Abstract: An assembly for transferring information to and/or from flexible sheet media in a highly advantageous curved configuration is disclosed. The sheet material includes a length and a width defining first and second opposing surfaces. The assembly includes support means for supporting the sheet the curved configuration across its width, having the first surface inwardly oriented with respect to the curved configuration. Thereafter, moving means moves the flexible sheet material so supported in a direction along a read/write path generally parallel to the sheet material length and transverse to the direction of curvature. A read/write arrangement is provided which is configured for reading and/or writing information across the width of the first surface of the sheet as the sheet is moved along the path in the curved configuration.

Abstract: There is described a numbering device (1) for carrying out numbering in sheet-fed or web-fed numbering presses, the numbering device (1) comprising a numbering unit (6) with rotatable numbering wheels (7) carrying alpha-numerical symbols thereon, which numbering wheels (7) are disposed next to each other and rotate about a common rotation axis, the numbering device (1) further comprising electro-mechanical actuation means for setting the position of the numbering wheels (7). The electro-mechanical actuation means are entirely located within the numbering device (1) and are mechanically autonomous, the electro-mechanical actuation means comprising a plurality of independent driving means (15, 18-23; 23*) for actuating a corresponding plurality of the numbering wheels.

Abstract: There is described a sheet-fed or web-fed printing press for numbering and varnishing of security documents, including banknotes, comprising:—a numbering group (02) comprising at least one numbering unit (21, 22) for numbering printed material in the form of individual sheets or successive portions of a continuous web carrying multiple security imprints; and—a varnishing group (03; 03*) located downstream of the numbering group (02) for applying varnish onto recto and verso sides of the printed material, the varnishing group (03; 03*) comprising at least a first varnishing unit (31) disposed above a path of the printed material to apply varnish on the recto side of the printed material and at least a second varnishing unit (32) disposed below the path of the printed material to apply varnish on the verso side of the printed material.

Abstract: This invention discloses a numbering and imprinting machine including a number cylinder, moving inker, first cleaning device, second cleaning device, inker position detector, and control device. The number cylinder includes at least one numbering device. The moving inker includes a number inker which supplies ink onto the number cylinder, and is movable between a printing position at which the number inker comes into contact with the number cylinder, and a retraction position at which the number inker separates from the number cylinder. The first cleaning device cleans the number cylinder. The second cleaning device cleans the number inker. The inker position detector detects the position of the moving inker. When the inker position detector detects that the moving inker is set at the printing position, the control device rotates the number cylinder, drives the number inker and controls cleaning operations by the first cleaning device and the second cleaning device.

Abstract: This invention discloses a numbering and imprinting machine including an impression cylinder, a stamp cylinder, a first printing cylinder, a second printing cylinder, and a moving inker which includes a first ink supply device and second ink supply device. A first space is formed between the moving inker, which is set at a retraction position, and the first and second printing cylinders so as to permit entrance of the operator into it. A second space is formed between the stamp cylinder and the first printing cylinder to permit the operator who has entered the first space to access the impression cylinder.

Abstract: There is described a numbering system for carrying out numbering in a printing press comprising a numbering cylinder, a rotatable shaft defining a rotation axis, at least one supporting disc mounted on the rotatable shaft for rotation therewith, the supporting disc comprising a peripheral mounting ring for mounting of at least one numbering device (1.06; 2.06) on a periphery of the supporting disc, which numbering device (1.06; 2.06) is secured to the peripheral mounting ring (1.43) by means of a clamping mechanism. The peripheral mounting ring (1.43) has a T-shaped cross-section defining a pair of annular mounting grooves (1.43a, 1.43b) on each side of the peripheral mounting ring (1.43). The numbering device (1.06; 2.06) comprises clamping elements (1.50; 2.50) on each side of the numbering device (1.06; 2.06) which are adapted to cooperate with the annular mounting grooves (1.43a, 1.43b) for securing the numbering device (1.06; 2.06) onto the peripheral mounting ring (1.43). The clamping elements (1.50; 2.

