Abstract: An improved, multiple-station convertible web-fed printing press is provided wherein respective press stations include permanent modules with replaceable, differently configured inserts. The station modules each include a pair of eccentrically mounted, insert-engaging rails which are pivoted for accurate placement of a press insert within the module; final insert lockup is provided by an eccentric hook assembly which generates several thousand pounds of locking force, in order to secure the insert against misalignment and subsequent insert shifting. Insert replacement operations are facilitated by means of a mobile cart including insert-supporting rails alignable with the module rails. Temporary interconnection of the cart and module rails is afforded by means of endmost connection hooks and yokes on the cart rails, which mate the module sidewall and the corresponding reduced diameter segments provided in the module rails.

Abstract: A working mechanism adaptable for producing virtually an infinity of different motions is provided which finds practical utility in a variety of contexts such as the handling of zigzag folded webs. The mechanism preferably includes at least one elongated working element pivotally supported at the inner end thereof and coupled by a pivotal link to an elongated, flexible, continuing closed-loop motion-imparting member such as a chain or belt. Advantageously, the mechanism may comprise a plurality of elongated working elements each coupled with a pair of closed loop path motion-imparting members to produce complex, variable speed motions heretofore difficult to achieve.

Abstract: An improved continuous web handling apparatus and method for printing, handling, collating and final processing of multiple-page printed items such as business forms or the like is provided which employs separate, shiftable, track-mounted web supports having individual, pivotal, spring-biased web keepers to facilitate accurate, continuous draping of printed webs onto the supports for subsequent handling and processing thereof. In preferred forms, the apparatus includes a web fed printing press which continuously feeds printed web to a draping station adjacent the conveyor track; the draping station includes a novel, vacuum air pickup bar intermittently rotated by a five-lobe internal geneva gear mechanism, along with actuating apparatus which pivots the respective web keepers open during initial stages of web drapage and thereafter allows the keepers to close against and hold the web in place.

Abstract: An improved spiral-type zigzag web folding unit is provided which includes an inexpensive, replaceable, constant tension recoil spring coupled to the shiftable web feeder chute of the folding unit for individually and successively supporting relatively long web sections as they are fed, in order to prevent excessive gravity-induced sagging thereof and consequent failure of the spirals to engage and receive the fed sections. Use of an oscillating recoil spring permits high-speed folding operations with automatically timed support for the web sections, notwithstanding the fact that the spring requires no adjustment in use and can be easily installed and replaced using readily available materials and tools. Furthermore, coupling of the spring to the feeding chute ensures that the spring does not impede web feeding but rather moves in timed relationship therewith for support purposes.

Abstract: A highly efficient, shear-cutting, multiple die apparatus and method for interlocking elongated, multiple-sheet glued webs such as business forms or computer print out paper during fabrication thereof is provided which positively locks the web sheets against relative shifting as can occur when the web is zigzag folded, in order to prevent "tenting", or permanent, glue-set misalignment between respective web plies at the fold lines thereof. The preferred apparatus includes individual, mated pairs of rotatably mounted, transversely oriented, multiple-blade, pointed, web-shearing and deforming dies which are rotated to cooperatively engage, shear-penetrate and deform a moving web to produce a series of transversely extending, side-by-side, marginal, alternately displaced interlocking strips which effectively prevent significant relative longitudinal shifting between the web plies.

Abstract: A simplified, relatively low cost web-cutting cylinder and assembly adapted to be mounted on a web collator and having a vacuum-type, through-the-cylinder slug removal feature is provided which permits easy, clean, high-speed removal of successively cut web slugs produced when standard English-sized equipment is used to produce metric-sized business forms or the like. The cutting cylinder is adapted to be mounted adjacent a conventional, unmodified anvil cylinder and preferably includes an inwardly and axially extending, tapered bottom, slug-receiving slot or groove and a pair of slug-cutting peripheral knives mounted on opposite sides of the slot; a vacuum slug-removal system is coupled in communication with the slot for removing cut slugs without the necessity of any moving parts which can limit collator output and substantially increase equipment costs.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a pressure sensing transducer employing an evacuated bellows wherein sliding electric contacts are mounted upon the bellows' movable portion. The sliding contacts traverse over a printed circuit board having conducting portions defined thereon connected to electrical resistances whereby pressure variations imposed upon the bellows position the contacts upon the conducting portions to produce an electric signal. A variety of adjusting means are utilized to adjust the position of the printed circuit board to the bellows, and the "span" of the conducting portions in the direction of contact movement is selectively varied by forming the conducting portions of a wedge shape and laterally adjusting the printed circuit board.