US Patent 7617773 Blanket size verification using drive torque feedback

A device is provided for determining incorrectly sized or manufactured blankets includes a first blanket on a first blanket cylinder independently driven by a first motor, a first controller for determining torque values of the first motor, a second blanket on a second blanket cylinder independently driven by a second motor, a second controller for determining torque values of the second motor. A processor determines the existence of a size difference between the first and second blankets as a function of the torque values of the first and second motors. A method for comparing blankets is also provided.