Abstract: Text (indicia, words, symbols, etc.) of documents is highlighted in such a way that it will reproduce when electronically copied (e.g. photocopied or telecopied). This is accomplished by applying a tone to only that area of the document to be highlighted and so that the tone remains in place during copying. The tone is sufficiently dark so as to highlight the text, but light enough so that the text is readable. The tone may be a dot or line screened tone having about 30-65 lines per inch with a density of about 10-22%. The tone may be applied on adhesive tape and just placed over the document portions to be highlighted. The tape may be dispensed from a dispenser. Alternatively, the tone may be on a transfer sheet, and is transferred to the document merely by the act of rubbing on the transfer sheet. The tone may also be applied to the document utilizing a print wheel in a casing, that is moved over the document. After the document is electronically copied (e.g.

Abstract: A void-free, latex rubber cushion layer is interposed between the blanket cylinder and the base layer of a compressible printing blanket in an offset printing press. The latex cushion layer has a thickness of from 8 to 12 mils, and has a spring modulus which is substantially less than the spring modulus of the compressible layer in the printing blanket. The latex cushion layer will compress slightly, about 1 mil, in response to preloading at typical preload impression pressure. This means that a good quality print may be obtained at a substantially reduced impression pressure level, since it is not necessary to preload the blanket. During a printing operation, the latex cushion layer is under preload compression and applies a back pressure force which assures a quality imprint. The compressible layer of the blanket, which has a greater spring constant, is not compressed at the typical printing pressure setting.

Abstract: An exemplary anisotropic printing element comprises an outer printing surface layer and, located radially beneath the outer layer, a spirally-integrated reinforced compressible tubular structure comprising a reinforcing sheet having synthetic fibers, the sheet being spirally wrapped at least two complete turns circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the tubular structure, thereby defining an inner tubular surface on a radially inward wrapped sheet portion and an outer tubular surface on a radially outward wrapped sheet portion, the tubular structure further comprising an elastomer having voids, the elastomer being disposed between the inner and outer tubular surfaces defined by the wrapped sheet portions, the void-containing elastomer thereby providing radial compressibility to and being spirally-integrated within the tubular structure. Examplary methods for fabricating the printing elements of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A printing cylinder for a rotary printing press has a support, which is fixed against relative rotation, and a jacket rotatable around the latter, which is supported by a row of support elements, disposed axially side-by-side and individually controllable and radially displaceable at least in part in order to attain an even printing pressure across the width of the cylinder while avoiding any bending of the jacket. The jacket is constructed of three coaxial tubes, an interior tube, a filler body and a printing forme support, at least two of which, or even all three, in the rest state, are separated by a small gap so that they can be easily pulled off each other and exchanged in order to change the printing press over to another print pattern or another diameter or register.

Abstract: A device for the identification of a roller shell includes a microchip incorporated into a flexible material roller shell for printing presses. A scanning device excites the microchip for emitting signals permitting a definite identification of the microchip and of the roller shell.

Abstract: A tubular printing blanket for a blanket cylinder in an offset printing press comprises a cylindrical sleeve, a compressible layer over the sleeve, and an inextensible layer over the compressible layer. The cylindrical sleeve is movable telescopically over a blanket cylinder. The compressible layer comprises a first seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing compressible microspheres. The inextensible layer comprises a second seamless tubular body of elastomeric material containing a tubular sublayer of circumferentially inextensible material. A seamless tubular printing layer over the inextensible layer has a continuous, gapless cylindrical printing surface. Methods of manufacturing the tubular printing blanket are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure cylinder is accommodated in a printing assembly and provided with electrostatically assisted ink transfer. Its shaft is mounted in the framework of a printing press. It has a semiconductive jacket that is mounted over a steel surface and can be electrically charged. The shaft is electrically connected to the surface of the cylinder and electrically insulated from the framework. An electric potential can be applied to the shaft in order to charge the semiconductive jacket.

Abstract: A cross gluing cylinder has spaced peripheral glue application bars which apply glue to a paper web. The overall circumferential length of the cross gluing cylinder can be changed by shifting the glue application bars and cooperating intermediate cylinder sections radially outwardly or inwardly.

Abstract: A printing sleeve for a flexographic printing process is prepared by spirally winding successive adhesive coated tapes onto a forming mandrel such that the outer tape covers the seam in the previous layer, providing heat to the thermoplastic adhesive layers at the initial contact point between two tapes, providing sufficient tension to ensure consolidation, and advancing the resultant printing sleeve off the mandrel by means of a drive belt.

