Abstract: The multiple printing plate mounting system of the present disclosure may be used to mount multiple flexible printing plates simultaneously onto a printing sleeve. The system has a back rotary vacuum plate with a plurality of distinct vacuum zones and may be controlled via valve by a computer control system. A filler plate may also be controlled with the same vacuum patterns. The filler plate will move minutely side-to-side. A front plate with match-controlled vacuum patterns may also have a servo to control front-to-back-movement. The distinct vacuum zones are used together with the movable front, back, and filler vacuum plates to selectively, individually, and independently align the flexible printing plates prior to mounting.

Abstract: The multiple printing plate mounting system of the present disclosure may be used to mount multiple flexible printing plates simultaneously onto a printing sleeve. The system has a back rotary vacuum plate with a plurality of distinct vacuum zones and may be controlled via valve by a computer control system. A filler plate may also be controlled with the same vacuum patterns. The filler plate will move minutely side-to-side. A front plate with match-controlled vacuum patterns may also have a servo to control front-to-back-movement. The distinct vacuum zones are used together with the movable front, back, and filler vacuum plates to selectively, individually, and independently align the flexible printing plates prior to mounting.

Abstract: A lid applicator has a main body that receives a conveyor. Containers are placed on the conveyor, and lids are loaded into a chute in the lid applicator. As the containers move towards the lid applicator, the rim of the container contacts the lip of the lid that is being advanced downwardly and at an angle by a plurality of worm screws of the main body. The forward momentum of the container on the conveyor carries the lid away from worm screws, and forms a loose contact between the lid and container. The container and lid then pass under a platform of the main body with a flat surface, fully sealing the lid onto the container. As a next container approaches the chute, a sensor on the main body sends a signal causing the worm screws to dispense another lid at an angle to receive the next container.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting flexible printing plates on a printing cylinder includes a base rotatably supporting a printing cylinder in a predetermined position and support having a turntable for supporting a flexible printing plate having a reference point thereon and a front plate support mounted adjacent the front of the turntable. Means for selectively moving front plate support and an associated pressure roll toward and away from the turntable to facilitate the application of the flexible printing plate onto the printing cylinder in a predetermined position.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting flexible printing plates on a printing cylinder includes a base rotatably supporting a printing cylinder in a predetermined position and an adjacent support table having a surface for supporting a flexible printing plate having a reference point thereon. Actuators move the support table along three orthogonal axes one of which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the printing cylinder. The position of the reference point is sensed by a video camera and feedback signals representing the positions of the camera and the table with respect to the three axes are inputs to a computer. The computer determines the positional relationship between the reference point on the printing plate and the predetermined position of the printing cylinder and moves the support table to position the printing plate at a desired position for mounting on the printing cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting flexible printing plates on a printing cylinder includes a base rotatably supporting a printing cylinder in a predetermined position and an adjacent support table having a turntable for supporting a flexible printing plate having a reference point thereon. Actuators move the support table along three orthogonal axes one of which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the printing cylinder. The position of the reference point is sensed by a video camera and feedback signals representing the positions of the camera and the table with respect to the three axes are inputs to a computer. The computer determines the positional relationship between the reference point on the printing plate and the predetermined position of the printing cylinder and moves the support table and the turntable to position the printing plate at a desired position for mounting on the printing cylinder.