Abstract: A stacker for evenly stacking sheets of paper in a simple way. To this end, inserts between the sheets of paper of a paper stack are provided for leveling the paper stack. Furthermore, gripping supporting components on the sides of the paper stack for uniform alignment of the side faces of the paper stack and at least one vibrating device for exact alignment of the sheets of paper.

Abstract: A process is provided for measuring the inking in web printing, wherein a measuring head or a plurality of measuring heads performs/perform an integrating measurement of the light remitted from a printed web of material in the direction of run of the web of material. A device is also provided for measuring the inking in web printing. The device includes at least one sensor element for receiving light, which is remitted by a running, printed web of material, an adding or integrating device, which is connected to a sensor element, of which there is at least one, in order to determine the intensity of the light received and a control, which presets the duration of reception of light and/or the duration of the addition or integration by means of the adding or integrating means for an adding or integrating intensity measurement of the remitted light in the direction of run of the web.

Abstract: A printing press includes a plate cylinder, a plate making unit, a detection switch, and a control unit. The plate cylinder has an outer surface on which a plate is mounted. The plate making unit performs plate making for the plate mounted on the outer surface of the plate cylinder. The plate making unit is supported to be movable between an operative position where plate making is performed and a wait position to escape from the operative position. The detection switch detects the plate making unit positioned at the wait position. The control unit controls plate change operation in accordance with a detection output from the detection switch.

Abstract: A system for use with a web printing press for providing overall control of the operations of multiple systems, including a system for measuring the reflective density of printed ink in real time during high speed operation and for controlling the color density and registration of the press. The system digitizes images of targets located in the test print area within an impression and analyzes the images to determine a multiplicity of print characteristics of multiple colors and also determines and controls registration among the various print stations. The system is adapted for use with modern presses having extremely small gap size and extremely small test print area size by initially searching for and locating a registration target pattern and after any necessary adjustment then analyzes digitized images of targets located across the web.

Abstract: A method for absorbing torsional vibrations of a printing machine, wherein at least one torsional vibration-absorbing element acts upon a gearwheel train of the printing machine, includes determining a first characteristic form and characteristic frequency of a printing machine, and assigning to at least one shaft journal of a gearwheel whereon highest amplitudes of the first characteristic frequency occur, a passive torsional vibration absorber modulated to reductions of the first characteristic frequency; and a device for performing the method.

Abstract: A printer having a transparency film discrimination system is disclosed. The printer includes a feed mechanism, an illumination source, a detector, and a processor. Light from the illumination source is reflected on or transmitting through the print medium (such as a transparent film) and is detected by the detector. The detected light is analyzed to determine the type of the medium. If the determined type of the print medium is not acceptable for the printer, then control signal is provided to the printer to halt the printing process as to avoid damage to the printer.

Abstract: The present invention controls a rotary press comprising printing and folding sections each having at least one electric motor so as to be driven individually; the rotary press operated in a synchronized manner by the motors in such a manner that the rotary press can be decelerated and stopped at least in a synchronized state in the event of a power failure while stabilizing the voltage of the power fed to each of the inverters from the power failure power feeding section to a voltage level instructed by the power failure basic voltage command signal, storing the power generated by the inertial rotation of the motors and feeding power to the inverters.

Abstract: There is provided a printing press with a sheet-turning-over-mechanism for turning over a printing sheet, enabling the printing press to be selectively operable in a one-sided printing mode and a double-sided printing mode. The printing press includes a controller which, when any failure stops any one of steps of a mode switching operation for switching the printing press from the one-sided printing mode to the double-sided printing mode or vice versa, stores the information representative of a state of the mode switching operation at the moment of the stop due to the failure, and when a normal operable state is restored from the failure, resumes the mode switching operation from a step of the mode switching operation indicated by the operational state stored therein.

