Abstract: Printing apparatus for marking small articles in which a printing head (24) having a design roll (26) and a printing roll (30), mounted for rotation about parallel axes (28,32), is movable between an operative position in which the printing roll prints indicia on the articles and a dwell position in which the printing roll is spaced from the articles. The movement of the printing head between the operative and dwell position is pivotal about the design roll rotation axis.

Abstract: A printer-slotter having a blank feed unit, at leas tone printing unit and a creaser/slotter unit for printing, creasing and slotting the blanks fed one after another, the units each having a rotating member and arranged along the flow of the blanks and so as to be separable from each other, the printer-slotter comprising:a reference signal operator for generating a reference signal and giving it to each of said units,each of said units comprising:a speed variable motor for driving said rotating member;a zero point sensor for detecting a zero point marked on said rotating member;initial phase setting device for setting the initial phase of said rotating member of each unit on the basis of data obtained beforehand and in response to the signal from said zero point sensor;a speed detector for detecting the speed of said variable motor and generating a speed signal proportional to its speed;a phase detector for detecting the phase of said rotating member an generating a phase signal proportional to its phase; an

Abstract: A register assembly including sleeve and collar means and gearing which can be adjusted relative to each other off-machine and to a predetermined position on the plate cylinder journal or shaft so that when the register assembly is mounted on the plate cylinder journal, the plate cylinder not only has exact gear tooth engagement but also proper registration.

Abstract: Apparatus for makeready of a business forms press having an unwind apparatus (12) for supporting a rolled web (20) of material and having a plurality of rotatable members in spaced alignment defining a path for the web and arranged to perform operations on said web such as printing (22, 23), perforating (45), numbering (35), punching (40, 42) or slitting, wherein the members are rotated in synchronism and are adjustable laterally and/or circumferentially with respect to the web path, is disclosed as comprising markings (90) and scales (110) establishing a reference position in the unwind apparatus for the rolled web and further devices (125, 230, 250, 270, 297, 327) establishing separate side reference positions for each of said rotatable members which has a lateral adjustment with respect to the unwind reference position, and further markings and scales (128, 222, 247, 272, 298, 308) establishing a circumferential reference position for each of said rotatable members with respect to each other.

Abstract: A coupling for use in transmitting both rotational movement and axial forces from a drive shaft to a driven shaft such as a shaft of a gravure cylinder characterized by a pin member being secured on the axis of both hubs to maintain the spacing between the hubs as a flexible plate arrangement secured to the hubs allows annular misalignment between the axes of the two hubs. The coupling allows side register of the gravure cylinder to be adjusted by shifting the drive shaft in the gear box of the printing press.

Abstract: A rotary business form printing press wherein a differential gear for controlling the velocity of the roller is provided between a feed roller in a sheet feed mechanism and the drive mechanism, an adjustment device for the impression cylinder for adjusting the wheel base between an impression cylinder and a blanket cylinder is provided in the impression cylinder, motors for adjusting the positions are provided on wheels in a punching unit and in processing heads in a slitter and a vertical perforation unit, rotational angle detecting devices are provided on respective revolving shafts of a plate cylinder, wheels in the punching unit, a perforation cylinder and crank discs in a zig-zag folding unit, and differential gears for adjusting the vertical register are provided between these revolving shafts and the drive mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for encoding the lateral or circumferential setting within a web press of a laterally or circumferentially adjustable machine for operating on a web is provided. The machine has an element which moves linearly as the machine is adjusted, and the apparatus includes a linkage connectable to the linearly moving element. An electric signal generator is operatively connected to the linkage for operation in response to movement of the linkage. A reference point is defined for describing the setting of the machine, and a code is computed in response to the signal generated by the signal generator for designating the setting of the machine with respect to the reference point. The generated code is then displayed in an appropriate manner or used to automatically set the machine.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for manufacturing multi-part forms uses web presses having printing stations and processing stations at which operations are performed on webs in registry with a series of printed images, and uses a collator to assemble related webs from said presses, and to perform additional operations on assembled webs in registry with images thereon. A digital job description of a form is created, including location of printed images on several parts of the form and location of process items, e.g. perforations, holes, or cuts on parts of the form. This job description is stored in the memory of a computer [PR-2] with a job identifying code. Also, a digital description is created of images to be printed on the form, and stored in memory with the job identifying number. The image descriptions are recalled from memory and used to create printing plates for the presses and to pre-set printing and processing sections of a press for each part of the form.