Abstract: There is described a numbering system for carrying out numbering in a printing press comprising a numbering cylinder, a rotatable shaft defining a rotation axis, at least one supporting disc mounted on the rotatable shaft for rotation therewith, the supporting disc comprising a peripheral mounting ring for mounting of at least one numbering device (1.06; 2.06) on a periphery of the supporting disc, which numbering device (1.06; 2.06) is secured to the peripheral mounting ring (1.43) by means of a clamping mechanism. The peripheral mounting ring (1.43) has a T-shaped cross-section defining a pair of annular mounting grooves (1.43a, 1.43b) on each side of the peripheral mounting ring (1.43). The numbering device (1.06; 2.06) comprises clamping elements (1.50; 2.50) on each side of the numbering device (1.06; 2.06) which are adapted to cooperate with the annular mounting grooves (1.43a, 1.43b) for securing the numbering device (1.06; 2.06) onto the peripheral mounting ring (1.43). The clamping elements (1.50; 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for sequential printing of characters. The apparatus is a numbering box with a plurality of numbering wheels viz., unit wheel, tenth wheel, 100th wheel, 1000th wheel, 10000th wheel and 100000th wheel which are provided with a combination of ratchet and groove profiles on side-surfaces, numbers engraved on the periphery and are operably interconnected. The 100th and 1000th wheels provided with a combination of uniquely designed multiple grooves and ratchets. The numbering boxes are arranged in the form of a matrix of maximum rows (mr) and maximum columns (mc), to print first sheet. Thereafter, printing of characters on the second sheet till the next 99 sheets occurs. Finally printing from 101st sheet onwards till desired number of sheets is performed after assigning suitable value to first numbering box of 101st sheet by using the character profile of 100th and 1000th wheels.

Abstract: The numbering box for typographic numbering in sheet or web fed printing machines, said box numbering with p digits k*n items on said sheets or web for allowing a sequential collecting of said items in the finishing and collating process of layers of q sheets or of web cut into layers of q sheets, wherein said box carries out a purely sequential actuation for digits 1 to s, where 10S is smaller or equal to q, a purely individually settable actuation for digits s+1 to r, where the maximum number printable by digits 1 to s and s+1 to r is smaller or equal to k*n*q, and a sequential actuation for digits r+1 to p.

Abstract: A numbering apparatus incorporates a push rod which is pushed mechanically by an ejector plate or other mechanism of an injection mold in each injection process. The push rod moves, in a linear direction, a link attached to a central cylinder which turns inside wheels having, on their outer face, marking digits. The wheels have an inner toothing, on which pressure is exerted by a comb, made up of comb teeth, that protrude externally from the central cylinder in order to change the position of the wheel in the forward direction of the central cylinder. The digit displayed, while also incorporating magnets, matching up with the outer face of the wheel which assist in securing the position of the comb, thereby preventing the wheel from turning while the cylinder is sliding back.

Abstract: The image subject to be transferred is applied in preformatted form to at least two printing formes in the form of segment-like image data in a row and column arrangement, in such a way that a first portion of information from each segment of the image subject (information (a) with appropriate index features) is provided on a first printing forme, and a second portion of information from the corresponding segment of the image subject (information (b) with appropriate index features) is provided on a second printing forme. As a result of synchronous rolling of the printing-forme cylinders, the portions of information are assembled to form complete information (<a,b> with the respectively combined index features) for each segment of the image subject on the printed page.

Abstract: In order to provide a stand of a printing unit of a rotary printing machine, said stand being capable of being produced cost-effectively and having high inherent rigidity, a left-hand and a right-hand side wall are placed onto a bottom plate and screwed to the latter and are also provided with a cover plate, the cover plate resting with first locating faces on the side walls and with second locating faces against the side walls, the cover plate being screwed to the side walls at all the locating faces.

Abstract: To improve the security in data carriers, such as papers of value, bank notes, ID cards, etc., a numbering apparatus is proposed for individualizing the data carrier whereby the characters are engraved in the engraved blocks present on the numbering apparatus such that the serial number extends along a line having a curvature.

Abstract: A postage meter has an improved means of monitoring the position of the cover providing access to the print rotor. A mechanical latch and associated mechanism is provided responsive to a cam on the print rotor and responsive to the movement of the cover, and the mechanism has an electrical sensor output to the processor of the postage meter. In the event that the cover is opened at a time when the rotor is away from its home position, for example at a time when the power to the meter has failed, the latch enters a latched state. Upon the restoration of power the meter determines if the rotor is away from its home position, and if it is, the meter inspects the sensor output to determine if the latch has been caused to enter its latched state. This condition is annunciated, for example by rendering the meter incapable of printing postage.

