Feeding Or Delivering Patents (Class 101/228)
  • Patent number: 5809892
    Abstract: A threading device for a machine for processing web-shaped material, having a guide rail extending at least sectionwise through the machine, includes a pulling device movable along the guide rail for pulling a web behind it, and an electric linear drive for activating the pulling device; and a method of threading the web through the processing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Michael Kruger, Hans Joorg Laubscher
  • Patent number: 5791247
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel L. Kolb
  • Patent number: 5779123
    Abstract: A rotational detector is attached to each of the rolls that might be passed over or under as part of a paper web/path. Each of the rotational detectors emits an output signal which indicates whether the roll it is attached to is moving and, if it is moving, the direction it is moving. A comparator compares the output from each of the rotational detectors to path requirement data for the path that the pressman intended to web. The comparator determines whether any mistakes have occurred and if an error has occurred the roll on which the mistake has occurred. The comparator then determines whether any of the mistakes which might have occurred are catastrophic, requiring rewebbing. If there are no catastrophic errors, a controller adjusts the register for any deviations from the intended path that might have occurred during webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignees: Heidelberg Harris, Inc., Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: John Sheridan Richards
  • Patent number: 5778778
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Societe d'Etude de Machines pour les Arts Graphiques
    Inventor: Serge Chiloff
  • Patent number: 5779379
    Abstract: A receipt form handling system for an automated banking machine includes a printer (30) which prints indicia on paper extending in a paper path (151). Paper is moved in the paper path by engagement with a drive mechanism (157,159). Paper sheets are delivered by the drive mechanism to a delivery area, which includes a nip (114) of a sheet transport (26). The transport removes the sheets from the delivery area. A cutter (153) is positioned in the paper path and operates to selectively cut the paper. A sensor (155) is positioned at a location in the paper path upstream from the cutter. A controller (112) is in operative connection with the sensor and the cutter. The controller operates the cutter so that the paper is cut to produce a form sheet after indicia is printed on a portion of the paper. Upon the sensor detecting an approaching end of the paper, the controller ceases operation of the cutter. This avoids producing forms that are of insufficient length to be handled by the drive or transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: InterBold
    Inventors: Thomas S. Mason, Jeffrey A. Brannan, Timothy R. Hoover
  • Patent number: 5765482
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Integrated Design Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene W. Wittkopf, Gregory D. Leanna
  • Patent number: 5711225
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Nilpeter a/s
    Inventor: Torben Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 5692441
    Abstract: A drawing roller pair of a web-fed rotary printing press receives a web that is to be conveyed. The axial spacing distance between the two drawing rollers is adjustable by an adjusting spindle. At least one of the rollers carries a resilient transport element whose effective radius will be reduced if the two rollers are moved closer to each other. This will reduce the transport speed of the resilient transport element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer-Albert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Horst Bernhard Michalik
  • Patent number: 5678484
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Baldwin Web Controls
    Inventors: Ronald Callan, Michael Gregory, Steven Drensky
  • Patent number: 5676477
    Abstract: A sheet carrying apparatus reduces skew of a sheet during carriage, and realizes high-quality print. A position detecting sensor detects a position in a direction perpendicular to a sheet carrying direction of the sheet carried by a sheet carrying roller. A skew angle of the sheet is calculated depending upon a deviation of the detected position from a predetermined reference position. Load rollers are on the right and left sides with respect to a sheet center line in the sheet carrying direction, and are respectively opposed to following rollers through the sheet so as to bring the sheet into pressure contact. A torque limiter to apply a braking force to the load roller, and the load roller are coupled or released by electromagnetic clutches. Thereby, the carrying forces can independently be controlled on the right and left sides of the sheet depending upon the skew angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoya Tanaka, Hiroshi Fukumoto, Keiichi Fukazawa, Mitsuaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5636567
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Webtron Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Mucha, Robert Manzella
  • Patent number: 5617788
    Abstract: A continuously operative printing machine and a method of operating the same are disclosed. The printing machine has a plurality of switchable printing units to be used selectively by switching. For continuous printing the printing units are switched alternately by coupling and decoupling first coupling/decoupling means while a continuous printing web is held running. Plate change of stationary printing units is done with independent drive means to be ready for the next printing. Then the stationary printing units are restored to the printing state through synchronous control by rotational control means. Thus plate change printing or the like can be carried out continuously without stopping the printing machine. In addition, high quality printing can be obtained efficiently. Further, it is possible to obtain double side printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Horiguchi, Satoru Sasaki, Hideaki Miyake
  • Patent number: 5611272
