Register mark detection apparatus utilizing a first and second linear array of sensors arranged non-parallel allowing longitudinal and transverse monitoring

Claim 2

Register mark detection apparatus for detecting register marks on a web during relative movement between said web and said apparatus, said apparatus comprising: detection means including a first linear array of sensors extending transverse to said direction of relative movement, each said sensor of said first array generating a signal when a mark is detected, and a second linear array of sensors (20) extending transverse to said direction of relative movement and substantially non-parallel with said first array, each said sensor of said second array generating a signal when a mark is detected; and processing means for monitoring said signals from said sensors so as to determine which sensor or group of sensors has sensed the passage of a mark.

Claim 3

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said two linear arrays are symmetrically angled about a line orthogonal to said direction of relative movement between said web and said apparatus.

Claim 4

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sensors are elongate with said elongate dimension also extending transverse to said direction of relative movement.

Claim 5

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said processing means includes an analogue switch and selection means for selecting groups of said sensors in a preselected manner, the output signals from each group of sensors being fed to and combined by said analogue switch which generates a composite output signal indicative of whether or not a mark has been detected.

Claim 6

Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said processing means is adapted, subsequent to said detection of register marks, to determine which group of sensors is centered over the register mark path.

Claim 7

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sensors have a small, circular field of view.

Claim 8

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said register mark detection apparatus is provided in addition to a conventional registration system which is aligned in response to said detection of register marks by the register mark detection apparatus.

Claim 9

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detection means of said register mark detection apparatus is provided with register monitoring and control means.

Claim 10

Register mark monitoring apparatus for monitoring the longitudinal registration of marks on a web during relative movement between said web and said apparatus, said apparatus comprising: detection means including a first linear array of sensors extending transverse to the direction of relative movement, each said sensor of said first array generating a signal when a mark is detected, and a second linear array of sensors (20) extending transverse to said direction of relative movement and substantially non-parallel with said first array, each said sensor of said second array generating a signal when a mark is detected; and processing means for monitoring said signals from said sensors so as to monitor the relative positions of said marks on said web and to determine whether or not marks are in register.

Claim 11

Register mark monitoring apparatus for monitoring the longitudinal registration of marks on a web during relative movement between said web and said apparatus, said apparatus comprising: detection means including a first linear array of sensors extending transverse to the direction of relative movement, each said sensor of said first array generating a signal when a mark is detected, and a second linear array of sensors (20) extending transverse to said direction of relative movement and substantially non-parallel with said first array, each said sensor of said second array generating a signal when a mark is detected; and processing means for monitoring said signals from said sensors so as to monitor the relative positions of said marks on said web and to determine whether or not marks are in register.

Claim 12

Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said two linear arrays are symmetrically angled about a line orthogonal to said direction of relative movement between said web and said apparatus.

Claim 13

Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said sensors are elongate with said elongate dimension also extending transverse to said direction of relative movement.

Claim 14

Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said processing means includes an analogue switch and selection means for selecting groups of said sensors in a preselected manner, the output signals from each group of sensors being fed to and combined by said analogue switch which generates a composite output signal indicative of whether or not a mark has been detected.

Claim 15

Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said processing means is adapted, subsequent to said detection of register marks, to determine which group of sensors is centered over the register mark path.

Claim 16

Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said sensors have a small, circular field of view.

Claim 17

Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said register mark detection apparatus is provided in addition to a conventional registration system which is aligned in response to said detection of register marks by the register mark detection apparatus.

Claim 18

Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said detection means of said register mark detection apparatus is provided with register monitoring and control means.