Abstract: An information processing method is configured for printing a first image by using a flatbed printer including a mounting table for mounting a first medium and a printing device for printing the first image on the first medium. The information processing method includes generating a second image indicating a position as a reference to mount the first medium on the mounting table, causing the printing device to print the second image on a second medium mounted on the mounting table, and causing the printing device to print the first image on the first medium mounted on the second medium having the printed second image.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for generating transaction associations in a waveform display. One of the methods includes receiving data representing a main signal for a selected transaction in a waveform display, the main signal including a plurality of main signal events. A search is performed for data representing one or more side signals associated with the main signal for the selected transaction, each side signal including a plurality of side signal events representing other transactions that are associated with the main signal at a time indicated by a corresponding main signal event. A visual indication is generated within the waveform display of an association between the selected transaction and one or more transactions identified by the one or more side signals associated with the main signal for the selected transaction.

Abstract: A sandwich structure is provided that includes a core formed of profiled metal sheet material and a metal face sheet secured to at least one side of the core. Protrusions are provided in a pattern on at least one side of the core and apertures are provided in a pattern in each face sheet. Dimensions of the protrusions and apertures are such that the protrusions extend at least partially through the apertures of the associated face sheet and are secured thereto. A method for producing such a sandwich structure is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a platemaking method of forming relief based on relief pattern data in a printing plate to be pressed on a printing matter, and the platemaking method includes the steps of: estimating distribution of printing pressure of the printing plate pressed on the printing matter on the basis of image data; calculating an amount of correction of engraving shape data on the basis of the distribution of printing pressure; correcting the engraving shape data on the basis of the amount of correction; and acquiring exposure amount data from the engraving shape data corrected. By exposure (engraving) processing based on the exposure amount data that can be acquired in this way, it is possible to form relief in consideration of deformation of a printing plate in accordance with the distribution of printing pressure in the printing plate to favorably print and reproduce an image on a printing medium.

Abstract: A table for a flatbed printer comprises an upper plate (4) and a lower plate (6) separated by an intermediate layer (8). The intermediate layer is configured to provide a fluid flow path (34) that promotes a flow of fluid alternating between a position adjacent the upper plate and a position adjacent the lower plate, so as to promote heat transfer between the upper plate and the lower plate. The fluid flow path may be formed using a plurality of holes (26) in the intermediate layer. A method of manufacturing the printer table is also described.

Abstract: There is provided a platemaking method of forming relief based on relief pattern data in a printing plate to be pressed on a printing matter, and the platemaking method includes steps of: estimating distribution of printing pressure of the printing plate pressed on the printing matter on the basis of image data and distribution data of plate thickness; calculating an amount of correction of engraving shape data on the basis of the distribution of printing pressure; correcting the engraving shape data on the basis of the amount of correction; and acquiring exposure amount data from the engraving shape data corrected. It is possible to form relief in consideration of deformation of a printing plate in accordance with the distribution of printing pressure in the printing plate to favorably print and reproduce an image on a printing medium.

Abstract: There is provided a platemaking method of forming relief based on relief pattern data in a printing plate to be pressed on a printing medium, and the platemaking method includes the steps of: acquiring setting printing pressure; estimating distribution of printing pressure on the basis of image data; calculating an amount of correction of the relief pattern data on the basis of the distribution of printing pressure and setting printing pressure; correcting the relief pattern data on the basis of the amount of correction, and acquiring exposure amount data from engraving shape data corrected. It is possible to form relief in consideration of deformation of a printing plate in accordance with the distribution of printing pressure and the setting printing pressure in the printing plate to favorably print and reproduce an image on a printing medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning and aligning one or more pre-punched printing plates on a cylinder for imaging a plate in a computer-to-plate drum imaging device. The apparatus includes an imaging cylinder and a registration device connectable to the cylinder. The apparatus includes at least one groove and one pair of register pins, with a first register pin in a fixed position, and a second register pin movable in the groove to a second position, and collinear with the first register pin in the axial direction of the cylinder, arranged such that when connected to the cylinder, the registration device allows a plurality of pre-punched printing plates with variable widths to be positioned and aligned on the cylinder with simplicity.

