Abstract: In some examples, a die-cutting machine includes a transport system configured as a chain gripper system. The chain gripper system includes a chain gripper carriage including a holding element for holding a sheet. The chain gripper carriage is arranged to be attached to at least one chain that is arranged to guide the chain gripper carriage on a guide path through at least part of the die-cutting machine. The chain gripper carriage includes a contact element functionally connected to the holding element. A chain gripper opener includes a contact surface at which, in the presence of the gripper carriage at the contact surface, the contact element cooperates with the chain gripper opener. The holding element is transferred at least from a closed position into an open position by cooperation of the chain gripper opener with the contact element. The chain gripper opener is adjustable by at least one drive.

Abstract: An ejection device for ejecting sample blanks for a processing machine for processing elements in sheet form, the processing machine comprising: a plurality of work stations including at least one waste removal station, and a conveying device comprising a plurality of gripper bars configured to drive the elements through the work stations, the ejection device comprises at least one actuating element able to move between: an inactive position positioned away from the path of the gripper bars, and an active position positioned on the path of the gripper bars, the at least one actuating element being configured to collaborate with the gripper bars as they pass by, so as to open the gripper bars and eject, flat, a sample of blanks. The present invention also relates to a waste removal station, a processing machine for processing elements in sheet form, and a method for ejecting blanks samples in a machine.

Abstract: A chain tensioner (50; 500) for a conveying device (70) of a machine (1; 1?) for processing elements in the form of sheets (10), the conveying device (70) includes two lateral chain sets connected to the ends of transverse gripper bars (75) able to grasp the elements (10) and at least one chain-guiding device (90) configured to guide a respective chain set (80); the chain tensioner (50; 500) includes: an actuator (9) controlled by a control unit (8), a movable support (11), a transmission element (12) borne by the movable support (11), a rotary element (13) rotated by the actuator (9) and cooperating with the transmission element (12) in order to exert a thrust force on the movable support (11), the rotary element (13) being rotatable, to adjust the tension of the chain set (80). The actuator (9) is controlled in synchronism with the machine angle (MA). A machine (1; 1?) for processing elements and a method for tensioning the chain sets (80) of the conveying device (70) are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for conveying and transferring flexible, flat objects with a gripper conveyor including a plurality of grippers that are movable along a conveying path in a conveying direction, and further with a conveying-way device that forms a conveying rest that, in a transfer region, is arranged below the conveying path such that objects that are released from grippers in the transfer region are deposited onto the conveying rest. The device includes a pressing circulatory device that acts upon the transfer region and has a plurality of outwardly directed pressing arms. The pressing circulatory device is designed, in the transfer region, to press the objects to be transferred with the pressing arms onto the conveying rest such that the objects can be deposited onto the conveying rest in a guided and controlled manner.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for cutting a facestock on a liner. An anvil roller receives facestock on liner. A cutting roller, under a force, cuts facestock between the cutting roller and the anvil roller. At least one support roller supports the cutting roller and, optionally, the anvil roller, thereby distributing the force into two or more portions and/or subportions, in two or more directions. Apparatuses, methods and kits for preparing a cutting surface of a cutting roller in a facestock cutting apparatus, or for extending the usefulness of a cutting roller. An equalizer roller is provided in a position adjacent to the cutting roller. The equalizer roller has an equalizing surface having a hardness at least as hard as a hardness of the cutting surface. The cutting roller is rotated against the equalizer roller such that the cutting surface is equalized by the equalizing surface.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for cutting a facestock on a liner. An anvil roller receives facestock on liner. A cutting roller, under a force, cuts facestock between the cutting roller and the anvil roller. At least one support roller supports the cutting roller and, optionally, the anvil roller, thereby distributing the force into two or more portions and/or subportions, in two or more directions. Apparatuses, methods and kits for preparing a cutting surface of a cutting roller in a facestock cutting apparatus, or for extending the usefulness of a cutting roller. An equalizer roller is provided in a position adjacent to the cutting roller. The equalizer roller has an equalizing surface having a hardness at least as hard as a hardness of the cutting surface. The cutting roller is rotated against the equalizer roller such that the cutting surface is equalized by the equalizing surface.

