Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous printing of cylindrical containers which includes a method and apparatus for detecting malfunctions in a skip-print assembly thereof and for responding to detected malfunctions.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring decorated containers, having images of wet ink of the outer peripheries thereof, from a first container carrying apparatus, comprising a continuously rotating wheel type apparatus carrying decorated containers with their open ends exposed, to a second container carrying apparatus, comprising a continuously moving vacuum belt for carrying the decorated containers through a curing oven with their open ends exposed, comprising a continuously rotating transfer wheel which carries the decorated containers with their closed ends exposed and which is located between the first and second container carrying apparatuses.

Abstract: In the course of continuous movement along a track that is essentially circular, articles undergoing an imprinting process are passed through a plurality of print stations, individual silk screen stencils at the stations being adjusted to the resulting changes in the position of the article that occur during the imprinting process as the article moves through the printing machine. The articles can be arranged with their longitudinal axes either horizontal or vertical during the imprinting process. It is also possible to introduce the articles into the machine with their longitudinal axes vertical, then move them into a position in which their longitudinal axes are horizontal and imprint them in such a position, and then bring the imprinted articles once again into a position in which their longitudinal axes are vertical so that they leave the machine in this position.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly for use in a machine for the continuous printing of cylindrical containers, comprising a mandrel wheel; mandrel holders, pivotally mounted on circumferential portions of the mandrel wheel; elongated spindles for supporting cylindrical containers on the peripheral surfaces thereof, rotatably mounted on the mandrel holder and radially displaceable relative to the central axis of rotation of the mandrel wheel; a cam follower rotatably mounted on each mandrel holder; a cam track assembly operably associated with the cam followers for causing preselected radial displacement of the cam followers with respect to the central axis of rotation of the mandrel wheel which in turn causes preselected radial displacement of associated mandrel spindles relative to a printing blanket wheel device to cause a container to be printed; skip-print apparatus comprising a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the mandrel wheel and rotatable relative to each mandrel holder and having a surface bearing against a rotatable

Abstract: A decorator apparatus and methods for applying an ink image to cylindrical can body members comprising multiple station ink supply and transfer apparatus for transferring ink from an ink fountain to a blanket wheel through a plate cylinder with ink image registration adjustment apparatus and axial and circumferential tightness control apparatus operatively associated with each plate cylinder and each ink supply and transfer apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous printing of cylindrical containers which includes a method and apparatus for detecting malfunctions in a skip-print assembly thereof and for responding to detected malfunctions.

Abstract: A carrier for aligning a plurality of generally cylindrical articles for presentation to a printing apparatus incorporates at least one pocket having a pair of recesses formed at an angle to one another, a first of the recesses being oriented so as to receive an article from an article rectification apparatus and a second of the recesses being oriented so as to present the article to the printing apparatus, and sloping surfaces connecting the pair of recesses so that an article received in the first recess is capable of being transported along the sloping surfaces to the second recess as the carrier proceeds to the printing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for curing coatings on objects such as beverage cans in a single one step operation by moving the cans along a path with a magnetic conveyor which traverses a predetermined angle so that face portions of the can which are substantially aligned with the direction of travel are irradiated with substantially direct radiation. This radiation also cures the inside portions of the can as the can passes through the predetermined angle. Side portions of the can which face substantially transversely to the direction of motion of the cans are irradiated by separate side radiation curing devices.

Abstract: The layers of ink formulations of different colors are transferred from a plurality of ink ductors onto predetermined areas of the outer periphery of a single ink form roller, and the body of a cylindrical container is pressed against said ink form roller and rotated as many times as the number of said ink ductors.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously conveying decorated container members having wet ink images on the outer periphery thereof between a first continuously moving rotatable mandrel wheel type container carrying apparatus of a high speed container decorator or coater machine and a high speed second continuously linearly moving pin chain container carrying apparatus comprising: a continuously rotatable disk type conveyor rotatably movable in a predetermined endless path between the first and second continuously moving container carrying apparatus including a first path portion located in juxtaposition to the first continuously moving container carrying apparatus for receiving decorated container members therefrom and a second path portion located in juxtaposition to the second continuously moving container carrying apparatus delivering decorated container members thereto; a plurality of individual cirumferentially spaced vacuum cups fixedly peripherally mounted in equally spaced relationship on and extending laterally o

Abstract: An apparatus for applying printed material to a cylindrical object is provided which eliminates the need for individually chucking each object, thereby significantly decreasing production time. The need for a squeegee to transfer the paint or dye onto the cylindrical object is also eliminated, resulting in longer screen life and further decreasing production time. A process for using this improved apparatus is also provided for.

