Abstract: A flexographic printing unit (17) for a converting machine (10). The flexographic printing unit comprises a flexographic printing assembly (28) including a printing cylinder (30), an anilox cylinder, a counter cylinder (32) and a doctor blade chamber (36). The printing cylinder being arranged vertically above the counter cylinder and configured to print on a top side (S1) of a sheet (1). The flexographic printing unit comprises a fixed frame portion (102) and a movable frame portion (104), and the printing cylinder, anilox cylinder and the doctor blade chamber are attached to the movable frame portion and the counter cylinder is attached to the fixed frame portion. The movable frame portion being vertically movable between an operating position where the printing cylinder is positioned against the counter cylinder and a service position where the printing cylinder is further distanced from the counter cylinder.

Abstract: In an example of the disclosure, power of a first light beam emitted across a web media along a length of the roller is measured utilizing a first optical transmitter and first optical receiver pair situated adjacent to a roller. Power of a second light beam emitted across a length of the roller is measured utilizing a second optical transmitter and second optical receiver pair situated adjacent to the roller. A media height non-uniformity is identified based upon of the measurement of the power of the first light beam and the measurement of the power of the second light beam.

Abstract: A sheet folding device includes first and second folding rollers as a pair arranged on a sheet transfer path located downstream of a printing unit and configured to form a fold on a printed sheet. At least the first folding roller includes a small-diameter portion formed at a position corresponding to a range of a width of a separating roller in the sheet width direction, and a large-diameter portion formed at a position other than the position of the small-diameter portion.

Abstract: Provided are a medium-machining device and medium-machining method capable of improving conveying precision when a medium to be machined is conveyed and thereby machining the medium with high precision. As a solution, the medium-machining device 1 according to the present invention includes a medium machining means 50 (60) for machining a medium M while scanning the top of the medium M, a platen 10 for supporting the medium M during the machining, two medium conveying rollers 15 and 16 provided upstream and downstream in a conveying direction of the medium with respect to the medium machining means 50 (60), and a manual distribution tray 30 having a medium supporting surface 30a arranged in the same surface as a medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes a vertically movable tray that moves vertically in accordance with an amount of stacked folded sheets which are transported and stacked thereon, a plate that is disposed above the vertically movable tray and that does not move in accordance with transport of a folded sheet, a recognizing unit that recognizes a predetermined height state of a sheet stacked on the vertically movable tray, and a controller that controls the vertically movable tray so as to, in response to a recognition of the predetermined height state of the sheet by the recognizing unit, move the vertically movable tray upward, press the sheet stacked on the vertically movable tray against the plate, and subsequently move the vertically movable tray downward.

Abstract: A notebook is produced through a process, including the steps of: successively printing a multiplicity of unit forms including ruled lines formed of a succession of micro characters by the a first printer equipped with an endless belt-shaped printing plate on one surface of a continuous web form supplied from a feed roll; inverting the front and back surfaces of the continuous web form with a form inverter; printing on the other surface of the continuous web form by a second printer equipped with an endless belt-shaped printing plate to provide the continuous web form with prints on both surfaces; folding up zigzag the continuous web form for every unit form to pile up the zigzag-folded continuous web form on a stack, and cutting and separating the continuous web form for every preset number of consecutive unit forms, thereby providing a notebook including a group of the preset number of consecutive unit forms which have been printed on both faces thereof and spreadably zigzag-folded.

Abstract: A folding device of a printing press and a method for operating the folding device is disclosed. A folding element is activatable via control elements, where the control elements control a movement of the folding element. The movement of the folding element is controllable in a variable section-based sequence or a variable product-based sequence or a variable time-based sequence.

Abstract: A folding device of a printing press and a method for operating the folding device is disclosed. The folding device includes a first cylinder with a first assembly and a second cylinder with a second assembly. The first assembly interacts with the second assembly during a folding operation. A relative position between the first cylinder and the second cylinder is variable in a circumferential direction such that a circumferential relative position between the first assembly and the second assembly is variable.

