Abstract: A method of printing on a web of paper includes the steps of providing the web, adjusting a tension on the web and sequentially printing each of a plurality of different indicia on defined sequential longitudinally spaced printing fields of the web. Information is then printed in each of the defined printing fields on the web. Preferably, the method is used for printing bingo game booklets in which each sheet of the booklet is identified by a different color or border than is each other sheet in the booklet. The apparatus includes a roll stand from which the web is fed and an indicia printing unit. The indicia printing unit includes a plurality of indicium rolls supported by and spaced around a frame and an endless printing belt supported by the rolls, the printing belt having a plurality of sequentially longitudinally spaced print areas.

Abstract: A web of paper is printed with selective non-variable information and vastly different variable information on portions of the paper web which are ultimately separated into discrete documents. At least one ion deposition print unit and a number of flexographic print units are utilized, as well as a data source containing at least the variable information, and first and second computers. Data is read from the data source with the first computer and in response to the read data the ion deposition print unit is controlled with the first computer to print variable information on the paper web. Form lag commands are provided from the first computer to the second computer. In response to the lag commands the flexographic print units are independently controlled by the second computer to operatively engage and disengage the paper web and thereby print non-variable information from at least one of the flexographic units on each discrete document portion of the paper web.

Abstract: A measuring field block for detecting quality data in the multicolor printing of single editions, which measuring fields (A1-D3) printed on a printed product in an optically scannable manner with at least one color-measuring surface (F) for determining a color density, a surface coverage or a tristimulus value for each of the measuring fields (A1-D3), is characterized in that the measuring field block has lines (L) for primary colors used in the print for the simultaneous determination of values for a register deviation.

Abstract: The web fed or sheet fed printing machine for security papers, in particular banknotes, possesses a principal printing group. It further has an additional, independent printing group (20) placed upstream of the principal printing group in the feed direction of the paper and allowing a pattern in at least one predetermined color to be printed over the entire width of the paper before the paper passes into the principal printing group.

Abstract: A lithographic web-fed rotary printing press (1) comprises an apparatus (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) for diverting a wet printed web (4), e.g. in order to pass it around a downstream printing unit (2b) of the press (1). Each diverting apparatus (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) includes a diverting roll (12) having a hydrophilic surface, to which water solution 14, preferably dampening solution, as it is used in dampening systems of a lithographic rotary printing press, is supplied by a spray nozzle arrangement (22), or by an applicator roller (16) which is in contact with a pan roller (20) for transferring the water solution (14) from a reservoir (18).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling registration between different printing plates or printing cylinders in a printing press which includes a camera with a lens having at least two zoom settings and a control unit for changing the zoom setting of the camera in accordance with a distance between registration marks printed on a printed substrate found in at least one image acquired by the camera.

Abstract: A printing press includes a plate cylinder defining a nip with an impression cylinder. A drive shaft is drivingly connected to the impression cylinder to rotate the impression cylinder. A first gear is mounted on the drive shaft and is drivingly connected to the drive shaft. A differential mechanism is driven by the first gear. A second gear is mounted on the drive shaft for rotation relative to the drive shaft. The second gear is rotatably driven by the differential. A third gear in mesh with the second gear drivingly connects with the plate cylinder to rotate the plate cylinder. A correction drive motor, when energized, varies the speed at which the differential drives the second gear. The correction drive motor thus varies the speed of rotation of the plate cylinder relative to the impression cylinder.

Abstract: The printer has at least two printing stations which cause images to be printed on a substrate. The printer is capable of registration adjustment. First and second patterns of spaced registration marks are printed onto the substrate by operation of the printing stations. The second pattern partially overlaps the first pattern to form a composite pattern of registration marks. The composite pattern is illuminated and the reflectivity thereof is examined at wavelengths complementary to the colors of the first and second patterns to obtain a reflectivity signature for the composite pattern. The reflectivity signature of the composite pattern (120) is compared with a predetermined signature to determine an adjustment factor for the printer.

Abstract: A process and arrangement are disclosed for controlling or regulating operations carried out by a printing machine.