    Abstract: A rotary embossing machine includes an embossing mechanism in which an embossing gap is formed between an embossing cylinder and a counter pressure cylinder. For conveying an embossing film web through the embossing gap, the rotary embossing machine includes a conveying mechanism for producing a movement of the web at the same speed as a material layer to be embossed, during an embossing interval. The film conveying mechanism includes a pulling device downstream of the embossing gap which is provided with a slip drive for the embossing film web and a controllable film supply device upstream of the embossing gap which cooperates with the pulling device. This arrangement avoids the risk of the embossing films or foils tearing and improves the embossing quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Armin Steuer
  • Patent number: 5611275
    Abstract: A web width adjusting device can adequately adjust the width of paper web which is travelled through at least two printing sections. The travelling web is sandwitched by a pair of contact means including a plurality of contact members which are aligned in parallel to the axis of cylinders for driving the paper web. The contact members of one alignment are alternatively in contact with the web surface with respect to the other alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushikigaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takashi Iijima, Hideo Ohta
  • Patent number: 5609428
    Abstract: A sheet carrying apparatus reduces skew of a sheet during carriage, and realizes high-quality print. A position detecting sensor detects a position in a direction perpendicular to a sheet carrying direction of the sheet carried by a sheet carrying roller. A skew angle of the sheet is calculated depending upon a deviation of the detected position from a predetermined reference position. Load rollers are on the right and left sides with respect to a sheet center line in the sheet carrying direction, and are respectively opposed to following rollers through the sheet so as to bring the sheet into pressure contact. A torque limiter to apply a braking force to the load roller, and the load roller are coupled or released by electromagnetic clutches. Thereby, the carrying forces can independently be controlled on the right and left sides of the sheet depending upon the skew angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoya Tanaka, Hiroshi Fukumoto, Keiichi Fukazawa, Mitsuaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5597642
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Schleinz, Daniel J. Conrad, Joseph S. Kucherovsky
  • Patent number: 5588364
    Abstract: An arrangement for preventing damage to print units, in which during a failure of the electrical supply of the web-fed rotary printing press, an energy reservoir yields its energy to control means which briefly charge adjusting means to bring at least one cylinder per print unit into a neutral pressure release position. In this way paper wrap-arounds during voltage failure no longer act in a manner damaging to the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Claus A. Bolza-Schunemann
  • Patent number: 5566616
    Abstract: A low basis weight, continuously moving substrate is printed by a single substrate, repeat-pass printing process. The continuously moving substrate is passed a first time through the printing station without receiving any pattern directly printed thereon, and is then repeat-passed through the printing station and over a single-passing portion of the substrate. The repeat-pass portion then has an ink pattern directly printed thereon. Ink striking through the directly printed repeat-pass portion of the substrate is collected or absorbed by the underlying single-pass portion of the substrate, thereby preventing ink buildup on the printing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Schleinz, Daniel J. Conrad, Joseph S. Kucherovsky
  • Patent number: 5564846
    Abstract: The printer is provided with a detection data storage area section comprising sixteen storage areas for storing detection data from a transmission type sensor for every 1-step driving of a feed motor. When the difference between the last detection data and the detection data before steps is a value equal to or more than 0.7 V, the last detection data is set in a gap determination level storage area, is set in a gap flag area, and counting by a gap length counter is started. Thereafter, when the detection data from the transmission type sensor comes to be equal to or smaller than the value set in the gap determination level storage area is set in the gap flag area and the position in the half of the count value of the gap length counter is recognized as the gap center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TEC
    Inventor: Akio Katsumata
  • Patent number: 5562034
    Abstract: A brake apparatus for a printer is provided which rapidly decelerates and stops a rotating roll of print media in between printing operations, and allows the roll to rotate freely during printing operations. The printer includes a print head mechanism that draws a print media to a print region from a roll of the print media. A roller supports the roll of print media and permits the roll to rotate freely upon application of a drawing force from the print head mechanism. A brake drum is axially coupled to the roller. A lever arm is affixed at a first end thereof to a support structure of the printer and is pivotal between a first position and a second position. A second end of the lever arm has a pedal disposed at a portion of a path along which the print media follows toward the print region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Intermec Corporation
    Inventor: Duane M. Fox
  • Patent number: 5562038
    Abstract: A bidirectional pivot frame of a paper web changing device is supported for pivotal motion about a selected one of two pivot axes. The support for the pivot frame is accomplished by slidable locking supports that positively lock one set of pivot pins in place in guide slots in the side frames of the paper web changing device, while releasing a second set of guide pins. The slidable locking supports are shiftable to selectively positively lock the desired set of guide pins in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer-Albert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gunter J. Bierbaum, Klaus W. Roder
