Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining an untensioned product length of a web moving through a printing press under tension. A controller determines a tensioned repeat length of the web in a span of the printing press while the web is moving through the printing press under tension; determines an elastic strain of the web in the span of the printing press while the web is moving through the printing press under tension; and calculates an untensioned product length of the web in the span of the printing press while the web is moving through the printing press under tension as a function of the tensioned repeat length and the elastic strain.

Abstract: A printing device includes a head unit having a print head and a sensor that detects a presence or an absence of a sheet, a drive unit that causes the head unit to move to a width direction orthogonal to a feeding direction of the sheet, and a control unit controlling a position of the print head to the sheet based on a detection result of the sensor, wherein the control unit executes a first control that obtains the detection result of the sensor whenever the head unit moves only a first interval to a specific direction from a reference position and a second control that, when a change from the presence to the absence of the sheet is detected by the sensor during the first control, obtains the detection result of the sensor whenever the head unit moves only a second interval that is shorter than the first interval.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus is provided. The image recording apparatus includes a first conveyer to convey a recording medium in a first direction, a recording unit to record the image on the recording medium, a second conveyer including a first roller pair with a first driving roller and a first driven roller, an image position detector to detect a position of the formed image along a second direction within the recording medium, a rotation rate setting unit to set a rotation rate of the first driving roller based on the detected position of the formed image when a part of the formed image on the recording medium is nipped by the first roller pair, and a controller to control the first driving roller to rotate in the rotation rate set by the rotation rate setting unit and convey the recording medium by the first roller pair.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transferring a principal substance to a substrate involve the use of a gating agent that blocks the substance from or attracts the substance to the substrate. The apparatus and methods may utilize ink jet technology to apply the gating agent directly to the substrate or to an intermediate surface. The substance may be an ink, an electrically conductive material, a magnetic material, a carrier for a therapeutic, diagnostic, or marking substance other than an ink, or a carrier for any other type of substance.

Abstract: There is described a method for controlling the orientation and/or position of sheets (1) processed on a printing machine, each sheet being provided with at least one marking (12; 15) embedded in the sheet, which marking is embedded in the sheet during manufacturing thereof, prior to processing of the sheet on a printing machine. The marking (12; 15) is disposed in a selected location of the sheet and defines a unique orientation and/or position of the sheet. The method comprises the steps of: —checking for the presence or absence of the marking at the selected location on the sheet and/or of characteristic features of the said marking; and —issuing a warning signal if the marking is not detected at the selected location or if the characteristic features of the marking are not detected at the said selected location. The invention advantageously makes use of features already embedded in the sheets (such as metallic and/or magnetic strips or threads, watermarks, etc.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for transporting a web through a press are disclosed. The web has a first print zone on a first side and a second print zone on a second side opposite the first print zone. The first print zone is fed past a first print station and then in an inward spiraling direction around and toward a second print station. The second print zone is fed past the second print station and then in an outward spiraling direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a choice of the shape of the patterned fields for Level 0 (patterned by imprint or photolithography or e-beam, etc.) and Level 1 (patterned by imprint) such that these shapes when tessellated together eliminate the open areas causes by the moats.

Abstract: A multi-station flexographic printing system includes a plurality of flexographic printing stations. Each flexographic printing station includes a flexo master. Each flexo master comprises a Fresnel zone pattern in a unique position. A method of aligning a plurality of flexographic printing stations includes printing a Fresnel zone pattern on a substrate in a unique position for each flexographic printing station. Light is directed through the Fresnel zone patterns on the substrate. The light focused by the Fresnel zone patterns is captured with a sensor device.

Abstract: A web printing system automatically detects the location of a wrinkle in a moving web. The web has a plurality of marked reference positions including an inboard position, a center position, and an outboard position. A plurality of contact image sensors detect the reference positions after the web passes through a spreader and an inboard distance and an outboard distance are respectively measured from the center position. If the inboard distance is less than a nominal inboard distance, the wrinkle is identified as inboard of the center position. If the outboard distance is less than a nominal outboard distance, the wrinkle is identified as outboard of the center position. The machine operator is notified of the fault condition and takes action to remedy the situation.