Abstract: A sheet folding apparatus for folding a sheet, includes a first transport path for guiding the sheet from a carry-in portion to a carrying-out portion without folding; a second transport path branching off from the first transport path for folding the sheet; folding rollers to fold the sheet; a driving motor; and a control device for controlling the driving motor. The folding rollers are disposed in between the carry-in roller and the carrying-out roller. The first transport path has a pinch roller and a guide cover for covering the folding. The guide cover shifts between an actuation position in which the sheet does not contact the folding rollers and a non-actuation position in which the sheet engages with the folding rollers. The control device controls the guide cover to shift to the actuation position with the pinch roller separated from a periphery of the one of the rollers.

Abstract: A folding device is provided for folding n sheet comprises a jaw cylinder, a folding cylinder, a paper guide, and an actuator. The jaw cylinder has a jaw, and the folding cylinder has a hold down element and a folding blade. The folding blade is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The folding blade is in the extended positron to transfer one or more sheets to the jaw cylinder during a fold off operation, and the folding blade is in the retracted position during a collect operation. The paper guide is positioned between the folding cylinder and the jaw cylinder. The paper guide includes a static guide element and a reciprocating guide element connected to the static guide element, the reciprocating guide element movable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed that include forming selected perforation designs and patterns. The perforation designs and patterns can be formed in linear or nonlinear fashion, can extend in the cross direction or the machine direction and can be formed to complement or match an embossed or printed design on the web. The perforation designs and patterns can be formed utilizing various mechanical perforating techniques.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed including a tactile augmented information label or printed matter configured to allow tactile detection of the proximity of non-tactile information on the printed label or printed matter and to enable acquisition of such information using a computing device, such as a smartphone equipped with an optical input device, for example, a camera. In various embodiments the optically acquired information may be converted to speech and be read out to a user of the computing device to assist a visually challenged or impaired user or a user in dim light. Additionally, such acquired information may be presented to the user, for example on the smartphone, in other usable forms such as in large print, different fonts, different colors, lighted or backlit print, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a critical temperature indicator and a manufacturing method thereof. The critical temperature indicator may be mass-produced and indicates a red warning mark in the case of an improper maintenance state by monitoring a maintenance temperature profile from the first manufacturing instant to the final use of a frozen or chilled food as time lapses. An upper section is formed of a base film. A developing media member is formed of a micro-porous film to be positioned correspondingly to the upper section such that the developing media member is joined with the upper section. A time control section is formed by engraving a movement path of developing media on the developing media member by means of a printer, cutter or the like.

Abstract: A method of producing a packaging material in which a web of paper is provided with a pattern of printing ink at the same time as the web is subjected to a mechanical processing by means of which the areas of the web provided with printing ink are compressed to such an extent that the printing ink throughout within these compressed areas is located on a level flush with or below the level of the remaining areas of the web. As a result of the mechanical processing, it will be ensured that the printing ink is prevented from coming into contact with and giving undesirable impressions against the web in immediately preceding winding turns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for creating an electronic version of printed matter. Advantageously, the electronic version of the printed matter is such that is has the same appearance and layout as the printed matter. The electronic version of the printed matter is also such that that a viewer's interaction with the electronic version can trigger the sending of information to the viewer. The information can be in various forms including an e-mail or e-coupon. It comes with an intelligence and interactive module where viewers can read other languages' printed matter instantaneously with multi-lingual translation both in text and voice. The apparatus and method is also capable of compressing the electronic version so that it can be quickly and efficiently distributed to viewers over numerous networks. These networks can include LAN, WAN, internet, or mobile and wireless communication networks.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for bleed control in a packaging layout having a plurality of packaging decoration patterns for making a plurality of packaging boxes. The method includes obtaining bleed lines based on a bleed width from cutting lines of each packaging decoration pattern for each packaging box. The method also includes irradiating light beams toward the packaging layout in four directions substantially perpendicular to each side of the packaging layout to form irradiated bleed line segments. The method further includes calculating a ratio of the projection length of each of irradiated bleed line segments to a respective projection length of a respective bleed line for each packaging decoration pattern in a respective irradiating direction. The method also includes excluding the irradiated bleed line segments for releasing bleed limit if the ratio is less than the threshold, and otherwise releasing bleed limit for the irradiated bleed line facing the four directions.

