Modular feeder printing system

Abstract

A modular feeder printing system is provided herein. It includes at least one, e.g., four, printing unit(s) and at least one, e.g., six, feeder module(s). An alignment means is incorporated at an end of each of the printing unit(s), such alignment means being adapted to be connected to an associated feeder module, preferably by means of a complementary alignment means which is incorporated at an end of each of the feeder module(s). The complementary alignment means is alignable and engageable with the alignment means. Latch means are cooperatively associated with the alignment means, in order to secure a selected printing unit to a selected feeder module. Finally, coupling means couple and synchronize drive power from the printing unit to the connected feeder module. By this module printing press, there is a substantial reduction in set-up time. This means that multiple printing press units can be configured in a suitable configuration to faciliate quality control of multiple presses by one operator at a central location. The standardization of settings on the feeder modules, when used with procedures for accurately positioning the printing image on the printing plates, further allows for almost instant registration of the image position on the printing sheet.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.