  • Patent number: 5562037
    Abstract: A low basis weight, continuously moving substrate is printed by a single substrate, repeat-pass printing process. The continuously moving substrate is passed a first time through the printing station without receiving any pattern directly printed thereon, and is then repeat-passed through the printing station and over a single-passing portion of the substrate. The repeat-pass portion then has an ink pattern directly printed thereon. Ink striking through the directly printed repeat-pass portion of the substrate is collected or absorbed by the underlying single-pass portion of the substrate, thereby preventing ink buildup on the printing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Schleinz, Daniel J. Conrad, Joseph S. Kucherovsky
  • Patent number: 5558020
    Abstract: A flexographic printing system using mechanical and friction drive at the same time. The print cylinder is rotated by a friction drive only while printing (during the print cycle). The print cylinder is rotated past the anilox roll (during the inking cycle), and the print cylinder is reset to the start position ready for the next printing cycle by a mechanical drive. The print cylinder is preferably less than 360 degrees around, and most preferably measures only 170 degrees around. The print cylinder is made from plastic. Printing plates are pre-mounted permanently to a mylar carrier sheet that is designed with pin and hook holes that line up with pins and hooks that are part of the print cylinder. These plates have drive bearers as part of the mylar carrier sheet. The ink management system circulates the ink, cleans the entire ink system, and separates the ink from the waste and the cleaner. It also measures the pH of the ink or the viscosity level of the ink and automatically adds pH adjuster or thinner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignees: John Marozzi, Theresa Pugh, Barbara Batesko
    Inventors: John Marozzi, Greg Rochon, Urmil Patel, Ben Dambly
  • Patent number: 5555805
    Abstract: The printing unit has two cooperating cylinders (1, 4) which form the printing nip and which have printing saddles (2, 5) separated by cylinder pits (3, 6). The paper web (7) passing through the printing nip is transported in the pilgrim-step mode, in order to print formats adjoining one another. The two cylinders (1, 4) are angularly adjustable relative to one another, in respect of the position of their printing saddles (2, 5) cooperating in the printing nip, in a manner offset by the amount of a circumferential distance which is approximately equal to the difference between the circumferential length (S) of a printing saddle and the circumferential length (B) of a printing image. The impression zone is therefore only approximately as large as the printing image, and the impression-free zone available for retracting the paper web is correspondingly enlarged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: De La Rue Giori S.A.
    Inventor: Joachim A. H. Lapp
  • Patent number: 5553542
    Abstract: A control system for a web (10) in a printing press (12) having a device (20) for applying pressure to lateral locations of the web (10) intermediate side edges (22a and 22b) of the web (10), and a device (14) for controlling the pressure applying device (20) to apply a selected amount of pressure to the web (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Jackson, Andrew L. Moore, Thaddeus A. Niemiro
  • Patent number: 5546859
    Abstract: A device for presetting a cut-off register in a folder of a web-fed printing press, includes a marking device for applying at least one mark in an image-free region between two printed images of a web, a detector for detecting the image-free region on the web, the detector being connected to the marking device for signalling the marking device when the image-free region is detected thereby, the marking device being disposed a defined distance in front of a nip located between cylinders of at least one printing unit, and a device for activating the marking device to apply a mark to the image-free region of the web when a respective output signal of the detector indicates the presence of the image-free region on the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Heidelberg-Harris GmbH
    Inventor: Joel C. Hern
  • Patent number: 5542350
    Abstract: A draw-in device for feeding a plurality of printing stock webs, preferably paper webs, in which draw-in elements of finite length grasp the start of a paper web and draw it out of reel changers and draw mechanisms through printing units and up to folding units. An electronic memory is provided in which are stored the lengths of all possible feed paths in the printing machine and the draw-in elements can be switched on at different times corresponding to the different lengths of the feed paths and the resulting time differences at a given feed rate via an electronic computer connected with the memory and can be switched off simultaneously. It is also possible to refeed a web of printing stock which was torn during the print process so as to substantially reduce wasted paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Theilacker, Rainer Burger
  • Patent number: 5540146
    Abstract: The web-fed printing machine has two cylinders (2, 3) which form the nip, a paper-web-directing device (10) with an infeed roller (14) and a discharge roller (15), which are arranged adjustably on both sides of the nip (S), and an upstream web-feeding device (20), which likewise exhibits an infeed roller (22) and a discharge roller (23). In order to align the paper web, the web-directing device (10) can be displaced in a plane running through the axes of the rollers, and can be adjusted as a function of the signals from web-edge sensors (16, 17) such that it can be adjusted in the direction of the axes of rotation of the rollers and can be pivoted into an oblique position. The web-feeding device (20) can be pivoted about a stationary spindle (24) and is connected mechanically to the web-directing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: De la Rue Giori S.A.
