Abstract: A printing press cylinder is disclosed. The cylinder includes a lock-up channel extending in an axial direction of the cylinder, where a clamping piece is accommodated in the lock-up channel to clamp a plate on a surface area of the printing press cylinder. The clamping piece includes first feed slants and second feed slants. Projections of the leading edge of a to-be-clamped plate are co-operable with the first feed slants and projections of the trailing edge of a to-be-clamped plate are co-operable with the second feed slants such that the leading edge of the to-be-clamped plate is clampable in a self-centering manner between the clamping piece and a leading channel wall of the lock-up channel and the trailing edge of the to-be-clamped plate is clampable in a self-centering manner between the clamping piece and a trailing channel wall of the lock-up channel.

Abstract: A plate handling apparatus includes a loader, first and second air cylinders, and first and second detection units. The loader is supported to be movable substantially parallel to a paper convey direction and swingable in directions to come close to and be spaced apart from an outer surface of a plate cylinder to perform plate removal/supply. The first air cylinder moves the loader among a first position close to the plate cylinder, a second position spaced apart from the first position in the paper convey direction, and a third position which is between the first position and the second position. The second air cylinder swings the loader among a first swing state where the loader is substantially perpendicular to the paper convey direction, a second swing state where the loader is inclined such that its distal end faces the plate cylinder, and a third swing state which is between the first swing state and the second swing state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holding apparatus which is made to hold a flexible plate wound on a circumferential surface of a holder and more particularly to a holding apparatus suitable for use in the retention of a plate on a circumferential surface of a sleeve of a plate cylinder of a printing machine. A holding apparatus 1 made to hold a plate 5 on a circumferential surface of a holder 4 for the apparatus size reduction comprises a hole section 7 made in the holder along an axial direction of the holder 4, a groove section 8 made by notching the circumferential surface of the holder 4 along the axial direction to establish a connection with the hole section 7 and accept insertion of a leading edge end portion and trailing edge end portion of the plate 5, a tension bar 10 inserted and fitted into the hole section 7 for engaging the trailing edge end portion of the plate 5 and a rotating mechanism 11 provided in the hole section 7 for rotating the tension bar 10.

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: To record images accurately regardless of rigidity and size of a recording medium, each rear end clamp has a clamp rubber element for engaging a variable margin of the recording medium mounted peripherally of the recording drum. The margin is varied according to the rigidity of the recording medium. The margin is enlarged when the recording medium is highly rigid, and reduced when the recording medium is low in rigidity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a printing plate on a plate cylinder is disclosed. A tensioning bar is moved by an actuating device toward an entrance slot defined by an outer circumferential edge of the cylinder to engage a rear end of the printing plate. The tensioning bar is disposed on a profile body disposed within a channel defined by the cylinder and extending parallel to an axis of the cylinder. The actuating device is disposed in the profile body. The tensioning bar is then moved away from the entrance slot by the actuating device to exert a tensioning force on the rear end of the printing plate.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping a flexible packing (2, 3) of a cylinder (1) of a printing press, which cylinder has an axial channel (6) on a jacket surface, the clamping device includes a clamping body (10), which has a surface (S) that forms in the channel (6) with an opposite surface (4) a clamping gap for at least one end of the packing (2, 3) protruding through an opening (7) of the channel (6). A pressing device (13; 14; 10a) presses the clamping body (10) and the opposite surface (4) against each other with a clamping force (F). A mounting device (12; 14; 1, 8), which forms a support surface (9; 14?; 9?), touches the clamping body (10) and the clamping body (10) is supported on it.

Abstract: A printing form is either raised or is lowered by the use of a pressure device which includes a roller. The roller is arranged on a cross-beam in such a way that the roller can selectively be placed on, or taken off the forme cylinder, or a forme that is supported on the forme cylinder, by a device. The pressure device, or the cross-beam which supports the roller can be displaced in a manner such that the distance of the roller from the cylinder can selectively be increased.

