Abstract: A numbering device for an offset printing press including a slide mechanism. The slide mechanism includes a pair of slide plates fixed to frames of the numbering device and two pairs of rollers fixed to frames of the main machine, wherein the slide plates are received between respective pairs of the guide rollers such that the numbering device can be slid towards and away from the main machine. A first gear is mounted on a drive shaft of the main machine, while a second gear is mounted on a numbering impression cylinder of the numbering device. The two gears are engaged when the numbering device is slid towards the main machine and disengaged for the opposite direction of movement of the numbering device. A detent mechanism is provided for fixing the numbering device in either the engaged or disengaged positions of the gears.

Abstract: A device for exchanging a numbering and imprinting device having a numbering shaft for carrying numbering units thereon and provided with an associated inking unit in a printing press, for another numbering and imprinting device mounted on another numbering shaft, the exchanging device includes a swivelling device swivellable about a horizontal pivot axis extending parallel to the axis of the numbering shaft, the swivelling device being formed of gripper elements, arranged on a cross member and carrying respective left-hand and right-hand journal pins of the numbering shaft, the horizontal pivot axis being formed by the axis of the cross-member, and the cross-member being mounted longitudinally displaceably on a carriage guide secured to a machine frame located at an end of the printing press, the carriage guide extending parallel to the axis of the numbering shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing quasi number random tables used in games of chance onto newspaper preprints for convenient insertion into and distribution with newspapers. The apparatus comprises a flexographic printing press, such as a Victory Kidder press, provided with a number of cylinders of different circumferences arranged about a central drum. Each circumference is a multiple of a basic pitch value and each cylinder is arranged to print numbers or other symbols to be interspaced between numbers or symbols printed by other cylinders in a quasi random array.

Abstract: Mechanism for the control of printing pressures in a printing machine, particularly the printing pressures exerted by accessory devices such as a unit for the numbering of the printing articles. A single mechanism controls the single functions of the printing mechanism, such as the bringing into pressure engagement and the disengagement of the printing cylinders, the control of the inking unit, the control of the numbering device, and also possibly of other mechanisms. Around the circumference of a double-cam, there are arranged a plurality of two-arm levers. A first two-arm lever, which is pivotally arranged on a fixed, pivot pin is connected by means of a first pull rod with the mechanism of the inker unit. A second two-arm lever is journalled on a second fixed pivot, the second two-arm lever being connected by means of a second pull rod with a mechanism for imposing printing pressure and releasing such printing pressure.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a machine having serial-number printing capability and comprising a first plurality of print wheels which are serially indexed for each of a succession of input actuations. An indexing pawl has a second plurality of spaced wheel-indexing pawl elements, one for each of a corresponding second plurality of adjacent print wheels. The number of print wheels is greater than the number of pawl elements, and the pawl is mounted for selective longitudinal placement so as to coact with a desired particular second plurality of adjacent print wheels. The print wheels incorporate the feature of selective removal from printing exposure, so that printing need only involve digit indicia on print wheels requisite to serial-number printing at the selected longitudinal region of pawl action.

Abstract: A sheet is pressed by type characters on a numbering device to form a raised portion on the sheet in a character pattern indicative of a serial number. Simultaneously with printing of an image pattern on the sheet, ink is applied to the raised portion on the sheet to visualize the serial number. With no inking device required for the numbering device, the apparatus is simple in overall arrangement and can be constructed less costly.

Abstract: A printing machine having a roller and a printing head which are brought together for printing in a printing mode and separated in an nonimprinting mode, the disposition of the roller and the head being controlled by means sensing the presence or absence respectively of paper stock in position for imprinting. The invention comprises a positive auxilliary feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A rotary printing press assembly includes an inspection apparatus interposed between a sheet feeder for feeding printed sheets and a rotary printing press having a printing cylinder for printing additional indicia on the printed sheets. The inspection apparatus has a pair of inspection cylinders rotatable in opposite directions. A printed sheet is supplied from the sheet feeder and is held at its face and back against peripheral surfaces of the inspection. Detectors are disposed in confronting relationship to the peripheral surface of the inspection surface cylinders for inspecting the printed sheet on the inspection cylinders for any defect and for generating signals in response to detection of any defect on the printed sheet. The printing cylinder is movable away from an operational position adjacent an impression cylinder to an inoperational position away therefrom in response to a signal from the detectors indicating a defective sheet.

