Abstract: A continuous motion can decorator includes a plurality of mandrel subassemblies mounted on a rotating carrier with equal angular spacings between adjacent subassemblies. The assemblies reciprocate radially with respect to the carrier axis as a center. Each subassembly includes a radially extending support arm that mounts a radially extending mono rail which extends through guide bearing units on the carrier. The mandrel of each subassembly is mounted on an axis that is parallel to the rotational axis of the carrier. An eccentric type mounting is provided for the mandrel axle on the reciprocating arm so that there is an individually operated means to adjust spacing between the carrier rotational axis and the mandrel axis. Vacuum and pressurized air are fed selectively to each mandrel subassembly through a flexible hose having a single loop that is formed by curving virtually the entire length of the hose.

Abstract: A mandrel/spindle disc for a continuous motion can decorator includes a plurality of relatively lightweight mandrel assemblies mounted on a rotating carrier with equal angular spacings between adjacent assemblies. The assemblies reciprocate radially with respect to the carrier axis as a center. Each assembly includes a base and two guide rods that extend radially inward from the base and are received by sleeve bushings that are disposed in radial holes extending inward from the carrier periphery. A plurality of relatively small grease pools are formed by small transverse holes, each of which extend forward from the rear of the carrier disc to engage the inner ends of four bushing holes. Vacuum and air pressure are fed to each mandrel assembly through a flexible hose having a large loop therein.

Abstract: A continuous motion decorator for cylindrical containers is provided with a direct printing unit for printing an auxiliary image on the cylindrical surface of a container that has been imprinted with a main image by an offset blanket segment of the decorator. The direct printing unit includes a plurality of direct printing plates disposed in tandem on a closed loop belt means with each of these plates bearing a different auxiliary image. The offset blanket segments are mounted on the periphery of a continuously rotating blanket wheel. An individual direct printing unit, mounted to the blanket wheel, is provided for each blanket segment and includes an anvil disposed at the upstream end of the blanket segment to support one printing plate at a time in its printing position. For each revolution of the blanket wheel the belt means is advanced by an incremental length to bring a new printing plate to printing position.