Abstract: A digitally controlled can printing apparatus for printing on circular two-piece cans, the apparatus including digital print-heads for printing an image on the cans and drives for transporting and rotating the cans in front of the print-heads in registered alignment.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming end shells for containers with a peripheral curl and an annular reinforcing rib in a single stroke cycle of a press which includes a punch core, a punch shell, and a pressure sleeve carried by an inner ram of the press. A cut edge is carried by an outer ram for forming a flat disc-shaped blank at a first level from a strip of sheet material. A die core is mounted on the base at a second level and is surrounded by concentric inner and outer die core rings. A cup-shaped blank is formed from the flat blank by movement of the punch core, pressure sleeve, and punch shell through a blank and draw die. The cup is clamped at the second level between the die core and punch core and formed into an end shell by movement of the punch core, pressure sleeve, and punch shell into clamping engagement with the die core, and inner and outer die core rings.

Abstract: An automated can decorating apparatus including a mechanical mandrel trip mechanism. The mechanical mandrel trip mechanism includes a trip lever mechanism having a trip cam follower disposed on an end of a trip arm which causes the movement of an associated mandrel away from a printing position, and a reset cam follower disposed on a reset arm which causes the mandrel to return to a printing position. Trip cam follower and reset cam follower engage cam surfaces on a trip cam plate and a reset cam plate, respectively, to cause the movement of their associated mandrel.

Abstract: An internally cooled punch disposed on the end of a ram in a can forming machine. Internal fluid cooling means in the ram avoids the need for externally applied cooling fluids. A plurality of parallel fluid transfer tubes is arranged annularly within the ram. Cooling medium flows through inlet tubes to radial inlet ports which supply the cooling medium to the inner surface of the punch where the medium flows rearwardly through a channel at the inner surface of the punch to radial outlet ports leading to outlet tubes through the ram. Discharged cooling media flows back along the ram and out through a manifold. The transfer tubes are arranged symmetrically in an alternating array circumferentially around the ram to reduce radial temperature gradients within the ram. A central port allows air flow through the ram to aid in stripping the formed container from the punch.

Abstract: A can forming tool pack includes internally cooled die modules. Each die module includes at least one die nib held in a case. Fluid cooling medium is supplied to multiple inlets provided circumferentially in each case, spaced symmetrically around the case. The cooling fluid is channeled from the inlets through clearances between an outer surface of the die nib and the case to cool the die nib. Outlets are spaced circumferentially around the case to return the cooling fluid to the medium supply.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a container component has a fixed stock plate and cut edge mounted on a base at a first level for forming a disk-shaped blank from a strip of sheet material. A blank and draw die is mounted at a second level which forms the disk-shaped blank into a shallow cup upon advancement of a punch assembly through the die. A profile pad is mounted at a third level on the base and imparts a profile on the bottom wall of the shallow cup as the punch assembly continues a downward stroke. An air stream ejects the profiled container component from the press at the third level.

Abstract: The output end of a very high speed continuous motion cylindrical can decorator is provided with unloading apparatus in the form of a continuously moving closed loop suction belt supplied by first and second continuously rotating, parallel axis, suction applying conveyor wheels. Cans held on the second wheel are on two concentric circular tracks and are transferred by suction to the belt. The first wheel carries cans along a single row circular path. In a region where the first and second wheels overlap partially, alternate cans on the path are delivered to one track of the second wheel and the remaining alternate cans on the path are delivered to the other track of the second wheel. Alternate cans supported on the first wheel may be moved radially so that the cans on the first wheel are in two rows which intersect the two tracks on the second wheel at respective common tangents of each row and the respective track.

Abstract: To minimize the presence of roll-to-roll nips in an inking system for a printing plate cylinder, an ink transfer belt transfers ink from an ink transfer roller, which receives ink from a supply, to the ink receiving elements on a printing plate cylinder. A plurality of guide rolls inside the loop of the ink transfer belt contact the drivable surface of that belt. A drive is connected with one of the guide rollers for driving it to rotate at a first velocity, which is the velocity of the ink transfer roll and of the printing plate cylinder. An ink distribution roller is disposed outside the loop of the belt in contact with the opposite, ink transfer surface of the belt and between the ink transfer roller and the printing plate cylinder. The ink distribution roller is driven to rotate at a different speed than the ink transfer belt and is also driven to vibrate or to oscillate axially for ink distribution on the ink transfer surface of the belt.