Abstract: An apparatus for curing coatings on objects such as beverage cans in a single one step operation by moving the cans along a path which traverses a predetermined angle so that face portions of the can which are substantially aligned with the direction of travel are irradiated with substantially direct radiation. This radiation also cures the inside portions of the can as the can passes through the predetermined angle. Side portions of the can which face substantially transversely to the direction of motion of the cans are irradiated by separate side radiation curing devices.

Abstract: A rotational register system comprising a mandrel and a roll transfer design mechanism, with a female keyway disposed on one end of the mandrel and configured to engage a male keyway on the inner surface of a pen cap to rotationally register said pen cap relative to the starting and ending point of the transfer mechanism is disclosed. There is further provided a clip attaching mechanism with a second mandrel also having a female keyway such that the seam of a design on the pen cap will be directly covered by the clip.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly for use in a machine for continuous printing of cylindrical containers, comprising a mandrel wheel; mandrel holders, pivotally mounted on circumferential portions of the mandrel wheel; elongate mandrels for supporting cylindrical containers on peripheral surfaces thereof, rotatably mounted on the mandrel holder and radially displaceable relative the central axis of rotation of the mandrel wheel; a cam follower rotatably mounted on each mandrel holder; and a cam track assembly operably associated with the cam followers for causing preselected radial displacement of the cam followers with respect to the central axis of rotation of the mandrel wheel which in turn causes preselected radial displacement of associated mandrel spindles relative a blanket wheel device to either cause a container to be printed or to be skipped from printing.

Abstract: A machine comprises, to feed a printing station, a conveyor comprising spaced supports each adapted to support an object to be printed and, at said printing station, a screen carried by a carriage, a squeegee carried by a carriage, and a block adapted, by bearing the object to be printed, to control its angular orientation around its axis, this block being keyed in rotation to a lever which, by virtue of engagement means adjustable in position lengthwise, meshes with a carriage mounted for movement in synchronism with the squeegee.

Abstract: A continuous can printing machine for decorating can bodies having a printing cylinder assembly including multiple printing plates of predetermined size accurately mounted on a peripheral surface of a cylinder having a circumference substantially greater than the circumference of a can to be printed and being quickly and accurately mountable and removable from a drive shaft by use of an eccentric tightening apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling articles of oval cross section during silk screen imprinting and the like. An oval article is engaged at top and bottom by carriages, each slidingly mounted along a diameter of a rotating support. The article is conveyed past a screen printing station to imprint a first face, then shifted across the support diameter. The second face of the article is then transported past the screen for imprinting, followed by release of the article for further processing. The timing of the carriage shift is controlled by a pneumatic assembly, and is limited by a pair of adjustable stops according to the radius of curvature of the article.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously conveying decorated container members having wet ink images on the outer periphery thereof between a first continuously moving rotatable mandrel wheel type container carrying apparatus of a high speed container decorator or coater machine and a high speed second continuously linearly moving pin chain container carrying apparatus comprising: a continuously rotatable disk type conveyor rotatably movable in a predetermined endless path between the first and second continuously moving container carrying apparatus including a first path portion located in juxtaposition to the first continuously moving container carrying apparatus for receiving decorated container members therefrom and a second path portion located in juxtaposition to the second continuously moving container carrying apparatus delivering decorated container members thereto; a plurality of individual circumferentially spaced vacuum cups fixedly peripherally mounted in equally spaced relationship on and extending laterally

Abstract: An apparatus for printing upon the body of axial lead components arranged upon a component tape. The tape has equally spaced openings for receiving sprocket teeth and equally spaced component receiving openings. There are tabs associated with said component openings extending from the tape defining slots being narrowed at the end away from the tape. The slots may be spread by bending the tape. The apparatus comprises a horizontal base, a print station fixed above the base, a bending roll mounted on an axle substantially parallel to the horizontal base, an entry guide for slidably holding the loaded tape below the top of the bending roll and an exit guide for slidably holding the loaded tape below the top of the bending roll. The exit guide has a sprocket wheel for engaging the sprocket openings in the tape to pull it over the bending roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for transporting and orienting materials which have dissimilar ends, like capsules, to and in a predetermined orientation and position. The apparatus includes two rotatable drums in tangential arrangement. Each drum includes a plurality of peripherally spaced pockets sized and shaped to receive and carry individual capsules. Means are provided for each drum to orient certain preselected capsules from a radial to a longitudinal position with a selected end trailing; the capsules are delivered to a conveyor means for further processing, like printing, such as spin-printing.

