1. A device for testing of foil used for automatic paper web splicing in a high speed printing machine, the device comprising: a sensor adapted to sense the foil, when placed in vicinity thereof, based on an intrinsic property of the foil and generate an electrical signal upon sensing the foil; a relay connected to the sensor and adapted to receive the first electrical signal therefrom, the relay comprising an electromagnet, an armature and at least one normally open contact terminal; an indicator assembly connected to the relay for generating at least an audio and/or a visual indication upon the foil being sensed by the sensor; and a power supply coupled to the indicator assembly through the relay and to the sensor for providing electrical power to each of the indicator assembly and the sensor, wherein the electrical signal generated by the sensor is provided to the relay for energizing the electromagnet thereof, thereby closing the normally open contact terminal of the relay to provide the electrical power from the power supply to the indicator assembly for generating the audio and/or the visual indication.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is an inductive proximity sensor.

3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the foil is made of metal or metal alloys.

4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the intrinsic property of the foil is metal content thereof.

5. The device as claimed in claim A, wherein the inductive proximity sensor is configured to test the foil by sensing whether the metal content of the foil is more than a pre-determined level.

6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inductive proximity sensor is configured to test the foil when placed at a distance of about 50 mm from the inductive proximity sensor.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the indicator assembly comprises at least a hooter and/or a lamp.

8. The device for testing of foil used for automatic paper web splicing in a high speed printing machine, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]
"DEVICE FOR TESTING OF FOIL USED FOR AUTOMATIC PAPER WEB SPLICING IN HIGH SPEED PRINTING MACHINE"
We, BENNETT, COLEMAN & CO., LIMITED, an Indian company, of The Times of India Building, Dr. D.N. Road, Mumbai - 400001 (India);
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to testing devices, and more particularly to a device for testing foils used for automatic paper web splicing in high speed printing machines.
BACKGROUND
High speed printing machines are widely used in the printing industry for mass production of printed work, such as newspapers, books and the like. The conventional printing machines include a plurality of reel stands having rolls of newsprint web loaded thereon. Specifically, the newsprint web is fed to the printing unit of the high speed printing machine for being printed. The printed web is thereafter fed into a folder, cut into appropriate size and folded for delivery. A typical printing machine would have at least two reels, one having the traveling newsprint web on which the printing is being carried out and the other having the replacement newsprint web. The replacement newsprint web replaces the traveling web upon depletion of the travelling web roll. Specifically, the replacement web is fed to the printing unit of the printing machine once the traveling newsprint web has been utilized. In modern printing machines, the process of replacement of the traveling web with the replacement web is automatic. Particularly, upon depletion of the traveling web roll up to a predetermined limit, rotation of: the replacement web roll is commenced and the rotational speeds of the two rolls is matched. Subsequently, at an appropriate instance, a leading edge portion of the replacement web is spliced onto the traveling web such that the replacement web is now fed into the printing unit and printing is carried out on the replacement web thereafter. The travelling web is cut upon splicing of the replacement web being complete
The entire process of splicing of the replacement web onto the traveling web is automatic and is carried out in a manner such that the operation of the printing machine is not required to be stopped. To automate the splicing process, metal foils, conventionally referred to as "golden foils", are used on the newsprint web. The golden foil is adapted to be sensed from a distance by the use of inductive proximity sensors kept in vicinity of the web. Typically, the golden foil is disposed at the leading edge portion of the replacement newsprint web. Fig. 1 illustrates the golden foil 'F' disposed adjacent to a leading edge portion 'E' of the replacement web roll. Specifically, the golden foil identifies the leading edge portion of the replacement web that will be spliced onto the travelling web.

Particularly, when a pre-determined depletion of the travelling web roll is achieved, the rotation of the replacement web roll is commenced and it is brought in vertical alignment with the depleting travelling web. Further, at a pre-determined depletion of the travelling web roll (such as up to a particular diameter of the web roll), the revolution of the replacement web roll is commenced. At this instance, the inductive proximity sensor senses the golden foil on the replacement web roll to identify the leading edge portion of the replacement web. The sensor generates a DC signal upon detecting the golden foil and the signal is provided to the relevant circuitry of the printing machine. The circuitry, in turn, activates the machinery responsible for splicing the leading edge portion of the replacement web onto the traveling web. The web from the travelling roll is thereafter cut such that the printing now continues on the replacement web. Accordingly, the golden foils play a crucial role in sensing and timing the splicing operations of the Drintine machines.
For an accurate and precise functioning of the printing machine, it is essential that the inductive proximity sensor correcdy senses the golden foil. A typical golden foil is made from metals such as Iron, Brass or any other conductive metal or alloys thereof. One of the factors that affects the correct detection of the golden foil by the sensor is the metal content in the golden foil. Particularly, the metal content in the foils should be uniform for accurate sensing thereof by the proximity sensor. Use of a defective golden foil, having a non-uniform or less metal content, may cause unscheduled stops of the printing machine since the defective foil may not be correctly detected by the proximity sensor. As a result, the printing machine may fail to carry out splicing of the replacement web onto the travelling web precisely due to which the printing machine is required to be stopped for manually splicing the replacement web onto the traveling web. Such unscheduled stops cause loss of the production time and hence are not acceptable in view of economic considerations. A study of effects of such unscheduled stops, as carried out by the inventors of this invention, reveals that every stoppage of the printing machine results in a loss of production time by about 7 minutes. In addition, due to high speed operation of the printing machine, there is a loss of about 800 copies of the printed work that is being produced by the printing machine. Such losses are not economically viable and there is a need for a solution to avoid such stoppages.
Particularly, there is a need for testing of golden foils prior to use thereof on the webs to enable

