Abstract: The present invention provides a printing press. The printing press includes a frame, a plate cylinder, a plate cylinder support supporting the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder for receiving an image from the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder support supporting the blanket cylinder, an impression cylinder for supporting a printing substrate between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder, an actuator connected to and controlling a position of the plate cylinder support or the blanket cylinder support and a controller providing the actuator with a position setpoint, the actuator receiving position feedback signals to maintain the position setpoint during a printing operation. The present invention also provides a method for operating a printing press.

Abstract: An offset print unit includes a plate cylinder having an end, a rotatable plate cylinder support supporting the end and having a first bearing surface, a blanket cylinder having a blanket cylinder end, a rotatable blanket cylinder support supporting the end and having a second bearing surface and an actuating device for rotating the plate cylinder support and the blanket cylinder support, the first and second bearing surfaces contacting during a part of the rotation of the supports. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An offset print unit includes a plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder having an end and a blanket gear coaxial with the blanket cylinder, a drive axle or pinion supporting a gear driving the blanket gear and a blanket lift arm for selectively supporting the end to cantilever the blanket cylinder, the blanket lift arm being rotatable about the drive axle or pinion. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A variable cutoff printing press is provided. The variable cutoff printing press includes a first plate cylinder, a second plate cylinder, a continuous belt blanket contacting the first and second plate cylinders and a movable support cylinder supporting the belt blanket. The first and second plate cylinders, the continuous belt blanket and the movable support cylinder form a first print section and the movable support cylinder is movable to change the print length of the first print section. A method of printing images with a printing press is also provided.

Abstract: An offset print unit includes a plate cylinder having an end, a rotatable plate cylinder support supporting the end and having a first bearing surface, a blanket cylinder having a blanket cylinder end, a rotatable blanket cylinder support supporting the end and having a second bearing surface and an actuating device for rotating the plate cylinder support and the blanket cylinder support, the first and second bearing surfaces contacting during a part of the rotation of the supports. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A variable cutoff printing press is provided. The variable cutoff printing press includes a first plate cylinder, a second plate cylinder, a continuous belt blanket contacting the first and second plate cylinders and a movable support cylinder supporting the belt blanket. The first and second plate cylinders, the continuous belt blanket and the movable support cylinder form a first print section and the movable support cylinder is movable to change the print length of the first print section. A method of printing images with a printing press is also provided.

Abstract: A printing group of a printing machine is comprised of at least two cylinders, a forme cylinder and a transfer cylinder. The transfer cylinder can be moved between a print-on position and a print-off position along a linear adjustment path. Both of the cylinders in the printing group can be driven mechanically to rotate independently of another printing group. This rotation is accomplished by at least one drive motor which is fixed on a frame of the printing machine.

Abstract: In order to create preconditions, in a web-fed rotary press, for good format variability of the printed products and economic utilization of the printing material, at least two printed pages of different heights are arranged in the circumferential direction on a form cylinder.

Abstract: A nine-cylinder satellite printing unit includes printing stations having a first, second, third and fourth transfer cylinder which a web passes through. The transfer cylinders are capable of being stopped when the printing assembly is switched off. A distance between each of the first and second transfer cylinders, the second and third transfer cylinders, and the third and fourth transfer cylinder is shorter than the distance between the first and fourth transfer cylinder. A guide roller keeps a supplied portion of the web away from the first transfer cylinder and another guide roller keeps a discharged portion web away from the fourth transfer cylinder when the first and fourth printing cylinders are respectively in print thrown-off positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imprinter unit, and is for the purpose of facilitating the plate replacement to reduce the work load. In an imprinter apparatus capable of replacing a portion of or all of a common pattern to be printed in a printer with a different pattern, there is provided a plate cylinder on which a press plate is mounted and a blanket cylinder to which a pattern on the press plate is transferred. The press plate is a gapless press plate having no joint.

Abstract: An offset printing press for printing a web, the press comprising a frame, a first plate cylinder movably mounted in the frame, and a first blanket cylinder in selective contact with the first plate cylinder. A second blanket cylinder for forming a nip with the first blanket cylinder is in contact with a second plate cylinder. The press has a first operative condition wherein the first plate cylinder and the first blanket cylinder are in direct contact to permit double-sided printing on the web, and a second operative condition wherein the first plate cylinder and the first blanket cylinder are separated to permit a plate change on the first plate cylinder while the web is printed by the second blanket cylinder.

