Abstract: Apparatus for sensing distance between a pair of indicia on a surface moving relative to the apparatus has an interval detector, a sensor and a scale device. The interval detector can respond to movement of the surface. The detector can produce an interval signal signifying the time elapsing during the passage of an interval on the surface of a predetermined length. The sensor is positioned alongside the surface for sensing the arrival times of the pair of indicia at the sensor. The scale device responds to the interval detector and sensor device for producing a distance signal signifying the ratio of the time difference in arrival of the pair to the interval signal.

Abstract: To double production rate of printed subject matter without increasing printing machine speed, a serially arranged row of printing stations, each having a blanket cylinder, a plate cylinder, and associated inkers--and dampers, if required--have two impression cylinders (21, 25) located for engagement with the end ones of the blanket cylinders (1, 5), so that inked printed information can be received from both ends of the serially positioned blanket cylinders. Ink applied to the respective blanket cylinders by the associated plate cylinders will migrate through the chain of blanket cylinders, with ink splitting occurring at each contact between the respective blanket cylinders, to provide sufficient inking at both of the blanket cylinders (1, 5) positioned at the end of the series of blanket cylinders (1-5).

Abstract: A plurality of printing systems are stacked above each other to form a printing system tower assembly. Two such structures are provided, constructed in form of the mirror image. Each printing system, including a forme or gravure cylinder and a printing or impression cylinder, is closely associated with a drying chamber, within which hot-air dryers are located. The respective, stacked drying chambers are separated from each other by fire-resistant separating walls. A web is guided through the first printing system tower assembly and then, in similar manner, through the second mirror-image printing system tower assembly, to thereby permit prime and verso printing, in multi-color reproduction, without turning of the web. The dryers are energy-efficient since external radiation therefrom is effectively prevented due to their back-to-back positioning and construction.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a printing cylinder for printing an element such as a paper web and feed and take-up rollers for the web. Sensors are provided for sensing the relative positioning of the web and the print which is applied to the web and the signals from the sensors are fed to a micro-processor. The micro-processor controls the feed and take up rollers so that if the relative positioning of the web is incorrect, the feed and take-up rollers are controlled simultaneously to move the web relative to the printing cylinder substantially without varying any tension in the web between the feed roller and the take-up roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the registration between a printed web of material and a downstream processing station comprising a control unit which further controls a web path register to change the web path length as a function of the output of a print detector monitoring the passage of said web and as a function of an encoder coupled to a web processing station to provide an output signal indicative of the operation of the web processing station wherein said apparatus compensates for error resulting in the registration of the printing on the web due to variations in the printed repeated length of the web extending between both (1) the printing station and the print detector and (2) the print detector and a subsequent web processing station.

Abstract: To permit, selectively, continuous printing, for example for wallpaper, wrapping or gift wrap paper, plastic or other foils continuously coated wth adhesive or the like, while additionally permitting use of the machine for printing on substrates, such as paper, which have margins, the plate cylinders, or the web between the plate cylinders can be respectively so aligned or offset with respect to each other that the position of a groove (5, 6) on one plate cylinder, which would result in an unprinted strip of paper, can have printing information, or adhesive or the like applied thereto by a plate on another printing station or, selectively, the other printing station may have its plate adjusted to provide printing information in a second color over the printed information applied by the first plate cylinder. The system can be expanded with multiple cylinders, and may be applied to offset, direct lithographic, raised letter, flexo graphic printing, and the like.

Abstract: Variegated composite designs (11) are printed on a surface of a length of fabric (12) by a two-stage printing process in which first, sharp, unmodulated color background portions (14) of the design are first applied by a conventional contact printer (13) such as a rotary screen printer in one example. Next, the partially printed fabric is advanced to an airbrush printing station located downstream from the final stage of the contact printer, where a plurality of airbrushes (21) are selectively operated to apply variable color tone portions or features (22) to the fabric adjacent to the background portions previously printed, in either the same or contrasting color or colors so as to produce a variegated composite design including the airbrushed portions superimposed on and embellishing the background sharp color portions previously printed. Operation of the airbrushes and contact printer is synchronized (FIGS. 1, 2-24, 27; FIGS.