Abstract: A multi-station flexographic printing system includes a first flexographic printing station that includes a first flexo master. The system includes one or more additional flexographic printing stations, wherein each of the one or more additional flexographic printing stations includes a flexo master. The first flexo master includes one or more alignment boxes in one or more unique positions. Each flexo master of the one or more additional flexographic printing stations includes an alignment box completion in a predetermined position. A method of marking a substrate for visual alignment includes printing one or more alignment boxes in one or more unique positions on a substrate. One or more alignment box completions are printed in one or more predetermined positions on the substrate. The one or more predetermined positions correspond to the one or more unique positions.

Abstract: A liquid transfer method includes the steps of conveying a sheet by holding the sheet by a transport cylinder, and transferring a liquid to one surface of the sheet by a transfer cylinder opposing the transport cylinder and transferring the liquid to the other surface of the sheet by the transport cylinder. The step of transferring includes the step of positioning an edge of a region on one surface of the sheet, downstream in a sheet convey direction, where the liquid is to be transferred, upstream in the sheet convey direction of an edge of a region on the other surface of the sheet, downstream in the sheet convey direction, where the liquid is to be transferred. A liquid transfer apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of error correction in a printing system includes engaging a sheet of print media with a perfector arm and detecting a relative position of the perfecter arm with respect to the sheet of print media when the perfecter arm has engaged the sheet of print media, the detecting being performed using a homing sensor that is configured to sense the perfecter arm while the perfecter arm is engaged with the sheet of print media. The relative position of the perfecter arm with respect to the sheet of print media is compared with an expected relative position and any difference between the relative position and expected relative position is compensated for when feeding the sheet of print media with the perfector arm to a print engine.

Abstract: An impression medium usable with an impression member of a printing system is disclosed. The impression medium includes a top layer and a backing layer disposed between the top layer and the impression member.

Abstract: A method for producing a pattern, in particular a wood pattern, on the face of a woodbased-material board. The pattern is preset with the aid of a digital data set and applied to the woodbased-material board via an intaglio printing process. The pattern is covered with at least one synthetic resin layer and pressed with the woodbased-material board. The digital data set is used to produce a sample print by use of an inkjet printing process, which print is used to compare with the pattern print on the woodbased-material board in terms of optical appearance. The materials and/or printing conditions used in the pattern printing and the sample printing are coordinated with one another.

Abstract: Systems and methods for high-speed variable printing are provided. Ink jet technology and lithographic systems may be combined in such a way to create a fully variable and high-quality print system. At least one area of a plate is reserved for variable information to be printed. The plate may already comprises static information to be printed. Ink is then applied to the at least one area of the plate reserved for the variable information. An aqueous solution is applied to a web to produce a negative image of the variable information, and a positive image of the variable information is transferred in ink to the web. The systems and methods described herein may be used to create high-quality one-to-one marketing applications.

Abstract: Prior to a mark imaging process executed for the purpose of detecting a position of recognition marks for positioning the substrate and the mask, an optical axis calibration processing process of detecting a horizontal relative position between imaging optical axes, and a surface correction data creation processing process of detecting a local positional deviation of the imaging optical axes, which is caused by the travel of the imaging unit, are executed. Before starting production, a production pre-start precision evaluation process for evaluating a substrate positioning precision is executed by using a verification substrate and a verification mask, and after starting the production, a production post-start precision evaluation process for evaluating a substrate positioning precision after starting the production is executed by using a commercial production substrate and a commercial production mask.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a machine (1) for printing plate elements (12) equipped with at least one rotary impression cylinder (27) includes the steps of measuring a speed of the element (12, 13) passing through the machine (1), generating an operating signal (34) as a function of the measured speed and a tangential speed of the cylinder (27), and adjusting an operating speed of the machine (1) as a function of the signal generated so that the operating speed of the machine (1) is such that the speed of the element (12, 13) is substantially equal to the tangential speed of the cylinder (27).

Abstract: In order to control the cut register of a web (1) in a web-fed rotary press, a pulling device (Z3) which transports the web (1) is changed with regard to its circumferential speed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which configures a printing system includes an application server which has a function of editing and storing document data, and provides the document data in response to a request; the image forming apparatus having a plurality of functions including a printing function; a data generation apparatus which generates, from the document data, print data printable by the image forming apparatus; and a storage apparatus which stores data having undergone processing by the image forming apparatus, the apparatuses being communicable with each other via a network, comprising: recording unit configured to record, as difference data, a setting difference upon setting change of print data; and transmission unit configured to execute processing for the print data, and transmitting a completion notification of the processing together with the difference data.