Abstract: A system for changing a removable sleeve on a printing roller in a flexographic printing press is disclosed. Axially fixed bearing assemblies are installed on the mandrel of the printing roll, and positioned in a split bearing block. In changing the printing sleeve, at least one bearing block is opened to release the bearing assemblies as the mandrel is raised and fitted with a removable axial extension. The axial extension is then braced to support the roll in a raised position. The printing sleeve can then be axially extracted onto the extension, clearing the printing roller and the frame of the printing press. A second brace is then applied intermediate the printing roller and the extracted printing sleeve. Withdrawal of the first brace allows the printing sleeve to be entirely removed while the partially dismounted printing roller is stabilized by the second brace. A replacement printing sleeve is then placed over the axial extension, and the process reversed.

Abstract: A printing sleeve comprises a cylindrical tube of polymeric material reinforced with overlapping, closely touching windings of fibrous reinforcing material with at least one winding extending in each direction. The windings are wound in a helical pattern at a wind angle of about 40.degree..

Abstract: A method of forming a Ballard shell on a rotogravure printing roll or the like. At least one of the side surfaces of a roll base is covered with a removably fixed, adhering, concentric, annular disk which remains in place and limits the radial extent of plating on the side of the cylinder while a Ballard shell is plated on the roll. The disk is removable from the roll at the end of the process. The result of the process is a novel Ballard shell having a cleanly terminating inner circumference adjacent to the roll and a ledge portion on its inner periphery extending axially outward from the inner circumference. The axially extending ledge portion of the Ballard shell is a novel structural feature, and is responsible for the easy stripability of the shell after an extended printing run. Yet another aspect of the invention is a rotogravure roll or the like on which a Ballard shell having the previously described construction is formed.

Abstract: An offset printing unit (10) for printing an inked image on sheet material (30) comprises a rotatable plate cylinder (12) and a rotatable blanket cylinder (14). The plate cylinder (12) supports a printing plate (18) which defines the inked image. A tubular printing blanket (20) is received telescopically over the blanket cylinder (14). The printing unit (10) further comprises a frame (16) and a motor (26). The frame (16) supports the plate cylinder (12) and the blanket cylinder (14) in positions for the printing plate (18) to transfer the inked image onto the tubular printing blanket (20) at a nip (28) between the cylinders (12, 14) when the cylinders (12, 14) are rotating. The motor (26) rotates the plate cylinder (12) and the blanket cylinder (14) to transfer the inked image to the tubular printing blanket (20).

Abstract: A printing unit (10) includes a blanket cylinder (20), a bearing assembly (56) and a door assembly (72). The blanket cylinder (20) carries a tubular printing blanket (36). The bearing assembly (56) includes a bearing housing (58) fixed to the stub shaft (50) on the end of the blanket cylinder (20). The door assembly (72) includes a door (82) which is supported for pivotal movement on a frame wall (22) of the printing unit (10). The door (82) has a closed position in which it extends across an opening (76) in the frame wall (22), and an open position in which it does not extend across the opening (76) in the frame wall (22). A clamping assembly clamps the bearing housing (58) on the door (82) when the blanket cylinder (20) rotates during a printing operation. The clamping assembly includes a first clamp (100) which fixed to the door (82) and a second clamp (102) which is supported on the door (82) for movement relative to the first clamp (100).

Abstract: A rotary printing press comprises a frame including spaced sidewalls (12, 14), first and second printing cylinders (16, 18), and bearing members (26, 28) for supporting the ends (20, 22) of the first and second printing cylinders (16, 18) for rotation in the sidewalls (12, 14) of the frame. The first and second bearing members (26, 28) are removable from one end of the printing cylinders (16, 18). A first counterpoise assembly (40) includes a first rotary arm (50) having a supporting position for applying a force to the other end (20) of the first printing cylinder (16) to support the first printing cylinder (16) in the frame when the first bearing member (26) is removed. A second counterpoise assembly (42) includes a second rotary arm (50) having a supporting position for applying a force to the other end (22) of the second printing cylinder (18) to support the second printing cylinder (18) in the frame when the second bearing member (28) is removed.