Abstract: To permit compensation and guidance for different paths (A, B) of a paper web through a printing machine, for example, selectively, for offset lithographic printing, di-lithographic printing, or flexo printing, a paper deflection roller is positionable between two base or fixed positions (A, B) in dependence on the selected printing mode and hence paper path, and, additionally, in a superimposed movement, deflectable to control the paper tension between adjacent printing stations (1, 2, 3, 4) so that tension between printing stations of the web can be individually controlled and maintained at a suitable level, applicable also to low-strength paper, such as recycled paper.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling fan-out in a web offset press. A bowed roller is interposed upstream of the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit. The bowed roller applies outward lateral forces to the web, to expand the web laterally prior to printing thereon by the blanket cylinder of the first printing unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for pre-setting the register in photogravure printing machines. According to the invention, the angular position of a first printing cylinder is determined relative to a scanning device when the cylinder adjusting mark passes the scanning device. The first cylinder is held stationary and its angular position is stored upon detection of the adjusting mark. An upstream cylinder is rotated and a pulse is generated when the angular position of the upstream cylinder is rotated past the stored angular position of the first cylinder. The web distance traveled between the generation of said pulse and the detection by the scanning device of the adjusting mark of the upstream cylinder is proportional to the angular offset of the two cylinders. A signal proportion to this web distance can be used as a register positioning command.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing business forms made up of a plurality of webs including a plurality of towers, one for each web with each web being equipped with a plurality of vertically related modules for imparting characteristics to the webs, each module being adapted to create a characteristic in the web traveling therepast, and means associated with each tower for changing at least one characteristic in the web traveling therepast.

Abstract: A system for controlling registration in a Printing press between the moving web having repetitive print patterns and a work station operated cyclically in synchronization with the press. The system includes a photoelectric scanner having a variable sensitivity, a position pulse generator with a backup accumulating device, a motorized compensator for controlling the longitudinal position of the web relative to the work station and a digital control circuit for driving the compensator to correct misregistration. The control system counts position pulses during each cycle of the work station, defines a monitoring period during which marks and repetitive print patterns are scanned and signals differences between the cycles of the print markings and the work station by sampling at the occurrence of each mark, a digital number which corresponds to the instantaneous position of the work station and its cycle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining control of the operation of a printing equipment such as for example the type of equipment which is used for printing fabric webs. The equipment includes a series of printing elements such as rotary screens each of which is required to apply a single color to the moving web and all of the colors required to be in registration. The type of equipment with which the invention is especially concerned has a plurality of printing elements and most often these comprise more than the number used in printing on paper and the like webs although the invention is applicable thereto. The invention is concerned with the operating parameters for the equipment and for the several printing elements, these being recorded on a suitable carrier for a given printing project and used for adjustment of the elements and related components of the printing equipment for repetitions of the same project, the information being recorded digitally.

Abstract: A dual harmonic gear phasing device forming a part of a web-forming printing tower or other web-handling station is disclosed which allows static or dynamic, 360.degree. infinite phase alterations of web-contacting rollers for coarse and fine tuning of the registration of a multiple-station printing press. The phasing device comprises an enclosed, oil filled structure having a pair of tandem coupled harmonic drive gears respectively connected through gearing or the like to the press drive and to a desired roller for phase changing purposes. Each phasing device also includes a selectively operable stepper motor coupled to one of the harmonic gears for effecting phase alterations. The harmonic gears serve as a 1:1 gear ratio transmission during normal running operations. The phasing device can be used on hard impression or perfecting printing towers, and on other types of web-handling equipment where proper registration is important, such as numbering and punching units.

Abstract: A particular type of registration control mark is utilized with a conventional pattern registration control system for the purpose of controlling registration between a printed pattern and an embossed pattern. The pattern registration control mark will develop signature bursts which are unique due to the design of the pattern registration control mark.

Abstract: In order to prevent waste and to improve the operating safety and easy operation of a device for making printed matter with changing prints or for adding further printing to a complete print, further printing units are provided associated with a printing unit having a common counterpressurer cylinder which is constantly connected with the main drive of the machine. The printing units are each provided with a normally passive acceleration motor and after completing the acceleration process are coupled (or decoupled) with the main drive of the machine by means of a coupling, having a movable coupling element which is operatively mounted independently of the print unit gear train and which is actuated by an adjustment device.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed which permits the printing of indicia on a continuously moving web at a fixed position offset from previously printed, evenly spaced web marks. The fixed position of the printed indicia relative to the web marks is independent of the velocity of the web. A web mark sensor, which may be part of the system to which the present invention is retrofitted, detects the passage of each previously printed web mark past a detection position. A registration circuit controls the timing of the printing of the indicia on the moving web and provides START signals for a servomotor-driven rotary print head which includes one or more peripherally mounted printing elements. A tachometer is mechanically coupled to a web transport mechanism to produce an output voltage which provides the velocity command for the servomotor drive of the rotary print head to match the rotational velocity of the print head to the linear velocity of the web during the printing interval.

