Abstract: A rotation-angle measurement for printing presses with at least one marking (2) arranged on a rotating element (1) and at least one sensor (3,4) which detects marking (2). The at least one marking (2) extends along the entire circumferential path (5) and is arranged on the element (1), the position of which is to be determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the ink feed in a vibrator-type inking unit of a printing machine, especially a sheet-fed offset printing machine, the ink being fed via individual ink metering elements which interact with an ink fountain roller, and the ink metering elements and the vibrator cycle and/or the vibrator strip width being set to correspond to the overall proportion of the printing area of the printing plate and, in order to obtain pre-setting values for the ink feed, the proportion of the printing area in the individual ink metering zones being determined. The method and apparatus are intended to provide an improvement in the transient response of the inking for any desired subject.

Abstract: A measuring field group for detecting quality data in the multicolor printing of single editions has measuring fields printed on a printed product in an optically scannable manner with at least one color-measuring surface (F) for determining a color density, a surface coverage or a tristimulus value for each of the measuring fields. To obtain register mark as well as shifting and doubling values simultaneously, the measuring fields have at least one lateral color strip (S) each, which is printed in the same print together with the color-measuring surface (F) of its measuring field, is narrow in relation to the dimensions of the color-measuring surface (F) of its measuring field, and extends at a likewise short lateral distance from the color-measuring surface (F) in relation to the dimensions of this color-measuring surface (F).

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet, a discharging device for discharging the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming device, a containing portion for containing the sheet discharged from the discharging device, a sheet holding device capable of holding the sheet before the discharged sheet is contained in the containing portion, and a switching device for switching the holding of the sheet holding device for the sheet in response to an image forming method of the sheet.

Abstract: In a web anti-wrap device for a web printing press, anti-wrap means is disposed between printing cylinders and a processing device which is positioned downstream of the printing cylinders in the printing press, to prevent a broken web from wrapping around the printing cylinders. Guide means is provided for guiding the anti-wrap means for movement between a first position in which the anti-wrap means fulfills the function to prevent the broken web from wrapping, and a second position in which the anti-wrap means is moved away from the first position to create a working space between the anti-wrap means and the printing cylinders or between the anti-wrap means and the processing device.

Abstract: A stencil printer system includes a stencil printer unit. The printer unit is provided with a master making system which makes a stencil master on the basis of an image read out from an original, a printing system which makes copies of the original by transferring ink to printing sheets through the stencil master, an original conveyor which conveys originals placed in a predetermined position to the master making system one by one, and an original detector which detects whether an original exists in the predetermined position. A post handling unit including a sorter and a stapler is connected to the printer unit. A first mode setting key is manually operable to set the printer unit to a continuous printing mode in which the printer unit repeats making a master and printing copies of the original so long as the original detector detects existence of an original in the predetermined position.

Abstract: A stencil-making-type printing machine in which plural types of rotary cylindrical drums having printing regions of different sizes can be replaceable loaded, in which a stencil sheet provided in the form of a roll is cut according to the printing region of a rotary cylindrical drum loaded therein to form a printing stencil, and a printing operation is carried out with the printing stencil wound on the rotary cylindrical drum, and before a printing operation is carried out for a new original, a used stencil is separated from the rotary cylindrical drum and discarded into a used-stencil accommodating box by a conveying means. The printing machine comprises a control system which controls operating time of the conveying means depending on the loaded rotary cylindrical drum, thereby stopping the operation of the conveying means immediately after the stencil has been discarded in the accommodating box and surely accommodating the stencil in the accommodating box.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a media advance mechanism in a printer utilizes an optical sensor of the printer to detect printed marks on a calibration sheet. The marks on the calibration sheet are spaced at actual longitudinal intervals. The calibration sheet is advanced longitudinally past the printhead carriage, and the calibration marks are detected with the optical sensor. The printer determines the apparent or measured longitudinal intervals and compares them to the actual intervals to determine errors in positioning the calibration sheet.

Abstract: A web of paper is printed with selective non-variable information and vastly different variable information on portions of the paper web which are ultimately separated into discrete documents. At least one ion deposition print unit and a number of flexographic print units are utilized, as well as a data source containing at least the variable information, and first and second computers. Data is read from the data source with the first computer and in response to the read data the ion deposition print unit is controlled with the first computer to print variable information on the paper web. Form lag commands are provided from the first computer to the second computer. In response to the lag commands the flexographic print units are independently controlled by the second computer to operatively engage and disengage the paper web and thereby print non-variable information from at least one of the flexographic units on each discrete document portion of the paper web.

