Layout Or Registration Patents (Class 101/481)
  • Publication number: 20130269559
    Abstract: An imaging part in a screen printing device which images a board and a screen mask includes a single camera which is disposed with a posture of horizontally facing towards an incidence optical axis, a half mirror which makes an imaging light, which is incident through a lower imaging optical axis, to be incident on a camera, and a mirror which makes an imaging light, which is incident through an upper imaging optical axis, to pass through the half mirror and to be incident on the camera, and further has an upper illuminating part and a lower illuminating part which individually illuminate respective imaging objects. Imaging light is taken in the camera in a state that the upper illuminating part and the lower illuminating part are individually operated in a mask imaging step and a board imaging step, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Murakami, Minoru Murakami, Yasuichi Okada
  • Patent number: 8539883
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for regulating the register of a rotary printing press (18), including a register regulator (17), the components (1, 5; 2, 6; 3, 7; 4, 8; 9, 10) of which are connected in a real-time bus system (12) and are chronologically synchronized therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Eltromat GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Reckefuss, Gerhard Lohmeyer, Bernd Morgenstern
  • Publication number: 20130228089
    Abstract: In the invention, for a first sheet, regardless of the sheet size (width), a lateral registration detector is moved in a direction towards an edge face of the sheet from a home position to detect the edge face of the sheet. With lateral deviation in the sheet position corrected, punching is performed by a puncher. For the second and subsequent sheets, the lateral registration detector is moved in advance to near the edge face of the sheet with reference to the detected position of the sheet edge of the first sheet, and the edge face is detected at a given timing. With lateral deviation in the sheet position corrected, punching is performed by the puncher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Hiroki YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20130220157
    Abstract: System, method, article for determining registration and/or skew errors in a print medium with respect to a printing element includes a print medium including a two-dimensional pattern including a grid within a geometric shape. The grid has a plurality of vertical and horizontal lines, the intersection of each forming a cross-hair defining an X-Y positional data point; the collection of data points defining a data set. The geometric shape is in the form of a two-dimensional target having a plurality of concentric rings; an innermost one enclosing at least one of the X-Y positional data points in the data set. The printing element provides a marker onto the print medium. The positional location of the marker with respect to the one of the at least one enclosed X-Y positional data point defines a directional displacement vector for correcting registration and/or skew error between the print medium and the printing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: INTERMEC IP CORP.
    Inventor: Intermec IP Corp.
  • Patent number: 8511227
    Abstract: An apparatus for registering a printing plate includes a support surface. A first registration member provides an electrical signal to the printing plate when contact is established between the first registration member and a first edge of the printing plate. Each registration member in a set of two or more registration members receives the electrical signal provided to the printing plate when contact is established between an edge of the printing plate and the registration member. A set of two or more sensors detects a presence of the electrical signal received by a registration member. A plurality of actuators is operable for moving the printing plate towards a registration member. A controller determines a presence or absence of contact between the printing plate and a selected registration member based on information provided by each sensor. The controller selectively operates at least one of the actuators to move the printing plate towards the selected registration member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Ryan K. Hines
  • Publication number: 20130199388
    Abstract: A mark, a method and a system for colour quality parameters measurement of a printing press. The mark comprises a plurality of spots, wherein each spot comprises encoded dot level information, the distribution of spots defines a signature pattern for each process colour, a plurality of said spots is associated to each ink key of the printing press along an area of interest and the mark is invisible to the naked eye. The colour quality parameters measurement system comprises image capturing means synchronizable with the printing press and capable of accessing the entire width of an area of interest of the printing press, processing means, user control interface for communication between the processing means and the press user and a mark according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Modesto Luengo Bada
  • Publication number: 20130199389
    Abstract: A mandrel position analyzer (108) in an imaging device (100) includes a head stock (144) for a first side of the mandrel; a tail stock (104) for a second side of the mandrel; a first encoder (212) attached to the head stock adapted to measure first signals wherein the first signals are generated by movement of the mandrel; a second encoder (208) attached to the tail stock adapted to measure second signals wherein the second signals are generated by movement of the mandrel; an analyzer (224) which compares measured results of the first signals and results of the second signals; and if the measured results do not match generating an abnormal state of the mandrel signal alarm (260).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Tamir Olpak, Arie Gez
  • Publication number: 20130145946
    Abstract: A method for registering at least two colors for a machine for printing plate elements equipped with at least two printing units: printing marks of different colors in spaced pairs on edges of the plate elements; detecting position errors between different marks of possibly the same color and comparing the position with respective theoretical relative positions; adjusting operation of the printing units to have both marks of a color overlie.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Mauro Chiari, Pierre Gretsch, Benoit Rosset, Daniel Tatti
  • Publication number: 20130133541