Abstract: An arrangement for securing impression as well as skew adjustment of one cylinder relative to another in a printing press. One of the cylinders has a bearing assembly occupying a cylindrical opening in the press frame. The bearing assembly includes a cylinder bearing having parallel planar support surfaces on opposite sides. An annular eccentric guide bearing has a cylindrical outer surface which is fitted into the cylindrical opening in the frame. The guide bearing is provided with opposed parallel way surfaces perpendicular to the plane containing the axes of the cylinders for slidably receiving and supporting the cylinder bearing. A first adjustment is provided for rockably positioning the guide bearing.

Abstract: A method for registering in an offset printing press comprises: mounting a printing plate on a shiftable table of a plate bending machine; detecting datum fine lines on said plate, by means of optical sensors; shifting the shiftable table so that said datum fine lines are placed at specific positions; inscribing, by means of a register mark inscribing device, register marks for carrying out automatic registering while, at the same time, bending the lateral edges of the printing plate; thereafter mounting the printing plate on a corresponding plate cylinder of a printing press; and carrying out automatic registering. The above plate bending machine comprises plate bending mechanisms, a shiftable table for holding the printing plate, optical detection sensors disposed above the shiftable table and operating to detect datum lines on the plate and thereby to generate signals for the movement of the table and register mark inscribing devices for automatic registering on a plate cylinder of the printing press.

Abstract: Control device for the offset cylinder of an offset printing machine, said control device selectively governing the movement of the offset cylinder into printing engagement with the plate and impression cylinders of the printing machine and the movement of the offset cylinder away from said plate and impression cylinders to relieve them of printing pressure. The control device mounts the offset cylinder sufficiently stiffly in the frame of the printing machine so as to avoid faults in the printing as, for example, the formation of strips on the printed paper sheets. The offset cylinder is rotatably mounted on an eccentric shaft which is mounted in first adjustable bearings which are arranged in eccentric bushings. On said eccentric bushings there are mounted second adjustable bearings which are arranged in bearing flanges which are adjustably fastened in the side walls of the printing machine.

Abstract: An automatic register adjustment system for a multicolor printing machine has a computer for remote control of register adjusting devices and computer drivable optical scanners traversably mounted for axial movement with respect to the cooperating plate cylinders so that the axial and peripheral coordinates of register marks engraved on the printing plates are determinable. Before printing starts, the printing plates are automatically adjusted for precise register with respect to each other. The register marks may be placed at any desired position on the printing plates and the reference coordinates are freely programmable since the optical scanners can approach any desired point on the printing plate. The scanners, for example, are reciprocated in synchronism with plate cylinder rotation at a speed generally proportional to the rotational speed of the printing machine so that the axial and peripheral coordinates of the register marks are simultaneously sensed.

Abstract: An offset press is provided with two printing units, the first of which is a typical offset unit and the second of which is adapted to effect number printing, relief printing or perforation or the like. The second printing unit is provided with a printing cylinder, a paper ejection cylinder and first and second delivery cylinders whose axes are positioned at the four corners of a square. In this manner, the paper from the first printing unit can be guided to the paper ejection cylinder by two distinct selectible transport paths, only one of which includes the second printing unit's printing cylinder.

Abstract: Such defects as a folded back or bent portion and a notch along one or both side edges of a printing sheet is detected by a detector located on one or both sides of a front edge of a correctly fed printing sheet for detecting absence of the sheet and a timing signal generator which produces a timing signal while all length of the sheet passes by the detector. An output signal which stops printing operation is produced when the detector detects absence of the sheet while the timing signal is being produced. According to this invention it is possible to prevent formation of defective printed matter and damage of a printing press fed with defective printing sheets.

Abstract: A sheet fed printing press having an impression cylinder with a feed board presenting a sheet with its leading edge in a position for pick up. A rotary sheet feeder is interposed between the feed board and the impression cylinder for picking up the leading edge of the sheet from its stationary position and transferring the leading edge to grippers on the moving impression cylinder. The sheet feeder is directly driven by a high powered electric motor. High resolution pick up heads and associated angle coders produce output signals respectively representative of the phase position of the cylinder and sheet feeder. A programmed phase offset device is provided defining a predetermined relation of desired feeder phase as a function of impression cylinder phase.