Abstract: The loading device according to the invention comprises a magazine for receiving at least one printing plate and transferring it from the magazine to the plate cylinder. It also comprises at least one guide rail to guide a printing plate during transfer thereof by cooperation with a notch of a front edge of the printing plate, the notch sliding along the guide rail during the transfer.

Abstract: To attach a printing plate to a printer readily and accurately, and avoid necessity of a large space for the storage of the printing plate. A printing plate unit 1 includes a printing plate 3 in which a plate section 9 is provided on a part of a front surface of a sheet 8 made of an elastic material and engaging protrusions 10 that protrude toward a back surface and extend in a width direction are provided at both longitudinal ends, and a printing plate coupling member 4 that is detachable from the printing plate 3 and couples both the engaging protrusions 10 of the cylindrical printing plate 3 to each other to keep the cylindrical shape of the printing plate 3.

Abstract: A die unit fastened to an upper part of a stamping tool has a pressure plate, a stamping die, and a die-holding plate. In order to reduce the production cost, the pressure plate is arranged between the stamping die and the die-holding plate, wherein the pressure plate acts on a shoulder of the stamping die during a stamping stroke.

Abstract: An adapter sleeve has an external layer for supporting a printing cylinder carrying data and/or images to be printed. The adapter sleeve has an internal layer defining a bore enabling the sleeve to be mounted onto a rotary mandrel of a printing machine. Each opposite extreme end of the adapter sleeve includes a rigid, load-bearing, radial spacer member disposed between the layers to provide rigidity and indeformability during the use of the sleeve with time. The inner surface of each of the extreme end radial spacer members is defined by rigid and non-deformable material of very low coefficients of dynamic and static friction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine-plate mounting device for a printer which can attach a cylindrical machine plate to the printer more easily and accurately. A machine-plate mounting device 3 is fixedly provided on a machine-plate drive shaft 1 of the printer for mounting a machine plate 2 having a form area 5 provided on a portion of an outer circumferential surface of a machine plate body 4 formed from an elastic material into a cylindrical shape and an engagement portion 6 projecting radially inward from an inner circumference of the machine plate body 5 and extending in an axial direction. The machine-plate mounting device 3 includes a machine-plate cylinder section 12 fixedly provided on the machine-plate drive shaft 1 and having, on its outer circumference, a cylindrical machine-plate mounting surface 14 on which the machine plate 2 is mounted from a front-end side of the machine-plate drive shaft 1.

Abstract: An adapter sleeve has an external layer for supporting a printing cylinder carrying data and/or images to be printed. The adapter sleeve has an internal layer defining a bore enabling the sleeve to be mounted onto a rotary mandrel of a printing machine. Each opposite extreme end of the adapter sleeve includes a rigid, load-bearing, radial spacer member disposed between the layers to provide rigidity and indeformability during the use of the sleeve with time. The inner surface of each of the extreme end radial spacer members is defined by rigid and non-deformable material of very low coefficients of dynamic and static friction.

Abstract: A stamp structure includes a stamp frame having a plate part. The plate part includes a plurality of holes. The plurality of holes are configured to facilitate the adsorption of an object to the plate part during a transfer of the object from a donor substrate to a target substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine plate for a printer which can be readily and accurately attached to the printer. A machine plate 2 is characterized in that a rectangular sheet 19 of an elastic material is formed into a cylindrical shape with opposite end portions of the sheet 19 superposed on each other and joined together, thereby forming a cylindrical plate body 17; an end portion of the sheet 19 located on the inner side of a joint portion 20 is bent inward, thereby forming an engagement portion 21; and a form area 18 is provided at a predetermined portion of the outer circumferential surface of the machine-plate body 17 excluding the joint portion 20.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of securing and tensioning a printing form in an apparatus having a rotatable drum includes securing a first portion of the printing form to a first means for receiving that is coupled to a surface of the drum, and securing a second portion of the printing form to a second means for receiving that is disposed on a rotatable member that extends over a portion of the drum. The rotatable member is rotated so that the circumferential distance between the first receiving means and the second receiving means is about the same as a length of the printing form. A rotary torque means is coupled to the rotatable member to apply a substantially constant torque on the member and tension the printing form about the surface of the drum. The rotary torque means adjusts torque on the member which adjusts tension on the printing form.

