Abstract: A device for controlling the tension in a web of a printing press includes an adjustably positionable dancer roll coupled to an air cylinder. The dancer roll engages the web at a position subsequent to the chill exit nip rolls and prior to a next nip roll pair, e.g., the slitter unit entrance nip rolls. The air cylinder applies a biasing force on the dancer roll to maintain contact between the dancer roll and the web. A control device is coupled between the dancer roll and the next nip roll pair. The control device monitors the position of the dancer roll and increases or decreases the speed of the next nip roll pair based on the direction and magnitude of the dancer roll movement. In this manner, the tension in the web is kept substantially constant between the chill exit nip rolls and the next nip roll pair.

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: There is described herein a method and apparatus for capturing the heat from the web in a web printing system, storing this heat, and then using it to warm the chill rolls to prevent condensation. Particularly, a heat storage tank is used in conjunction with a chill roll cooling system. During startup, the heat from the web is stored in this tank until the reservoir in the tank reaches a pre-set temperature, at which time the chilled water from the chill system is directed to the chill rolls. At each web stoppage, the water from this heat storage tank is flushed to the chill rolls to keep the chill roll temperature above the condensation temperature.

Abstract: A printing unit for a web-fed rotary printing press comprises a housing defining a first side wall in which a drive mechanism is mounted and a second side wall in which a locking mechanism is mounted. A blanket cylinder including a plurality of holes extending axially therethrough, and being releasably mounted between the first and second side walls includes an endless tubular printing blanket mounted around an external surface thereof. A first end-cap affixed to a first end portion of the blanket cylinder is drivingly coupleable to the drive mechanism so that torque generated by the drive mechanism is transmitted via the first end-cap to the blanket cylinder to rotate the blanket cylinder about the axis.

Abstract: A web-offset printing press is provided with a first rotatable printing cylinder adapted to print a first image on a web by applying a heat-settable ink to the web, a second rotatable printing cylinder adapted to print a second image on the web, the second image being printed on the web subsequent to the first image being printed on the web by applying a heat-settable ink to the web, a drying station for drying the heat-settable ink applied to the web by the first and second rotatable printing cylinders by heating the web to an initial temperature, and a cooling station disposed adjacent the drying station, the cooling station receiving the web after the web has been heated by the drying station, the cooling station causing the initial temperature of the web to be reduced by at least about 20.degree. F.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a treating device 1, especially a rotating transverse gluing mechanism for high-speed, register mark-related paper or film webs 2. The movements of the transverse gluing mechanism 1 are synchronized with the web 2, and the transverse gluing mechanism has an independent synchronous drive 6 with a drive motor 7 and a regulating unit for this purpose. The electronic regulating unit compensates variations in the synchronism of the running web 2.

Abstract: Safety device for an infeed site of a web of material into a roller nip in a processing device on a printing press includes cover elements movably mounted on the processing device for nearly completely covering the infeed rollers in operating positions of the processing device.

Abstract: A device for manipulating sleeves, including sleeves serving as printing forms or as rubber blankets as well as screened sleeves, from outside the printing mechanism without removing the paper web which has been drawn in. The device includes a sleeve gripping system associated with each cylinder intended to receive a sleeve. A force mechanism is activated by this sleeve gripping system to grip the sleeve within the printing mechanism in a frictional or positive engagement. When gripped, the respective sleeve can be displaced on the cylinder in the axial direction in a correctly positioned manner by the gripping system at least between the side walls of the printing mechanism.

Abstract: A horizontal slide mechanism for removably replacing an inking unit in a rotary offset printing press of the type having a plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder and an impression cylinder having parallel rotational axes. The horizontal slide mechanism includes a first guide track and first slide plate mounted to the printing press and to said inking unit adjacent and parallel to the plate, blanket and impression cylinders for guided horizontal movement parallel to the plate, blanket and impression cylinder of the printing press. A second guide track and second slide plate pair are mounted between the printing press and the inking unit at another location parallel to and spaced apart a predeteremined transverse distance from the first guide track and slide plate pair for guided movement and support of the inking unit. A latching mechanism is provided by which the inking unit is releasably held in a first operating position corresponding to inking engagement.

