Abstract: Optimum transfer of an optically discernible image from an ink supply to a substrate is effected. In one embodiment, a three dimensional image is created on the surface of an ink transfer medium layer. The height at a specific location of the three dimensional image corresponds to the ink volume to be transferred to that specific location in the printed image, allowing the color intensity to change throughout the printed image.

Abstract: A web processing machine permitting inspection and repair of a roll of web material includes an inspection zone vertically juxtaposed to a splicing zone. The inspection zone is structured to be removed from the juxtaposed position to a retracted position in which the splicing zone is exposed to permit an operator to perform a modification of the web without having to substantially move physically from the position in which the operator was located to perform inspection while the machine is running.

Abstract: A web processing machine permitting inspection and repair of a roll of web material includes an inspection zone vertically juxtaposed to a splicing zone. The inspection zone is structured to be removed from the juxtaposed position to a retracted position in which the splicing zone is exposed to permit an operator to perform a modification of the web without having to substantially move physically from the position in which the operator was located to perform inspection while the machine is running.

Abstract: A web processing machine permits slitting of a wide range of highly extensible materials with low Young's modulus of elasticity characteristics. The slitting function may be carried out under low elongating tensions while yielding highly accurate and repeatable width dimensions in the finished product. The machine incorporates a resiliently coated cylinder with extremely sharp and narrow rotating blades which are commonly adjusted into close contact with the coated cylinder. The blades are driven so that their peripheries slightly over-speed the web as it enters the first contact point of the coated cylinder and the blades as they rotate.

Abstract: For use in a web-handling apparatus, a cylinder module accumulates and de-accumulates web in a controlled manner. A frame supports first and second parallel main cylinders. The first cylinder rotates continuously, while the second cylinder operates in a non-uniform manner. A third main cylinder remains parallel with the first and second axes while moving perpendicular to those axes. The web passes around the first cylinder through the first nip, thence to and around the periphery of the third cylinder, thence to and partially around the periphery of the second cylinder and through the second nip. The web spans from the third cylinder are substantially parallel. An endless belt associated with each end of the third cylinder ensures that the third cylinder occupies an axis location and a rotational position which substantially control the web stress as the web passes through the cylinders.

Abstract: For use in a web-handling apparatus, a cylinder module accumulates and de-accumulates web in a controlled manner. A frame supports first and second parallel main cylinders. The first cylinder rotates continuously, while the second cylinder operates in a non-uniform manner. A third main cylinder remains parallel with the first and second axes while moving perpendicular to those axes. The web passes around the first cylinder through the first nip, thence to and around the periphery of the third cylinder, thence to and partially around the periphery of the second cylinder and through the second nip. The web spans from the third cylinder are substantially parallel. An endless belt associated with each end of the third cylinder ensures that the third cylinder occupies an axis location and a rotational position which substantially control the web stress as the web passes through the cylinders.

Abstract: For use in a web-handling apparatus, a cylinder module accumulates and de-accumulates web in a controlled manner. A frame supports first and second parallel main cylinders. The first cylinder rotates continuously, while the second cylinder operates in a non-uniform manner. A third main cylinder remains parallel with the first and second axes while moving perpendicular to those axes. The web passes around the first cylinder through the first nip, thence to and around the periphery of the third cylinder, thence to and partially around the periphery of the second cylinder and through the second nip. The web spans from the third cylinder are substantially parallel. An endless belt associated with each end of the third cylinder ensures that the third cylinder occupies an axis location and a rotational position which substantially control the web stress as the web passes through the cylinders.

Abstract: A module for a web-processing machine includes a sub-frame to which are mounted an operating roll (such as a die roll), and means urging the operating roll in one direction. The sub-frame can assume a position in which the operating roll is juxtaposed against and parallel with a driven anvil roll, and a further position in which the sub-frame is released, allowing the operating roll to move away from the anvil roll, so that the operating roll can be quickly and easily removed for replacement or maintenance. Preferably, the sub-frame is hingedly connected to the machine for rotation between the above positions.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for receiving a web with intermittent motion and converting it to uniform motion, particularly for severed carton items. A reciprocating carriage has first and second adjacent idler rollers and a third idler roller spaced away from the first two. A driven roller has a fixed axis and is located with respect to the third idler roller such that the web when strung between the first and second rollers and thence around the third roller and thence around the driven roller, assumes a quasi-boustrophedonic configuration such that the portion of the web between the third idler roller and the driven roller decreases when the carriage moves in the direction which decreases the distance between them. Upper an lower endless belts pass partially around the first and second rollers, thence around the third idler roller, thence around the driven roller, thence along different respective return paths.

Abstract: A device for the inspection and repair of a roll of web material includes an unwind mandrel, a rewind mandrel, an inspection area and a splice area. A flaw in the web is detected at the inspection area, whereupon the web is braked to a halt. Where the splice area is adjacent to or coincident with the inspection area, the flawed portion of the web can pass well beyond the splice area before the web comes to a halt. Provided herein is a web-indexer device that includes a reciprocating indexer shuttle having idler rolls mounted thereon, with further idler rolls mounted to the machine such that the web material can be between them in a substantially boustrophedonic configuration. Control is provided to allow the operator who has caused the web to be braked to a halt upon detecting a flaw, to move the indexer frame so as to retrieve a portion of the web so as to bring the flaw back to the splicing station for repair, without having to reverse the rotational direction of the unwind mandrel or the rewind mandrel.

Abstract: In a raised-image printing process, a plate construction includes a plate portion with an upper printing surface for printing an image on a substrate, the image including areas of greater ink coverage and areas of lesser ink coverage. Regions of greater and lesser stiffness are incorporated in the construction such that greater stiffness occurs under image areas of greater ink coverage, and lesser stiffness occurs under areas of lesser ink coverage.

Abstract: In a raised-image printing process, a plate construction includes a plate portion with an upper printing surface for printing an image on a substrate, the image including areas of greater ink coverage and areas of lesser ink coverage. Regions of greater and lesser stiffness are incorporated in the construction such that greater contact pressure is applied under image areas of greater ink coverage, and lesser contact pressure is applied under areas of lesser ink coverage.

Abstract: There is provided a combination of a web-treating apparatus adapted to feed web at a steady rate into a web-handling apparatus, the latter performing an operation on the web, such as stamping. In the latter apparatus, the web is entrained over a series of rollers which include parallelogram -linked rollers set in such a way that web can be continuously and steadily fed into the web-handling apparatus and out of it, while at the same time the web can be halted intermittently at a portion of the apparatus at which the operation is to be carried out. As the web stops and starts at the location where the operation is carried out, the parallelogram-linked rollers move back and forth in an arc.