Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG

Germany

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Date
2024 April (MTD) 2
2024 February 1
2024 (YTD) 3
2023 9
2022 13
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IPC Class
B41F 33/00 - Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices 37
B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing 29
B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form 25
H04N 1/60 - Colour correction or control 25
G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit 24
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Status
Pending 16
Registered / In Force 256
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1.

PARTICULATE COMPOSITION FOR PRODUCTION OF LOW-WEAR NONSTICK COATINGS, AND COATED PRODUCT

      
Application Number 18485392
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-10-12
First Publication Date 2024-04-18
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Kraft, Marina

Abstract

A composition for producing particulate coatings for printing machine cylinders or printing machine cylinder covers that are nonstick and wear resistant. The composition includes at least one sol-gel precursor compound and a mixture of hard solid-state particles, such as silicon carbide. One type of particles has a Sauter diameter d32 of between 1.0 μm and 2.0 μm and the other type of less than 1.0 μm. A mixing ratio of the two types of hard solid-state particles lies in the range from 1.5:1 to 1:1.5.

IPC Classes  ?

2.

METHOD OF MOVING A STACK OF PRODUCTS BY USE OF A ROBOT

      
Application Number 18392455
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-12-21
First Publication Date 2024-04-18
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Ackermann, Herbert
  • Ganter, Udo
  • Haupt-Terlau, Martin
  • Krumma, Joachim
  • Lubberger, Gerhard

Abstract

A method for moving a stack of products by a robot. The robot has an articulated arm and at least one gripper disposed on the articulated arm for gripping the stack of products. The stack of products is turned, before being moved by the robot, with a pivoting device that is separate from the robot. The stack of products is turned about a horizontal axis and the stack of products, while out of the horizontal orientation, is aligned and/or straightened in one direction and/or straightened in two mutually orthogonal directions and/or vibrated and/or aerated and/or modified from a fanned-out stack of products to become an unfanned stack of products. The robot then takes the stack from the pivoting device and subsequently moves the stack.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B65H 31/30 - Arrangements for removing completed piles
  • B65G 47/248 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning over or inverting them
  • B65H 31/34 - Apparatus for squaring-up piled articles
  • B65H 31/38 - Apparatus for vibrating or knocking the pile during piling

3.

METHOD OF CLEANING NOZZLE SURFACES OF AN INKJET PRINT HEAD ASSEMBLY

      
Application Number 18328899
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-06-05
First Publication Date 2024-02-08
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Butschko, Sven
  • Stückroth, Rene

Abstract

A method for cleaning nozzle surfaces of an inkjet print head assembly includes using a cleaning slide to carry out a movement along the assembly and clean the nozzle surfaces with a cleaning liquid in ultrasonic vibration. The cleaning slide includes an ultrasonic cleaning device, a suction device, and a rinsing device and the movement of the cleaning slide includes a forward movement and a backward movement. During the forward movement, the ultrasonic cleaning device and the suction device following the ultrasonic cleaning device are activated while the rinsing device following the two is deactivated. During the backward movement, the rinsing device and the suction device following the rinsing device are activated while the ultrasonic cleaning device following the two is deactivated. Cleaning liquid and contamination are advantageously prevented from reaching the interior of print heads or into an ink supply system thereof, preferably in industrial inkjet printing.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles

4.

Method of printing printed products using printing nozzles without defects and defective nozzles that have been compensated for

      
Application Number 18156772
Grant Number 11752760
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-01-19
First Publication Date 2023-08-03
Grant Date 2023-09-12
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Tita, Ralf
  • Köhler, Hans

Abstract

A method of printing improved printed products using defect-free printing machine nozzles and compensated defective nozzles includes printing products and a test chart with test fields onto a transported substrate, the test fields having tonal values, every test field including an unprinted line from a nonactivated, nonprinting nozzle compensated by a neighboring nozzle having a compensation value, pairs of tonal value and compensation value being specified and used for the chart, recording an image of the chart, computer-analyzing the image and determining the compensation value. Every pair of tonal value and compensation value is used multiple times in the chart and a corresponding number of spaced apart test fields is created. A characteristic value representing test field homogeneity and determining compensation value quality is assigned to every measuring field. The best characteristic value regarding a specified criterion and the compensation value is determined for every tonal value.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
  • B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine

5.

Method for adapting a lab setpoint color value of multicolored printed products

      
Application Number 18159194
Grant Number 11841272
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-01-25
First Publication Date 2023-07-27
Grant Date 2023-12-12
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Pfeiffer, Nikolaus
  • Schenk, Stefan
  • Utter, Bernd
  • Hansen, Michael

Abstract

A method of adapting a Lab setpoint color value of multicolored printed products, wherein a special color is replaced by process colors using an ICC color profile. A measurement point that is assigned to the replaced special color on the printed product is metrologically acquired using a color measuring system and a Lab actual color value of the measurement point is calculated. The ICC color profile or a standardized ICC color profile is used for computing the color composition of the Lab setpoint color value from the participating process colors. Changes of the layer thicknesses of the participating process colors are ascertained to achieve a predetermined Lab setpoint color value of the measurement point using a digital tool or a digital model. The participating process colors are adapted using the ascertained changes of their layer thicknesses.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 1/54 - Conversion of colour picture signals to a plurality of signals some of which represent particular mixed colours, e.g. for textile printing
  • G01J 3/46 - Measurement of colour; Colour measuring devices, e.g. colorimeters

6.

AQUEOUS INKJET INK FOR NON-ABSORBENT PRINTING SUBSTRATES AND PRINTING PROCESS

      
Application Number 18154058
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-01-13
First Publication Date 2023-07-20
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Hänle, Johannes
  • Hinderer, Florian
  • Rianasari, Ina
  • Ruppel, Susanne
  • Paul, Thomas

Abstract

An inkjet ink includes pigment, dispersing agent, fixing agent, binder and water. The binder is selected from polyurethanes of a low acid value, the dispersing agent has a low acid value, and the fixing agent is a multivalent calcium salt used in a low concentration. The inkjet ink is easy to apply by using commercial inkjet printing presses, has high storage stability, adheres to surfaces that do not absorb water, exhibits high resistance to wiping and is very advantageously capable of being overprinted by other water-based inkjet inks. A printing process is also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C09D 11/322 - Pigment inks
  • C09D 11/38 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by non-macromolecular additives other than solvents, pigments or dyes
  • C09D 11/037 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the pigment
  • C09D 11/033 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the solvent
  • C09D 11/102 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions other than those only involving unsaturated carbon-to-carbon bonds
  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

7.

Method for controlling a distributor roller control system

      
Application Number 18079157
Grant Number 11878505
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-12-12
First Publication Date 2023-06-15
Grant Date 2024-01-23
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Dischinger, Michael
  • Heiler, Peter
  • Mayer, Martin
  • Postels, Michael
  • Ruck, Michael

Abstract

In a method for controlling a distributor roller of a printing press, the phase position of at least one reversal point of the distributor roller is changed automatically during the ongoing printing. A change is made to the phase position for every specified number of revolutions of a plate cylinder.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 13/20 - Supports for bearings or supports for forme, offset, or impression cylinders
  • B41F 31/15 - Devices for moving vibrator-rollers

8.

METHOD OF CREATING A PRINTED PRODUCT

      
Application Number 17987091
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-11-15
First Publication Date 2023-05-18
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Pecht, Jochen
  • Schmitt-Lewen, Martin

Abstract

A method for creating a printed product includes providing a printing substrate, providing a first fluid, applying the first fluid to the printing substrate as a first layer, providing an effect fluid as a second fluid, the effect fluid including a carrier fluid and platelet-shaped effect pigments, and applying the effect fluid to the printing substrate as a second layer, the second layer forming an effect layer. The first layer is created as a duct layer having a multiplicity of ducts. The ducts allow at least a portion of the carrier fluid of the effect fluid to pass through or enter, and the ducts substantially do not allow the effect pigments of the effect fluid to pass through or enter. This provides a cost-efficient and advantageous way of creating high-quality printed products with top quality finish and special effects having improved impact of the special effects.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 31/08 - Ducts, containers, supply or metering devices with ink-ejecting means, e.g. pumps, nozzles
  • B41F 31/04 - Ducts, containers, supply or metering devices with duct-blades or like metering devices
  • B41F 31/20 - Ink-removing or collecting devices
  • B41F 23/04 - Devices for treating the surfaces of sheets, webs or other articles in connection with printing by heat drying, by cooling, by applying powders

9.

Method of moving a stack of products by use of a robot

      
Application Number 18089622
Grant Number 11952232
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-12-28
First Publication Date 2023-05-04
Grant Date 2024-04-09
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Ackermann, Herbert
  • Ganter, Udo
  • Haupt-Terlau, Martin
  • Krumma, Joachim
  • Lubberger, Gerhard

Abstract

A method moves a stack of products by a robot. The robot has an articulated arm and at least one gripper disposed on the articulated arm to grip the stack of printed products and the stack of products selectively being turned. The method includes pivoting the stack of products through an effective angle α1< >180° and subsequently pivoting the stack through an effective angle α2=180°−α1 or pivoting the stack back through an effective angle α2=−α1. This method of moving stacks of products is performed in an automated way and in particular of depositing them in a turned or unturned arrangement.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B65H 31/30 - Arrangements for removing completed piles
  • B65G 47/248 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning over or inverting them
  • B65H 31/34 - Apparatus for squaring-up piled articles
  • B65H 31/38 - Apparatus for vibrating or knocking the pile during piling
  • B25J 9/16 - Programme controls
  • B25J 13/08 - Controls for manipulators by means of sensing devices, e.g. viewing or touching devices

10.

Method of preparing a print job for the printing operation

      
Application Number 17903220
Grant Number 11886755
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-09-06
First Publication Date 2023-03-09
Grant Date 2024-01-30
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Epp, Sascha
  • Trabold, Nick

Abstract

A method prepares a print job for a printing operation and includes providing at least one first data set associated with the print job and multiple reference data sets associated with reference jobs. The method is characterized in that it contains the steps of providing multiple mutually complementary data sets for each one of a plurality of reference jobs, automatically filtering the reference data sets of the plurality of reference jobs to provide at least one second data set, and using the second data set in the printing operation as a replacement of or an addition to the at least one first data set. The method provides a way of manufacturing high-quality printed products while saving time, e.g. makeready time for the printing operation, and costs, e.g. caused by unusable prints or low-quality prints.

IPC Classes  ?

11.

METHOD OF TRANSFORMING COLOR SPACES, A PRINTING MACHINE AND A MEMORY MEDIUM CONTAINING CODE FOR PERFORMING THE METHOD

      
Application Number 17876850
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-07-29
First Publication Date 2023-02-09
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Laubmann, Tobias
  • Thomsen, Hauke
  • Bollmann, Stefan
  • Schenk, Stefan

Abstract

A method transforms color values of a first device-dependent color space into the color values of a second device-dependent color space so that the visual impression of the color represented in the two-color spaces is essentially identical. The transformation of the color values combines at least one absolute rendering intent and at least one relative rendering intent.

IPC Classes  ?

12.

DEVICE FOR CURING A UV-CURABLE FLUID ON A PRINTING SUBSTRATE BY AN EMITTER

      
Application Number 17854258
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-06-30
First Publication Date 2023-01-05
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schloerholz, Matthias
  • Kohlmann, Michael
  • Ernst, Uwe

Abstract

A device cures a UV-curable fluid, such as offset or inkjet printing ink, on a substrate by way of an emitter. The emitter includes at least two flash lamps which are disposed in a row. This provides a cost-efficient way of evenly and homogeneously curing UV-curable printing fluids at low environmental impact. There is also described a printing machine with a device for curing UV-curable printing ink.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

13.

