Abstract: A decorator (10) for printing onto cylindrical structures (18) has a plurality of inkers (12). Each inker (12) has a pair of opposing frame plates (40, 48). A printing plate (204) is affixed to a printing plate cylinder (200) carried by a rotational printing plate cylinder shaft (202). The printing plate shaft (202) is disposed between the opposing frame plates (40, 48). A main shaft (38) supports the inker (12) on the decorator (10) such that the pair of opposing frame plates (40, 48) are slidable along a length of the main shaft (38). A lateral adjustment servomotor (220) acts on a corresponding inker (212) to impart a movement by the inker (12) along the length of the main shaft (38).

Abstract: A reclosable beverage can end (10) has a circumferential curl (14) centered about a center longitudinal axis (50). A circumferential wall (15) extends downwardly from the curl (14) and inwardly towards the longitudinal axis (50). A center panel (12) is produced from a metallic material and centered about the longitudinal axis (50). The center panel (12) has a public side (34) and an opposing product side (35). A tab (26) is mounted to the public side (34) of the center panel (12). A pour opening (20) is formed by an aperture in the center panel (12) and sealed by the tab (26). The pour opening (20) is at least partially defined by a pour opening curl (22) of the metallic material of the center panel (12).

Abstract: Packaging a fermented beverage in an aluminum-bearing or containing vessel includes controlling a concentration of sulfur dioxide within the fermented beverage. The concentration of the sulfur dioxide is decreased by subjecting the fermented beverage to a chemical process in batch or in-line and prior to filling the vessel or after filling the vessel.

Abstract: A container component decorating apparatus (10) delivers one or more art graphics to a plurality of container components in a manufacturing queue. A container component handling module (200) has one or more holders (204) which retain the container components to the apparatus (10). The apparatus (10) has a supply of one or more fluids which are to be deposited onto the container components; A source of thermal energy (240) is thermally couplable to the container component. A thermal energy is transferred from the source to the container component prior to one or more fluid droplets from the source fluid being deposited on a non-absorbent surface of the container component.

Abstract: A can end (10) has a curl (14) extending circumferentially about a longitudinal axis (50). A circumferential wall (15) extends downwardly. A strengthening member (16) is joined to lower segment of the circumferential wall (15). A center panel (12) extends radially inwardly from the circumferential strengthening member (16). A rivet (38) attaches a tab (28) to the center panel (12). A cover (60) is attached to the tab (28) and is rotation therewith. A frangible score (24) in the center panel (12) is breakable to form a pour opening (27) in the center panel (12). The cover (60) is rotatable to overlay the pour opening (27) and effectively reclose the pour opening (27) in a reclosed condition of the can end (10).

Abstract: A system for decorating multiple containers in a single manufacturing run has a decorator, which includes a source of ink and print site where an ink graphic is deposited to each container in a plurality of containers that make up a manufacturing queue. An inspection station is located downstream from the decorator. The inspection station performs an optical evaluation of a quality of a pattern of ink deposited on at least one container in the plurality of containers A closed-loop feedback is responsive to the inspection station wherein the decorator is automatically adjusted in response to the optical evaluation performed at the inspection station.

Abstract: A container body decorator (10) has a controller (300) with a software stored in a memory. A plurality of ink-jet printing heads (108) is in communication with the controller (300). A segmented image transfer blanket (116) has a circumferential configuration with an inner surface opposite a printing surface. A printing site (124) is located along the segmented image transfer blanket (116). A container body handling module (200) delivers container bodies to the printing site (124).

Abstract: A container body decorator (10) has a controller with a software stored in a memory. A plurality of ink jet print heads (108) is in communication with the controller. An endless image transfer belt (116) has a circumferential configuration with an inner surface opposite a printing surface. A printing site (124) is located along the endless image transfer belt (116). A container body handling module (200) delivers container bodies (14) to the printing site (124).

Abstract: An image recorder (18) supported above a conveyor (22) captures images of a top surface of the loaded pallet (30) supported on the conveyor (22). The image is transmitted to a computer (26). A software routine stored on a memory on the computer (26) compares the image to a manufacturing specification. The software routine determines whether the image is within a manufacturing tolerance of the manufacturing specification.