Abstract: The cylindrically-shaped multi-section mountable printing sleeve of this invention is readily axially mountable on and dismountable from a complementary plate cylinder. This sleeve comprises a multi-section cylindrically-shaped sleeve having substantially cylindrically-shaped wall surfaces of substantially constant cross-sectional inner and outer diameter. The multi-section cylindrically-shaped sleeve can include a plurality of complementary tapered sleeve sections, preferably a pair of interconnected inner and outer tapered sleeve sections. The multi-section printing sleeve can also include at least one tapered annular section, preferably at least one tapered annular section connected to a cylindrical outer printing sleeve section.

Abstract: A printing cylinder is disclosed which makes it possible to remove the ink adhering to the side surfaces of the printing cylinder after the printing has been finished without the need of moving the printing cylinder.

Abstract: A tubular printing blanket (20) has a metal sleeve (42) which is receivable over a blanket cylinder (14) in an offset printing unit (10). The sleeve (42) is expandable diametrically under the influence of pneumatic pressure directed against the inner surface (46) of the sleeve (42), and is movable telescopically over the blanket cylinder (14) when in its expanded condition. The tubular printing blanket (20) has a damping ring (120) for attenuating noise upon expansion of the sleeve (42) under the influence of the pressurized flow of air. The damping ring (120) damps vibrations of the sleeve (42) which are caused by the pressurized flow of air, and which cause noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cylinder covered with a printing blanket. According to the invention the layered structure of the blanket is such that the blanket is held onto the cylinder while fully surrounding this cylinder without any gap in the manner of a sleeve. This cylinder together with the printing sleeve is applicable in any type of offset printing machine.

Abstract: A toothed gear is secured to an associated shaft by an expansive sleeve which is expanded radially inwardly by the pressure of a hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: Printing apparatus with quickly changeable printing plate, the impression cylinder being mounted on the drive side of the machine and the remaining end of the impression cylinder being arranged to be freely floating in order to permit an unhindered attaching or fitting of the printing plate on the cylinder.

Abstract: To securely attach a printing cylinder sleeve (3, 16, 28, 38, 38') over a cylinder core structure (2, 15, 27, 37), the core structure has grooves (4, 23, 29) located in the vicinity of axially remote end regions, which grooves are closed off by expansion rings (12, 25, 35, 38, 38'), which can be expanded by applying a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure medium, such as grease, or compressed air, between the core structure and the expansion ring. Connecting ducts, filled with grease, or connectable to a source of air pressure, are formed in the cylinder, connecting with the grooves therein.

Abstract: In an assembly device for replacing the block sleeve on the roller core of a printing roller unit a support device with a gripper is provided, which so secures the unit immediately adjacent to one end of the roller core in the vicinity of two adjacent tilting moment support points, that from said single holding zone both ends of the unit project freely without any further support and are therefore readily accessible. On a printing press it is possible to provide for each printing mechanism an assembly device of this type, in which the particular printing roller unit can be directly inserted by an inserting device from the press or machine mount.

Abstract: A plate cylinder wherein at least two thin sheets are disposed between the plate cylinder and its printing plate. These thin sheets each have surfaces with different coefficients of sliding friction. The smoother sides of the thin sheets lie on top of one another and the rougher sides lie against the surface of the cylinder and the underside of the printing plate, respectively. Thus the friction between the cylinder and the printing plate is reduced considerably, thereby facilitating retightening of the printing plate on the plate cylinder as well as aligning the printing plate to come into register.

Abstract: A reusable printing 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 four or five interlaminated layers. The innermost one or two layers are comprised of wide strips of plastic film helically wound about a cylindrical shape. The outer three layers of the sleeve are constituted of three interlaminated layers each formed by helically wound of synthetic plastic tape. All three outer layers are wound at helix angles substantially different from the innermost layer or layers.

Abstract: A flexible bar code printing plate formed with an ink density gauge rib for concurrently printing a tint gauge whereby the code and tint gauge are printed concurrently enabling the printed gauge to be inspected for a tint pattern deemed indicative of a well-printed bar code image.

