Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the relaxed length of a moving web includes forming a plurality of detectable marks along the length of the web at a repeated length interval. First and second detectors positioned along the web path are separated by a known distance S. A first tensioning force is applied to the moving web, and a first tensioned repeat length of the web is measured by detecting a mark moving past the first detector and then detecting the next mark moving past the second detector. The time separating the detections is determined. A second tensioning force of a known proportional relationship with the first tensioning force is applied to the moving web. A second tensioned repeat length is measured. The speed of the moving web is measured, and a relaxed length is calculated from the first tensioned repeat length, the second tensioned repeat length, and the proportional relationship between the first and second tensioning forces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the repeat length (L) of a moving web includes forming a plurality of detectable marks along the length of the web at a repeated length interval. First and second detectors positioned along the web path are separated by a known distance (S). The repeat length of the web is obtained by detecting a mark moving past the first detector and then detecting a mark moving past the second detector, determining the time (t) separating the detections, and measuring the speed of the moving web (V), wherein the repeat length is calculated using the formula L=S+Vt.

Abstract: A rotatable drum is disclosed for securing thereto various sizes of sheets of film by a partial vacuum. The drum includes a cylindrical body and first and second circular end blocks connected for closing the body. The drum is mounted for rotation about its central axis. The first end block defines concentrically therethrough a central passageway, connected to a source of partial vacuum so that the drum may be partially evacuated. The cylindrical body defines on its outer surface a plurality of parallel, identical grooves extending circumferentially about the body. A plurality of holes also extend through the body, each of the holes opening on the outer surface into one of the grooves. Importantly, the cross-sectional area of each hole is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of each of the grooves, and no porting or valving is provided for the drum interior to close unneeded holes.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for manufacturing multi-part forms uses web presses having printing stations and processing stations at which operations are performed on webs in registry with a series of printed images, and uses a collator to assemble related webs from said presses, and to perform additional operations on assembled webs in registry with images thereon. A digital job description of a form is created, including location of printed images on several parts of the form and location of process items, e.g. perforations, holes, or cuts on parts of the form. This job description is stored in the memory of a computer [PR-2] with a job identifying code. Also, a digital description is created of images to be printed on the form, and stored in memory with the job identifying number. The image descriptions are recalled from memory and used to create printing plates for the presses and to pre-set printing and processing sections of a press for each part of the form.