    Abstract: A print section patterns a coating layer to form a pattern layer on a carrier and then transfers the pattern layer to a substrate. A controller obtains a first carrier thickness by measuring the thickness of the carrier carrying the coating layer and adjusts a gap between the carrier carrying the coating layer and the printing plate based on the first carrier thickness immediately before the coating layer is patterned. The controller also obtains a second carrier thickness by measuring the thickness of the carrier carrying the pattern layer and adjusts a gap between the carrier carrying the pattern layer and the substrate based on the second carrier thickness immediately before the pattern layer is transferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Tomoyuki KOMURA, Mikio MASUICHI, Masafumi KAWAGOE, Tetsuo TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20130087060
    Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a magnetic rotatable roller with a smooth even outer surface for aligning magnetic flakes in a carrier, such as an ink vehicle or a paint vehicle to create optically variable images in a high-speed, linear printing operation. Images can provide security features on high-value documents, such as bank notes. Magnetic flakes in the ink are aligned using magnetic portions of the roller, that can be formed by permanent magnets embedded in a non-magnetic roller body, or selectively magnetized portions of a flexible magnetic cover of the roller. In some embodiments, the roller is assembled for a plurality of interchangeable sections, which can include spinning magnets. Selected orientation of the magnetic pigment flakes can achieve a variety of illusive optical effects that are useful for decorative or security applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Vladimir P. Raksha, Jay M. Holman, Paul G. Coombs, Charles T. Markantes, Roger W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20130025488
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a print job is received. The print job includes a first plot to be printed on a first side of a media, and a second plot to be printed on a second side of the media in registration with the first plot. The first plot and a fiducial are caused to print on the first side, the fiducial being a known distance from the first plot and including an identifier for the second plot. In response to detecting the identifier via a sensor and measuring a distance to the fiducial to discern a reference for printing the second plot, the second plot is caused to print on the second side in registration with the first plot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Selma Casanovas Suriol, Michel Georges Encrenaz
  • Patent number: 8359976
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a machine for aligning at least two flexographic printing plates on at least one printing cylinder. The method comprises the steps of capturing an image relating to a first plate, capturing the image relating to a portion of a second plate, reprocessing the image captured from the first plate so as to obtain a portion thereof corresponding to the image relating to the portion of the second plate, concurrently displaying said reprocessed image and the image captured from the second plate and aligning said two images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Sys Tec S.r.l.
    Inventor: Massimo Caliari
  • Publication number: 20120318157
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet regulating member that regulates the movement of a sheet in a space between a punch unit and a rear guide. The sheet regulating member may be set in an upper guide included in an upper part of the rear guide or may be set at a rear end in a sheet conveying direction of the punch unit. The sheet regulating member may be set between the punch unit and the rear guide and move following the movement of the punch unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicants: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kikuo MIZUTANI, Naofumi Soga
  • Publication number: 20120304881
    Abstract: A method and a device for placing a flexible printing plate in its register position, by placing the printing plate on a carrier, detecting the position of at least two reference marks, the relative position of which is known, by means of a camera while the printing plate is placed on the carrier, and transporting the printing plate to the register position. Prior to detecting the position of the reference marks, at least one of the reference marks is defined by moving the camera until a point within the part of the image whose relative position is known falls within the part of the image detected by the camera, and the position of the reference mark is stored together with properties of the reference mark detected by the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: AV Flexologic B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Johannes Marie Otten
  • Patent number: 8316764
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a sheeted substrate with a registered structured image in which a resin coated sheeted substrate is provided in the form of a series of spaced sheets with leading or trailing edges acting as reference positions along with a master web with structured images and registration marks. Reference positions of the series of spaced sheets are aligned with the registration mark on the master web and the master web is nipped to the coated sheeted substrate after which curing energy is applied through the master web to the resin coat while the master web and sheeted substrate are in contact. Then the master web is separated from the sheeted substrate to leave a structured image on the sheeted substrate. Registration between the sheeted substrate and the master web may be maintained by varying the relative speed of the master web and the sheeted substrate through stretching of the master web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Teh Ming Eric Wu
  • Publication number: 20120272850
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to registering media in a duplex printing system. A first side of a sheet of media is registered in a first pass in response to detection of a first end of the sheet. A registration marker is deposited on the sheet proximate to a second end of the sheet in the first pass. The registration marker can include a marking material that is in the non-visible light range. A second side of the sheet is registered in a second pass in response to detection of the registration marker deposited on the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Douglas K. Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20120260813