Abstract: For manufacturing books having different sizes and comprising a plurality of text pages constituting a book block, a web of material having a given width is sequentially printed in a digital printing station. The printed web of material is then provided either with one weakening line extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the web of material or with two weakening lines arranged spaced apart and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the web of material. Thereafter the printed web of material is transversely cut to produce individual text sheets which are provided with either one weakening line or two weakening lines. These text sheets are then longitudinally folded along the either one weakening line or in sequence along each of the two weakening lines. The folded text sheets belonging to a particular book block are stacked to a stack. The stacks are either temporarily stored for a later binding process or directly supplied to a binding station.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article including a fibrous nonwoven layer attached to a film layer to form a laminate with an ink composition applied to a surface of the film layer which is opposite the nonwoven layer to form graphics. In use, such laminates are often positioned so that the fibrous nonwoven layer forms the visible side of the laminate with the ink composition being partially obscured by the film and nonwoven layers of the laminate. At least the surface of the film layer opposite the ink composition is treated with a softening agent which improves the visibility and clarity of the underlying graphics. Processes for forming such articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A container is formed to include and interior region and a mouth opening into the interior region. The container includes a floor, a side wall coupled to the floor to define the interior region between the floor and the side wall, and artwork on the side wall.

Abstract: A method for preparing sheet material (10, 80) to be used for a page of a book comprises forming—in essentially an even sheet material (10, 80) adapted for use in a modern printing method in which the sheet material (10, 80) runs through a set of cylinders and/or rolls—at least one hinge area (18), extending for a distance (L, K+L) from the edge (14) of the sheet material (10, 80) that is intended as the binding edge of a book, towards the center of the sheet material (10, 80), by making, in the hinge area (18) of the sheet material (10, 80), several weakenings (11) that are parallel to the edge (14), are adjacent to each other and are located at increasing distances with respect to each other from the edge of the sheet material (10, 80) intended as the binding edge of a book, by making the weakenings (11): a) without piercing the sheet material (10, 80) and without essentially removing fibers from the sheet material (10, 80) in the hinge area (18), and b) in such a way that at least some of the weakenings (1

Abstract: A microstructure area (201) providing a first diffractive visual effect is produced on the surface layer (240) of a paper or cardboard substrate (230) of a product (200). In addition, a bulge (206) or a recess (207) having a second microstructure area (202) is produced on the surface layer (240), wherein a doubly curved portion (203) is located between the first (201) and the second (202) microstructure areas. Said combination of the bulge (206)/recess (207), microstructure areas (201, 202) and doubly curved portion (203) makes counterfeiting of the product (200) difficult and provides a special visual effect.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a label comprises a tag reader a computer, and a label writer. The tag reader determines an identifier based at least in part on a data read by the tag reader. The computer receives an identifier, a key, and a goods information and provides a message authentication code. The label writer receives the message authentication code and provides a label.

Abstract: Systems for folding a receiver having a dry toner thermally fused thereon are provided. In one aspect, a system for folding has a wetting system adapted to apply water along a fold line and a fold mechanism folding the receiver along the fold line. The folding is performed after a predetermined absorption period during which at least a portion of the applied water is absorbed by the receiver to reduce the extent to which the receiver cracks proximate the fold line during folding.

Abstract: A method of producing a packaged uses an electronic user interface to receive a first image of an object to be packaged, along with information relating to one or more properties of the object. A three dimensional size for the object is determined, and a package is automatically selected. Based on the object properties, a packing material type is automatically determined. Based upon the size and the selected package, a packing material amount is determined.

