Abstract: Apparatus for rotatably mounting plate cylinders on a printing machine, such as a flexographic printing machine, that includes removable sleevelike plate cylinder shells, and for facilitating installation and removal of the cylinder shells. During replacement of each plate cylinder shell, one journal of the plate cylinder core is supported by the frame of the printing machine. The other bearing support is withdrawable from the other journal and includes a bearing support bracket that is axially displaceable relative to the axis of the plate cylinder by a carriage carried on tracks that have ends secured to a pivotable yoke to permit the other bearing support to be axially withdrawn from the plate cylinder journal and to pivot outwardly. The tracks are adapted to be locked at their inner ends to the machine frame or to the plate cylinder carriage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotogravure cylinder having a core and a sleeve detachably joined to the core, with the core being substantially solid and formed of a metal. The core is provided with passages for passing compressed air to the outer surface thereof. The sleeve is adapted to be fitted onto the core and removed therefrom with the aid of an air cushion produced by the compressed air. The sleeve consists of at least three concentric layers. The inner layer is formed of a material of low elasticity, and is slightly compressible. The center layer is formed of a rigid and inherently stable material, the inner and/or the center layer each may be varied in their thickness. The outer layer comprises a copper layer.

Abstract: An embossing imprinter includes an embossing transfer roller and a data print head. The embossing transfer roller is formed mechanically integrally with the data print head. The printing formats can be electronically modified.

Abstract: Printing apparatus utilizing flexible metal sleeves comprises means for mounting the sleeves in cylindrical configuration in a device which maintains their cylindrical configuration by means of fluid which is applied to and maintained within the sleeves under pressure during their use. The sleeves are of the type which is made by electrodepositing metal in a form that is very thin, readily collapsible and imperforate.Several structures for supporting the sleeves are disclosed. The sleeves are provided on their exteriors with coatings of flexible, microcrystalline, wholly inorganic photoconductive material such as sputtered ultrapure cadmium sulfide.A method of mounting the sleeve is disclosed.

Abstract: Adaptors for expandable mandrels of printing presses are formed as annular members which are slidable over the journals of the mandrel and lockable thereto, the adaptors each having an outwardly expandable external periphery for gripping and holding a printing cylinder of a diameter larger than that of the mandrel.

Abstract: A printing unit cylinder of a given diameter for offset rotary printing machines having a galvanically applied wear and corrosion-resistant jacket surface coating, comprising a cylinder body formed with a cylinder channel and having a transitional surface from a cylindrical jacket surface thereof to the cylinder channel, the cylindrical jacket surface and the transitional surface having a sand-blasted surface roughness of 10 to 20 microns, a nickel undercoating having a hardness of 180 to 220 Vickers hardness disposed on the cylindrical jacket surface and the transitional surface; and a chromium layer disposed on the undercoating and having a hardness of greater than 900 Vickers hardness and a microcracked surface of greater than 400 cracks per cm.sup.2, the cylinder body having a diameter less than the given diameter of the printing unit cylinder by a thickness corresponding to the superimposed thicknesses of the nickel chromium and the chromium layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a loose screen-stencil-roller showing at its cylindrical outer surface a pattern of indentations, comprising the steps of starting with a smooth-walled support cylinder being either a hollow thick-walled roller or a massive roller, upon which a thin-walled sieve is pushed, after which the sieve is clampingly secured upon said cylinder: the invention also deals with an apparatus for applying this method comprising a support cylinder with fluid passages enabling the mounting and removal of the sieve around its outer periphery.

Abstract: To provide for an easily replaceable attachment of a printing cylinder (11) on a shaft (12), the shaft is formed as a stub shaft with a flange (13) projecting therefrom, and a disk-shaped groove or recess or bore is formed in the end face (14) of the milling roller, into which the flange is fitted by an interference fit. In order to provide for ease of engagement of the interference fit, the flange and/or the end face of the roller is undercut by a groove spaced somewhat from the fitting engagement surfaces to form a resilient lip (16) which is subjected to the interference fit. The flange and the milling roller are connected by one or more clamping screws or bolts (18).