    Inventor: Jaochim A. Lapp
  • Patent number: 5511473
    Abstract: An improved width adjusting device for a paper web which can assure the printing apparatus is free from trouble caused by stored paper dust and gathered ink, includes at least one pressure force applying device with respect to at least one side surface of the paper web travelling through at least one of the printing sections, and at least one drive control device for making the pressure force applying device move in a different direction and/or at a different speed from that of the travelling paper web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushikigaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takashi Ohmi, Yasuo Shibuya
  • Patent number: 5511712
    Abstract: Damage to rotating cylinders in a web-fed rotary printing machine, due to breaks or tears in the material web passing through the machine, is prevented by providing a web guide roller with a directionally switched coupling intermediate two spaced gripping locations. If the web breaks, the web guide roller becomes positively driven and prevents web roll up on one of the rotating cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Holm, Volker G. Rauh, Karl-Heinz A. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5507583
    Abstract: The invention is a printer for labels which can determine when the label stock is in position for printing. The printer comprises a print head and label stock having labels on a first side and indicator stripes printed on a second side. The printer uses an emitter for producing infrared light and a detector for receiving the light. A mirror is used to focus and reflect the light, the mirror is positioned with respect to the emitter, detector and label stock so as to reflect light originating at the emitter to the label stock and from the label stock to the detector. The invention is also drawn to the cassette used in the label printer comprising a base, a retainer on the base containing a roll of label stock, a guide plate having a window therein for conveying the label stock, a concave mirror mounted on the cassette adjacent the window, and a sensor hole on the base of the cassette through which light from an emitter and detector passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Premark FEG Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Beaty, John J. Dresher
  • Patent number: 5507226
    Abstract: A web transporting device usable in a rotary printing press or folder, includes a rotatably driven transport roller having a fixed axis and at least one engagable nip roller having an axis substantially parallel to the fixed axis and being engagable with the driven transport roller. The engagable nip roller has a length corresponding to a maximum width of the web processable in the printing press. A removable nip sleeve is provided which is axially mounted on the engagable nip roller. The removable nip sleeve has an least one ring-shaped annular gap disposed axially along its length which allows the web to ripple as it passes through the web transporting device without causing permanent wrinkles or creases to form in the web. A counterbalancing mechanism is also provided which stabilizes the engagable nip roller in a maintenance position as the removable nip sleeve is replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: David C. Burke, Michael A. Novick
  • Patent number: 5505550
    Abstract: A printer comprises a convey roller for withdrawing continuous paper from a roll of the paper and conveying the paper along a predetermined convey path. The convey roller is rotated at a predetermined peripheral speed and conveys the paper with a first convey force. Four printing portions are provided sequentially along the convey path. Each of the printing portion has a printing head, and a platen roller which is brought into contact with the paper while opposing the printing head and conveys the paper with a second convey force. A sum of second convey forces of the platen rollers is set to be smaller than the first convey force. The platen rollers are rotated at peripheral speeds higher than that of the convey roller, and such that the peripheral speeds thereof are sequentially increased in an order of a platen roller adjacent to the convey roller toward a platen roller separated from the convey roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TEC
    Inventors: Satoshi Kitahara, Hiroyasu Ishii, Kazuhiro Fushimi
  • Patent number: 5472287
    Abstract: A printer having a validation paper feeding mechanism in which the validation paper feed is controlled by a single solenoid and only the validation paper feed can be effected even when a cut or continuous paper is set. A ratchet wheel and a validation roller are mounted on the rotatable shaft via a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch selectively transmits a torque of the rotatable shaft to the validation roller in the direction of the validation paper feed. The validation roller has an arcuate circumferential surface for feeding the validation paper and a chord flat surface for inserting the validation paper. The armature is angularly moved between a first position where it engages the positioning projection of the ratchet wheel for determining an initial position of the validation roller and a second position where it engages the pawls of the ratchet wheel for stopping the validation roller at a plurality of predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumi Hasegawa, Makoto Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 5456176
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Ferd. Ruesch AG