Abstract: A stencil clamping portion which clamps a tip end of a stencil sheet on an outer peripheral wall of a drum is provided, and the stencil sheet clamped by the stencil clamping portion is wound and attached around the outer peripheral wall. The stencil clamping portion includes an insertion slit which is provided along an axial direction of the drum and open to a surface of the outer peripheral wall, and an elastic sheet which pinches the stencil sheet inserted into the insertion slit. The tip end of the stencil sheet is inserted into the insertion slit by an insertion blade, and pinched by the elastic sheet.

Abstract: A method for fastening plates onto an imaging cylinder, and an apparatus that includes one or more clamping devices. Each clamping device includes a clamping bar and an air hose that when inflalted lifts the clamping bar so that one end of a plate can be placed between the surface of the clyinder. The imaging clyinder includes magnetized elements on or close to the surface. A metal bar is placed on the plate near the magnetized element to hold the plate that is already clamped at one end. The apparatus is operative to fasten flexible plates, metal back plates and non metal back plates onto an imaging cylinder. Embodiments of the apparatus can work with plates of different material, thickness and format onto an image cylinder.

Abstract: A printing blanket assembly for a blanket cylinder of a rotary printing press includes a dimensionally stable support plate, and a printing blanket fastened to the outside of the support plate. A leading end of the support plate and a trailing end of the support plate are fastened to the blanket cylinder by the provision of an angled or beveled, printing blanket free end. A filler is provided between the beveled end of the support plate and the inner edge of the leading and trailing ends of the printing blanket.

Abstract: The print screen frame tensioning system, generally rectangular in shape and fabricated from extruded rectangular tubular rails, when assembled, each side rail of the frame has a longitudinal one way channel, circular in cross sectional area, formed in each of the tubular rails for substantially the length of the tubular rails for receipt of a locking rod, the locking rod being axially serrated in order to accept a matching internally serrated standard wrench socket and the longitudinal channel being axially serrated, each locking rod having an additional internal tensioning fitting formed on both of its longitudinal ends for separate lateral tensioning.

Abstract: A printing cylinder having an axis-parallel channel in the cylinder, the channel narrowing toward the surface to form a slot for receiving the ends of a covering; a clamping member arranged in the channel and urged toward the slot by springs, the clamping member having at least one recess facing a respective at least one wall of the channel; and at least one supporting element arranged inside the channel and engaging a respective recess of the clamping member. A pair of adjusting elements arranged at the ends of the cylinder support the clamping member so that the clamping member can be radially displaced, the adjusting elements being arranged so that movement of the adjusting elements causes relative movement between the supporting element and the clamping member, whereby the clamping member is caused to move radially for clamping and unclamping the ends of the covering in the slot.

Abstract: A device for pressing on a flexible printing form when it is being pulled onto a form cylinder of an offset printing press. The device makes it possible to use an offset cylinder which is not in phase. The device for pressing on a flexible printing form when it is being pulled onto a form cylinder of an offset printing press, has a switching-on or switching-off apparatus of an offset cylinder with respect to the axially parallel form cylinder and an axially parallel impression cylinder, the offset cylinder having a channel, above which a cover is arranged, and the impression cylinder having a gripper system for sheets. The gripper system protrudes beyond the circumferential contour of the impression cylinder and dips into the channel of the offset cylinder during printing.

Abstract: In a drum based imaging system where it may be necessary to change the drum to accommodate different imaging media sizes there is a need to adapt the drum rotational drive system to control the new drum load. An automated process for updating the control parameters without requiring user intervention uses parameter identification or adaptive control to identify or characterize the new drum load.

Abstract: A printing blanket assembly for a blanket cylinder of a rotary printing press includes a dimensionally stable support plate with a printing blanket secured to an outer surface of the support plate. A filler material is arranged on at least one end of the printing blanket. This filler material extends radially at least to an outside surface of the printing blanket. It also extends on the outside of the printing blanket in a longitudinal direction of the printing blanket.