Abstract: An impression cylinder provided with a replaceable sleevelike impression cylinder shell is movably and releasably mounted in a printing press by a bearing in such a manner that the impression cylinder adjacent to its one stub shaft is adapted to protrude freely from the machine frame and permit replacement of the impression cylinder shell. In order to permit a particularly simple replacement of the impression cylinder shell, the bearings are hinged bearings having bearing shell sections which can be swung off to a position in which they permit the impression cylinder to be swung out in a horizontal plane. The impression cylinder is provided at one end with a stub shaft, which extends beyond the associated hinged bearing and which at the top of its end portion is supportedd by a supporting shell section, which is axially immovably mounted in the machine frame for rotation about a vertical axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid transfer article, such as a printing roll, having a laser-engraved coated surface comprised of wells adapted to receive a liquid and land areas adapted to be wiped free of any liquid prior to contacting a receiving surface so that only the liquid in the wells are transferred. The land areas of the coated surface have a density of greater than 95% theoretical and a roughness of less than 6 micro-inches R.sub.a to insure that any unwanted liquid on the land areas can be wiped clean prior to contacting a receiving surface. The invention also relates to a method for producing the liquid transfer article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing unit cylinder for a rotary printing machine comprising a gap strip arranged in a cylinder gap of said printing unit cylinder, said gap strip being supported on the bottom of said cylinder gap, being removably fastened via a fastening means and being of resilient design in order to achieve a reliable vibration absorption in the area of the cylinder gaps.

Abstract: A printing cylinder comprising a hollow polyurethane cylinder having a plurality of ribs extending radially inwardly from its internal surface. A modified printing cylinder wherein the radially extending ribs are embedded in metal rings at opposite ends thereof. A printing cylinder mounting construction including a shaft, a pair of spaced hubs on the shaft, a hollow printing cylinder having a plurality of inwardly radially extending ribs, enlarged slots in one of the hubs which permits the ribs to pass over that hub, facing tapered surfaces on the hubs, mating tapered surfaces at the ends of the ribs, a rotary adjustment on the hub having the enlarged slots therein for permitting that hub to be rotated to place the inclined surfaces on the ribs and the inclined surfaces on that hub into contiguous relationship, and a screw adjustment for axially moving that hub to wedge the ribs onto the inclined surfaces of the spaced hubs.

Abstract: A printing roller for a rotary press consists of a tubular, elastic, thin shell which is rigidly and tightly joined to the ends of the roller, the roller having peripheral chambers which contain a non-compressible fluid, and with means for displacing the fluid in order thus to increase the external diameter of the printing roller. The devices for displacing the fluid consist of a threaded spindle which can be screwed into a line which is operatively connected to chambers taking up the fluid. The threaded spindle is operatively connected to a coaxially arranged piston which can transmit a pressure force to the fluid in the chambers. The outer edges of the enveloping shell have two lateral enlargements to create a receptacle or a seat for the printing plate which is to be mounted thereon. The receptacle has a depth which corresponds to the thickness of the printing plate. In an advantageous manner, the outer edges of the edge enlargements are rounded.

Abstract: A mandrel for supporting printing sleeves and the like comprising a hollow cylinder with a multiplicity of expansion chambers axially spaced along the cylinder at its outer surface. Each chamber is closed by an expansion sleeve and connected to a separately controlled hydraulic line allowing each sleeve to be expanded independently of the others.

Abstract: A printing method and apparatus which use a sleeve-shaped printing form attached to a rotating body. The sleeve-shaped form conveniently permits the printing operation to be performed continuously and on both sides of the print carrier simultaneously. The sleeves preferably exhibit a number of process-specific functional layers. Exemplary layers are: (1) a supporting metal sleeve, (2) an intermediate metal layer for carrying the ink, and (3) a surface metal layer for carrying the water. Copper is an exemplary intermediate layer, and chromium is used as the surface metal layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing a single image at a time in a flexographic printing environment. The present invention utilizes a flexographic plate cylinder which has been modified by forming a groove in its circumference. The groove extends partially around the circumference of the cylinder, leaving an area approximately equal to the area of a single flexographic plate. A belt having a plurality of flexographic plates mounted thereon is entrained about the printing cylinder coincident with the groove and raised area. The groove prevents transfer of the flexographic image to a film passing between the impression cylinder and printing cylinder. Only when the raised area is adjacent the impression cylinder will an image be transferred from a flexographic plate. In addition, only the plate over the raised area is inked when the flexographic belt passes an anilox inking roller. This prevents the accumulation of ink on plates that are not used for image transfer on a particular rotation of the belt.

Abstract: A unitary, cylindrically-shaped printing sleeve is provided which is readily axially mountable on and dismountable from a complementary cylindrically-shaped printing cylinder. The subject printing sleeve comprises a printing sleeve body having a substantially constant cross-sectional diameter and a wall thickness of at least about 0.015 inches. The sleeve is substantially airtight when mounted onto the printing cylinder, and has substantially seamless inner and outer cylindrically-shaped wall surfaces. The diameter of the printing sleeve is expandable by the introduction of a low fluid pressure level between the inner printing sleeve wall surface and the outer wall surface of the printing cylinder of not more than about 100 psi at ambient temperature. The printing sleeve is contractable by the removal of the low pressure fluid.