Abstract: An axle suitable for a postage meter is disclosed which comprises a metallic core surrounded by a jacket of plastic material which jacket can be produced by injection molding. The cross-section of the core is like an H, and this generates two longitudinal grooves along the axle. In addition several bearing flanges are produced at the jacket, which allow the mounting of the axle as well as the attachment of a drum. Guide plates can be provided at the jacket near the longitudinal grooves.

Abstract: A printing cylinder is supported and located by dual annular hydraulically-expansible heads carried by a shaft and adjustable axially thereof and which are inserted into the printing cylinder and then expanded inwardly into locking engagement with the shaft and outwardly into locking engagement with the cylinder.

Abstract: A toy vehicle having a body housing and undercarriage secured thereto. The undercarriage supports rotatable front and rear wheels. A roll support member is pivotably coupled to the undercarriage and is latchable thereto. An applicator roll which is adapted to carry messages, symbols or the like is rotatably supported by the roll support member. The applicator roll is displaceable between operative and inoperative positions by a cam which is turned by a key.

Abstract: Sleeves with different circumferences (and hence print repeat lengths) are removably mountable on a roll core, making use of radial compressibility of the radially inner region of each sleeve. The radially outer regions are incompressible, to ensure good print quality.A sleeve may have inner and outer regions of different foam materials. Alternatively it may employ spaced discs having resilient arcuate tongues engaging an inner sleeve. An outer sleeve may be defined by slats engaging the discs, or peripheral flanges of the discs.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of forming a printing sleeve, comprising the steps of starting from a cylindrical supporting surface 4 upon which a knitted fabric 2" is applied as a gas-permeable means, providing a sheet of a thermoplastic elastomeric composition thereupon, and applying a pressure difference and heat so as to press the sheet upon said surface and to obtain a fusion of the sheet with the fabric.

Abstract: A gravure pressure roller with an axis of variable shape, in which the outer jacket (2), rotated coaxially to and inside the jacket (2) of the roller by the shaft (3), is supported at its ends by bearings (10) and at the mid-part by levers (21) coupled in an articulated manner to the mid-part of the shaft (3), so as to be in contact with the inner surface (7) of the jacket (2), contacting the same with the intercalation of bearings (22) and actuators (15) inserted between the shaft (3) and each lever (21).

Abstract: To support a cover wrapped about the printing cylinder and prevent oscillations and resonance phenomena from arising when an attachment groove (2, 23) passes along an adjacent cylinder, a filler strip (8) is located within the groove to close off the groove. The filler strip has circumferentially extending fingers (14) which are supported on circumferentially extending fingers (15) projecting circumferentially from within the groove. The filler strip is axially shiftable along the fingers so that the gap between the support fingers (15) can be used to drop the comb fingers (14) on the filler strip radially inwardly, thus retracting the filler strip. The filler strip is preferably retracted by a retracting mechanism such as a slotted guide tube (11) engaging a lifting strip (10) projecting circumferentially from the filler strip.

Abstract: A postage meter printing apparatus for applying postage indicia to a mailpiece having a cyclically operating drum for feeding the mailpiece through the postage meter. The periphery of the drum has an aperture therein. Structure is provided for maintaining the mailpiece against the drum as the mailpiece is fed by the drum and for cycling the drum at a low rotational speed during a part of the cycle when a low-speed printing process is taking place and high rotational speeds during a higher speed printing process and of the remainder of the cycle thereby providing means for obtaining maximum overall cycle speeds while accommodating the low-speed requirements of the slower printing process. A matrix print head for the low-speed process is located internal to the drum having a printing position and a non-printing position, the print head is automatically placed adjacent the mailpiece through the aperture in the drum to its printing position when the aperture is between the print head and mailpiece.

Abstract: A continuous can printing machine for decorating can bodies having a printing cylinder assembly including multiple printing plates of predetermined size accurately mounted on a peripheral surface of a cylinder having a circumference substantially greater than the circumference of a can to be printed and being quickly and accurately mountable and removable from a drive shaft by use of an eccentric tightening apparatus.