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: The invention is for color separation orientation gauges and methods by which they are used to produce a finished print in more than one color, the colors used being the primary colors and black. In the printing trade, the primary colors are at times referred to as magenta, yellow, and cyan. The color magenta is basically red, cyan is basically blue and, of course, yellow is basically yellow.The gauges utilized are provided with a predetermined number of dots disposed at various angles depending, for example, on the color to be eventually printed, which gauges are superimposed on a half-tone mask of which there are also a predetermined number of dots which are practically invisible to the naked eye. The gauges of the two embodiments of the invention are provided with special reference line dot densities and angles and legends to provide the color stripper with easy to use compact gauges for producing multi-color prints.

Abstract: A pair of three cylinders train units and a four cylinder train unit are provided in relationship such that a pair of impression cylinders of the former are adjacent to a pair of blanket cylinders of the latter, respectively.The blanket cylinders of the latter are switched between a first position in which the blanket cylinders make contact with each other and with their respective plate cylinders and a second position in which the blanket cylinders are isolated from each other, make contact with their respective plate cylinders and with their respective impression cylinders of the three cylinder train units.The switching between extreme positions can be completed in one motion by an angle increase shifting mechanism using gears which are added to the switching means.Throw-off means for the blanket cylinders can be diverged independently and branchingly from each extreme position by a pin clutch mechanism which is added to the switching means.

Abstract: A registration target for printing on a web or sheet includes a pair of juxtaposed orthogonal arms, at least one of which extends lengthwise along the web. One or more tabs projects perpendicularly from each arm but only at one edge thereof. The widths of the arms and tabs substantially correspond to the stroke width of the lines and characters being printed on the web and the length of each tab is a multiple of that stroke width. By observing the orientations of the tabs and the amounts by which they project beyond one another of the targets printed by a series of print cylinders in a press, one can immediately discern the directions and amounts in terms of stroke width of any registration errors.

Abstract: An article printing system is disclosed wherein successive strips of closely-spaced interconnected articles, such as electronic components, are fed in an intermittent manner by an endless conveyor belt to a printing nip located beneath a continuously rotating offset roll which is arranged for synchronized vertical reciprocation. Belt perforations corresponding in location to each individual article to be printed are sensed by a photoelectric detector to stop the article at a ready position located a predetermined distance from the printing nip. When a printed image on the offset roll rotates to a position of predicted registration with the motionless article surface below, the belt is restarted and the offset roll is lowered to its printing position in order to transfer the image to the article as it traverses the printing nip.

Abstract: A versatile system for printing on flexible sheets of material includes a center roller driving at least two backing rollers with an endless flexible blanket sleeve enveloping the backing rollers and urging the backing rollers inwardly against the center roller. The backing rollers are independently adjustable in selective positions about the circumference of the center roller and have selective diameter sizes independent of the other backing rollers. Feed and take up means provide a sheet of material around the rollers and blanket sleeve and printing devices are mounted against the sheet for printing thereon. The printing devices may be mounted at flexible web portions of the sheet and sleeve spaced from the backing rollers for printing on the flexible portion stretched between the rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for the intermittent printing of material has at least one printing cylinder and an endless band for supporting the material to be printed. A portion of the band which is in printing engagement with the printing cylinder is supported on one side by supporting members and each supporting member is positioned opposite a printing cylinder. Each supporting member is movable transversely away from its respective printing cylinder. The pressure on the side of the band supported by the supporting member is less than the atmospheric pressure on the other side of the band so that when the supporting member is moved away from the printing cylinder the endless band will remain in contact with the supporting member and thus be spaced away from the printing cylinder.