Abstract: A printing press having an ink carrying roller and a roller having a blanket is equipped with a printed sheet material stripper having air dispenser for directing streams of air toward the roller having the blanket to assist in separating the sheet material from the blanket. A second air dispenser directs streams of air toward the ink carrying roller to set up and dry water in the ink on the ink carrying roller. Air flow regulators control the pressure of the air supplied to the air dispensers.

Abstract: Hand-held printing apparatus and method are disclosed that provide a replaceable ink cartridge with an ink reservoir defined therein to store wet ink that may typically have a paste like consistency. A piston movable within the ink cartridge is operably connected to the tape spool for compressing the wet ink through a nozzle of the ink cartridge onto the first of a series of printing rollers that smooth out the ink for transfer to a printing roller to effect offset printing of a desired image onto the adhesive side of clear adhesive tape. The cartridge is provided in a low cost throw away package for disposal after the ink is depleted. Multiple color logos or images can be printed by using two to four different color ink cartridges.

Abstract: Machine for producing three-dimensional structures on a substrate having at least two individual aggregate components, includes a machine frame whereon the aggregate components are mounted at predetermined relative positions, the machine frame being of one-piece light-weight construction and having fitting devices for the individual aggregate components, the fitting devices being formed at the predetermined relative positions on the machine frame.

Abstract: Web printing apparatus having an impression roll and method of operating the apparatus for printing webs having different characteristics, such as different thickness and/or different modulus of elasticity, in which the speed of the impression roll is adjusted in accordance with the said characteristics and the tension to which the web is subjected in the printing operation to feed forward webs of different characteristics at different speeds for precision in impression length.

Abstract: A web-fed rotary press has an adjustable reel changer for accommodating printing material webs of different widths, a printing couple with printing cylinders, which can be engaged with one another to form printing stations, and an adjustable folder. The width of the reel changer and the positions of the printing cylinders and of components of the folder are adjusted automatically and in a mutually coordinated manner during the run of the press for changing over the production from a first printed product to a second printed product.

Abstract: A highly flexible printing apparatus is provided comprising printing modules (A-F) and cassettes (8) containing different web processing means. Each of the cassettes (8) is adapted to be mounted on a selected printing module (A-F) to cooperate with the module (A-F) during production of printed matters and contains means for a specific web processing technology that will be provided by the selected printing module (A-F) when the cassette (8) has been mounted to it. The different cassettes (8) may contain web processing means of a great variety, such as offset printing means, dry offset printing means, letterpress printing means, serigraphy means, hot foil application means, flexographic means, raised printing means, punching means, means for printing electronically generated images, etc.

Abstract: A printing unit for rotary printing press includes an inking unit and a print cylinder carrying a print form suitable for the reception of water based inks. The printing unit also includes a blanket cylinder carrying a printing blanket and a cooling unit for maintaining an ink carrying surface of one or more of the print form, the printing blanket, and the inking unit at a predetermined temperature which is suitable for printing with water-based inks.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing a broken printing web from wrapping about or otherwise fouling the blanket cylinders of printing press units. The system and method includes a web tensioning device located downstream of the printing press units for maintaining tension upon a broken web and pulling the web from the printing press units. The device includes a plurality of web disturbance detectors for detecting a wave, ripple or other disturbance indicative of a web break. A pair of anti-wrap rollers located above and below the web are engaged upon detection of a web break to engage the web between them to exert tension onto the web and pull it from the printing units. The anti-wrap rollers are rotated at a surface speed nominally greater than the surface speed of the printing rolls. The anti-wrap rollers include a plurality of opposed peak and valley portions which enable them to interlock and grip the web along a line of contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a printing press including a tension regulator for maintaining a substantially constant tension level on a web of printing medium passing through the printing press. The printing press has at least one dancer roller, and the tension regulator includes an actuator associated with the dancer roller for maintaining a constant biasing force on the dancer roller. The tension regulator also includes a reservoir which communicates with a first chamber of the actuator to define a second chamber larger than the first chamber. The volume of the second chamber is large enough that changes thereto are negligible to the extent that a piston of the actuator is displaced. Therefore, the pressure within the second chamber remains constant which permits a constant biasing force to be applied to the piston regardless of the displacement of the piston.