Abstract: An adaptive control system is intended for use in conjunction with a printing press to control the setting of an ink control device that regulates the amount of ink applied to a substrate. The control system includes a controller for calculating a new setting for the ink control device based on a measured ink color value and a target ink color value. The controller has at least one gain parameter. The control system also includes a sensitivity adapter in communication with the controller. The sensitivity adapter modifies the gain parameter in response to the sensitivity of the ink control device to a correction in setting issued by the controller. The control system operates so that a measured ink color value on the substrate converges toward a target ink color value.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of feeding a dampening water to a plate cylinder in an offset printing press which is accelerated to, operated at and then decelerated from a predetermined speed for printing. The method comprises the step of programmatically controlling the feeding amount of the dampening water to increase in accordance with the increase in speed of the printing press along a first curve which is predetermined to indicate the relation of the feeding amount of dampening water to the speed of printing press, when the printing press is accelerated. The method further comprises the step of programmatically controlling the feeding amount of the dampening water to decrease in accordance with the decrease in speed of the printing press along a second curve which is predetermined to indicate the relation of the feeding amount of dampening water to the speed of printing press, when the printing press is decelerated.

Abstract: A printing press having an infrared dryer is provided. The infrared dryer has a safety system which includes a temperature sensor arranged to monitor the temperature in the vicinity of the infrared dryer and an actuatable protective measure or device such as, for example, a warning signal, a fire extinguishing system and/or a shut-down of the printing press. The actuatable protective measure being in communication with the temperature sensor such that when the temperature sensor senses a temperature which exceeds a predetermined value, the protective device is actuated.

Abstract: A computer data print-out system using a stencil printer includes a computer provided with a printer driver, a stencil printer with a stencil master unit and a computer interface unit connected between the computer and the stencil printer. The printer driver makes print data and inputs the print data into the computer interface unit, the computer interface unit makes output data for the stencil printer on the basis of the print data input from the printer driver and inputs the output data into the stencil printer, and the stencil printer makes a stencil master and makes print using the stencil master. The printer driver recognizes the output resolution at which the stencil printer can make print and makes print data which conforms to the output resolution of the stencil printer.

Abstract: A belt-like screen carrying a row of printing patterns is held between two roller screen holders. The printing patterns are advanced one by one to a printing position by the rotation of the roller screen holders. This allows the printing patterns to be changed from one to another. Frames are provided for locking and unlocking the printing patterns at the printing position. The completion of a run of printed circuit boards can be monitored to automatically change the printing patterns.

Abstract: A measuring field block for detecting quality data in the multicolor printing of single editions, which measuring fields (A1-D3) printed on a printed product in an optically scannable manner with at least one color-measuring surface (F) for determining a color density, a surface coverage or a tristimulus value for each of the measuring fields (A1-D3), is characterized in that the measuring field block has lines (L) for primary colors used in the print for the simultaneous determination of values for a register deviation.

Abstract: A process for a web-fed rotary printing machine and, in particular, a process for pre-inking an inking mechanism. The inking mechanism is cleaned when all other rotating parts of the printing machine are standing still, even with an inserted printing web. Ink residues are removed from the inking mechanism by a washing device, until a defined starting state is reached. The inking mechanism is then newly inked in accordance with subject-specific instructions, i.e., in accordance with a print job to be printed. The inking is performed in parallel fashion during the start-up of the printing machine. Ink application rollers are positioned on a form cylinder when the form cylinder attains a predetermined rotational velocity.

Abstract: A method and a device (1) for carrying out the method of optimizing dampening agent utilization in offset printing with a container (2) for dampening agent (3), a supply line (4) to at least one dampening mechanism, a recirculation line (5) for the unused dampening agent and a detector for measuring the fill level (10), which is functionally linked to the shutoff (7) for the supply (6). Servicing is reduced to a minimum, the cleaning intervals are lengthened, the utilization of dampening agent is improved, and the amount to be disposed of is reduced in that the detector for measuring the fill level (10) is set so that, after closing the shutoff (7), it reopens the supply (6) only when the fill level (11, 18) has been reduced so that after refilling the container (2) the contamination level is not increased compared to the instant prior to the interruption.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes an inker roll, a plate cylinder and an impression cylinder mounted for rotation about parallel axes. The inker roll is selectively displaced into engagement and disengagement with the plate cylinder to transfer ink to the plate cylinder and to a substrate about the impression cylinder. The inker roll is moved to transfer ink only during printing cycles and is out of engagement with the plate cylinder during non-printing cycles. A doctor blade engages the inker roll along a diameter thereof passing through the pivotal axis of the inker roll and its axis of rotation and on the side of the axis of rotation remote from its pivotal axis.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding control are described for the start-up of production printing in a sheet-processing printing machine, in particular, a sheet-fed offset printing machine, in which ink is supplied via a vibrating roller which is movable back and forth between an ink fountain roller and a ink distribution roller wherein clearance is given for the entry into the machine of a first sheet to be printed as a function of the state of movement of the vibrating roller. When production printing is resumed, the state of movement of the vibrating roller for clearance for the sheet entry is selected from a memory as a function of the state of movement of the vibrating roller during entry of a last sheet into the machine before the commencement of the print interruption.