METHOD FOR PRINTING A PRINT JOB WITH A PRINTING MACHINE

      
Application Number 17841877
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-06-16
First Publication Date 2022-12-22
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Svoboda, Petra
  • Pfeiffer, Nikolaus
  • Bollmann, Stefan

Abstract

A printing method includes determining a master machine setting by using a master substrate, printing a first test print including test fields, and using a first combination of printing fluid and master substrate, recording test fields of the first test print, and computationally determining and storing a first setting value for a first machine setting as the master setting. Printing a print job is prepared by changing the substrate to a second combination of printing fluid and substrate, printing a second test print including test fields, and using the second combination of printing fluid, substrate and master setting, recording the test fields of the second test print, and computationally determining and storing a second setting value for a second machine setting, the second setting value defined relative to the master setting. The print job is printed by using the second combination of printing fluid, substrate and second machine setting.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine
  • B41F 33/16 - Programming systems for automatic control of sequence of operations
  • B41F 33/00 - Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices

14.

Method of printing at least two print jobs on one printing machine

      
Application Number 17741690
Grant Number 11554592
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-05-11
First Publication Date 2022-11-17
Grant Date 2023-01-17
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Svoboda, Petra
  • Pfeiffer, Nikolaus
  • Bollmann, Stefan

Abstract

A method includes the steps of: a) printing a first print job on a printing machine using a printing fluid, a substrate, a specified ICC profile, and a first machine setting; b) preparing the printing operation of a second print job involving a change of the printing fluid and/or of the substrate; and c) printing the second print job using a second combination of printing fluid and substrate. Step b) includes: b1) printing a test print having a plurality of test fields; b2) recording the test fields; b3) computationally determining and saving a quality value based on the test fields; b4) determining and saving an adjustment value for a machine setting; and b5) selectively changing a printing machine setting from the first machine setting to a second machine setting using the adjustment value or keeping the first printing machine setting, and the making a choice based on a quality value.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 3/54 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed with two or more sets of type or printing elements
  • B41F 33/00 - Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices
  • B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
  • B41F 33/10 - Tripping devices or stop-motions for starting or stopping operation of damping or inking units
  • B41F 1/16 - Platen presses, i.e. presses in which printing is effected by at least one essentially-flat pressure-applying member co-operating with a flat type-bed for offset printing

15.

Method of curing coatings in a printing machine using differently actuated gas discharge lamps, printing machine and method of using a gas-discharge lamp

      
Application Number 17695216
Grant Number 11890861
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-15
First Publication Date 2022-09-22
Grant Date 2024-02-06
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schloerholz, Matthias
  • Kohlmann, Michael

Abstract

A method of curing radiation-curable coatings in printing machines using UV light includes using the same light source or sources for the pinning and final curing operations in two different modes of operation suitable for pinning and for completely curing. The light sources are preferably gas-discharge lamps, in particular xenon flash lamps. A printing machine and a method for using at least one gas-discharge lamp are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

16.

Method of operating a flexographic printing press, and system

      
Application Number 17507888
Grant Number 11752756
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-10-22
First Publication Date 2022-04-28
Grant Date 2023-09-12
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Schwab, Werner

Abstract

A method of operating a flexographic printing press having a printing cylinder carrying a sleeve with at least one flexographic printing forme or a flexographic printing cylinder, and an impression cylinder, includes adjusting contact pressure between the printing cylinder or the flexographic printing cylinder and the impression cylinder by motor. The adjustment is made in an automated way as a function of a dot density of the flexographic printing forme, i.e. of a location-dependent density of printing elevations on the flexographic printing forme or data computationally derived therefrom. A cost-efficient way of producing high-quality prints in an industrial flexographic printing process is thus provided. In addition, the method advantageously provides further automation of the printing process. A flexographic printing press, a flexographic printing press system, and a flexographic printing forme or sleeve for a flexographic printing forme are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 5/24 - Rotary letterpress machines for flexographic printing
  • B41F 13/14 - Registering devices with means for displacing the cylinders
  • B41F 13/24 - Cylinder-tripping devices; Cylinder-impression adjustments
  • B41F 33/00 - Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices

17.

Method of operating a flexographic printing press, flexographic printing press, system and sleeve

      
Application Number 17507896
Grant Number 11865830
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-10-22
First Publication Date 2022-04-28
Grant Date 2024-01-09
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Schwab, Werner

Abstract

A method of operating flexographic printing presses having an impression cylinder, printing cylinder carrying a sleeve with a flexographic printing forme or cylinder, uses a sensor adjusting print register of the printing forme or cylinder relative to a further printing forme or cylinder and/or adjusts color density and/or implements color inspection. An image of the sleeve surface with printing forme is recorded by a camera and processed before printing, locating a register mark and/or a color measurement field in terms of x-y positions. A sensor automatically moves for recording the register mark to the y-position of the register mark before adjusting to record the register mark and/or a sensor moves for recording the color measurement field to the y-position of the color measurement field before adjusting to record the color measurement field. Cost-efficient, high-quality industrial printing and further automation is provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 5/24 - Rotary letterpress machines for flexographic printing
  • B41F 13/14 - Registering devices with means for displacing the cylinders
  • B41F 13/24 - Cylinder-tripping devices; Cylinder-impression adjustments
  • B41F 33/00 - Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices

18.

METHOD OF OPERATING A FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING PRESS, FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING PRESS, SYSTEM, AND SLEEVE FOR A FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING FORME

      
Application Number 17507897
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-10-22
First Publication Date 2022-04-28
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Schwab, Werner

Abstract

A method operates a flexographic printing press. The flexographic printing press includes a printing cylinder carrying a sleeve with at least one flexographic printing forme or a flexographic printing cylinder and an impression cylinder. At least one parameter of the flexographic printing press is set. The sleeve is marked with an ID, the ID is detected in a flexographic printing unit of the flexographic printing press or in the flexographic printing press. Data saved in association with the ID are transmitted to the flexographic printing unit or to the flexographic printing press, and the data are used when the parameter is set. In this manner, a cost-efficient way of producing high-quality prints in an industrial flexographic printing process is obtained. In addition, the method provides further automation of the printing process.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 5/24 - Rotary letterpress machines for flexographic printing
  • B41F 13/24 - Cylinder-tripping devices; Cylinder-impression adjustments
  • B41F 13/14 - Registering devices with means for displacing the cylinders
  • B41F 33/00 - Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices

19.

Method of operating a flexographic printing press, flexographic printing press, system, flexographic printing forme and a sleeve for a flexographic printing forme

      
Application Number 17507892
Grant Number 11712885
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-10-22
First Publication Date 2022-04-28
Grant Date 2023-08-01
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Schwab, Werner

Abstract

A method operates a flexographic printing press. The press contains a printing cylinder carrying a sleeve with at least one flexographic printing forme or a flexographic printing cylinder and an impression cylinder forming a printing nip with the printing cylinder to print on a web of printing substrate. The method includes automatically adjusting the transport speed of the web of printing substrate as a function of a dot density of the flexographic printing forme, i.e. of a location-dependent density of printing elevations on the flexographic printing forme, or of data computationally derived therefrom, or as a function of gaps of the flexographic printing forme or printing cylinder or data computationally derived therefrom. The printing press advantageously provides a cost-efficient way of producing high-quality prints in an industrial flexographic printing process while avoiding undesired vibration. In addition, the method of the invention advantageously provides further automation of the printing process.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 21/00 - Devices for conveying sheets through printing apparatus or machines
  • B41F 5/24 - Rotary letterpress machines for flexographic printing

20.

PRINTING MACHINE WITH A TWIN PRINTING UNIT AND METHOD OF OPERATING SUCH A PRINTING MACHINE

      
Application Number 17507899
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-10-22
First Publication Date 2022-04-28
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schwab, Werner
  • Schadl, Hans

Abstract

A printing machine for printing on a printing substrate web includes a plurality of inline flexographic printing units which are disposed in a plane accessible to an operator of the machine. Each one of the two flexographic printing units of a respective duplex printing station includes a respective impression cylinder and a dryer disposed between the two impression cylinders along a path of web travel of the web of printing substrate. A method of operating the printing machine is also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 23/04 - Devices for treating the surfaces of sheets, webs or other articles in connection with printing by heat drying, by cooling, by applying powders
  • B41F 5/24 - Rotary letterpress machines for flexographic printing

21.

Device for measuring a surface of a rotary body or elevations thereof and system

      
Application Number 17507901
Grant Number 11840059
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-10-22
First Publication Date 2022-04-28
Grant Date 2023-12-12
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Schwab, Werner

Abstract

A device for measuring a surface or elevations of the surface of a rotary body provided as a cylinder, a roller, a sleeve, or a plate for a graphic industry machine, includes a first motor for rotating the rotary body about an axis of rotation and a measuring device including at least one radiation source, at least one area scan camera, and at least one computer used to take contactless measurements on the surface which is permanently sticky and/or compressible and/or porous and therefore difficult to measure. The measuring device uses a virtual reference object saved on the computer to determine the concentricity of the rotary body on the basis of the measurement results. A system including the measuring device and a flexographic printing press is also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 33/00 - Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices
  • B41F 5/24 - Rotary letterpress machines for flexographic printing
  • B41F 13/10 - Forme cylinders
  • G01B 11/24 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures

22.

DEVICE FOR MEASURING ELEVATIONS ON THE SURFACE OF A ROTARY BODY

      
Application Number 17507906
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-10-22
First Publication Date 2022-04-28
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Schwab, Werner

Abstract

A device for measuring elevations of a surface of a rotary body embodied as a cylinder, roller, sleeve, plate or flexographic printing plate for graphic industry machines includes a first motor for rotating the rotary body about an axis of rotation and a measuring device for contactless measurement which is part of or integrated into a mounter for printing plates. The measuring device allows the printing forme to be measured and analyzed to check mounting quality and to detect diameter differences. The measuring device preferably further includes a reference object, such as a wire tautened in an axially parallel direction, a second motor and, if desired, a further second motor for adjusting the measuring device and/or the reference object in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The device provides a fast way of measuring the elevations, such as flexographic print dots, with great accuracy.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01B 11/10 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring diameters of objects while moving
  • G08B 5/22 - Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electromagnetic transmission
  • B41F 5/24 - Rotary letterpress machines for flexographic printing
  • B41N 6/00 - Mounting boards; Make-ready devices, e.g. underlays, overlays; Attaching by chemical means, e.g. vulcanising
  • B41N 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass

23.

PRINTING MACHINE HAVING A PRINTING ROLL AND AN ANILOX ROLL OR AN ANILOX SLEEVE AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A PRINTING MACHINE

      
Application Number 17507911
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-10-22
First Publication Date 2022-04-28
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Schwab, Werner

Abstract

A printing machine includes a printing roll and an anilox roll or an anilox sleeve for inking a printing forme of the printing roll. The anilox roll or the anilox sleeve is assigned a machine-readable ID. A sensor or a camera detects the ID. A computer retrieves data which is stored in a digital memory in relation to the ID detected from the memory. The computer performs adjustments on the printing machine on the basis of the ID which is read or the retrieved data. A method for adjusting a printing machine is also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

24.

Method of manufacturing print products by digital identification of matching print shops

      
Application Number 17392880
Grant Number 11544027
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-08-03
First Publication Date 2022-03-03
Grant Date 2023-01-03
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Roessler, Georg
  • Stahl, Dominic
  • Wagensommer, Bernhard
  • Grasl, Gottfried

Abstract

A method of manufacturing print products uses a computer and a printing or further processing machine with a network connection. A customer-requested print product is compared to digital print product models on the computer, and the best matching digital print product model is selected by the computer from the comparison between the saved digital print product models and the customer-requested print product. The computer checks digital print shop models for compatibility with the selected digital print product model, compares the digital print shop model selected as suitable to saved preference models of actual print shops and selects matching preference models of actual print shops for producing the customer-requested print job. After the customer's computer selects at least one suitable actual print shop, the customer-requested print job is produced on at least one printing or further processing machine of the print shop selected by the customer.

IPC Classes  ?

25.