Abstract: Textile filaments are treated with chemical solutions during their manufacture and a longevous apparatus is provided to accomplish this treatment. The apparatus is a cylindrical sleeve engaged with a rotating engaging means for a substantial portion of the sleeve length and the sleeve and means are disposed to be contacted with the chemical solution contained by a receptacle. The peripheral surface of the sleeve is disposed in relation to the receptacle so that the sleeve comes in contact with the moving textile filaments. The sleeve can be a graphite, metallic or metallic coated noncorroding material. The sleeve can have a thickness ranging from a foil to a thickness which allows the sleeve to be coated with a metallic coating. The rotatable engaging means can be a noncorroding material such as stainless steel, a thermosetting polymer, graphite or rubber.

Abstract: A rotary stencil unit for screen printing machines has a tubular stencil provided at its opposite axial ends with respective end rings. One or both of these end rings has in its circumferential wall one or more openings which afford radial or diagonal access to the interior of the respective end ring and to the adjacent end portion of the stencil.

Abstract: A gravure printing cylinder is formed by fitting a printing sleeve over a core roll via a layer of a hotmelt adhesive. A gravure printing surface with ink-retaining cells is formed on the printing sleeve either before or, preferably, after the mounting of the sleeve on the core roll. For assemblage of the printing cylinder the hotmelt is applied in the molten state to at least part of at least either of the opposed surfaces of the printing sleeve and the core roll. Then the printing sleeve is placed over the core roll, preferably while both sleeve and roll are being heated. The printing cylinder can be readily disassemblaged by remelting the hotmelt layer. Also disclosed herein is an apparatus for the assemblage and disassemblage of the printing cylinder, including a roll holder for holding the core roll in an upstanding attitude while the core roll is being heated by a heating medium circulating therethrough.

Abstract: A cylinder for machines processing running lengths of material is supported at its ends by bearing frames which may be moved for moving the cylinder, the cylinder having a pipe-like or tube-like outer casing which is supported by self-aligning bearings and has within it a core which is not turned and has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the casing, the casing being supported on the core by at least one support bearing which is symmetrical with respect to the middle of the casing and coaxial thereto. To give the casing a desired line of bending, to be in harmony with the cylinder with which it is used (on the other side of the running length of material) without being changed by moving the cylinder towards and away from the other cylinder, the pipe-like casing is supported in self-aligning bearings at its ends, separately from the core within it, on the end bearing frames.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly for supporting demountable printing cylinders of different lengths. The assembly includes a tube receivable within the cylinder to be mounted and having journals joined thereto at either end. Encircling each journal are first and second expansible sleeves in side-by-side relation, the first set of sleeves fitting within the end heads of the shorter cylinder when it is mounted on the mandrel assembly, the second set of sleeves fitting within the end heads of the longer cylinder. Below each sleeve on the journal is a relieved zone defining an annular hydraulic chamber. A bore in the journal receives a piston and a tool-operated piston screw, the bore leading into an internal duct having a branch communicating with the hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printing mechanism for printing bar codes on pressure-sensitive labels adhering to a carrier tape. The printing mechanism includes a print wheel on which a plurality of type rings rotatable about a common axis relatively to each other are mounted. The carrier tape with the pressure-sensitive labels adhering thereto is pressed with the aid of a pressure roller against the print wheel. To enable the bar codes to be printed to be read without error with electrooptical reading devices, high requirements are made of the printing quality of the bar codes as regards uniformity and contrast. To meet these requirements the type rings comprise a cylindrical peripheral surface on which bar code types of resilient material are formed with which an inking means is in contact; the pressure roller is rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the axis of the type rings and consists of non-resilient material.

