Abstract: An apparatus for separating flat products from a pile of flat products, the apparatus including a support and at least one separator for separating a product from a pile of products. The separator is movable with respect to the support and includes a curved surface for contacting an edge of the pile so that a contact point between the separator and the edge of the pile can remain fixed despite adjustments to the penetration depth of the separator.

Abstract: A printing press comprising a multi-plate plate cylinder for carrying at least a first printing plate and a second printing plate, the plate cylinder having a cylinder body with an outer surface and a lock-up bar having a retracted position and an extended position, the lock-up bar for fastening both of the first and second plates about the outer surface in the retracted position. A tucker bar is located adjacent the lock-up bar, the tucker bar including at least a first segment for tucking and holding the first printing plate on the plate cylinder and a second segment for tucking and holding the second printing plate on the plate cylinder, the first segment being independently movable with respect to the second segment.

Abstract: A printing press comprising a multi-plate plate cylinder for carrying at least a first printing plate and a second printing plate, the plate cylinder having a cylinder body with an outer surface and a lock-up bar having a retracted position and an extended position, the lock-up bar for fastening both of the first and second plates about the outer surface in the retracted position. A tucker bar is located adjacent the lock-up bar, the tucker bar including at least a first segment for tucking and holding the first printing plate on the plate cylinder and a second segment for tucking and holding the second printing plate on the plate cylinder, the first segment being independently movable with respect to the second segment.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a flat product from a pile of flat products includes a sucker mechanism. The sucker mechanism has a sucker cup, a sucker tube and a vacuum device for generating a vacuum. The sucker tube has a first and second end, the sucker cup being coupled to the sucker tube at the first end of the sucker tube and the vacuum device being coupled to the sucker tube at the second end of the sucker tube. The second end of the sucker tube is movable arranged in the vacuum device so as to vary the sucker stroke of the sucker cup.

Abstract: An improved printing press includes a tubular-shaped printing blanket removably disposed on a blanket cylinder rotatably supported by a frame and having an outer circumferential surface. The printing blanket is disposed in rolling engagement with a conventional printing plate disposed on a plate cylinder having an axially extending gap in which opposite ends of the printing plate are secured. The printing blanket is removed by opening a portion of the frame and axially sliding the printing blanket off of the blanket cylinder. The blanket cylinder has passages which deliver a stream of air to the outer surface of the blanket cylinder which expands the inner circumferential surface of the printing blanket so that the blanket can be axially removed or inserted onto the blanket cylinder. The printing blanket has a metal inner surface which is tensioned by the blanket cylinder to retain the printing blanket on the blanket cylinder during operation of the press.

Abstract: An improved printing press includes a tubular-shaped printing blanket removably disposed on a blanket cylinder rotatably supported by a frame and having a continuous outer circumferential surface which is free of gaps. The printing blanket is disposed in rolling engagement with a conventional printing plate disposed on a plate cylinder having an axially extending gap in which opposite ends of the printing plate are secured. The printing blanket is removed by opening a portion of the frame and axially sliding the printing blanket off of the blanket cylinder. To assist in the removal or insertion of the printing blanket the blanket cylinder has passages which deliver a stream of air to the outer surface of the blanket cylinder which expands the inner circumferential surface of the printing blanket so that the blanket can be axially removed or inserted onto the blanket cylinder.

Abstract: An improved printing press includes a tubular-shaped printing blanket removably disposed on a blanket cylinder rotatably supported by a frame and having a continuous outer circumferential surface which is free of gaps. The printing blanket is disposed in rolling engagement with a conventional printing plate disposed on a plate cylinder having an axially extending gap in which opposite ends of the printing plate are secured. The printing blanket is removed by opening a portion of the frame and axially sliding the printing blanket off of the blanket cylinder. To assist in the removal or insertion of the printing blanket the blanket cylinder has passages which deliver a stream of air to the outer surface of the blanket cylinder which expands the inner circumferential surface of the printing blanket so that the blanket can be axially removed or inserted onto the blanket cylinder.

Abstract: A lubricant transfer connection for transferring lubricant from a lubricant transfer line which feeds into a lubricant supply bore machined in a bearing support housing. A lubricant transfer bushing is located at the moving interface between the lubricant supply bore machined in the bearing support housing and a lubricant input port in a cam follower lever arm. The lubricant transfer bushing is designed so that it provides a movable, sealed, connection between the lubricant channel in the bearing support housing and the lubricant input port in the cam follower lever arm, in all positions of the cam follower and cam follower lever arm.

Abstract: A tubular printing blanket for a blanket cylinder in an offset printing press comprises a cylindrical sleeve, a compressible layer over the sleeve, and an inextensible layer over the compressible layer. The cylindrical sleeve is movable telescopically over a blanket cylinder. The compressible layer comprises a first seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing compressible microspheres. The inextensible layer comprises a second seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing a tubular sublayer of circumferentially inextensible material. A seamless tubular printing layer over the inextensible layer has a continuous, gapless cylindrical printing surface. Methods of manufacturing the tubular printing blanket are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for mounting a printing plate on a printing unit cylinder's surface, the printing unit cylinder having an open passage in a retaining area of the printing unit cylinder. Within the open passage a lock-up bar is slidably mounted. The lock-up bar includes an element for retaining at least one edge of the printing plate. A tucking device assigned to the printing unit cylinder has a tucker bar substantially covering the retaining area of the printing plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for mounting a printing plate on a printing unit cylinder, with the printing unit cylinder having an opening in a clamping area. A lock-up bar is slidably mounted in the opening of the printing unit cylinder, the lock-up bar having an element for retaining at least one edge of a printing plate. A tucking device substantially extends on the clamping area, the tucking device being provided with a protection element and with a plurality of tucking elements arranged over the clamping area and over the width of the printing unit cylinder.

Abstract: A printing unit (10) includes a blanket cylinder (20), a bearing assembly (56) and a door assembly (72). The blanket cylinder (20) carries a tubular printing blanket (36). The bearing assembly (56) includes a bearing housing (58) fixed to the stub shaft (50) on the end of the blanket cylinder (20). The door assembly (72) includes a door (82) which is supported for pivotal movement on a frame wall (22) of the printing unit (10). The door (82) has a closed position in which it extends across an opening (76) in the frame wall (22), and an open position in which it does not extend across the opening (76) in the frame wall (22). A clamping assembly clamps the bearing housing (58) on the door (82) when the blanket cylinder (20) rotates during a printing operation. The clamping assembly includes a first clamp (100) which fixed to the door (82) and a second clamp (102) which is supported on the door (82) for movement relative to the first clamp (100).