Abstract: The invention provides a unit for printing a web of paper including a frame and at least a first and a second printing group, each printing group including a blanket cylinder and a plate cylinder, the printing unit also including a throw off mechanism for supporting and moving the cylinders, into at least one throw-on configuration, in which the blanket cylinders are pressed against each other and against the plate cylinders, and a throw-off configuration, in which the blanket cylinders are spaced apart from each other and from the plate cylinders. The throw-off mechanism includes at least a first system for returning the mass of at least a first cylinder of the first printing group towards a first cylinder of the second printing group and vice-versa so that the first cylinders form mutual counterweights when the printing unit moves between the throw-on and throw-off configurations thereof.

Abstract: A distributor unit includes a reservoir (7) containing a liquid substance, an anilox cylinder (8) and a cliché cylinder (9) onto which is movably fitted a cliche jacket (18), the reservoir (7), the anilox cylinder (8) and the cliche cylinder (9) being movable from and to a cylinder (2) on which travels a web-shaped material (3) which has to receive the substance. The distributor unit has an operator side and a transmission side, the anilox cylinder (8) and the cliche cylinder (9) being held by corresponding supports on operator side (14, 15) and on transmission side (16, 17). A device (19) for locking the cliche cylinder in cantilever position when the corresponding cliche jacket (18) has to be substituted is associated to the support on transmission side (17) of the cliche cylinder (9). The support on operator side (15); of the cliche cylinder (9) includes a first and a second element (150, 151) automatically movable from and to the cliche cylinder (9).

Abstract: An apparatus positions a plate cylinder and a blanket cylinder in a transport position for assisting in transporting printing plates. The apparatus spaces the blanket cylinder and plate cylinder apart from one another such that a pressure acting on a printing plate during the printing operation is reduced in the transport position. Optionally, one of the cylinders can be replaced with an inking and/or damping roller.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating a multi-unit printing arrangement, including multiple individual motors is provided. The method comprises the steps of operating the multi-unit printing arrangement, stopping the multi-unit printing operation by braking the multiple motors in stop operations, and staggering impression throw operations for individual units by a preselected time delay between commencement of each impression throw operation, a duration of the time delay between commencement of sequential impression throw off operations being selected to be of sufficient duration such that there is no overlap of large torque disturbances experienced at the multiple motors.

Abstract: A printing machine color assembly presenting a main or cliché-carrying cylinder (2) and an interlocking or screened cylinder (3), each carried at its hubs (2a, 2b; 3a, 3b) by first (4a; 5a—operator side) and second (4b; 5b—motor side) slidable supports positioned on different sides of the printing machine and parallel displaceable independently from one another. The first support (5a) of at least said main cylinder (2) is detachable from the respective hub (2a) to cantileverwise position the main cylinder (2) on the second support (5b) thereby carrying out the sleeve replacement on the main cylinder (2). At least one auxiliary supporting means (17) at the second support (5b) of at least the main cylinder (2) is designed to engage with, and assist in supporting, it when cantileverwise positioned for replacing a sleeve.

Abstract: A forme cylinder is supported and adjusted in a printing group of a rotary printing press, which group includes a transfer cylinder and a counter-pressure cylinder, which two cylinders include interacting support elements. The forme cylinder does not include a support element which interacts with the transfer cylinder. The forme cylinder has a shaft distance that can be adjusted during printing to adjust a contact pressure between the forme cylinder and the transfer cylinder. The forme cylinder may be covered with a waterless printing forme. The contact pressure between the forme cylinder and the transfer cylinder can be adjusted to a property, such as the compressibility, of the waterless printing forme.

Abstract: A printing unit arrangement in a web-fed rotary printing press includes at least one printing unit 2a having a first and second plate cylinder 4,6 and associated first and second blanket cylinders 8, 10 which are mechanically coupled via meshing gear wheels and which are commonly driven by one drive motor 12. A second printing unit of the printing unit arrangement includes a first and second plate cylinder 24, 26 and associated first and second blanket cylinders 28, 30. The first plate cylinder 24 and the first and second blanket cylinders 28, 30 are mechanically coupled via meshing gea wheels and are commonly driven by a first drive motor 42. The second plate cylinder 26 is individually driven by a second drive motor 46, and is engageable and disengageable from the associated second blanket cylinder 30 while the printing press is in operation, in order to perform flying edition changes or changes of a spot color.