Abstract: The apparatus for conveying printed products has a feeding device which conveys the printed products to a discharge end. The gripper circulatory path of the gripper conveyor moves with the receiving section past the latter. During movement through the receiving section, the grippers use their gripper mouth to grasp the printed products and convey said products further. If the receiving section is located in the central position with respect to the feeding device, the printed products are grasped centrally and conveyed further. If, by contrast, the receiving section is displaced by means of the adjustment device into a side position, the printed products are grasped eccentrically and guided further.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating at least two bridges, especially gripper bars, of a segmented transport system for printing materials, e.g. sheets of paper in a printing press, include a transport system having a segmented electric linear drive with first and second primary parts constructed as segmented long-stator. The drive has a plurality of secondary parts constructed as carriages. Each secondary part assigned to the first primary part and each secondary part assigned to the second primary part are coupled by a crossmember to form a movable bridge. Two bridges in the same segment are moved jointly. A first bridge, reaching into a further segment due to jointly controlled movement, is moved individually under closed-loop control and separated from a second bridge, for locating the two bridges in different segments during further movement. Electrical and mechanical collisions of the bridges or of the carriages can therefore be eliminated.

Abstract: A device and method for transferring flexible flat objects, in particular printed products, between two conveyors. The device includes a first gripper conveyor with first grippers moved along a first gripper conveyor path for hanging transport of the objects in a conveyor direction by gripping a first object edge, a second gripper conveyor with second grippers moved along a second gripper conveyor path, for receiving the objects by gripping a second object edge which lies opposite the first object edge, and at least one actuation device for opening and closing the first and second grippers such that, in a transfer region, the objects may be transferred from the first grippers to the second grippers. The distances of the first and the second grippers are different to one another in front of the transfer region, wherein the distances of the first grippers are smaller than that of the second grippers.

Abstract: A variable format signature collection apparatus is provided. The variable format signature collection apparatus includes a sprocket and a timing belt traveling about the sprocket. The timing belt includes a plurality of gripper mounts. The gripper mounts include a first set of gripper mounts arranged on the timing belt to support grippers for receiving first signatures of a first cutoff length and a second set of gripper mounts positioned to support grippers for receiving second signatures of a second cutoff length.

Abstract: A system is provided for stacking mail having an escort assembly for handling each mailpiece. The system comprises a containment device, a transport mechanism and a detachment mechanism. The containment device includes a base, vertical walls extending from the base and an open end for accepting the mailpieces therein. The containment device, furthermore, has a slot formed in at least one of the vertical walls thereof. The transport mechanism includes first and second transport segment, the first transport segment conveying escort assemblies and respective mailpieces over an open end of the containment device and the second transport segment lowering the escort assemblies and respective mailpieces into the open end of the containment device. The transport mechanism furthermore aligns the edges of the mailpieces along one of the vertical walls of the containment device and positions the escort assembly through the slot of the containment device.

Abstract: The conveyor system for planar products (60), in particular print shop products, features a feeder device (50) as well as a gripper conveyor (10) with a plurality of grippers (12) that move along an orbital track (U), wherein the grippers (12) each include two gripper parts (14, 16) that can be pivoted relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The relative position of the gripper parts (14, 16) to one another and/or the orientation of the whole gripper (12) in space is a function of its position along the orbital track and is set by at least one control guide (28, 30, 40, 80, 80?) that interacts with the grippers such that the gripper parts (14, 16) can be moved from an open position to a closed position while moving through a transfer area (A) of the orbital track (U) for the transfer of products (60) from the feeder device (50).