Method of controlling the quality of printed products by image inspection filtering

      
Application Number 17351286
Grant Number 11908126
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-06-18
First Publication Date 2022-03-03
Grant Date 2024-02-20
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Soltwedel, Frank
  • Schumann, Frank
  • Epp, Sascha
  • Felzen, Volker

Abstract

A method of controlling the quality of printed products by using a computer includes always producing multiple printed products with at least partially identical image content in a printing machine in a course of a print job to be completed. The multiple printed products are recorded by at least one image sensor and are sent to the computer as digital image data. The computer examines and assesses the digital image data in an image inspection process to find print defects and to sort out printed products that have been found to be unusable. The computer assesses the identical image content of the digital image data of at least two consecutive printed products and only takes into consideration such detected print defects that are present on the at least two assessed consecutive printed products.

IPC Classes  ?

26.

Device for changing printing plates on a cylinder including pneumatic lines and releasable check valves

      
Application Number 17381285
Grant Number 11597201
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-07-21
First Publication Date 2021-11-11
Grant Date 2023-03-07
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kuendgen, Rolf
  • Stellberger, Rudi
  • Schoenmann, Dirk

Abstract

A method and device change printing plates on a cylinder. The method includes opening a first clamping device and releasing a leading edge of a first printing plate and opening a second clamping device and releasing a trailing edge of the first printing plate. The first and second clamping devices are both opened before a first rotation process of a cylinder. The cylinder is rotated during the first rotation process in a first direction to dismount the first printing plate from a circumferential surface of the cylinder. The cylinder is rotated in a second rotation process in an opposite second direction to mount a second printing plate replacing the first printing plate to the circumferential surface of the cylinder. Because the first clamping device and the second clamping device are both opened before the first rotation of the cylinder, the set-up period required for a printing plate change is reduced.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 27/12 - Devices for attaching printing elements or formes to supports for attaching flexible printing formes
  • B41F 27/06 - Devices for attaching printing elements or formes to supports for attaching printing elements to forme cylinders

27.

Printing-optimized security elements

      
Application Number 17206482
Grant Number 11500595
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-19
First Publication Date 2021-09-23
Grant Date 2022-11-15
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schenk, Stefan
  • Woschei, Marc

Abstract

A method for printing documents with security elements carried out by two separate, computer-supported systems. The computer-supported systems each have a printing system with a printing machine and a security system that perform steps of preparing a document with placeholders for the security elements in the image data by the computer of the security system, and transmitting the document to the printing system. The image data is converted into an output color space of the printing machine by the computer of the printing system, and the document is transmitted to the security system. The security elements are generated, and replacement of the placeholders with the security elements by the computer of the security system is performed. The document is transmitted to the printing system. The finished document is printed with the security elements by the printing machine of the printing system.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit
  • H04N 1/44 - Secrecy systems
  • H04N 1/60 - Colour correction or control
  • G06K 15/10 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by matrix printers

28.

Method of processing print jobs with an unusable prints prediction

      
Application Number 17207970
Grant Number 11630611
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-22
First Publication Date 2021-09-23
Grant Date 2023-04-18
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Pfeiffer, Nikolaus
  • Neeb, Steffen
  • Woellert, Franz
  • Stenzel, Roland
  • Martin, Nicolas

Abstract

A method of processing print jobs on a printing substrate processing machine by using a computer, includes creating a data model for the computer with parameters for an unusable print/set-up time prediction on the basis of global print jobs and printing machine data, training the data model on the basis of global and/or local print jobs and printing machine data by using the computer, and defining ease-of-use criteria by an operator. The trained data model for the computer is used to predict the number of unusable prints during set up and set-up time of the printing substrate processing machine. The order of the processing of the print jobs is optimized on the basis of the predicted number of unusable prints during set-up and the predicted set-up time by using the computer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit
  • G06K 15/02 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers

29.

Device for printing with ink

      
Application Number 17205181
Grant Number 11827030
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-18
First Publication Date 2021-09-23
Grant Date 2023-11-28
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Fischer, Joerg-Achim

Abstract

A device that prints with ink includes an ink reservoir for ink and an arrangement of multiple printing elements, for instance printing heads. The printing elements are identical with one another, they generate ink drops, and they are supplied in parallel with ink from a joint supply line. A further element, which is different from the printing element and which is controllable in terms of its ink flow, for instance a pump, is supplied with ink in parallel with the printing elements by the same supply line. Undesirable hydrostatic pressure changes in the ink are reduced as much as possible, or even eliminated.

IPC Classes  ?

30.

Method for inline opaque white control in printing machines

      
Application Number 17205185
Grant Number 11453223
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-18
First Publication Date 2021-09-23
Grant Date 2022-09-27
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Pfeiffer, Nikolaus
  • Schmitt, Joerg

Abstract

A method for closed-loop color control in printing machines using a computer includes initially coating a printing substrate with opaque white to set up closed-loop color control in the course of a print job, subsequently applying process colors and, in the process, color measurement strips onto the opaque white, recording the opaque white and the color measurement strips using a measuring device, and, based on data recorded by the measuring device, performing closed-loop color control for process colors and opaque white using the computer. The measuring device is an inline measuring device and is initially calibrated at a fixed position of the printing substrate, then the application of opaque white is adjusted and, when a deviation stays below a maximum deviation, closed-loop control of both the opaque white and the process colors is done using the computer by taking measurements in the color control strip.

IPC Classes  ?

31.

Printing plate workflow controlled with the aid of the transport cart

      
Application Number 17195945
Grant Number 11654673
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-09
First Publication Date 2021-09-16
Grant Date 2023-05-23
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kluepfel, Martin
  • Schilz, Ingo
  • Beyer, Matthias
  • Strunk, Andre

Abstract

A method correctly mounts printing plates in a printing press. The method uses prepress software, a transport device, an identification device disposed on the transport device or on a printing plate, and a scanning device. The prepress software defines a sequence of print jobs to be processed by the printing press and sends data for making the printing plates for the print jobs defined in the processing sequence to a platesetter. The platesetter produces the corresponding printing plates. The produced printing plates are deposited on the transport device, the transport device is conveyed to the printing press, and the identification device of the transport device or of a printing plate is scanned by a scanning device at the printing press and the print jobs that have been identified in this way are compared to the print jobs which the prepress software has assigned to the printing press.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 33/00 - Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices
  • G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
  • B41F 27/00 - Devices for attaching printing elements or formes to supports

32.

Printed image inspection method with defect classification

      
Application Number 17167379
Grant Number 11580630
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-04
First Publication Date 2021-09-16
Grant Date 2023-02-14
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Soltwedel, Frank
  • Mueller, Robert
  • Krieger, Jan
  • Schumann, Frank
  • Eisele, Peter

Abstract

A method of inspecting images on printed products by a computer in a printing machine. Printed products are recorded and digitized by an image sensor of an image inspection system in the course of the image inspection process, and the computer compares them to a digital reference image. If deviations are found, the defective printed products are removed. The computer analyzes the deviations found in the course of the image inspection process together with further data from other system parts and from the machine, determines specific defect classes and the causes thereof based on the defects by machine learning processes, assigns the defects found in the image inspection process to the defect classes in a corresponding way, and displays the classified detected defects with their defect classes and causes to an operator of the machine so that the operator can initiate specific measures to eliminate the defect causes.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
  • B41F 33/00 - Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices

33.

Method for detecting and compensating for defective printing nozzles in an inkjet printing machine for reducing unusable prints

      
Application Number 17170999
Grant Number 11292269
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-09
First Publication Date 2021-09-02
Grant Date 2022-04-05
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Trachanas, Ilias
  • Abosetta, Mina Hakim Latif
  • Fehlner, Andreas

Abstract

A method for detecting and compensating for defective printing nozzles in an inkjet printing machine includes printing test sheets each including at least one printing nozzle test chart and at least one gray area for every color separation. The test sheets are recorded and digitized with subsequent pixel-nozzle mapping and amplitude/phase value determination by using a computer. Current measurements are taken at the printing nozzles in between test sheets and customer sheets while being printed. The computer is used for teaching in a SVM model with the results of the current measurement and pixel-nozzle mapping and amplitude/phase determination. The taught-in SVM model and the current measurements are applied to printed, recorded and digitized customer's images to detect defective printing nozzles during production printing on the inkjet printing machine and the detected defective printing nozzles are compensated for.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing

34.

Method for deterministic image inspection of printed products of a machine for processing printing substrates

      
Application Number 17174718
Grant Number 11288793
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-12
First Publication Date 2021-08-19
Grant Date 2022-03-29
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schumann, Frank
  • Krieger, Jan
  • Carstensen, Bennet
  • Eisele, Peter

Abstract

A method for inspecting printed products of a machine for processing printing substrates includes recording and digitizing produced printed products by using at least one image sensor and analyzing the printed products by using a computer to find potential defects. Defects in the printed products are detected by the computer by comparing the recorded and digitized printed image with a digital reference image, analyzing occurring deviations, and marking defective printed products in a manner suitable for removal. The computer spatially subdivides every digitized printed image into regions with deviations, calculates the time required to analyze every one of the regions, and terminates the analysis of a digitized printed image when the time required to analyze the regions exceeds a predefined value of time per digitized printed image.

IPC Classes  ?

35.

Printing method with transfer of a barrier layer for producing high gloss printed products

      
Application Number 17176463
Grant Number 11850877
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-16
First Publication Date 2021-08-19
Grant Date 2023-12-26
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schmitt-Lewen, Martin
  • Gute, Heike
  • Euler, Thorsten

Abstract

A printed product is produced by providing a substrate, producing at least one interlayer on the substrate, printing a printed image onto the interlayer, and forming a barrier layer on the printed image. The barrier layer is provided on the printed image by applying a barrier composition to at least one carrier, at least partially drying the barrier layer and transferring it to the printed image. Preferred substrates have an acidic precoat layer as an interlayer. Such substrates can then be varnished with glossy varnishes, to achieve particularly high gloss values.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating
  • B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein

36.

Method of moving a stack of products by use of a robot

      
Application Number 17169786
Grant Number 11584605
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-08
First Publication Date 2021-08-12
Grant Date 2023-02-21
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Ackermann, Herbert
  • Ganter, Udo
  • Haupt-Terlau, Martin
  • Krumma, Joachim
  • Lubberger, Gerhard

Abstract

A method moves a stack of products by a robot. The robot has an articulated arm and at least one gripper disposed on the articulated arm to grip the stack of printed products and the stack of products selectively being turned. The method includes pivoting the stack of products through an effective angle α1< >180° and subsequently pivoting the stack through an effective angle α2=180°−α1 or pivoting the stack back through an effective angle α2=−α1. This method of moving stacks of products is performed in an automated way and in particular of depositing them in a turned or unturned arrangement.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B65H 31/30 - Arrangements for removing completed piles
  • B25J 9/16 - Programme controls
  • B25J 13/08 - Controls for manipulators by means of sensing devices, e.g. viewing or touching devices
  • B65H 31/38 - Apparatus for vibrating or knocking the pile during piling

37.

METHOD OF MOVING A STACK OF PRODUCTS USING A ROBOT

      
Application Number 17171006
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-02-09
First Publication Date 2021-08-12
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Ackermann, Herbert
  • Ganter, Udo
  • Haupt-Terlau, Martin
  • Krumma, Joachim
  • Lubberger, Gerhard

Abstract

A stack of products is moved using a robot. The robot has an articulated arm and grippers on the articulated arm to grip the stack of products. The stack of products is selectively turned in the depositing scheme. Two grippers are used in the method and, upon the deposit, the grippers are removed from the stack of products in the horizontal and in two directions perpendicular to one another. It is possible to move and selectively deposit stacks of product in a turned or unturned orientation.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B65G 47/90 - Devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials

38.

METHOD OF MOVING A STACK OF PRODUCTS USING A ROBOT

      
Application Number 17171002
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-02-09
First Publication Date 2021-08-12
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Ackermann, Herbert
  • Ganter, Udo
  • Haupt-Terlau, Martin
  • Krumma, Joachim
  • Lubberger, Gerhard

Abstract

A stack of products is moved with a robot which has an articulated arm and at least one gripper disposed on the articulated arm to grip the stack of products. The stack of products can be selectively turned. The step of moving terminates at a selected deposit location of a number of deposit positions of a predefined deposit scheme. The stacks of products are moved in an automated way and, in particular, the stacks are deposited in a turned or unturned arrangement.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B65G 47/90 - Devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials

39.