Abstract: A method of reducing the `downtime` of the printing line involves the inclusion of at least one spare printing module, and a method of transferring digital representations of page images between modules. As soon as a fault is detected, a digital image data describing the sheet printed by the faulty module is transferred to the adjacent printing module downstream from the faulty module. The data in this module is simultaneously sent to the module downstream of it. This process repeats until a page image is sent to the spare printing module, which is best located as the most downstream of all the printing modules. Once all of the data has been transferred, printing can recommence. If this data transfer can occur in less than the time required to print a sheet, the line can continue printing without stopping, and without any wastage of printed copies.

Abstract: Method of controlling a printing device of a printing press wherein substrates to be printed are conveyed on a conveying path to the printing device, the conveyed substrates being detected by a sensor disposed along the conveying path, upstream of the printing device, as viewed in a conveying direction of the substrate, includes starting a printing operation whenever a leading edge of a respective substrate is detected, and stopping a printing operation whenever a trailing edge of the substrate is detected.

Abstract: A fluorescence dot area meter for accurately measuring halftone dot area on a printing plate having an emulsion containing one or more fluorescent compounds. The fluorescent dot area meter generally includes an illumination source for providing light having a first range of wavelengths, a system for exposing the printing plate to this light to cause the printing plate to emit light (fluoresce) within a second, higher range of wavelengths, and a system for determining halftone dot area based on a measurement of the light emitted by the printing plate.

Abstract: A color control system for maintaining the color of a printed page of a printing press constant, within the context of the human perceptual color space system optimizes the settings of a plurality of ink keys in a printing press in accordance with a test image and a reference image. The test and reference images comprise a plurality of ink key zones corresponding to the plurality of ink keys, each ink key zone including a plurality of regions of interest (ROIs). The system includes a unit for imaging an area of the printed page in generating the reference and test images, a unit for extracting color information based on actual image colors from the test image, a unit for measuring color deviations with reference to the reference image, and a unit for analyzing and comparing global features of regions of interest (ROIs) that cover substantially the color gamut of the test image against like features of the reference image.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the amount of moisture sprayed on a moving material web or a roller across their width, with the width being divided into individual measurement areas includes a measuring step, a storing step and further measuring steps. The measurement is made of local droplet flow of the sprayed liquid in the individual measurement areas, storing the measured values as set values, and again measuring the local droplet flow and comprising it to the set values. The device used includes a counting device and an evaluation unit. The counting device registers droplets of the liquid sprayed on the moving material web in a respective one of the individual measurement areas, and generates a signal per registered droplet which is supplied to the evaluation unit.

Abstract: A media detector for use in a printing device and method of differentiating between glossy-finish and matte-finish print media are disclosed. An embodiment of the media detector includes a source, sensor, and polarized filter. The source transmits an unpolarized first light signal and is positioned so that this signal is transmitted toward a sheet of print media at a first angle with respect to a normal to a surface of the sheet of print media. The sensor is positioned to detect an intensity of a reflected light signal from the sheet of print media. The polarized filter is positioned between the sensor and the sheet of print media so that the intensity of the reflected light signal detected by the sensor is less for a polarized reflected light signal than for an unpolarized reflected light signal. Polarization of the reflected light signal is dependent upon the first angle.

Abstract: A method for regulating web tension in a web-fed rotary offset printing press includes increasing web tension over a predetermined speed range, substantially linearly with web speed, as the printing press runs up to operating speed, and an apparatus for performing the foregoing method.