Abstract: A process for making a personalized container, such as an urn for ashes, a temporary coffin, or a box for memorabilia, that includes the steps of receiving instructions specifying a personalized panel to be disposed on the container; and disposing the personalized panel, typically by digital ink-jet printing, on a web such as paper, paperboard, film, laminate, or some combination thereof, in accordance with the received instructions. Generally the web, when printed, is continuous, and moving. In subsequent unit operations, the web is separated into web portions, each web portion comprising a personalized panel, with the web portion converted into a personalized container. The personalized container may employ other cues to help evoke memories of one absent, such as a recorded voice, or scent.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine assembly for producing a coupon card fabricated from a continuous sheet of material. An application station receives the sheet of material with a bottom side facing upward for applying a masking agent to a portion of the bottom side. A drying station dries the masking agent as the sheet of material moves through the drying station at a high rate of speed. An inverting device rotates and reorients the sheet of material such that the top side of the sheet material is facing upward. A printing station prints indicia in parallel rows on the top side for defining a first strip and a second strip. The first and second strips are separated from one another and are bonded together to form a series of two-sided coupon cards. The series of two-sided coupon cards are separated from a web of scrap material to form individual two-sided coupon cards.

Abstract: One method embodiment herein inputs a package size and a package wrap pattern. The method calculates a sheet size corresponding to the package size, and prints the sheet of package wrap. The sheet of package wrap has the package wrap pattern and can have fold markings corresponding to corners of the package. The sheet of package wrap has dimensions equal to the sheet size.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for bleed control in a packaging layout having a plurality of packaging decoration patterns for making a plurality of packaging boxes. The method includes obtaining bleed lines based on a bleed width from cutting lines of each packaging decoration pattern for each packaging box. The method also includes irradiating light beams toward the packaging layout in four directions substantially perpendicular to each side of the packaging layout to form irradiated bleed line segments. The method further includes calculating a ratio of the projection length of each of irradiated bleed line segments to a respective projection length of a respective bleed line for each packaging decoration pattern in a respective irradiating direction. The method also includes excluding the irradiated bleed line segments for releasing bleed limit if the ratio is less than the threshold, and otherwise releasing bleed limit for the irradiated bleed line facing the four directions.

Abstract: A method of producing a custom packaging system for arbitrary objects. A first image of an object to be packaged is received via an electronic user interface. Information relating to the material properties of the object may be received as well via the interface. A three dimensional size for the object is determined. At least one package for the object is automatically selected. Based on the material properties, a packing material type is automatically determined. Based upon the size and the selected package, a packing material amount is determined. Further printing options are permitted.

Abstract: A sheet holding structure comprises a container for holding fanfold paper layered by being alternately folded every predetermined length as a sheet. The container has upper and lower sections that are fixed to each other so as to be non-movable relative one another and that collectively form an accommodation portion that accommodates the fanfold paper. The lower section of the container has an inner wall surface formed in a concave shape along a lengthwise direction of the fanfold paper so that the fanfold paper curves in an inward direction and exerts an expanding force acting, at least in part, against the self-weight of the fanfold paper and in a direction opposite to the inward direction.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method of manufacturing packaging and resulting packaging and associated pre-assemblies and blanks are provided, which, when utilized, result in packaging that has increased side panel strength and corner strength so as to enable effective vertical stacking of packaging when the packaging includes product.

Abstract: A golf bag system, a golf bag having an image positioned thereon, and methods of forming and using the golf bag are provided. The system preferably includes a golf bag having a main bag body including an open end, a closed end, a club chamber positioned between the open and closed ends, an outer surface portion, and an image thereon positioned on the outer surface portion. The system can also include a memory having an image stored thereon, a controller to obtain the image and control printing, and a printing device. A method of forming images on a golf bag can include obtaining an image to be formed onto the golf bag and forming the image onto the golf bag. A method of using a golf bag having images thereon can include examining the golf bag, physically comparing an image on the golf bag with a known image associated with the alleged golf bag owner, determining ownership, and issuing the golf bag to the determined owner.