Abstract: A method for multicolor printing of stock in web or plate form and having a smooth, nonabsorbent surface, includes printing on the stock by the indirect flexographic printing process; assigning each color to be printed to a respective printing unit which includes an inking unit, a cylinder for a flexographic printing form, a transfer cylinder and a counterpressure cylinder; always drying the ink on the stock before passing the stock to the next printing unit; and removing ink located in indentations and on sides, respectively, of the printing surfaces of the flexographic printing form; and a printing press for printing in accordance with the method.

Abstract: A web-fed rotary printing machine having a plurality of directly adjacent printing units. Each of the printing units has only one side wall, in which the printing group cylinders are float mounted. The printing units are arranged in-line with no working space between them.

Abstract: A method for detecting image position errors, includes forming a first pattern with a symbol embedded therein and a second pattern which, when superpositioned on the first pattern, exposes the symbol if the misalignment between the first and second patterns exceeds a position error tolerance. The symbol is perceivable with the unaided eye even if the misalignment is imperceivable to the unaided eye.

Abstract: The invention is a system for a printing press which maintains the density of the colored ink put down on a moving paper web. The system includes a scanning device having a strobe light for illuminating a color patch in a color bar which runs transversely across the web, a camera for photographing the illuminated color patch and a step motor for moving the scanner incrementally across the web. Actuation of the scanner is timed through a microprocessor using input from an optical sensor and encoder. A signal is sent from the camera to a computer which determines the density of the color patch shot. A work station calculates how much the existing ink control console must be adjusted to maintain density and a command signal is sent from the work station to the console to effect the adjustment.

Abstract: A flexographic unit printing assembly and method of printing a web of paper using the assembly eliminates the need for one or more flexographic units without eliminating the capability to effectively print certain jobs. At least one of the flexographic print units is provided with a print plate having distinctly different first and second portions, and a computer control has two nodes connected to the first flexographic print unit, one for sending a command telling the unit to print substantially the entire length of the print plate, and the other sending a command to the first flexographic print unit telling it to print the web only with the first print portion, and then to operatively (e.g. mechanically) disengage the print plate from the web.

Abstract: A shaftless rotary printing press includes a plurality of individually driven printing stations and at least one separately driven folding unit. The drives which work with one folding unit in one rotation are connected to a drive control unit by a control and parameterization bus and to a device for generating a setpoint and a synchronization signal by means of a parallel synchronization bus, and the drives are each connected to the synchronization bus, which is designed as a ring bus by a bus interface. This yields a rotary printing press without shafting which is so flexible that its printing stations can be synchronized with any desired folding unit from one production to another simply and inexpensively.

Abstract: A tension control system for a web in a form printing press permits arbitrary setting of tensions of a web at respective zones between an impression cylinder and respective rollers. The system includes tension detectors located on the upstream side of an impression cylinder in the printing portion and upstream side of a tension roller in the processing portion, for detecting tension on the web, speed adjusting mechanisms provided at least in respective drive systems of the impression cylinder and the tension roller adjacent to respective tension detectors, for adjusting respective rotation speeds of the impression cylinder and the tension roller on the basis of output signals from controllers, to which detected signals of respective tension detectors are fed back and tension setting devices associated with respective controllers.

Abstract: A twist registration machine for use in adjusting twist registration in printing presses of the type that comprise a plurality of aligned print towers mounted on a support, the twist registration machine and a method for adjusting twist registration of printing images on such printing presses during printing are disclosed.

Abstract: A tensioner and tensioning system for maintaining tension in a printer liner while providing manual advancement of the printer liner without accessing the inner compartment of the printer. A tension comprises first and second end brought in proximity to form a channel, and a middle portion formed into a circular configuration to hold the roll of printer liner. A stopper is included within the channel between the two ends which resists movement of the liner and promotes tension. The liner is preferably advances against the resistance of the tensioner by a take-up roller cooperating with a one-directional clutch which advances the liner without relaxation to maintain tension. The one-directional clutch is operated from an external area on the printer to enable the manual advancement of the liner without accessing the printer's inner compartment.

