Abstract: A web printing press is provided including a printing unit for printing a web, a delivery for printed products formed from the web, the web and printed products defining a printed product stream, a first sensor sensing a first characteristic of the web or printed products, a controller connected to the first sensor, and an indicator indicating in real-time a print defect in the printed product stream as a function of the first sensor. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of folding a printed product is provided. The method includes the steps of cutting a web so as to form a signature having lead edge tabs, the signature having perforation slots and folding the signature so the lead edge tabs enter the perforation slots. Lead edges may be more easily prevented from dislodging and dog-earing and skewing may be minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and folding printed products is provided. The apparatus includes a perforator, a first cutting device creating first slits in the web, a second cutting device creating second slits in the web longitudinally offset from the first slits so as to form a signature with a staggered edge, and a folder delta-folding the signature so that the staggered edge engages slots in the signature, the slots created by the perforator. A method of folding a printed product and a signature are also provided. Lead edges can be more easily prevented from dislodging and dog-earing and skewing can be minimized.

Abstract: A folder for a web printing press includes a first cutting and nipping device for partially cutting a web so as to form first cuts in the web and for nipping the web. A second cutting and nipping device cuts the web between the first cuts so as to form signatures, the web being nipped at a nip of the second cutting device. Also disclosed is a method for cutting a web which comprises the steps of partially cutting the web so as to form first cuts in the web while web is nipped; and cutting the web between the first cuts of the web while the web is nipped.

Abstract: A web printing press is provided including a printing unit for printing a web, a delivery for printed products formed from the web, the web and printed products defining a printed product stream, a first sensor sensing a first characteristic of the web or printed products, a controller connected to the first sensor, and an indicator indicating in real-time a print defect in the printed product stream as a function of the first sensor. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A web press has cutting cylinders for cutting a web into signatures and a transfer cylinder for receiving the signatures. A pre-cylinder signature collector includes a diverter station for diverting the signatures received from the cutting cylinders. At least two tape paths having different lengths receive the signatures from the diverter station. At least one collection point collects the signatures from all of the tape paths on top of one another for passage to the transfer cylinder.

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.