Abstract: In a phase adjusting apparatus for use in a sheet-fed rotary printing press having a turn-over mechanism, there are provided a fixed gear meshing with a gear of a printing cylinder on the downstream side and secured to an end shaft of a turn-over cylinder in contact with two adjacent printing cylinders, an adjusting gear meshing with a gear of a printing cylinder on the upstream side and loosely mounted on the shaft, and radial two-armed levers pivotally mounted on a fixed gear and engaging an adjusting bolt coaxial with a turn-over cylinder, and pins inserted into openings of the fixed gear to engage the two-armed levers. With this construction it is possible to readily adjust the phase relationship between groups of cylinders on the upstream side and downstream side of the turn-over cylinder.

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

Abstract: A rotary envelope machine blank cutter is provided with laterally adjustable, independent frame units for each meshing set of knife rolls for changing the depth of a side cut into a blank for envelope size and style production changes. The rotational and axial meshing of hard and soft knives respective to a single knife roll set is adjusted without disturbing the roll mount of either knife. Changes in envelope length or style are accommodated by the mechanical capacity to adjust the rotation cut timing between the knife roll sets of a two-set unit and also between respective cutting units of two or more two-set units. As in the case of lateral cut adjustments, knife roll mounts are undisturbed by rotational timing adjustments. Consequently, the machine may be quickly and accurately changed for production runs of any of several envelope style and several sizes respective to each style: all adjustments being made without disturbing the knife profile mesh of any knife set.

Abstract: A control system for a printing machine having a main shaft with a constant ratio of its rotary speed to a drive speed of the printing machine, has a plurality of translationally, continuously rotatably and discontinuously rotatably movable regulating members controllable by a main shaft of the machine, and a single supply system operating by hydraulic energy and associated with the regulating members, wherein the supply system includes a fixed-displacement pump, an oil supply conduit connecting the fixed-displacement pump with the regulating members, an electrically actuated flow regulating valve acting upon an oil stream, and a signal transmitter with a signal processor arranged so that the flow regulating valve connected with the main shaft via the signal processor.

Abstract: A can manufacturing method comprises applying a water-soluble resin sealing substance to the side and end seam edges of a can body blank and end plates, producing a thin layer of sealing substance on the side and end seam edges under hot drying atmospheres, seaming the side edges of the body blank including the end edges of the end plates to form a complete can, and subjecting the seamed portions to an applied heating to allow the layered sealing substance in the seamed portions to melt and unite the seamed portions. The apparatus permits a sealing substance to be applied on the side edges of a can body blank on the conveying path.

Abstract: An automatic control method and apparatus for adjusting the register of printing plates in a multi-color printing press before test sheets or proofs are printed. Register marks are copied on the printing plates when the plates are manufactured. Photoelectric scanners sense the register marks and determine the relative positions of the printing plates without the use of paper. The positions of the printing plates are compared and the plate cylinders are adjusted so that the printing plates of all the plate cylinders are in register with one another. Preferably the relative positions are referenced to registered zero positions in the middle of the adjustment range for each plate cylinder, and the position of the printing plate having the least deviation from the corresponding zero position is chosen as a reference position to which the positions of the other printing plates are compared.

Abstract: To provide a compact drive arrangement for a plurality of axially oscillating or reciprocating milling rollers (11, 12, 13) used in inkers and/or dampers of rotary printing machines, a central gear (16) is provided, driven from the plate cylinder (5) of the printing system, and wide enough to permit axial excursion of meshing gears (11', 12', 13') coupled to the respective milling rollers, and engaged with the central gear.

Abstract: A variable speed flexographic printer with means to match surface speeds of an ink transfer roll with the associated plate roll. A tachometer measures the rotational speed of a plate roll providing a variable DC input through means which adjust said input proportional to the diameters of the plate and ink transfer rolls providing a proportional variable DC signal to a variable speed DC motor driving the ink transfer roll. A wiper and metering blade is mounted to a block adjustably movable to and from the ink roll depending upon the diameter thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for checking and automatically correcting register adjustment of a sheet-fed printing press at the same time as remote densitometric measurement of an ink density check strip for ink fountain key adjustment. To read alignment marks printed parallel to the ink density check strip, a second optical sensor is mounted on the ink density scanner already used in practice to traverse and read the ink density check strip. A register control computer accepts the signal from the second optical sensor, detects the relative positions of the scanned alignment marks, compares the relative positions to each other and calculates axial, peripheral, and skew register adjustments. Position information is exchanged between the register control computer and the corresponding ink density control computer. The measured positions of the ink density check strip segments, for example, can be used in part to determine the positions of the register marks.