Abstract: A printing machine comprising a plurality of printing units (3) arranged in line one behind the other and an endless transport belt (4) for substrates to be printed, said transport belt running around, at least, two spaced-apart rollers (5, 6) and past said printing units. At least, two rollers (5, 6) are mounted on a coherent belt-carrying unit (9) from which, when being in a slack condition, said transport belt (4) may be stripped off. Furthermore, the printing machine features a drawer (24) which may be pulled out laterally and which is provided below said belt-carrying unit (9) as well as a holding device (11, 12, 13, 15, 16) holding said belt-carrying unit (9) and being switchable between, at least, two different conditions, in a first condition said holding device holding said belt-carrying unit in an operating position, and in a second condition said belt-carrying unit (9) resting loosely on said drawer (24). This permits a simple and quick belt changing.

Abstract: Various components in a rotary printing press are driven by suitable electric motors. Each component and its associated drive motor is provided with an angle position sensor. A tolerance range for the rotary angular position of each electric motor is selected. If the actual instantaneous angular position of the motor or component falls outside of the tolerance range, the rotary printing press is stopped.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a rotary printing press utilizes signals from angular position detectors on press components to identify wear patterns. These signals are compared to press-idiosyncratic operating patterns and changes between the two are analyzed to provide information on press component wear.

Abstract: A multi-color web-fed rotary printing press is arranged having a plurality of printing groups with each group having several individual printing units. Each printing group has an upright drive shaft that is connected to a drive motor for each of the several printing units in the group. The several upright drive shafts are connected to a longitudinal main drive shaft. The individual drive motors and the upright shafts are sized to be able to take over the drive of one of the printing units in a printing group should its motor fail.

Abstract: In order to enable a rotary press having a plurality of printing units capable of printing on a paper web drawn out of a roller sheet of paper to operate in an increased working efficiency, to be saved in space and to be small sized, there is provided a construction thereof in which a space is provided which is substantially identical to a space that is required to accommodate a single roll of paper of a predetermined diameter, in each of one half or less (3) of the said plurality of printing units; a means (30) is provided for supporting, in the said substantially identical space, a plurality of rolls of paper (W21, W22) each with a diameter that is smaller than the said predetermined diameter, the said means being operable so that the said plurality of rolls of paper may be joined together in succession automatically; and further there is provided, in the said substantially identical space and at a site that is adjacent thereto, a means (50) supported on the said supporting means (30) for joining the said p

Abstract: A drive is provided for a sheet-fed offset printing press having multiple printing units. Each printing unit has printing cylinders which are independently driven. Transfer drums are driven mechanically uncoupled from the printing cylinders, and may be interconnected by a single gear train, or the transfer cylinders of each printing unit may be independently driven by a respective drive. Other rollers in the printing units may have individual controllable drives also. The invention minimizes disturbances caused by load fluctuations in conventional printing presses wherein the printing and transfer systems are mechanically intercoupled. The invention also is cost effective, particularly for register corrections. According to the invention, at least the plate cylinders are driven individually with respect to the sheet-transfer system or the corresponding blanket cylinder.

Abstract: A method of printing multi-color images on pressure sensitive labels carried on a web uses a disk shaped mark for each color which is printed to form the image. The disks (spots) are printed on the image, or elsewhere on the top layer of the web, with one disk being printed on top of the other, so that the marks coincide in size, shape and position. If a color is misregistered, it appears as a crescent which extends beyond the multi-colored disk. Such misregistration may be immediately viewed on a video magnifier, using at least 400X magnification, and the misregistration corrected.

Abstract: A reconfigurable web processor, comprising: a first and a second base modules, each of the base modules including an external surface with at least one alignment structure disposed on the external surface; a plurality of pacing rolls, with a different one of the plurality of pacing rolls associated with each of the base modules to adjust the pace of a web moving within the associated base module; a plurality of transducers, with a different one of the plurality of transducers associated with a different one of the base modules and disposed to monitor a characteristic of the web at said associated base module and to generate a transducer signal in accordance therewith; a plurality of pacing servos, with a different one of the plurality of pacing servos associated with each different one of the pacing rolls, each of the pacing servos to adjust the pace of the web in accordance with a different pacing control signal for its associated the pacing roll; and a process head drive disposed to drive a drive roll in a