Abstract: A code dater for coding tray blanks being formed into trays in a tray forming machine comprising means attached to said machine for maintaining each of said tray blanks in a semi-rigid condition as said blanks move through said machine, and means for printing coded information on said blanks as they are maintained in said semi-rigid condition.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly for a demountable printing cylinder, the assembly including a tube receivable within the cylinder and having journals joined thereto at either end. Encircling each journal is an expansible sleeve, the sleeves fitting within the end heads of the cylinder when it is mounted on the mandrel assembly. Below each sleeve on its journal is a relieved zone defining an annular hydraulic chamber. An axial inlet section which opens into the free end of each journal receives a piston and a tool-operated piston screw, the inlet section leading into an internal duct in axial alignment therewith having a lateral branch communicating with the hydraulic chamber, the duct and chamber being filled with hydraulic fluid. When the piston screw is turned in to advance the piston, the resultant hydraulic pressure is applied through the hydraulic chamber against the inner wall of the sleeve, causing the sleeve to expand and grip the cylinder head, thereby locking the cylinder to the mandrel assembly.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly for a demountable printing cylinder, the assembly including a tube receivable within the cylinder and having journals joined thereto at either end. Encircling each journal is an expansible sleeve, the sleeves fitting within the end heads of the cylinder when it is mounted on the mandrel assembly. Below each sleeve is a relieved journal zone defining an annular hydraulic chamber. A lateral bore in each journal receives a piston and a tool-operated piston screw, the bore leading into an internal duct having branches communicating with the hydraulic chamber. When the piston screw is turned in to advance the piston, the resultant hydraulic pressure is applied through the hydraulic chamber against the inner wall of the sleeve, causing the sleeve to expand and grip the cylinder head thereby locking the cylinder to the mandrel assembly. When the piston screw is turned out, the pressure is released to permit removal of the cylinder.

Abstract: A printing roller is disclosed comprising a three-piece mandrel assembly having a central hollow tubular section and two outer journal sections. Each journal section has hydraulic fluid passageways formed therein and a cylindrical sleeve circumferentially mounted thereon, the inner surface of which is adapted to be pressurized by the hydraulic fluid system. A removable hollow printing cylinder slidably is mounted onto the three piece mandrel and is frictionally held at the outer journal locations through the application of hydraulic pressure upon the cylindrical sleeves mounted upon each journal.

Abstract: Printing cylinder with an outside covering of a thermoplastic elastomeric composition which can be hardened by exposure to light, the covering being snugly applied to the circumference of the cylinder by suction in the annular clearance between cylinder and covering; the cylinder comprising several coaxial parts during the covering process, only the central portion with its covering forming the printing cylinder.

Abstract: An impression roller with an insulated core, with an outer layer of resilient semiconductive material, and with a set of conductive wires extending along its length and out one end for interconnection, to adjust the resistance of the roller to current being conducted between a first region of higher potential and a second region of relatively lower potential. In a first embodiment the wires are connected by jumper wires while in a second embodiment resistors are connected between the conductive elements to provide further increments in the adjustment of roller resistance. A method is also disclosed for making such a roller.

Abstract: A facsimile system has improved features for receiving copy medium and for printing. The system has a cylindrical rotatably driven drum that has an expansion device that allows the drum to expand its effective diameter. When the unit is used as a receiver, a cylindrical loop of copy medium is inserted over the drum, when the drum is in its reduced diameter position. Then the expansion device is actuated to enlarge the diameter and tightly constrain the copy medium. The same device may be used to transmit, since the expansion device utilizes a slot formed along the periphery of the drum. The slot opens to receive the edge of an original document when the expansion device is in the reduced diameter position. The slot closes to retain the document when the expansion device is rotated to the enlarged diameter position. The printing is accomplished by a solenoid actuated hammer that presses a ribbon against the copy medium while the drum rotates.

Abstract: A vibration-free cylinder for a printing press in phased rolling engagement with a companion cylinder and which is formed of a cylinder body of star-shaped cross section having a central axial portion and four axial webs extending radially outward therefrom to define between them recesses of sector-shaped cross section. The surface of the cylinder is formed by first and second arcuate shell segments, the first of which extends over substantially half of a revolution and the second over substantially one-quarter revolution, the segments having parallel edges bridging the tip portions of the webs for enclosing all but one of the recesses which is uncovered to produce a gap defining the leading edge of the cylinder surface. The web at the leading edge is extended outwardly to the locus of the cylinder surface so that the cylinder body absorbs the impact with the companion cylinder which occurs at the leading edge at each revolution.