Abstract: A control device for a numbering and imprinting unit of a rotary printing press is taught. The unit has a numbering cylinder removably mounted in the printing press side frames and is engageable, via eccentric bearings, at an impression cylinder. The unit has an inking unit for inking printing elements disposed on the numbering cylinder. The inking unit is designed as a removable unit. The control device has a control shaft and switching elements for engaging and disengaging respectively the numbering cylinder, for switching numbering units, and for adjusting the respective paper thickness to be processed, with the individual switching operations on the numbering and imprinting unit being optimized and effected independently of the offset printing machine.

Abstract: Computer controlled numbering of consecutive business forms is provided for both computer controlled presses and in the form of a retrofit unit for conventional rotary presses. The retrofit unit includes a disk provided with radially oriented metallic strips of predetermined locations on the disk, and mounted on a suitable shaft of the press. The disk cooperates with a stationary transducer mounted, for example, on a stationary press wall to send signals to the control unit to fire the printer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the collated printing of a first set of images of a nonrepeating series and a second set of images. The collated printing provides for the complete printing of the nonrepeating series with respect to each of the images so that the combined images of the first and second series are collated in predetermined units or packets, preferably corresponding to the number of images in the repeating series. A first indicia for identifying the nonrepeating series and a second indicia for identifying the collated units can be printed on the combined images. Also, a strip of pressure-sensitive adhesive can be applied to the back of the combined images to form packets of the combined images and any desired quantity.

Abstract: An envelope positioning assembly for a postage meter. A typical postage meter includes a registration wall, a deck and a printing apparatus for printing a postage indicia on an envelope. The envelope positing assembly includes: (1) a pin fixably mounted to the registration wall and generally aligned perpendicular to the deck, (2) a stop having an obstructing surface and a cutout, (3) positioning apparatus and (4) a microcontroller in communication with the positioning apparatus. The stop is slidably mounted on the pin to move between a first position where the obstructing surface extends above the deck and provides an obstruction to the envelope and a second position where the cutout extends above the deck and does not obstruct the envelope. The microcontroller means causes the positioning apparatus to move the stop to the second position upon initiation of a print cycle.

Abstract: A printing machine in which a perforation pressure drum is disposed downstream of a paper feeding section, and a longitudinal perforation blade and a lateral perforation blade may be brought into contact with the perforation drum. A delivery drum is in contact with the perforation drum, and a numbering pressure drum is in contact with the delivery drum. A numbering box may be brought into contact with the numbering pressure drum. With such an arrangement, it is possible to enhance printing position precision and operational property.

Abstract: A value selection and printing apparatus includes a printing device having a printing wheel; a movable rack gear operatively engaged with the printing wheel such that at times when the rack gear moves along a normal linear operative path of travel the printing wheel is repositioned, the rack gear including a stress concentration area where the rack gear deforms when subjected to a force sufficient to disassociate the printing wheel from the rack gear; and a device, interfering with the deformed rack gear, for preventing the deformed rack gear from traversing the normal linear operative path.

Abstract: A printing machine in which a perforation pressure drum is disposed downstream of a paper feeding section, and a longitudinal perforation blade and a lateral perforation blade may be brought into contact with the perforation drum. A delivery drum is in contact with the perforation drum, and a numbering pressure drum is in contact with the delivery drum. A numbering box may be brought into contact with the numbering pressure drum. With such an arrangement, it is possible to enhance printing position precision and operational property.

Abstract: A number printing unit for an offset printing machine in which blocks are fixed to a numbering unit mounting holder provided rotatably on an operation side frame. Coupling retainer blocks are inserted into groups formed in the blocks. The coupling retainer blocks are mounted on the numbering unit mounting holder by screws, washers and bolts. A gear is rotatably mounted on the numbering unit mounting holder through a bearing. A coupling ring is fixed to the gear by screw. Abutment portions of the coupling retainer blocks are brought into contact with the coupling ring.