Abstract: A method and system updates individualized calibrated tone-reproduction curves. A plurality of predetermined stored calibrated tone-reproduction curves are used, each predetermined stored calibrated tone-reproduction curve corresponding to a distinct media type and halftone type combination along with a plurality of predetermined relationships between each stored calibrated tone-reproduction curve and a reference media type and reference halftone type combination. A new tone-reproduction curve corresponding to a reference media type and reference halftone type combination calibration operation is generated, and each predetermined stored calibrated tone-reproduction curves based on the newly generated tone-reproduction curve corresponding to the reference media type and reference halftone type combination and the plurality of predetermined relationships between each stored calibrated tone-reproduction curve and the reference media type and reference halftone type combination is updated.

Abstract: A method for controlling the ink quantity in an inking unit of a printing machine by a predetermined nominal value, using a vibrator roller oscillating between a fountain roller and the inking unit, and picking up an ink portion and surrendering it to the inking unit with which the vibrator roller is in contact, includes varying the width of an ink stripe on the vibrator roller, depending upon the nominal value, by adjusting the size of the transferred ink portion, for a modification in the nominal value, from a size (FI) corresponding to the nominal value prior to modification, to at least one intermediate size (Fz) lying beyond a size (Fx) corresponding to the modified nominal value and, subsequent to the expiration of a transition time interval ([t1,t2]), adjusting the intermediate size (Fz) of the ink portion back to the size (Fx) thereof corresponding to the modified nominal value.

Abstract: A profile correction apparatus has a measured value obtaining section for obtaining measured values in which a predetermined physical amount involved in colors of color patches constituting a chart is measured, and a correction section for correcting the post-stage sections to reduce a difference between the colors of the color patches and a predetermined target color in accordance with the measured values obtained in the measured value obtaining section.

Abstract: An inker of an offset printing press is preset in accordance with the image coverage distribution for an image to be printed. The image coverage distribution is obtained from a plate scanner or from a digital image setter file that is available during makeready. Whether in simulation or in actual print, the printed ink film commands are first set. Then inking operation is simulated and a simulated ink coverage distribution is obtained by driving a steady state error between the printed ink film commands and the ink coverage to zero. The presets are calculated in a proportional-integral controller with feedback from a simulated printing plant. The resulting ink key presets are then used to preset the ink keys of the inker at the start of the actual print job.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for decorating an article, printing ink or electrostatic charges is or are applied in dependence on a digital program in dot form to the article carried by a holder, with individual dots going together to at least form a partial pattern or image. In the case of the latent pattern formed by electrostatic charges, it is then brought into contact with ink particles to form the decoration. In both cases the article is transported along a transportation path through at least one print station provided with an inkjet print head or an ionographic print head, the print head being controllable in dependence on the digital program. The individual nozzles or the electrodes of the respective print head are actuated in accordance with the digital program which is called up for example in dependence on the transportation movement of the article.

Abstract: A clock generator for generating a clock signal for an imaging device serving for transferring image-setting information to a rotatable printing form which includes an input to which an actual value signal dependent upon an angular position of the printing form is applicable, and an output for outputting the clock signal. It further includes a first comparator having a first input whereto the actual value signal is applicable as an analog signal, a second input to which an analog nominal value signal, respectively, representing a nominal value for the angular position of the printing form, is applicable, and an output for outputting the clock signal formed as a function of a result of a comparison between the analog actual value signal and the analog nominal value signal; an imaging device and a printing machine including the clock generator; and a method of generating a clock signal for an imaging operation.

Abstract: Press profile production, color management and printed sheet systems and methods provide for a highly accurate press profile that is unaffected by in-plane irregularity in density due to the ink keys unique to a given press in a printing process in which color management is performed. Thus, more accurate color matching can be achieved between a first press and another press or other device, among other advantages. A press profile production system according to an embodiment of the invention provides a print layout with a profiling target disposed within the width of one ink key of the press.

Abstract: A control system for a printing machine and a safety device for scanning and displaying a hazardous area that cannot be looked at on a printing machine and method thereof includes permitting the printing machine to be started up only after an acknowledgement through a control device that the hazardous area displayed has been examined by an operator.

Abstract: There is provided a marking apparatus, a marking method, and a marking system that enable the position of a marking target to be accurately shown, and that reliably enable only that portion containing the marking target to be removed. The marking system has a detector that detects a marking target on a subject material and acquires the position thereof, a marking apparatus having heads capable of marking an optional position in the transverse direction of the subject material, and a control apparatus that sends a marking instruction to the marking apparatus when the position of the marking target in the transverse direction arrives at the marking apparatus, and the position of the marking target matches the position of a head of the marking apparatus.