Abstract: A transfer member for transferring ink, paint, and other like vehicles containing organic solvents and a process for its preparation are disclosed, characterized in that the member comprises a polymerized, cross-linked polyurethane, particulate silica, and a bonding amount of a reacted silane. Preferably, the cross-linked polyurethane is prepared by interreacting an organopolyisocyanate with a mixture of hydroxyl-containing organic compounds, such as an organodiol, an organotriol, and optionally, an organopolyol containing more than three hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: A gap cover of arcuate cross section for covering the longitudinal channel in the cylinder of a printing press, the cover being dimensioned to bridge the gap and held in place by first and second fastening assemblies accommodated below the presented surface. The first fastening assembly includes an axially oriented hook and stirrup, while the second assembly includes a radially oriented shaft having a flat head of oblong profile forming a pair of wings. The cover has a recessed portion radially aligned with the latching element and containing an aperture of mating oblong profile bounded by land surfaces so that the head of the latching element may project therethrough, for locking engagement with the lands upon rotation through 90.degree. by a turning tool. The shaft of the latching element has an associated detent for snapping the head from its free position to its locking position and for securely holding it there until intentionally released by additional turning movement.

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: By providing a molded or extruded plastic base cylinder or plate with a surface coating of an etchable metal, a low cost printing media is achieved for use in intaglio or gravure printing. The plastic base cylinder may be machined to a low tolerance diameter before being substantially uniformly plated with an etchable metal such as copper or nickel about its entire outer peripheral surface, thereby assuring uniform balance and concentricity. The plated surface is then engraved or etched with the information to be printed, resulting in a low cost printing cylinder for use in intaglio or rotogravure printing. In one embodiment, the cylinder incorporates a substantially uniform diameter shafting bore along its central axis in order to provide for mounting the cylinder on a shaft or other fixture, while another embodiment provides for accurately disposed and engaging lugs which rotationally drive the cylinder.

Abstract: A method of making a business machine platen core wherein a cylindrical body including a hollow tube extending co-axially thereof is encapsulated with an insulative foam with a pair of opposed plugs inserted in each end thereof.

Abstract: A lithographic printing press having the usual plate cylinder, blanket cylinder and impression cylinder in pressure engagement with one another, the bearings having at least a normal amount of play so that the journals are supported in normal elevated positions in the bearings depending upon the direction of the pressure vectors, at least the blanket and impression cylinders having phased gaps in the surfaces thereof, tending to cause cyclical, momentary loss of support accompanied by dropping of the blanket cylinder from the normal journal position in the bearing as the region of the gap is traversed, followed immediately by lifting of the blanket cylinder back to normal position resulting in cyclical impact.

Abstract: For fitting a printing sleeve in a printing roll the outer surface of the roll core and preferably the inner surface of the sleeve are made with one end of a lesser diameter than the other; the sleeve is slightly undersize diametrically. Remote from the ends of the core are orifices whereby gas under pressure may be blown radially outwardly from the core. The difference in diameter allows the sleeve to be passed freely along the core until it jams up against an increased diameter portion of the outer surface of the roll, at which time it covers the orifices. Gas is then blown from the orifices to expand the sleeve which can then be moved into its working position on the core. A sleeve specially suitable for this treatment is made by laying-up a seamless GRP layer on a former which is undersize for the designed core and either curing a rubber layer in situ onto the layer, or adhesively securing a flexible plate to a true cylindrical outer surface of the GRP layer.

Abstract: For fitting a printing sleeve in a printing roll the outer surface of the roll core and preferably the inner surface of the sleeve are made at least partly tapered; the sleeve is slightly undersize diametrically. Remote from the ends of the core are orifices whereby gas under pressure may be blown radially outwardly from the core. The tapers allow the sleeve to be passed freely along the core until it jams up against an increased diameter portion of the tapered outer surface of the roll, at which time it covers the orifices. Gas is then blown from the orifices to expand the sleeve which can then be moved into its working position on the core. A sleeve specially suitable for this treatment is made by laying-up a seamless GRP layer on a former which is undersize for the designed core and either curing a rubber layer in situ onto the layer, or adhesively securing a flexible plate to a true cylindrical outer surface of the GRP layer.