identification of defective golden foils. Presently, there is no such testing system available for pretesting the golden foils prior to their use on the web rolls.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:
The principal object of the invention is to provide a device for testing of foils used for automatic paper web splicing in a high speed printing machine.
The other object of the invention is to provide a device for pre-testing of foils used in printing machines adapted to identify defective foils and prevent unscheduled stoppages of the printing machine that may be caused due to use of such defective foils.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that prevents economic losses caused due to unscheduled stoppages of printing machines caused by use of such defective foils.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be clear from the ensuing description.
SUMMARY:
In light of the above objects, a device for testing of foils used for automatic paper web splicing in a high speed printing machine is disclosed. The device includes a sensor adapted to sense the foil when placed in vicinity thereof and generate an electrical signal upon sensing the foil, a relay connected to the sensor and adapted to receive the electrical signal therefrom, and an indicator assembly connected to the relay for generating at least an audio and/or a visual signal upon the foil being sensed by the sensor. The device also includes a power supply coupled to the indicator assembly through the relay and to the sensor for providing electrical power thereto. Further, the relay includes an electromagnet, an armature and at least one normally open contact terminal. The foil is sensed by the sensor based on an intrinsic property thereof such that upon the foil being sensed, the electrical signal generated by the sensor is provided to the relay, particularly to energize the electromagnet thereof. Consequently, the normally open contact terminal of the relay is closed and

the electrical power from the power supply is provided through the relay to the indicator assembly for generating at least the audio and/or the visual indication. Indicating the successful test of the foil
In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor may be an inductive proximity sensor.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the intrinsic property of the foil is the metal content thereof.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the foil is made of metal or metal alloy.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the inductive proximity sensor is configured to test the foil by sensing whether the metal content of the foil is more than a pre-determined level.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the inductive proximity sensor is configured to sense the foil when placed at a distance of 50 millimeters (mm) therefrom.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the indicator assembly comprises at least a hooter and/or a lamp.
The present invention achieves the object of testing of golden foils prior to use thereof on printing machines for preventing economic losses caused due to unscheduled stoppages of printing machines by use of defective foils. The present invention achieves the said object in a simple, convenient and cost-effective manner as will be evident from the description of the invention that follows hereinafter.
These aspects together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION:
According to the present invention, there is provided a device for testing of foils used for automatic paper web splicing in a high speed printing machine. The device includes a sensor adapted to sense the foil, when placed in vicinity thereof, based on an intrinsic property of the foil and generate an electrical signal upon sensing the foil, a relay connected to the sensor and adapted to receive the first electrical signal therefrom, an indicator assembly connected to the relay for generating at least an audio and/or a visual indication upon the foil being sensed by the sensor, and a power supply coupled to the indicator assembly through the relay and to the sensor for providing electrical power thereto. The relay includes an electromagnet, an armature and at least one normally open contact terminal. The relay receives the electrical signal generated by the sensor and the electromagnet thereof is energized, thereby closing the normally open contact terminal of the relay to provide the electrical power from the power supply to the indicator assembly for generating the at least the audio and/or the visual indication.
In accordance with invention non limiting embodiments of the invention are described hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANIED DRAWINGS:
FIG. 1 illustrates a foil disposed adjacent to a leading edge portion of a newsprint web to enable automatic splicing; and
FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the device for testing of foils used for automatic paper web splicing in a high speed printing machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO DRAWINGS:
The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular device for testing foils as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without

departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a device 100 for testing of foil used for automatic web splicing in a high speed printing machine (not shown). The device 100 includes a sensor 105 adapted to sense the foil and generate an electrical signal upon sensing the foil, a relay 110 connected to the sensor 105 and adapted to receive the electrical signal therefrom, an indicator assembly 115 connected to the relay 110 and a power supply 120 coupled to the indicator assembly 115 through the relay 110 and to the sensor 105. The power supply 120 provides the required electrical power to the indicator assembly 115 and the sensor 105 for operation thereof. In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply may be adapted to convert 230 Volts (V) Alternating Current (AC) to 24 V Direct Current (DC). The sensor 105 is adapted to sense the golden foil 'F placed in vicinity thereof based on an intrinsic property of the golden foil 'F. The intrinsic property of the golden foil, as being referred herein, pertains to the metal content in the golden foil such that the foils having nonuniform metal content or having a metal content less than a pre-determined level are not sensed by the sensor 105.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor 105 may be an inductive proximity sensor. The inductive proximity sensor 105 is powered by the power supply 120 (as shown in Fig. 2) and is adapted to generate an oscillating magnetic field. For testing the golden foil 'F, a user is required to swipe the golden foil in vicinity of the sensor 105 due to which eddy current is induced in the golden foil on account of the magnetic field of the sensor 105. The generated eddy current in the golden foil T" tends to reduce the oscillating magnetic field of the sensor 105. When the magnetic field of the sensor 105 falls below a certain pre-determined limit, it is detected by a detection circuit (not shown) of the sensor 105. The detection circuit, in turn, generates the electrical (DC) signal. It will be apparent that in defective golden foils, the eddy current may not be generated or may have a very low value that is not easily detected. Accordingly, defective foils are not sensed by the sensor 105 while the non-defective foils result in generation of the electrical signal by the sensor 105. It is to be