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 multicolor rotogravure printing system comprising a train of as many monochromatic printing units as the number of the colors required, each printing unit comprising an upper structure including an impression roll and a lower structure including a plate cylinder. These upper and lower structures are adapted to connect and disconnect from each other, and the upper structures are fixed to and suspended from a main frame. Each lower structure has a moving means, thus making it easy to change a used lower structure for a fresh one, and at the same time to perform necessary adjustment of those parts of the printing unit which are made accessible by removal of the lower structure. Also, the length of idle time in printing operation is appreciably reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying newsprint ink and dampening fluid to a lithographic printing plate, the apparatus comprising an ink metering roller in rolling pressure indented relation with a transfer roller having an oleophillic surface and a dampening fluid transfer roller having a hydrophillic surface each of the transfer rollers being driven by a reversible variable speed motor. The transfer rollers are in pressure indented relationship with a form roller which transfers a thin film of ink and dampening fluid to the printing plate. An excess of ink is supplied to the nip between the metering roller and the transfer roller to produce the thin film of ink which may be further conditioned by an ink storage roller prior to entry of the film of ink into the ink transfer nip between the transfer roller and the form roller.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for printing plastic film including polyvinyl chloride stretchable film which comprises conventional multi-color printing apparatus with multiple cylinders, a transport web threaded through the printing cylinders and other rolls so that plastic film may be laid down on the transport web to be transported through the printing apparatus which also may include a drying section. Special arrangements are provided for laying the plastic film onto the transport web from a supply roll and for pulling it off on a take-up roll. At the supply roll, the rolled sheet is surface driven by a friction contact roll which is in turn driven by friction engagement with one of the rolls for the transport web. The take-up roll is driven by a direct mechanical linkage to the main drive shaft for the printing cylinders.

Abstract: Printing apparatus utilizing flexible metal sleeves for ink transfer comprises means for mounting the sleeves in cylindrical configuration on a structure which enables the cylindrical configuration to be maintained by air pressure. The sleeves are of the type which is made by electrodepositing metal in a form that is very thin, readily collapsible and imperforate.The sleeve of the apparatus is provided on its exterior with a coating of flexible, microcrystalline, wholly inorganic photoconductive material such as sputtered ultrapure cadmium sulfide.The sleeve is mounted in a press having means to cooperate with the sleeve for maintaining its pressure and for stopping the press if the pressure should drop below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A multi-color printing machine having a plurality of printing units is provided with means for compensating for errors in color registration, for example a device for varying the length of web between one unit and the next, and at least one device for preventing the tension in the web from exceeding an upper limit or falling below a lower limit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing machine incorporating a compact serpentine arrangement for supporting one or more printing belts in printing relation with a path for a printable web. The belt support arrangement herein disclosed has great utilizing in a belt printing machine wherein a plurality of belts are required in the printing of a single web to not only conserve space but to render equipment at the printing stations more accessible, and to enable the envelopment of a large portion of the periphery of each plate cylinder by the associated belt passing therearound.

Abstract: A multiple-color, offset rotary press is disclosed wherein each plate cylinder carries two printing plates, with one of them wrapped around a larger diameter portion of the plate cylinder and the other around a tube slidably fitted over a smaller diameter portion of the cylinder. A shaft secured to the tube and extending coaxially from one end of the plate cylinder, and an axle extending coaxially from the other cylinder end, are mounted on frame means for independent rotary and axial motion. A pair of driven helical gears are mounted respectively on the shaft and the axle for simultaneous rotation therewith but for axial motion relative to same and are meshed respectively with a pair of driving helical gears fixedly mounted on the opposite axles of a corresponding blanket cylinder. The positions of the printing plates are separately adjusted in the circumferential direction by causing axial motion of the driven helical gears, and in the axial direction by causing axial motion of the shaft and the axle.

Abstract: An arrangement for adjusting the rotational phase angle of the form cylinder of a printing machine to obtain proper image registration, for example for multicolor printing operations. Adjustment is accomplished by a toothed ring which can be rotationally adjusted and which is slidably engaged with a connecting gear affixed to a drive gear. A control shaft may be rotated to axially move the drive gear with respect to the toothed ring, and an expandable radial bearing is coupled between the control shaft and the drive gear.

Abstract: Drive system for a sheet-fed rotary printing press with tandem-mounted printing units that are driven by a common motor through a main drive shaft and a closed gear train, at least two power input locations being provided in the gear train so as to form a closed power circuit, including at least one secondary power circuit formed in the first-mentioned power circuit, the secondary power circuit having a slip clutch connected therein, direction of power flow in said secondary power circuit being predetermined by the slip clutch.

Abstract: A belt-type printing machine, having a stationary web-handling assembly, including a pair of impression rolls, and a plurality of belt-supporting assemblies which are mobile and separable from the web-handling assembly, is disclosed. The belt-supporting assemblies each carry a plate support roll and an endless conveyor belt to which a number of printing plates are bonded. The belt-supporting assemblies are each stabilized in a printing position adjacent the web-handling assembly, by locking the plate roll adjacent an impression roll to form between the rolls, a nip through which the web and belt pass. The rolls are locked together in such a way that the rolls of the belt-supporting assembly and web-handling assembly are driven, in unison. A pair of mobile, belt-supporting assemblies are provided for each impression roll of the web-handling assembly, so that one of the belt-supporting assemblies can be removed to a remote location for rebelting while the other is in operation.