Abstract: A bridge sleeve has at each extreme end of the bridge sleeve, a multi-component stabilizer. One component of each stabilizer includes an inner cylindrical contacting surface having a diameter that changes as this respective component of the stabilizer moves axially relative to at least one other component of the respective stabilizer.

Abstract: Provided is a printing plate cylinder to which a sleeve printing plate is detachably attached. In the printing plate cylinder, weight reduction and radiation performance can be improved, and generation of rust can be suppressed. The printing plate cylinder (1) includes a shaft portion (3) rotatable about a central axis (O), a tubular portion (5) formed cylindrically, arranged coaxially with the shaft portion (3), and arranged at a distance from an outer circumferential surface (3a) of the shaft portion (3), and a rib (7) fixed integrally to the outer circumferential surface (3a) of the shaft portion (3) and an inner circumferential surface (5b) of the tubular portion (5) and connecting the shaft portion (3) and the tubular portion (5). An air supply channel (31) is formed so as to penetrate from the outer surface of the rib (7) exposed to the outside to the outer circumferential surface (5a) of the tubular portion (5).

Abstract: A method and apparatus of securing and tensioning a printing form in an apparatus having a rotatable drum, comprising positioning a first portion of the printing form over a first set of pins that are coupled to a surface of the drum. The first portion of the printing form is then stamped onto the first set of pins thereby securing the first portion of the printing form to the drum. A rotatable member having a second set of pins is rotated so that the circumferential distance between the first set of pins and the second set of pins, is about equal to the length of the printing form. The drum is rotated until a second portion of the printing form is positioned above the second set of pins. The second portion of the printing form is then stamped onto the second set of pins.

Abstract: A printing press includes an apparatus for handling or manipulating varnishing plates or printing plates, having a plate feed channel which is at least temporarily disposed in a plate feed position for feeding a varnishing or printing plate out of the plate feed channel to a plate cylinder. A seat or step surface for an operator is disposed above the plate feed channel.

Abstract: A handling device of a printing press, in particular for handling printing plates during an automated printing plate change on a printing unit of a printing press, is disclosed. The handling device has a manipulator arm, where one end of the manipulator arm is assigned a manipulator head, which features a handling element, in particular a holding element for printing plates, and the manipulator arm is embodied in a multi-part manner of several segments. A swivel axis is embodied on each end of each segment, around which at least the respective segment can be swiveled, and each swivel axis is assigned a separate drive for providing the respective swivel movement. The other end of the manipulator arm is mounted so it is translatorily and rotationally movable on a traverse or on a frame or on a wall of the printing press.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of securing and tensioning a printing form in an apparatus having a rotatable drum includes securing a first portion of the printing form to a first means for receiving that is coupled to a surface of the drum, and securing a second portion of the printing form to a second means for receiving that is disposed on a rotatable member that extends over a portion of the drum. The rotatable member is rotated so that the circumferential distance between the first receiving means and the second receiving means is about the same as a length of the printing form. A rotary torque means is coupled to the rotatable member to apply a substantially constant torque on the member and tension the printing form about the surface of the drum. The rotary torque means adjusts torque on the member which adjusts tension on the printing form.

Abstract: A platen unit includes a supporting member that is grounded and is made of a metal, a platen supporting member that is provided on the supporting member, includes an inner space, is formed of a conductive resin, and includes a first contact point, a platen that is provided on the platen supporting member, is formed of a conductive resin, and includes a second contact point which contacts the first contact point, and a seal member that is provided between the platen supporting member and the platen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for perforating a sheet of paper in an offset printing process is provided. The method includes producing a perf plate, which creates the perforations, by printing an image onto a printing plate. The image is produced by a desktop publishing application. The printed image produces guidelines on the printing plate, to which a selected perf rule is applied. The perf rule is selected according to the style of perforation that is desired for the specific application. The perf rule is attached to the printing plate within the guidelines by an adhesive backing of the perf rule, as well as a layer of tape over the perf rule to ensure the perf rule stays in place.