Abstract: The gap between the ends of a gravure printing plate (3) clamped on a plate cylinder (1) is closed by an apparatus having a gap (5) -covering plate (6) and means for filling the gap cavity with plastic and curable material, consisting of two shaped pieces (7), which are mounted on the shaft ends of the plate cylinder, and a section (8) which is firmly connected to the shaped pieces and in which two displaceable pressure bars (9) are incorporated, wherein a plurality of pressure screws (10) distributed over the length of the pressure bars are arranged above each of the pressure bars.

Abstract: A stainless steel cylinder roller comprises a longitudinal groove formed in the cylinder. The groove has opposed edges extending from the outer surface of the cylinder inwardly with reference to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A weld covering is on the cylinder and extends into the groove and covers the edges. The depth of the weld on the edge being greater than the depth of the weld on the outer surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: A printer is disclosed for marking packages or objects having a printing drum, which is carried by a return mechanism, with an ink supply for applying ink to the printing drum. The return mechanism includes a base plate which is rotatable about a central axis and an eccentric member which is constrained to move in a circular path on rotation of the base plate. A spring acts on the eccentric member so as to bias the member to a predetermined position in order to bias the base plate and the printing drum to a corresponding initial position.

Abstract: A method of joining the edges of flexographic printing plates on printing cylinders, which includes the following steps:(i) fixing the printing plates to make-ready cylinders by means of a first double-sided self-adhesive film having the same area as the printing plate,(ii) cutting the printing plates to size so that they fit the printing cylinders,(iii) removing the cut printing plates from the make-ready cylinders and from the first self-adhesive films,(iv) fixing the cut printing plates by means of a second double-sided self-adhesive film, which has the same area as the printing plates and from 1.6 to 2.

Abstract: To prevent shifting of an eccentric (12, 33) about a bearing (8, 26), which it surrounds to provide for adjustable positioning of a printing cylinder (3) in a printing machine, upon release of the eccentric from a sidewall (1) of a printing machine to permit placing a sleeve (15) over the cylinder, the eccentric, in accordance with the invention, is locked in position to the shaft of the cylinder, or to the sidewall, or a releasable jaw of the machine prior to release of the eccentric from clamp holding position between holding jaws (13, 27, 28) which, in operation, retain the eccentric in position on the machine.

Abstract: A printing plate cylinder having permanent magnets disposed therein includes an elongate member made of a highly permeable magnetic material and having a cylindrical configuration. The elongate member includes opposite axial end portions and a central portion connecting the opposite axial end portions. The elongate member is supported for rotation about its longitudinal central axis by the opposite axial end portions. The longitudinal central axis of the elongate member is parallel to and eccentric to the longitudinal central axis of the elongate member. When the elongate member is in a first position, the central portion of the elongate member is spaced away from a magnetic printing plate secured to the printing plate cylinder. In the first position of the elongate member, a magnetic field is established through the magnetic printing plate. When the elongate member is in a second position, the central portion of the elongate member is adjacent the magnetic printing plate.

Abstract: To permit continuous adjustment of a groove cover element (15), the groove cover element is extended in the groove, formed with a through-bore (14) in which an eccentric cam (7) is located, which can be rotated by a spindle. By rotating the spindle, the cover element is raised from the groove, or lowered against a rubber blanket, printing plate or the like thereon. The spindle can be locked in rotated position by a counter nut (FIG. 1) or can be free to rock continuously during rotation of the cylinder by linking the spindle to an arm which rides on a fixed cam. The cam can be adjusted so that the position of the spindle, and hence of the groove cover element, will be flush with the cylinder just at the time when the cylinder rolls off against an adjacent cylinder (100). Adjustment of the cam can be manual, for example via a worm gear drive, or electrically, for example by a stepping motor, so that automatic speed-dependent positional adjustment of the cam is possible.

Abstract: A surface sleeve for a rotogravure cylinder or an offset cylinder is produced by mounting a basic sleeve (20) on a supporting mandrel (10). Both the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel and the inner and outer surfaces of the basic sleeve are circularly cylindrical. On the nickel cylinder (20), a thin layer (21) of copper or nickel is deposited electrolytically, and on top of this layer an outer copper layer (22), preferably high-gloss copper, is deposited. In the case of rotogravure, this outer copper layer has a thickness which equals or slightly exceeds the desired maximum well depth of the printing pattern later to be made in the outer surface of the surface sleeve. In the case of offset printing, the outer copper layer is coated with a chrome layer in which the printing pattern is etched.

