Abstract: An elongated high intensity lamp which serves as a line-type of light source is placed at the focus of a generally shaped parabolic reflector which extends longitudinally with the light source. The reflector surface closest to the lamp is inwardly deformed toward the light source. The inwardly deformed section may itself be a concavely shaped parabolic or arcuate region; or inwardly angled flat sections; or a flat region extending squarely across the top of the reflector. The distortion of the parabolic reflector shape produces a more uniform intensity distribution across the area being illuminated by the lamp and the reflector. A plurality of parallel line-type sources are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for decorating cylindrical cans each having one open end including a curing section which receives the decorated cans with the decorations uncured. In the curing section the cans move through a preheat chamber where can temperature is elevated. The heated cans then move through a drying chamber where flames from gas and air fed burner heads impinge directly on the exterior of the can for curing of the decorations. Thereafter the cans pass through a cooling chamber and then exit from the curing section.The preheat chamber is heated by the burners in the heating chamber. These burners are disposed so that the flame jets are directed downstream at an angle of approximately 13.degree. with respect to lines normal to the path of travel for the cans. The burners are arranged in two parallel arrays disposed one above the other. As the cans travel between these arrays flame impingement on the cans is interrupted.

Abstract: Cylindrical two-piece cans are decorated with thermally curable inks and coatings and are placed on generally horizontally extending pins of a pin-chain conveyor. The cans are then moved through a flame drying chamber to dry the inks and coatings by direct impingement of flame on the can surface. The cans are thereafter moved through a cooling chamber and then are discharged from the pin-chain conveyor which circulates back to the decorator unit to receive newly decorated cans. The pins of the pin-chain conveyor can be at an angle to the horizontal and the pins can have brushes or the like to grip the internal surface of the can. The flame dryer unit consists of gas and air-fed burner heads disposed in one of several different patterns along the path taken by the cans through the flame dryer housing. Flame impinges directly on the can and the can moves through the tunnel at a speed sufficient to prevent heat damage to the can.