Abstract: A printing cylinder for a printing machine or printing sleeve for forming a printing cylinder that includes a plurality of cups for forming a supporting inner structure of the printing cylinder or printing sleeve. Each cup includes a central disc, a radially outer edge, and a first conical surface part. The first conical surface part of one cup at least partially bears against an adjacent cup in order to form a connection between the one cup and the adjacent cup. The radially outer edges of the plurality of cups together define a substantially cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A variable-diameter printing press cylinder is provided. The variable-diameter printing press cylinder includes a cylinder body, a first shell segment having a first circumferential end portion and a second shell segment having a second circumferential end portion. The first and second shell segments are mounted on the cylinder body via the first and second circumferential end portions. A method of varying a circumference of a cylinder in a printing press and a printing press are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method of identifying the match of a printing cylinder and sleeve when the combination thereof has been dressed by laser ablation to achieve a degree of cylindricity. It is desirable to retain the identification of this match for reuse purposes and thereby avoid unnecessary redressing. The identification convention of the invention represents simple encoding, conventional marking means, and readability on sight.

Abstract: A handling device of a printing press, in particular for handling printing plates during an automated change of printing plates on a printing unit of a printing press, is disclosed. The handling device has a manipulator arm, where a manipulator head is allocated to one end of the manipulator arm, which head features a handling element, in particular a holding element for printing plates. The manipulator arm is of a multi-piece design of several segments, where a swivel axis is included on each end of each segment, around which axis at least the respective segment can be swiveled, and where a separate drive for providing the respective swivel motion is allocated to each swivel axis.

Abstract: Use of a sleeve for flexographic printing, comprising: a base sleeve; an intermediate layer enlarging the printing length, provided on the base sleeve and having a thickness of from 2 to 20 mm; a laser-engravable layer of a radiation-cured polymer; for enlarging the repeat.

Abstract: An assembly for a rotary press is provided including a hub which is suitable for being rotatably mounted about a center axis in a rotary press, a format adaptation sleeve and means for fixing the adaptation sleeve to the hub. The hub and the adaptation sleeve each include a stop surface. The stop surfaces have a frustoconical shape about the center axis, and the fixing means comprise a radial stop element which is suitable for being interposed between the hub and the adaptation sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine-plate mounting device for a printer which can attach a cylindrical machine plate to the printer more easily and accurately. A machine-plate mounting device 3 is fixedly provided on a machine-plate drive shaft 1 of the printer for mounting a machine plate 2 having a forme area 5 provided on a portion of an outer circumferential surface of a machine plate body 4 formed from an elastic material into a cylindrical shape and an engagement portion 6 projecting radially inward from an inner circumference of the machine plate body 5 and extending in an axial direction. The machine-plate mounting device 3 includes a machine-plate cylinder section 12 fixedly provided on the machine-plate drive shaft 1 and having, on its outer circumference, a cylindrical machine-plate mounting surface 14 on which the machine plate 2 is mounted from a front-end side of the machine-plate drive shaft 1.

Abstract: A printing unit has at least two lateral frame parts, the distance of which can be changed relative to each other in a horizontal direction. Each of the frame parts receives a printing group or parts of a printing group. At least one of these lateral frame parts can be displaced between a functional position, in which the lateral frame parts meet, and are affixed to each other, and an open position in which the lateral fame parts are positioned at a distance from each other. The displaceable frame parts can be displaced by the use of a cylinder/piston arrangement in which a single such cylinder/piston arrangement is disposed for displacing the lateral frame.