Device for moving a stack of products using a robot equipped gripper

      
Application Number 17171014
Grant Number 11401117
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-09
First Publication Date 2021-08-12
Grant Date 2022-08-02
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Ackermann, Herbert
  • Ganter, Udo
  • Haupt-Terlau, Martin
  • Krumma, Joachim
  • Lubberger, Gerhard

Abstract

A device for moving a stack of products using a robot. The robot has an articulated arm and a first gripper for the stack of products. The first gripper is disposed on the articulated arm. A gripping device is disposed on the articulated arm, the gripping device contains the first gripper and a second gripper, the first and second grippers are positionable relative to one another. Robot advantageously provides a method of moving stacks of products in an automated way and in particular of depositing them in a turned or unturned arrangement.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B65G 47/90 - Devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials
  • B65G 57/30 - Stacking of articles by adding to the bottom of the stack
  • B65G 47/248 - Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors orientating the articles by turning over or inverting them
  • B25J 15/02 - Gripping heads servo-actuated
  • B65H 31/34 - Apparatus for squaring-up piled articles

40.

Method for flexible processing of a job queue

      
Application Number 17166507
Grant Number 11294610
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-03
First Publication Date 2021-08-05
Grant Date 2022-04-05
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Kluepfel, Martin

Abstract

A method for an automated production of printing substrates on at least one printing machine having at least one computer, includes feeding print jobs to the computer in a printer job queue. The computer analyzes the print jobs in the printer queue in terms of defined minimum numbers before the print jobs are processed and the print jobs are not processed on the printing machine until a threshold of a defined minimum number is attained.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/06 - Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers
  • G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit

41.

Method for improved processing of print jobs using compatible material

      
Application Number 17160439
Grant Number 11507329
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-01-28
First Publication Date 2021-07-29
Grant Date 2022-11-22
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Wagensommer, Bernhard
  • Wolf, Rainer
  • Kropp, Frank
  • Grasl, Gottfried
  • Stahl, Dominic
  • Roessler, Georg
  • Grimm, Juergen

Abstract

A method of producing printed products uses at least one computer and at least one input device for controlling at least one machine for processing printing substrates. The input device receives technical and economic data of at least one print shop and the computer receives customer preferences relating to print jobs by using the input device. Based on the technical and economic data of the print shop, the computer calculates a simulation of possible print jobs producible in the print shop. The computer takes into account the results of the simulation and the customer preference inputs and generates matching offers for print jobs. The computer compares the generated offers with customer print jobs and, if a match is found between an offer and a customer's print job, the print job is processed by the machine for processing printing substrates.

IPC Classes  ?

42.

Method for feeding a web of printing material in a manufacturing system for producing packages

      
Application Number 17232478
Grant Number 11331872
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-04-16
First Publication Date 2021-07-29
Grant Date 2022-05-17
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Hanauer, Tobias
  • Schadl, Hans

Abstract

A method for feeding a web of printing material in a manufacturing system for producing packages, includes feeding the web from a web-fed printing press to a flat-bed machine for die-cutting or embossing while the printing press is in operation. An inserting device is used for winding the web onto an auxiliary wind-up device, moving a web-guiding element having a roller in a compensatory manner to achieve a temporary standstill of the web by converting a continuous movement of the web into an iterative movement by changing a speed of the web through changes of position of the roller, clamping the web while being cut by using a clamping unit, cross-cutting the web creating a cross cut edge by using a cutting unit adjacent the clamping unit, and inserting the web, cross cut edge first, into the flat-bed machine for at least one of die-cutting or embossing.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B31B 50/10 - Feeding or positioning webs
  • B31B 50/14 - Cutting, e.g. perforating, punching, slitting or trimming
  • B31B 50/88 - Printing; Embossing
  • B26F 1/40 - Cutting-out; Stamping-out using a press, e.g. of the ram type
  • B65H 20/18 - Advancing webs by web-gripping means, e.g. grippers, clips to effect step-by-step advancement of web
  • B65H 23/00 - Registering, tensioning, smoothing, or guiding webs
  • B65H 35/00 - Delivering articles from cutting or line-perforating machines; Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices, e.g. adhesive tape dispensers
  • B41F 21/04 - Grippers
  • B26D 7/02 - Means for holding or positioning work with clamping means
  • B31B 120/30 - Construction of rigid or semi-rigid containers temporarily collapsed during manufacturing

43.

Method of operating a flat-bed die cutter

      
Application Number 17123926
Grant Number 11524422
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-12-16
First Publication Date 2021-06-24
Grant Date 2022-12-13
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Schwab, Werner

Abstract

In a method of operating a flat-bed die-cutter a printing substrate in the form of a web is fed to a die-cutting module of the flat-bed die-cutter, a web section is severed from the web and removed as waste. The web is guided through the die-cutting module and the web section is severed from the web in or downstream of the die-cutting module and removed as waste. Products are thus formed by die-cutting a web while reducing waste and periods of standstill.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B26D 7/18 - Means for removing cut-out material or waste
  • B26D 7/01 - Means for holding or positioning work
  • B26D 7/32 - Means for performing other operations combined with cutting for conveying or stacking cut product
  • B26F 1/44 - Cutters therefor; Dies therefor

44.

Method of operating a rotary printing press

      
Application Number 17119178
Grant Number 11504961
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-12-11
First Publication Date 2021-06-17
Grant Date 2022-11-22
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Putzer, Marcus
  • Schadl, Hans

Abstract

In a method for operating a rotary printing press, preferably a flexographic printing press that processes webs, disturbances of a rotating printing cylinder are detected and reduced by changing the printing speed. Here, the disturbances are detected at an actuating drive of the printing cylinder. This leads to a cost-efficient way of printing without disturbances.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 5/24 - Rotary letterpress machines for flexographic printing
  • B41F 13/26 - Arrangement of cylinder bearings
  • B41F 13/08 - Cylinders
  • B41F 31/30 - Arrangements for tripping, lifting, adjusting, or removing inking rollers; Supports, bearings, or forks therefor

45.

RADIATION-CURABLE COMPOSITIONS OF PIGMENT VIOLET 23 WITH IMPROVED REMOVABILITY FROM SURFACES, METHOD OF MAKING A RADIATION-CURABLE COMPOSITION AND INK CONTAINING A RADIATION-CURABLE COMPOSITION

      
Application Number 17005979
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-08-28
First Publication Date 2021-03-04
Owner HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Paul, Thomas
  • Hachmann, Peter
  • Michel, Christoph
  • Mannekens, Els

Abstract

Radiation-curable compositions of Pigment Violet 23 are described which can be used advantageously in UV inks for inkjet printing machines. Soiling containing such UV inks, especially within inkjet printing machines, can be removed particularly easily in a contactless procedure with conventional cleaners. The radiation-curable compositions described contain at least one modified Pigment Violet 23 which carries at least one polar functional group of the formula (I): Radiation-curable compositions of Pigment Violet 23 are described which can be used advantageously in UV inks for inkjet printing machines. Soiling containing such UV inks, especially within inkjet printing machines, can be removed particularly easily in a contactless procedure with conventional cleaners. The radiation-curable compositions described contain at least one modified Pigment Violet 23 which carries at least one polar functional group of the formula (I): —X-E   (I) where X is a bridging group and E is a polar molecule radical.

IPC Classes  ?

  • C09B 19/02 - Bisoxazines prepared from amino quinones
  • C09D 11/101 - Inks specially adapted for printing processes involving curing by wave energy or particle radiation, e.g. with UV-curing following the printing
  • C09D 11/322 - Pigment inks

46.

Device for supplying liquid ink to an ink print head in an ink printing machine

      
Application Number 16926833
Grant Number 11279136
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-07-13
First Publication Date 2021-01-14
Grant Date 2022-03-22
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fischer, Joerg-Achim
  • Schoepke, Michael

Abstract

A device for supplying liquid ink to an ink print head in an ink printing machine includes an ink reservoir, a line for guiding the ink from the reservoir to the print head, a line for guiding the ink from the print head to the reservoir, and a damper for damping pressure fluctuations in the liquid ink. The damper has a movable and/or deformable membrane with a given thickness. In a position of repose, the membrane has a length L and a width W, and the length L is at least twice as long as the width W. The device renders possible in a simple and cost-efficient way to reliably avoid even large pressure fluctuations, in particular high pressure peaks in the liquid ink.

IPC Classes  ?

47.

Method for operating a printing material processing machine by applying a varnish consumption prediction

      
Application Number 16885520
Grant Number 11325391
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-05-28
First Publication Date 2020-12-03
Grant Date 2022-05-10
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Neeb, Steffen
  • Norrick, Nicklas Raymond
  • Henn, Andreas

Abstract

A method for operating a printing material processing machine by using a computer includes acquiring print job parameters from print jobs for the printing material processing machine and machine parameters by using the computer, evaluating the acquired parameters to determine the machine state by using the computer, and requesting and providing fluid consumable materials for optimizing the operation of the machine on the basis of the determined machine state by using the computer. Maintenance measures carried out on the machine are optimized on the basis of the determined machine state, by using the computer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 33/16 - Programming systems for automatic control of sequence of operations
  • B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems

48.

Method for verifying the authenticity of printed printing materials by using a dynamic mask

      
Application Number 16888941
Grant Number 11104170
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-06-01
First Publication Date 2020-12-03
Grant Date 2021-08-31
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Scmitt-Lewen, Martin
  • Fernandes, Felipe
  • Braig, Felix

Abstract

A method for verifying the authenticity of printed printing materials includes applying a random pattern to a printing material during a printing procedure in a first step. The printed printing materials are captured by a first electronic reading device during a production run, the captured data are transmitted to a computer and encrypted data are generated in the computer from the captured data of the applied random pattern. In a second step the printed printing material is at least partly scanned by using a second electronic reader and the authenticity of the printed printing material is ascertained from the scanned image data by a comparison with the encrypted data of the random pattern. A dynamically generated mask is used in the computer for selecting the random pattern when generating the encrypted data of the random pattern on the printed printing material.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41M 3/14 - Security printing
  • B42D 25/355 - Security threads
  • G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
  • G06K 19/10 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards
  • G06K 19/14 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards the marking being sensed by radiation
  • G06K 19/18 - Constructional details
  • G06K 19/08 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means
  • G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
  • G06K 9/46 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image
  • G06K 9/62 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means
  • G06Q 30/00 - Commerce

49.

Method for operating a printing machine with a processor

      
Application Number 16871350
Grant Number 11548300
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-05-11
First Publication Date 2020-11-12
Grant Date 2023-01-10
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Schmitt-Lewen, Martin

Abstract

A method for operating a printing machine having a processor and a device for detecting features of printing substrates includes storing print jobs with the printing substrates appropriate thereto in a database. Features of at least one printing substrate are detected by using the device. The detected features of the at least one printing substrate are compared by the processor with the printing substrates of the print jobs from the database. The processor selects at least one print job in which the printing substrates of the print jobs from the database correspond to the at least one detected printing substrate or attain a predefined similarity. The at least one print job selected by the processor is subsequently executed on the printing machine.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 29/38 - Drives, motors, controls, or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
  • B41J 13/00 - Devices or arrangements specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
  • G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern

50.

DEVICE FOR MEASURING ELEVATED AREAS OF THE SURFACE OF A ROTARY BODY AND SYSTEM HAVING THE DEVICE

      
Application Number 16871456
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-05-11
First Publication Date 2020-11-12
Owner HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG (Germany)
Inventor Schwab, Werner

Abstract

A device for measuring elevated areas of the surface of a rotary body in the form of a cylinder, a roller, a sleeve or a plate of a printing press, for example a flexographic printing plate, includes a first motor for rotating the rotary body about a rotational axis and a measuring unit for contactless measurement. The measuring unit for contactless measurement includes at least one radiation source and at least one area scan camera. The measuring unit for contactless measurement preferably includes a reference object, for example a wire tensioned in an axially parallel manner, a second motor and optionally a further second motor, for adjusting the measuring unit and/or the reference object perpendicularly to the rotational axis. The device makes it possible to measure elevated areas, for example flexographic print dots, quickly and with high precision. A system having the device is also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 5/24 - Rotary letterpress machines for flexographic printing
  • B41F 13/10 - Forme cylinders

51.