Abstract: A web capturing device is provided with two cooperating web capture rollers which define a capture gap through which a web passes. The capture gap spacing is made as small as possible by the utilization of a web stabilizing assembly that eliminates fluttering and vibration in the web. This web stabilizer is formed by two generally parallel stabilizer plates that define a clearance space through which the web passes.

Abstract: A dual substrate, single-pass printing process prints a high basis weight substrate and a low basis weight substrate. Ink striking through the low basis weight substrate is collected and absorbed by the high basis weight substrate. The printed substrates are then separated and rewound for subsequent transport and handling.

Abstract: A rotary printing press built on a frame structure in which printing units, normally mounted on a floor foundation, are instead suspended from the frame structure to minimize clutter in the vicinity of the printing press and simplify the operation of changing the printing units when a printing run is complete.

Abstract: The plural cylinders comprising a printing unit in a rotary printing press, are mounted for synchronous rotation within a single frame structure, aligned under the impression cylinder, such that the frame structure including the cylinders is removably securable to the printing press as a cassette unit. Each cylinder is rotatably journalled within a bearing housing, which is displaceable on a vertical bearing rail. A hydraulic cylinder is disposed under the lowermost bearing housing for lifting and lowering the cylinders, to selectively raise them into engagement or lower them out of engagement.

Abstract: A printing system having a plurality of printing stations in series is provided with a web width sensor system that detects the change in width of a paper web by monitoring the position of both edges of the sheet after it leaves a printing station to determine the change in position of each side edge and thereby the change in width of the web.

Abstract: A printing device, comprising several printing stations disposed one after the other in the lengthwise direction, and each comprising a main printing unit, at least one additional printing unit, drive means for driving the printing units, and conveyor means for conveying the material to be printed through the printing device, is provided with a movement device for moving the additional printing unit at least in the lengthwise direction of the printing device. The movement device can comprise guide means, movement means and positioning means. An assembly of an additional printing unit and a movement device can also be used in an existing printing device with several printing stations disposed one after the other in the lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A printing station for a tag and label printing press. The printing station extends outwardly from a frame of the printing press. The printing station has printing roller, an ink roller, and a backing roller. A frame extension is provided for connected outward ends of the rollers to each other. An upper section of the extension frame is movable relative to the printing press frame and movable relative to a lower section of the extension frame. The upper section has the printing roller. The lower section has the ink roller and the backing roller. The extension frame connects the outward ends of the rollers to each other outwardly from the rollers' outward ends.

Abstract: A belt-type printing machine, especially for a plurality of colors, comprising at least one printing station (2) containing a frame (1), idler rolls (7) arranged in bearings therein, an impression cylinder (6) for guiding a continuous web (8) to be printed arranged in preferably fixed bearings on the frame (1), a plate cylinder (3), two sprocket wheels (4, 5) coaxially mounted to but not commonly driven with the plate cylinder (3) and at least one tensioning cylinder (10), around which an endless belt (11) extends having at least one flexible printing plate and being provided with perforations for the sprocket wheels (4, 5), wherein an inking assembly (13) allocated to the flexible printing plate of the belt (11), a drive acting upon the sprocket wheels (4, 5) to the belt (11) and an additional single drive (32) acting upon the plate cylinder (3) to the belt (11) for the purpose of avoiding the jump movement between the perforations of the belt and the pins of the sprocket wheels are provided.

