Abstract: An intermediate cylinder comprising a main body, and a plurality of suction boxes formed in the main body at positions different with respect to a rotation axis of the main body. The intermediate cylinder further comprises a plurality of suction bores formed in the suction boxes so that they are open at an outer peripheral surface of the main body, an air suction source for generating suction force within the suction boxes, and a switching means for selectively switching connections between the plurality of suction boxes and the air suction source.

Abstract: A device for registering the position of a rotor part in a transport system also having a static part in addition to the rotor part includes a dimensional standard forming part of the rotor part, and a plurality of transmitters provided on the static part; and a printing unit and a printing machine including the position registering device.

Abstract: An inspection unit of an intaglio printing press includes a suction table for correcting the position of printed sheet-like object as being disposed inside of a unit frame, and a camera and a light for inspecting the printing quality of sheet-like object being corrected of position by the suction table provided in a shroud inside of the unit frame. The table is disposed in a moving table with casters so as to move the suction table between a working position inside of the frame and a maintenance position outside thereof. The shroud is supported on first support rails through support rollers so that the camera and light can be moved between the working position inside of the frame and the maintenance position outside thereof, while support rails and their stand are disposed so as to be accommodated outside the frame.

Abstract: A cylinder jacket profile for impression cylinders or sheet transfer cylinders has uniformly distributed elevations with an easy-clean layer as a surface coating. The easy-clean layer has a thickness of less than 5 &mgr;m, in particular 1 &mgr;m, and a surface energy of less than 50 mN/m. The cylinder jacket profile has an improved cleaning behavior. A method of producing an easy-clean layer on a cylinder jacket profile is also provided.

Abstract: A device for catching a torn transport belt, includes a holding device for the transport belt. The holding device has two catching elements between which the transport belt runs, for holding the transport belt firmly therebetween. A first one of the two catching elements has a convex surface facing towards the transport belt, and the second one of the two catching elements has a concave surface facing towards the transport belt. Also included is a device for measuring tension of the transport belt, the tension measuring device being constructed for triggering the holding device when the tension of the transport belt falls below a prescribed value. A folder including the catching device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an identification card printer that can be used with a card cartridge that protects a stack of cards stored therein from environmental contamination and establishes a card transport plane, from which other components of the identification card printer can be aligned, independent of the card cartridge. The identification card printer includes a cartridge receiver adapted to receive the card cartridge and a card transport mechanism. The card transport mechanism includes a pair of feed rollers, portions of which extend to the cartridge receiver and define the card transport plane.

Abstract: A “spider” device for collecting and conveying signatures produced on rotary print machines. The inventive device is adapted to be moved outside the production line without stopping operation of the production line. The device is equipped with a hinging mechanism adapted to connect it to a vertical riser of the production line for rotating it around at least one vertical axis with respect to the ground. The inventive device is further equipped with a hooking/unhooking mechanism used to allow repositioning the device in the same operating position in the production line.

Abstract: A device for guiding sheet-like copies which are severed from a material web in a cutting nip of a cutting-cylinder pair, including a copy guide disposed in an outlet wedge of the cutting-cylinder pair for gripping leading ends of the sheet-like copies for guiding the copies, the copy guide including revolving transport elements, and actuating drives for displacing the revolving transport elements in a lateral direction so as to adapt the transport elements to different positions and widths of material webs.

Abstract: A printing apparatus and a printing method capable of preventing stacks of printed sheets from falling apart which can occur when continuously printing stacks of sheets of different sheet sizes. A printing press is controlled to suspend printing for removal of printed sheets, to change the storage destination of the printed sheets or to change printing order, based on a result of sequential or simultaneous comparisons between print sizes of a plurality of print data and a previously determined permissible limit.

Abstract: A rotary printing press transfer cylinder has two or more axially spaced apart discs of a given diameter, each disc having an open minor segment with inwardly disposed edges and a concentric, shaft receiving hub to support the discs for rotation. A flexible plastic sheet, with flanges bent to fit within the inwardly disposed edges, covers the discs to provide a cylindrical shape, and is held under tension by attaching members connected to the flanges. A cushioning, ink repellent jacket is attached over the flexible plastic sheet.