Abstract: An ink proofer arrangement includes an ink proofer tool, a cylindrical drum roller, a drive motor adapted to rotate the roller and a first movable mounting assembly to retain the ink proofer tool adjacent to and in a non-contact position with the roller, a first variable pressure assembly coupled to the mounting assembly and adapted to move the ink proofer tool between a contact with pressure position and a non-contact position with the roller. The ink proofer arrangement also includes a UV light source positioned downstream of the ink proofer tool to more quickly and uniformly dry the inks on the proof substrate. The UV light source may be pivotable to permit access to the proof substrate. The UV light source may be selectively positionable at different distances from the ink proofer tool so as to provide for adjustability of a dwell time for the proof.

Abstract: A slide-in print unit for a variable format in offset printing includes a machine frame. A counter pressure cylinder, rubber blanket cylinder, and plate cylinder are positioned within the machine frame. A drive mechanism for the cylinders includes a joint drive for the rubber blanket cylinder and the plate cylinder.

Abstract: A printing unit of a printing machine has at least one ink transfer roller, and at least one bearing block movable relative to the printing unit frame, in which, in the printing position, one end of the ink transfer roller can be supported, and which releases that end of the ink transfer roller in its released position. The unit has a blade chamber holder which carries at least one blade chamber that can be adjusted on the ink transfer roller and which is connected rotatably and displaceably with the bearing block in the printing position. The blade chamber holder is supported permanently on the bearing block by support elements on the bearing block.

Abstract: An ink proofer arrangement to generate consistent and reliable ink draw-downs irrespective of the size of the substrate or the user preparing the ink sample. One example embodiment includes an ink proofer arrangement and an ink proofer tool. The ink proofer arrangement includes a cylindrical roller and a drive motor adapted to rotate the roller. In addition, a first movable mounting assembly is included that retains the ink proofer tool adjacent to and in a non-contact position with the roller. The proofer arrangement further includes a first variable pressure assembly coupled to the mounting assembly and adapted to move the ink proofer tool between the non-contact position and a contact with pressure position with the roller, wherein a transfer roller of the ink proofer tool is adapted to transfer ink to a substrate that is inserted between the roller and the transfer roll when the drive motor is engaged.

Abstract: An ink proofer arrangement to generate consistent and reliable ink drawdowns irrespective of the size of the substrate or the user preparing the ink sample. The ink proofer arrangement includes an ink proofer tool, a cylindrical drum roller, a drive motor adapted to rotate the roller and a first movable mounting assembly to retain the ink proofer tool adjacent to and in a non-contact position with the roller, a first variable pressure assembly coupled to the mounting assembly and adapted to move the ink proofer tool between a contact with pressure position and a non-contact position with the roller. The transfer roller is adapted to transfer ink to a substrate that is inserted between the roller and the transfer roll of the ink proofer tool when the drive motor is engaged. Additionally, the ink proofer arrangement includes a substrate roll tensioner to control the rotation of the substrate roll.

Abstract: In a printing press, an adjustment system for positioning a rolling element such as a form roller or an impression cylinder relative to a first cylinder having a first diameter and relative to at least a second cylinder adapted to replace the first cylinder and having a second diameter different than the first diameter, the system comprising an actuating member operable to displace the rolling element relative to the first cylinder and having a pivotable fixed first end and a second end mechanically linked to the rolling element, the actuating member providing sufficient displacement to bring the rolling element into contact with the first cylinder such that a predetermined contact pressure therebetween is reached, the actuating member also being operable to bring the rolling element into contact with the second cylinder such that the predetermined contact pressure therebetween is reached. A method for displacing a rolling element is also presented.

Abstract: An inking system of a flexographic printing press with an anilox roller and a printing plate roller involved in color transport is shown. The positions of these two rollers relative to each other and to the impression cylinder are set using positioning elements that include bearing blocks in which the axles of the two rollers are mounted and which are traversed by motors which turn respective spindles that engage through an inner thread mounted in or on the bearing blocks. The motors are mounted on the machine frame on sides of the two rollers turned toward or facing the impression cylinder.