Abstract: A printing unit of a printing machine includes a pair of spaced and opposed walls which are provided with a pair of mounting holes, and an impression cylinder journalled between the opposed walls below the mounting holes. The opposed walls have a pair of aligned mounting seats mounted respectively and detachably in the mounting holes. The mounting seats are formed with a pair of aligned bushing-receiving holes therethrough corresponding with a certain size of a plate cylinder to be journalled therein so as to perform a printing action in cooperation with the impression plate. An adjustable inking apparatus is mounted above the plate cylinder and corresponds to a position of the plate cylinder so that printing ink can be supplied to the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the temperature of a printing press component includes a pump for circulating a fluid to the printing press component at one of a plurality of non-zero, steady-state flow rates, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the fluid, and a controller responsive to the temperature sensor for controlling the pump.

Abstract: An electrographic label system is disclosed whereby flexographic and electronic printing are combined in a modular design to produce multi-color labels. Label stock is unwound from a roll and passes over an automatic shut off roller that shuts down the entire printing process and stops the flow of label stock when it runs out so that a new roll of stock can be sliced to the old roll and rethreading the system is not necessary. A back slitter having a roller cutter cuts the desired height of the label leaving a feed strip between the label and opposite edge. The label stock is fed into a flexographic printer having a drum which imprints a first image, cuts the label to the correct length, and imprints a register mark on the feed strip. The label stock material is next fed into an electronic printer interfaced with a computer or programmable logic controller which imprints a second image upon each label.

Abstract: A rotary printing press with two or more printing units arranged concentrically, in parallel planes, to two or more impression cylinders which are mounted at one end on a shaft, and with one or more web-shifting devices, the impression cylinders being provided with sleeves of different outer surfaces which can be placed thereover for the use of different printing processes.

Abstract: A printing unit for a rotary printing press, and that is capable of accomplishing a flying printing change, uses a single counter-pressure cylinder and two printing cylinders and ink application rollers. The counter-pressure cylinder and the ink application rollers are shiftably supported with respect to the printing cylinders. They also carry eccentric support disks that engage concentric support disks or the printing cylinders. These disks are usable to adjust the contact force between the cylinders to compensate for printing plate wear.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing a broken printing web from wrapping about or otherwise fouling the blanket cylinders of printing press units. The system and method includes a web tensioning device located downstream of the printing press units for maintaining tension upon a broken web and pulling the web from the printing press units. The device includes a plurality of web disturbance detectors for detecting a wave, ripple or other disturbance indicative of a web break. A pair of anti-wrap rollers located above and below the web are engaged upon detection of a web break to engage the web between them to exert tension onto the web and pull it from the printing units. The anti-wrap rollers are rotated at a surface speed nominally greater than the surface speed of the printing rolls. The anti-wrap rollers include a plurality of opposed peak and valley portions which enable them to interlock and grip the web along a line of contact.

Abstract: Printing-unit assembly of a web-fed printing press, the printing-unit assembly having a smear-preventing device and being assembled of at least two satellite printing unit sub-assemblies, respectively, including a satellite cylinder, one of the satellite printing unit sub-assemblies being actuatable for printing on one side of web stock, and the other of the satellite printing unit sub-assemblies being actuatable for printing thereafter on the other side of the web stock, the smear-preventing device being associated with the satellite cylinder of the other satellite printing unit assembly for preventing smearing of printing ink, and includes a device for cooling an outer cylindrical surface of the satellite cylinder of the other satellite printing unit sub-assembly to a temperature below the dew point; and method of cooling.

Abstract: An adjustable nut and a friction washer exert a resistance to the rotation of a form roller, causing the form roller to rotate slower than the plate cylinder. The final form roller thus wipes the plate cylinder free of foreign particles to eliminate hickeys and ghosting on the final print.