Abstract: Planar substrates are printed, cut, and folded to form three-dimensional cartons. Given graphics intended to appear on a carton surface or panel, printed graphics are laid-out and automatically positioned and manipulated using structural information associated with the cartons. Preferably a single computer-generated graphics file is created for use in printing the various panels and flaps. The graphics design can be overlaid on a computer image of the substrate, and graphic portions can be rotated, scaled, and aligned to properly fit printing areas on what will be panels and flaps (after cutting occurs). A computer generated three-dimensional image of the carton showing graphics printed on the panels and flaps can be manipulated by a graphics artist to confirm accuracy of the graphic file data before actual printing occurs.

Abstract: The shoebox photo ID system is a shoebox (5) that has a plurality of end panels (10), a plurality of lateral side panels (15), a bottom, and a lid (25). Attached to at least one of the panels of the shoebox (5) is a pouch (30) adapted for removably holding and displaying a specially prepared photograph (35). The photograph (35) includes at least one view of the pair of shoes in the shoebox (5), thus enabling a consumer to easily identify the pair of shoes in the shoebox (5) by viewing the attached photograph (35). An alternative embodiment includes an additional photograph (20) of the pair of shoes permanently attached, embossed or printed on the shoebox panel.

Abstract: A controller of a printing system creates imposed printing data in which a plurality of printing data for representing a printing image on one side of a sheet printed) are imposed (i.e., data to represent printing images covering a single page of a printed matter). The controller also determines a sequence of output of imposed printing data with respect to a printing apparatus, on the basis of information about pickup of sheets in a bookbinding apparatus, and the controller then outputs the imposed printing data to the printing apparatus in a sequence of output so determined. The printing apparatus prints on the sheets printing images represented by the imposed printing data, in accordance with the sequence inputted from the controller. The sheets printed by the printing apparatus are then picked up and bound. This eliminates that any operator is required to impose a plurality of printing data in consideration of the pickup of sheets in the bookbinding apparatus.

Abstract: In the production of printed packaging laminate in web form, a method of reducing both waste quantity and stereo cost in connection with lamination, printing and splitting a material web, the material web being split into narrower semi-webs which are provided with a centred printed area and split into two webs of a final width by means of a similarly centred, longitudinal incision.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing envelopes that are imprinted on the inside and/or on the outside, at least in part, and other similar items, including shipping bags of all types. According to the method, an envelope or other item that is imprinted on the inside and/or on the outside, at least in part, is produced by using at least one print unit to imprint a material web and then passing the imprinted web to other stations of an envelope machine, up to the complete production of the envelope.

Abstract: The invention relates to consumer product packages having impact promotional items printed directly on the package and methods for manufacturing such product packages. An image constituting the impact promotional item is printed using blended printing inks and sublimation dyes onto a paperboard blank, which is folded to form a product package. The printed image has a visual appearance substantially unchanged from a conventional printed image. The sublimation dyes present in the printed image supply a transferrable image component that, following transfer to a substrate such as a fabric article, accurately reproduces the printed image viewed by the consumer on the product package. Printing ink and sublimation dye blends for printing the image are also disclosed, as are methods for transferring the transferrable image component to an article, such as a fabric article or textile.

Abstract: A low-oscillation and space-saving drive for a changeable format folder of a rotary printing is provided, the rotary printing machine having rotating subassemblies that can be driven, in particular a cutting cylinder, a pin folding blade cylinder, a folding jaw cylinder, a gripper folding blade cylinder, and perforating cylinders belonging to a perforating device. The drive is split up into individual subsystems, and each subsystem is assigned a controlled-position drive motor. In the event of failure of a drive motor, the drive continues to operate without functional impairment.

Abstract: A tape transport system for printed products comprising a first tape, a pulley supporting the tape, and a lever arm supporting the pulley, the lever arm including a first side rail and a second side rail, the pulley supported rotatably between the first and second side rails to form a narrow mechanism.

Abstract: A folder includes a first cutting device for partially cutting a web of material, a former to fold the web of material, so as to form a folded web, a stationary signature opening device located between sides of the passing folded web, and a second cutting device located downstream from the former to cut the folded web into an at least one signature. A related collating device is also provided.