Abstract: A method of feeding dampening water includes a density measuring step for measuring densities of first and second detecting patches 101 and 102 printed adjacent each other on printed matter 100 and presenting a difference in density variations after printing with varied feed rates of damping water and ink, a dampening water feeding step for controlling the feed rate of dampening water based on the densities of the first and second detecting patches 101 and 102 measured in the density measuring step, and an ink feeding step for controlling the feed rate of ink based on the densities of the first and second detecting patches measured in the density measuring step, and the feed rate of dampening water.

Abstract: A printer 100 sends status information, ID information and the like to a network device 200 before entering an energy conservation mode in which it is unable to communicate with external devices, so that the network device 200 will respond to a status information request on its behalf. Where a PC 300 requests status information from the printer 100, the network device 200 in which substitute response setting was put in effect responds with the printer 100 status information on behalf of the printer 100. By receiving the status response from the network device 200, the PC 300 can verify that the printer 100 is connected to the network 400. The PC 300 can also send a release order that releases the printer 100 from the energy conservation state so that it can initiate printing.

Abstract: A method of printing with a rotary printing press having a plurality of printing cylinders that are adapted to be adjusted on and off from a running web, wherein a length of a printed image is larger than a peripheral length of the largest one of the printing cylinders, the method comprising the steps of:

Abstract: Prior to printing work, the operator of the printing machine selectively inputs a kind of the printing paper (such as one of coated paper, mat-coated paper, and non-coated paper and so on) through a paper-type input portion 17. A CPU 11 controls the supply of ink according to the type of printing paper to be used as a result of controlling one of the operation of ink fountain keys, an ink fountain roller, and an ink ductor roller using an ink fountain key controller 21, an ink fountain roller controller 22, and an ink ductor roller controller 23.

Abstract: A simple, yet accurate way of determining calibration values for correcting the characteristic sinusoidal feed errors of a printer or other recording device (such as a fax machine, plotter, etc.). A sheet of calibration media is employed for facilitating the calculation of the calibration values. The sheet is used in a way that prevents the calibration media errors from affecting the calculation. In particular, the sheet of calibration media is fed twice through the printer, and position data is collected each time. The data is processed in a way that cancels the attendant calibration media errors so that the calculated calibration values precisely correct the characteristic sinusoidal feed errors of that printer.

Abstract: A system and method for printing directly on a mat board. A computer-readable medium includes a digital image having a size scaled to a size of the mat board. For example, the size can correspond to a border region of the mat board between an outer edge of the mat board and an interior region of the mat board that is open or configured to be open to allow visual access to a selected item placed behind the mat board. The digital image is transmitted to a computer printer coupled to the computer-readable medium, and the digital image is printed directly on the mat board with the computer printer while the mat board is engaged with the computer printer. The mat board can include a mat board body having a forward-facing surface with an at least partially non-porous print receiving medium configured to receive ink from an ink jet printer, and a generally non-porous medium at a rearward-facing surface configured to at least restrict moisture from passing into the mat board body through the rearward-facing surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus orient, position and spin print indicia on pellet shaped articles, such as pharmaceutical capsules and the like. More specifically, the method and apparatus use a rotating pick-up drum that receives and transports the pellet shaped articles to a rotating positioning drum that is synchronized with the pick-up drum. The positioning drum receives the pellet shaped articles from the pick-up drum and properly aligns the pellet shaped articles so that they may be transferred to a rotating printing drum which is also synchronized with the positioning drum. The printing drum contains a vacuum source that maintains the pellet shaped articles within pockets as the pellet shaped articles are passed through a printing station. The printing station contains a movable printing roller capable of being moved toward and away from the printing drum such that the printing roller accurately spin prints indicia onto the pellet shaped articles.

Abstract: A print job is partitioned into sub-jobs or “batches” to shorten the turnaround time for completing the processing of the print job. The sizes of the batches are chosen so as to minimize the turnaround time. The batch sizes are optimized based on factors affecting the turnaround time. The batches may be processed concurrently in a pipelined fashion to minimize the turnaround time.