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for measuring a running direction of a substrate web (6). The method for measuring a running direction of a substrate web consists of the substrate web (6) being guided around a measuring roller (12), at least one bearing force of the measuring roller (12) being measured, and the running direction of the substrate web (6) being determined based on the measured bearing force. The device (10) for measuring the miming direction of a substrate web (6) comprises a measuring roller (12), with the substrate web (6) being guided around said measuring roller (12). Furthermore, the device (10) comprises at least one sensor (18a, 18b, 18c) for measuring a bearing force of the measuring roller (12) and comprises an evaluation circuit, said evaluation circuit being connected to the at least one sensor (18a, 18b, 18c) and being suitable for determining an alignment of the substrate web (6) based on the bearing force measured by the sensor (18a, 18b, 18c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Ingo Neuber, Holger Runkowske, Stefan Schluenss, Andreas Mandik
  • Patent number: 8286553
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) for registering printing plates (24) with a plurality of registration members (40A-40F), the apparatus (10) including a plate positioning system (64). The plate positioning system including a first member (50) adapted to pivot about a first pivot point and a plurality of second members (53A, 53B), each second member being pivotally coupled to the first member, and each second member comprising at least one element (58) adapted for engaging a printing plate. The apparatus includes a plurality of sensors (80A, 80B) adapted for detecting contact between the printing plates and the plurality of registration members. The plate positioning system includes a plurality of actuators (72A, 72B) coupled to the second members. An actuator in the plurality of actuators is selectively operated to apply force to an associated second member during a registration of a printing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Ali Faraz
  • Publication number: 20120240801
    Abstract: Printing material printing processes generate a raster bit map manipulated by matrix manipulation to compensate for geometrical distortions of the printed image on the printing material. First of all, the same correction functions are used for following raster bit maps, if the intention is to dispense with the imaging of test printing formes. Measuring marks are also printed, while printing is underway, at fixed positions on a sheet to establish any present register defects. Different repeat configurations for follow-up printing means that it is no longer possible for the measuring marks to be provided at the same positions. The ascertained deviations are used to interpolate adjusted deviations at the first positions for the first measuring marks to make it possible to use the second measuring marks at the shifted positions. Further technical measures are then implemented on this basis. A printing system for printing a printing material is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG
    Inventors: EBERHARD REDMER, GƜNTER STREITMATTER
  • Publication number: 20120234192
    Abstract: A method for controlling a printing operation includes detecting at least one position and/or an extent of a register mark located on a printing material by means of a register mark sensor, and using the detected at least one position and/or the extent of the register mark for register control. The method further includes acquiring at least one item of color information by means of the same register mark sensor during the printing operation, carrying out color monitoring with at least the at least one item of color information, and determining a color deviation with respect to a reference value. Furthermore, the method includes defining a threshold value for the color deviation, and outputting a warning and/or automatically making a change from good to poor products when the threshold value for the color deviation is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Schnabel, Stephan Schultze
  • Patent number: 8256348
    Abstract: A method for preparing lithographic printing plates for on-press development, including sequentially feeding the plates to an imaging station to produce a plurality of latent image reference marks allocated among at least two margins along a respective two sides of the plate, and a latent print image within the margins. The imaged plates are transported from the imaging station to a plate bending station where the short ends of the plate are bent over. Between the imaging station and the bending station, the unimaged areas of the coating in at least two of the margins are removed to reveal the reference marks without developing the latent print image. Preferably, the reference marks are revealed while the plate is temporarily aligned in landscape orientation at stop, such as at the feeder to the bending station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Anocoil Corporation
    Inventors: Howard A. Fromson, Christopher M. Butler, William J. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20120210895
    Abstract: The invention describes a method for performing print jobs, whereby use is made of a flexographic printing press comprising a plurality of inking units to print print carriers, whereby at least two of these inking units each have a printing plate cylinder that has a printing form and a printing form carrier to produce printed images, and whereby the register between the printing plate cylinders located in the inking units is adjusted on the basis of measurement signals, related to the position of bodies or markings, which are carried by the printing form or the printing plate carrier. The body or the marking is applied to the surface of the printing form or the printing plate carrier, and the body or the marking in turn is at least a register mark or has a register mark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Manfred Loddenkoetter
  • Patent number: 8245638
    Abstract: Color separations of a printing image are aligned on a printing material perpendicular to the transport direction of the printing material. A front edge and a rear edge of a register mark are detected. Their distances and, at least in some regions, their widths along the traveled distance of the transport belt between the detection of the front edge and of the rear edge of the register mark are determined. Misalignments of the imaging devices used for the color separations are determined and corrected using these distances and widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Ralph Petersen