Abstract: In a transport roller rack for automatic film developing machines, power gears supply the main flow of power to the rack, and cluster drive gears are coaxially rotated by the power gears to tap off fractions of the main power and supply these fractions to clusters of gears which in turn drive transport rollers.Coaxial gear units are used at the power tap off point. Each unit has a plurality of axially displaced portions, one constituting the power gear, another the cluster drive gear. The unit is supported by a shaft for axial rotation, but the construction of the unit is such that the shaft need not be relied upon to transmit the coaxial rotation from power gear to cluster drive gear.Such a coaxial gear unit greatly simplifies the construction and also leads to smoother operation with less risk of damage to the film.

Abstract: A key color control system for a multicolor rotogravure printing press maintains a constant actual base printing repeat length at the key color printing deck. A control system for a printing press comprises means to detect and measure the magnitude of a repeat length error as it is printed by a key color deck and further comprises means to correct for the repeat length error by varying the tension on the web ahead of the key color deck. The system includes means for establishing high and low limits within which repeat length errors of certain magnitude are likely to occur and for which correction is made. The system also includes means for warning the press operator that there is a trend in the change in magnitude of repeat length errors to exceed the limits so that the press operator may either establish new limits or establish a new base repeat length within the same limits so that repeat length errors of a different magnitude (usually smaller) are likely to occur.

Abstract: A rotary multi-color printing machine comprises a frame and a plurality of printing units each of which prints in a different color on sheet material passing through the machine. The printing units are mounted one above another in the frame so that the sheet material can pass successively through the printing units. Each printing unit comprises a counter-pressure roll, a blanket roll, a plate roll and an inking roll, the axes of the rolls being parallel. The plate roll and the blanket roll of each printing unit are rotatably mounted in a support. The counter pressure roll of each printing unit is rotatably mounted in the frame on one side of the support, and the inking roll of each printing unit is rotatably mounted in the frame on the other side of the support. The support is slidable relative to the frame in a direction which is horizontal and axial relative to the rolls.

Abstract: A printing press for use in printing a continuous paper web having a fountain section and a plate section each pivotally mounted to a main frame. The fountain section includes a removable ink fountain and rotatably mounted fountain and transfer rolls, and the plate section includes a rotatably mounted plate cylinder. An impression cylinder is rotatably mounted in the main frame. The fountain section is pivotal for selective engagement and separation of the transfer roll with the plate cylinder, and the plate section is pivotal for selective engagement and separation of the plate cylinder with the transfer roll and the web supporting impression cylinder. The pivotal sections are actuated by hydro-pneumatic cylinders and are adjusted against mechanical stops which maintain the adjustment of the contacts between the respective cylinders and rolls. The fountain section also has adjustment and mechanical stop devices for selectively engaging and separating the fountain roll with the transfer roll.

Abstract: A printing machine with several groups of rotary-screen printing units, designed to print different color components of complementary portions of a recurrent pattern on an elongate web moving continuously beneath their screens, includes a programmer such as a perforated-type reader controlling the operation of the several printing units of each group in timed relationship dependent upon the web speed. A speed changer enables the peripheral velocity of the screens to be set at values different from the web speed, the timing of the printing operations being determined by two speed sensors upstream and downstream of the speed changer. These operations include a lowering of the rotating screen onto the web at the beginning of a printing cycle, a lifting of the screen off the web at the end of a working phase of that cycle, and a stoppage of screen rotation during part of the ensuing idling phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing or maintaining accurate register of a web with mechanisms operating on the web. The web is driven substantially without slippage at a first position on the web path and a register roller is positioned at a second position on the web path. The register rollers and web are caused to engage without substantial slipping relative to each other. The web is driven at the first position and by the register roller at speeds which have a substantially constant ratio to one another so that web elongation therebetween is substantially constant.

Abstract: In an apparatus such as a printing press or collator for performing operations such as printing, perforating, punching, die cutting, and the like on a continuous paper web, a registration unit for changing the phase of a first shaft relative to a second shaft where said shafts are rotatably mounted between parallel frame members of the apparatus, the registration unit having a sleeve rotatably mounted about the second shaft with a concentric output gear mounted thereto and rotatable therewith. An output drive gear is mounted to the sleeve and concentric with the output gear for rotation therewith, said output gear providing the output drive for rotatably driving said first shaft.

