Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling web tension in a web printing press having a plurality of sets of deformable nip rollers, each set driven by a separate driver, the web passing sequentially through each set of deformable nip rollers and forming a web segment therebetween. The driver of a downstream set of deformable nip rollers is adjusted to set the tension of a first web segment and a controller adjusts a first characteristic of the driver of the upstream set of deformable nip rollers to maintain the tension of a second web segment constant. Alternatively, a sensor measures a second characteristic of the second web segment and the controller adjusts the first characteristic of the driver of the upstream set of deformable nip rollers based on the measurement from the sensor.

Abstract: A printing press folder is provided. The folder includes a cutting pair cutting a web at a cutting location to form signatures, a pair of transport cylinders forming a first nip and a pair of acceleration cylinders forming a second nip. The pair of transport cylinders receives the signatures downstream of the cutting pair at the first nip and transports the signatures away from the cutting pair. The first nip is separated from the cutting location by a first distance. The pair of acceleration cylinders receives the signatures from the pair of transport cylinders at the second nip and transports the signatures away from the pair of transport cylinders. The second nip is separated from the first nip by a second distance. The pair of transport cylinders is movable with respect to the pair of acceleration cylinders and the pair of acceleration cylinders is movable with respect to the pair of transport cylinder so the first distance and the second distance are selectively variable.

Abstract: A spray dampening device for a printing apparatus, the spray dampening device comprising a plurality of spray nozzles. The spray nozzles are each cycled at a predetermined frequency and at an individual nozzle phase shift with the individual phase shifts being synchronized so that an effective frequency of spray bursts applied to target surface of the printing apparatus is greater than the predetermined frequency. Dampening system performance may be improved without the implementation of new individual nozzle technology. The benefits of a pulsed dampener system are maintained while system performance approaches that of a continuous dampener.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a printing unit including a frame (2) and an upper plate cylinder (12) mounted in the frame (2). An upper blanket cylinder (16) is in selective contact with the upper plate cylinder (12), and a lower blanket cylinder (18) forms a nip with the upper blanket cylinder (16). A web (8) passes through the nip. A lower plate cylinder (14) contacts the lower blanket cylinder (18). Impression setting means (60, 62, 82) are assigned to movable housings (40, 44) of the movable cylinders (12, 14, 16). The impression setting means (60, 62, 82) are provided to adjust forces exerted on bearers (20) of the printing unit cylinders (12, 14, 16).

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing procession of a gapless tubular printing blanket in an offset printing press caused by at least one fluid wave having a certain pressure trapped at an interface of the printing blanket and a blanket cylinder. The apparatus includes a blanket cylinder which is adapted to receive the printing blanket for mounting on its circumferential surface. The blanket cylinder has at least one path which connects an interface of the blanket cylinder and the printing blanket to a region of pressure lower than the pressure in the fluid wave. The path allows the fluid wave, which is trapped at the interface and advancing in front of a nip between the blanket cylinder and an adjacent cylinder, to escape to the region of low pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing procession of a gapless tubular printing sleeve in an offset printing press caused by at least one fluid wave having a certain pressure trapped at an interface of the printing sleeve and a cylinder on which it is mounted. The apparatus includes a cylinder which is adapted to receive the printing sleeve for mounting on its circumferential surface. The cylinder has at least one path which connects an interface of the cylinder and the printing sleeve to a region of pressure lower than the pressure in the fluid wave. The path allows the fluid wave, which is trapped at the interface and advancing in front of a nip between the cylinder and an adjacent cylinder, to escape to the region of low pressure.

Abstract: A mist containment system including shieldings (6, 7) assigned to a rotating surface (2). Gaps (4, 5) are created between the shielding (6, 7) and the rotating surface (2). Mist contained within the shieldings (6, 7) is kept within the shielding (6, 7) and prevented from escaping through the gaps (4, 5) either by a negative pressure differential device creating a negative pressure differential across the gaps (4, 5) or in alternative by a condensation device (17) condensing solution which is collected by gravity or by electrostatic charging the spray particles contained in the mist as well as the rotating surface (2).

Abstract: A complaint drive for use in a printing press. The compliant drive is coupled to a driving gear which can be on the plate cylinder of the printing press. The compliant drive includes an input gear meshing with the driving gear. A compliant coupling is connected between the input gear and a first output gear. The compliant coupling includes circumferentially-spaced compression springs between the input gear and the first output gear. The first output gear can drive a driven gear which in turn drives a vibrator in a dampener. The first output gear can also drive a second output gear. Each of the input gear, first output gear and second output gear are mounted on rolling contact bearings, which improves efficiency of the drive and, with the compliant coupling, prevents transmission of transient forces, shocks or vibrations to the plate cylinder, thereby eliminating doubling of the printed images.