Abstract: A printing plate mounting apparatus includes a mounting mark information acquiring device which acquires mounting mark information formed on each of a plate-making drum provided in a plate-making apparatus, and a printing drum provided in a printing apparatus that prints an image on an object to be printed; an image creating device which creates an image of each color; a first calculating device which respectively calculates a size of each printing plate corresponding to the color image and a mounting position of the printing plate on each of the plate-making drum and the printing drum; a second calculating device which calculates a position of a plate-making positioning mark according to the mounting mark, and also calculates a position of a printing positioning mark according to the mounting mark; and a printing device which prints the plate-making positioning mark and the printing positioning mark on a printing plate support.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for repositioning recording media includes a base (18); a support coupled to the base by a pivot (28), wherein the support is adapted to bear a portion of the recording media while positioned at a first position (34) and not bear the portion of the recording media while positioned at a second position (36); and an actuator (32) adapted to pivot the support about the pivot to move the recording media along a path from the first position towards the second position, wherein a direction of movement of the recording media at each point along the path intersects an imageable surface of the portion of the recording media borne by the support at that point, and wherein the support is adapted to bear an additional portion of the recording media as the recording media is moved from the first position towards the second position.

Abstract: A method for aligning the leading edge of printing plate (110) to an axially disposed slot (70) in a cylindrical surface (30) of an imaging drum (20) comprising at least one printing plate clamp (90) having a clamp surface (100) disposed parallel to the slot, the method comprising straightening (210) the leading edge against the clamp surface and positioning (220) the leading edge to protrude over the slot by rotating the imaging drum under the plate. The straightening comprises resting (200) the leading edge of the plate on the cylindrical surface of the imaging drum and rotating the imaging drum about its cylindrical axis (60) to contact with the clamp surface a point along the leading edge of the plate and to rotate the plate until its leading edge is in alignment with the clamp surface.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for repositioning recording media includes a base (18); a support coupled to the base by a pivot (28), wherein the support is adapted to bear a portion of the recording media while positioned at a first position (34) and not bear the portion of the recording media while positioned at a second position (36); and an actuator (32) adapted to pivot the support about the pivot to move the recording media along a path from the first position towards the second position, wherein a direction of movement of the recording media at each point along the path intersects an imageable surface of the portion of the recording media borne by the support at that point, and wherein the support is adapted to bear an additional portion of the recording media as the recording media is moved from the first position towards the second position.

Abstract: A system and method for adhering and aligning a generally flat, planar object to an adhesive layer, and for facilitating the mounting of the generally flat planar object, such as a printing plate, in near perfect alignment in a cylindrical manner. The method includes providing a generally flat, planar object such as a printing plate and an adhesive member having an adhesive layer at least on one surface. The adhesive member is preferably approximately the same size as the printing plate. The printing plate is mounted to the adhesive member such that there is one edge of the adhesive member which is not initially covered by the printing plate and one edge of the printing plate which overhangs the adhesive member. The combined adhesive member/printing plate structure is next rolled into a cylindrical form and held in place on a device which allows alignment marks on the printing plate to align the two ends of the printing plate prior to the printing plate being fully adhered to the adhesive member.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for registration of a lithographic plate includes a means for ensuring that the plate is in contact with registration pins on imaging and bending devices and a means for finely adjusting an initial position of the plate with respect to registration pins on the bender to bring the plate in registration with the specified plate lock-up position on the press cylinder. Three separate electrical circuits ensure that the plate is in contact with the registration pins if each separate circuit is able to conduct current between the respective pins and the plate. The fine adjustment is accomplished by rotation of eccentric registration pins until the plate is within tolerance.

Abstract: A cylinder for processing sheets of printing material includes a clamping channel having a central region and edge regions. A tool plate punches and/or scores and/or perforates the sheets. A support plate carries the tool plate. A first clamping system clamps the support plate and has a first holding device for holding a front end of the support plate and a second holding device for holding a rear end of the support plate. The first holding device and the second holding device are disposed in the edge regions. A second clamping system clamps the tool plate and has a third holding device for holding a front end of the tool plate and a fourth holding device for holding a rear end of the tool plate. The third holding device and the fourth holding device are disposed in the central region. A printing press having the cylinder, is also provided.