Abstract: A printing apparatus including separate serial printing heads mounted on a rotary chase whereby the heads can be selectively positioned for printing on material as the material is transported through the apparatus. The chase is mounted on a support located in an easily accessible position in the apparatus whereby the rotation of the chase to change the head or heads to be used in a printing operation can be easily accomplished. The chase is also removably positioned on the support so that an entire chase can be readily separated from the apparatus, and a different chase with different printing heads substituted in the apparatus. The chase is equipped with guides which cooperate with guides on the apparatus frame to insure automatic alignment of the chase as it is located in operating position, and the drive shafts carrying the printing heads are at the same time automatically engaged with drive means associated with the apparatus.

Abstract: A numbering device for use in an offset printing machine includes a numbering-impression cylinder which is swingably disposed beside a transfer drum in order to perform a numbering operation simultaneous with an ordinary printing operation and to concurrently perform vertical and/or lateral perforation operations. The offset printing machine comprises a transfer drum positioned beside a main impression cylinder which confronts a blanket cylinder to perform ordinary printing operation; a numbering-impression cylinder; a numbering box supporting cylinder positioned beside the numbering impression cylinder so as to form numbers on a printed sheet, an ink supply in contact with the numbering box supporting cylinder; a perforating device positioned in confrontation with the numbering impression cylinder to provide vertical or longitudinal perforations in the printed sheet; and a synchronous mechanism connected between the cylinders in order to cooperate with a numbering box advancing device.

Abstract: A bar code printing device with mechanical generation of a parity or check character. The mechanism is indexed by moving a plurality of push buttons or levers which when individually moved, engage a code belt which is connected to a parity generating mechanism. Each of the push buttons is associated with a single character of a sequence and can be moved in random order.

Abstract: Improvement in devices for numeration, printing perforation and cutting in Offset sheet printing machines, characterized by the fact all operative structures, including the inking mechanism are combined in a structural unit, shiftable "as a drawer" between the printing machine's shoulders, to the extent necessary for the service of the same device, for performing the functions and respectively for performing the removal to the necessary extent for the service of the machine without the functions and all preparatory operation of the individual operations and of maintenance of the same machine and of the drawer.The invention comprises also the improved "as a drawer" unit as hereinbelow specified.

Abstract: A method is provided for printing games such as poker hands on two-piece frustoconical containers with four cards up and one down on the container sidewall and a hole card or draw card on the bottom of the container. The sidewalls are formed from blanks printed in a sequence by four, five, six and seven-around printing cylinders, all of which impress one card identity indicia on each printed cup blank on a strip of stock passed through the array of cylinders. A strip of bottom blanks each bearing a single card identity are printed in sequence by an eleven-around printing cylinder and the sidewall blanks and bottom blanks are assembled in the printed sequence to provide at least 4,620 cups all bearing poker hands with no two cups bearing identical hands. None of the card identity indicia on the several rolls is repeated. A total of thrity-three different indicia is used in the present method.

Abstract: A numbering assembly is disclosed, which is incorporated into a conventional press of the offset type and may selectively be rendered inoperative if numbering is not desired or printing is stopped, or automatically deactuated during the operation of the offset press if no printed material is discharged to avoid movement or change of numbers on the register in the absence of printed material on which a number is to be printed. The numbering assembly according to the invention comprises an improved control assembly including a first electrical circuit comprising a detection device responsive to the presence and absence of gripped material, a first normally open switch and a solenoid connected in series. The control assembly also includes a second electrical circuit which comprises a main switch, a relay connected to the first circuit in parallel to the solenoid, and the said solenoid, all connected in series.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for printing games such as poker hands on two-piece frustoconical containers with four cards up and one down on the container sidewall and a hole card or draw card on the bottom of the container. The sidewalls are formed from blanks printed in a sequence by four, five, six and seven-around printing cylinders, all of which impress one card identity indicia on each printed cup blank on a strip of stock passed through the array of cylinders. A strip of bottom blanks each bearing a single card identity are printed in sequence by an eleven-around printing cylinder and the sidewall blanks and bottom blanks are assembled in the printed sequence to provide at least 4,620 cups all bearing poker hands with no two cups bearing identical hands. None of the card identity indicia on the several rolls is repeated. A total of thirty-three different indicia is used in the present method and apparatus.