Abstract: A supporting or guiding device for sheets in a sheet processing machine includes a supporting or guiding layer having a supporting or guiding surface formed with a plurality of outlet openings for applying a throttled air flow therethrough to a respective sheet. A covering plate is spaced away from the supporting or guiding surface, and at least two intermediate layers are formed with a plurality of openings and disposed between the supporting or guiding surface and the covering plate. The covering plate is connected via a plurality of inlet openings to at least one blast air source. A respective opening formed in one of the intermediate layers is connected to two respective openings formed in the other of the intermediate layers, and an opening formed in the other intermediate layer is connected to two respective openings formed in the one intermediate layer, between one of the respective inlet openings and one of the respective outlet openings associated therewith.

Abstract: A sheet-fed printing machine made up of units in an in-line construction includes a sheet-feeding unit disposed between a sheet separating unit and a sheet processing unit following the sheet separating unit. The sheet feeding unit is formed so that it is selectively pre-arrangeable upline from various types of sheet processing units for creating various types of sheet-fed printing machines of a building block system.

Abstract: A sheet-processing rotary printing press includes a sheet guiding device over which sheets are to be pulled in a processing direction. The guiding device has a stationary first guide surface and a withdrawable second guide surface. The withdrawable second guide surface follows the stationary first guide surface in the processing direction, and forms a pocket with the first guide surface. The guiding device further includes a molded part received in the pocket and forming a third guide surface for bridging over the pocket.

Abstract: A signature transfer device includes a rotating arm rotating about a first axis and a first gripper rotatably mounted on the rotating arm about a second axis, the first and second axes being parallel, the first gripper having a first gripper finger and a second gripper finger. An actuator is connected to the first gripper for opening and closing the first gripper as a function of the angle of the rotating arm about the first axis, and a compression spring connects the first gripper finger and the second gripper finger, the compression spring being compressed when the first gripper and the second gripper finger are apart.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) for a sheet of printing material (12) in a printing material processing machine (14), including a running member (16) which can be moved through the machine (14) along a transport path (18) using a drive (22), and including a number of encoders (24) which are arranged along the transport path (18) and used to sense the position of the running member (16), the conveyor system having the feature that the encoders (24) are connected to an evaluation unit (26) for progressive sampling of the encoder signals; it being possible for an active encoder (28) and a passive encoder (30) of the number of encoders (24) to be specified in the evaluation unit (26) so that a drive signal can be generated in a signal processor unit (32) on the basis of a change in amplitude of the signal of the active encoder (28) and a change in amplitude of the signal of the passive encoder (30).

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting single sheets through a device for exposing or printing the single sheets, with a drum and means that press the single sheets against the drum, with a processing station having a processing gap, with the single sheets being exposed or printed in the processing station, includes means that limit the processing gap. According to the invention, a belt unit is provided that presses the single sheets against the drum, with the belt unit having a plurality of parallel extending continuous belts that are mutually decoupled in their movement and can be driven exclusively directly or indirectly through coupling with the drum surface.

Abstract: In a first printing process in Steps S1 through S6, ink supply is controlled so that a measured printed density (Vn) is approximately equal to a first target density (V1). This provides a uniform amount of ink remaining on ink rollers after the first printing process. Thereafter, in a second printing process in Steps S7 through S11, printing is performed using a second target density (V2) lower than the first target density (V1). This provides a slightly reduced, uniform amount of ink remaining on the ink rollers. Thus, a novel method of presetting ink is provided which facilitates the formation of a distribution of the new amount of ink at the beginning of the next printing operation and which stabilizes the early start of printing.

Abstract: A fanout compensator for a printing press, which comprises a rotary body formation, which has foot sections and head sections alternatingly next to each other along a longitudinal axis. The foot sections and head sections form a wave-shaped surface in order to deform a web to be printed on. The web wraps around the rotary body formation, in a wave-shaped pattern at right angles to the direction of conveying of the web. Fluid channels, which open on the surface of the rotary body formation, are formed in the rotary body formation. The rotary body formation has a fluid connection connected to the fluid channels in order to guide a pressurized fluid to the fluid channels and through the fluid channels to the surface of the rotary body formation.