noted that sensor 105 is any conventional inductive proximity sensors and hence the working thereof . and the detailed description of its features is not being provided for sake of brevity.
Further, the electrical signal is provided to the relay 110 connected to the sensor 105. The relay 110, as referred herein, includes any conventional relay having an electromagnet, an armature and at least one contact terminal. The relay 110 as used in the present invention includes at least one normally open contact terminal (not shown). The electrical signal is provided to the electromagnet of the relay 110 to energize it. The normally open contact terminal of the relay 110 is closed consequent to the energization of the electromagnet of the relay 110. Specifically, the energization, of the electromagnet results in a pivotal motion of the armature which closes the normally open contact terminal of the relay 110. As a result, the electrical power from power supply 120 is provided to the indicator assembly 115 connected thereto through the relay 110. The indicator assembly 115 is adapted to provide at least one of a visual or an audio indication upon the golden foil 'F' being sensed by the sensor 105. In an embodiment of the present invention, the indicator assembly 115 includes an alarm and/or a lamp to provide at least one of the audio or visual indication.
Thus, when the non-defective golden foil is sensed by the sensor 105, the electrical signal so generated is provided to the relay 110 due to which the normally open contact terminal thereof closes, thereby providing electrical power from the power supply 120 to the indicator assembly 115, which in turn generates an audio and/or a visual indication. Accordingly, the device 100 of the present invention may be effectively utilized to pre-test the golden foils prior to use thereof on paper webs in printing machine, thereby preventing any unscheduled stoppages that may occur due to use of defective foils.
In a real printing machine, the distance between the golden foil and the inductive proximity sensor is about 20 mm and the sensing time is less than 3 milliseconds. The device 100 is adapted to simulate machine-like conditions to test the foil. In an embodiment of the present invention, the foil is kept at a distance of about 50 millimeters (mm) from the sensor 105 and the foil is swiped in front of the sensor 105. Such test conditions ensure that a golden foil sensed at a distance of 50 mm shall be accurately sensed when used on a real printing machine, thereby precisely identifying the non-defective foils that won't cause unscheduled stoppages when used in the printing machine.

The device 100, as described, may be configured within an enclosure that is covered with an acrylic sheet. In an embodiment of the present invention, the enclosure may be mounted on a wall of the working area for testing of foils. In another embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 may be configured to be mobile for testing foils at different working areas.
Based on the foregoing, it will be apparent that the device 100 may be advantageously used for identifying defective golden foils, which if used on a printing machine may cause unscheduled stops that leads to wastage of production time and increased production costs. A study by the inventors pertaining to the losses incurred due to use of defective foils has revealed that usage of defective foils causes loss of production time and paper web, which when translated in monetary terms could add up to about Rs. 2,40,000 in a month .and Rs. 28,80,000 annually. The device 100 may be used for avoiding such heavy losses by pre-testing the golden foils.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

We claim:
1. A device for testing of foil used for automatic paper web splicing in a high speed printing machine, the device comprising:
a sensor adapted to sense the foil, when placed in vicinity thereof, based on an intrinsic property of the foil and generate an electrical signal upon sensing the foil;
a relay connected to the sensor and adapted to receive the first electrical signal therefrom, the relay comprising an electromagnet, an armature and at least one normally open contact terminal;
an indicator assembly connected to the relay for generating at least an audio and/or a visual indication upon the foil being sensed by the sensor; and
a power supply coupled to the indicator assembly through the relay and to the sensor for providing electrical power to each of the indicator assembly and the sensor,
wherein the electrical signal generated by the sensor is provided to the relay for energizing the electromagnet thereof, thereby closing the normally open contact terminal of the relay to provide the electrical power from the power supply to the indicator assembly for generating the audio and/or the visual indication.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is an inductive proximity sensor.
3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the foil is made of metal or metal alloys.
4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the intrinsic property of the foil is metal content thereof.

5. The device as claimed in claim A, wherein the inductive proximity sensor is configured to test the foil by sensing whether the metal content of the foil is more than a pre-determined level.
6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inductive proximity sensor is configured to test the foil when placed at a distance of about 50 mm from the inductive proximity sensor.
7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the indicator assembly comprises at least a hooter and/or a lamp.
8. The device for testing of foil used for automatic paper web splicing in a high speed printing machine, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.