    Inventor: Georg Strasser
  • Patent number: 5451037
    Abstract: An inserter module for attaching processed cards to associated card carrier forms having cardholder information printed thereon is provided. The inserter module includes a chassis, printer for printing cardholder information on serially connected card carrier forms, takeup means for maintaining proper takeup of the serially connected carrier forms as they exit the printer, burster for separating the serially connected carrier forms after printing, and inserter for attaching the processed cards to associated printed carrier forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: DataCard Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Lundstrom
  • Patent number: 5447566
    Abstract: A paper tinting and drying machine has a tinting module and a dryer module spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance so that aqueous liquid ink with less than five percent volatile organic compounds by volume applied to the underside of the paper can be visually inspected by the machine operator and so that ink application adjustments located on the paper output side of the tinter module can be accessed by the machine operator. Rollers in the tinting module constrain the paper to follow a path of travel through two sets of inking rollers so that both sides of the paper are evenly coated. After entering the dryer module without smearing or transferring wet ink to the dryer module input guide roller, the ink on the paper is dried by air knives and infrared heaters within the dryer module. In a first embodiment, the rollers in the tinting module drive the paper through the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Autographic Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Loiacono
  • Patent number: 5443008
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Baldwin Web Controls
    Inventors: Mark Pavliny, Edward Lewandowski, William Lawrence, Michael Gregory, Guntis Ozers
  • Patent number: 5438926
    Abstract: A device (10) for maintaining registration in a printing press (12) having a printing unit (11) for printing a paper web (16), a device (20) for folding the paper web (16), a device (22) for cutting the folded web (16), and a device for adjusting the mass flow of the web towards the folding device (20) in order to maintain proper registration of the web (16) relative to the cutting device (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventors: Edward Hudyma, JiaShen P. Lin
  • Patent number: 5425694
    Abstract: In a printer for printing images on a continuous form recording sheet, which can be used in association with a stacking device for folding and stacking the recording sheet discharged from the printer. A terminal is connected to the stacking device. A predetermined signal is applied to the terminal only while the recording sheet is being fed in the printer. The stacking device receives the predetermined signal and executes folding and stacking operations while it is receiving the predetermined signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Negishi
  • Patent number: 5421258
    Abstract: A flexographic printing system using mechanical and friction drive at the same time. The print cylinder is rotated by a friction drive only while printing (during the print cycle). The print cylinder is rotated past the anilox roll (during the inking cycle), and the print cylinder is reset to the start position ready for the next printing cycle by a mechanical drive. The print cylinder is preferably less than 360 degrees around, and most preferably measures only 170 degrees around in a "short print" version and 270 degrees around in a "long print" version. The print cylinder is made from plastic. Printing plates are premounted permanently to a mylar carrier sheet that is designed with pin and hook holes that line up with pins and hooks that are part of the print cylinder. These plates have drive bearers as part of the mylar carrier sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignees: John Marozzi, Theresa Pugh, Barbara Batesko
    Inventors: John Marozzi, Ben Dambly
  • Patent number: 5417157
    Abstract: A pair of web pulling cylinders, particularly for use in printing machines, wherein a single-layer or multiple-layer web is conveyed between the cylinders which are pressed together. The cylinders are driven and are in driven connection through drive elements mounted on cylinder journals. If the web is deflected around one of the cylinders, a differential gear unit is provided to adapt the circumferential speeds of the cylinders to the thickness of the web being pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Ingo Kobler
  • Patent number: 5413041
    Abstract: A printer comprising a printing roller supporting a matrix strip; a pressure roller for pressing the web on to the matrix at a first portion of the printing roller; and an inking unit including an inking roller contacting the matrix at a second portion of the printing roller; the cylindrical outer surface of the inking roller presenting microincisions, and being partially immersed in water-based ink inside a tank; and surplus ink being removed from the surface of the inking roller by a doctor blade prior to transfer on to the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Arnoldo Mondadori Editore S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luigino De Concini, Domenico Fasoli, Sergio Pimazzoni, Gabriele Rullini
  • Patent number: 5405205