Method for assessing the condition and improving the printing quality of printing nozzles in printheads of an inkjet printing machine and improved printing nozzle test chart

      
Application Number 16742956
Grant Number 11198288
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-01-15
First Publication Date 2020-07-23
Grant Date 2021-12-14
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fehlner, Andreas
  • Koehler, Hans

Abstract

th printing nozzle contributing to the test chart in every row of the test chart and n corresponding to a different number between one and the specific number of horizontal rows, recording and digitizing the test chart and analyzing the test chart regarding the condition of the contributing nozzles by using a computer. The nozzles printing horizontal lines between the horizontal rows complementing the equidistant vertical lines to form quadrangular objects used by the computer to analyze the condition of the contributing nozzles. Measures are taken to improve the printing quality of the nozzles depending on the condition of the contributing nozzles.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers

52.

Method for determining print defects in a printing operation carried out on an inkjet printing machine for processing a print job

      
Application Number 16740687
Grant Number 11752775
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-01-13
First Publication Date 2020-07-16
Grant Date 2023-09-12
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Krieger, Jan
  • Schumann, Frank

Abstract

A method for determining print defects in a printing operation carried out on an inkjet printing machine for processing a print job includes using a camera system to record and digitize printed products generated during the printing operation, feeding the camera image having been thus generated to a detection algorithm on the computer, alerting a machine control unit when print defects are found, and ejecting the printed product through a waste ejector if necessary. The detection algorithm separates color separations of the camera images, detects the print defects in the color separations, links images of the individual color separations to form a candidate image, filters the candidate image, enters the remaining detected print defects into a list, and forwards the list to the machine control unit of the printing machine.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine

53.

Method for providing codes on components during a 3D manufacturing process

      
Application Number 16701467
Grant Number 11453167
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-12-03
First Publication Date 2020-06-04
Grant Date 2022-09-27
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schmitt-Lewen, Martin
  • Hierl, Guido
  • Mueller, Andreas

Abstract

A method is provided for controlling the subsequent treatment of a workpiece that has previously been manufactured in an additive manufacturing process and has had marks formed thereon during the additive manufacturing process. The marks are used to control the application or ablation of material in the subsequent treatment of the workpiece.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B29C 64/30 - Auxiliary operations or equipment
  • B29C 64/386 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 50/00 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 40/20 - Post-treatment, e.g. curing, coating or polishing

54.

Method for fast elimination of image distortions while inspecting images on printed products in a printing machine

      
Application Number 16696224
Grant Number 11019226
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-11-26
First Publication Date 2020-05-28
Grant Date 2021-05-25
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Schumann, Frank

Abstract

A method for inspecting images on printed products in a machine for processing printing substrates includes recording and digitizing the produced printed products by using at least one image sensor in an image recording system, comparing the recorded digital printed images having been created in this way with a digital reference image by using the computer, digitally eliminating distortion in the recorded digital printed images beforehand by using the computer and, if the recorded digital distortion-free printed images deviate from the digital reference image, removing printed products having been found to have a defect. For the purpose of digitally eliminating the distortions, the computer divides the print and reference images into respective image parts and adapts the printed image parts pixel by pixel in terms of their positions in the printed image to minimize the difference between the printed image parts and the respective reference image parts.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 1/00 - PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION - Details thereof
  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis

55.

Method for generating substrate-dependent compensation profiles and for compensating for position-dependent density fluctuations

      
Application Number 16697584
Grant Number 10906326
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-11-27
First Publication Date 2020-05-28
Grant Date 2021-02-02
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Hauck, Axel

Abstract

A method for compensating for position-dependent density fluctuations of print nozzles in any inkjet printer by a computer. The computer produces, for all substrates used, compensation profiles for the position-dependent density fluctuations over all print heads of the inkjet printer and applies the compensation profiles to compensate for the position-dependent density fluctuations in the inkjet printer. The computer determines in each case printer-specific or print head-specific influences and print substrate-specific influence factors with a generic reference print substrate, from which a reference compensation profile is produced which depends on the surface coverage and location. From this the computer produces a total compensation profile which is used to compensate for position-dependent density fluctuations.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • B41J 2/205 - Ink jet for printing a discrete number of tones
  • B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine
  • H04N 1/60 - Colour correction or control
  • H04N 1/407 - Control or modification of tonal gradation or of extreme levels, e.g. background level

56.

Color control in a printing press by adapting the print image data in the device-independent color space to deviating measurement conditions of the output profile using UV light excitation

      
Application Number 16655546
Grant Number 11272077
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-10-17
First Publication Date 2020-04-30
Grant Date 2022-03-08
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Pfeiffer, Nikolaus
  • Bollmann, Stefan
  • Thomsen, Hauke

Abstract

A method performs color control in a printing operation on a printing machine by use of a computer. The computer uses an input profile to transform print image data from a first color space to a device-independent color space, subsequently uses an output profile to transform the print image data into a second color space dependent on the printing machine. The computer compares measurement conditions of the used input profile and of the output profile to be generated, and, if there are differences between the respective measurement conditions, adapts the print image data in the device-independent color space to deviating measurement conditions of the output profile. The printing machine subsequently executes the printing operation using the print image data, and wherein UV light excitation is used for the measurement conditions of the output profile.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 1/60 - Colour correction or control
  • H04N 1/00 - PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION - Details thereof

57.

Method for producing a printed product

      
Application Number 16590936
Grant Number 11413894
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-10-02
First Publication Date 2020-04-02
Grant Date 2022-08-16
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Schmitt-Lewen, Martin

Abstract

A method produces a printed product. The method includes transferring a first Fluid onto at least one section of printing stock, applying a second fluid, having a dewetting effect on the first fluid, onto a form configured as a relief printing form or embossing form, and transferring the second fluid to at least some points of the section. In this manner printed products of high quality can be produced.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41M 1/24 - Inking and printing with a printer's forme combined with embossing
  • B41F 23/04 - Devices for treating the surfaces of sheets, webs or other articles in connection with printing by heat drying, by cooling, by applying powders
  • B41F 19/02 - Apparatus or machines for carrying out printing operations combined with other operations with embossing
  • B41M 1/14 - Multicolour printing
  • B41F 23/08 - Print-finishing devices, e.g. for glossing prints
  • B41M 1/04 - Flexographic printing
  • B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating

58.

Printing substrate transport device and printing machine

      
Application Number 16580585
Grant Number 11472204
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-09-24
First Publication Date 2020-03-26
Grant Date 2022-10-18
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Moehringer, Markus

Abstract

A transport device for transporting printing substrates includes a conveyor belt that is supported on its inner side by revolving profiles. Each profile has grooves, at least one of which has a first bore and a second bore. A vacuum is applied to the first bore and the second bore is in air-conducting connection with a longitudinal groove in a slide so that suction air flows out of the longitudinal groove, through the at least one groove and into the first bore. A printing machine is also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B65H 5/02 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by belts or chains
  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

59.

Belt conveyor for printing sheets

      
Application Number 16508775
Grant Number 10800190
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-07-11
First Publication Date 2020-03-26
Grant Date 2020-10-13
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Moehringer, Markus

Abstract

A belt conveyor for printing sheets includes an outer belt on which the printing sheets rest during transport. The belt conveyor also includes an inner belt. A chain is disposed between the inner belt and the outer belt. The inner belt drives the chain and the chain drives the outer belt.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

60.

Device for controlling an inkjet printing machine to provide a variable distance between an inkjet print head and a substrate

      
Application Number 16577087
Grant Number 11247496
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-09-20
First Publication Date 2020-03-26
Grant Date 2022-02-15
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Neeb, Steffen
  • Norrick, Nicklas Raymond
  • Henn, Andreas
  • Forche, Jens

Abstract

A device for controlling the printing operation in an inkjet printing machine includes at least one inkjet print head disposed at an adjustable distance from a substrate to be printed on. A device receives a print job and a bad sheet sensor has a trigger threshold. A machine control unit adjusts the distance between the inkjet print head and the substrate to be printed on as well as the trigger threshold of the bad sheet sensor before or after the printing operation as a function of a received print job.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 25/308 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with print gap adjustment mechanisms
  • B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

61.

Method for printing an image using liquid ink

      
Application Number 16578470
Grant Number 10987924
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-09-23
First Publication Date 2020-03-26
Grant Date 2021-04-27
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fischer, Joerg-Achim
  • Norrick, Nicklas Raymond

Abstract

A method for printing an image with improved printing quality using liquid ink includes using a pump to pump ink to a print head for printing rows of the image onto a moving printing substrate. A respective value correlated with the amount of ink required to print the rows is calculated for a plurality of individual rows or a plurality of grouped rows of the image. The pump receives a preemptive control signal based on the calculated values.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • B05C 11/10 - Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
  • G05D 7/06 - Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means

62.

Density fluctuation compensation during print head replacement

      
Application Number 16583391
Grant Number 10906296
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-09-26
First Publication Date 2020-03-26
Grant Date 2021-02-02
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Samadzadegan, Sepideh
  • Koehler, Hans
  • Pfeiffer, Nikolaus
  • Kamper, Annika

Abstract

A method compensates for position-dependent density fluctuations of print nozzles in an inkjet printing machine by use of a computer. The computer produces compensation profiles for the position-dependent density fluctuations over all the print heads for all print substrates used, calculates an mean profile from these, and applies the mean profile to compensate for the position-dependent density fluctuations in the inkjet printing machine. When one or more print heads of the inkjet printing machine are replaced, the computer calculates a new compensation profile for only one print substrate. The computer derives a new mean profile from this, and the computer calculates and applies the new mean profile using the old compensation profiles for the remaining print substrates.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • H04N 1/60 - Colour correction or control
  • B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine

63.

Printing machine with an inkjet printing head, a radiation drier and at least one light trap

      
Application Number 16512989
Grant Number 11548296
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-07-16
First Publication Date 2020-02-06
Grant Date 2023-01-10
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Greive, Martin
  • Maschler, Ernst-Christian
  • Kohlmann, Michael
  • Wolf, Markus
  • Korkut Punckt, Sibel

Abstract

A printing machine includes an inkjet printing head having separately controllable nozzles for applying ink to a transported printing material, a radiation drier having radiation sources for generating electromagnetic radiation to at least partly dry and/or cure the applied ink on the transported printing material and at least one light trap disposed between the inkjet printing head and the radiation drier in such a way that the light trap forms a barrier for reflected and/or scattered radiation, thus protecting the inkjet printing head from radiation. The light trap includes at least one channel connected to an aspiration device for aspirating contaminated ambient air through the channel and reducing or preventing contamination of the radiation drier.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
  • B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating

64.

Method of fail-safe color transformation

      
Application Number 16502086
Grant Number 10800183
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-07-03
First Publication Date 2020-01-23
Grant Date 2020-10-13
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Siegeritz, Helmut

Abstract

A method for reducing the effect of defective printing nozzles in a multicolor printing process on an inkjet printing machine. A computer creates a color transformation table that, for every process color of the inkjet printing machine, includes a replacement combination of the respective other process colors with a minimum color distance to the process color in question. The color transformation table is used to compensate for a defective printing nozzle. The color transformation table is created by printing and measuring a test chart with all process colors and interpolated by the computer. The color transformation table is then optimized to avoid undesired transitions between supporting points of the color transformation table and the resultant color transformation table accordingly contains process color combinations with minimum sensitivity to defective printing nozzles and the optimized table is used to carry out the multicolor printing operation on the inkjet printing machine.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing

65.

