Abstract: An improved inking apparatus is provided that omits the use of the bull gear generally known in the art. More specifically, bull gears have traditionally been used in inking apparatus to rotate pinion gears that rotate shafts interconnected to plate cylinders. Plate cylinders in turn apply ink to a blanket that ultimately applies indicia to a container such as a beverage can. The rotating shaft also communicates with a plurality of gears that operate the inking stations that transfer the ink onto the plate cylinder. One embodiment of the present invention omits the bull gear and the pinion gears and provides an electro-mechanical driver that rotates the shafts to allow a controller to monitor and individually control the timing of plate cylinder rotation and inker station gear rotation thereby increasing efficiency and maintenance personnel safety.

Abstract: A gravity actuated protective cover assembly to be secured upon the upstanding exhaust stack of an internal combustion engine overlying the open end of the stack. The cover assembly includes a clamp member for securement of the assembly to the stack and a pair of support straps connected to the clamp member on which a pivotal cover member and support arm are mounted. A bumper member is mounted on the support straps to absorb the energy of impact at the fully open and closed positions of the cover member on the stack.

Abstract: A pivotally mounted cover assembly for the end of an upstanding exhaust pipe has a pivot structure constructed to include a plastic sleeve-type bearing pivotally mounted directly on a pivot shaft; the plastic bearing provides a seat for a flange member formed on the pivotal support arm of the cover member. A cover support arm including a pair of the aligned annular flanges mounted on separate, aligned plastic bearings facilitates assembly and replacement of the pivot structure and eliminates the need for an inner bearing. The cover assembly can further include notches on a pivot support member to receive locking tabs formed on a plastic bumper member which is engaged by stop members formed on the cover support arm to absorb the impact and reduce the noise as the pivotal cover reaches open and closed positions on the end of the pipe stack.

Abstract: A cover assembly is provided to be secured to the upper end of an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine maintained outdoors in such a manner such that a cap forming part of the assembly will cover the end of the exhaust pipe when the engine is quiescent. When exhaust gases exert pressure in the pipe during operation of the engine the cap will be raised against gravity off the end of the pipe to permit the gases to escape. The movement of the cap between open and closed positions is a rocking movement about a pivot and normally results in considerable clatter as the parts strike metal. Means are provided by the invention to reduce the clatter.