Abstract: A medium detection apparatus is provided with: a light emitting section adapted to emit light; a light receiving section adapted to detect reflected light and output an output value in accordance with an amount of the reflected light; a medium supporting section adapted to support a medium and having a diffusing section adapted to diffuse the light emitted from the light emitting section; and a controller adapted to detect an edge of the medium based on a difference between the output value of the light receiving section when the light receiving section detects light reflected from the medium and the output value of the light receiving section when the light receiving section detects light reflected from the medium supporting section.

Abstract: A printing group of a printing machine is comprised of at least two cylinders, a forme cylinder and a transfer cylinder. The transfer cylinder can be moved between a print-on position and a print-off position along a linear adjustment path. Both of the cylinders in the printing group can be driven mechanically to rotate independently of another printing group. This rotation is accomplished by at least one drive motor which is fixed on a frame of the printing machine.

Abstract: A spindle-nut combination for applying a roller to a counterbearing moved essentially at the circumferential speed of the roller. In order to be able to adjust the play of the spindle in a simple manner, an additional nut is associated with, and displaceable against the spindle nut. Both nuts mesh with the thread of the spindle. An additional securable nut is also provided to brace against the additional nut and prevent undesired turning thereof.

Abstract: A printing couple in a printing machine is comprised of at least three cylinders, a forme cylinder, a transfer cylinder and a counter-pressure cylinder. The counter-pressure cylinder forms a printing location or point in cooperation with the transfer cylinder. The transfer cylinder is mounted in at least one lever which can be pivoted about an eccentrically pivoting axis in relation to the rotational axis of the forme cylinder. When the three cylinders are in a print position, a connecting plane through the axis of rotation of the forme cylinder and the pivoting axis of the lever forms an angle of between 25° and 65° with a plane through the axis of rotation of the cylinder forming the printing point.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for positioning a roll in an inking or damping unit of a rotary press with respect to at least one adjacent roll. The axle of the first roll is mounted in at least one bearing arrangement that is movable with respect to a side wall of the printing unit, and means are provided for determining the position and the pressing forces of the first roll against the adjacent roll. The position and pressing force information is fed to a control device, by means of which the position and the pressing pressure of the first roll can be controlled by combined travel and force regulation.

Abstract: A pressure force exerted by first and second cylinders upon at least a third cylinder in a printing machine is regulated by a pressure regulating device. The device can also be using for moving a first cylinder and at least one second cylinder into and out of contact with a third cylinder. Actuators, which exert a radial force on a cylinder cooperating with the actuators, are provided. An aperture angle between the radial forces exerted by two actuators on the same cylinder is the same in both cylinders. That aperture angle is independent of an aperture angle formed by the pressure force exerted by the first and second cylinders on the third cylinder.

Abstract: The forces exerted by actuators are detected and devices are provided, which use those detected forces to regulate a pressure force exerted by one cylinder against another cylinder in a printing machine. The several forces can also be used for placing or removing one cylinder with respect to another cylinder. One cylinder may be mounted in a cylinder holder which is, in turn, mounted in a frame holder. At least two actuators are arranged between the cylinder holder and the frame holder. These actuators exert a radially directed force against the cylinder holder when they are actuated by a control signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet-guiding device in a printing machine. The object of the invention is to provide such a sheet-guiding device which in a printing/varnishing unit that is not involved in the printing/varnishing process, permits the smear-free passage of the printing material in a printing/varnishing nip. This is achieved in that on the blanket/plate cylinder 12, 2 there is arranged a printing plate with an ink/varnish-repellent surface coating, it being possible for the blanket/plate cylinder 12, 2 to be driven at the machine speed, and the sheet-carrying cylinder 1 conveying the printed or varnished printing material.

Abstract: A printing unit arrangement in a web-fed rotary printing press includes at least one printing unit 2a having a first and second plate cylinder 4, 6 and associated first and second blanket cylinders 8, 10 which are mechanically coupled via meshing gear wheels and which are commonly driven by one drive motor 12. A second printing unit of the printing unit arrangement includes a first and second plate cylinder 24, 26 and associated first and second blanket cylinders 28, 30. The first plate cylinder 24 and the first and second blanket cylinders 28, 30 are mechanically coupled via meshing gear wheels and are commonly driven by a first drive motor 42. The second plate cylinder 26 is individually driven by a second drive motor 46, and is engageable and disengageable from the associated second blanket cylinder 30 while the printing press is in operation, in order to perform flying edition changes or changes of a spot color.