  • Patent number: 8210104
    Abstract: A method for registering a printing plate includes supporting the printing plate on a support surface. A plurality of registration members adapted to register an edge of the printing plate is provided. The first printing plate is moved over the support surface along a first direction to a position where the edge of the printing plate contacts a first registration member of the plurality of registration members. The first registration member is moved along a second direction that intersects the first direction while maintaining contact between the first registration member and the edge of the printing plate at a location on the edge that does not substantially vary as the first registration member moves along the second direction. Contact is established between the printing plate and a second registration member of the plurality of registration members after the first registration member has commenced moving along the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John Funk, Jo Anna L. Gromadzki, Aleksandar Tegzes, Peter Hawes
  • Publication number: 20120137909
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a position of a mechanical edge of a reference edge of a sheet of recording media on an imaging drum, the system includes an imaging drum comprising a cylindrical surface and a drum slot in the cylindrical surface, the drum slot extending in an axial direction and comprising a reflective layer; an illumination source for illuminating the drum slot; a digital camera for imaging the drum slot in a vicinity of the reference edge; and a clamp for mounting the sheet of recording media on the imaging drum in an orientation wherein the reference edge extends along the cylindrical surface of the imaging drum in substantially the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Peter J. Hawes, Allan Warmes
  • Publication number: 20120125217
    Abstract: An automated lenticular photographic system includes an interface that permits a user to upload image files and image processing and printing equipment that is in communication with the interface for receiving the uploaded image files and processing the uploaded image files to create an interlaced print image file that is used to produce an interlaced print sheet containing interlaced print images. A pair of registration marks is formed on the interlaced print sheet outside of borders of the interlaced print images to assist in aligning the interlaced print sheet with a lenticular lens sheet. A registration system detects whether the lenticular lens sheet is off-centered and skewed relative to the interlaced print sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Tracer Imaging LLC
    Inventors: Stephen S. Daniell, Steven M. Spiro, David Whelan, James Anderson, Daniel L. Lau
  • Patent number: 8181573
    Abstract: In an apparatus for feeding printing plates to a plate cylinder of a printing press, the printing plate is prealigned on stops outside the plate cylinder with a lateral offset and with an oblique skew. Then the printing plate is fed, in the thusly aligned position to the register pins of the plate cylinder, wherein the printing plate is finally aligned by lateral displacement and by a pivoting movement about the first register pin, until the printing plate bears with its receptacles against both register pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Heidleberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Greive, Rolf Hilpert, Alexander Knabe, Rainer Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8176846
    Abstract: A method for positioning a printing plate includes supporting the printing plate on a support surface. A first force is applied to the printing plate to move the printing plate over the support surface along a path. A second force is applied to the printing plate to alter the movement of the printing plate along the path. The printing plate is pivoted on the support surface while applying the first force and the second force to the printing plate, wherein the printing plate is pivoted about a pivot point located on the printing plate at a location different from each of the locations on the printing plate to which the first and second forces are applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John Funk, Jo Anna L. Gromadzki, Aleksandar Tegzes, Peter Hawes
  • Patent number: 8161876
    Abstract: An apparatus in a machine for processing printing material has a register sensor for register measurement between at least two color separations of a printed image printed above one another on a printing material. The register sensor registers optically deviations between the two color separations and forwards the deviations onto a computer. The register sensor contains at least one photodiode having at least two quadrants. The largely rectangular evaluation areas of the photodiode are aligned obliquely in relation to the edges of the conveyed printing material. A register mark to be detected by the register sensor has a plurality of wedge-shaped colored areas pointing in a peripheral direction of the printing material, one of the wedge-shaped colored areas being a reference color used as a reference variable and others of the wedge-shaped colored areas being register colors to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Geissler, Christopher Riegel, Frank Schumann
  • Publication number: 20120090485
    Abstract: A lateral register correcting device is capable of correcting register movement for a web by printing units. A register mark is printed on front and back sides of the web. A register correction control unit automatically controls a register correcting mechanism in real time based on a register correction amount derived by a pair of register cameras for detecting the register mark. A fan out correction control unit automatically controls a roller pressing mechanism in real time based on a fan out correction amount derived by a pair of fan out cameras for detecting the register mark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES PRINTING & PACKAGING MACHINERY, LTD,
    Inventors: Yoshio Nitta, Kazunori Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8146497
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for aligning at least two flexographic printing plates on at least one printing cylinder, which provides acquiring an image of a part of a first plate, memorising the acquired image, framing a part of a second plate, at the same time displaying the memorised image and the image relating to the part of the second framed plate in real time; and aligning the image framed in real time with the memorised image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: SYS TEC S.r.l.