Abstract: An automatic register control system for multi-color rotary presses having adjusting means for adjusting the phase on a plate cylinder of each printing section, comprising a registering error detecting device that reads register marks each printed on a traveling paper web by each printing section with a CCD camera as image data, corrects the image data using inherent correcting means, and detects the characteristic points of the register marks as their coordinates to detect a deviation between the actual coordinates of the detected characteristic points and the desired coordinates thereof, and adjusting signal output means for outputting an adjusting signal to the adjusting means to adjust the phase of the plate cylinder in each printing section on the basis of the deviation detected by the registering error detecting device, thereby automatically adjusting registering errors in the multi-color rotary press.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling registration between different printing plates or printing cylinders in a printing press which includes a camera with a lens having at least two zoom settings and a control unit for changing the zoom setting of the camera in accordance with a distance between registration marks printed on a printed substrate found in at least one image acquired by the camera.

Abstract: A printing press includes a plurality of individual digital imaging units. A raster image processor receives image data in a machine-independent data format, generates machine-specific image data from the machine-independent image data and delivers the machine-specific image data to the individual imaging units. An error detection device ascertains register errors of the imaging units and generates corresponding register error signals. An image data modification circuit connected upstream of the raster image processor communicates with the error detection device, for modifying the image data in the machine-independent format on the basis of the register error signals and delivering the modified machine-independent image data to the raster image processor.

Abstract: A system and a method for producing displays such as signs and cards includes a substrate of material which is transferred from a supply roller to a first receiving unit. During the transfer, the substrate passes a series of color printing stations which applies a four-color image to the substrate, an opaque printing station which applies a layer of opaque ink to selected portions of the four-color image, a thick printing station which applies a pattern of viscous translucent ink to form extraordinarily thick ridges of translucent ink on the substrate. Finally, a metalized substance is applied to the substrate over the various ink layers using vapor metalization. As provided herein, the metalized substance is applied to the substrate during transfer of the substrate from the first receiving unit to a second receiving unit.

Abstract: A speed control device for a multi-motor drive mechanism for driving printing press components is described. The speed control device allows the control of drive motors experiencing different instantaneous loads. This is achieved in accordance with the invention by assigning the motor having the greatest load fluctuation as the master, with the other motors assigned as slaves. A signal indicative of the demand experienced by the master is smoothed and used to control the slave motors.

Abstract: The exit cylinder of a first unit is connected to the entrance cylinder of a second unit for making a deformable parallelogram, and at least the exit and entrance cylinders of each unit are respectively connected to displacement mechanisms.

Abstract: A printing press has a replaceable cassette removably mounted on a frame. An impression cylinder cooperates with a printing cylinder in the cassette to define a nip through which sheet material moves during printing on the sheet material. The impression cylinder is movable relative to the frame between a retracted position in which the impression cylinder is offset to one side of the cassette and a printing position in which the impression cylinder extends into the cassette. In addition, a manually actuatable mechanism is provided to simultaneously adjust the size of opposite ends of a gap at the nip between the printing cylinder and the impression cylinder.

Abstract: In a printing unit with two printing groups working together using the blanket-to-blanket method, in order to rotate the form cylinder and the transfer cylinder equally during circumferential register adjustment, the transfer cylinders are drive connected via helical gears and the transfer cylinders and the form cylinders of each printing group are drive connected via straight spur gears. The drive of the printing unit is carried out on one of the helical gears. Circumferential register adjustment of a printing group is carried out by movement of its helical gear.

Abstract: A pre-registration system for a printing press may be provided with a first detector for detecting an angular position of a first rotatable printing cylinder by sensing when a reference mark disposed on the first printing cylinder is in a predetermined angular position, a second detector for detecting an angular position of a second printing cylinder by sensing when a reference mark of the second printing cylinder is in a predetermined angular position, and an adjustment mechanism for automatically adjusting the angular position of one of the printing cylinders based on the circumference, a web distance, and the angular position of one of the printing cylinders. The adjustment mechanism may adjust the angular position based upon a stored phase data relating to the web distance and the circumference.