Abstract: A sheet guide apparatus for use in a rotary printing press which is adapted for the smear and mark free transfer of sheets between two sheet holding and transfer systems, such as a pair of sheet-carrying cylinders or a sheet-carrying cylinder and circulating sheet conveyor. The sheet guide apparatus includes a sheet guide having a guide surface disposed beneath the transfer area, and a pneumatic system for blowing a positive pressure air stream in the direction of a transfer area or tangent point between the sheet holding and transfer systems. A further pneumatic system optionally may be provided for drawing or blowing air through apertures in the guide surface.

Abstract: An air assisted sheet guide device in a printing machine which is operable during either positive pressure (blast) air operation as well as suction air operation to permit reliable and stable sheet guidance with reduced air flow turbulence. The sheet guide device includes at least one module that defines a guide surface having air flow openings therein and an air flow channel, and a pneumatic system for creating either a positive or suction pressure generated air flow in the flow channel. One or more plate-like air directional elements are mounted within the air flow channel which create a uniform pressure distribution on the guide surface during positive (blast) air operation and which more uniformly direct air to the pneumatic system during suction pressure operation.

Abstract: Devices for turning sheets in a rotary printing machine are described. The devices have a storage drum for handling sheets, which are each held by a holding device, and a turning drum is disposed downstream of the storage drum and has a holding device for engaging a rear edge of the sheet to be turned. An operation of detaching the sheet to be turned from the storage drum and carrying it along by the turning drum leads to the formation of a pressure reduction in an area formed between the sheet to be turned, the storage drum and the turning drum. The pressure reduction is compensated for by supplying ambient air, blast air and/or compressed air. The turning device has a channel and/or a passage orifice connected to an inner chamber of the turning drum. Via the channel and/or passage orifice air can be sucked and/or blown into the reduced-pressure area.

Abstract: A device for turning sheet-like material from a printed side onto an unprinted side uses an impression cylinder which guides the sheet-like material and which is preceded by a transfer cylinder and followed by a further transfer cylinder. The sheet-like, flexurally rigid material is received on the outer surface of the impression cylinder and can be printed with a transmission cylinder. In the gusset between the outer surfaces of the impression cylinder and the preceding transfer cylinder, a contactlessly acting throw-on device is provided which forces the sheet-like material into a curved position corresponding to the curvature of the outer surface of the impression cylinder such that the sheet-like material is curved even in the gusset region. A printing press and a multicolor rotary printing press are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sheet-by-sheet flexographic printing device of safety documents, comprising means for transferring (2) said sheets (F), successively, from a supply station (1) located upstream, to a storage and removal station (6) located downstream, via at least a flexographic printing station (3) adapted to process the front surface of said sheets called first station. The invention is characterised in that the device also comprises at least a flexographic printing station (4), called second station , adapted to process the back surface of said sheets (F) during their transfer from upstream to downstream, without having to grasp them and modify their orientation between the two stations, said two stations being separated by at least two intermediate cylinders (22, 23) and said second printing station (4) is offset in height relative to the first (3), such that when they are transferred from one to the other, the sheets (F) are imparted an upward trajectory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guiding device for metal sheet printing machines and metal sheet painting machines, which have at least two printing cylinders and a transfer drum situated therebetween. The guiding device is arranged on said transfer drum and, to be precise, is located close to the imaginary cylindrical outer surface of the transfer drum. The guiding device comprises at least one guiding element with an outwardly turned bearing surface for supporting the rear edge of the metal sheets. The guiding element is pivotally mounted by means of a swivel bearing whose pivotal axis is parallel to the axis of the transfer drum. The guiding element is coupled to a pivot drive by means of which its bearing surface can be adjusted to different pivoting angles (&bgr;) with regard to the tangent to the imaginary cylindrical outer surface of the transfer drum.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes an image reader for reading an image on a printed paper sheet to obtain image data, and a controller for controlling the image reader to obtain image data about a color chart including solid patches once for every predetermined number of printed sheets or at every predetermined time interval which is inputted and set. The controller processes the image data to compute a printed density of each solid patch. Measurement data including the printed density are sequentially stored in a storage section in association with the number of printed sheets or time. The measurement data stored in the storage section may be displayed by a display section or outputted to a print section in the form of history data indicating measurement data transitions. Thus, the printing apparatus including a device for measuring printed sheets can perform history management on the measurement data for every predetermined number of printed sheets or at every predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A modular printing machine system for printing on sheets, including a first printing machine of satellite construction type having a central first impression cylinder and at least four printing devices assigned thereto, a second printing machine, and a coupling device for coupling the printing machines to one another for in-line operation thereof, includes a transport device of the printing machine system, for transporting the sheets, and a non-impact printer assigned to the transport device.