Abstract: A cylinder throwing-off/throwing-on controller for a multicolor lithographic rotary press in which paper splicing is performed.

Abstract: A printing unit (10) includes a frame (22), first and second brackets (50, 54), and upper and lower plate cylinders (14, 18). The first bracket (50) is supported on the frame (22) for movement relative to the frame (22). The upper plate cylinder (14) has an end supported to move with the first bracket (50). The second bracket (54) also is supported on the frame (22) for movement relative to the frame (22), and the lower plate cylinder (18) has an end supported to move with the second bracket (54). The printing unit (10) also includes a skewing mechanism and a throw-off mechanism. The skewing mechanism moves the brackets (50, 54) transversely relative to the frame (22) independently of each other. The throw-off mechanism moves the brackets (50, 54) pivotally relative to the frame (22).

Abstract: To permit flying plate change of printing plates (14, 15; 28, 29) on plate cylinders (10, 11; 24, 25) of an offset printing system having blanket cylinders (1,2), one of which can function as an impression cylinder (2, 1), the plate cylinders, to maintain register, are axially fixed in the frame (3) of the printing machine, but the blanket cylinders are movable by an eccenter system between three positions (6, 7, 8) and an ink application roller (16) to which also damping fluid can be applied from a damper (20) is selectively engageable with either one of the plate cylinders. Thus, only the blanket cylinder (1, 2) and the associated impression cylinder (2, 1) need be shifted for respective engagement with the plate cylinders, and register alignment of the plate cylinders is maintained. An ink application roller is selectively engageable with the plate cylinders, for example by being supported on a swing shaft or a swing lever (17), with which also a damping fluid application roller (19) is engageable.

Abstract: A blanket to blanket Typed Printing Press for separately using, one at a time, a plurality of printing units each of which includes two sets of plated and blanket cylinders, where one printing unit has different standard sizes of cylinders with respect to another printing unit, and a pair of ink feeding units. Each printing unit, being disposed between the ink feeding units is replaceable and the space inbetween each of the ink feeding units, is controlable so as to feed adequately the ink required for each portion of the printing unit.

Abstract: Two plate cylinders have horizontal and transverse axes placed respectively on either side of a vertical plane passing by axes of a touching cylinder and a blanket cylinder. A support is mounted between the touching cylinder and the blanking cylinder and is provided for the two plate cylinders, being tiltably mounted about the axis of the blanket cylinder. Two starting cylinders have horizontal and transverse axes disposed respectively slightly below and outside with respect to each plate cylinder. Control means control a tilting motion of the support of the plate cylinders for setting under pressure each of the plate cylinders and for rotatively driving the starting cylinders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conversion of a web fed letterpress unit (10) into a web fed offset printing press unit (42) having a main frame (12) an auxiliary frame (44) inside the main frame for receiving cylinders, a pair of offset plate cylinders (46 and 46a) for mounting printing plates thereon, an inking arrangement (16, 18 and 20) for applying films of ink to the plates, and a pair of blanket cylinders (48 and 48a) in close proximity of a position for respective rolling contact with the plates on the plate cylinder and the other blanket cylinder. An offset press gear train (114) is installed outside the frames if the shafts for the cylinders can be extended through the bores (56, 56a, 58, 58a, 76 and 112) in the main frame left from the removed letterpress unit cylinders. Otherwise the gear train (54) is placed inside the main frame. Pilots (60, 60a, 62 and 62a) for insertion into bores in the main frame guide the installation of the auxiliary frame.

Abstract: An impression cylinder (11) and a blanket cylinder (2) are made in contact with/separated from each other at prescribed timing. Continuous paper (12) inserted between the impression cylinder (11) and the blanket cylinder (2) is intermittently fed in association with the said timing for printing. A pin feed tractor (13) arranged on an inlet side of a printing position forward/reversely feeds and stops the continuous paper (12) at timing previously set in relation to the said timing for contact/separation. A suction conveyer (14) arranged on an outlet side of the printing position sucks and conveys the printed continuous paper (12) while switching its suction force in plural of stages in relation to the said paper feeding timing.