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: A printing apparatus includes a printing plate feeder for feeding printing plates to a first plate cylinder. The printing plate feeder has a pair of transport rollers acting as a leveling roller and a driven roller. The leveling roller is fixed to a leveling roller rotary shaft extending parallel to a rotational axis of the first plate cylinder, and is opposed to middle and opposite end regions of the first plate cylinder. The leveling roller rotary shaft is connected to a driving device, a one-way clutch for permitting rotation only in a transport direction of the printing plates, and a torque transmission clutch acting as a loading device for applying a load to rotation in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the printing plates.

Abstract: A filling member for filling the concave portion of a blanket face which is generated along the opening portion of a groove of a blanket cylinder comprises a wedge-shaped limb portion and a head portion capable of filling the concave portion. The limb portion is inserted between the surface of the terminal and initial winding end side of the blanket which is approximately parallel with the surface in a condition in which one face of the limb portion is brought in contact with the terminal winding end side of the blanket and is pushed on both surfaces in which one face and another face forming a wedge shape for the one face oppose approximately parallel to at least a site adjacent to the head portion. The head portion can fill the concave portion when the limb portion is inserted between the initial winding end side and the terminal winding end side of the blanket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing oscillations in a web-fed rotary press are disclosed. The apparatus includes a form cylinder of a web-fed rotary press, having at least one clamping device for fastening at least one printing plate on the form cylinder. The clamping device has at least one clamping element which is positioned in a clamping channel. As seen in a circumferential direction, the clamping channel of the form cylinder has an effective clamping-channel width of at most 7 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a sheet on the surface of an electrically conductive cylinder of a printing machine for processing sheets, in particular, a sheet-fed offset printing machine. The apparatus includes an electrode that extends over the width of the cylinder for creating an electric field for adhering the sheet to the surface of the cylinder and an air directing device for directing pressurized air streams against the sheet and preliminary positioning the sheet onto the cylinder prior to being acted upon by the electric field. Various alternative embodiments of the sheet fixing apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A printing press has several plate cylinders on which printing plates can be placed and from which they can be removed. Changing of these printing plates is accomplished by remote control through the use of a central controller which is associated with the printing press. The central controller is in control of all of the units which are involved in the changing of the printing press. At least one printing plate on at least one of the plate cylinders can be changed while the press is in operation.

Abstract: A method of varying a drum profile of a vario drum for transporting printing material sheets, in which shell segments of the vario drum are pivoted inward and outward. Sheet supporting elements assigned to the shell segments are reversibly deformed by pivoting the shell segments. A vario drum suitable for implementing the method and a machine containing the vario drum for processing printing material sheets contain the shell segments and the associated sheet supporting elements.

Abstract: A cylinder of a printing unit of a web-fed printing press includes a cylinder channel which receives plate ends and includes plate end retaining devices. A remotely controllable actuating device or an actuator is located in the channel. The actuating device, or actuator is preferably a piezoelectric system or is in the form of a magnetostrictive system. This actuator is usable, preferably during continuous printing, to shift a plate end retaining device inside the channel in an axial direction of the cylinder to achieve an improved register precision and lateral register precision. The device makes it possible to counteract the influence of a transverse strain imposed by the material to be printed and acting transverse to its direction of conveyance, such a transverse strain having an effect on a common printed image that is printed at different positions of the printing unit.

Abstract: At least one dressing, such as a printing forme, is secured to the surface of a cylinder of a rotary printing press by securement devices. These securement devices are arranged in an axially extending channel on the surface of the cylinder. The channel is defined by at least one wall and by an opening directed toward the circumferential surface of the cylinder. At least one wall of the opening extends into the channel at an acute angle with respect to the cylinder circumferential surface. A deflection-resistant retaining device, provided with a first end and with a second end, is pivotably mounted in the channel. The first end holds an angled end of the dressing that is introduced into the channel opening. This first end is disposed remote from a bearing and pivoting point of the retaining device. A dimensionally stable bow, which has a portion that engages the wall of the opening that extends toward the channel at an acute angle, is situated in the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing blanket assembly for a blanket cylinder of a rotary printing press. The printing blanket assembly comprises a dimensionally stable support plate (02, 18) with two ends, one of which is the forward end and the other one is the trailing end with respect to the rotation of the blanket cylinder, these ends being fastened to the blanket cylinder with folded, printing-blanket free limbs (21, 22). The assembly further comprises a printing blanket (03, 19), fastened to the outside of the support plate (02, 18) and having a forward end (12, 31) and a trailing end (11, 32). Said printing blanket assembly allows for perfect printing also in the area of a gap between the limbs (21, 22) and can be produced in a simple manner.