Abstract: A length of web material is worked by a number of individual work units each of which performs a work function on the material to progressively achieve an end result, the work units being arranged serially along an X coordinate direction extending lengthwise of the web material and the web material being moved unidirectionally by each work unit. Accumulators are provided between adjacent ones of the work units and one or both of the work units located immediately on opposite sides of an accumulator are controlled in response to the amount of slack web material contained in the accumulator, as by stopping the feeding of the web material by the upstream one of the work units when the accumulated slack material exceeds a given amount and/or by stopping the feeding of the web material by the downstream one of the work units when the amount of accumulated material falls below a given amount.

Abstract: A mechanism to exclude critical speeds from normal operating ranges is provided having at least one drive unit to drive at least one unit of a processing machine. The at least one unit of a processing machine has a known torsional stiffness. A single power transmission is provided linking said at least one drive unit to said at least one unit of a processing machine. Said power transmission includes an adjustment member coupling to tune all torsional critical speeds out of the range of normal operating speeds of the processing machine. A single power transmission unit can therefore be used for an entire family of processing machines, wherein each processing machine may have a different stiffness.

Abstract: A printing press is provided which may be adapted to print in multiple colors on paper or film. The press can then laminate film-to-film, laminate film-to-paper, or apply a PVA adhesive or cold seal adhesive to the substrate in line. The press is provided with a CPU and a plurality of motors each of which drives an individual roller, i.e. a printing station roller, a nip, or the rewind roller, and a plurality of sensors which monitor the speed of the laminate and substrate, the tension of the laminate in substrate in various places. In response to the signals received from the sensors, the CPU individually controls the motors to maintain the printing stations in registry with each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to controllers for printing presses. Such structures of this type, generally, utilize information gathered at earlier production stages, such as, the crease register to improve the through put of later stages, such as, printing.

Abstract: A method and a system for signal transmission between two computers is described, wherein one of the computers is fixedly mounted and the other computer is mounted in a rotational element, such as a plate cylinder of a printing machine. The transmission channel includes a rotational transformer. The rotational transformer utilized to transmit the signals is of single channel design. Data collisions resulting from the simultaneous transmission of messages are avoided through detection by the computers. Accordingly, both computers simultaneously transmit the signals present on the transmission channel during the transmission of a message and compare them with the transmitted signals. If an inequality is determined, the transmission procedure is aborted and restarted after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A bus system for a printing machine, in particular a sheet-fed offset printing machine, which includes a plurality of stations designed as computers, which are connected to one another via a bus. In the bus, it is intended that potential errors which occur at unforeseeable times can be detected, without it being necessary to intervene in the line system of the bus. According to the invention, this is achieved in that at least one of the stations has a bus coupler whose transmitting portion is designed for the purpose of outputting bus signals for the purpose of establishing a connection to the other stations, the value of at least one physical variable differing from the value of this variable provided in the line protocol. In the case of a bus designed as an optical waveguide, this is advantageously achieved by one station carrying out the attempt to establish a connection initially at a low transmitted power.

Abstract: A polychromic image is reproduced and transferred onto a substrate by (a) providing a single support member having a continuous surface moving at substantially constant speed along a predetermined path; (b) forming on the surface a colored image from variable printing data with a printing ink containing a coloring agent; and (c) bringing a substrate into contact with the colored image to cause transfer of the image from the surface onto the substrate and thereby imprint the substrate with the image. Steps (b) and (c) are repeated several times to define a corresponding number of printing stages arranged at predetermined locations along the aforesaid path and each using a coloring agent of different color, and to thereby produce several differently colored images which are transferred at respective transfer positions onto the substrate in superimposed relation to provide the desired polychromic image.

Abstract: Modules, such a paper tray 21, are stacked under a printer (3). Power to drive the paper feed originates from the printer. A housing (9, 27) carries a shaft (17, 35) which is keyed to turn with the housing. The shafts have abutment surfaces (47a) which mesh with abutment surfaces on the housing (29a, 29b). A thrust bearing (51) supporting the housing has a configured bottom to permit limited adjustment by rotation of the housing around the gear (35) at the opposite end of the housing. The top of the modules under the printer extend past their general frame and have a conical guide surface (23) to direct an entering shaft. The bottom of the modules has an opening (19e) to receive the extended part from a module on which it is stacked.