Abstract: A continuous multicolor printing apparatus for forming stepwise clear multicolor images on the tapered surfaces of conical or truncated conical articles which are successively fed thereto and conveyed by a conveyor unit at a constant speed.

Abstract: A capsule rectification and transport device is disclosed. Means are provided for removing occasional improperly positioned capsules from the transported array. The capsules are carried in spaced apart pockets. When a capsule is undesirably mis-oriented with the cap portion thereof facing the wrong side of the predetermined path, a rotatable pick-off wheel grasps the cap portion, removes the capsule and drops it into a hopper.

Abstract: Dry offset printing apparatus for high speed printing on cylindrical objects fed either horizontally or vertically to the printer, which comprises a three-roller system including a single roll ink-metering system, plate cylinder and blanket or print roll. The ink roll is provided with a relatively soft, smooth elastomeric surface as is also the offset print roll blanket. A doctor blade is configured and oriented with respect to the ink roll to meter a uniformly even, thin film of ink onto the roll. Means are provided for evenly distributing the ink film on the ink roll in both horizontal and vertical embodiments of the printer. Means are also provided to prevent excessive ink buildup on print roll when skips occur at the printing station. Rotary transfer means are provided for positively feeding the cylindrical objects to the printer at high speeds in either horizontal or vertical orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which transports and rectifies objects, such as pharmaceutical capsules, and prints appropriate indicia on the objects. The apparatus comprises a two-drum system, the first drum being used to shift objects from a radial to a longitudinal position, and then to reorient some of the capsules so that, when the capsules are delivered to a second drum, the cam drum, all capsules are pointing in the same direction. The system takes advantage of gravity for rectification. Spin printing means are provided to print indicia on the rectified objects, as the objects travel along the periphery of the cam drum. A process for operating the apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a grill stripe or score mark on a meat product by transporting the meat product against a heated grill. A continuous conveyor transports individual wieners along a path of conveyance. A belt conveyor raises the wieners above the supported path of the continuous conveyor and into rotational contact with the superimposed heated grill. The wieners are rotated one complete revolution against the grill while synchronously moving the wiener with the continuous conveyor. The wieners are returned to the continuous conveyor for further processing.

Abstract: An improved gauging assembly for a capsule orienting and turning apparatus is disclosed. Many capsules are picked up in a rotary conveyor which arranges them first in an upright arrangement relative to the path of movement of the conveyor, some capsules arranged caps-up and some bodies-up. The gauging assembly cooperates with air means to tilt the body portions of the bodies-up capsules in the machine direction while retaining the caps-up capsules substantially untilted so that all the cap portions can subsequently be shifted in a sidewise direction by a subsequent sideward-directed air suction means. Those capsules which are arranged caps-up are not affected by the first means because of the gauging block which prevents substantial tilting movement; the cap portions of these capsules are then drawn sidewise by a sidewardly-directed vacuum. The gauging assembly defines a passageway extending in the direction of conveyor movement and comprises a ceiling member and contiguous sidewall member.

Abstract: A continuous multicolor printing apparatus for sequentially printing in multicolor the surfaces of cylindrical articles which are successively fed and conveyed at a constant speed on a predetermined locus along which a plurality of rotary printing units is disposed to print the articles, which apparatus comprises article-supporting and conveying means having a locus or path of an irregular configuration, both means being provided separately from one another but operationally coupled in time relationship with each other so that the articles can be successively brought into rolling contact with the printing units to perform the multicolor printing on the surfaces of the articles without experiencing any shear in printing.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for transporting, orienting and printing indicia upon materials which have dissimilar ends, like capsules, in a predetermined orientation and position. The apparatus includes three rotatable drums in tangential arrangement. The first two drums each include a plurality of peripherally spaced pockets sized and shaped to receive and carry individual capsules. Means are provided for each drum to orient certain preselected capsules from a radial to a longitudinal position with a selected end trailing. The so-oriented capsules are then delivered to the third drum for further processing, like printing, such as spin-printing. Means are provided to receive the longitudinally oriented capsules from the second drum in a longitudinal orientation, and to rotate the capsules from the longitudinal to a transverse orientation, whereupon selected indicia may be applied to the capsules.