Abstract: To record images accurately regardless of rigidity and size of a recording medium, each rear end clamp has a clamp rubber element for engaging a variable margin of the recording medium mounted peripherally of the recording drum. The margin is varied according to the rigidity of the recording medium. The margin is enlarged when the recording medium is highly rigid, and reduced when the recording medium is low in rigidity.

Abstract: In a printing press and attached onto the transfer cylinders, an anti-marking system that uniformly supports the transport and the release of the wet printed sheet from one station to the next. The anti-marking sheet consists of a two plus layer system, the outer layer being a textured surface and the inner layer being a microcellular material that is both compressible and resilient. The outer textured layer may be treated with either conductive/anti-static layers or an ink repellent layer or both. The two plus layer system is easily attached to both transfer cylinders and tracking/skeleton wheels using any combination of fixtures from Velcro™, magnetic, metallic, and pressure sensitive double sided tape to elastic loops.

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 receiving 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 dressing is pressed against a surface of a cylinder of a printing machine by the use of pressing elements. Several such dressings may be arranged next to each other in the axial direction of the cylinder. The pressing elements, used in connection with one of the plurality of dressings, are operable independently of other pressing elements that are used in connection with other ones of the dressings. These pressing elements may be provided as roller elements. Additional pressing elements are located, spaced in a circumferential direction of the cylinder, from the other pressing elements. Those additional pressing elements may be positioned before, in a direction of cylinder rotation, the other pressing elements.

Abstract: A dressing is pressed onto a surface of a cylinder of a printing machine by the use of at least two pressing elements. These two pressing elements are separated from each other in a circumferential direction of the cylinder. A portion of each of the two pressing elements can be moved toward or away form the surface of the cylinder independently of each other. The pressing elements are preferably arranged on supports that are connected to each other. Each of the pressing elements is provided with its own independent actuator.

Abstract: A dressing is guided onto a cylinder of a printing machine. At least one roller element is used to accomplish this dressing guidance. A support, which includes spaced first and second ends, is provided. The first end of the support is connected to a cross-piece that is running along parallel to an axis of rotation of the cylinder. The at least one roller element is situated on the second end of this support. The support is an elastically flexible body. An actuator is arranged between the cross-piece and the support. The actuator is operable to move the roller toward or away from the cylinder by flexing the elastic support.

Abstract: Devices are used for fixing or attaching at least one packing or dressing to a cylinder. A retaining element is located in a channel in the cylinder and retains one end of the dressing or packing. A spring element is also located in the channel and cooperates with the retaining element to exert a required clamping force on the end of the packing or dressing. The retaining element is pivotably supported in the base of the channel and is fixed in the base, while in its clamping portion, by the spring element. This insures that the retaining element will not be inadvertently unclamped from the channel.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a metal-backed printing blanket onto a printing press cylinder in a controlled fashion is provided. A carton containing the rolled printing blanket may be provided, and a lengthwise slit or opening is opened to withdraw a mounting end of the printing blanket. The alignment and tension of the printing blanket is controlled as it mounts on the printing press cylinder. Parallel reference lines on the carton may be used to draw alignment marks on the printing blanket such that it may be properly inserted into a locking device of the printing press cylinder. The alignment and tension may be controlled using graspable sides of the carton.