Abstract: When a color-difference exceeds an established color tolerance, spectral reflectance values of a test area are converted to colorimetric densities and compared with target colorimetric density values for the corresponding test area from which a colorimetric density difference is established. The colorimetric density difference is utilized to determine an ink correction value.

Abstract: A device for inspecting a printed image of a product of a printing press, comprising an image detecting device that furnishes actual image data of the product, and a comparison circuit comparing the actual image data with master image data from a defect-free master image, dividing means for performing a preselectable division of the printed image into inspection areas, and wherein if a defect is detected by the comparison circuit the associated inspection area is designated as being defective.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the densitometric measurement of printed products such as sheets printed by sheet-fed offset printing machines, having a densitometer measuring head. The head moves along a measurement strip comprising a number of measurement fields and generates signals that are converted into ink density values in a downstream evaluation unit, which is assigned to ink metering zones. The evaluation unit comprising a computer that contains stored information about the arrangement of the measurement fields of the printed colors in each metering zone. The ink density values from one measurement field are compared with the ink density values from neighboring measurement fields of the same color and type in accordance with the known structure of the measurement strip. The invention provides for the simple and fail-safe arrangement of the measurement-field colors in the individual ink metering zones.

Abstract: A printer has a printing mechanism and a drive mechanism that drives the printing mechanism. The printing mechanism including a charging unit, a exposing unit, a photoconductive drum, a developing unit, and transfer unit. The drive mechanism includes a planetary gear that is selectively positioned depending on a direction of rotation thereof. The printer comprises a memory and a controller. The memory stores a first position of the planetary gear at which the planetary gear stops rotating. The controller determines a second position to which the planetary gear should be positioned when the planetary gear starts rotating after stoppage. The second position is determined depending on the direction of rotation in which the planetary gear starts rotating. The controller controls a timing at which a voltage is applied to the printing mechanism, the timing being determined in accordance with the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A toning in the form of a circumferential printing ink band (7) on printing plates on a rotating plate cylinder (1) shall be detected during operation. The reflectivity of the surface of the printing plates is axially scanned by means of a sensor (4), and a reflectivity deviating from a predetermined value in the area in question is taken as an indication of a toning.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of slipping of a driven nip roller relative to the web in a web printing press includes systematically changing the speed of the nip driver while monitoring the corresponding change in web tension difference across the nip. The linearity and a slope of the relationship between the tension difference and the speed of the nip driver are determined. When the tension difference is non-linear relative to the speed of the driver or the slope of the relationship is substantially less than an expected slope, then slipping is determined to be present. An operator slip indication may be provided which includes the direction of the slip, positive or negative. The operator may then take corrective action to re-establish a non-slip condition, or automatic corrective actions may ensue.

Abstract: A temperature control method of the heat developing apparatus to develop the heated developing sheet on which a latent image by the exposure is formed while the sheet is conveyed in the heat processing section 13, wherein the temperature detection is conducted by the first sensor 71 which is provided on the opening and closing cover, and exposed toward the outside of the apparatus when the opening and closing cover is opened. Simultaneously, the temperature detection is conducted by the second sensor 73 provided at a portion of the heat processing section 13 which is not exposed toward the outside of the apparatus even when the opening and closing cover is opened. Then, according to the optimum control variable corresponding to respective combinations of the temperature lowering amount detected by the previously stored first sensor 71 and second sensor 73, the temperature control of the heat processing section 13 is conducted at the time of the start of apparatus operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an offset printing apparatus for transferring an ink pattern onto a medium to be printed through a blanket. The apparatus includes a detector for detecting an amount of ink solvent impregnated into the blanket.

Abstract: A rotary offset printing machine having printing units each with a dampening unit and an inking unit with a metering device for setting an inking profile zone can reach the continuous printing state quickly and with little accumulation of rejects. First an inking profile is set on the metering device that is the inverse of the inking profile for continuous printing with the applicator rolls set off the printing plate and the machine operating at a first rotational speed. A defined quantity of ink is supplied to the inking unit, the inking profile for continuous printing then being set on the metering device. The rubber blankets are pre-dampened and, when a third rotational speed is reached, the print is set on. Finally, the printing machine is run up to a fourth speed for continuous printing when the separation of rejects is concluded.