Abstract: A capsule orientation control method and an apparatus for effecting the method are disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving and holding the capsules from a supply hopper in such a manner that the axes of the capsules are aligned with the radial direction of a rotary drum and that it can be visually and spatially identified whether the capsules are stably held in capsule accommodating pockets with the caps thereof radially outwardly orientated in an erect posture or radially inwardly orientated in an inverted posture through action of rotary brush means rotatably provided in a position adjacent to a portion of the rotary drum where the capsules are received onto the rotary drum from the supply hopper, and causing the capsules in the inverted posture to fall down within the capsule accommodating pockets in a predetermined direction so as to align positions of the caps thereof with positions of the caps of the capsules in the erect posture before removing the capsules.

Abstract: A takeoff and restacking device is operated in coordination with printing apparatus that applies decorations to the outside of cup-like containers. The apparatus includes a plurality of container holding mandrels extending radially from a turret which moves in angular steps between stations spaced by a distance equal to the space between adjacent mandrels. At one of these stations (takeoff station) a bellows-type suction head mounted on a support arm of the device engages a decorated container and carries it to a stacking region where the container is added to a stack at the rear thereof. The support arm is pivotally mounted to a drive arm on a movable pivot located at one end of the drive arm and intermediate the ends of the support arm. The end of the drive arm remote from the movable pivot is mounted to a fixed pivot about which the drive arm oscillates.

Abstract: A mandrel wheel assembly is disclosed for use with an apparatus for the continuous decoration of containers such as cylindrical cans, and comprises a circular mandrel wheel having a plurality of regularly spaced mandrel assemblies mounted transversely about its circumferential periphery. The mandrel assemblies have cam roller ends that communicate with a guiding stationary box cam, and oppositely extending container receiving mandrels. The mandrel wheel assembly is mounted along a stationary central shaft. A secondary mandrel support is provided adjacent the mandrels comprising a stationary planar support member also mounted on the central shaft with one or more planar support cams that extend radially from the secondary support member and are adapted to cammingly engage the mandrel assemblies. The support cams are juxtaposed to the coating stations and reduce unwanted deflection of the mandrels during coating operations.

Abstract: Capsule turning apparatus and method for use in a spin printing procedure in which a printing roll moves at a greater speed than the capsule, thus causing the capsule to rotate about its own axis while it is being printed. Many capsules, randomly arranged in a hopper, are picked up in a rotary conveyor which arranges them first in vertical arrangement relative to the path of movement of the conveyor, randomly with respect to whether the cap portions are at the top or bottom, and an air jet shifts all of the capsules in a sidewise direction, with the caps and body portions at random.

Abstract: A novel, high-speed, efficient, versatile, automatic machine is provided for the marking of parts. A wheeled platform is driven in a reciprocating cycle by a slotted arm and a revolving roller. The platform carries a rotatably mounted mandrel to couple the part to be marked to the reciprocating platform. The platform forces the part across a stationary marking die. Accessories are provided to automatically feed parts onto the platform and to automatically eject marked parts from the platform. Provisions are made to hold the platform stationary while a part is coupled to the mandrel and to guide and stabilize the unmarked part until it is coupled to the mandrel. Components and accessories are positioned for easy access for alignment and set-up.

Abstract: A four-color halftone curved surface printing apparatus is provided which comprises a blanket cylinder, four block cylinders arranged around the blanket cylinder and mandrels for supporting an object to be printed. The blanket cylinder includes first and second transfer areas, the two transfer areas being positioned sequentially in the circumferential direction of the blanket cylinder. A first ink layer is positioned on the first transfer area and a second ink layer is positioned on top of the first ink layer. A third ink layer is positioned on the second transfer area and a fourth ink layer is positioned on top of the third ink layer. The four ink layers have different tackiness values with the first ink layer having the highest and the fourth ink layer having the lowest. Further, the tackiness value between each of the four layers is at least one such that the ink layers are adapted to be transferred in order from the blanket cylinder to the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring, in a substantially uniform manner, a plurality of shaped objects, such as tablets, from a hopper adapted to contain a plurality of the tablets to a conveyor system for subsequent processing comprising a transfer drum in rotary arrangement relative to the hopper, adapted to receive the tablets within a plurality of peripherally spaced cavities having a substantially radially aligned pocket and a communicating, substantially longitudinally aligned pocket, a guide for re-orienting the tablets from the substantially radial orientation in which the tablets are received by the cavities, to a substantially longitudinal direction, and carriers operatively associated with the conveyor system to receive the substantially longitudinally oriented tablets in a substantially longitudinal orientation. Also the method.

