Abstract: A method of preparing cylinders for printing on a web during auto transfer operations is provided. The method includes the steps of printing images on a web with at least one first printing cylinder; accelerating at least one second printing cylinder so that the at least one second printing cylinder has a surface velocity that equals a velocity of the web; adjusting a phasing of the at least one second printing cylinder with respect to the web during the accelerating step and before the surface velocity of the at least one second printing cylinder equals the velocity of the web; moving the at least one first printing cylinder away from the web and moving the at least one second printing cylinder towards the web; and printing images on the web with the at least one second printing cylinder. A printing press configured for auto transfer is also provided.

Abstract: A method of preparing cylinders for printing on a web during auto transfer operations is provided. The method includes the steps of printing images on a web with at least one first printing cylinder; accelerating at least one second printing cylinder so that the at least one second printing cylinder has a surface velocity that equals a velocity of the web; adjusting a phasing of the at least one second printing cylinder with respect to the web during the accelerating step and before the surface velocity of the at least one second printing cylinder equals the velocity of the web; moving the at least one first printing cylinder away from the web and moving the at least one second printing cylinder towards the web; and printing images on the web with the at least one second printing cylinder. A printing press configured for auto transfer is also provided.

Abstract: A printing press is provided including at least one print unit printing a first job on a web, a folder splitting the web into a plurality of ribbons, combining the ribbons, and cutting the ribbons into signatures, the folder having a folder delivery for delivery of the signatures, a marking device marking every ribbon, a sensor sensing the marks on every ribbon, and a controller connected to the marking device and the sensor and determining a shortest ribbon value and a longest ribbon value, the shortest ribbon value being a function of a shortest path length of a first ribbon through the folder and the longest ribbon value being a function of a longest path length of a further ribbon through the folder. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A printing press is provided including at least one print unit printing a first job on a web, a folder splitting the web into a plurality of ribbons, combining the ribbons, and cutting the ribbons into signatures, the folder having a folder delivery for delivery of the signatures, a marking device marking every ribbon, a sensor sensing the marks on every ribbon, and a controller connected to the marking device and the sensor and determining a shortest ribbon value and a longest ribbon value, the shortest ribbon value being a function of a shortest path length of a first ribbon through the folder and the longest ribbon value being a function of a longest path length of a further ribbon through the folder. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A folder system includes an adjustable-lap folder for folding signatures so-as to define folded signatures, an optical sensor for measuring a presence of the fold&ed signatures, and a controller connected to the rotary blade folder and the optical sensor for determining a lap of the folded signatures. Also provided is a method for folding signatures comprising folding signatures in a folder so as to define folded signatures, and measuring with an optical sensor the edges of the folded signatures so as to determine a lap.

Abstract: A circuit for speeding acquisition in a phase and frequency locked loop utilizing a plurality of R-C circuits having differing time constants, interconnected with diodes.