Abstract: In the case of a sheet-transporting gripper configuration in a sheet-processing machine, e.g. printing machine, it is provided that a low-mass gripper housing contains thin side walls enclosing a gripper shaft such that imaginary extensions of leaf springs provided intersect at a point on a straight line which passes through gripper tips and a gripper-shaft axis. The point of intersection is located on the far side of the gripper-shaft axis, as seen from the gripper tips.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved insert machine for inserting flat material into an open pocket and, more particularly, to a straight line insert machine employed for printed matter such as newspapers. The machine includes an all-electronic control system for controlling machine functions. The control system includes at least one central control computer running under software control and a plurality of network controllers, all coupled together via a controller area network (CAN) bus. Electronic control messages for controlling machine elements are sent among the computers and controllers using a novel message protocol to enable both broadcast messages and individual messages to be employed.

Abstract: A gripping device for gripping a printed product including a first gripper arm having a first gripper pad on one end pivotable about a first pivot, a second gripper arm having a second gripper pad on one end pivotable about a second pivot, and an actuator rotating the first and second gripper arms about the first and second pivots respectfully to move both the first and second gripper pads downwardly to grip the printed product. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A feed conveyor feeds in flat items to a discharge conveyor that discharges the same. A joint upper belt conveyor extends across feed-in and discharge regions and has a lower belt section above the feed and discharge conveyors. An operating mechanism moves a lower belt section of the joint upper belt conveyor between: a first position in which a gap is formed between the lower belt section of the joint upper belt conveyor and the discharge conveyor that prevents the joint upper belt conveyor from making contact with the flat items on the discharge conveyor; and a second position in which the gap between the lower belt section of the joint upper belt conveyor and the discharge conveyor is such that the top of the flat item makes contact with the upper join conveyor belt.

Abstract: A delivery station and a method for unblanked sheet delivery uses a delivery pull-out frame provided with front jogging stops and transverse gripper bars. The ends of the bars are fixedly attached to two respective endless loops flexible drive elements for conveying the sheets in process. The front jogging stops of the delivery pull-out frame are spaced apart to allow the passage between them of grippers of the gripper bar. The gripper bar is inclined around a transverse shaft, for lowering the level of the grippers below the level of the respective upper edges of the front jogging stops, by simultaneously opening the said grippers, in order to separate the sheet from the grippers by bringing the front edge of the sheet against the front stops.

Abstract: A machine for processing a sheet of printing material contains a first chain conveyor having a first gripper bar for holding a leading edge of the sheet, and a second chain conveyor having a rear gripper bar for simultaneously holding a trailing end of the sheet. A processing device is assigned to the chain conveyors for processing the sheet. A distance changing device is provided for temporarily reducing a gripper distance between the two gripper bars and, consequently, producing a sheet sag required for the processing of the sheet carried out by the processing device. The distance changing device defines a first circulation path of the front gripper bar, determined by the first chain conveyor, and a second circulation path of the rear gripper bar, determined by the second chain conveyor, running locally differently from each other. The processing device can be, for example, a sheet smoother.

Abstract: A machine for processing printing material sheets has a signal generator for position monitoring and a sheet delivery. The sheet delivery has a first conveying device, for example with a holding crossmember, for leading sheet ends and a second conveying device, for example with a holding crossmember, for trailing sheet ends. The signal generator is disposed in the sheet delivery.

Abstract: A method of depositing sheets coming out of a sheet-processing machine includes decelerating the sheets and depositing the sheets of a main pile. Certain sheets are decelerated and fed to a second sheet pile. The system includes a device for decelerating the sheets arriving from the sheet-processing machine and for depositing the sheets on a main pile. A chain gripper system is configured to hold and decelerate a trailing edge of the sheets. The chain gripper system includes an adjustable gripper opening cam.