Method for detecting and compensating for defective print heads in an inkjet printing machine by stochastic print head monitoring

      
Application Number 16508358
Grant Number 10625499
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-07-11
First Publication Date 2020-01-16
Grant Date 2020-04-21
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Neeb, Steffen
  • Norrick, Nicklas Raymond
  • Henn, Andreas
  • Forche, Jens
  • Fehlner, Andreas

Abstract

A method for detecting and compensating for defective print heads in an inkjet printing machine uses a computer to analyze printing nozzle test charts and/or area coverage elements to obtain characteristic values of individual printing nozzles in a print head, to calculate the failure probabilities of these printing nozzles on the basis of thresholds, and to compensate for a printing nozzle that exceeds a specified failure probability. The computer uses the individual failure probabilities of the individual printing nozzles in a print head to calculate the failure probability of the print head and initiates compensation measures as a function of the calculation. The thresholds correspond to a multi-dimensional characteristic value threshold based on which the computer calculates the failure probability of a printing nozzle by using an algorithm including kernel density estimation through a multidimensional distribution function.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles

66.

Sheet-fed printing machine with a humidification device

      
Application Number 16503780
Grant Number 11014377
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-07-05
First Publication Date 2020-01-09
Grant Date 2021-05-25
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Ruppaner, Christoph
  • Haas, Claudius
  • Leva, Markus
  • Angst, Uwe
  • Fellenberg, Ulrich
  • Klein, Edmund
  • Boettger, Andreas
  • Wilhelm, Sebastian
  • Hachmann, Peter

Abstract

A sheet-fed printing machine contains a printing unit, a drier, and a sheet handling device for transporting or guiding print sheets. The sheet handling device has an opening disposed downstream of the drier in the direction of transport. A humidification device for rehumidifying the print sheets is disposed in such a way that it rehumidifies the print sheets through the opening. The sheet handling device may contain a guide plate or several guide plates.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

67.

Method for printing on a body by using inkjet printing

      
Application Number 16427431
Grant Number 10611175
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-05-31
First Publication Date 2019-12-26
Grant Date 2020-04-07
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Falter, Silas

Abstract

A method for printing tracks on bodies by using inkjet printing provides printed images with a homogeneous appearance on the bodies, in particular when printing large single-color areas. The homogeneous appearance is obtained by reducing the intensity of the UV radiation from at least one inkjet print head when pinning in track connection regions.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
  • B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof
  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form

68.

Method and device for inspecting images on print products using an image inspection robot

      
Application Number 16418218
Grant Number 11250556
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-05-21
First Publication Date 2019-12-19
Grant Date 2022-02-15
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Trachanas, Ilias
  • Fehlner, Andreas

Abstract

A method for inspecting images on print products in a printing material processing machine includes recording and digitizing produced print products using at least one image sensor in an image inspection process of a print job using an image inspection system. The recorded digital prints that have been created are compared to a digital reference image by using a computer and, if deviations are found between the recorded digital prints and the digital reference image, print products found to be defective are removed. The image sensor records the produced print products from at least two different viewing angles and/or viewing distances and the computer evaluates the at least two recorded digital prints as a function of the at least two viewing angles and/or viewing distances and assesses them in terms of deviations. A device for inspecting images on print products is also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
  • H04N 1/00 - PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION - Details thereof
  • G06F 3/12 - Digital output to print unit
  • B25J 19/02 - Sensing devices
  • G06K 15/10 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by matrix printers
  • B25J 9/02 - Programme-controlled manipulators characterised by movement of the arms, e.g. cartesian co-ordinate type
  • G06K 9/03 - Detection or correction of errors, e.g. by rescanning the pattern

69.

Method for density fluctuation compensation in an inkjet printing machine

      
Application Number 16387061
Grant Number 10836158
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-04-17
First Publication Date 2019-11-21
Grant Date 2020-11-17
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Stritzel, Bernd

Abstract

A method for compensating for position-dependent density fluctuations in an inkjet printing machine includes the steps of assigning, by using a look-up table, specific halftone patterns to specific gray values of a color separation to be screened of an image in the course of the calibration of a raster image processor of the inkjet printing machine, using the halftone patterns in the image screening process by using the computer and printing the halftone image on the inkjet printing machine. The look-up table contains the position of every printing nozzle of the print heads in the inkjet printing machine as an additional variable and the computer enters a complete set of gray values with associated adapted halftone patterns into the look-up table for every position of a printing nozzle.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing

70.

Method for controlling ink in an inkjet printing machine by simulating the film thickness of CMY inks

      
Application Number 16384303
Grant Number 10681248
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-04-15
First Publication Date 2019-11-07
Grant Date 2020-06-09
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Von Neindorff, Boris
  • Weinholz, Peter

Abstract

A method for inkjet printing machine color control includes color transformation of print data from first color space to process color space in a first stage using a computer transforming print data from the first to an intermediate color space while keeping special colors, and a second stage transforming corrected print data including special colors from intermediate to process color space. The computer uses print data corrected after the first stage as second stage starting values. Print data transformed into the process color space are printed. First color space corresponds to CMYK, flexographic printing or RGB color space with special colors, intermediate color space corresponds to CMYK color space with special colors, process color space corresponds to CMYK color space with additional process colors. The computer corrects CMY, not K print data or special not transformed colors, when correcting print data in the intermediate color space after the first stage.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 1/00 - PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION - Details thereof
  • H04N 1/60 - Colour correction or control

71.

Method for printing and drying

      
Application Number 16395539
Grant Number 10882336
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-04-26
First Publication Date 2019-10-31
Grant Date 2021-01-05
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schoenberger, Wolfgang
  • Hachmann, Peter
  • Moehringer, Markus
  • Ernst, Uwe
  • Hieb, Christian
  • Schmidt, Thomas
  • Mueller, Rolf
  • Sauer, Michael

Abstract

A method prints and dries a substrate where ink containing water and pigment is printed onto the substrate in an inkjet printing process. The substrate has an initial moisture content and absorbs at least water of the ink, causing the moisture content of the substrate to rise. Radiation selectively acting on the water molecules is applied in a first drying step and then radiation selectively acting on the pigment is applied in a second drying step in such a way that after completion of the two drying steps, the water of the applied ink has essentially completely evaporated and the substrate has essentially reattained its initial moisture content. In this manner optimum drying of substrates to which ink has been applied occurs.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
  • B41M 7/00 - After-treatment of printed works, e.g. heating, irradiating

72.

Method for printing on the surface of an object

      
Application Number 16359493
Grant Number 11034160
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-03-20
First Publication Date 2019-10-03
Grant Date 2021-06-15
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Ernst, Uwe

Abstract

A method for printing on the surface of an object uses a print head generating ink drops to print at least a first swath and subsequently a second swath of ink onto the surface in such a way that the swaths are mutually adjacent and overlap in a strip. The first and second swaths are printed as solid areas and the swaths are XY stitched in the strip. In the strip, at least one of the two swaths is additionally stitched by using a function of an ink amount profile in a Y direction. High-quality or even highest-quality printed products can therefore be produced, in particular avoiding defects that are visible to the human eye in a region of overlap or a strip between swaths that are printed next to one another.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
  • B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

73.

Method for detecting and compensating for defective printing nozzles in an inkjet printing machine using a threshold calculation based on weighting factors

      
Application Number 16360692
Grant Number 10549545
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-03-21
First Publication Date 2019-09-26
Grant Date 2020-02-04
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Neeb, Steffen
  • Norrick, Nicklas Raymond
  • Henn, Andreas
  • Fehlner, Andreas
  • Wolf, Thomas

Abstract

A method for detecting and compensating defective printing nozzles in an inkjet printing machine includes periodically printing at least one printing nozzle test chart having horizontal rows of equidistant vertical lines underneath one another, with only nozzles contributing to the test chart in every row corresponding to horizontal rows, and printing an area coverage element geometrically associated with the test chart. Both elements are recorded by an image sensor and evaluated by a computer. The computer identifies print defects by evaluating the area coverage element and allocates the defects to defective nozzles. The computer evaluates the test chart based on thresholds to detect defective nozzles and compensate detected defective nozzles. The computer compares the detected defective nozzles from the area coverage element and the test chart to identify detected defective nozzles causing defects in only one element and calculates the thresholds based thereon to minimize the detected defective nozzles.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine
  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • G06K 15/10 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by matrix printers

74.

Print bar with compensation coupling

      
Application Number 16298014
Grant Number 11415182
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-03-11
First Publication Date 2019-09-26
Grant Date 2022-08-16
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Mueller, Andreas
  • Wolf, Burkhard

Abstract

A print bar for inkjet printing includes print heads disposed in a row, adjustment devices for adjusting the print heads relative to one another in which each of the adjustment devices includes at least one screw and at least one shaft for rotating the at least one screw, and a compensation coupling interconnecting the screw and the shaft. The compensation coupling includes a first coupling half and a second coupling half configured to fit together under elastic deformation. The first coupling half includes spring claws having a first pitch and the first coupling half is disposed on the shaft. The second coupling half including a toothing having a second pitch and the second coupling half is disposed on the screw. The first and second pitches differ from one another.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
  • F16D 13/75 - Features relating to adjustment, e.g. slack adjusters
  • F16D 3/18 - Universal joints in which flexibility is produced by means of pivots or sliding or rolling connecting parts the coupling parts having slidably-interengaging teeth

75.

Web-fed printing machine

      
Application Number 16360241
Grant Number 10717301
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-03-21
First Publication Date 2019-09-26
Grant Date 2020-07-21
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Hachmann, Peter

Abstract

A printing machine for printing on a web includes a first roller and a second roller between which the web forms a loop. A trough for pneumatically guiding the loop equidistantly to the major part of the length of curvature of the trough is provided between the first roller and the second roller.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
  • B41J 11/04 - Roller platens
  • B65H 23/24 - Registering, tensioning, smoothing, or guiding webs longitudinally by fluid action, e.g. to retard the running web
  • B41J 15/00 - Devices or arrangements specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in continuous form, e.g. webs
  • B41F 13/02 - Conveying or guiding webs through presses or machines

76.

Image inspection method with local image rectification

      
Application Number 16257401
Grant Number 11254119
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-01-25
First Publication Date 2019-09-26
Grant Date 2022-02-22
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fergen, Immanuel
  • Schumann, Frank

Abstract

A method for image inspection on printed products in a printing material processing machine. Printed products are recorded and digitizing and the recorded images are compared with a digital reference image to find image areas with distorted regions. Suitable rectification factors are calculated and the digital reference image is rectified with suitable rectification factors for the distorted image areas. The modified digital reference image is then compared to images recorded during the production run. If deviations are found, the printed products are found defective and removed. The computer also identifies image areas in the reference image that do not have enough edges for calculating suitable rectification factors and inserts anchors into the image areas. The anchors are printed, recorded and digitized, as they become part of the recorded digital printed image. In that case, the computer calculates the local rectification factors by way of the anchors.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 33/00 - Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices
  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis

77.

Device for imaging and/or varnishing the surfaces of objects

      
Application Number 16434266
Grant Number 10821725
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-06-07
First Publication Date 2019-09-19
Grant Date 2020-11-03
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Pitz, Heiner
  • Matern, Alexander

Abstract

A device for imaging and/or varnishing the surfaces of objects or vehicles, etc. includes adapting a time lag between an application of fluid and further treatment thereof, such as drying ink or varnish, to a spreading behavior of the fluid during the application thereof. The fluid may be applied to the surface of the object in sections, firstly drying the fluid in individual sections before applying it to the next section.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for
  • B05B 12/02 - Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area for controlling time, or sequence, of delivery
  • B05B 12/08 - Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target
  • B05B 13/04 - Means for supporting work; Arrangement or mounting of spray heads; Adaptation or arrangement of means for feeding work the spray heads being moved during operation
  • B05C 9/14 - Apparatus or plant for applying liquid or other fluent material to surfaces by means not covered by groups , or in which the means of applying the liquid or other fluent material is not important for applying liquid or other fluent material and performing an auxiliary operation the auxiliary operation involving heating
  • B05C 11/10 - Storage, supply or control of liquid or other fluent material; Recovery of excess liquid or other fluent material
  • B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
  • B05C 5/02 - Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work from an outlet device in contact, or almost in contact, with the work
  • B05B 1/30 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages

78.

