Abstract: A transporting apparatus includes a pressurizing roller that transports a web-like or sheet-like transport target object and a heating roller disposed downstream of the pressurizing roller in a transport path, a first bottom sensor and a first top sensor that are disposed between the pressurizing roller and the heating roller, a measuring section that measures a time from when the transport target object is detected by the first bottom sensor until the transport target object is detected by the first top sensor, and a rotation control section that modifies a rotation speed of the heating roller when a time measured by the measuring section is shorter than a first reference time.

Abstract: A first connecting portion (31) and a second connecting portion (33) slide over a first guide link (17) and a second guide link (19), respectively, when an operation point (OP) of a reciprocating linear motion mechanism (38) moves from an initiating position to a terminating position. A second acute angle (?2) formed between the second guide link (19) and a supporting surface (15) is greater than a first acute angle (?1) formed between the first guide link (17) and the supporting surface (15).

Abstract: A printer selectively prints on heat-sensitive adhesive sheets and ordinary sheets that have no heat-sensitive adhesive. The printer has a printing unit that prints on one surface of a sheet and a printing platen roller that transports the sheet in a forward direction. A cutter unit cuts the printed sheet to a predetermined length, and a thermal activation unit disposed downstream of the cutter unit has a thermal head for heating the other surface of the sheet and a thermal activation platen roller that transports the sheet in the forward direction. A detector detects whether the sheet is a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet or an ordinary sheet, and a control device controls operation of the thermal activation unit so that both the thermal head and the thermal activation platen roller are operated in response to detection of a heat-sensitive adhesive sheet and so that the thermal activation platen roller but not the thermal head is operated in response to detection of an ordinary sheet.

Abstract: A blistering machine for producing blister packs has a production line, which includes consecutively: at least one thermoforming station of a first continuous band of thermoformable material; a station for feeding the products and filling the blister band; a feeding station of a second band, feeding the second band over the blister band; a closing station, including two opposite rollers; and a cutting station, in which the blister pack band is cut into respective blister packs. A tension mechanism is situated upstream of the closing station, to cooperate with the rollers of the closing station, to perform a selected tension on at least the first band.

Abstract: Electronically controlled film transport methods and systems are described. One system described comprises a film transport path for transporting film, an input drive assembly for advancing film through the film transport path, an output drive assembly for advancing film out of the film transport path, an aperture positioned in the film transport path, at least one registration pin capable of engaging at least one perforation in the film to secure a portion of the film in the aperture, wherein the at least one registration pin is capable of retracting to a non-engaging position, and a controller for controlling the retraction of the at least one registration pin.

Abstract: An antijamming device for a printed ticket vending machine having an exit opening for exiting of a printed ticket and a control for controlling feeding of unprinted tickets to a printing mechanism for printing tickets, having a pathway through which printed tickets pass from the printing mechanism to the exit opening, and a sensor in the pathway for sensing when an occlusion occurs at the exit opening to prevent bunching of the printed tickets at the exit opening and stopping feeding of printed tickets to the exit opening.

Abstract: The thermal transfer line printer is provided with tension roller position detection means having tension rollers, rotatable tension roller support frames that support the tension rollers rotatably and press the tension rollers toward an intermediate sheet, and a detector and a sensor for detecting a position of the tension rollers and is provided with a controller for controlling operation of an intermediate transfer sheet feeding motor that moves at least the intermediate transfer sheet, and the controller controls the intermediate transfer sheet feeding motor so as to position the detectors in a detection range of the sensors when the intermediate transfer sheet is moved.

Abstract: A laminated stretch cushion strap assembly having a stretchable cover, a stretchable cushion filler and a stretchable bottom or bottom fabric. The cover includes a stretchable top fabric, a first adhesive web layer positioned on one side of the top fabric and a stretchable base layer positioned on the first adhesive layer on a side opposite that of the top fabric. The stretchable bottom fabric forms with the cover an enclosure. The stretchable cushion filler is adapted to be completely enclosed within the enclosure. The stretchable cushion filler has a first cushion layer, and adhesive for securing during lamination the cover to the stretchable cushion filler, and the cushion filler to the stretchable bottom fabric. The adhesive is a second adhesive web layer positioned between the stretchable base layer and the first cushion layer to secure the cushion filler to the cover, and a third adhesive web layer positioned on the first cushion layer to secure the bottom fabric to the cushion filler.