Abstract: An ultra-precision register control method in a continuous roll-to-roll printing process for manufacturing electronic devices via a feedforward register control logic, which compensates for and eliminates additional register errors attributable to variations in the speed of upstream printing cylinders. When used in combination with a conventional feedback register control logic, the feedforward register control logic accomplishes a register control with ultra-precision in a continuous roll-to-roll printing process, and enables implementation of a continuous roll-to-roll printing process for manufacturing electronic devices, for which a roll-to-roll printing process was formerly unavailable.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for treating and a process for positioning a cylindrically-shaped element. The apparatus includes means for supporting the element adapted to contact a first part of an interior surface of the element, the supporting means having an axial length; and means for moving the element along the axial length of the supporting means.

Abstract: A method of creating a substrate containing multiple holographic images. The method includes dividing the substrate into a plurality of equally sized print surfaces and placing a holographic image on each of the print surfaces. Wherein the holographic image is placed at substantially the same location on each of the print surfaces.

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).

Abstract: The present disclosure involves absorbent articles having customized graphics disposed inside packages labeled as containing customized articles. During the manufacturing process, customized absorbent articles are constructed with article identity graphics, and the packages to contain the customized articles are labeled with package identity graphics. A controller uses article and package identity graphics to track the manufacture of the customized articles and synchronize placement of the customized articles in the appropriately labeled packages. The methods disclosed herein provides for the manufacture of customized absorbent articles in series with the manufacture of absorbent articles having non-custom graphics. The substrates and/or components having the custom graphics in the manufacturing process are detected by a sensor that provides a feedback signal to a controller.

Abstract: A method is provided which reduces substrate waste while adjusting the press parameters to obtain a satisfactory image. The method includes the steps of: supplying a web to a printing press; printing a plurality of first images on the web at corresponding printing positions; inspecting one of the first images on the web; rewinding the web to one of the printing positions; and printing a further image over one of the first images on the web. A printing press is also provided which is configured and arranged to print in accordance with the method.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a mandrel (108) operation in an imaging device (100) includes installing the mandrel into the imaging device; securing the mandrel between a head stock (144) and a tail stock (104); attaching a first encoder (212) to the head stock and a second encoder (208) to the tail stock; rotating the mandrel; reading signals from first encoder; reading signals from second encoder; comparing the first results and the second results; and if the first results do not match with the second results stopping the imaging device.

Abstract: A method of compensating for vibration-induced circumferential-register errors in a sheet-fed printing press includes compensating for at least one vibration-induced deviation of an actual angular position of a cylinder from a nominal angular position by adjusting the circumferential register of at least one printing unit, in particular of the cylinder. For this purpose, the current vibration state of the sheet-fed printing press is determined, the effect of the determined vibrations of an integer order on a position of color excerpts on a sheet of printing material is calculated, and the compensating circumferential-register adjustment required in accordance with the result of the calculation is carried out. A sheet-fed printing press for carrying out the method, is also provided.

Abstract: A method of aligning a substrate and an imprint template is disclosed. The method includes directing an alignment radiation beam towards an imprint template alignment mark and an adjacent substrate alignment mark, the imprint template alignment mark and the substrate alignment mark each including a grating which extends in a first direction and a grating which extends in a second direction, providing relative movement between the imprint template and the substrate in the first direction and in the second direction, using an intensity detector to detect the intensity of alignment radiation redirected in the zero-order direction by the imprint template alignment mark and the substrate alignment mark during the relative movement in the first direction and in the second direction, and determining an aligned position of the imprint template alignment mark and the substrate alignment mark based upon the detected intensity.

Abstract: A credential manufacturing device includes a card supply positioned adjacent to a main card input and configured to hold a plurality of plastic card substrates, a card transport, a card processing device, an auxiliary input and a card rotator. The card transport is configured to feed individual card substrates from the card supply through the main card input and along a processing path. The card processing device is either a print head or a laminating roller and is in line with the processing path. The auxiliary input is displaced from the main card input and the processing path, and positioned in line with an auxiliary input path, which is transverse to the processing path. The auxiliary input is configured to receive individual card substrates for travel along the auxiliary input path.

Abstract: A method of printing on a web of substrate (510) using a web printer (610) comprising: interrupting a first print operation on a first substrate (512); attaching a second substrate (514) to the first substrate (512); and continuing the first print operation on the first substrate (512).