Abstract: An auxiliary printing unit assembly including an auxiliary press unit dimensioned to fit between the frame members of a press main frame. Stops on the main frame define a working position adjacent the press impression cylinder. A coupling assembly is journaled in the press main frame for interconnecting the press drive and the shaft of the press unit. The coupling assembly has an internally splined hollow drive shaft and an externally splined mandrel slidable in the drive shaft between inwardly extended and retracted positions. The mandrel has an expandible hub at its inner end dimensioned to mate with a recess in the press unit shaft when the mandrel is inwardly extended. The mandrel and press unit shaft have respective off-center registering elements which are also axially engaged when the mandrel is inwardly extended. Register indicia on the mandrel and the press unit shaft are so positioned that upon alignment thereof the registering elements are aligned with one another in readiness for axial engagement.

Abstract: The apparatus is positioned at the exit end of a high speed printing machine having a cylindrical printing plate on a driven shaft. A framework of the apparatus is mounted to the exit end. A first shaft is journalled to the framework and indicia marking means are provided axially adjustable on and rotatable with the first shaft for marking selected indicia on material. Indicia changing means are provided for changing the indicia and actuating means selectively actuate the indicia changing means to change indicia after a number of revolutions of the first shaft. A second shaft is rotatably journalled to the framework parallel to the first shaft. A third shaft is pivotally mounted to the second shaft. A drive drivingly couples the second shaft to the third shaft. Pneumatic means are provided for moving an impression roller on the third shaft between a lower position and a raised position where the periphery of the impression roller has a tangent with the circular path of the indicia marking means.

Abstract: In an offset duplicating machine, an implement for marking, such as perforating, slitting, scoring or the like, each printed sheet conveyed through the machine; for transverse marking, a first marking strip is affixed lengthwise on an impression cylinder and a rotatable counter-roller is mounted adjacent and at a skew inclination to the impression cylinder; the counter-roller has an outer surface of hyperboloidal shape which allows the strip to progressively mark the passing sheet. By grooving the counter-roller or by varying the distance separating it from the impression cylinder, additional marking strips may be affixed to the impression cylinder to provide various marking configurations on the printed sheet.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in numbering a series of successively fed documents with consecutive serial numbers and corresponding check digits, including weighted, non-sequential check digits. The check digits are independently applied by a single, engraved wheel mounted on the periphery of a rotating sleeve and positioned by an eccentrically-mounted electronically-controlled stepping motor, with the consecutive serial numbers being applied by a conventional consecutive decimal numbering head mounted to a separate, rotating shaft. Multiple check digit wheels and/or multiple consecutive decimal numbering heads may be employed.

Abstract: Integral with a high speed, computer controlled banking machine is a depository system to provide a fully automatic teller station. At the customer interface there is an entry gate controlled to an open position by a solenoid actuated in accordance with computer generated signals. A deposit envelope inserted through the entry gate is detected by a light sensor as it moves along a pinch roller transport extending to a printing station. An envelope transported to the printing station is held in a fixed position, while a numeric print machine is acutated to imprint on the envelope identifying data. When the print cycle is completed, a computer generated signal energizes a solenoid to open a security door to a storage bin and reactuates the pinch roller transport to deliver the envelope into the storage bin. A sensor is activated when an envelope enters the storage bin, and the security door is closed and locked as the trailing edge of the envelope passes the sensor.