Abstract: A sheet printing station is arranged between a sheet pick-up station and a sheet discharge station. A plurality of linear motors is provided, including electrically conductive rails which constitute the stators of the motors and are mounted at opposite lateral sides of the stations. Each of the rails form an endless loop which connects all of the stations. One or more carriages are mounted on the rails for travel along the same and constitute the armature of the respective motors. Sheet grippers are arranged on the carriage or carriages, and a control arrangement controls the travel of the carriage or carriages along the rails.

Abstract: A transport roller rack highly efficient in use of power, especially suitable for photographic film developing machines. The rack combines transport rollers in staggered, non-nip forming configuration, with a power gear train having coaxial power tap-offs to clusters of roller driving gears.Each cluster has its own cluster drive gear, which is coaxially rotated by a larger power gear.Roller driving gears belonging to adjoining clusters also mesh with each other, thereby uniting these clusters into a continuous train of intermeshing roller driving gears.Also, the method of transporting film by the use of this rack.

Abstract: A control for a web processing machine such as for a printing press is described for detecting web breaks, faulty web sensors and inconsistent web threading conditions. A logic network is employed to compare web sensor signals with control signals to detect whether the web sensor signals are consistent with what is called for by associated control signals. Station status signals are produced to stop the machine when inconsistent conditions are sensed and cause appropriate web severing. A bypass control network is provided to inhibit the station status signals for slow speed checkout. However, when the machine speed exceeds a predetermined level, the bypass network is automatically deactivated and full machine control protection restored.

Abstract: A rotary printing press assembly having a plurality of serially arranged printing units includes a chain conveyor apparatus for sequentially continuously moving a material web through the successive printing units of the assembly. The forward end of the material web to be passed through the assembly is looped about a lead-in bar which is then engaged by a chain conveyor in order to pass the web through the printing units. A pivoted pawl engaging mechanism fixed to the chain conveyor locks in engagement with a recessed cam surface of the lead-in bars while a locking bolt enters a bore in the lead-in bar to effect driving engagement between the lead-in bar and the conveyor chain. When the lead-in bar has passed through a printing unit the driving pawl is automatically disengaged from the conveyor chain of the printing unit, and for lead-in bar is transferred into engagement with the conveyor chain of a next printing unit.

Abstract: Threading apparatus in a rotary printing press for threading the web through the turning bar. An endless double threading belt is provided along the path of the web through the turning bar. The double threading belt comprises two belts engaged with each other. The web is slit lengthwise into a wider web and narrower web by a slitter located before the turning bar. A side edge of the wider web is nipped in the double threading belt and pulled through the turning bar by the double threading belt during the threading operation so that threading of the wider web through the turning bar is accomplished. After threading the wider web is cut free from the double threading belt. After completion of threading the following full web is cut into equal widths by a slitter. The double threading belt is separated into two belts after threading so that the nipped side edge is removed from the this belt.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for printing a series of impression sub-series on a continuous web such as paper tape, the printed impression being provided by a plurality of complete rotations of a plate-carrying cylinder which is halted for a timed interval after said printing rotations, the tape continuing to move past the halted plate cylinder at a void on the cylinder between the printing plates; the spacing between impression series being defined by said halted time interval. Also disclosed is a feeder apparatus for delivering overlapped objects such as pad strips one-by-one to a conventional stripper apparatus in synchronization with the printing and delivery of the web by the printing assembly.

Abstract: A web printing apparatus includes a positively driven printing base, a drive for driving a web to be printed over the printing base, and rollers positioned to contact and print a first portion of the web opposite the printing base. The drive moves the web at a higher speed than the base. The rollers press down on the web with sufficient force to create a friction connection between the web and the base, thus retarding and reducing the speed of the first portion of the web and tensioning a second portion of the web downstream of the rollers. The tension thus created in the second portion of the web is used to reduce the speed thereof.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a graphic display printer wherein a paper sheet is wrapped about a rotating drum and maintained in place thereon by a vacuum. The length of the paper sheet is slightly longer than the circumference of the drum and thus defines a tangentially projecting flap. A sensor detects passage of the flap and in response to the initial detection, a counter is started having a cycle corresponding to one rotation of the drum. Selected states of the counter are digitally compared to the output of the flap sensor. After the rotational position of the flap has been determined twice for each of three successive drum revolutions, a paper validation signal is generated indicating that the paper is properly wrapped about and rotating with the drum. In response to the validation signal, printing is started.