Abstract: A device for making fine adjustments of the vertical registration of a printing press of the type having a master cylinder and a master cylinder gear selectively rotatable with respect to each other. The device includes a shoe releasably secured to the master cylinder gear and a pair of opposed vertical adjustment screws carried by the shoe and bearing against the master cylinder. Fine adjustments of the vertical registration are obtained by securing the shoe to the master cylinder gear and then screwing in one vertical adjustment screw while backing out the other a corresponding amount, thereby rotating the master cylinder and master cylinder gear relative to each other. Controlled rotations of less than about five one-thousandths an inch can be made with ease. Since the shoe is releasably secured to the master cylinder gear, the device can be utilized to make its fine adjustments at any given position of the master cylinder and master cylinder gear with respect to each other.

Abstract: An impression cylinder is adapted to be disengaged from a plate cylinder after an image area of printing plate attached thereon has passed through the contact point where the cylinders abut each other, but before the trailing end of an object that is printed will pass through said contact point. The disengagement as well as the engagement of said cylinders are controlled by means of a mechanism comprising scale disks each of which has an adjustable angle index and is driven to rotate synchronously with the plate cylinder.

Abstract: In a printing cylinder with an adjustable side register and having internally conical ends by which the cylinder is clamped in position between external cones, the external cones are on the confronting ends of journals. One of the journals is axially immovable in a first sleeve which is axially displaceable but non-rotatable. The first sleeve is screw-connected to an axially immovable second sleeve provided with a rotary drive for adjusting the cylinder axially. The journals can be stressed towards each other by the piston rods of hydraulic piston-cylinder units of which the cylinders can be interconnected and have oppositely varying volumes when the side register is being adjusted.

Abstract: To permit, selectively, positioning of drums or cylinders in rotary sheet printing machines having, selectively, different functions, a cylinder layout is provided, generally in form of an inverted Y, which permits placing, selectively, blanket cylinders, transfer drums, chain system delivery drums and the like at predetermined locations so that, with six bearing positions (9-14) in a standard side wall (1), different printing modes and arrangements providing for single or multiple prime (P, P') and verso (V) printing can be effected, the printing positions being, for example, formed by bores for bearings of the respective cylinders which, if not used, can be plugged or left as space areas, preferably with marked centers, in the side walls; a standard side wall thus can be provided for multiple types of machines which also permit subsequent expansion of machine printing capability without exchange of side wall support or frame structure.

Abstract: An arrangement for securing pure skew adjustment of a cylinder, for example, a plate cylinder in a sheet-fed rotary printing press relative to an adjacent blanket cylinder. A bearing assembly at one end of the plate cylinder includes a cylinder bearing telescoped over the shaft and having flat support surfaces thereon facing radially outward in opposite directions. A guide bearing having a cylindrical outer surface is formed with a central window for receiving the cylinder bearing. The window defines a pair of flat inwardly facing way surfaces spaced parallel to one another for snug reception of the flat support surfaces on the cylinder bearing. The window also defines side walls spaced sufficiently to permit freedom of adjustment of the cylinder bearing along the way surfaces. An eccentric sleeve is fitted between the guide bearing and the frame with means for rockably adjusting the same to move the plate cylinder toward and away from the blanket cylinder thereby to vary the impression.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining pattern registration control in a printing system which prints an image on a relatively moving substrate. Portions of the overall image are electronically generated and printed in row-by-row (e.g. scanned) fashion at respective print stations positioned along the path of the substrate. Registration control is achieved with the aid of index markings spaced along the length of the substrate.

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

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

Abstract: A register control (21) is provided for a web handling apparatus (22) having a drive motor (29) operatively moving a web (23) containing repetitive indicia (34) through a sequencially operating function apparatus (27) performing repetitive operations on the web. A control (41) responds to the speed of the drive motor (29) and the position of the function apparatus (27) and the position of the indicia (34) to provide a speed command signal (V.sub.c) to a full wave regenerative thyristor control circuit (38) to operatively control the operating speed of a pair of nip rolls (25, 26) through the controlled energization of a corrective motor (35) to maintain registration between the function apparatus (27) and the indicia (34). The control (41) provides a timed modification to a sensed speed signal V.sub.s for providing a modified speed command signal (V.sub.c) when the system is out of registration.

