Method and system for managing tension and maintaining registration between multiple webs in a web finishing system

A method of managing tension and maintaining registration of print images on preprinted and rewound webs in a web finishing system, at least first and second webs of the preprinted and rewound webs having registration marks along lengths thereof that demarcate repeat lengths of the print images on the first and second webs, the method comprising the steps of:

• transporting the first and second webs toward a finishing apparatus;
• comparing positions of the registration marks of the first web to position of the registration marks of the second web as the first and second webs are transported toward the finishing apparatus;
• severing lengths of the print images of the second web in response to the relative positions of the registration marks;
• individually aligning each of the severed lengths of the second web with the first web so that the print images of the first and second webs coincide;
• and then
• simultaneously performing a finishing operation on the first and second webs with the finishing apparatus.

A system for managing tension and maintaining registration of a first web and at least one second web, the system comprising:

• means for simultaneously performing a finishing operation on the first and second webs;
• means for transporting the first and second webs toward the finishing apparatus;
• means for comparing positions of registration marks on the first web to position of the registration marks of the second web;
• means for severing lengths of the second web in response to the relative positions of the registration marks;
• and
• means for individually aligning each of the severed lengths of the second web with the first web before the first and second webs encounter the performing means.

A system of managing tension and maintaining registration of print images on preprinted and rewound webs in a web finishing system, the system comprising:

• at least first and second webs having registration marks along lengths thereof that demarcate repeat lengths of the print images on the first and second webs;
• a finishing apparatus for simultaneously performing a finishing operation on the first and second webs;
• means for transporting the first and second webs toward the finishing apparatus;
• means for comparing positions of the registration marks of the first web to position of the registration marks of the second web as the first and second webs are transported toward the finishing apparatus;
• means for severing lengths of the print images of the second web in response to the relative positions of the registration marks;
• and
• means for individually aligning each of the severed lengths of the second web with the first web so that the print images of the first and second webs coincide before the first and second webs encounter the finishing apparatus.