A primer roller may include a cylinder having an outer support surface. The outer support surface support surface may have a length in an axial direction and a fixed outer diameter extending along the length. The roller may further comprise, at least at least one elastically deformable annular sleeve having an axial length less than the axial length of the support surface of the cylinder an external diameter greater than the outer diameter of the support surface of the cylinder, and an internal diameter which provides a friction fit on the support surface of the cylinder. The outer surface of the support roller comprises a plurality of fluid outlets. The outlets are distributed about the support surface. Fluid expelled from the fluid outlets enables the sleeve to be slidably positioned relative to the support surface. A priming apparatus and a print press are also disclosed.

A web transport system for transporting a web of media along a web-transport path includes a fluid bar for guiding the web of media, and first and second fluid shields positioned proximate to first and second ends of the fluid bar. A liquid is pumped through holes in an exterior bearing surface of the fluid bar into a region between the web of media and the bearing surface of the fluid bar, thereby pushing the web of media away from the fluid bar. The fluid shields are positioned to redirect fluid that is ejected from the region between the web of media and the bearing surface of the fluid bar along the edges of the web of media.

A web transport system for transporting a web of media along a web-transport path includes a fluid bar for guiding the web of media, and first and second fluid shields positioned proximate to first and second ends of the fluid bar. A liquid is pumped through holes in an exterior bearing surface of the fluid bar into a region between the web of media and the bearing surface of the fluid bar, thereby pushing the web of media away from the fluid bar. The fluid shields are positioned to redirect fluid that is ejected from the region between the web of media and the bearing surface of the fluid bar along the edges of the web of media.

A primer roller may include a cylinder having an outer support surface. The outer support surface support surface may have a length in an axial direction and a fixed outer diameter extending along the length. The roller may further comprise, at least at least one elastically deformable annular sleeve having an axial length less than the axial length of the support surface of the cylinder an external diameter greater than the outer diameter of the support surface of the cylinder, and an internal diameter which provides a friction fit on the support surface of the cylinder. The outer surface of the support roller comprises a plurality of fluid outlets. The outlets are distributed about the support surface. Fluid expelled from the fluid outlets enables the sleeve to be slidably positioned relative to the support surface. A priming apparatus and a print press are also disclosed.

A primer roller may include a cylinder having an outer support surface. The outer support surface support surface may have a length in an axial direction and a fixed outer diameter extending along the length. The roller may further comprise, at least at least one elastically deformable annular sleeve having an axial length less than the axial length of the support surface of the cylinder an external diameter greater than the outer diameter of the support surface of the cylinder, and an internal diameter which provides a friction fit on the support surface of the cylinder. The outer surface of the support roller comprises a plurality of fluid outlets. The outlets are distributed about the support surface. Fluid expelled from the fluid outlets enables the sleeve to be slidably positioned relative to the support surface. A priming apparatus and a print press are also disclosed.