Abstract: The invention provides the recording apparatus, which has excellent operability of drawing and retracting the sheet discharge tray and excellent design in accommodating the sheet discharge tray and includes a sheet discharge mechanism having an advantage for miniaturization and improvement of performance of the recording apparatus. A tray accommodation portion which slidably accommodates a sheet discharge unit including a plurality of sheet discharge trays and an opening portion which is opened and closed by a cover member are provided in an exterior of the apparatus. The drawn sheet discharge tray is retained on a backside of the cover member retained at a predetermined opening angle. Stepwise grooves having difference of elevation for sliding guide protrusions provided in the sheet discharge tray unit are formed on both sides of the tray accommodation unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of, and an apparatus for, conveying sheet like products (10, 10?), in particular printed products. In each case two or more products (10, 10?) are gripped together, in the region of their leading edges (10a, 10a?), by grippers (3) of a gripper conveyor (1) such that the edges (10a, 10a?) are alternately spaced apart from one another. In at least one transfer region (4), the products (10, 10?) are transferred to at least one removal arrangement (2) such that each product (10, 10?) at most partially overlaps the previously transferred product (10, 10?), the leading edges (10a, 10a?) of the products (10, 10?) being spaced apart from one another. The invention has the advantage that the products are directly accessible for further processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying flat objects (46), especially products of a printing works, which comprises successively arranged conveying elements that are moved along a continuous track (16) in a direction of conveyance (F). Individually controllable conveying clamps (22) are mounted on each conveying element (12) and are configured for laterally holding, with the clamp jaw thereof that is arranged in the plane of conveyance extending in the direction of conveyance (F), at least two objects (46), which are arranged in the plane of conveyance and in the direction of conveyance (F) while overlapping one another in an offset manner. The conveying clamps are mounted on the conveying elements in the plane of conveyance and in a direction of displacement (30), which is perpendicular to the continuous track (16), in a manner that permits them to be displaced to and fro between two positions (50, 50′).

Abstract: Devices for turning sheets in a rotary printing machine are described. The devices have a storage drum for handling sheets, which are each held by a holding device, and a turning drum is disposed downstream of the storage drum and has a holding device for engaging a rear edge of the sheet to be turned. An operation of detaching the sheet to be turned from the storage drum and carrying it along by the turning drum leads to the formation of a pressure reduction in an area formed between the sheet to be turned, the storage drum and the turning drum. The pressure reduction is compensated for by supplying ambient air, blast air and/or compressed air. The turning device has a channel and/or a passage orifice connected to an inner chamber of the turning drum. Via the channel and/or passage orifice air can be sucked and/or blown into the reduced-pressure area.

Abstract: A method of correcting a position of sheet material on conveying elements, the sheet material extending from a surface of a first sheet-conveying element to a surface of a second sheet-conveying element following downline from the first sheet-conveying element, as viewed in a conveying direction of the sheet material, which comprises detecting an actual position of a leading edge of the sheet material by at least one sensor element disposed on the first sheet-conveying element; by a control unit, making a comparison between a nominal and the actual position of the sheet material; and, if the actual position deviates from the nominal position of the sheet material, causing an actuator to fix the sheet material to the following second sheet-conveying element so as to perform a correction of the position deviation; a reversing or turning device in combination with the correction device; a printing unit having the correction device; and a multicolor printing machine in combination with the correction device.

Abstract: In a sheet-processing rotary printing machine operatable in recto printing and recto/verso printing modes, there is provided a device for reversing sheets, which includes a transfer drum bounded by two sheet-guiding cylinders, a reversing/storage drum and an additional transport element assigned to the transfer drum, the transfer drum being drivable in opposite directions of rotation in the recto printing and the recto/verso printing modes, and gripper systems actable in both directions of rotation of the transfer drum, the gripper systems being accommodated on an imaginary jacket surface of the transfer drum; a printing unit including the components of the device; and the printing machine being a multicolor printing machine.

Abstract: A sheet material conveying apparatus has at least one pocket running along a track, the pocket including a base section for receiving sheet material and an upper section including at least one upper gripper for holding an edge of the sheet material. The at least one upper gripper is movable between a gripping position and a non-gripping position, and the upper section is movable with respect to the base section to alter a distance of the at least one upper gripper with respect to the base section.