Abstract: A rotary press has a feeder unit provided with a paper roll support frame, and a printing unit (tower type printing unit) provided with a printing means, and the feeder unit is disposed in a non-parallel and vertical relation with respect to the printing unit, the rotary press being further provided with a means for turning a paper web, which is fed from a paper roll supported on the feeder unit, and sent to the printing means, in such a manner that the surface of the paper web is opposed to the printing means. The web turning means is provided so that the guide surface thereof can be displaced in the direction in which the position of a paper web is changed with respect to the widthwise direction of the printing means. The feeder unit is provided with a plurality of paper roll support frames so that the paper webs can be drawn out at once from at least two paper rolls out of the paper rolls set on these paper roll support frames.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing a broken printing web from wrapping about or otherwise fouling the blanket cylinders of printing press units. The system and method includes a web tensioning device located downstream of the printing press units for maintaining tension upon a broken web and pulling the web from the printing press units. The device includes a plurality of web disturbance detectors for detecting a wave, ripple or other disturbance indicative of a web break. A pair of anti-wrap rollers located above and below the web are engaged upon detection of a web break to engage the web between them to exert tension onto the web and pull it from the printing units. The anti-wrap rollers are rotated at a surface speed nominally greater than the surface speed of the printing rolls. The anti-wrap rollers include a plurality of opposed peak and valley portions which enable them to interlock and grip the web along a line of contact.

Abstract: A modular feeder printing system is provided herein. It includes at least one, e.g., four, printing unit(s) and at least one, e.g., six, feeder module(s). An alignment means is incorporated at an end of each of the printing unit(s), such alignment means being adapted to be connected to an associated feeder module, preferably by means of a complementary alignment means which is incorporated at an end of each of the feeder module(s). The complementary alignment means is alignable and engageable with the alignment means. Latch means are cooperatively associated with the alignment means, in order to secure a selected printing unit to a selected feeder module. Finally, coupling means couple and synchronize drive power from the printing unit to the connected feeder module. By this module printing press, there is a substantial reduction in set-up time.

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprises a printing roller (1) provided with a profile which containing (8) raised and lowered (9) parts in circumferential direction, a printing belt (3) provided at one side with a complementary profile, and an opposite roller (2) which together with the printing roller (1) determines a nip through which the printing belt (3) runs, in such a way that its profile side interacts with the printing roller, and its printing side interacts with the impression roller, which printing belt (3) is composed of an interlocked strip of plate material which is flexible as regards bending and is rigid as regards deformations in its plane, on one side of which a profiling of another, for instance rubbe-like, material is provided. Preferably, the profiling is carried out in the form of conical projections (6) distributed at regular intervals over the plate surface in question, and the printing roller (3) is provided with complementary recesses (9) distributed in a corresponding manner over its surface.

Abstract: A web offset printing press (10) includes a motor and a gear train (106) for moving a web (14) along a path of movement extending through the press (10). The press (10) further includes an elongated punch member (130), a die member (30), and a pressure cylinder (112) for moving the punch member (130) back and forth between a retracted position and an extended position. The punch member (130) is spaced from the path of movement of the web (14) when in the retracted position, and extends across the path of movement of the web (14) and into an opening (122) in the die member (30) when in the extended position. The punch member (130) is moved from the retracted position to the extended position in response to detection of a fault condition by a web fault detecting assembly (100). The punch member (130) thus punches a hole (150) through the web (14) when a fault condition is detected in the web (14).

Abstract: A printing press including at least one impression cylinder, at least one plate cylinder, a pair of swivel arms corresponding to each plate cylinder and pivotal about a central axis of the plate cylinder, and a transfer cylinder corresponding to each plate cylinder and supported by the pair of swivel arms is disclosed. The swivel arms can be pivoted, so that each transfer cylinder can be moved between a printing position where the transfer cylinder is engaged with the running web and a non-printing position where the transfer cylinder is disengaged from the running web. The transfer cylinders of the present invention also can be commonly adjusted to vary the pressure against a running web.