Abstract: A device for guiding a travelling web comprises a first movable angle bar and a second movable angle bar located in respective positions in a first operative mode to guide the travelling web from an entering direction to an exiting direction and to define a first print-to-cut registration setting. In a second operative mode the exiting direction of the travelling web is changed and the print-to-cut register is maintained, whereas in a third operative mode the print-to-cut register is changed and the exiting direction is maintained.

Abstract: There is provided a double-sided printing press that includes a sheet-turning-over mechanism for turning sheets upside down at a sheet-turning-timing according to a set length of sheets, which has been previously set for the sheet-turning-over mechanism; and a sheet-length-detection means for detecting the length of sheets, which are fed to the sheet-turning-over mechanism; wherein where the length of sheets, which are fed to the sheet-turning-over mechanism and detected by the sheet-length-detection means, is deferent from the set length of sheets as a result of comparison therebetween, the sheets are stopped from being transferred to the sheet-turning-over mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding and transferring a sheet in a printing machine from a first cylinder to a gripper of a second cylinder in which the apparatus has a guide device for a holding element, which is held outside the first and second cylinder. In this way, the design of the guide apparatus can be independent of the first and second cylinders. In addition, a longer time period is available for gripping, tensioning and transferring the sheet. The apparatus can be used both in a recto printing machine and in a turner device in recto and verso printing.

Abstract: A device for printing printed sheets (1) according to the screen printing method has a printing table (10) and a screen mechanism (9) arranged above it, with a screen frame (8) and a conveying device (7) for moving the printed sheets (1) before, during and after the printing. The conveying device has, when viewed in the conveying direction, at least one clamping device (7) for clamping the lateral edge area of the printed sheets (7). The clamping device is arranged on the side of the printed sheets (1) and is displaceable in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A wet printed media output system in a printing mechanism including a frame is provided. The system includes an ejection mechanism mounted to the frame for ejecting a wet printed medium along a media path in an output direction towards an output area and a holding member mounted to the frame adjacent to the ejection mechanism. A portion of the holding member projects out of the media path at an angle to a plane defined by the output direction and a trailing edge of the medium for deviating at least a portion of the printed medium from the output direction. Furthermore, the angle is adjustable in correspondence with a character of the printed medium.

Abstract: A novel, inexpensive and compact printing press is provided, having a central plate cylinder (1) including at least two printing plates (5) mounted on the peripheral side, around which are arranged in a satellite configuration at least two blanket cylinders (3) having assigned inking units (7), including a transport device (13), which loops around the blanket cylinder (3) on the outside, in the manner of a closed, continuous belt, having printing sheets, which are pressed for the printing operation by compensating rollers (15) against blanket cylinders (3), and having a control unit (11), which engages the particular inking unit (7) and the blanket cylinder (3) on the corresponding printing plate (5) and lifts it off of the other printing plate(s) (5).

