Abstract: A clamping and tensioning rail for the trailing edge of a printing plate is mounted in the cylinder channel of a plate cylinder such that the trailing edge of the printing plate can be introduced in a simple way, without folding, into the gap between an upper and a lower clamping part. The clamping and tensioning rail is mounted pivotably about two pivot axes which are formed, for example, from stops fixed relatively to the cylinder and which interact respectively with an edge and an arcuate recess on the clamping and tensioning rail. Preferably, the clamping and tensioning rail is drawn into a completely open position by the force of a prestressed compression spring and can be pivoted against this force by an actuating shaft via lever arms and straps.

Abstract: A device for drawing and bending the trailing edge of a printing plate onto a plate cylinder of a printing machine such as a sheet-fed rotary printing press, in which a pressure roller with an attached actuatable folding strip draws a printing plate, which has its leading print edge fastened into a tension rail, around the outer circumference of the plate cylinder as the plate cylinder is rotated, to a position where the folding strip is actuated thereby introducing the trailing edge of the printing plate into a second tension rail. The device provides a means for drawing the printing plate onto the printing cylinder with a desirable uniform tension and without requiring auxiliary devices for pre-folding the printing plate in order to secure the trailing printing plate edge into a tension rail.

Abstract: A chain operated sheet transport and transfer mechanism for sheet-fed printing machines having a plurality of printing units. The chain operated mechanism includes a plurality of gripper cars affixed to chains for movement between the printing units. The gripper cars each have a gripper impact strip and a pivotable gripper finger, with the gripper strip of each car extending the width of the gripper car and being of concave configuration. A bending device at the transfer zone of each printing unit is operable for acting on the gripper car to bend the concave gripper impact strips straight in order that sheets are transferred from one printing unit to the other without register deviation.