Abstract: In a printing press of a lenticular lens sheet, a cocking adjustment unit adjusts the relative angle between a plate on which a pattern formed from a plurality of pattern portions is formed such that boundary lines between the adjacent pattern portions become parallel and a transparent lenticular lens sheet on which a plurality of lenses are formed such that groove lines between the adjacent lenses become parallel. An adjustment amount calculation unit calculates an adjustment amount for the cocking adjustment unit based on the relationship between the boundary lines and the groove lines in a state in which the lenticular lens sheet is overlaid on the plate. A printing method of a lenticular lens sheet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method including printing an image onto a medium and printing an alignment region onto the medium. The method further including loading the medium to an electronic cutter and aligning the medium with the electronic cutter. The method further including cutting the image from the medium.

Abstract: A method for determining the optimum procedure for a job change on a printing-material processing machine (10) with at least one control computer. The data of a first machine job is compared to the data of a subsequent machine job using a control computer, and the comparison is used to establish an order of the operations to be carried out during the job change. Also provided is a device for determining the optimum procedure for a job change on a printing-material processing machine (10) with at least one control computer. The control computer is intended to compare the data of a first machine job to the data of a subsequent machine job, and to use the comparison to establish an order of the operations to be carried out during the job change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a precision overprinting method of printed electronics rotary printing where a location can be adjusted in real time. More particularly, minute precise printing electronic patterns of a micrometer level which are multilayered by a plurality of gravure offset printing units are accurately overprinted, and a fine deviation in a rotation direction and an axial direction of a plate cylinder is quickly solved. The present invention also relates to a precision overprinting method of printed electronics rotary printing where a location can be adjusted in real time, capable of verifying a printing quality by displaying register marks printed in printing units and alignment state on a display device.

Abstract: A method of making structured microdots (154) for printing plate registration includes forming a first plurality of square spots (156) less than or equal to 11 microns; wherein a first group (157) of the first plurality of square spots is formed in a first pattern (158); and wherein the first pattern is less than or equal to 66 microns and comprises a first microdot.

Abstract: A method for setting up printing presses includes providing cylinders, a drive for at least one cylinder, a register adjustment device for at least one cylinder and at least one control unit. During set-up operations on the printing press, the control unit actuates the register adjustment device while the printing press is being accelerated or decelerated or while washing operations in the printing press are being carried out and while a production run is switched off and cylinders are rotating. A printing press carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a terminal marker used to identify a terminal block. The terminal marker includes a front having a print surface, a back, sides, and flexible legs. The flexible legs can be positioned in a natural state for installation in the terminal block or a compressed state for obtaining a marking from a printer. In the natural state, the flexible legs extend at an angle with respect to the print surface of the terminal marker. In the compressed state, the flexible legs extend outward beyond of the sides of the terminal marker.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjustably positioning a form roll having a form roll axis against at least two different sized plate cylinders in a variable cutoff printing unit is provided. The apparatus includes a plate cylinder support for interchangeably supporting the at least two different sized plate cylinders, the plate cylinder support including a plate cylinder axis at least two different sized plate cylinder cams. The at least two different sized plate cylinder cams are interchangeably removably connectable to the plate cylinder support and include a smaller plate cylinder cam and a larger plate cylinder cam that are removably connectable to the plate cylinder support as alternatives of each other. The apparatus also includes a form roll hanger for supporting the form roll that is configured for contacting the smaller plate cylinder cam if the smaller plate cylinder cam is coupled to the plate cylinder support to set a smaller distance between the plate cylinder axis and the form roll axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a correction device for correcting the consequences of a deviation in the position of a movable camera which is placed in a positioning device for flexible printing plates, wherein the camera is configured to detect at least the carrier and the device comprises display means for displaying the image detected by the camera, wherein the correction device is provided with a position reference member detectable by the camera, with position signal generating means for generating a signal representing the actual position of the camera from the signal detected by the camera, with comparing means for comparing the signal representing the actual position of the camera to the signal representing the target position of the camera and generating a correction signal, and with image correction means for correcting the image displayed by the display means using the correction signal. Positioning errors in the display of the image recorded by the camera are hereby avoided.

Abstract: An image application system includes an articulator assembly and an applicator device. The articulator assembly holds a target object on which one or more images are to be applied from a web containing the one or more images. The target object includes an exterior surface having planar surface(s) and non-planar surface(s). The applicator device is configured to contact the web to engage the web with the exterior surface of the target object at an application interface between the web and the exterior surface. The one or more images are applied to the exterior surface from the web at the application interface. The articulator assembly is configured to move the target object in one or more linear directions and one or more rotary directions relative to the applicator device to apply the images to at least one of the one or more planar surfaces or the one or more non-planar surfaces.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system for an article of footwear includes a printing system for printing graphics onto the footwear. The flexible manufacturing system also includes a projection system for aligning a projected graphic with a predetermined portion of the article prior to printing the graphic to the article. The graphic can include a masked portion that corresponds to a design element on the article.