Abstract: A printing roll is mounted in a printing machine in such a way that a sleeve on its outer surface can be removed axially while the roll remains substantially in its working position. One end bearing of the roll is free of axial restraint relative to the roll and is removably secured to a side frame of the machine. For axial positioning, an adjustable restrainer engages the roll axle at that end. Beyond the other side frame a counterpoise acts on the roll axle to support the roll when the one end bearing is removed. The counterpoise may be a hydraulically operated pull roll, permanently engaged to the roll axle through a yoke and a rolling contact bearing.

Abstract: A flexographic printing roll comprising a rigid base tube having perforations in the form of a plurality of small apertures and a circumferentially stretchable, elastomeric, seamless printing sleeve on said tube strained to grip the tube to retain the sleeve securely on the tube; in which there is provided means on the tube to aid the sliding of the sleeve on the tube. The said means may comprise a circumferential seal which can be pressurized to press on the sleeve and expand it. The said means may comprise an expandable metal segment seal. The said means may comprise a tapering sleeve through which means are provided for applying reducing pressures at points along the surface of the tapering sleeve.

Abstract: A design painting kit having a paint roller which carries an embossed rubber-like mat upon the rotatable cylindrical surface thereof. The embossing includes design indicia and numerical indicia which signifies the color of paint to be applied to discreet areas of the design. An ink roller is removably affixed to the handle of the paint roller having the ink laden exterior surface thereof adapted to coat the embossed surfaces of the rubber mat as the rubber mat is rolled upon the surface of a wall, thereby applying an ink depiction of the pattern and numerical indicia thereto. The kit also includes a hand operated block or plate which can carry a rubber-like mat and is useful in applying the embossed indicia surfaces upon small surfaces to be decorated or upon otherwise inaccesible portions of the wall. The kit also provides a container including a supply of ink, a quantity of individually colored paints in separate containers, and a quantity of brushes.

Abstract: Document feeding and/or printing mechanisms including a support for a stack of documents to be printed, a rotatable printer, a feed mechanism for moving successive documents to the printer from the supported stack, and a document stacker on the opposite side of the printer for receiving documents and stacking them after the desired indicia has been printed on them.

Abstract: A carrier sleeve for supporting flexible printing plates, the sleeve having a limited circumferential resilience, whereby when subjected to air jets emitted from the apertures in the wall of a printing cylinder, the sleeve is dilated to facilitate the application of the sleeve to the cylinder or its removal therefrom. The sleeve is constituted by three interlaminated layers, each formed by a helix of synthetic plastic tape. Two layers of the sleeve are wound at the same helix angle but are phase displaced relative to each other, whereby the air gap between the convolutions of one layer is bridged by the convolutions of the other, thereby sealing the gap and rendering the sleeve impermeable to air. The remaining layer is wound at an angle opposed to the helix angle of the other two, thereby strengthening and rigidifying the structure of the sleeve.

Abstract: A printing wheel for use in code marking machines is comprised of a hollow cylindrical type carrier rotatably mounted on a stationary spindle assembly, the type carrier and spindle assembly each containing magnetic members which align to keep the type carrier in a fixed position until rotated by an external force. A magnetic damper means may be provided to prevent oscillation or "hunting" of the type carrier when it returns to the null or fixed position by magnetic attraction between the fixed and rotating magnets.

Abstract: A print wheel of the type employed in business machines is formed by positioning a ring-shaped metal blank in a die and forcing fluid plastic under pressure against the ring thereby causing the metal to flow into the characters provided in the die and to assume their shape.

Abstract: A device for mounting interchangeable type including a pair of spaced, resilient retainer members disposed on a backing member. Each retainer member has a neck portion and a head portion. One or more thin, elongated, flat bands, each having a pair of spaced openings therein, may slidably receive a plurality of interchangeable printing members thereon. The head portions of the retainer members are passed through the openings in each band to retain each band on the backing member.

Abstract: A cylindrical printing roller combining a rubber mat printer and a stencil printer. The rubber mat portion is inked externally while the stencil portion receives its ink from internally of the roller. The two printing forms on the roller print simultaneously.