Printing machine with programmed control of print cylinder motor and web tractor feed motor

Printing apparatus for applying an ink marking at selected intervals on a moving web of paper comprising:

• tractor drive means including means for engaging said web;
• a first drive shaft rotatably mounted to a printer housing and coupled to said tractor drive for moving the paper along a path of travel to a print station;
• a first motor for rotating said first drive shaft to move said web toward said print station;
• a print cylinder having a rubber die mounted to said cylinder's exterior;
• a second drive shaft to which said cylinder is mounted, said second drive shaft rotatably mounted to said printer housing;
• a second motor coupled to said second drive shaft for selectively rotating said print cylinder to cause said die to strike said web;
• a backing roller over which said web moves in the vicinity of said print cylinder which forms a nip with said die;
• means for inking said die each time said cylinder rotates about its axis of rotation so that said die applies said marking to the web each time it rotates into contact with said web;
• and
• circuitry coupled to said first and second motors to energize said motors at coordinated times to control the spacing between successive marks on said web.