Abstract: A comprehensive model design environment for creating a comprehensive model having a graphical design and a structural design includes at least two design stations and a database. Each design station comprises a graphical. design module for generating signals indicative of the graphical design and a structural design module for generating signals indicative of the structural design. The database receives the graphical design and the structural design signals, and generates in accordance therewith an ordered set of signals corresponding to the graphical design and the structural design. Each of several parties which collaborate in designing a package may access the database, greatly reducing design time.

Abstract: A flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, that provides for the presentation of graphics inside the package using existing converter and vertical form and fill packaging machine technology. The invention involves producing a slightly wider film through the converter having a strip along one edge of the graphics side of the film dedicated to use as a graphics flap inside the formed package.

Abstract: A method of producing a package wrapper. The method comprises the steps of: displaying an image in a display area of an imaging device; providing a window which is movable relative to the image to produce a windowed image comprised of at least a portion of the image; providing a plurality of prestored patterns, each of the plurality of prestored patterns having at least one predetermined location wherein the windowed image may be placed; selecting one of the plurality of prestored patterns; combining the selected one of the plurality of prestored patterns and the windowed image to form a package wrapper, the windowed image being located at the at least one predetermined location; selecting a package wrapper size; and printing, displaying, transmitting, or storing the package wrapper.

Abstract: An image forming system with a finisher connected to a copying machine via an inverting unit. The finisher has a stapling section which staples sheets stacked on a tray with a stapler and a folding section which folds a sheet with folding rollers. In a confidential mode, a sheet on which an image with confidential or private contents has been copied is transported to the finisher with its image-formed side facing down and is folded in two with the image inside. Then, in the stapling section, the folded sheet is stapled along a side opposite the fold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of a two-sided image product is disclosed, comprising the steps of: providing a web of media having an image bearing side and a non-image bearing side; printing a plurality of undetermined images on the image bearing side; applying an adhesive to the non image bearing side; moving the web of media in a direction longitudinal to the web; forming a crease line on the web of media, the crease line running in the longitudinal direction along the web; and folding the web of media along the crease line so that the non-image bearing side contacts itself so as to adhere the non-image bearing side to itself.

Abstract: A tape transport system for printed products comprising a first tape, a pulley supporting the tape, and a lever arm supporting the pulley, the lever arm including a first side rail and a second side rail, the pulley supported rotatably between the first and second side rails to form a narrow mechanism.

Abstract: A device for guiding material webs (A through D; E through H) via an angle-bar deck (2), including a folding section that is arranged on a plurality of planes (3.1, 3.2, 3.3), from where the material webs (A through D), (E through H) enter folding apparatuses (4), (5). Accommodated on longitudinal folding devices (8), (9) are infeed elements (7), which have guide sections (13), (14) that are-able to be operated independently of one another.

Abstract: A paper stacker for use with a printer which prints connected sheets that are to be stacked in a folded relationship having a surface for receiving the paper with a frame surrounding the paper that is raised in relationship to the paper in order to maintain paper within the confines of the frame as the frame moves upwardly. The frame is balanced by a constant force spring, and is indexed by optical sensors. The frame includes two adjustable fences for variously sized paper which adjustably moves with paddles to press the paper edges downwardly in the stack. Pinch rollers for driving the paper include low inertia drive rollers formed of a relatively low density plastic material with a pair of idler rollers. To improve stacking, ironing tractor idler rollers iron the tractor perforations, and chains orient the catenary stacking movement.

Abstract: For producing mail pieces in a mail production apparatus, starting from physical postal items, a required operating condition of the mail production apparatus is determined. At least one physical property to be realized manually of the required operating condition is determined and at least one current physical property of a current condition of the mail production apparatus is registered. A difference between the at least one current physical property and the at least one physical property to be realized manually of said required operating condition is determined and an associated indication is represented in humanly perceptible form. In response, the at least one current physical property is changed, such that the difference is removed. Next, with the mail production apparatus in the required operating condition, at least one mail piece is assembled from physical postal items. Also described are computer software and an apparatus for use with this method.