Abstract: A check digit numbering mechanism for generating check digits in accordance with a check digit load setting utilizes a check digit printing mechanism for printing a check digit on a printing medium including serial reference numerals. The check digit printing mechanism is indexed by a check digit numerator device. A plurality of solenoids and a corresponding plurality of movable armatures, each associated with a particular one of the solenoids, are provided such that at least one of the armatures is movable to engage the check digit numerator device to actuate it in association with the relative motion between the check digit numerator device and the solenoids. The plurality of solenoids are selectively actuated by a control mechanism which is responsive to a signal generated each time a reference number is printed on the printing medium to index the check digit numerator device to print an appropriate check digit associated with a given reference number on the printing medium.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with a machine for printing indicia on a moving web. The web may consist of a long relatively narrow carrier strip having rows of tax stamps or decals formed thereon, and the machine prints indicia in the form of code symbols on each stamp. The stamps are arranged on the carrier strip in rows which extend longitudinally or in the direction of the length of the strip, and the strip is moved longitudinally through the machine during the printing operation. In the described example of the invention, a plurality of such rows are provided, the rows being laterally spaced across the width of the web, and the laterally adjacent stamps are arranged in laterally extending straight lines. The machine prints a group of symbols on each stamp, and the symbols are the same for every stamp on a given length of the web.

Abstract: This invention relates to numbering assembly incorporated into a conventional press of the offset type, which may selectively be rendered inoperative if numbering is not desired or printing is stopped, and which is automatically deactuated during the operation of the offset press if no printed material is discharged to avoid movement or change of numbers on the register in the absence of printed material on which a number is to be printed. The numbering assembly according to the invention, advantageously comprises an improved control assembly including a first electrical circuit comprising detection means responsive to the presence and absence of gripped material, a first normally open switch and a relay connected in series.

Abstract: The attachment device is adapted to be mounted to the delivery end of an offset duplicating machine and includes: a frame; an impression cylinder rotatably mounted to the sidewalls of the frame; a gripper bar device which is also rotatably mounted to the sidewalls of the frame and which is disposed between the duplicating machine and the impression cylinder, the gripper bar device including a gear wheel in meshing engagement with a gear wheel of the duplicating machine and with a gear wheel on the impression cylinder, the gripper bar device further including a series of members for gripping a sheet received from the duplicating machine and for conveying it to gripping elements on the impression cylinder; and character printing means mounted to the frame, including a gear wheel in meshing engagement with the gear wheel of the impression cylinder and a character numbering device rotatably mounted to contact successive sheets conveyed on the impression cylinder so as to print consecutive characters thereon.

Abstract: A removable numbering and imprinting device cooperable with a printing cylinder of a sheet-fed offset machine and located between the rubber cylinder and the sheet delivery includes a numbering shaft mounted on the machine frame and detachably carrying a plurality of numeral units. A self-contained structure defining an inking mechanism is mounted on the machine frame and operable to ink the numeral units. The inking mechanism is readily removable from the machine frame separately from the numbering shaft and the numeral units, whereby removal of the inking mechanism from the machine frame provides ready access to the numbering shaft and the numeral means.

Abstract: A numbering head assembly for use with a printing press and for printing consecutive numbers on material printed in the press such as invoices, tickets, etc. The numbering head assembly includes a rotating numbering head for printing consecutive numbers on each piece of paper passed through the printing press and means for supporting the rotatable numbering head in a position where it may be forced into printing engagement with the impression cylinder of the printing press. The assembly also provides means to index the numbering head once for each piece of paper printed so that a consecutive number is printed on each paper and means to selectively actuate the numbering head so that the head is brought into printing engagement with the impression cylinder only when paper is passed through the printing press.

Abstract: In an embossing press, a pair of rolls are arranged to be moved toward and away from one another to effect the embossing operation. Each embossing roll includes a number of drums with replaceable indicia plugs on their circumferential peripheries. The drums are detachably coupled to a shaft so that the drums can rotate with the shaft or can be uncoupled while the shaft continues to rotate. A drive system is connected to each of the shafts for rotating them through a predetermined angle of rotation. An arrestor set-up is associated with the drums for uncoupling each drum from its shaft so that a particular indicia plug is located in the operative position of the embossing rolls. A feeder mechanism directs a continuous length of sheet material into the operating position of the rolls and shearing blades, movably connected to the shafts, are arranged to cut the sheet materials into individual sections.