Abstract: A printing plate changing device prevents a new printing plate from being damaged even if an abnormal attachment has occurred during/before attaching the printing plate on a plate cylinder. Various sensors detect a rear end of the new printing plate located near an extrusion member when a phase of the lower plate cylinder forwardly rotating is positioned at a predetermined position, an actuator of the lower printing plate holding device is extended by a control device in accordance with a signal from the sensors to release a hook from an engaged pin. A claw portion is rotated by force energized by a spring to advance into a stored portion. The claw portion of the hook is engaged with the rear end of the new printing plate so that the new printing plate can be returned into the stored portion by extending the actuator.

Abstract: A method for controlling color on press during printing utilizing spectral measurements is disclosed. When a color-difference is exceeded the measured spectral reflectance values of a test area are compared with the corresponding target reflectance values from which a spectral reflectance difference is established. A linear equation is used to relate the spectral reflectance difference to solid ink density or ink layer thickness differences for ink regulation utilizing an on-line empirically established correction matrix such that the spectral reflectance difference is minimized. The control method is applicable to both process and non-process colors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ink supply to ink trays in printing presses, whereby the printing press has for ink supply an ink tray, which is adjoined with an in ball cooperating with ink dosing elements. Task of the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for zonal ink dosage according to the ink requirements and an extensive residue-free emptied ink tray at job end or job change. The task is solved according the invention by stopping the ink supply before the end of the printing job. This moment is determined so, that a minimum amount of ink sufficient for the to be processed product volume remains in the ink tray at the pre-determined job end and the ink is shifted from ink zones or ink zone groups with lesser ink consumption to ink zones or ink zone groups with momentarily higher ink consumption for processing of the remaining printing job.

Abstract: A printer including a plurality of print drums and capable of producing, e.g., color printings is disclosed. When a closed position sensor responsive to a door outputs a close signal and when a drum sensor assigned to a print drum to be mounted outputs an absence signal, a controller controls drum drive sections such that a mount/dismount drive section assigned to the print drum to be mounted takes the position corresponding to a mount position. Also, in response to a mount position signal output from a mount position sensor, the controller controls the drum driving device such that the mount/dismount drive section stops at the position corresponding to the mount position. The printer allows an operator thereof to mount the print drums without pressing, e.g., mount/dismount keys each time and thereby saves time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing a printing plate on a plate cylinder in a sheet-fed offset printing machine is provided. The printing plate is first fed to the plate cylinder with its print-end edge leading the print-start edge. The print-end edge of the printing plate is then fixed in a first fixing device on the plate cylinder assigned to the print-end edge of the printing plate. The plate cylinder is then rotated in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation used during a printing operation to draw the printing plate around the outer circumference of the plate cylinder. The print-start edge of the printing plate is then fixed to a second fixing device on the plate cylinder that is assigned to the print-start edge of the printing plate and tensioned on the plate cylinder.

Abstract: The method effects a closed-loop control of the quantity of dampening solution during printing. The metering of the quantity of dampening solution to be applied to the printing material is preferably a function of the printing speed. In addition, at least one of the variables that influence the requisite quantity of dampening solution in the printing process is taken into account.

Abstract: A method for setting machine settings for a printing machine at a time selected from before and during printing of a printed product on a printing machine, includes providing for one of an operator of the printing press and a pressman to evaluate a printed result of a printed product produced in one of a production printing and a proof printing, and resetting the machine settings, if necessary; in dependence upon an enabling signal, storing prescribed input variables and machine settings, which define a print job, in a control system belonging to the printing machine; and applying the stored values for influencing future settings of the printing machine, even for other print jobs; a printing machine for performing the method; and a material for printing with the printing machine.

Abstract: An ink regulating device that measures color in a web-fed rotary printing machine for printing a printing material web or sheets in a plurality of colors. The ink regulating device measures and evaluates the colors black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, and after general calibration (i.e., the recording of standard values), derives set values for the inking zone setting devices, without requiring any further patterns, and without the need for a special copy when the printing pattern is changed.