Abstract: The positioning assembly is used in a thermal printing postage meter having a base supporting a registration wall and a deck, and a thermal print head fixably mounted to the registration wall above a portion of the deck to define a print station for printing a postage indicia on an envelope having a leading edge positioned on the deck in the print station. The positioning assembly includes a stop lever and a position support arrangement. The position support arrangement provides support for the stop lever such that in a first or home position, the stop lever obstructs the longitudinal positioning on the deck beyond the proper print station location. The obstruction is caused by encounter of the stop lever with the leading edge of the envelope. During initiation of the print cycle, the stop lever is repositioned to a second position removing the stop lever from obstructing the leading edge of the envelope.

Abstract: The thermal printing apparatus includes a base supported registration wall. The registration wall has claps mounted thereto for supporting a thermal ribbon cassette. Also, mounted to the registration wall is a thermal print head which extends over the deck of the thermal print apparatus to define a print station. A platen roller support assembly is mounted in the base for supporting the platen roller parallel to the thermal print head and causing the platen roller to bias an envelope against the thermal print head and causing the envelope and thermal transfer ribbon to simultaneously traverse the thermal print head during a print cycle of the thermal printing apparatus under the influence of a drive motor. An encoder is mounted to the registration wall to interact with the thermal transfer ribbon for position encoding displacement of the thermal ribbon of the thermal ribbon cassette relative to the thermal print head.

Abstract: Device for printing endorsements on documents passing through a document processing apparatus. The device comprises a rotatable outer housing having a cylindrically shaped exterior surface and a ring gear having a toothed first part and a toothless second part. A stamp for printing endorsements and at least one band having digits or characters thereon form a substantially continuos surface with the exterior surface of the outer housing. When the endorsing device is rotated by a pinion meshing with the ring gear, the digits or characters, as well as the stamp, contact a document passing through the document processing apparatus. During the rotation of the outer housing, further rotation is prevented by an arm which engages a projection on the outer housing and biasing means which biases the arm into locked engagement with the projection. When the arm engages the projection, the pinion is unable to rotate the outer housing as the toothless part of the ring gear is now facing the pinion.

Abstract: Continuous motion apparatus having an offset blanket wheel for applying main images to cylindrical containers is also provided with a plurality of direct printing units that apply auxiliary images to the containers. All of the cassettes are mounted on the blanket wheel. Each cassette is provided with at least one belt having a plurality of auxiliary images in tandem. The belt or belts, as the case may be, is driven continuously at uniform speed along a closed loop path. The cylindrical outer surface having images applied thereto travels at the same linear speed as the offset blanket, and there is a difference in linear speeds between the belt with the auxiliary images thereon and the cylindrical outer surface, even while the auxiliary images are being applied to the cylindrical outer surface.

Abstract: The position sensing assembly is employed in combination with a thermal printing postage meter having a base supporting a registration wall and a deck, and a thermal print head fixably mounted to the registration wall above a portion of the deck to define a print station for printing a postage indicia on an envelope. A position sensing-lever is mounted to a positioning support arrangement for providing supporting the position sensing lever support in a first position such that the position sensing lever has a home position where in a portion extending generally perpendicular to the deck to encounter the leading edge of the envelope positioned on the deck. The position lever encounters the envelope leading edge such that the leading edge deflects the position sensing lever when positioned in the print station and for repositioning the position sensing lever in a second position which removes the position sensing lever from encountering the leading edge of the envelope.

Abstract: Sheet-fed rotary offset printing press having a printing unit including a plate cylinder, a rubber-blanket cylinder and an impression cylinder double the size of the plate and the rubber-blanket cylinders, respectively, at least one auxiliary unit selected from an imprinting unit and a finishing unit removably disposed on a tool-carrier shaft extending transversely to a sheet-transport direction and being mounted in a frame of the printing press, and drive elements for connecting the auxiliary unit to a drive for the printing press and for bringing the auxiliary unit into engagement with the sheet as it is being guided on the impression cylinder, comprising another tool-carrier shaft extending transversely to the sheet-transport direction and being mounted in a frame of the printing press, both of the tool-carrier shafts being disposed parallel to one another in the printing unit and offset from one another by a phase angle having a vertex on a central axis of the impression cylinder, and driving elements for

Abstract: A postage meter has a print drum assembly which includes a print drum and a drum shaft. The drum includes selectively settable value printing elements. The drum shaft has, located in one or more grooves therein, a plurality of linearly movable racks. These racks are connected to the value printing elements in such a manner that linear movement of one rack alters the position of a corresponding value printing element. The meter also has a plurality of gears, called cross-over gears, arranged to drive corresponding racks. The cross-over gears driving the racks in the or each groove are arranged side-by-side and are independently driven by respective drive components arranged for rotation about a rotation axis common to the cross-over gears and the drive components.

