Abstract: Multiple winding mechanisms are disposed within a single cylinder, such as the plate cylinder of a printing press, and are actuable so as to pay out material across different cylinder segments. For example, the winding mechanisms may be differentially geared to cylinder rotation, such that rotation of the cylinder in a first direction advances material from a first winding mechanism across a first circumferential portion of the cylinder to a second winding mechanism; while rotation of the cylinder in the opposite direction advances material from the second winding mechanism across a second circumferential portion of the cylinder (which may, for example, be diametrically opposed to the first cylinder portion) to the first winding mechanism. Alternatively, material advancement may be achieved by means of a dedicated motor rather than mechanical coupling to cylinder rotation.

Abstract: A plate-imaging system and a plate-cylinder support structure are coupled in a manner that achieves precise spacing between a writing head and the surface of a lithographic plate. The imaging unit is designed to permit the writing head undergo controlled advancement toward the plate cylinder, and includes a pair of rollers fixed with respect to the writing head and a spaced so as to facilitate rolling contact with peripheral segments of the cylinder. When the imaging unit is brought into contact with the structure containing the plate cylinder, the writing head is advanced toward the cylinder until the rollers make contact with the peripheral segments. The alignment between the rollers and the writing head is fixed such that rolling contact between the rollers and the peripheral cylinder segments ensures proper spacing between the writing head and a plate mounted to the plate cylinder.