Abstract: In a rotary printing machine, in particular a web-fed rotary printing machine, having at least one printing unit including a plurality of printing-unit cylinders, of which at least one can be brought into and out of operative connection with at least one functional unit which is associated with a function needed to operate the printing unit, is provided with a drive device and is fitted on a linear guide device, a high level of operating convenience and working accuracy being achieved by the functional unit being assigned a positioning device, which has a controller which can be fed with at least one position-dependent signal which can be generated by means of a sensor arrangement associated with the functional unit and by which the drive device can be controlled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fitting a printing plate to a plate cylinder where the printing plate is bent into a circular shape and fixed in this form by leading and trailing legs of the plate being firmly connected to each other. The printing plate shaped in this way is subsequently axially pushed onto the plate cylinder from the free side of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: Variable-format web-fed offset printing machine having printing-unit cylinders comprising core cylinders to which compressed air can be applied and onto which intermediate sleeves can be pushed axially and shrunk on radially. Each intermediate sleeve includes a carrier layer whose inner face rests on the core cylinder, a compressible intermediate layer, a transition layer, and a variable-thickness bridging layer, which ends with a covering layer to which a further surface like a printing plate or a rubber blanket can be fitted.

Abstract: In a web-fed rotary offset printing machine, operating preferably with variable-format cylinders, both sides of the printing machine are covered, during the operation and resetting of the machine, so that no access, in particular no access to the printing units, is possible. For this purpose, an access module is used between the printing-units, which module is equipped laterally with covers which resemble window roller blinds and cannot be opened while the machine is in operation.

Abstract: A method of operating a printing machine and a printing machine apparatus in which basic knowledge about the interaction between operating media in the printing machine is obtained through printing trials or during production. This knowledge is stored in an expert system and made available for the printing operation or else for the production of the printing plate. The expert system is preferably a self-teaching system. For color reproduction, basic calibrations are carried out in a first quality step, in a second step, the imaging operation is adapted to the areas and half tones to be imaged, and ink-density regulation is carried out in a third step.

Abstract: An ink transport roller (1) which may be used universally for panorama printing and printing of multiple colors next to one another. The roller has a recess (2) in an area between the colors which may be optionally opened or closed depending upon whether the roller is to be used for printing multiple colors next to one another or panorama printing, respectively.

Abstract: A method for adjusting contact between two rollers of a printing mechanism of a rotary printing press, which rollers are adjustable relative to one another. The method includes separating the rollers so that a gap exists therebetween, inserting a piezofilm of known thickness into the gap between the rollers at one end of the rollers and moving the rollers toward one another on the one end until the piezofilm transmits an output signal when the two rollers first make contact. Then, the rollers are separated and the piezofilm is removed from the roller gap. The piezofilm is next inserted into the gap between the rollers at the other end of the rollers after which the rollers are moved toward one another at the other end until the piezofilm transmits an output signal when the rollers first make contact. The rollers are once again separated and the piezofilm removed from the roller gap. Finally, the rollers are adjusted toward one another at both ends by an amount corresponding to the piezofilm thickness.

Abstract: A method for adjusting contact between two rollers of a printing mechanism of a rotary printing press, which rollers are adjustable with respect to their distance relative to one another. The method includes separating the two rollers, driving a first one of the rollers at a first speed, moving the rollers toward one another on one end until they reach a point where the first roller drives a second roller, and sensing rotation of the second roller and registering value data representing the point where the first roller drives the second roller. Next, the rollers are separated after the value data has been registered. Following this separation the method continues with moving the rollers toward one another on a second end until the first roller drives the second roller, sensing rotation of the second roller and stopping movement of the rollers at the second end when rotation of the second roller is sensed. Finally, the first end is adjusted to the point where the first roller drives the second roller.

Abstract: A blanket clamping device for clamping a blanket mounted on a transfer cylinder of an offset rotary printing machine. The blanket is clamped by clamping rails mounted at an angle relative to each other in the clamping duct. In the middle between the clamping rails is arranged at least one screw which is screwed into the body of the transfer cylinder and has a truncated cone-shaped head. The clamping rails each have a step on a surface facing the at least one screw. Movement of the clamping rails out of the clamping duct is prevented by engagement of the steps with the truncated cone-shaped head.