Abstract: A cylinder of a printing unit of a rotary offset printing machine has a periphery and an axial length. The peripheral surface of the cylinder is divided, in the axial length, into at least three sections that are positional next to one another. The peripheral surface has, in at least three sections, at least one slot-shaped opening. At least two of the sections each have two openings which are arranged offset with respect to each other about the periphery of the cylinder. The cylinder is intended for use in a cylinder pair including a 6/2 printing cylinder and an associated transfer cylinder.

Abstract: A self-levelling under-packing for printing presses, in particular offset presses, includes at least one polyester-based layer and at least one polyurethane elastomer layer joined inseparably together. The polyester-based layer may be between 50 ?m and 350 ?m and the polyurethane elastomer layer may be between 20 ?m and 1000 ?m. The polyester-based layer may be adhesive-coated on one side, in which case the thickness, including the adhesive, may be between 40 and 100 ?m, with the adhesive thickness not exceeding about 5 ?m.

Abstract: A clamping device, a cylinder including a clamping device, and a method for clamping a plate onto the outer surface of the cylinder. The clamping device includes a base body extending in the axial direction and fixed to, or incorporated into the cylinder. The clamping device also includes a clamping element extending in the axial direction. The clamping device also includes a lifting bar located in the interior of the base body and coupled to the clamping element by at least one guiding shaft. The lifting bar being movable in a first radial direction to move the clamping element away from the outer surface of the cylinder to form a gap between the outer surface and the clamping element. The lifting bar also is movable in the radial direction opposite the first radial direction to close the gap formed between the outer surface of the cylinder and the clamping element.

Abstract: There is provided a printing press that can guide a printing plate, which is held in clamped relationship with the clamping gripper, so as to be mounted on the plate cylinder with accuracy, while guiding a printing plate in the plate discharge direction with accuracy, as well as preventing deterioration of the reliability for a long time. A printing plate guide plate having a leading end provided with guide rollers and guide blocks guides a printing plate when it is supplied to a plate cylinder and discharged therefrom. A pivotally moving plate auxiliarily guides the printing plate when it is guided by the printing plate guide plate.

Abstract: The printing cylinder such as a rubber blanket cylinder of a web fed offset printing machine is provided. The printing cylinder includes a rotatable clamping mechanism in a clamping channel. A side of the clamping channel is configured so as to be movable such that the clamping channel can be opened by turning the clamping mechanism. When the clamping channel is open, the ends of the rubber blanket can be inserted. The clamping channel can then be closed by turning the clamping mechanism in the opposite direction such that the ends of the rubber blanket adjoin one another.

Abstract: In the field of electronic reproduction technology, an apparatus for clamping and holding a printing plate on the surface of an exposure drum in a printing plate exposer includes a clamping apparatus for the front edge of the printing plate. The clamping apparatus has actuating elements that are accommodated in the interior of the exposure drum. Only the clamping bars that clamp the printing plate fixedly protrude slightly beyond the drum surface. Terminating elements are provided for holding the rear edge of the printing plate, which terminating elements can be displaced in the suction grooves of the drum surface and primarily restrict the vacuum that draws the printing plate onto the drum surface to the surface below the printing plate. Additionally, the terminating elements are provided with a roof element that protrudes beyond the rear edge of the printing plate and, thus, encloses the rear edge in the gap between the roof element and the exposure drum without, however, clamping it fixedly.

Abstract: A plate is consecutively mounted on the outer peripheral surface of a recording drum under pressure from a squeegee roller, with its leading edge clamped by leading edge clamps. Guide members for causing the squeegee roller to climb up thereon are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the recording drum such that the squeegee roller is prevented from interfering with the leading edge clamps during plate mounting. Without the need to stop the rotation of the recording drum during plate mounting, a time period required for plate mounting can be reduced.

Abstract: A device for feeding a plate to and/or removing a plate from a printing press includes a plate storage device for holding a new and/or used plate. The plate storage device has a linearly movable plate support. The plate is particularly a printing plate.

