Abstract: A web offset print unit includes a first plate cylinder, a first blanket cylinder selectively in contact with the first plate cylinder, a second blanket cylinder, the web passing between the first and second blanket cylinders, the second blanket cylinder and first blanket cylinder being selectively disengageable from the web in a throw-off position to permit the web to pass between the first and second blanket cylinders, and a second plate cylinder selectively engageable with the second blanket cylinder. A single drive motor drives the first plate cylinder, first blanket cylinder, second blanket cylinder and second plate cylinder when the first and second blanket cylinders engage the web and the single drive motor rotates the first and second plate cylinders when the first and second blanket cylinders are in the throw-off position. Autoplating during the throw-off position thus is possible.

Abstract: An offset print unit includes a plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder having an end and a blanket gear coaxial with the blanket cylinder, a drive axle or pinion supporting a gear driving the blanket gear and a blanket lift arm for selectively supporting the end to cantilever the blanket cylinder, the blanket lift arm being rotatable about the drive axle or pinion. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An offset web print unit includes a plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, a second blanket cylinder, an autoplating mechanism, and a throw-off mechanism including a single actuator both for moving the blanket cylinder from the second blanket cylinder and for moving the blanket cylinder to selectively contact the plate cylinder to permit autoplating while the blanket cylinder is thrown-off of the second blanket cylinder. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: An offset web print unit includes a plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, the plate cylinder being movable during a throw-off operation, and a tucker bar for tucking plates into the plate cylinder, the tucker bar having an axis movable with respect to the plate cylinder axis for reducing a gap during the throw-off operation. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An offset print unit includes a plate cylinder having an end, a rotatable plate cylinder support supporting the end and having a first bearing surface, a blanket cylinder having a blanket cylinder end, a rotatable blanket cylinder support supporting the end and having a second bearing surface and an actuating device for rotating the plate cylinder support and the blanket cylinder support, the first and second bearing surfaces contacting during a part of the rotation of the supports. A method is also provided.