    Inventor: Franco Caliari
  • Publication number: 20120067238
    Abstract: An automated lenticular photographic system includes an interface that permits a user to upload image files and image processing and printing equipment that is in communication with the interface for receiving the uploaded image files and processing the uploaded image files to create an interlaced print image file that is used to produce an interlaced print sheet containing interlaced print images. A pair of registration marks is formed on the interlaced print sheet outside of borders of the interlaced print images. The system also includes a processing station where the interlaced print sheet is aligned with a lenticular lens sheet with a registration system that detects whether the lenticular lens sheet is off-centered and skewed relative to the interlaced print sheet. The system also includes means for controllably adjusting the position of the lenticular lens sheet relative to the interlaced print sheet until proper registration between the lenticular lens sheet and the interlaced print sheet is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Tracer Imaging LLC
    Inventors: Stephen S. Daniell, Steven M. Spiro, David Whelan, James Anderson, Daniel L. Lau
  • Patent number: 8132509
    Abstract: In a printed product color misregister amount detection method, a reference register mark including a first color area portion with a predetermined width and a blank portion in contact with the first color area portion is printed in a reference color on a printed product to be printed by a multi-color printing press. A positional shift detection register mark including a second color area portion with a width smaller than that of the first color area portion of the reference register mark is printed in a color other than the reference color to have as a target position a position where the width of the second color area portion falls within the width of the first color area portion of the reference register mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Komori Corporation
    Inventors: Masataka Sugiyama, Akihiro Inde, Junichi Tanaka, Yoshihiko Butsusaka, Yusuke Tsumura
  • Publication number: 20120006215
    Abstract: Methods and devices detect a first lateral measure of an edge of a belt loop supported by rollers within an apparatus using a first sensor to find an amount of misalignment of the edge of the belt loop relative to a known alignment position. The first sensor is positioned at a first location within the apparatus. The methods and devices also detect a second lateral measure of the edge of the belt loop within the apparatus relative to the known alignment position using a second sensor. The second sensor is positioned at a second location within the apparatus that is different than the first location. The methods and devices use a processor to determine the non-linear shape of the edge of the belt loop based on the second lateral measure of the edge of the belt loop detected by the second sensor. The methods and devices correct the amount of misalignment detected by the first sensor based on the non-linear shape of the edge of the belt loop to generate a corrected misalignment value, using the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joannes N.M. DeJong, Lloyd A. Williams, Rudy Castillo, Matthew Dondiego
  • Publication number: 20110297026
    Abstract: A method for controlling register settings of a printing press, includes rotating imaging cylinders of a first print unit and a second print unit, located downstream of the first print unit in a movement direction of a print medium, at a rotational speed to print an image on the print medium. The method includes of changing a length of the print image to a pre-determined length. The method further includes changing a register setting of the imaging cylinder of the second print unit based on the predetermined change in length of the print image to avoid misalignment of the print image printed by the first and the second print units on the print medium. Changing the register setting is dependent on a length of a section of the print medium between the first and the second print units. A device for controlling register settings of a printing press is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Muller Martini Holding AG
    Inventor: Joseph Zeinhofer
  • Publication number: 20110290136
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lithographic apparatus includes a first detection unit for detecting a first mark formed on an original and a second mark formed in each of a plurality of shot regions on a substrate, a second detection unit for detecting the second mark, and a processing unit for performing a process of detecting the second mark by the second detection unit to obtain an array of the shot regions, a process of obtaining a positional relationship between the first mark and the second mark, which are detected by the first detection unit, for each of the shot regions upon moving the substrate using the result of obtaining the array of the shot regions, and a process of transferring a pattern of the original onto each of the shot regions upon aligning the original and the substrate for each of the shot regions based on the positional relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinichiro Koga
  • Patent number: 8042466
    Abstract: A printing press and a method for controlling a printing press include rotatably mounted cylinders. At least two adjacent cylinders roll on one another through bearer rings. At least one of the adjacent cylinders can be rotated actively relative to at least one of the bearer rings by a setting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Jochen Bechtler, Michael KrĆ¼ger, Detlef Strunk, Willi Stutz
  • Patent number: 8037819