Abstract: A printing press can securely supply a printing plate while bringing a printing plate into alignment with a plate cylinder in an axial direction of the plate cylinder, as well as omitting the necessity to return the plate registration of the plate cylinder to the original point. The printing press includes a printing plate guide plate that is pivotally movably mounted in an opening of a body cover that covers the plate cylinder, a sucker for holding a printing plate by suction so as to pull the same towards the printing plate guide plate. The sucker is disposed so as to be movable towards a clamping gripper disposed on the plate cylinder and in a direction parallel to an axis of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: To provide a device for fixing a covering to a printing-unit cylinder in which, while implementing a narrow gap in the cylinder circumferential surface, the legs of the covering can be tensioned easily and reliably, a spindle bears a trailing channel edge of a tension channel the trailing channel edge can be moved away from the leading channel edge by pivoting the spindle.

Abstract: A plate cylinder adapted for a rotary printing press has a cylinder jacket and a recess followed by a clamping channel which extend at least approximately parallel to the rotational axis of the plate cylinder inside the cylinder jacket. The printing plate has a leading end and a trailing end which are both secured inside the recess. A trailing end region of the printing plate includes two parallel bent edges extending transverse to the rotational direction of the plate cylinder. One bent edge is formed by a section of printing plate fitting against the cylinder jacket and another section of the printing plate that projects into the clamping channel which together enclose approximately a right angle. The other bent edge is formed by the section of printing plate projecting into the clamping channel and an end section of the printing plate extending through the clamping channel.

Abstract: Disclosed are a printing plate material capable of being folded by heating, a printing process employing the printing plate material and a process of folding the printing plate material, the printing plate material comprising a support and provided thereon, an image formation layer, the support being a polyester sheet with a thickness dispersion of not more then 10%.

Abstract: A fixing structure comprises a rotary drum having an outer peripheral surface, around which a printing plate is wound, and an inner peripheral surface portion, the drum including through-slots formed in the outer surface at predetermined intervals in the peripheral direction, each of which communicates the outer surface with the inner surface portion; and a chuck detachably mountable to the drum, for clamping one end of the printing plate onto the drum, the chuck including a support having opposite ends, a clamp plate provided on one support end, and a base section provided on the other support end, wherein when the chuck is mounted on the drum, the base section is inserted and passed through one associated through-slot and then hooked over the inner surface portion.

Abstract: A printing press which can limit increase in the entire size of a plate discharge device while moving a printing plate in a plate discharge direction by a sufficient distance is provided. The plate discharge device is provided with a cylinder device. A first clamping roller is mounted via a pinion to a mounting member mounted to a rod of the cylinder device. A rack is disposed to be meshed with the pinion. A second clamping roller is provided to the mounting member so as to be movable closer to and away from the first clamping roller via a switching means.

Abstract: A plate removing apparatus includes a plate cylinder, cover, loader, cover members, and plate removal port. The plate cylinder is rotatably supported between a pair of frames opposing each other through a predetermined distance. The cover is provided to a front side of the plate cylinder and supported between the pair of frames. The loader swings between a closing position to close at least part of a space formed between the pair of frames and an opening position to open the space. The cover members move from a retreat position to an operative position, when the loader is located at the opening position, to close the space opened by the loader. The plate removal port is formed in the cover members. A plate mounted on the plate cylinder is removed through the plate removal port when the cover members are located at the operative position.

Abstract: Freshly printed sheets are transferred from one printing unit to another by transfer cylinders each having an ink repellent, electrically conductive, striped flexible jacket covering that is movable relative to the sheet support surface of the transfer cylinder. The jacket covering is made of a flexible fabric material that is pre-stretched, pressed flat, cut to size and treated with an ink repellent compound and is also treated with an anti-static ionic compound or is otherwise rendered electrically conductive by one or more conductive strands. Electrostatic charges carried by the freshly printed sheets are discharged through the ink repellent, electrically conductive, flexible jacket covering into the grounded transfer cylinder. A low friction, electrically conductive cylinder base covering that includes center alignment marks is secured to the transfer cylinder for engaging the flexible jacket covering.