Abstract: A sheet material conveying apparatus includes a plurality of pockets, each pocket including a setting device for adjusting a height of the pocket when the pocket is stationary so as to define a set height. A sheet delivery section delivers sheet material into the pockets and a release station for releases the sheet material from the pockets. A reset station automatically resets the pockets to the set height. A method and a sheet material pocket are also provided.

Abstract: A method of setting guide elements for a flat material along a printing-material conveying path in a rotary printing machine includes determining a job-specifically optimized actuating position for a positioning of sheet-guiding elements and of sheet-conveying elements by using job-specific printed-image information known from a prepress stage. The sheet-guiding elements and/or the sheet-conveying elements are positioned in relation to a printed image by using the determined job-specifically optimized actuating position.

Abstract: An adjustable gripper system for releasably holding at least one sheet against a surface includes a pivotable gripper shaft with a pivot axis and at least one gripper having a gripper body defining a plunger cavity, the gripper body connected to the shaft for pivoting the gripper about the axis, a gripper plunger slidably disposed in the cavity and holding the sheet against the surface, and a cam follower actuated by a cam. The cam follower is connected to the gripper plunger to displace the gripper plunger along the cavity dependent upon a position of the cam. The system can be part of a sheet-collating pocket having a forward wall and a rearward wall pivotally connected thereto and, together, defining an opening for receiving the sheet, which can be part of a sheet-collating machine having the cam, a conveyor, at least one sheet feeding device, and many of the pockets.

Abstract: For conveying flat articles (10) in dense conveying streams, grippers (3) conveyed one behind the other by conveying elements (1) are used, each gripper (3) holding one of the articles gripped in an edge zone. For increasing the possibilities for changing the orientation of the flat articles (10) during such conveyance, the grippers (3) are attached to the conveying elements (1) by asymmetrically-projecting gripper arms (2) and the grippers (3) are designed to be rotated through 360° around the gripper arm axis. The device can be used universally, particularly for held conveyance of printed products and it is very easily adjustable for differing applications.

Abstract: The apparatus has a conveying arrangement (10) with clamps (12) which are arranged one behind the other and are driven along the circulatory path (18) in the direction of circulation (U). In the receiving section (16), the mouth (14) of the clamps (12) is directed in the direction of circulation (U) and intended for gripping at the trailing edge (22′), as seen in the direction of circulation (U), a sheet-like article (22) arranged on the bearing element (20). The bearing element (20) has two bearing rails (60, 62), the upstream bearing rail (60), as seen in the direction of circulation (U), being designed such that it can be pushed away by the clamps (12).

Abstract: An arrangement is described for transporting cardboard blanks or the like in the flat, in particular for book cover or letter file machines. The arrangement includes at least two sequenced transport belts extending parallel to one another, which are guided over deflecting wheels. Grippers are applied to the transport belts to hold the blanks. The grippers comprise controlled, swivelling clamping elements, which can be opened at the deflecting wheels.

Abstract: A movable gripper unit including a housing and a first gripper arm and a second gripper arm for gripping a printed product. The first and second gripper arms are slidingly supported with respect to the housing. The housing is movable along a track. Also disclosed is a method of gripping a printed product including gripping a printed product in a gripper unit and moving the printed product with respect to the gripper unit while the printed product remains gripped.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to providing a method and apparatus for accurately and efficiently folding a flat product (e.g., a web of paper or signatures obtained therefrom) during its delivery. Exemplary embodiments provide a single device for performing the two functions of folding and decelerating flat products. Rotatable seizing elements of a deceleration drum interface with any known folding cylinder having a known tucker blade assembly. As such, the accurate and mark-free folding of a conventional jaw folder can be achieved with any desirable paging, including the wide maximum paging range typically associated with rotary tucker blade folders. A deceleration drum according to the present invention can interface with any folding cylinder having a tucker blade assembly used to create a cross-fold, and can thereby replace any conventional combination of a folder (e.g., rotary tucker blade folder or jaw folder) and associated downstream deceleration device.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for conveying printed products of the type having a main surface and a side edge, wherein each product is retained in the region of its side edge by an individual gripper, and wherein each gripper and its retained product are conveyed along a conveying path. The printed products are initially oriented such that their side edges run essentially perpendicularly to the conveying direction, and the grippers and products are then rotated about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the side edge of the product and perpendicular to the conveying direction. The spacing of the grippers may also be changed during such rotation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing printed products by insetting at least one subproduct and/or inserts into a main product, wherein at least the main products are grasped at the delivery of a printing machine by revolving gripping members of a conveying unit provided with an intermediate storage arrangement for inserting and delivering products, wherein the products are conveyed on conveying paths to an insetting machine formed of revolving insetting pockets, and wherein the products are taken up at the delivery of the printing machine by a first conveyor of the conveying unit connected to the insertion side of the intermediate storage arrangement and are transferred to a second conveyor of the conveying unit connected to the delivery side of the intermediate storage arrangement.