Abstract: An offset printing press having plate and blanket cylinder retention mechanisms, each retention mechanism having at least one trunnion axially displaceable between an operative position and a disengaged position. Said trunnion is freely disconnected from an associated cylinder end in the disengaged position such that the plate cylinder and the blanket cylinder are removable from the printing press from between the frame structure. One of the cylinder retention mechanisms is selectively displaceable relative to the frame structure such that a distance between the cylinder axes of rotation is variable. The plate and blanket cylinders are thus removable from the printing press and substitutable with replacement cylinders having a different outer circumference. The press comprises a gear drive system which remains in gear meshed engagement with both the plate cylinder and the blanket cylinder regardless of the variable relative positions thereof.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for opposite journals of cylinders, rolls or drums having actuators that permit a displacement of the cylinders, rolls or drums in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation of said cylinders, rolls or drums, each of said journals being received in a frame wall via a rotary bearing for being placed against and removed from said frame wall whereby a centered rotary bearing (6) is received in a bearing housing (1), the bearing housing (1) is arranged through a linear bearing unit (7) on a connecting structure (2) for longitudinal displacement relative to the connecting structure (2), and the connecting structure (2) is connected to the frame wall (10).

Abstract: A method for engaging and disengaging cylinders, and particularly cylinders which are disposed in a line, is disclosed. In addition to the displacement required to engage and to disengage the cylinders, steps are taken to at least reduce the relative tangential speed between the working outer surfaces of the cylinders that are to be engaged against one another or against an intermediate web. This is accomplished by the reduction of, or the impression upon the cylinders of a specific rotational speed.

Abstract: A plate changing method and an apparatus for rotating all plate cylinders of a plurality of printing units by a drive device, and performing plate changing by plate changing unit provided in correspondence with the plate cylinders has an abnormality detection step of detecting presence or absence of a plate changing abnormality by detectors provided in correspondence with the plate cylinders, a step of stopping the drive device when the plate changing abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection step, a return step of controlling at least one of the drive device and the plate changing unit of a normal unit, other than an error unit in which the plate changing abnormality has been detected, in accordance with the status of progress of plate changing in the normal unit after the stop step, and an error elimination step of eliminating the plate changing abnormality in the error unit after the stop step.

Abstract: A printing unit arrangement in a web-fed rotary printing press includes at least one printing unit 2a having a first and second plate cylinder 4, 6 and associated first and second blanket cylinders 8, 10 which are mechanically coupled via meshing gear wheels and which are commonly driven by one drive motor 12. A second printing unit of the printing unit arrangement includes a first and second plate cylinder 24, 26 and associated first and second blanket cylinders 28, 30. The first plate cylinder 24 and the first and second blanket cylinders 28, 30 are mechanically coupled via meshing gear wheels and are commonly driven by a first drive motor 42. The second plate cylinder 26 is individually driven by a second drive motor 46, and is engageable and disengageable from de associated second blanket cylinder 30 while the printing press is in operation, in order to perform flying edition changes or changes of a spot color.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing printing plates in particular a blank sleeve-like printing plate, includes a cylinder carrier for receiving a printing plate, the cylinder carrier being held in cantilever fashion at one end in a frame in a mounting and is driven by a motor, it being possible for the printing plate to be pushed onto the carrier cylinder at an opposite side of the latter which faces away from the mounting and is, therefore, more accessible for making printing plate exchange. An image-setting device is moved along the carrier cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing the cylinder drive wheels of the transfer cylinders jamming against one another during setting and throwing-off movements includes a transfer cylinder having cylinder drive wheel which engages the drive wheels of a forme cylinder and of an impression cylinder in the thrown-on position. A linkage is connected to the transfer cylinder to be moved into the thrown-off position so that synchronously with the pivoting of the transfer cylinder to be thrown off, a counter-rotation of the transfer cylinder is produced a gear-wheel chain which meshes with the drive gear wheels of the forme cylinder and of the impression cylinder.