Abstract: The thermal printing postage meter includes a base supporting a registration wall and a deck, and a thermal print head mounted to the registration wall above a portion of the deck to define a print station. A position sensing assembly is provided for sensing the presence of the envelope's leading edge in the print station and informing a microcontroller. A thermal tape cassette is mounted to the registration wall such that a portion of the thermal ribbon passing below the thermal print head. A platen roller assembly and position assembly are responsive to instruction from the microcontroller for causing the platen roller to assume either a position biasing the envelope against the thermal ribbon and thermal print head or a retracted position. An ejection roller assembly having position assembly is responsive to instruction from the microcontroller for causing the ejection roller to assume either a retracted position or a position biasing the ejection roller against the envelope and an ejection plate.

Abstract: A continuous motion decorator for cylindrical containers is provided with a direct printing unit for printing an auxiliary image on the cylindrical surface of a container that has been imprinted with a main image by an offset blanket segment of the decorator. The direct printing unit includes a plurality of direct printing plates disposed in tandem on a closed loop belt means with each of these plates bearing a different auxiliary image. The offset blanket segments are mounted on the periphery of a continuously rotating blanket wheel. An individual direct printing unit, mounted to the blanket wheel, is provided for each blanket segment and includes an anvil disposed at the upstream end of the blanket segment to support one printing plate at a time in its printing position. For each revolution of the blanket wheel the belt means is advanced by an incremental length to bring a new printing plate to printing position.

Abstract: A print verification method and apparatus verifies the integrity of information printed on a document. The information to be verified is printed on a document in a first color. Desired information is printed on the document in a second color which is different from the first color. The desired information is printed directly above the information printed in the first color. It is detected whether any of the information printed in the first color is exposed following printing of the desired information in the second color. If any of the information printed in the first color is detected to be exposed, an indication is made that improper printing has occurred. If, however, no information printed in the first color is exposed following printing of the desired information in the second color, it is verified that proper printing has occurred.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises two levers (80, 81), which are rotatable around rigid axles (86, 87). Added to this is a third rigid axle (85), which carries the one lower infeed roller (21.2). The upper infeed roller (21.1) is supported at a lever (80) and is springingly pressed against the lower infeed roller (21.2). The apparatus permits letters to be postage metered run in direction of the arrow (52) and thereby press the two infeed rollers (21.1, 21.2) apart from each other up to a maximum width D.In operation one lever (80) carries a bolt (95) at an arm (94), where the bolt (95) engages into a curved slot (98) of the other lever (81). The bolt (95) freely moves in the curved slot (98) between zero and a with of, for example, 3 mm. In case of a larger width, the bolt (95) impacts at the edge of the slot and presses the other lever (81) in direction of the dashed illustrated deflection position. Other lever (81) has a release hole (99).

Abstract: Computer controlled numbering of consecutive business forms is provided for both computer controlled presses and in the form of a retrofit unit for conventional rotary presses. The retrofit unit includes a disk provided with radially oriented metallic strips of predetermined locations on the disk, and mounted on a suitable shaft of the press. The disk cooperates with a stationary transducer mounted, for example, on a stationary press wall to send signals to the control unit to fire the printer.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a finishing head relative to an impression cylinder in a printing, duplicating and like machine wherein copy sheets are fed through a printing couple and then to a finishing couple which includes the impression cylinder. The finishing head includes a finishing wheel for penetrating a copy sheet on the impression cylinder, and the head is mounted on a bar which is rotatably mounted between side frame plates of the machine. A preliminary adjusting mechanism is provided between the head and the bar for preliminarily adjusting the position of the finishing wheel relative to the bar. The bar is removably mounted between the side frame plates so that the preliminary adjustment can be made away from the machine. A very fine adjusting system is provided on the machine, operatively associated with the bar and including a dial on the outside of one of the side frame plates to provide fine adjustment of the finishing wheel while the machine is operating.