Method for changing plates on a cylinder

      
Application Number 16262992
Grant Number 11110700
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-01-31
First Publication Date 2019-08-22
Grant Date 2021-09-07
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kuendgen, Rolf
  • Stellberger, Rudi
  • Schoenmann, Dirk

Abstract

A method and device change printing plates on a cylinder. The method includes opening a first clamping device and releasing a leading edge of a first printing plate and opening a second clamping device and releasing a trailing edge of the first printing plate. The first and second clamping devices are both opened before a first rotation process of a cylinder. The cylinder is rotated during the first rotation process in a first direction to dismount the first printing plate from a circumferential surface of the cylinder. The cylinder is rotated in a second rotation process in an opposite second direction to mount a second printing plate replacing the first printing plate to the circumferential surface of the cylinder. Because the first clamping device and the second clamping device are both opened before the first rotation of the cylinder, the set-up period required for a printing plate change is reduced.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 27/12 - Devices for attaching printing elements or formes to supports for attaching flexible printing formes
  • B41F 27/06 - Devices for attaching printing elements or formes to supports for attaching printing elements to forme cylinders

79.

Method for compensating for defective printing nozzles in an inkjet printing machine

      
Application Number 16251898
Grant Number 10696062
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-01-18
First Publication Date 2019-08-22
Grant Date 2020-06-30
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Hauck, Axel
  • Mayer, Martin
  • Trachanas, Ilias

Abstract

A method for compensating for defective printing nozzles in an inkjet printing machine by way of a computer. Defective printing nozzles are compensated for by an increased ink drop volume of neighboring printing nozzles and the real positions of the print dots of all printing nozzles are determined and, to compensate for a printing nozzle failure, the required ink drop volumes of the respective neighboring printing nozzles are calculated for every printing nozzle as a function of the real positions of the print dots of the respective neighboring printing nozzles. In addition to increased ink drop volumes of the respective neighboring printing nozzles, reduced ink drop volumes are calculated for the respective next but one printing nozzles and all ink drop volumes are calculated based on the print dots of the respective printing nozzles.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/205 - Ink jet for printing a discrete number of tones
  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • H04N 1/401 - Compensating positionaly unequal response of the pick-up or reproducing head
  • B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine
  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

80.

Print head adjustment device

      
Application Number 16252071
Grant Number 10737516
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-01-18
First Publication Date 2019-08-22
Grant Date 2020-08-11
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Mueller, Andreas

Abstract

A device for adjusting print heads, in particular inkjet print heads of an inkjet printing machine, on a print bar includes motors disposed in a row and supported for joint movement. Every motor carries a motor gearwheel and every motor gearwheel is successively engageable with at least two respective adjustment gearwheels.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 29/38 - Drives, motors, controls, or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
  • B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
  • B41J 2/155 - Arrangement thereof for line printing
  • B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for
  • B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
  • B41J 25/316 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with tilting motion mechanisms relative to paper surface

81.

Method for alternately operating an inkjet printing machine

      
Application Number 16262070
Grant Number 10737505
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-01-30
First Publication Date 2019-08-22
Grant Date 2020-08-11
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Hachmann, Peter

Abstract

nd mode of printing a reduced-color second print job at a second conveying speed greater than the first conveying speed and at the same print resolution using the n inks. The printing speed and thus the number of prints produced per unit of time in a machine can therefore advantageously be increased.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • B41J 2/505 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes from an assembly of identical printing elements

82.

Method for detecting defective printing nozzles in an inkjet printing machine

      
Application Number 16272064
Grant Number 10603923
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-02-11
First Publication Date 2019-08-15
Grant Date 2020-03-31
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Muehl, Johannes
  • Koehler, Hans
  • Stenzel, Roland
  • Henn, Andreas
  • Mayer, Martin
  • Neeb, Steffen
  • Muth, Frank
  • Krieger, Jan
  • Norrick, Nicklas Raymond
  • Abosetta, Mina

Abstract

A method for detecting defective printing nozzles in an inkjet printing machine includes printing a multi-row printing nozzle test chart formed of horizontal rows of equidistant vertical lines periodically underneath one another, with only printing nozzles in a print head contributing to every row of the test chart corresponding to the horizontal rows. An area coverage element geometrically associated with the test chart is printed, both elements are recorded by an image sensor and analyzed by the computer. The computer analyzes the recorded area coverage element to detect print defects and allocates defects to a region of geometrically close printing nozzles. An analysis of the test chart in the region identifies nozzles causing the defect. Defective printing nozzles are detected based on thresholds, the detected printing nozzles are then compensated, and in the analysis of the recorded area coverage element, influences of the sensor are eliminated by shading correction.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • B41J 2/165 - Prevention of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
  • B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine
  • H04N 1/401 - Compensating positionaly unequal response of the pick-up or reproducing head
  • B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

83.

Print bar for inkjet printing having guide profiles for guiding head mounts for print heads

      
Application Number 16273196
Grant Number 10661571
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-02-12
First Publication Date 2019-08-15
Grant Date 2020-05-26
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Mueller, Andreas
  • Wolf, Burkhard

Abstract

A print bar for inkjet printing includes a crossbar carrier, a row of head mounts carried by the crossbar carrier, and print heads held by the head mounts. Every head mount has lateral guide profiles for linearly guiding the head mounts. The guide profiles of respective adjacent or neighboring head mounts engage in one another.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
  • B41J 25/34 - Bodily-changeable print heads or carriages
  • B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

84.

Shrink-print method for detecting and compensating for defective printing nozzles in an inkjet printing machine

      
Application Number 16192035
Grant Number 10391785
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-11-15
First Publication Date 2019-08-08
Grant Date 2019-08-27
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Trachanas, Ilias
  • Hauck, Axel

Abstract

A method for detecting and compensating for defective printing nozzles in an inkjet printing machine by using a computer, includes shrinking the height of a digitally available image to the image height of a print control strip by using the computer while the image width remains uninfluenced, printing the shrunk digital image onto a printing substrate, recording the printed shrunk digital image by using at least one image sensor, comparing the recorded image with the shrunk digital image by using the computer, detecting defective printing nozzles for the digital image by using the computer based on the comparison and compensating for the detected defective printing nozzles. The digital image is printed onto the following printing substrate by using defective printing nozzle compensation.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • G06K 15/10 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by matrix printers
  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
  • B41J 2/195 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for monitoring ink quality

85.

Method for image inspection of printed products using adaptive image smoothing

      
Application Number 16268562
Grant Number 10623605
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-02-06
First Publication Date 2019-08-08
Grant Date 2020-04-14
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fergen, Immanuel
  • Schumann, Frank

Abstract

A method for image inspection of printed products in a printing material processing machine includes using an image sensor to capture and digitize printed products during image inspection by an image capture system, using a computer to carry out a comparison of captured digital printed images with a digital reference image, examining a result of the comparison for image regions with blurry regions in the captured digital printed image, calculating suitable smoothing factors for the blurry image regions, and then carry out smoothing of the digital reference image with the calculated, suitable smoothing factors for the blurry image regions, causing the digital reference image to have a blurriness comparable to the captured digital printed image in the image regions. Printed products detected as faulty are removed upon an occurrence of deviations of the captured digital printed image from the digital reference image.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 1/409 - Edge or detail enhancement; Noise or error suppression
  • G06K 9/03 - Detection or correction of errors, e.g. by rescanning the pattern
  • B41F 33/00 - Indicating, counting, warning, control or safety devices
  • G06T 5/00 - Image enhancement or restoration
  • G06T 5/20 - Image enhancement or restoration by the use of local operators
  • G06T 7/00 - Image analysis

86.

Method of compensating for printing substrate deformation in multicolor duplex printing

      
Application Number 16251892
Grant Number 10536609
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-01-18
First Publication Date 2019-07-25
Grant Date 2020-01-14
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Schramek, Edmund
  • Schmitt, Hans-Peter

Abstract

A method for compensating for printing substrate deformation in a multicolor duplex printing operation by way of a computer. The substrate deformation that arises when individual color separations are printed onto the first and second sides of the printing substrate in the printing units is established and compensated for in the course of an automated register correction process. The computer calculates a forecast of the substrate deformation on a basis of the established first side deformation parameters of the printing substrate. When further color separations are printed onto the second side the forecast is used as an input parameter for a compensation of the substrate deformation of the second side.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 1/409 - Edge or detail enhancement; Noise or error suppression
  • H04N 1/32 - Circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver

87.

Monitoring device and method of monitoring an impedance of a protective conductor, and charging control unit

      
Application Number 16354806
Grant Number 11486907
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-03-15
First Publication Date 2019-07-11
Grant Date 2022-11-01
Owner
  • TE Connectivity Germany GmbH (Germany)
  • Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kipp, Stefan
  • Karrasch, Gregor
  • Stross, Stefan
  • Engert, Stefan

Abstract

A monitoring device for monitoring an impedance of a protective conductor. The monitoring device has a first voltage divider for connection to a voltage source including a series connection to a first resistor and a second resistor. The second resistor has a resistance value which corresponds to a threshold value for the impedance of the protective conductor. A second voltage divider includes a series connection to a third resistor and a bridge diode and a connection to the first resistor at a first end of the third resistor and connectable to a second end of the third resistor and to the protective conductor. A measuring device is provided for the detection of a bridge voltage between a first node and a second node if the impedance of the protective conductor is greater than the value of the second resistor.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 17/10 - Measuring arrangements involving comparison with a reference value, e.g. bridge ac or dc measuring bridges
  • G01R 27/18 - Measuring resistance to earth
  • G01R 17/14 - Measuring arrangements involving comparison with a reference value, e.g. bridge ac or dc measuring bridges with indication of measured value by calibrated null indicator, e.g. percent bridge, tolerance bridge
  • G01R 31/52 - Testing for short-circuits, leakage current or ground faults
  • G01R 31/54 - Testing for continuity
  • B60L 53/62 - Monitoring or controlling charging stations in response to charging parameters, e.g. current, voltage or electrical charge
  • B60L 53/18 - Cables specially adapted for charging electric vehicles
  • G01R 15/04 - Voltage dividers
  • H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries

88.

Web insertion device for a flat-bed die-cutting machine, manufacturing system for packages and method for feeding a web of printing material

      
Application Number 16297077
Grant Number 11090896
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-03-08
First Publication Date 2019-07-04
Grant Date 2021-08-17
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Hanauer, Tobias
  • Schadl, Hans

Abstract

A device for inserting a web of printing material into a flat-bed die-cutting and/or embossing machine includes a compensator for converting a continuous movement of the web of printing material into an iterative movement of the web of printing material. A clamping unit clamps the web of printing material, a cutting unit carries out a cross cut through the web of printing material, and an inserting unit transports the web of printing material into the flat-bed die-cutting and/or embossing machine. The device advantageously allows the web of printing material to be automatically clamped, cut and fed to the flat-bed die-cutting and/or embossing machine. As a result, no further stopping of an upstream printing press is required and the amount of waste is reduced. A manufacturing system for producing packages and a method for feeding a web of printing material are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B31B 50/10 - Feeding or positioning webs
  • B31B 50/14 - Cutting, e.g. perforating, punching, slitting or trimming
  • B31B 50/88 - Printing; Embossing
  • B26D 7/02 - Means for holding or positioning work with clamping means
  • B26F 1/40 - Cutting-out; Stamping-out using a press, e.g. of the ram type
  • B65H 20/18 - Advancing webs by web-gripping means, e.g. grippers, clips to effect step-by-step advancement of web
  • B65H 23/00 - Registering, tensioning, smoothing, or guiding webs
  • B65H 35/00 - Delivering articles from cutting or line-perforating machines; Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices, e.g. adhesive tape dispensers
  • B41F 21/04 - Grippers
  • B31B 120/30 - Construction of rigid or semi-rigid containers temporarily collapsed during manufacturing

89.

