel to the rear panel, allowing a limited front-to-rear depth for the housing.

Abstract: A screen printing method and apparatus are capable of maintaining a constant attack angle between a squeegee and a mask plate, regardless of the surface condition of the mask plate. A squeegee head, including a pair of squeegees, is rotatably supported by a retainer with respect to a horizontal axis that is at a right angle to a squeegeeing direction. The rotatably supported squeegee head is pushed by a cylinder against the mask plate. Accordingly, the attack angle is kept constant to improve the printing quality even if a substrate has a curved portion.