Abstract: A device for aligning sheets on a feeder of a sheet-processing machine includes a plurality of pivotably disposed front lays and a plurality of pivotably disposed top lays, the top lays being vertically adjustable. The front lays and the top lays are respectively assigned to and combined with one another and have a common pivoting drive. A push rod vertically adjusts the top lays, and a wedge-like slide actuates the push rod.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering signatures to a binding line, the apparatus and method preferably comprising a printer feeder apparatus and method for providing personalized information in a variety of locations upon a selected one of a plurality of signatures types before the signatures are fed to the binding line.

Abstract: Provided, in combination, is a device for turning sheet-like material, with an impression cylinder for guiding the sheet-like material, the impression cylinder being preceded by a first transfer cylinder and followed by a second transfer cylinder, the sheet-like material being receivable on an outer jacket surface of the impression cylinder so as to be printable by a third transfer cylinder, and further included are a storage device, and a device for imparting a deformation in the sheet-like material during entry thereof into the storage device and while the sheet-like material is gripped at an edge thereof; and a printing unit and a multicolor rotary printing machine, respectively, provided with the combination.

Abstract: An printing apparatus is equipped with a recording medium transport device for transporting a recording medium from a supply portion along a transport path; at least one printing device arranged on the transport path for selectively forming an image on the recording medium or an intermediate transfer medium for temporarily holding the image at a predetermined image forming position; and a transfer device arranged on the transport path for transferring the image formed on the intermediate transfer medium to the recording medium. A mode setting device selects a mode between the first mode in which the printing device forms the image on the recording medium and the second mode in which the printing device forms the image on the intermediate transfer medium. An intermediate transfer medium moving device advances and retracts the intermediate transfer medium between the image forming position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a card transport path composed of the first card transport path for forming an image to a card using a direct transfer method, and the second card transport path composed of a card transport path for transferring an image from an intermediate transfer sheet to the card. An image forming portion is arranged on the first card transport path for forming the image on the card or the intermediate transfer sheet. A transfer portion is arranged to the second card transport path for transferring the image from the intermediate transfer sheet to the card. The first card transport path and the second card transport path intersect while the printing apparatus can switch between the direct transfer method and the indirect transfer method.

Abstract: A conveyor system (10) for a sheet of printing material (12) in a printing material processing machine (14), including a running member (16) which can be moved through the machine (14) along a transport path (18) using a drive (22), and including a number of encoders (24) which are arranged along the transport path (18) and used to sense the position of the running member (16), the conveyor system having the feature that the encoders (24) are connected to an evaluation unit (26) for progressive sampling of the encoder signals; it being possible for an active encoder (28) and a passive encoder (30) of the number of encoders (24) to be specified in the evaluation unit (26) so that a drive signal can be generated in a signal processor unit (32) on the basis of a change in amplitude of the signal of the active encoder (28) and a change in amplitude of the signal of the passive encoder (30).

Abstract: A machine for processing sheets, in particular a sheet-fed rotary printing machine, includes a transporting cylinder for transporting the sheets and having air nozzles disposed offset in relation to one another in a direction other than an axis-parallel direction of the transporting cylinder, and having a directing configuration for directing the sheets and having air nozzles, the configuration being assigned to the transporting cylinder. The machine is distinguished in that the air nozzles include throttled air nozzles and unthrottled air nozzles.

Abstract: In a rotary press, a first press roller adapted to retreat during printing and advance during plate changing to contact a web is provided on a travel route of the web between a printing unit and a dryer. A second press roller having the same function as the first press roller is provided on the travel route of the web between air infeed unit and the printing unit. A web presser for pinching the web is provided on the travel route of the web between the infeed unit and the second press roller. With the web being pinched by the web presser, the first press roller and the second press roller can be moved by the web in a retreating direction. After plate changing is completed, the press rollers can smoothly ascend regardless of their pressure, and can promptly and smoothly return to the state before plate changing.

Abstract: A rotary body for compensating the fanout in a printing press. The rotary body forms alternatingly foot sections and head sections projecting over the foot sections by radial height differences along an axis of rotation. The rotary body is a torsion-proof connection of parts or is a one piece structure. The radial height differences increase in the circumferential direction from minima, which they have along a first straight line offset in parallel to the axis of rotation, to maxima, which they have along a second straight line offset in parallel to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An image output apparatus has first and second folding line forming apparatuses to form folding lines on a sheet of paper in longitudinal and latitudinal directions according to an input pattern. Thus, a user can easily fold the paper into a desired shape and the folding lines can be formed both in the longitudinal and latitudinal directions so that a variety of folding line patterns can be realized.