Abstract: A low cost, variable, modular, web-fed offset lithographic printing unit or tower is disclosed which allows significant economies in production and maintenance, and can be easily and quickly modified in the field using interchangeable modules so as to vary printing characteristics. The printing tower, in the straight-through variable perfector form thereof, is preferably provided with a printer module having upper and lower web-printing blanket rollers; in addition, the tower has corresponding upper and lower inker modules for the respective blanket rollers. The upper inker module is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis so that it can be shifted between a normal inking position over the printer module to a retracted, printer module-clearing position allowing removal and/or replacement of the printer module by essentially vertical shifting of the printer module.

Abstract: An offset printing machine with variable format comprises two upper transverse rails extending between two front and rear longitudianl uprights of the frame of the machine. A cassette carrying the plate and blanket cylinders is suspended from these rails, during a movement of introduction or removal of said cassette, via upper rollers of horizontal and longitudinal axes mounted in the upper part of the cassette. These two upper transverse rails project forwardly with respect to the front upright of the frame. This front upright bears, on its outer face, two lower horizontal arms extending forwardly and on which the cassette rolls, during a movement of introduction or removal, via lower rollers of horizontal and longitudinal axes, mounted in the lower part of the cassette.

Abstract: A method for recording a variant information and a steady information onto a recording medium, wherein the variant information and an identification information for designating the steady information which is to be recorded later are first recorded, and the identification information is then read to select a desired steady information from a plurality of pieces of stored steady information in accordance with the read identification information, and finally, the selected steady information is recorded on the recording medium. An apparatus for effecting the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods and apparatus for printing, including equipment for adapting an offset press so that it may be operated flexographically, either to coat stock or print on it, without impairing the function of the press as an offset press. In addition, the equipment improves the application of two-part inks or catalyst set inks and permits simultaneous printing and coating of stock. The equipment includes a pair of rollers and an ink pan, as well as drive means for the rollers, and mounting means for bringing one of the rollers into ink transfer contact with the blanket roll of an offset press. The mounting means includes quick-release collars for easy removal of the rollers from the press when they are not needed, and for maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing labels is disclosed, and more particularly a portable apparatus which will reproduce indicia of a master sheet on a continuous web substrate and thereafter cut the web into individual labels. The apparatus is provided with a rotatable plate roller, to which the master sheet is attached. A fountain solution module is provided which applies a fountain solution to the surface of the master sheet, and an ink module is provided which supplies ink to the master sheet in the areas which the fountain solution has not adhered. A blanket roller is provided having a diameter equal to the plate roller and is in contact therewith. The plate and blanket rollers are driven at equal speed such that the ink on the plate roller will be accurately transferred to the blanket roller. In addition, a freewheeling impression roller is provided which is mounted for reciprocating movement into and out of contact with the blanket roller.

Abstract: An offset lithographic web printing press capable of printing a series of relatively short runs without interruption and with minimum waste of web material. The press includes a plurality of printing units. During a given run, some of the printing units are in a printing mode, while others are in a nonprinting or thrown-off mode. The web moves freely through the units which are thrown-off while those units are made ready for a succeeding run. Each unit includes a motor which has adequate capacity to drive such auxiliary equipment as a web infeed and folder, in addition to the unit, itself. Each unit motor may be clutched into a common drive line passing through all the units in order to drive the infeed and folder. Each printing unit also includes apparatus for throwing the printing cylinders of the unit to and from the web, and for changing the attitude of the web as it passes through the unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conversion of a web fed letterpress unit (10) into a web fed offset printing press unit (42) having a main frame (12) an auxiliary frame (44) inside the main frame for receiving cylinders, a pair of offset plate cylinders (46 and 46a) for mounting printing plates thereon, an inking arrangement (16, 18 and 20) for applying films of ink to the plates, and a pair of blanket cylinders 48 and 48a) in close proximity of a position for respective rolling contact with the plates on the plate cylinder and the other blanket cylinder. An offset press gear train (114) is installed outside the frames if the shafts for the cylinders can be extended through the bores (56, 56a, 58, 58a, 76 and 112) in the main frame left from the removed letterpress unit cylinders. Otherwise the gear train (54) is placed inside the main frame. Pilots (60, 60a, 62 and 62a) for insertion into bores in the main frame guide the installation of the auxiliary frame.

Abstract: A combined lithographic/flexographic printing process having a plurality of successive printing stations for printing color images on a substrate in a continuous in-line process. One of the stations prints a first color image using the flexographic process and at least one of the successive printing stations prints a second color image over the first color image using an offset lithographic process in the continuous in-line process.