Abstract: A cylinder phase adjustment controlling apparatus includes a plate cylinder gear, a reference point, a proximity switch, a rotary angle detector, a controller, and a counter. The plate cylinder gear is phase-adjustably fitted on a plate cylinder rotatably axially supported on a frame and coupled to a drive motor. The reference point rotates together with the plate cylinder. The proximity switch is fixed to the frame and detects the reference point. The rotary angle detector outputs a rotation pulse in accordance with rotation of the plate cylinder. The controller automatically controls the phase of the plate cylinder on the basis of an output from the rotary angle detector after the proximity switch detects the reference point.

Abstract: In a rotary printing machine, a pressure roller is mounted on a slide that is reciprocally and linearly moved along two mutually orthogonal directions in order to change impression cylinders.

Abstract: A BB-type printing press employing a divided plate cylinder has a novel drive gear train for avoiding rotation in the associated rotating condition and whereby to maintain satisfactory level of sharpness and/or clearness of printed patterns.

Abstract: In a folding apparatus with a collect cylinder (1) which can be switched from collect production to non-collect production, the holding elements and folding blades of which are connected with actuating elements, preferably embodied as scanner rollers (14, 15), which can be controlled by a respectively associated radial cam (12 or 13), the control area of which, preferably embodied as a control recess (16), can be selectively uncovered or covered by means of a cover device provided with cover cams (17) disposed on a drivable cam support (22) which is coaxial with the radial cam (12 or 13), a great variability in respect to feasible collect operations is attained in that the cover cams 17.1-17.8 of each cover device are received radially displaceable on the respectively associated cam support (22).

Abstract: A BB-type printing press employing a divided plate cylinder has a novel drive gear train for avoiding rotation in the associated rotating condition and whereby to maintain satisfactory level of sharpness and/or clearness of printed patterns.

Abstract: A printing unit for a rotary printing press can accomplish a flying plate change by utilizing a pair of forme cylinders in conjunction with an impression cylinder and an ink forme roller which are both pivotably supported. Both the impression cylinder and the ink roller can be moved into engagement with one of the forme cylinders while the printing plate on the other forme cylinder is being changed.

Abstract: A printing press comprising at least one printing stand, in which an impression cylinder, two printing cylinders, which are movable into engagement with the impression cylinder, and inking rollers associated with said plate cylinders, are rotatably mounted, and a main drive, which is operatively connected to the impression cylinder, wherein the impression cylinder, the plate cylinders and the inking rollers comprise stub shafts, to which gears are secured, which are adapted to be in mesh for synchronous rotation during a printing operation.

Abstract: Pressure cylinder for a printing machine equipped with air-conditioning and oil lubrication, the receiving shaft of a flexible cylinder casing being made hollow and at its respective ends having an inflow and an outflow for a cooling fluid, the receiving shaft passing furthermore through a chamber which forms an oil reservoir, the reservoir receiving the flexible cylinder casing rotatably, with ball bearings interposed, and this reservoir possessing on its underside orifices for the discharge of the oil and on its topside feed orifices cooperating with plates which extend radially into the immediate vicinity of the inner circumference of the flexible cylinder casing.

Abstract: In order to catch a broken printed web, which is gripped downstream from a printing unit, and more particularly downstream from the last printing unit of a roll feed rotary printing press, between a driven roll and at least one yoke which is able to be pivoted against the roll in response to the signal of a switch sensing breaking of the web, to ensure a high degree of operational reliability, the roll is initially run at a higher speed than the web and then the effective speed of the roll is made equal to the web speed by the use of a drive device with at least one yielding means therein, the torque transmitted to the yielding means being reduced to a value lower than the web break value at the earliest when the yoke comes into engagement with the roll.

Abstract: In an assembly device for replacing the block sleeve on the roller core of a printing roller unit a support device with a gripper is provided, which so secures the unit immediately adjacent to one end of the roller core in the vicinity of two adjacent tilting moment support points, that from said single holding zone both ends of the unit project freely without any further support and are therefore readily accessible. On a printing press it is possible to provide for each printing mechanism an assembly device of this type, in which the particular printing roller unit can be directly inserted by an inserting device from the press or machine mount.