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a method and apparatus for counteracting the effects of a localized drag on a sheet medium as it is being moved by a drive system, for example, in a printer or plotter to prevent misregistration of the sheet medium with the X-axis drive system as the sheet medium is moved past the print or plot head which creates a drag thereon. The sheet medium is stiffened in the region thereof which is contacted by the print or plot head by bending the sheet medium in a direction normal to the direction of movement of the sheet medium. The bend may be provided by a curved guide located between the print or plot head and the X-axis drive system. Friction is reduced between the sheet medium and the curved guide by mounting the curved guide, e.g., one or more rollers, to rotate freely under the action of the sheet medium moving thereover, or by pneumatically supporting the sheet medium above the curved guide as the sheet medium is moved thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Summagraphics Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Venthem, Marlan L. Schmidt, James A. Parnell
  • Patent number: 5400940
    Abstract: A paper web threading apparatus for a rotary printing press, which occupies a minimum space required for the installation thereof and which enables automatic threading of a paper web to be conducted smoothly without applying any ineffective tension to the paper web which can be guided along all relevant paper web threading paths. The paper web threading apparatus includes a guide path provided along and laterally of the paper web threading path. A paper web guiding member includes a belt-shaped member having a guided end engaging portion adapted to engage with or secure the guided end of the paper web. A guiding member moving and driving device meshs with the paper we guiding member so as to move the latter along the guide path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masayoshi Sato, Kunio Suzuki, Yukoh Tomita
  • Patent number: 5398610
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Baldwin Web Controls
    Inventors: Mark Pavliny, Edward Lewandowski, William Lawrence, Michael Gregory, Guntis Ozers
  • Patent number: 5397044
    Abstract: A paper web threading apparatus for use in a paper web handling machine includes a paper web threading member movably disposed substantially along a paper web threading path; a driver for driving the paper web threading member; a first signal generator for outputting a signal in response to the movement of the paper web threading member; a processor for receiving the signal outputted by the first signal generator as an input thereof, processing the signal so as to obtain a processed value relating to the speed of movement of the paper web threading member, and comparing the processed value with a reference value preset in connection with the operating speed of the paper web handling machine when the paper web is threaded along its paper web threading path, and then outputting an adjusting signal depending on the result of comparison; and an adjusting device for receiving the adjusting signal outputted by the processor as an input thereof and adjusting the driver so as to vary the speed of movement of the pape
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventor: Kunio Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5388513
    Abstract: This invention relates to an offset type rotary press adapted for a color printing system, with printing sections, which prevents print-shears and produces printed matter in high quality. The system of this invention includes an extending area which supplies to the travelling paper web the power to extend in width direction, and at least two printing sections arranged in sequence at the position where the paper web travels after passing through the extending area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushikigaisha Tokyo Kikai Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hideo Ohta
  • Patent number: 5386772
    Abstract: A high speed media management device has tractor means for moving a web through the device past a plurality of work stations at each of which the web may be treated. Relatively high web tension is maintained throughout its travel path. Counting means near the beginning of the web path generate a count signal with the passage of each increment of web. The accumulated count signals are compared to numbers stored in a plurality of registers, each register associated with a work station and each containing a count representative of web travel distance relative to the work station. The first register count corresponds to the distance required to accelerate the web from a stop. The remaining registers store that count and a separate count representing the distance between the first station and the corresponding station. When the counter contents equals the count in a register, an actuating signal initiates a treatment activity at the associated work station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Datametrics Corporation
    Inventors: Charles V. Tolle, Mark A. Hitz, Robert P. Johnson, Steven C. Szabo
  • Patent number: 5377586
    Abstract: A paper roll support apparatus comprises a main paper roll support (12, 13), a paper roll feed element (22) for unrolling a main paper roll (10), a spare paper roll support (42, 43, 47, 48) for supporting a spare paper roll (11) and located behind the main paper roll support (12, 13), a residual sensor (39, 41) for detecting a residual of the paper roll, and a spare paper roll setter (43, 47, 48, 52) controlled by the residual sensor (39, 41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Ryuji Matsuno