Abstract: In an ink film thickness control method, second ink film thickness distribution, corresponding to an image on an old printing plate, on a minimum first ink film thickness distribution formed on the surface of an ink roller group and required during printing, is removed for a predetermined one of printing units thereby leaving the first ink film thickness distribution. Which one of pre-inking I mode and pre-inking II mode is to be performed is set for each printing unit. The minimum first ink film thickness distribution required during printing is formed on the surface of the ink roller group of the printing unit set in the pre-inking I mode after a new printing plate is mounted in the printing unit set in the pre-inking I mode. The second ink film thickness distribution corresponding to the image of the new printing plate is superposed on the first ink film thickness distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for feeding printing ink in an inking unit of a printing press having an ink fountain to which, for the purpose of metered filling, there is assigned a cartridge in a holder, the cartridge having a displaceable cartridge piston, which is acted upon pneumatically for the purpose of pressure discharge, and having at the other end a closable outlet opening. The device includes a holder for the cartridge, the holder having a controllable pneumatic connection, and a valve that is closed when the cartridge is being acted upon by pressure. Also provided are a spacing or distance sensor for determining the position of the cartridge piston in the upper part of the holder, and a pneumatic actuator for opening the cartridge valve, pressure being applied separately to the cartridge and to the actuator.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for correction of the effects of ink back-flow and lateral flow in the inking system of a web-offset printing press. A plate coverage equation dependent on plate coverage is used to compensate for ink back-flow into the ink reservoir. An ink key distribution function is utilized to correct for the blurring effects of lateral ink spread caused by the action of vibrator rollers. A correction is also made for the ink saturation effect. The method is applicable to an ink key preset system.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlling a plurality of ink control devices on a printing press, wherein the press operates to repetitively print an image on a substrate. The ink control devices each control the amount of ink supplied to a respective ink key zone on the substrate. The method includes the step of measuring color values for a plurality of areas of a selected image printed on the substrate to produce an acquired image array. Next, the acquired image array is aligned with a target image array comprised of target color values for the plurality of areas. The acquired image array is compared to the target image array on a pixel by pixel basis. A matrix equation is determined that links ink control device adjustments to changes in color values of the image printed on the substrate via sensitivity factors for each of the plurality of pixels. A least squares solution to the matrix equation is obtained to determine ink adjustments for each ink key zone.

Abstract: A printing machine includes a machine base, a lower box mounted on the machine base, an upper box mounted on the lower box in a vertically movable and adjustable position, a conveyor passing horizontally between the upper and lower boxes, and an upper printing device mounted in the upper box for printing a workpiece carried by the conveyor. The lower box has an adjustable support for adjustably supporting the upper box. The adjustable support has two upright support tubes mounted to the lower box, and driven shafts received rotatably in the support tubes. Each of the driven shafts has an upper end, a lower end which extends outwardly of a respective one of the support tubes, a threaded hole which extends longitudinally in the upper end, and an upright connecting rod with an externally threaded lower end that engages the threaded hole and an upper end connected to the upper box. The lower box further has a driving mechanism to drive the driven shafts.

Abstract: For determining the ink coverages of printing inks involved in printing in one pixel of a print image, the pixel is scanned photoelectrically in the visible range of the spectrum and also in the near infrared range. Color coordinates of a perceptually approximately equidistant color system and at least one infrared value are formed from the scanned signals thus obtained. The ink coverages of the printing inks involved in the printing are then calculated from these color coordinates and from the minimum of one infrared value and are allocated to the pixel.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting and controlling the printing pressure for a flexographic machine having at least one printing group comprising first ink supply means, a second cylinder capable of removing a quantity of ink from said first supply means, a third cylinder rotatable and provided on its periphery with at least one covering element, the peripheral surface of which is defined by portions reproducing the motif to be printed, and a fourth cylinder defining, together with the third cylinder, a passage for the transit of a strip of material on which printing is to be performed; the cylindrical surface of the third cylinder has connected to it at least one sensor element for emitting signals proportional to the forces with which the sensor element itself is stressed during the course of contact of the portion of the third cylinder with the strip and with the second cylinder.

Abstract: An on demand ink mixing system for a flexographic or similar printer utilizes a chambered doctor blade with a chamber divided by a flexible bladder to form ink chamber and a pressure chamber. Ink use is coordinated with print run length, and ink mixing and the collapse of the ink chamber to essentially zero volume are coordinated to coincide with the end of the run. The flexible bladder is also utilized in the operation of the ink cleaning system to move cleaning solution through all portions of the supply system and printer contaminated by ink mixed for the run.