Method for the automated calibration of a printing machine

      
Application Number 16211282
Grant Number 10569583
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-12-06
First Publication Date 2019-06-20
Grant Date 2020-02-25
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Knabe, Alexander
  • Schneider, Manfred

Abstract

A method for the automated calibration of a printing machine with an image capture system by using a computer, includes putting at least one printed sample substrate with defined deviations into the printing machine, generating a digital image of the printed sample substrate by using the image capture system, calculating current compensation values including defined deviations for configuration parameters of the printing machine relating to optimizing the printing quality by using the computer, and comparing the current compensation values created with target compensation values known from the defined deviations of the printed sample substrate. Serviceability of the printing machine is checked by evaluating the comparison by the computer and/or calibrating the printing machine by using the evaluated comparison by the computer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 29/393 - Devices for controlling or analysing the entire machine
  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • B41J 11/46 - Controlling by marks or formations on the paper being fed
  • B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

90.

Method for detecting and compensating for defective printing nozzles in an ink jet printing machine

      
Application Number 16161141
Grant Number 10596806
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-10-16
First Publication Date 2019-05-30
Grant Date 2020-03-24
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Neeb, Steffen
  • Norrick, Nicklas Raymond
  • Henn, Andreas
  • Fehlner, Andreas
  • Wolf, Thomas
  • Forche, Jens

Abstract

A method for detecting and compensating for defective printing nozzles in an ink jet printing machine by using a computer includes printing printing nozzle test charts next to an actual print in a production run, subsequently recording and digitizing the printed printing nozzle test charts by using at least one image sensor, evaluating recorded test charts and, based thereon, defining characteristic values for all printing nozzles contributing to the printed printing nozzle test charts by using the computer, calculating a failure probability for every contributing printing nozzle based on the determined characteristic values by applying a statistical prediction model using the computer, and switching off and compensating for all printing nozzles exceeding a first defined threshold for the calculated failure probability. A printing operation is then carried out on the ink jet printing machine with printing nozzle compensation.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

91.

Method for detecting a defective print nozzle using a variable print nozzle test pattern

      
Application Number 16191508
Grant Number 10603900
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-11-15
First Publication Date 2019-05-23
Grant Date 2020-03-31
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Fehlner, Andreas
  • Wolf, Thomas
  • Henn, Andreas
  • Neeb, Steffen
  • Norrick, Nicklas Raymond
  • Forche, Jens

Abstract

A method detects defective print nozzles in an inkjet printing machine by a computer. In a first phase within the context of a print job, print nozzle test patterns are printed beside a subject on a printing substrate. These print nozzle test patterns are then digitized by an image sensor and sent to the computer, where they are analyzed by the computer to determine the current state of the print nozzles, including defective print nozzles. After the first phase, the print nozzle test patterns are modified by the computer on the basis of the current state of the print nozzles and, in a second phase, the modified print nozzle test patterns are printed, digitized and evaluated by the computer with regard to the determination of the current state of the print nozzles and defective print nozzles.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

92.

Method for substrate shrinkage compensation

      
Application Number 16157160
Grant Number 10462329
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-10-11
First Publication Date 2019-05-16
Grant Date 2019-10-29
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Schweger, Thies

Abstract

A method for compensating substrate shrinkage during printing on a printing machine includes generating multiple image parts of a digitally available image to be produced, factoring in information on substrate shrinkage by subdividing the image using a computer, subdividing generated image parts into data blocks using the computer, saving actual positions of blocks in the digital image using the computer, calculating target positions of all blocks in the digital image using the computer by shifting the blocks away from one another by one pixel creating single-pixel-wide gaps between blocks in the digital image, copying and rearranging blocks in the digital image according to calculated target positions using the computer, calculating positions of single-pixel-wide gaps using the computer, filling gaps with digital image data of neighboring pixels using the computer to create a compensated digital image. The compensated digital image is printed on the printing machine.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 1/387 - Composing, repositioning or otherwise modifying originals
  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • H04N 1/40 - Picture signal circuits

93.

Determination of thresholds to detect missing printing nozzles

      
Application Number 16155925
Grant Number 10647110
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-10-10
First Publication Date 2019-04-11
Grant Date 2020-05-12
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Muehl, Johannes
  • Koehler, Hans

Abstract

A method detects defective printing nozzles in an inkjet printing machine having a computer. The method includes printing a multi-row nozzle test chart for detection purposes, the test chart contains a number of horizontal rows of equidistant vertical lines printed periodically and disposed underneath one another. Wherein in every row of the nozzle test chart periodically only those respective printing nozzles of the print head contribute to the first element of the nozzle test chart that correspond to the specified number of the horizontal rows. An area coverage element geometrically associated with the nozzle test chart is printed. Both elements are recorded by an image sensor and both elements are evaluated by the computer. Defective printing nozzles are identified by evaluating the recorded nozzle test chart by the computer. Defects are allocated in the area coverage element to the printing nozzles in the nozzle test chart by the computer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing

94.

Automated image sensor calibration

      
Application Number 16128731
Grant Number 10500842
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-09-12
First Publication Date 2019-03-14
Grant Date 2019-12-10
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Krieger, Jan
  • Muth, Frank

Abstract

A method calibrates image sensors and adjusts print heads in an inkjet printing machine via a computer. The method includes printing a test print chart, recording the printed test print chart via an image sensor to create a digital image, determining a coordinate transformation between the coordinates on the test print chart and the coordinates of the image sensor and the print heads, implementing a computer-assisted evaluation process of the digital image to determine the coordinates on the test print chart, deriving correction values for print head adjustment and camera calibration from results of the coordinate transformation and/or the comparison thereof with the determined measured values, and implementing the print head adjustment and the camera calibration by the computer. The test print chart has filled circular discs. The filled circular discs have a minimum diameter that is selected for them to function even if defective printing nozzles occur.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • G06K 15/02 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers
  • H04N 1/60 - Colour correction or control
  • B41J 2/14 - Structure thereof

95.

Compensation method for failed printing nozzles

      
Application Number 16110126
Grant Number 10449759
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-08-23
First Publication Date 2019-03-07
Grant Date 2019-10-22
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Trachanas, Ilias
  • Mayer, Martin
  • Hachmann, Peter

Abstract

A method corrects for defective printing nozzles in an ink jet printing machine via a computer. The defective printing nozzles are compensated for after the screening process by neighboring printing nozzles applying an increased amount of ink. The method includes precalculating different compensation halftones for different area coverages by the computer, printing the compensation halftones embedded in area coverage halftone areas, evaluating the printed compensation halftones via the computer, and selecting and saving, for every area coverage level, the compensation halftone that best matches the coloration of the original halftone in the respective area coverage halftone area. A defective printing nozzle is detected during production printing by the computer. The local area coverage is determined along the detected defective printing nozzle by the computer. The compensation halftone that has been saved for the determined local area coverage is used to compensate for the defective printing nozzles via the computer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
  • B41J 2/21 - Ink jet for multi-colour printing
  • B41J 25/00 - Actions or mechanisms not otherwise provided for

96.

Device for printing ink onto printing material

      
Application Number 16115891
Grant Number 10675885
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-08-29
First Publication Date 2019-02-28
Grant Date 2020-06-09
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Mueller, Andreas
  • Ehrbar, David

Abstract

A printing device includes an ink jet print head having individually controllable nozzles for jetting ink drops. An ink line connected to a chamber has a feed and/or return line for the print head. The print head, ink line and chamber move jointly relative to printing material. The ink line is part of a circulation ink supply system for the print head. A mass element associated with the chamber has a position and/or shape relative to the chamber changing as a function of the joint movement so that the chamber volume is a function of the position and/or shape of the mass element to compensate for pressure fluctuations and/or movements of the ink and avoid problems in the ink supply system for a print head in industrial, high-performance ink jet printing and in cooperation with circulation ink supply systems conveying large volumes of ink.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 2/175 - Ink supply systems
  • B41J 2/18 - Ink recirculation systems
  • B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface

97.

Rotary die-cutter for cutting a piece of material out of a printing material

      
Application Number 16044808
Grant Number 10434676
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-07-25
First Publication Date 2019-02-07
Grant Date 2019-10-08
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Kuendgen, Rolf
  • Grittmann, Rolf
  • Doley, Philipp
  • Kreth, Benjamin
  • Hiller, Reinhold

Abstract

A rotary die-cutter for cutting a piece of material or scrap out of a printing material such as paper, includes a die-cutting cylinder and an associated impression cylinder. The die-cutting cylinder is connected to a vacuum source. A die-cutting tool which is disposed on the die-cutting cylinder includes at least one die-cutting knife having a closed form and a suction opening within the closed form. A cylinder cover is disposed on the impression cylinder. At least one raised or recessed first guide element is disposed within the closed form for guiding suction air and/or at least one recessed or raised second guide element is disposed in the cylinder cover for guiding air. The scrap to be removed from the printing material can therefore be transported with the die-cutting cylinder and ejected from the die-cutting tool or knife in a trouble-free way.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B26F 1/44 - Cutters therefor; Dies therefor
  • B26D 7/01 - Means for holding or positioning work
  • B26D 7/18 - Means for removing cut-out material or waste
  • B26F 1/38 - Cutting-out; Stamping-out

98.

Method for pretreating a printing material for ink jet printing

      
Application Number 16034468
Grant Number 11529815
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-07-13
First Publication Date 2019-01-17
Grant Date 2022-12-20
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Hachmann, Peter

Abstract

A method pretreats a printing material used for ink printing to influence the spreading of ink print dots on the printing material. The spreading behavior is influenced in such a way that the ink print dots spread in an anisotropic way. The anisotropic spreading advantageously allows undesired quality losses in the print that are caused by a failed ink nozzle to be reduced or avoided. The influencing of the spreading behavior may be achieved by an anisotropic application of a liquid, in particular a primer or varnish, to the printing material, or by an anisotropic embossment or print on the printing material or by an anisotropic treatment of the printing material with charged particles, in particular by a plasma or a corona, or with electromagnetic radiation, in particular laser radiation.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41J 11/00 - Devices or arrangements for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
  • B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
  • B41J 3/38 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for embossing, e.g. for making matrices for stereotypes

99.

Printing machine with a twin printing unit and method for operating such a printing machine

      
Application Number 16037185
Grant Number 10919289
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-07-17
First Publication Date 2019-01-17
Grant Date 2021-02-16
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor Schwab, Werner

Abstract

A printing machine for printing on a web of printing material includes a plurality of in-line flexographic printing units disposed in a plane that is accessible to a machine operator. Every two flexographic printing units of the plurality of flexographic printing units together form a double printing station and the two flexographic printing units of a respective double printing station have a common impression cylinder. A method of operating a printing machine is also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B41F 3/12 - Twin presses, i.e. with more than one cylinder or type-bed
  • B41F 23/04 - Devices for treating the surfaces of sheets, webs or other articles in connection with printing by heat drying, by cooling, by applying powders
  • B41F 5/24 - Rotary letterpress machines for flexographic printing
  • B41F 5/06 - Rotary letterpress machines for printing on webs with several printing units in sequential arrangement

100.

Mounting device for a print head, a mounting assembly and a printing system

      
Application Number 15921722
Grant Number 10632773
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-03-15
First Publication Date 2018-10-25
Grant Date 2020-04-28
Owner Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Germany)
Inventor
  • Mueller, Andreas
  • Wolf, Burkhard

Abstract

A mounting device for a print head and a printing system allows print heads to be easily changed and easily and reliably adjusted. The mounting device includes a rigid mount and a frame for receiving a print head. The frame is releasably fixed to the rigid mount and includes an adjustment device for adjusting the print head relative to the rigid mount. The adjustment device of the frame includes two solid body joints and two actuators for adjusting the print head in two degrees of freedom, namely in a sliding movement along the rigid mount and a rotary movement about the vertical axis.

IPC Classes  ?

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