Abstract: Device for printing endorsements on documents passing through a document processing apparatus. The device comprises a rotatable outer housing having a cylindrically shaped exterior surface and a ring gear having a toothed first part and a toothless second part. A stamp for printing endorsements and at least one band having digits or characters thereon form a substantially continuous surface with the exterior surface of the outer housing. When the endorsing device is rotated by a pinion meshing with the ring gear, the digits or characters, as well as the stamp, contact a document passing through the document processing apparatus. During the rotation of the outer housing, further rotation is prevented by an arm which engages a projection on the outer housing and biasing means which biases the arm into locked engagement with the projection. When the arm engages the projection, the pinion is unable to rotate the outer housing as the toothless part of the ring gear is now facing the pinion.

Abstract: Document handling apparatus 10 includes a reception platen 32 disposed below and movable with respect to a dot-matrix printer 28 having a printer head 30. A document placed on the platen 32 can therefore be brought into register with the printer head 30 by the raising and/or lowering of the platen 32 which is caused by a solenoid 48 linked to an eccentric cam 40 disposed below the platen 32. Rubber stoppers 38, 39 act as spacing means to ensure that a document in contact with the platen 32 and the stoppers 38 is at a distance from the printing head 30 pre-determined to allow the head 30 during its operation to contact the document's surface. Rollers 52 cause the document to be moved over the platen 32 and a sensor is provided to sense the presence of the document and actuate the solenoid.

Abstract: In a duplicating machine, a system for readily interchanging a printing head on a permanent rotatable shaft of a printing couple of the machine, to facilitate rapid changing of printed indicia in short run duplicating situations. An elongated manually manipulatable segment is readily removably mountable on the rotatable shaft. At least one ring-like mounting member is fixable to the manually manipulatable segment at any position therealong. At least one adjustable printing head is secured to the mounting member. The manually manipulatable segment can be bodily removed from the shaft and the printing head can be replaced or adjusted while the machine continues to operate.

Abstract: In a mailing machine including an impression roller, a postage indicia printing drum overhanging the impression roller, and apparatus for rotating the impression roller and drum in timed relationship with one another for feeding a sheet beneath the drum and in printing engagement therewith, wherein the feeding apparatus includes shaft structure on which the impression roller is mounted for rotation therewith, there is provided an improved impression roller.

Abstract: An attachment and method for converting a duplicator to a multi-purpose machine capable of printing serial numbers, designs, logos and signatures, as well as scoring and perforating work sheets including a chase adapted to be attached to a blanket cylinder of a duplicator machine for receiving implements for serial numbering, printing signatures, designs and logos, perforating and scoring.

Abstract: A method for printing quasi-random number tables on cylindrical objects. A quasi random number printing unit is inserted in a blanket cylinder of an object decorator press. A printing plate cylinder disposed within the printing unit is advanced by a cam drive, thereby advancing a plurality of belts entrained about the cylinder and exposing a series of printing plates to an inking unit. Ink is applied from the inking unit to a series of numerical segements on the plates, and from the segments to a cylindrical object surface.

Abstract: A printing apparatus which is provided with an integral rotary shaft supported on the main unit's frames, a numbering device, a relief imprinting cylinder, and a coating cylinder which are detachably and alternatively mounted on the rotary shaft from its periphery, and an ink unit and a coater unit, thereby enabling coating operations as need in addition to numbering and imprinting operations.

Abstract: Sheets or a web of bank note imprints are advanced in single file through an indexing station where a unique identifying index is applied to each imprint. The indexed imprints are stacked as a pile of strips, downstream of the indexing station, and the pile of strips cut into piles of individual indexed bank notes.Strips containing imprints with printing blemishes or incorrect indexes are rejected before reaching the stacking station. Computer-control of the indexing units in the indexing station maintains an unbroken sequence of indexes on the imprints advanced to the stacking station despite the presence of reject strips.