Abstract: To permit release of one bearing (21) from an opening (6) in one side wall (1) of a printing machine, so that a cover sleeve (12) can be applied over the cylinder (3), the cylinder (3) is retained in cantilever manner supported on the other bearing (22) by an auxiliary shaft (10) extending transversely to a shaft extension (5) from the cylinder, and secured, eccentrically, in side walls (9') of a gear box (9), customarily present on the machine. For axial adjustment of the shaft extension (5) of the cylinder, the auxiliary shaft is axially movable and positionable by a pair of positioning nuts (13, 14) threaded on one shaft end (16') of the auxiliary shaft (10) which, preferably, is formed with a positioning groove (11).

Abstract: A mandrel for the support of a printing cylinder includes a hollow cylindrical shell, the axial ends of which are enclosed by trunnions and expansion heads. Compressed air is admitted into the shell through one of the trunnions and escapes through apertures in the hollow shell and into the interior of a printing cylinder, and, is employed to expand a resilient sheath positioned on the printing cylinder.

Abstract: A support assembly for a cylinder groove in a plate or blanket cylinder of a rotary printing machine utilizes an elongated support bar. The support bar has an upper support surface and is secured either directly or indirectly to the bottom of the cylinder groove. The upper support surfaces of the support bar is placed in the cylinder groove generally between ends of the printing plate or blanket carried by the cylinder at a height which effectively presents a continuous cylinder surface to eliminate cylinder deflection oscillations.

Abstract: A self-standing printing apparatus is described which includes a paper feeder for feeding individual sheets of paper, an impression cylinder and an accessory shaft adjacent the impression cylinder on which various types of printing heads may be mounted, including a numbering device. A counter roller may also be provided adjacent the impression cylinder for perforating the paper against perforating strips which may be provided on the surface of the impression cylinder. The impression cylinder is adapted to move out of contact with the various printing heads on the accessory shaft and the counter roller when the paper supply is interrupted. As the paper supply is reinstated, the impression cylinder automatically moves back into position. A particular paper supply and transfer device is also described as well as a novel inking unit. A stacking plate for stacking the printed sheets along with jogger devices are provided.

Abstract: Roll-off shocks of cylinders, typically rubber blanket cylinders with respect to each other, are ameliorated or avoided by inserting a filler element into the groove which is located in the median third of the cylinder, but does not extend over the entire length thereof. The filler element is supported on the bottom of the groove, preferably over a damping or resilient element, and has a dimension which is equal to the outer circumference (44) of the bearer ring or the theoretical pitch circle (45) of a drive gear of the cylinder, with tolerance of not more than about .+-.0.05 mm. In order to insert the filler elements into the respcective grooves, the cover layers or, if necessary, also the substrate supports of rubber blankets, are removed in the region of the axial length of the filler element. Preferably, the filler elements are made of metal.

Abstract: This rotary die cylinder assembly (10) is adapted for mounting annular members such as rotary knives (18) in locked relation thereon. The cylinder (12) includes a lengthwise extending slot (28) and a plurality of transverse bores (34) spaced lengthwise of the slot (28) and communicating with said slot. An elongate pressure bar (44) is received within said slot and set screws (46) are provided within said bores which are engageable with the pressure bar (44) to move said bar outwardly of said slot and into engagement with said annular member. Each member mounted on the cylinder is provided with arcuate slot (54) mating with the cylinder slot (28) and receiving the pressure bar (44) in accurately fitted locked relation when the set screws (46) are tightened.

Abstract: To permit release of one bearing (21) from an opening (6) in one side wall (1) of a printing machine, so that a cover sleeve (12) can be applied over the cylinder (3), the cylinder (3) is retained in cantilever manner supported on the other bearing (22) by an auxiliary shaft (10) extending transversely to a shaft extension (5) from the cylinder, and secured, eccentrically, in side walls (9') of a gear box (9), customarily present on the machine. For axial adjustment of the shaft extension (5) of the cylinder, the auxiliary shaft is axially movable and positionable by a pair of positioning nuts (13, 14) threaded on one shaft end (16') of the auxiliary shaft (10) which, preferably, is formed with a positioning groove (11).