Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically measuring a cylinder characteristic, such as a cylinder diameter or a cylinder run-out and then automatically adjusting the engraver in response to the measurement and subsequently engraving the cylinder to account for such characteristic. The engraver includes a run-out detector for detecting a cylinder characteristic of the cylinder on the engraver and the run-out detector includes an LVDT sensor and a run-out circuit for generating a signal generally corresponding to a shape of the cylinder surface. The run-out circuit is capable of generating a measured run-out using the signal generated by the LVDT sensor. The method and apparatus also provides a method and apparatus for automatically adjusting for the cylinder characteristic using manual, mechanical and/or electronic features of the method and apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated loading and unloading of a cylinder in an engraver. The method and apparatus permit the engraver to accommodate cylinders of differing geometries, including a range of lengths, diameters and mounting configurations. The engraver includes a headstock and a tailstock which cooperate to rotatably support a cylinder at an engraving station in the engraver. The engraver includes a cylinder handling system having at least one cylinder supporting the cylinder between the headstock and the tailstock during the loading and unloading of the cylinder. The cylinder handling system includes a driver for driving the cylinder support towards and away from the engraving station until the headstock and the tailstock engage and rotatably support the cylinder. Once the cylinder is rotatably supported between the headstock and the tailstock, then the cylinder support is retracted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically measuring a cylinder characteristic, such as a cylinder diameter or a cylinder run-out and then automatically adjusting the engraver in response to the measurement and subsequently engraving the cylinder to account for such characteristic. The engraver includes a run-out detector for detecting a cylinder characteristic of the cylinder on the engraver, and the run-out detector includes an LVDT sensor and a run-out circuit for generating a signal generally corresponding to a shape of the cylinder surface. The run-out circuit is capable of generating a measured run-out using the signal generated by the LVDT sensor. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for automatically adjusting for the cylinder characteristic using manual, mechanical and/or electronic features of the invention.