    Abstract: A machine for in-register mounting of flexographic printing plates with a virtual data-processing system, having a supporting footing for a printing plate cylinder, on which a respective flexographic printing plate is mounted, suitable for printing a predefined image, and at least one television camera, which is connected to a monitor, is trained onto the cylinder and can slide parallel to the cylinder to check correct positioning-mounting of the printing plate, the television camera being associated with position sensors and connected to a device for the real-time processing and display of at least one composite image, for allowing the operator to perform precise position comparisons for optimum plate mounting between a preprocessed graphical reproduction of the image to be printed, provided on a digital memory composed of graphical memory associated with position measurements, and the position of the printing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Bieffebi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Zanoli, Stefano Sambri
  • Publication number: 20110232518
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) for registering printing plates (24) with a plurality of registration members (40A-40F), the apparatus (10) including a plate positioning system (64). The plate positioning system including a first member (50) adapted to pivot about a first pivot point and a plurality of second members (53A, 53B), each second member being pivotally coupled to the first member, and each second member comprising at least one element (58) adapted for engaging a printing plate. The apparatus includes a plurality of sensors (80A, 80B) adapted for detecting contact between the printing plates and the plurality of registration members. The plate positioning system includes a plurality of actuators (72A, 72B) coupled to the second members. An actuator in the plurality of actuators is selectively operated to apply force to an associated second member during a registration of a printing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Ali Faraz
  • Publication number: 20110219974
    Abstract: An adaptive overprint system for providing an overprint upon a substrate; the substrate comprising a plurality of registration markers at predetermined locations thereon and at least one pre-printed feature; the system comprising: an imager for capturing a digital image of said substrate with said registration markers and said feature; a printing platform upon which the substrate resides during overprinting; a printing mechanism for stamping said overprint upon said pre-printed feature; a controller operatively connected to said imager and said printing mechanism; and a handling device to move the substrate in and out of the printer; wherein said controller is adapted to identify and calculate the shift in said pre-printed feature based on said image of the substrate received from said imager, and to calculate a correlating compensation or correction shift to be electronically applied to the overprinted image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Scodix, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eli Grinberg, Kobi Bar
  • Publication number: 20110203471
    Abstract: A printing system includes a frame. A first printer component is mounted to the frame. A second printer component is compliantly mounted to the frame such that the second printer component is free to move in a plane. A first alignment mechanism is kinematically coupled to the first printer component and is kinematically coupled to the second printer component. A second alignment mechanism is kinematically coupled to the first printer component and is kinematically coupled to the second printer component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher M. Muir, William F. Dassero, Martin C. James, Allan M. Waugh
  • Publication number: 20110192303
    Abstract: A method for determining if a printing plate is registered. A support surface supports the printing plate. An electric signal travels along a path through the printing plate. A plurality of registration members includes a set of two or more registration members, each adapted to receive the electrical signal when contact is established between an edge of the printing plate and the registration member. Detecting a presence or absence of the electrical signal at each of the registration members. Determines contact between the printing plate and each registration member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Ryan K. Hines
  • Publication number: 20110192304
    Abstract: An apparatus for registering a printing plate includes a support surface. A first registration member provides an electrical signal to the printing plate when contact is established between the first registration member and a first edge of the printing plate. Each registration member in a set of two or more registration members receives the electrical signal provided to the printing plate when contact is established between an edge of the printing plate and the registration member. A set of two or more sensors detects a presence of the electrical signal received by a registration member. A plurality of actuators is operable for moving the printing plate towards a registration member. A controller determines a presence or absence of contact between the printing plate and a selected registration member based on information provided by each sensor. The controller selectively operates at least one of the actuators to move the printing plate towards the selected registration member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Ryan K. Hines
  • Publication number: 20110185933