Abstract: An apparatus and control method therefor which compensates differences among individual media in detected signal amplitudes caused by imperfect magnetic ink character printing conditions without requiring an adjustment of amplitude of a received signal amplifier. Preferably, the magnetic ink character detection apparatus of the present invention includes a moving device that moves the magnetic head and/or the medium relative to each other at a predetermined speed; an amplitude detection unit for detecting the amplitude and/or saturation amount of the electrical signals output from the magnetic head; and a moving-speed determination unit for determining the relative moving speed caused by the moving device in accordance with the output from the amplitude detection unit.

Abstract: In order to control ink application in a printing press, a sheet (3) printed by the printing press (1) is colorimetrically measured in a number of pixels (4) with respect to a selected color coordinate system that has been expanded to be four-dimensional by also taking into account an infrared component. Color difference vectors with respect to the desired color vectors, predefined or determined from a reference sheet (3) and referred to the same color coordinate system, are computed from the color vectors obtained for each pixel (4). A sensitivity matrix is determined for each measured pixel (4) of the sheet (3). The pixels (4) are classified by sensitivity class.

Abstract: In a process for assessing the quality of a print image produced on a printing material in a multi-color printing process, in which signals which reproduce print-image elements are generated with an image-recording arrangement, in which color values are derived from the signals for every print-image element, in which the color values are transformed into color measures of a predetermined color space, in which color distances between an actual color site and a desired reference color site are determined for the print-image elements, correction variables of the control elements (18, 19, 20, 21), whose effect on a control element (18) would cause the actual color sites to be as close as possible to the reference color sites, are calculated from the color distances and stored in memory, that the color-distance vectors (.DELTA.L.sub.Bn, .DELTA.a.sub.Bn, .DELTA.b.sub.Bn) and color distances (.DELTA.E.sub.Bn) of at least one predetermined reference image (B.sub.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus for forming an image on roll paper. The image forming apparatus is provided with a printing head to form an image in accordance with an image data, a sheet feed mechanism to feed the roll paper, and a cutter which cuts out the printed portion of the roll paper. The image forming apparatus is further provided with an information recording system which records information related to the roll paper on downstream side of the portion at which the cutter cuts the roll paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for and method of applying labels, printing images, or scanning a feature on the surface of a substrate. The mechanism (1) comprises a read/write/apply means (4) for reading, writing or applying the information, carried and located relative to a predetermined position by a robotically actuated device. The device comprises a mounting member (5), a support member (6) relatively movable with respect to the mounting member (5) and carrying the said means (4), and at least three pairs of extendable arms (7,8,9) extending between and pivotally mounted on the members (5,6). The arrangement is such that one arm in each of said pairs of arms (7,8,9) cooperates with an arm from another pair of arms. Extension and/or retraction of the arms (7,8,9) causes movement and/or rotation of the support member (6) relative to the mounting member (5), whereby the said means (4) may be located relative to the predetermined position.

Abstract: Sheet-fed printing press with flat sheet guidance, having two endless conveyor belts for rectilinear, intervention-free movement of gripper carriages through printing units of the press, includes a device for adjusting the length of the conveyor belts, and a device for synchronizing the speeds of the conveyor belts and of the cylinders of the printing press, the length-adjusting device being made-ready for matching the belt lengths automatically to the cylinder circumference during operation, each of the conveyor belts having associated therewith its own drive and its own mechanism for synchronizing the speed of the respective conveyor belt with the respective cylinders independently of the other one of the conveyor belts, and method of synchronizing the sheet travel with the cylinders of the press.

Abstract: A drive system for a sheet-fed offset printing press in which one or more cylinders are motor-driven in accordance with a prescribed desired position. According to the invention, a correction device receives measured angular position values of the cylinder from a rotational position sensor. The correction device then converts the measured position values into modified position values which are then sent to the drive controller. The drive controller compares the modified position values with desired cylinder position values and controls the motor so as to correct any deviation between the values. The correction device allows modification of the measured signals as needed to compensate for known or determinable parameters. A drive according to the present invention provides precise driving control, while reducing the required assembly and manufacturing accuracy of components such as the angle position sensor, and while compensating for other errors in drives.

Abstract: In an ink film thickness control method for an ink supply apparatus including an ink fountain for storing an ink, a plurality of ink fountain keys whose aperture ratios are independently adjusted to supply the ink in the ink fountain, an ink fountain roller to which the ink is supplied through the ink fountain keys, and an ink ductor roller for supplying the ink supplied to the ink fountain roller to a printing plate through an ink roller group in accordance with a feed operation, the aperture ratios of all the ink fountain keys and a rotation ratio of the ink fountain roller are set at predetermined values when the ink roller group has no ink. The ink roller group is rotated. The feed operation of the ink ductor roller is performed a predetermined number of times to form a first minimum ink film thickness distribution necessary for printing in accordance with a set value such that an ink film becomes thinner from an upstream to a downstream.