Abstract: A signature gripper having a gripper pad for firmly gripping a signature; a gripper base connected to the gripper pad, the gripper pad being rotatable about the gripper base in a direction of rotation; and a spring acting in the direction of rotation to permit rotation of the gripper pad about the gripper base and connected to at least one of the gripper base and gripper pad. The spring damps deceleration experienced by the signature upon gripping.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding flat products from a pile of flat products to a receiving location especially on a conveyor includes a plurality of delivering units for extracting a single flat product from the pile. Each of the delivering units has a first driven belt and is engageable with a pile. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a diverting element for diverting the flat products in a predetermined direction. A method of operating the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Process for operating a piece-goods transporting apparatus such as printed products wherein the products which are fed individually one after the other are received at a receiving position by transporting members circulating in a continuously guide of the transporting apparatus. They are then conveyed via a buffer section to a discharge position. In this arrangement, the transporting members are each retained at the receiving position until a product has been received, thereby ensuring that each transporting member leaves the receiving position with a received product. The transporting members run through the discharge position periodically in cycles and discharge a product to the processing section in each cycle.

Abstract: A sheet-conveying drum for use between units in a printing machine is provided with a plurality of gripper bridges arranged substantially circumferentially symmetrically on the drum surface. The gripper bridges include gripper impact strips that are adjustable substantially radially relative to the drum in order to accommodate printing materials of different thickness. Each gripper impact strip is adjusted by means of a positioning device that is arranged on the drum radially inward of the gripper impact strip and mounted so that it can move axially relative to the drum and cam the gripper impact strip radially. The axial movement of each positioning device is brought about by an adjusting means which is selectively operated by a drive that is disposed in one of the drum journals.

Abstract: A sheet-guiding drum for use in printing machines and having gripper links spaced uniformly around the periphery of the drum. Gripper contact strips of the gripper links are adjusted uniformly in order to accommodate different printing material thicknesses. Such adjustment is achieved by the provision of a drive motor in the journal of the drum, the drive motor being connected by a coupling to adjusters which extend radially from the center of the drum. Each adjuster moves a rod axially of the drum and effects radial adjustment of the associated contact strip by virtue of co-acting wedges carried by the rod and the contact strip.

Abstract: Gripper control for a cyclically swingably driven pregripper for transporting single sheets in a sheet-fed printing press, the pregripper having at least one sheet gripper mounted on a free end of a swivel lever motorizingly pivotable about a frame-fixed swivel shaft, the gripper control including cams for forcibly moving the sheet gripper about an articulated shaft oriented parallel to the swivel shaft so as to close and open the sheet gripper upon sheet acceptance and sheet transfer, one of the cams being revolvable in a single revolution for cyclically shifting the other of the cams in the position thereof, the other of the cams being secured to a roller lever supported pivotally at a fixed location and having a cam roller resting on the one cam, relative positions of the cams being adjustable for determining the instants of closing and opening of the gripper, the other of the cams being a cam segment having two successive circular cam regions with radii of curvature of different length and a common center