Abstract: A method and device to control a paper drive mechanism of an electrographic printer or copier by friction feed. Optical markings are provided on the recording medium, and a sensor scans an area of the recording medium for the optical marking during transport of the recording medium. An evaluation device evaluates the signals from the sensor for two successive markings corresponding to page length. High speed conveyance of the recording medium is controlled according to page length identified by the evaluation device.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of controlling a drag roller in a printing machine to move a web with no shift of a printing position and enhance the printing quality remarkably, even when the drag roller varies in diameter due to its temperature change. From a given temperature-rotational-speed table, a controlling unit obtains a rotational speed of the drag roller so as to adjust a circumferential speed of the drag roller, which speed corresponds to the current circumferential surface temperature checked by a temperature monitor unit. Then, a rotational speed changing unit changes the rotational speed of the drag roller to a value equivalent to the rotational speed obtained by the controlling unit.

Abstract: Combined newsprint core brake system and newsprint supply reel in a continuous running roll press, for full and fractional running web supply, web tension sensor control braking coupled to core chucking spindles in the running newsprint roll core position, characterized by selectively activated Zero stroke multi caliper disc brakes carried by multi-armed spiders with core chucking spindles axially positioned and circumferentially spaced for indexing a chucking spindle axis from pre-drive to running newsprint roll core position; eliminating the prior art “transition period” replaced herein by “Constant Tension”, eliminating the prior art drag-belt deterioration of the newsprint surface texture; and with assurance of effective roll to roll splicing.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for maintaining the registration of folds with successive indicia on an advancing paper web is provided. The apparatus includes a control system for detecting the location of the indicia relative to a folding operation and adjusting the web speed to accommodate any mis-registration between the folds and the indicia.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers is elasticized and has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of components thereon. The process and apparatus controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer.

Abstract: A teartape for packaging materials, and particularly such materials based on polyolefin films, includes a base film coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive composition. The teartape is affixed to the packaging material by the adhesive composition. This avoids the problem of distortion which can occur when affixing conventional teartapes to such packaging materials by means of hot melt wax compositions. The teartape is applied to moving packaging material by controlling the speed of the teartape in accordance with the speed of the packaging material so as to reduce tension imbalance. The speed of the teartape may be controlled in dependence upon the tension in the teartape. This can be achieved by supplying the teartape from a dispenser having a brake means (4,5) and a drive means (10,11,12) for regulating the speed oft he teartape in dependence on the tension in the teartape.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for cutting or severing thin webs, especially adhesive transfer tapes, and other relatively thin materials which prevents or minimizes tearing.

Abstract: The friction drive system for printing, plotting or cutting graphic images on strip material includes a feedback for a drive motor driving a plurality of friction wheels for advancing strip material in a longitudinal direction. The feedback signal includes a short-term response component and a long-term response component to accurately pinpoint the exact longitudinal location of the strip material. The short-term response component is generated by comparing a motor encoder signal from a motor encoder secured to the drive motor with a commanded longitudinal position of the strip material and passing the resultant differential error signal through an all pass filter. The long-term response component is generated by comparing a detecting encoder signal from a detecting encoder secured to a device detecting the actual longitudinal position of the strip material with the commanded longitudinal position of the strip material and passing the differential error signal through a low pass filter.

Abstract: A device for feeding an elastically extendable yarn to hosiery knitting machines, which includes a positive yarn feeder composed of two mutually opposite contrarotating rollers which have parallel axes and between which the yarn to be fed passes. Elements are provided for rotationally actuating at least one of the rollers about its own axis with a rotation rate which can vary on command. Downstream of the positive feeder along the yarn feed direction, there are arranged elements for detecting the tension of the yarn and a programmable control and monitoring unit which is operatively connected to the detector elements. The control and monitoring unit compares the yarn tension detected by the detector elements with a yarn tension which is preset in the control and monitoring unit.