Abstract: A printing unit is comprised of at least two pairs of two cylinders each. The two cylinders in each pair are a transfer cylinder and a forme cylinder. The transfer cylinder and the forme cylinder are each embodied with a width sufficient for printing six newspaper pages arranged axially next to each other. The transfer cylinder of each pair cooperates with a counter-pressure cylinder, that is embodied as a satellite cylinder to form a printing head in a so-called print-in-place arrangement.

Abstract: A printing unit is comprised of at least two pairs of two cylinders each. The two cylinders in each pair are a transfer cylinder and a forme cylinder. The transfer cylinder and the forme cylinder are each embodied with a width sufficient for printing six newspaper pages arranged axially next to each other. The transfer cylinder of each pair cooperates with a counter-pressure cylinder, that is embodied as a satellite cylinder to form a printing head in a so-called print-in-place arrangement.

Abstract: A printing group of a rotary printing press includes at least one forme cylinder and at least one transfer cylinder. The forme cylinder has at least two printing forme end channels. These two channels are spaced circumferentially. At least one of these forme cylinder end receiving channels rolls off against a channel in the transfer cylinder. One of the forme cylinder end receiving channels is at least partially covered by a printing forme carried by the forme cylinder.

Abstract: A pattern transfer apparatus including an inflatable membrane is described.

Abstract: A printing unit is comprised of at least two pairs of two cylinders each. The two cylinders in each pair are a transfer cylinder and a forme cylinder. The transfer cylinder and the forme cylinder are each embodied with a width sufficient for printing six newspaper pages arranged axially next to each other. The transfer cylinder of each pair cooperates with a counter-pressure cylinder, that is embodied as a satellite cylinder to form a printing head in a so-called print-in-place arrangement.

Abstract: Alignment systems and methods of alignment for use with lithographic printing plate processing machines are provided. An alignment system in accordance with the present invention includes one or more movable cam surfaces, one or more loading devices, one or more imaging devices, and a control system. The one or more cam surfaces are configured to engage an edge of a printing plate positioned in the alignment system and controllably translate the printing plate to align the printing plate with the alignment system. The one or more loading devices are configured to positively engage an edge of the printing plate against the one or more movable cam surfaces. The one or more imaging devices are configured to view an alignment mark on the printing plate positioned in the alignment system. The control system controls movement of the cam surfaces in response to information comprising the position of an alignment mark as viewed by the one or more imaging devices.

Abstract: A packing or dressing is mounted on a cylinder of a rotary printing press. A dressing suspension leg, situated at an end of the dressing extending in the production direction of rotation of the cylinder, is positioned in an opening in the surface of the cylinder. That suspension leg is retained in the cylinder opening predominantly by its own weight.

Abstract: Depending on the lateral width thereof, an image recording material P is stably positioned on a recording drum, employing two positioning pins with an appropriate pitch therebetween. Non-contacting portions prevent any irrelevant positioning pins from coming into contact with the material P. The material P may be transported onto the recording drum 5 while one end thereof constitutes an angle U with a rotation axis 5N of the recording drum 5. A reference notch 44ae first fits with a positioning pin 51a. Thereafter, as the aforementioned end of the material P abuts with a positioning pin 51b, accurate positioning occurs. Each positioning pin 51 includes a tapered portion having a reference taper angle 2T. When a leading-end clamp 52 clamps the aforementioned end, the material P comes in contact with the tapered portion, with a, reduced friction force against the positioning pin 51, thereby preventing deformation of the material P.

Abstract: A mold tool for paper relief engraving provides a mold cavity, a mold plunger and a folder for being detachably fixed with the mold cavity and the mold plunger at the inner sides thereof. The mold cavity and the mold plunger are doubly etched to create pattern nests and pattern projections respectively with smooth fine contours and edges such that the relief engraved paper can be tightly pressed in a way of the flat part of the paper being kept without wrinkles and deformation at the nests and the jut up part of the paper extending sufficiently. Hence, the relief engraved configuration presents outstanding sense of beauty especially for making a greeting card.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved compressible flexographic printing plate that uses a compressible layer comprising a polyurethane (meth)acrylate resin and microspheres. The process of the invention produces a chemically fused printing plate that eliminates the need for an adhesive to secure the compressible layer to the back of the printing plate.