Abstract: An image detecting and positioning device for an off-set printing machine capable of printing on both sides of a printing sheet. Electromagnetic clutches couple and disengage gears from the shafts of rubber cylinders in response to input signals with the two gears engaged with each other. Electromagnetic brakes are also coupled to the shafts of the rubber cylinders. Rotational angle detectors provide outputs related to the rotational positions of the shafts of one of the rubber cylinders and its plate cylinder. The electromagnetic brakes and clutches are operated in response to outputs from the rotational angle detectors to correctly position images on the rubber cylinders.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for a multicolor printing machine which permits continuous and precise axial setting of a form cylinder to obtain quality register printing during the printing operation of the machine. After setting of the form cylinder, it is also possible to eliminate clearance between the elements of the setting mechanism. The control elements are advantageously arranged on one side of the machine in such a manner as to be easily accessible for the operator. The device enables the elimination of clearance between the elements necessary for the axial setting by means of securing elements and the coupling of the drive gear with the form cylinder by means of a carrier in which the radial clearance has been eliminated and as a result, the shifting of the drive gear is made possible without introduction of radial clearance.

Abstract: To provide for self-alignment in axial as well as circumferential direction of bearing cups holding a fixed shaft of a cylinder, in which the cups are selectively rotatably adjustable and held by axial bolts extending into bearing blocks, the shaft ends or stubs (6, 7) have cross pins (17, 18) extending transversely thereto. The bearing cups (6, 7) are half-cylindrical and, upon positioning of one of the cups, while leaving the other one to be rotatable, engagement of the respective cross pin with the positioned cup will permit alignment of through-bores extending at right angles to the axis of the shaft through the shaft and into the bearing cup for attachment by an attachment bolt (15, 16).

Abstract: Drive for cylinders of an offset printing machine having a gear train constructed of spur gears disposed as drive gears on respective shafts of the cylinders, and including clamping devices for synchronizing rotation of the cylinders, the clamping devices being rotatable with the spur gears respectively associated therewith and having respective gear rims deformable more or less in accordance with an adjustment thereof, including a clamping plate respectively disposed coaxially to the spur gears, the spur gears being helically toothed, and at least two of the clamping devices mounted on the clamping plates, respectively, and acting in radial direction upon the gear rim of the spur gear respectively associated therewith.

Abstract: A computerized press control includes a set of counters countable in real time as the associated press cylinder rotates to enable the press control system to readjust the inspection zone, wherein the mark to be sensed on the web can be expected to be found, on a per revolution basis of that cylinder and to dynamically alter the length of the inspection window on a per revolution basis to enable the press control system to control color registration in spite of wide variations in press speed or conditions of the web.

Abstract: An improved flexographic type printing unit is provided in which only an ink transfer cylinder, plate cylinder and impression cylinder are needed with the transfer cylinder immersed in an ink fountain and cooperating with an adjustable doctor blade. Bearing traction roll drives and spacing means are utilized and the impression and transfer cylinders are mounted on swinging arms positioned by hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders to obviate the need for machined slides and surfaces and multiple adjustments at opposite ends of these cylinders. An eccentric structure in a freewheeling impression cylinder provides an accurate web thickness adjustment for the unit. A second embodiment of the flexographic printing unit includes a planetary gear drive for changing the registration of the print-to-blank or print-to-print of the plate cylinder as it engages a web.

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

Abstract: Register control apparatus for a rotogravure color printing press positions an adjustably movable web (or cylinder) compensator mechanism to, in effect, adjust the web length between printing roller nips in successive printing decks to correct for printing registration errors. The register control apparatus employs the principle that there is a predetermined position of the compensator mechanism for any given length of web wherein register error is eliminated. The register control apparatus, which is initially provided or programmed with electronic signal information representative of web length and compensator mechanism position (null position) wherein no registration error occurs, also includes electrical devices and circuitry for sensing and electronically processing incoming signal information relative to web speed; direction, magnitude and rate of registration error; and change of position of the compensator mechanism.

Abstract: An auxiliary printing unit assembly including an auxiliary press unit dimensioned to fit between the frame members of a press main frame. Stops on the main frame define a working position adjacent the press impression cylinder. A coupling assembly is journaled in the press main frame for interconnecting the press drive and the shaft of the press unit. The coupling assembly has an internally splined hollow drive shaft and an externally splined mandrel slidable in the drive shaft between inwardly extended and retracted positions. The mandrel has an expandible hub at its inner end dimensioned to mate with a recess in the press unit shaft when the mandrel is inwardly extended. The mandrel and press unit shaft have respective off-center registering elements which are also axially engaged when the mandrel is inwardly extended. Register indicia on the mandrel and the press unit shaft are so positioned that upon alignment thereof the registering elements are aligned with one another in readiness for axial engagement.