Abstract: A packaging container production method for forming tubular web from sheet-like web and producing hexahedral packaging containers, wherein in order to secure a prescribed web W feeding amount, the operating amount of lug folding flaps, which forms a sealing part on tubular web by pressing both sides of the tubular web while folding the same, is set an idealistic position, pressure is generated at a cylinder 16 by a control device 23 via a control valve 31, in compliance with the deviation of the detection mark such as a specified printing pattern on the printing surface on web W from the reference position when the same is detected, and the tension applied onto web W is adjusted by the dancer roller 9.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers is elasticized and has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of components thereon. The process and apparatus controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers is an elastic film and has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of different components thereon. The process and apparatus controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers comprises a permanently settable material, and has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of different components thereon. The process and apparatus controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. A continuously moving first layer has a plurality of components thereon, and a continuously moving second layer has a plurality of reference marks representing a respective plurality of components thereon. The process and apparatus control the distance between reference marks of the second layer to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark of the second layer to a respective component of the continuously moving first layer.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for controlling the motion of a machine system so as to cut individual lengths from a web having graphics on predetermined web positions and which allows the use of an inexpensive AC induction motor. An AC induction motor has an output power shaft for imparting the motive force necessary to drive the machine system, such as a web feeding system. A sensor is operatively coupled to the AC motor for determining the position of the motor during system operation. A controller is operatively connected to the sensor and motor and forms a closed loop control circuit. The controller changes the feedback loop characteristics of the closed loop control circuit during a stop, hold or start condition of the motor. By adding an externally generated compensating signal to the input of the feedback loop, the controller also minimizes acceleration error.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a roll or log of bathroom tissue or kitchen toweling with a pattern being repeated between each pair of transverse perforations wherein an extensible web having a pattern thereon repeated at equally longitudinally spaced position is advanced along a path toward a rewinder having a knife-equipped perforator and a cutoff mechanism. A detector senses the position of each pattern and also sensed is the position of the perforation knife with the positions being reported to a controller. The perforation knife is adjusted to insure that each perforation is between pattern positions and the cutoff mechanism is adjusted to stay in time with the transverse lines of perforations to provide a selected count of patterns in each winding cycle.

Abstract: A continuous forms printer utilizing paper without pinholes along each edge is provided with a first paper transfer device on the input side of the printing station and a second paper transfer device on the output side of the printing station. The two paper transfer devices are operated at slightly different speeds in order to place tension in the continuous forms at the printing station in order to control registration and magnification problems. For example, a vacuum transport belt is placed on the output side and operated at a slightly greater speed than the printer. The belt is provided with friction characteristics and operated at a vacuum pressure to allow slippage of the belt and paper at the desired tension. By placing positive paper control on the output side, the directional stability of the continuous forms is improved thus avoiding skew control problems.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus implements a method of joining two sheets of heat transfer paper into a single sheet almost twice as wide for use in heat transfer printing of extra wide cloth. The paper is withdrawn from source rolls and passed along first and second respective web paths with a very slight overlap between the papers. A glue station applies a speed controlled amount of glue to the overlap region of one paper and the edges of the paper are brought together in the desired overlapping relationship. The thus joined paper is passed through compression rollers and wound onto a resilient rewind roll. Edge sensors in each of the web paths maintain the overlap alignment of the paper paths and tension sensors in each of the paths maintain a desired level of tension. A video camera imaging system provides the operator with periodic video images of a magnified region of the overlap so that proper registration between the patterns on the respective papers can be maintained.