Abstract: A tape handling system including a tape mount roller, a first accumulator movable between first and second positions, a printer for printing on tape, and a second accumulator movable between first and second positions. Movement of the second accumulator from the first position to the second position causes the printer to begin printing. An apparatus including the tape handling system and a tape applicator.

Abstract: A method is proposed for generating a color profile using the determination of a mapping A′ of a device-independent process space Q(m) of dimension m, m being a natural number, to a device-dependent process space K′(n) of dimension n, n being a natural number, for a first set of specific parameters, which is distinguished by the mapping being represented by a concatenation of mappings, which includes a known mapping A from Q(m) to a device-dependent process space K(n) of dimension n, n being a natural number, for another set of specific process parameters, which differs at least in one element from a first set of specific process parameters; and either of a mapping TK from K(n) to K′(n) or a self-mapping TQ by Q(M).

Abstract: A method of forming a pattern of a functional material on a substrate is disclosed. In accordance with the method, a first pattern of a first material is applied to the substrate and a second functional material is applied to the substrate and the first material. The first material, the second functional material, and the substrate interact to spontaneously form a second pattern of the second functional material on the substrate. The invention is directed to methods for spontaneous pattern formation of functional materials on substrates, and devices produced according to the methods of the invention. In particular, the methods of the invention provide a simple, inexpensive method for patterning a functional material on a substrate, with broad applicability to numerous devices.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a quantity of ink supplied to a printing material by a printing machine includes adjusting the quantity of ink as a function of the printing speed and, upon the occurrence of a change in the printing speed, making a change in the quantity of ink as a function of area coverage to be printed; and an adjusting device for performing the method.

Abstract: A print controller which produces a device specific raster for its printer and also produces a rasterized output in portable and more editable form for export and re-use as an input by other printers which may have different parameters. If the input is in a device independent color space, the rasterized export also will be in a version in a device independent color space, typically CIELAB. If the input is in a printable device dependent color space such as CYMK, the output will be an more editable rasterized version in the same color space, with any printing hints that were in the original will be included in the output. In any case, an override can be provided to change the default selection to any other user-identified version. An example of a device independent color space is CIELAB, of a device dependent version applicable for a number of printers with similar parameters is SWOP CMYK, and of a device dependent version is a printer specific CMYK.

Abstract: The holographic stereogram print order receiving system and the method thereof are provided, wherein the order receiving server which, upon completion of the connection and user inquiry, receives the 2-D image and the parameter information indicating the zooming zone from the user terminal, then sends these information to the image processing server. Further the zooming image processing is executed relative to the 2-D image using the parameter information such that the zooming image can be observed when viewed by changing its viewpoint. This zooming image processed data is sent to the user terminal as a preview image data. Then, the zooming image processed data the same as the preview image data is sent from the image processing server to the image storing server. The printout device supplied with the zooming image processed data from the image storing server generates a holographic stereogram.

Abstract: A method for compensating torsional vibrations of a printing machine by introducing torques which compensate vibration excitation, includes determining at least one characteristic form of a printing machine for at least one location on a drive train of the printing machine, determining and storing at least one respective countertorque for compensating the torques which excite vibration in a characteristic form at a location whereat the characteristic form is not zero, and applying the at least one countertorque at the corresponding location so that the vibration is maximally reduced due to the application of the at least one countertorque.

Abstract: A method of producing a registrable visible image on two or substantially flat articles includes providing substantially flat articles of predetermined shape having at least two edges, providing a sublimation transfer carrier sheet having a predetermined mirror image on an area of said carrier sheet, providing edge templates adjacent the area, each of the edge templates being arranged to abut a corresponding edge of the predetermined shape, placing one of the articles and a sublimation transfer carrier sheet on a a support surface and arranging the area of the carrier sheet such that the mirror substantially covers the predetermined shape with each of the two edges abutting a respective one of the edge templates, allowing sublimation transfer of the image, removing the carrier sheet and the edge templates so as to leave a predetermined visible image within the shape, and repeating the steps with at least one more article which can be arranged in register with the first article.