Abstract: A mechanism for rotary printing presses to increase the number of ink form-rollers without decreasing the space available for changing the printing plates. An additional advantage of this mechanism is the ease of access to the inner form rollers.

Abstract: A rotary press to lay patterns of a material on a strip material comprises a working cylinder bearing embossing plates of the patterns of the aforesaid material to be laid and an opposed anvil cylinder. The working cylinder is rotated. A heater for the working cylinder. A device to exert a defined prestress between the working cylinder and the anvil cylinder. Ball-bearings between the anvil cylinder and its shaft. A device adjusts the space between the working cylinder and the anvil cylinder, independent of the device to exert the defined prestress.

Abstract: An apparatus for integrally and conveniently adjusting printing pressures of blanket cylinders in a satellite-type printing press is provided. Printing pressure is adjusted all together by rotating eccentric bearing means (26) of a plurality of blanket cylinders (18) by wheel (34) which is fixed to primary axis (28), penetrating through the center of common pressure cylinder (10).

Abstract: A roller holding apparatus of a printing press comprises roller arms swingably supported by a metal roller, holders swingably supported by the roller arms for holding a rubber roller so as to be detachably mounted on the roller arms, and pressing members provided in the holders for pressing the rubber roller against the metal roller. The roller holding apparatus can perform roller replacement easily and quickly with a simple structure, and can always retain a set nip pressure.

Abstract: A rotary printing machine includes at least one form cylinder, at least one further cylinder, and a gear transmission via which the form cylinder and the further cylinder are drivable together during a printing operation. A device is provided for setting an image on a printing form located on the form cylinder. A switchable speed-change gear mechanism is disposed between the form cylinder and the gear transmission for driving the form cylinder during the printing operation.

Abstract: To provide a varnishing apparatus for indirect printing with the lowest possible structural outlay, a varnishing mechanism of the varnishing apparatus for varnishing webs includes a form cylinder and a transfer cylinder, the web running between the transfer cylinders. At least one of the form cylinders bears a gravure printing form such that the web may be varnished on one or both sides.

Abstract: An independent mandrel trip system wherein a mandrel support block retaining a mandrel is connected to a shaft mounting block in a manner such that the mandrel support block can be reciprocatingly retracted and extended relative to the shaft mounting block in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel.

Abstract: A support structure for a blanket cylinder of an offset printing press includes: a first eccentric bearing that is rotatably supported by frames of the offset printing press; a second eccentric bearing that is rotatably supported by the first eccentric bearing so as to rotatably support an shaft of a blanket cylinder; a printing pressure adjustment device that rotates the first eccentric bearing relative to the frames, thereby adjusting a clearance between an impression cylinder and a blanket cylinder; and a throw-on device that rotates the second eccentric bearing relative to the first eccentric bearing, thereby performing throw-on and throw-out operations. In the thus arranged support structure, a throw-on distance of the throw-on device is variable.

Abstract: The present ink proofer arrangement generates consistent and reliable ink draw downs irrespective of the size of the substrate or the user preparing the ink sample. In one example embodiment, an ink proofer arrangement adapted to be used with an ink proofer tool, the ink proofer tool including an ink transfer roller. The ink proofer arrangement further includes a cylindrical roller and a drive motor adapted to rotate the roller. In addition, a first movable mounting assembly is included that retains the ink proofer tool adjacent to and in a non-contact position with the roller.

Abstract: A plate handling method and apparatus for a printing press that includes printing units, each having a plate cylinder, a main unit motor for driving the plate cylinders, and electromagnetic clutches disposed between the main unit motor and the printing units for transmitting and cutting off a drive force from the main unit motor to the printing units, and is adapted to rotate the plate cylinders upon the drive by the main unit motor and change plates. The electromagnetic clutch of the printing unit is disengaged, when an abnormality in changing of the plate was detected by any of sensors provided in each printing unit for detecting an abnormality in plate changing, to cut off the drive by the main unit motor, but continue plate changing in the other printing units by the drive force from the main unit motor.