Abstract: A method for setting the pressure of a printing station includes at least one cylinder, from acquired images of the printed area of the printed web. The method includes displacing the at least one cylinder in accordance with a pre-defined displacement scheme, and acquiring the acquired images of the web throughout the displacement of the at least one cylinder, for each of the at least one cylinder, determining according to the acquired images, a left side print distance and a right side print distance, and determining for the each of the at least one cylinder a left actuator working distance and a right actuator working distance for the left actuator and the right actuator, respectively, according to the left side print distance and according to the right side print distance.

Abstract: A press includes a blanket cylinder, an impression cylinder, and a roller. The impression cylinder rollingly engages the blanket cylinder to form a nip and includes at least one gripper configured to selectively secure an end of a media sheet relative to the impression cylinder. The roller is selectively engageable against the impression cylinder to apply to pressure to the secured media sheet prior to its passage through the nip.

Abstract: A copy protection system for barcode includes a barcode pattern that is printed together with a security pattern that includes a line screen that intersects elements of the barcode pattern. A difference in print density between the barcode elements and the security pattern is sufficient to allow the barcode pattern to be read by a barcode scanner. However, upon reproduction of the printed barcode pattern and security pattern by a copier, the barcode pattern is not similarly readable on the resulting reproduction.

Abstract: A system for registering printing presses includes printing stations for printing color images on a web includes an imager acquiring images of a web common area. The acquired image includes a portion of a color image associated with a printing station and a portion of one other color image associated with an un-registered printing station and a processor, coupled with the imager. A portion of the color image is registered with a portion of the other color image according to two monochrome images, each corresponding to a color image printed on the common area and determined according to the location of each pixel of the acquired image in a color separation space, the location is determined according to the projected location on a color projection plane. The portion of the one color image is registered with the portion of the one other color image with a reference image.

Abstract: The subject matter of the document is a method for setting an optimized operating distance between at least two cylinders of a printing unit, said comprising at least two cylinders, wherein said cylinders transport ink in an ink-transporting direction during the printing process, wherein the method sets the distance between the at least two cylinders, of which a first cylinder transfers ink during the printing process and a second cylinder receives ink from the first cylinder during the printing process, wherein the optimized operating distance between the at least two cylinders is set based on the measured values from a sensor device, and wherein the sensor device records the change in the film of ink which occurs on at least one cylinder which is involved in transporting ink to the printing material, characterized in that the at least one cylinder, at which the change in the film of ink is recorded, is a cylinder which is mounted upstream, when viewed in the ink-transporting direction of the second cylin

Abstract: This invention discloses a registration method for a printing press. The method includes the steps of storing the conditions of a sheet, and the position of at least one of a plurality of plate cylinders at the time of final printing in a storage unit in association with each other. The plurality of plate cylinders are configured to print images of different colors. The method also includes the steps of, in printing on a sheet to be printed, searching the information stored in the storage unit for a sheet with conditions, at least some of which are common to those of the sheet to be printed, and moving at least one plate cylinder to the position associated with the found conditions of the sheet. A registration apparatus for a printing press is also disclosed.

Abstract: A label sheet conveyance device is provided to more accurately automatically detect seams between label sheets in a label printer. Using a first threshold value that is set according to the mode of sensor output values for detecting the sheet portion between labels, and a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value for detecting holes in the label sheet, a label printer determines a sheet position where the sensor output value is equal to each threshold value. If a sheet position equal to the second threshold value is detected, the center of that sheet position is identified as the seam position. If a sheet position equal to the second threshold value is not identified and a sheet position equal to the first threshold value is identified, the center of that sheet position is identified as the seam position.

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

Abstract: A cap platen to securely hold headwear, such as caps, hats, and the like, so that graphics, including custom graphics, can be printed on the cap automatically. The platen has a vise plate to support the bill of a cap and a face plate attached to the vise plate to hold the crown of cap. Arms can be attached to the vise plate or the face plate to apply a biasing force against the sides of the cap pushed the sides of the cap outwardly away from the face plate.