Abstract: Sheet gripper device on a paper-guiding cylinder of a sheet-fed printing press includes a sheet gripper formed of a leaf spring and having a gripper tip located at an end thereof, a gripper pad engageable by the gripper tip, a control shaft for the gripper tip, the control shaft being actuatable so as to swivel about a longitudinal axis thereof, the leaf spring having another end opposite the end thereof whereon the gripper tip is located and being fastened by the other end thereof on the cylinder, an adjustable thrust member and means for holding the thrust member, the holding means being mounted on the control shaft so as to be fixed against rotation relative thereto, the thrust member being effective against the leaf spring during a swiveling movement of the control shaft in a closing direction of the sheet gripper; and the sheet gripper per se.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for a sheet-fed printing press includes a holding member, a delivery chain, at least two sheet stacking units, an engaging member, and a switching unit. The switching unit selectively switches a sheet release position where the engaging member abuts against the holding member and a retreat position where the engaging member does not abut against the holding member. The switching unit includes an air cylinder having a movable actuating rod, a first lever, having two ends pivotally mounted on the actuating rod and the engaging member, respectively, for coupling the actuating member and the engaging member, and a second lever having one end swingably supported and the other end swingably and pivotally mounted on a coupling portion between the actuating rod and the first lever. The first and second levers are located substantially on a straight line when the engaging member is at the sheet release position.

Abstract: A groove extends in the axial direction of a plate cylinder to which a printing plate is mounted. First and second plate clamps are opposite to each other in the groove to clamp the ends of the plate. The second clamp has a pair of clamping modules. The first and the second clamps are movable in the peripheral direction of the plate cylinder for opening motion. The holding portion of the clamp are moved in the radial direction of the plate cylinder for opening and closing motions. The first clamp is rotatably supported by the plate cylinder. The second clamp is shifted from a waiting position near the first clamp to a working position. A pair of the clamping modules is connected with each other via a connecting rod. The clamping modules are moved towards or away from each other to make the bottom end of the printing plate wider or narrower and remove the fanout of printing sheets.

Abstract: A sheet gripper assembly includes a gripper shaft clamping member which is securely attachable to a gripper shaft. A gripper housing that includes a gripper arm and a gripper finger is secured to the gripper shaft clamping member through an elastic member. This elastic member provides a resilient or springy attachment of the gripper housing to the gripper shaft.

Abstract: A gripper bar conveyor mechanism for transferring sheets to be printed from one rotating impression cylinder to another in a multiple color rotary offset printer of the type having sets of impression cylinders and corresponding blanket cylinders for rolling contact with the sheets to be printed therebetween. The gripper bar conveyor mechanism includes a transferrable gripper bar activatable for releasably securing sheets to be printed in a fixed orientation with respect to the transferrable gripper bar. The registration projection is affixed to the transferrable gripper bar. A registration pocket is adjustably affixed to each of the impression cylinders for temporarily receiving the registration projection of the gripper bar and thereby holding the gripper bar in a desired position with respect to the impression cylinder. A conveyor band is attached to the gripper bar and is operably connected to the rotary offset press for moving the gripper bar from one impression cylinder to the next.

Abstract: A chain operated sheet transport and transfer mechanism for sheet-fed printing machines having a plurality of printing units. The chain operated mechanism includes a plurality of gripper cars affixed to chains for movement between the printing units. The gripper cars each have a gripper impact strip and a pivotable gripper finger, with the gripper strip of each car extending the width of the gripper car and being of concave configuration. A bending device at the transfer zone of each printing unit is operable for acting on the gripper car to bend the concave gripper impact strips straight in order that sheets are transferred from one printing unit to the other without register deviation.

Abstract: A sheet-gripper device for sheet-fed rotary printing presses formed of a sheet gripper and a sheet-gripper seat, the sheet gripper comprising a sheet-gripper head and a gripper screw-on part, the sheet-gripper head being held by friction in the gripper screw-on part so as to be swivellable about a longitudinal axis of the sheet gripper.