Abstract: A passing movement analyzer is responsive to a pulse signal from a data reader to calculate the time of passing movement of a negative film. The passing of one frame of the negative film is considered detected when two identification codes of the film are read. When the two identification codes are detected by the passing movement analyzer, a drive signal of a driver contains a number of pulses which differs from that of a standard number, and a correction calculator determines that a transfer error exists and adjusts the pulse setting of the drive.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plastic substrate production process, the production device for such a substrate, and the use of the process for the production of integrated circuit boards. The plastic substrate production process is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: unwinding and straightening of a continuous strip of plastic which is slightly larger in dimension than one of the dimensions of the board; printing, at at least one printing station, of a series of printing patterns and of printed markings; driving of the strip at a regulated printing speed; detection of the difference in speed; cutting by a press of the strip at positions defined by the printed markings; and regulation of the printing speed as a function of the difference between the printing speed and the driving speed.

Abstract: A process for controllably registering two continuously moving layers of material is provided. One of the layers of material has a plurality of reference marks representing a plurality of separate and distinct components, and the other of the continuously moving layers has a respective plurality of different components thereon. The process controls the distance between reference marks to a selected distance, and controllably registers each reference mark to a respective component of the continuously moving second layer. An article is provided in which a graphic is controllably registered within a designated area thereof.

Abstract: A bag making machine automatically cuts off and seals plastic from a web of film in register with regularly spaced eyemarks. A correction system is disclosed for use when the film gets out of register with the eyemarks. When the correction system is activated, the film is advanced to the next eyemark. The bag making machine resumes normal in-register operation without ever shutting off the machine. A method of correcting lengths of bags being formed from a web of material is further disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus implements a method of joining two sheets of heat transfer paper into a single sheet almost twice as wide for use in heat transfer printing of extra wide cloth. The paper is withdrawn from source rolls and passed along first and second respective web paths with a very slight overlap between the papers. A glue station applies a speed controlled amount of glue to the overlap region of one paper and the edges of the paper are brought together in the desired overlapping relationship. The thus joined paper is passed through compression rollers and wound onto a resilient rewind roll. Edge sensors in each of the web paths maintain the overlap alignment of the paper paths and tension sensors in each of the paths maintain a desired level of tension. A video camera imaging system provides the operator with periodic video images of a magnified region of the overlap so that proper registration between the patterns on the respective papers can be maintained.

Abstract: A draw-in device for feeding a plurality of printing stock webs, preferably paper webs, in which draw-in elements of finite length grasp the start of a paper web and draw it out of reel changers and draw mechanisms through printing units and up to folding units. An electronic memory is provided in which are stored the lengths of all possible feed paths in the printing machine and the draw-in elements can be switched on at different times corresponding to the different lengths of the feed paths and the resulting time differences at a given feed rate via an electronic computer connected with the memory and can be switched off simultaneously. It is also possible to refeed a web of printing stock which was torn during the print process so as to substantially reduce wasted paper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for dyeing fabrics wound up into cords using the overflow or jet system, comprising two or more overflow or jet units arranged in series in a single tank, in which the speed of the various reels of each overflow or jet device is synchronised with respect to a driving reel by affixing permanent magnets to the fabric and appropriate sensors on the machine so that possible slipping of the fabric can be corrected by a microprocessor drive control system.

Abstract: A device for presetting a cut-off register in a folder of a web-fed printing press, includes a marking device for applying at least one mark in an image-free region between two printed images of a web, a detector for detecting the image-free region on the web, the detector being connected to the marking device for signalling the marking device when the image-free region is detected thereby, the marking device being disposed a defined distance in front of a nip located between cylinders of at least one printing unit, and a device for activating the marking device to apply a mark to the image-free region of the web when a respective output signal of the detector indicates the presence of the image-free region on the web.

Abstract: A web conveyor drive system, for example of the suction box type, employs independent motor drives for each of the plurality of drive rollers in the suction drive. Web tension drive loads are equalized across the drive rollers by controlling the individual motor drive current to a value substantially equal to the average of all the motor drive currents in the conveyor drive.

Abstract: A device for presetting a cut-off register in a folder of a web-fed printing press, includes a marking device for applying at least one mark in an image-free region between two printed images of a web, a detector for detecting the image-free region on the web, the detector being connected to the marking device for signalling the marking device when the image-free region is detected thereby, the marking device being disposed a defined distance in front of a nip located between cylinders of at least one printing unit, and a device for activating the marking device to apply a mark to the image-free region of the web when a respective output signal of the detector indicates the presence of the image-free region on the web.