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image alignment adjusting apparatus includes: an endless traveling belt; a pattern sensor configured to detect an adjustment pattern including plural colors imaged on the traveling belt; and a correcting unit configured to use, in initial adjustment, for image alignment adjustment, an initial adjustment value obtained by detecting a plurality of sets of the adjustment patterns imaged over the entire circumference of the traveling belt and use, in intermediate adjustment, for the image alignment adjustment an intermediate adjustment value obtained by correcting the initial adjustment value using an intermediate detection value obtained by detecting one set of the adjustment pattern imaged on the traveling belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazushige Morihara
  • Patent number: 7971530
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for positioning a flexible printing plate on a carrier, comprising the following steps of: placing on a table the flexible printing plate for positioning; determining the position of the printing plate by means of a visual display device; and depending on the position, moving the printing plate to its end position on the carrier, wherein the position of the carrier is sensed in the vicinity of the final position and the carrier is moved to its end position depending on the position sensed in the vicinity of the final position. The positioning takes place much more accurately as a result of these measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: AV Flexologic B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Johannes Marie Otten
  • Publication number: 20110155010
    Abstract: An item handling system includes a transport system defining a transport plane, a printer assembly defining a printer plane, and a printer alignment system supporting the printer assembly. The printer alignment system includes a plurality of drive elements configured to move the printer assembly. A method of aligning a printer in the item handling system includes moving the printer assembly to a limit position of the printer alignment system distal from the transport system using the drive elements, moving the printer assembly to a limit position of the printer alignment system proximate to the transport system using the drive elements, and driving each of the drive elements at a respective predetermined level to place the printer plane in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to the transport plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. MACLEOD, John R. Masotta, John W. Sussmeier
  • Patent number: 7966935
    Abstract: A method for registering a rotary press for a printing process, in which ā€œnā€ inking systems (Fn) each produce monochrome printed images and print one on top of the other thereby producing n-colored printed images, includes producing the images of a printed material with at least one sensor station, recording information on rotary movements of printing plate cylinders (Dn), and using the images and the information to produce correction signals which actuate the cylinders until a deviation of the images of the respective inking systems from a desired position on the material lies within a defined range of tolerance values. During the registering method, one printing plate cylinder at a time is in the printing position, the sensor station produces the printed images, and the correction signals are obtained based on the image produced by the respective cylinder and the information on the rotary movements of at least one cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Windmoeller & Hoelscher KG
    Inventors: Manfred Loddenkoetter, Martin Kruempelmann
  • Publication number: 20110126729
    Abstract: In a printing press including a printing section to print patterns, a register apparatus captures an image of register marks printed in the printing section, and causes positions of the patterns, which are to be printed in the printing section, to be in register on the basis of positions of the register marks in the image. The register apparatus comprises: a front surface camera or a back surface camera for capturing an image of an edge of a print sheet together with the register marks, the print sheet already subjected to printing in the printing section; and a first-color register adjustment mechanism, a second-color register adjustment mechanism, a third-color register adjustment mechanism and a fourth-color register adjustment mechanism for adjusting the positions of the patterns to be printed in the printing section, on the basis of the positions of the register marks in the image and a position of the edge of the print sheet in the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: KOMORI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki MORONO, Tadahiko IINO, Megumi KIKUCHI
  • Publication number: 20110079160
    Abstract: A method and a device for determining color register and lateral register deviations on printing material during production in multi-color printing presses, include a computing unit which takes into consideration the influence of ghosting effects when measuring the deviations on the printing material. The ghosting effects of at least one preceding and/or one succeeding printed image are recursively taken into consideration in the computing unit, when measuring on the printing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Axel Hauck, Stefan Schreiber, Uwe Tessmann
  • Publication number: 20110061552
    Abstract: A method enables linear web velocities generated with reference to angular velocity signals generated by encoders at different rollers in a double reflex printing registration system to be equalized. The method includes identifying a low frequency component of a first linear velocity of a moving web, identifying a high frequency component of a second linear velocity of the moving web, and computing a linear velocity for the moving web at a roller in a print zone with reference to the identified high frequency component of the second linear velocity and the identified low frequency component of the first linear velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yongsoon Eun, Jeffrey J. Folkins, Jess R. Gentner