Abstract: The tension of a web in a rotary printing press is regulated during passage of the web between at least first and second cylinders of at least one printing group. The two cylinders are driven using at least one drive mechanism. A distance between the two cylinders is varied to influence the web tension before, between and after the printing groups.

Abstract: A method for driving a printing press includes driving, in a printing operation, via a gear train by at least a first motor, at least one drum for advancing printing material and a printing-form cylinder, processing angle-of-rotation signals of the drum in a control device for controlling the driving of the drum and the form cylinder, and driving, in a printing-form production operation in the printing press, a printing-form cylinder by a separate motor. The method further includes, in an operation for producing the printing form, synchronously actuating the first motor and the separate motor by providing a gear allocated to the driving of the printing-form cylinder, and an adjacent gear allocated to the driving of the drum of the gear train, the gears being disposed relative to one another at the most out of contact with one another, and at the least barely in engagement with one another so as to exert a slight pressure on one another, and a device for performing the method.

Abstract: A flexographic printing machine having at least one inking unit in which the setting of the printing position of the format cylinder and the anilox roller can be achieved by adjusting the format cylinder to the impression roller and the anilox roller to the format cylinder using adjustment equipment. The setting of the printing position of the format cylinder and/or the anilox roller is achieved by manually operating this adjustment equipment, while the removal of the format cylinder and/or the anilox roller from the previously manually set position and the readjustment of these rollers into the same position can be achieved using at least one drive.

Abstract: A method of operating a sheet-processing rotary printing press provided with a die cutting or punching unit and a delivery for forming processed sheets into a sheet pile or stack includes, in a first method step, moving the punching or die cutting unit, during production printing by the rotary printing press, from a first operating state of the unit wherein the sheets are punched or die cut, into a second operating state of the unit wherein the sheets are not punched or die cut as they pass the punching or die cutting unit, and after a given number of non-punched or non-die cut sheets have passed through the unit. In a second method step, the punching or die cutting unit is moved back into the first operating state thereof. The invention also includes a method of operating the printing press.

Abstract: A fixing devise is disclosed. It is usable for clamping two radially displaceable elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing group pertaining to a printing machine, comprising at least two cylinders, i.e. a form cylinder and a transfer cylinder. Said transfer cylinder can be optionally brought into a print-on position or a print-off position along a linear adjustment path. Both cylinders can be driven in a mechanically rotating manner, independently from another printing group, by means of at least one drive motor arranged on the frame in a fixed mode.

Abstract: At printing time, a blanket cylinder gear is meshed with a plate cylinder gear, whereby a first plate cylinder is rotatable by a drive motor. At image-recording time, the blanket cylinder gear is separated from the plate cylinder gear. In this state, a different motor drives the plate cylinder gear to rotate the first plate cylinder at low speed.

Abstract: A support structure for a blanket cylinder of an offset printing press includes: a first eccentric bearing that is rotatably supported by frames of the offset printing press; a second eccentric bearing that is rotatably supported by the first eccentric bearing so as to rotatably support an shaft of a blanket cylinder; a printing pressure adjustment device that rotates the first eccentric bearing relative to the frames, thereby adjusting a clearance between an impression cylinder and a blanket cylinder; and a throw-on device that rotates the second eccentric bearing relative to the first eccentric bearing, thereby performing throw-on and throw-out operations. In the thus arranged support structure, a throw-on distance of the throw-on device is variable.

Abstract: The interval or spacing between rotational axes of adjacent cylinders in a rotary printing press, between a print-on position and a print-off position is accomplished using eccentric bushings for the cylinder journals of at least one of the cylinders. A printing gap between the two cylinders can also be varied using separate eccentric bushings. The effective eccentricity of the bushings extends parallel to a line connecting the axes of rotation of the cylinders.

Abstract: A printing machine having an inking unit which prevents overinking of the printing cylinder upon increases in printing speed, such as during start-up of a printing operation. The inking unit includes an ink supply, two roll trains each comprising a plurality of inking rolls for communicating ink from the ink supply to a plurality of ink applicator rolls associated with the printing cylinder, with at least one inking roll in each roll train being displaceable in phase with an increase in printing speed for interrupting the respective roll train and preventing excessive ink application to the printing cylinder.