Abstract: In the production of a printing stencil, for example a rotary printing stencil for textile printing, for the purpose of transferring a pattern stored in an electronic memory, liquid is applied to the lateral surface of the printing stencil as it rotates. A nozzle which supplies the liquid is driven by pattern data belonging to the pattern. Pattern data situated earlier or later in the circumferential direction of the stencil cylinder are read out as a function of at least one deviation between the actual and desired positions of the lateral surface which respect to the pattern data belonging to the desired position, in order to prevent distortion of the pattern owing to the deviation.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for arranging the inking for a pressrun in a rotary printing machine. The rotary printing machine has an inking mechanism and a dampening mechanism. The ink quantity transmitted by an ink ductor is adjusted by zone via ink zone ductor blades. When the dampening mechanism is switched off, the run-up curve of the inking mechanism is initially adjusted at an average surface coverage over the entire surface, so that a constant ink density corresponding to the average surface coverage results on the printing stock for all printing speeds. The run-up curve of the dampening mechanism is adjusted subsequently, wherein the ink zone ductor blades are in different positions which correspond to various surface coverage values of a printing subject customarily printed by the printing machine. The adjustment is effected in such a way that the ink zones with average surface coverage deliver a constant ink density to the printing stock for all printing speeds.

Abstract: In a half-tone printing process according to the invention, there is provide at least one half-tone printing stencil having at least two regions which have stencil opening structures which are uniform but different from region to region. A sample print is carried out, using such a half-tone printing stencil, to produce printed images associated with the respective regions. A comparison is made of optical data of the respective printed images with corresponding desired values. Readjustment of printing parameters can occur based upon the comparison in such a way that the optical data in the case of the next print approach the corresponding desired values. To this end, there may preferably be an optical measuring device for measuring the optical data in the prescribed regions of the half-tone print, and a control unit altering the printing parameters as a function of the measured optical data.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus in which alignment marks are provided on the screen and the printing material. The marks are detected accurately and clearly by an alignment mark detector located between the printing material and the screen.

Abstract: There is disclosed a screen printing apparatus comprising a squeegee arranged above a screen in a manner opposed to the screen, the squeegee being supported such that the squeegee is movable in a vertical direction and at the same time movable in a direction of printing of a printing material, a plurality of urging devices arranged on a supporting frame supporting the squeegee in a manner suspended therefrom, for urging the squeegee toward the screen, an urging force-detecting device for detecting urging forces of the urging devices during movement of the squeegee for printing, and a first control device for controlling the urging devices based on results of detection by the urging force-detecting device to adjust urging forces applied by the urging devices to the squeegee.

Abstract: In an ink film thickness control method for an ink supply apparatus including an ink fountain for storing an ink, a plurality of ink fountain keys whose aperture ratios are independently adjusted to supply said ink in said ink fountain, an ink fountain roller to which said ink is supplied through said ink fountain keys, and an ink ductor roller for supplying said ink supplied to said ink fountain roller to a printing plate through an ink roller group in accordance with a feed operation, the feed operation of said ink ductor roller is set in an OFF state when said printing plate is to be exchanged. A printing press in which said previous printing plate is kept mounted is operated without performing the feed operation of said ink ductor roller, thereby rotating said ink roller group.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing ink to an ink fountain of a printing press. A flexible bag of ink is utilized and is compressed for forcing the ink into the fountain, and a sensor determines the level of ink in the fountain and thus controls the force on the bag, that is, the compressor on the bag.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for starting-up/restarting continuous printing in a sheet-processing printing machine where the sheets to be printed are fed from a feeder stack connected to the printing machine via a switchable clutch, the feeder assembly is cut-in at a basic speed, and the printing machine is run-up to a continuous printing speed. According to the invention, the time for starting the running up of the printing machine from the basic speed to the continuous production speed is a function of the number of machine revolutions necessary to convey a first sheet from the feeder stack to a predetermined position inside the printing machine such that the first sheet reaches the predetermined position inside the printing machine at the same time or after the production speed is reached. The object of the invention is to reduce the number of rejects that occur during the starting-up/restarting of the printing machine to the largest extent possible.