Abstract: In an apparatus for applying a non-woven web to a moving carrier web, a straight configuration of the longitudinal edges of the non-woven web being applied to the carrier web is obtained by controlling the feeding speed of the feeder for the non-woven web in dependence on the distance between the carrier web and an unguided course of the non-woven web extending between the carrier web and a preceding fixed guide leading the non-woven web to the carrier web.

Abstract: In a printer assembly including a printhead which moves in a first direction for printing on a sheet of paper, roller means having an outer cylindrical periphery that engages the sheet of paper at successive tangent points on the periphery for moving the paper in a second perpendicular direction, and driving means for rotating the roller means, an apparatus for correcting certain pre-established errors in the positioning of the sheet of paper by the roller means is described. The apparatus comprises means for controlling the driving means such that the driving means rotates the roller means in order to move the sheet of paper in a way which eliminates the pre-established errors. An arrangement for determining certain pre-established errors in the positioning of the sheet of paper by the roller means is also described.

Abstract: A system for controlling the connection and disconnection of a drive to a rotary cylinder of a printing press. The system comprises a position encoder coupled to a first cylinder of the press for generating at different instants in time two pulses when the first cylinder is rotated to increment its peripheral position by a predetermined amount. A validation gate receives the pulses and generates a single position increment pulse in response thereto. A counter, coupled to the validation gate, counts the position increment pulses and generates a revolution pulse every time the first cylinder effects a complete revolution with respect to a fixed reference point. The system also comprises a coupling unit in an operative relationship with the drive and with a second cylinder.

Abstract: A continuous-paper electrophotographic printer prevents the printed paper from being either scorched or needlessly paid out during periods when printing is halted to enable receipt of a next batch of printing data. This is accomplished by reducing the paper feeding rate between printing periods. Thereby, the printer can rapidly proceed to a next printing operation when inputting of the next data to be printed is completed within a time period that is provided for checking whether the next set of print data is ready.

Abstract: A device for feeding a continuous form in a printer, the device having a timer for controlling the width of a drive pulse for a main motor feeding the form. The timer is formed of a plurality of timers controlled by software. These plurality of timers being, for example, three timers measuring a constant time, and one timer measuring a variable time which is varied in accordance with a feeding speed of the form. The width of the drive pulse is determined by summing up a time obtained by multiplying the constant time by three and adding the variable time.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively feeding tape having label patterns printed on it at one of two different speeds to maintain alignment of the label patterns with a downstream device such as a cutter for severing the tape between label patterns. Marks on the tape associated with the individual label patterns are monitored by a sensor to detect misalignment of the tape. The tape is fed between a driven feed drum and a spring biased pressure drum. The feed drum is mounted on a main shaft. A drive shaft extends parallel to the main shaft. A pair of gears are mounted on each of the shafts and each gear meshes with one of the gears on the other shaft to form two separate power transmission paths. The sizes of the gears are selected so that the gear ratios of the two power transmission paths are different. The gears on the main shaft are selectively fixed to the main shaft for rotation with it by electromagnetic clutches controlled by the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for generating indicia of registration error between respective, separately adjustable printing units of a printing press, the printing units cooperating to print an image on a moving web, the system being of the type comprising a photo-optical control, having a field of view and depth-of-field, for generating output signals indicative of a predetermined relative disposition of marks on a web passing through the field of view within the depth-of-field of the photo-optical control as the web moves in relation to the printing units, and processing circuits, responsive to the photo-optical output signals, for generating signals indicative of deviations of the registration marks printed by the printing units from the predetermined relative disposition; improved wherein:the photo-optical control is disposed proximate to the printing units, and, having associated therewith an air driven stabilizer structure for maintaining the web within the depth of field by creating a Bernoulli effect.