Abstract: A bottle printer includes a carriage reciprocated along a fixed screen and a squeegee and flood bar carried by the carriage. A bottle support and a nose cone are adjustably supported on the carriage to accommodate bottles of different sizes. A bottle registration mechanism is supported on the carriage and moves with the carriage.

Abstract: A can printing machine of the type having a rotating assembly of mandrels contacting a rotating printing blanket for transferring decoration from the blanket to cans on the mandrels is provided with mandrel assemblies which are axially alignable with the printing blanket to permit axially uniform decoration of the cans. Each mandrel assembly comprises a rigid central member; a cylindrical sleeve mounted on the central member for receiving thereon a can to be printed; first mounting means pivotably mounting the sleeve to the central member at an axial midline of the can; and second mounting means accommodating pivoting and positioning the sleeve in a rest position to permit loading and unloading of the cans. Since the sleeve rotates relative to the central member to transfer circumferential decoration from the printing blanket to the can, the first and second mounting means permit rotation of the sleeve and rotatable pivoting.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for transporting, orienting and printing indicia upon materials which have dissimilar ends, like capsules, in a predetermined orientation and position. The apparatus includes three rotatable drums in tangential arrangement. The first two drums each include a plurality of peripherally spaced pockets sized and shaped to receive and carry individual capsules. Means are provided for each drum to orient certain preselected capsules from a radial to a longitudinal position with a selected end trailing. The so-oriented capsules are then delivered to the third drum for further processing, like printing, such as spin-printing. Means are provided to receive the longitudinally oriented capsules from the second drum in a longitudinal orientation, and to rotate the capsules from the longitudinal to a transverse orientation, whereupon selected indicia may be applied to the capsules.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for transporting and orienting materials which have dissimilar ends, like capsules, to and in a predetermined orientation and position. The apparatus includes two rotatable drums in tangential arrangement. Each drum includes a plurality of peripherally spaced pockets sized and shaped to receive and carry individual capsules. Each drum is provided with an air jet which orients certain preselected capsules from a radial to a longitudinal position with a selected end trailing, and the capsules are then delivered to a conveyor for further processing, like printing, such as spin-printing.

Abstract: A continuous-motion decorating machine of the screen and squeegee type which receives the ware, such as glassware, from a delivery conveyor for decorating it usually with several colors. The ware, for example tapered tumblers, is delivered in upright vertical position to a loader and unloader unit of the machine which lifts it so that the ware is successively engaged by the article carrier of the machine, which consists of a spindle-carrying endless horizontal chain conveyor arranged around sprockets to provide one straight side or run with which the loader and unloader unit is associated and three other straight sides or runs with which the screen and squeegee printing units are associated.

Abstract: In the use of pigment coated foil, e.g. so-called "gold leaf" being a common example, in the imprinting of pens, there is unavoidable slippage between the pen, supported on one or more idler rollers, and a rotationally driven printing slug, which detracts from the clarity of the imprinting indicia. This is obviated herein by using a stationary heated printing slug and converting a pen-supporting roller from an idler into a driving roller to, in turn, cause corresponding rotation in the pen. The pen is thus caused to rotate or "roll" across or along the printing slug, and such movement in turn causes the gold leaf to transfer onto the pen with a high degree of clarity.

Abstract: An improved capsule receiving conveyor bar to be carried by a transport conveyor of a capsule transport and printing device is disclosed. The conveyor bar includes a bar member and an insert attached thereto. The insert comprises a plurality of capsule receiving pockets formed therein. When the capsules are to be transported and subjected to a spin printing operation, each of the pockets comprise at least one recessed pocket portion so that indicia imprinted on the capsules in loci corresponding to the recessed portions will not smear as the capsules are rotated about their longitudinal axes during the spin printing operation.

