Abstract: A can decorator having a blanket wheel and a plurality inking stations. Each of one or more of the inking stations comprises a rotatable shaft geared to the blanket wheel, a print cylinder mounted on the shaft for rotation with the shaft during printing operations, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angular position of the print cylinder on the rotatable shaft during set-up and for fixing the angular position for printing operations. There is further provided a rotary encoder for determining the angular position of the print cylinder relative to the rotatable shaft during set-up and for providing an electrical signal indicative of the angular position to an operator interface device.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the quality of a double seam used in can manufacture, or can filling, to seam a can end (2) onto a can body (1). The apparatus uses a device (41) for measuring the strain/force applied by the lifter cam (10) so as to provide information such as first operation seam quality, gross seam defects and machine condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the quality of a double seam used in can manufacture, or can filling, to seam a can end (2) onto a can body (1). The apparatus uses a device (41) for measuring the strain/force applied by the lifter cam (10) so as to provide information such as first operation seam quality, gross seam defects and machine condition.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a gauge in particular for the measurement of film thickness, uses a calibration variable to compensate for short term changes in probe tip condition, instead of a constant value. A calibration constant is based only on the dielectric constant for a coating such as lacquer, and is independent of the probe tip variable.