Abstract: In printing machines, it is often necessary to move materials at two different speeds, for example, bulk movement from one station to another, and precise movement to effect registration for printing. Disclosed herein is apparatus for transmitting power to a drum from two motors via a single output shaft. The apparatus includes a shaft having a coupling disc at one end which can move axially under the control of an actuator either to engage a flywheel driven by a high speed motor or a drive ring driven by a stepper motor via a gear. The other end of the shaft has a gear which transmits the motor drive to the drum via a gear attached to the drum shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic coil feed of a sheet metal stock strip in progressive dies for punch press die operations which adjust the length of stock strip being intermittently fed to the punch press die while the press is operating. The apparatus comprises feed apparatus for feeding a predetermined length of stock strip to the punch press die which feed apparatus normally operates at a preset feed length. There is a control for maintaining the correct feed length of the stock strip being intermittently fed into the punch press die and includes a correction arrangement operable to mementarily change the preset feed length to supply a correcting length of stock strip to the punch press die. There are two longitudinal arrays of registration openings in the stock strip.

Abstract: A system (50) includes a labeling machine (52) and a digital data processing system (54) connected to the labeling machine (52). A cutter (56) of the labeling machine (52) has a shaft (58) with a mark (60), which is sensed by a sensor (62). The sensor (62) supplies shaft (58) information on line (64) to digital data processing system (54). The digital data processing system (54) supplies control signals on line (64) to feed roll (66) stepper motor (67). The digital data processing means (54) is also connected to an optical sensor (76) by line (78). The optical sensor (76) senses the position of position mark (74) on the labels (70), which is correlated with the position of shaft (58) in order to feed the labels (70) to the cutter (56) at the proper rate so that the labels (70) are always cut at the kerf (72) between each label (70).

Abstract: An improved printing apparatus for printing a running web is proposed which includes printing units each having a plate cylinder adapted to carry two plates, a pair of impression cylinders mounted in diametrically opposite directions, and adjust rolls for guiding the web so that the length of web existing between two contact points will be three or more odd number of times as long as the printing length. The plate cylinder or the web is controlled so that during the printing, the peripheral speed of the plate cylinder will be equal to the web speed, and from the print end to the next print start, the plate cylinder will move for a distance equal to the gap between the two plates.

Abstract: Registration in a multi-color printing press is controlled by printing spaced groups of registration marks on a running web, each group comprising a plurality of spaced reference color marks and a plurality of controlled color marks, each being midway between a different pair of reference marks. A computer-based control system produces quantities corresponding to the leading and the trailing edges of each mark, which are averaged to determine the midpoint of the mark, thereby avoiding errors due to differences in reflectance. Registration is determined from other quantities that measure the separations between marks. Data is collected for a predetermined number of successive marks. The collected data is analyzed to determine the start of a group, and the data corresponding to marks of that group is then analyzed to detect registration. After a correction is performed, the system idles until a predetermined length of the web sufficient to enable the effect of the correction to be observed passes the sensor.

Abstract: An automatic register adjustment system for a multicolor printing machine has a computer for remote control of register adjusting devices and computer drivable optical scanners traversably mounted for axial movement with respect to the cooperating plate cylinders so that the axial and peripheral coordinates of register marks engraved on the printing plates are determinable. Before printing starts, the printing plates are automatically adjusted for precise register with respect to each other. The register marks may be placed at any desired position on the printing plates and the reference coordinates are freely programmable since the optical scanners can approach any desired point on the printing plate. The scanners, for example, are reciprocated in synchronism with plate cylinder rotation at a speed generally proportional to the rotational speed of the printing machine so that the axial and peripheral coordinates of the register marks are simultaneously sensed.

Abstract: A sheet fed printing press having an impression cylinder with a feed board presenting a sheet with its leading edge in a position for pick up. A rotary sheet feeder is interposed between the feed board and the impression cylinder for picking up the leading edge of the sheet from its stationary position and transferring the leading edge to grippers on the moving impression cylinder. The sheet feeder is directly driven by a high powered electric motor. High resolution pick up heads and associated angle coders produce output signals respectively representative of the phase position of the cylinder and sheet feeder. A programmed phase offset device is provided defining a predetermined relation of desired feeder phase as a function of impression cylinder phase.