Abstract: A process of four-color halftone printing onto objects having a curved surface by means of dry offset printing which comprises transferring four images of yellow, magenta, cyan and black process inks having a difference of at least 1 in tackiness value from each other from four blocks onto two transfer areas provided on a blanket differently in the circumferential direction of a blanket cylinder in two layers two by two so that an image of an ink having the highest tackiness value and an image of an ink having the secondarily high tackiness value are transferred onto the first transfer area in that order and an image of an ink having the thirdly high tackiness value and an image of an ink having the lowest tackiness value are transferred onto the second transfer area in that order, and then transferring the images on the first transfer area and the images on the second transfer area in order onto the object having a curved surface in layers.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing an indicium on objects, fruits and the like with an ink which may or may not be water soluble, but which is preferably of a type which may be readily consumed by humans without damaging effect, the fruit being successively pre-oriented and delivered by a conveyor to a printing station where inked printing dies carried by a printing roller are utilized to apply the indicia, after which the fruit is then discharged from the conveyor in a free-fall trajectory path onto a receiver, an air-brush type nozzle being utilized to jet-spray the indicium with a quick drying sealant coating as the fruit is moved through the trajectory path. The spray nozzle is directed towards a collecting opening having a connection with a suction source. Also, a selector valve is provided to permit disconnection of the coating material supply to the nozzle, and connection of the nozzle to a supply of cleaning solvent.

Abstract: A container conveying and transfer system for conveying and transferring decorated containers from a continuously rotatable mandrel wheel of container decorating apparatus to a continuously moving continuous loop container conveying belt member having container holding vacuum cups fixedly mounted thereon in association with an elongated vacuum plenum extending along a container carrying portion of the path of movement of the belt member whereby the containers are transferred from the belt member to pins carried by a continuously moving continuous loop chain member, the belt member being driven in synchronized, timed relationship to the rotatable mandrel wheel and the chain member by vacuum cup attachment nut members received in driving slots in a drive wheel member and in guide slots associated with the vacuum plenum and belt guide wheel members.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for printing upon capsules is disclosed which also includes means for restraining freshly printed capsules from adhering to the printing roll. The capsules are restrained against adherence to the printing roll by the interposition of a stripping plate between the print roll and the capsule transport conveyor at a position immediately downstream from the printing location in which the capsules are brought into contact with the printing roll. In another embodiment of the invention, the printing roll is cleaned by the provision of a rotatable cleaning roll.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted to transport and print around the circumference or portions thereof, and on an endwise portion of the capsules is provided. The apparatus comprises a hopper and capsule transport means adjacent said hopper to receive the capsules from the hopper. The capsules are transported to a wrap-around printing station wherein the desired indicia are imprinted on the capsule as it is spun about its longitudinal axis. At another printing station located along the capsule transport means, a printing roll imprints the desired indicia upon an endwise portion of the capsule. The capsules are rectified, i.e., all the cap portions of the capsule are disposed along the same side of the transport means so that the desired markings may be imprinted upon corresponding portions of each capsule.

Abstract: In an apparatus adapted to transport and imprint indicia around the circumference or portions thereof, of generally cylindrical objects, such as capsules, an improved object carrying device and capsule guide are disclosed that facilitate non-smear processing and easy ejection of the capsules from the device after printing. The capsule guide and carrier are provided with corresponding relief portions formed therein so that indicia imprinted on the capsules are not smeared as the objects are spun about their axes during printing. The capsule carrier includes a pocket to receive and transport the capsules along a predetermined path. The pocket is defined by a pair of opposed wall members that may be bevelled to facilitate easy ejection of the capsules from the carrier printing. Also, for imprinting upon one or both sides of tablets, pills, and the like, a pair of grooved capsule guides are disposed along opposed sides of the transport device.

Abstract: Capsule turning apparatus and method for use in a spin printing procedure in which a printing roll moves at a greater speed than the capsule, thus causing the capsule to rotate about its own axis while it is being printed. Many capsules, randomly arranged in a hopper, are picked up in a rotary conveyor which arranges them first in vertical arrangement relative to the path of movement of the conveyor, randomly with respect to whether the cap portions are at the top or bottom, and an air jet shifts all of the capsules in a sidewise direction, with the caps and body portions at random.

Abstract: The method and decorated article comprising glassware such as bottles and drinking tumblers is set forth. Halftone printing of a plurality of different colors is employed to produce a composite graphic display on the surface of the glass. Precise alignment is utilized in order to register the halftone printing screens for each color that is deposited on the glass surface. The opaque enamels employed in the decorative process are carefully balanced with respect to each other to obtain the desired color hues. The deposition angles for the alignment of the halftone dots is controlled to minimize the undesirable moire effect.