Abstract: A technique for correcting backlash in gears utilized in printing machines. The backlash is corrected by means of toothed segments, i.e. sections of a gear, with each segment having gear teeth of varying width, with the teeth at the center of the segment having greatest width and the width of successive teeth decreasing by 0.005 to 0.6 mm to minimum values at both ends of the segment. Each segment is positioned so that the gear teeth of proper diameter to reduce backlash are disposed next to the teeth of the gear on which the segment is mounted.

Abstract: A mechanism for damping vibration in the gear drive of a rotary printing press is disclosed. The various gear driven elements such as transfer cylinders, forme cylinders and blanket cylinders carry belt pulleys with the pulleys being connected by suitable belts. The sizes of the pulleys are selected and sized to attempt to drive the various cylinders at a speed less than the speed provided by the gear drive. In this way the gear drive is not allowed to chatter or vibrate. The orientation of the drive belts is selected to conform with the number of gears in a particular gear drive assembly.

Abstract: A two-color offset printing press having two plate cylinders simultaneously engageable with a single blanket cylinder is disclosed. The plate cylinders and the blanket cylinder are rotatably mounted on a printer head fixed to the mainframe of the press. A first set of dampening and inking rollers is mounted on the printer head and engageable with one of the plate cylinders. A second set of dampening and inking rollers, engageable with the other plate cylinder, is mounted on a ball bushing supported carriage linearly movable to and from the printer head along a pair of parallel rails fixed to the mainframe. Image registry between the two plate cylinders is established by an operator-accessible adjustment mechanism for shifting one of the plate cylinders back and forth along its axis of rotation. An electrical safety interlock system precludes operator access to the carriage-associated plate cylinder during predetermined operating modes of the press.

Abstract: Means for displacing elements, such as the rollers of printing machines, located between the upright frames of a pedestal machine. A rotatable drive shaft is supported in each of the frames parallel to the direction in which the displacement is to proceed, and is drive connected to the said elements. Adjusting shafts having hand wheels attached to their free ends and coupled to the drive shafts extend, when in working position, into the space between the upright frames. In rest position, they are displaceable out of said space, which is thereby cleared for access to the equipment.

Abstract: A two-color offset printing press having two plate cylinders simultaneously engageable with a single blanket cylinder is disclosed. The plate cylinders and a blanket cylinder are rotatably mounted on a printer head fixed to the mainframe of the press. A first set of dampening and inking rollers is mounted on the printer head and engageable with one of the plate cylinders. A second set of dampening and inking rollers, engageable with the other plate cylinder, is mounted on a ball bushing supported carriage linearly movable to and from the printer head along a pair of parallel rails fixed to the mainframe. Image registry between the two plate cylinders is established by an operator-accessible adjustment mechanism for shifting one of the plate cylinders back and forth along its axis of rotation. An electrical safety interlock system precludes operator access to the carriage-associated plate cylinder during predetermined operating modes of the press.

Abstract: As documents are moved serially past a servo motor-driven endorser, it endorses a stamp upon each. A transport signal dependent on document speed, and an endorser signal generated by an optical tachometer mounted to the servo motor, provide input to a frequency comparator. The output of the comparator is a control signal which controls the servo motor speed to adjust the endorser rotational surface velocity to equalization with the document speed. Logic circuitry sets the endorser at a zero angular position. Responsive to an endorse command, the endorser is accelerated to document speed, receives ink from a supply roller, then endorses the passing document. A counter and a digital comparator in cooperation with the tachometer signal completion of the endorsement whereupon the endorser is decelerated and placed in the zero position.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive arrangement for a changeable satellite printing mechanism of a rotary printing machine in which at least two main subject matter printing cylinders, that is, cylinders directly carrying subject matter to be printed, or transfer cylinders, can be selectively engaged with a common counter cylinder or with each other, in which arrangement the main subject matter printing cylinders can be selectively coupled with the counter cylinder or with each other while maintaining registry by selective teeth engagement of one or two sets of cylinder gears secured to the drive shafts of the printing cylinders, and at least one of the two subject matter cylinders is rotatable about a predetermined angle upon shifting of their drive shafts.