Abstract: A method and a cylinder arrangement for a printing apparatus is provided in which printing plates (16,17) or punching plates (16,17) of different lengths may selectively be mounted on the same plate cylinder (12,13), and wherein a web (10) to be printed or punched may be moved past the cylinder (12,13) at a substantially constant speed. Two or more formats (18,19) may be interlaced on the web (10). The formats (18, 19) may be of different lenghts in the longitudinal direction of the web (10). Adjustment means for adjusting web length between printing units or between contact points between the web (10) and plates (16,17) within the same printing unit are not needed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of printing ink upon a continuous substrate using a printing apparatus. First, the substrate is fed around a central impression cylinder which rotates so that the substrate successively passes through at least one face roll and a plurality of inking stations. When passing through each ink station, ink is heated to a predetermined temperature which is higher than the temperature of the central impression cylinder wherein the viscosity of the ink is dropped low enough so that the ink may be transferred to the substrate. Next, the ink at each inking station is applied to the substrate causing the temperature of the ink to drop and the viscosity to climb. This allows previous down inks to appear to be several times more viscous than the ink applied at the current inking station and to pull the ink off a printing plate in the direction of the substrate. Last, the inked substrate, which has passed through all inking stations, is cured at a curing station.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for controlling misregistration between the colors of an image printed on a web. The system includes an imaging device such as a camera or group of cameras, a processor, and image conversion circuits coupled to the processor. The system detects print color misregistration based upon the signals produced by the imaging device as a result of scanning the printed image. The conversion circuits convert the signals to signals usable by the processor to determine the color densities of the various colors within the image. These on-press color densities are compared with reference color densities stored in a memory of the processor, wherein the reference color densities may be generated from a source such as the printing plates used to print the image for which misregistration is being monitored.

Abstract: A mounting device for bearings placed on shaft extensions consists of a lower support basin rigidly connected with the frame and of a lid, connected in a pivoting manner with same, provided with a lower lever forming the operating portion which, when the lid is in the open position, extends into or across the support basin far enough to pivot the lid into its closed position by lowering the bearing abutting against it and placed on the shaft extension; in which closed position the basin rests tightly against the bearing with its circular, curved inner side. For the sake of simplification, a single lid is provided in a pivoting manner with a locking lever, which has at its end a hook portion, which engages an abutment of the support basin. Furthermore, an arrangement is provided which automatically pivots the locking lever.

Abstract: A printing press, in particular for flexographic printing, comprising an unwinder (4) for unwinding a roll (6) of sheet material (8) to be printed and a winder (5) for winding a roll (6) of printed sheet material, which is conveyed round a drum (14) along the periphery of which is distributed a plurality of inking units (12), each comprising an inking or anilox cylinder (13) and a printing or plate cylinder (14), both the drum (10) and the cylinders (13, 14) of each inking unit (12) being supported by a pair of sides (11), at least one of said sides (11) being provided with at least one mobile shoulder (15) that can turn around a hinge (16), so that it can be brought from a closed operating position in which it co-operates in supporting said inking units (12), to an open position in which it completely frees the cylinder (13, 14) of the inking traits (12) which continue to be supported in cantilever by the other side (11).

Abstract: A computer interface unit of an electronic control system is configured for providing a user-oriented selection arrangement for selecting an appropriate adjustment sequence for changing the alignment of a flexible membrane on a cylinder. The interface unit can be directly connected with a computer processor unit for directing the computer processor unit in the selection of an appropriate correction algorithm for operating the control devices for carrying out the adjustment. In general, a control console can be provided with operating elements for inputting control commands, display elements for displaying a respective status, and control keys for inputting the necessary information for carrying out the control operation.

Abstract: A web printing press is provided with a plurality of printing units, each including a plate cylinder, an idling impression cylinder, and web metering roller supported between the side walls of a frame. A motor-driven primary line shaft is supported on the frame and extends along one of the side walls, and a first gearbox is connected between the primary line shaft and the plate cylinder of each unit for transmitting rotation of the primary line shaft to the plate cylinder. A second gearbox is connected between the primary line shaft and the web metering roller of each unit for transmitting rotation of the primary line shaft to the web metering roller.