Abstract: The folder of a printing press includes an air knife assembly to reduce damage to signatures as they travel through the folder and to guide signatures through the folder.

Abstract: A nip mechanism for a substrate transfer system allows the nip mechanism to be actuated such as opened and/or closed by the drive motor for the nip mechanism. As a result, the need to operate the nip mechanism pneumatically, for example, can be avoided. Essentially, the drive motor now performs a dual role, i.e., both driving the nip rollers and also opening and closing the nip mechanism. The nip mechanism comprises a roller separation mechanism and a one-way clutch for engaging the roller separation mechanism when the drive motor is driven in the second direction. In the present implementation, this roller separation mechanism comprises a cam that pushes the first nip roller and the second nip roller away from each other. A cam limiter can be used to prevent over-rotation of this cam.

Abstract: A recording device includes a guide protruding from and retracting toward a platen and a discharge support protruding from and retracting toward the guide. With this arrangement, the process for fabricating the parts of the device is not complicated, a large space for the discharge support is not needed, and a required flatness of the upper surface of the platen is easily obtained even when the device includes the discharge support.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registering a sheet for transfer of an image thereto. Disposed in the feed path of a sheet is a transport nip for feeding a sheet and for transversely registering the sheet and image by displacing the transport nip transversely of the feed direction. On each registration step the transport nip shifts in said transverse direction to a middle position. Transverse positioning means bring either the sheet before reaching the transport nip or the image on an image support into a transverse position such that a registration step by the transport nip to a middle position can take place and hence no reset movement of the transport nip is required between successive registration steps.

Abstract: A printer of the present invention includes a chain-delivery type of sheet conveying device arranged in an image transfer region that adjoins image transfer drums. The sheet conveying device includes a pair of drive pulleys, a pair of driven pulleys, a pair of chains each being passed over one drive pulley and one driven pulley, and a clamper affixed to the chains at opposite ends thereof. Each chain has a circumferential length that is an integral multiple of the circumference of an image transfer drum, and a number of teeth that is an integral multiple of the number of teeth of the drive pulley. A stabilizing mechanism is positioned in the image transfer region for preventing the chains from shaking.

Abstract: A sheet-fed rotary printing press has at least one unit which includes an impression cylinder and an additional cylinder assigned to the impression cylinder. The impression cylinder and the additional cylinder are relatively adjustable a spaced distance from one another. A sheet guiding device is disposed on the additional cylinder for keeping sheets of printing material, which have been transported by the impression cylinder past the additional cylinder, away from the additional cylinder, once the spaced distance between the impression cylinder and the additional cylinder has been set.

Abstract: A printing device includes a print media advancement subsystem for providing accurate and timely print media advancement in the printing device. The print media advancement subsystem includes a vacuum chamber for generating a vacuum force through a platen for holding a print media stationary. In response to receiving a print media advance signal from a controller in the printing device, a sealing plate forming a side of the vacuum chamber is removed from the vacuum chamber. When the sealing plate is removed, the vacuum chamber is substantially open to the atmosphere, causing the vacuum chamber to pressurize. The pressurization of the vacuum chamber results in removal of the vacuum force from the print media, allowing the print media to advance along the top surface of the platen with minimal friction.

Abstract: Recording units including a printer for printing information data on at least one surface of a recording medium card are arranged vertically one over another in an information card producing device. Card turning portions are disposed confronting the respective recording units, so that the card can be transferred between the card turning portions and the recording units and turned over, thereby recording the desired information data on one or both of the surface of the card. The recording unit includes a magnetic encoder and/or IC memory reader/writer and has a function of verifying the information data written to the card so as to send out the card to a card discharge port when adequately recorded or to a card reject port when a write error is found.