Abstract: An inking device for a printing apparatus, comprising a form roller disposed in the printing apparatus main unit parallel to a printing shaft and rotatably contacting with the outer peripheral surface of a printing member mounted on the printing shaft, and an ink feed unit detachably mounted on the printing apparatus main unit and having a distributor roller rotatably contacting the outer peripheral surface of the form roller to supply the form roller with ink when the ink feed unit is mounted on the printing apparatus main unit, which can always provide an adequate nip pressure irrespective of movement of the printing shaft or mounting/removal of the ink feed unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing indicia upon a continuous paper web, and including an ink retaining robbon, supply and take-up reels for the ribbon, and with a web path for the paper web and ink ribbon being defined, and with a printing station situated in the web paths. The printing station includes a numbering machine with indicia to be printed, with the printing station further including a skate assembly which carries a rotatable pressure ring. The skate assembly is mounted upon an endless belt, and is arranged to run in a direction transverse to the paper web path. A single motor means is provided, and includes a first drive for providing intermittent draw-dwell motion to the paper web, while providing continuous motion of the endless belt carrying the skate assembly. The skate assembly is timed to move across the paper during paper dwell periods.

Abstract: A self-standing printing apparatus is described which includes a paper feeder for feeding individual sheets of paper, an impression cylinder and an accessory shaft adjacent the impression cylinder on which various types of printing heads may be mounted, including a numbering device. A counter roller may also be provided adjacent the impression cylinder for perforating the paper against perforating strips which may be provided on the surface of the impression cylinder. The impression cylinder is adapted to move out of contact with the various printing heads on the accessory shaft and the counter roller when the paper supply is interrupted. As the paper supply is reinstated, the impression cylinder automatically moves back into position. A particular paper supply and transfer device is also described as well as a novel inking unit. A stacking plate for stacking the printed sheets along with jogger devices are provided.

Abstract: A printing machine (10) is adapted for printing a plurality of imprints (12) onto a sheet (14) divided into a plurality of sequentially longitudinally spaced printing fields (16) having a selected field length and being divided into a plurality of longitudinally and laterally spaced printing domains (18). The machine (10) includes a plurality of spaced printing rolls (20a-20f) having parallel axes (22a-22f) and peripheral cylindrical surfaces (24a-24f) having image transfer regions (26a.sup.1 -26f.spsp.n.sup.f) adapted to print the imprints (12) onto the sheet (14). The rolls (20a-20f) each have circumstances (28a-28f) which are different integral multiples of the field length and which are not integral multiples of one another. Each of the cylindrical surfaces (28a-28f) has a subset of the image transfer regions (26a.sup.1 -26f.spsp.n.sup.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing quasi random number tables used in games of chance comprising a flexographic printing press, such as a Victory Kidder Press, provided with a number of cylinders of different circumferences arrayed about a central drum. Each circumference is a multiple of a basic pitch value and each cylinder is arranged to print columns of numbers or other symbols alongside similar columns printed by the other cylinders in a quasi random array.The tables may be printed on a large number of different materials such as; newspaper preprints, plastic film food wrappers, card, etc.

Abstract: A lateral perforation vertical registration device for an offset press in which the position of lateral perforations formed on printing sheets can be accurately set without the need for running a number of test sheets. A lateral perforating position reading plate is provided made of a transparent material and having both lateral and vertical scales. A printing sheet is placed on the perforating position reading plate prior to printing to determine the position of lateral perforating. A vertical scale provided on the outer peripheral surface of a numbering device mounting cylinder is then adjusted relative to a fixed pointer to correspond to the value read on the reading plate.

Abstract: Mechanism for the control of an inker unit, particularly on an accessory device for the numbering of sheets, for additional printing, and for the perforation of sheets on a printing machine. The mechanism provides an automatic control of the inker unit as well as a manual control thereof, and provides for the disengagement of the inker unit out of the working position in such a way as to form a convenient working space in the area around the numbering roller. On an eccentric shaft, which is arranged in the side walls of the printing machine, there are attached connecting levers which are slidably arranged on a carrier shaft which is provided with carriers which are rigidly connected with guides. On the guides there is adjustably arranged an accessory device including an inker unit, there being provided openings in the connecting levers in which are arranged slide elements which are located on pivots which are fixed in the side walls of the printing machine.