Abstract: Apparatus for printing a decorative pattern of differing colors on the cylindrical outer surface of a can body wherein a pattern of one color is applied and dried on the outer surface and a pattern of a different color is applied to the cylindrical outer surface of the can body with only portions of the pattern of a different color superposed over portions of the pattern of one color and repeating the steps for a plurality of additional patterns and different colors.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for printing a decorative pattern of differing colors on the cylindrical outer surface of a can body wherein a pattern of one color is applied and dried on the outer surface and a pattern of a different color is applied to the cylindrical outer surface of the can body with only portions of the pattern of a different color superposed over portions of the pattern of one color and repeating the steps for a plurality of additional patterns and different colors.

Abstract: Registration apparatus for controlling the image height and circumferential orientation of a plate cylinder of a can decorating apparatus using hydraulic linear actuators or electric linear actuators to move first adjustors for the circumferential orientation and second adjustors for the image height orientation.

Abstract: A fountain roll and assembly for a can decorating apparatus wherein a pan holding a supply of ink is adjustably mounted on a fixed frame so that the level of the supply of ink is generally in a horizontal plane and a fountain roll rotatably mounted in the fixed frame and located so that the lower portion of its outer peripheral surface as it rotates is immersed in the supply of ink and wherein the fountain roll is rotated so that it enters the supply of ink in a generally downward direction and leaves the supply of ink in a generally upward direction. A plurality of doctor blades in a side-by-side contacting relationship are located to remove an excess amount of ink on the outer peripheral surface and to return such excess amount to the supply of ink. The doctor blades are mounted in a unit which is laterally and pivotally adjustable. Also, the doctor blades are individually adjustable in linear directions toward or away from the outer peripheral surface of the fountain roll.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring decorated containers, having images of wet ink on the outer peripheries thereof, from a first container carrying apparatus, comprising a continuously rotating mandrel wheel type apparatus carrying decorated containers with their open ends exposed, to second and third container carrying apparatus, each comprising continuously moving vacuum belts for carrying the decorated containers through a curing oven with their open ends exposed, comprising a continuously rotating transfer wheel which carries the decorated containers with their closed ends exposed and which is located between the first and the second and third container carrying apparatus and wherein the transfer wheel receives containers from the first container carrying apparatus for movement in a circular path and moves the containers while they are held thereon so that they are separated into two parallel spaced apart circular paths to be transferred to the second or third container carrying apparatus.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring decorated containers, having images of wet ink of the outer peripheries thereof, from a first container carrying apparatus, comprising a continuously rotating wheel type apparatus carrying decorated containers with their open ends exposed, to a second container carrying apparatus, comprising a continuously moving vacuum belt for carrying the decorated containers through a curing oven with their open ends exposed, comprising a continuously rotating transfer wheel which carries the decorated containers with their closed ends exposed and which is located between the first and second container carrying apparatuses.

Abstract: A vibrator roll assembly for use in spreading, smoothing and transferring wet ink within a wet ink transfer system of a printing and decorating apparatus wherein a vibrator roll is mounted on a shaft that is supported in a fixed support plate for rotational and reciprocal movement relative thereto. The shaft is rotated by a connecting assembly and a first portion of a reciprocating assembly is attached to the shaft for rotation therewith. A second portion of the reciprocating assembly is mounted on the connecting assembly for rotation relative thereto. The first portion and the second portion of the reciprocating assembly are rotated to have different rotational speeds. Actuating apparatus on the first and second portions are responsive to the difference in the rotational speeds thereof to reciprocate the shaft.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly for use in a machine for the continuous printing of cylindrical containers, comprising a mandrel wheel; mandrel holders, pivotally mounted on circumferential portions of the mandrel wheel; elongated spindles for supporting cylindrical containers on the peripheral surfaces thereof, rotatably mounted on the mandrel holder and radially displaceable relative to the central axis of rotation of the mandrel wheel; a cam follower rotatably mounted on each mandrel holder; a cam track assembly operably associated with the cam followers for causing preselected radial displacement of the cam followers with respect to the central axis of rotation of the mandrel wheel which in turn causes preselected radial displacement of associated mandrel spindles relative to a printing blanket wheel device to cause a container to be printed; skip-print apparatus comprising a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the mandrel wheel and rotatable relative to each mandrel holder and having a surface bearing against a rotatable

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed drying of the interior surfaces of a plurality of plastic bottles without causing heat deterioration of the bottles. Bottles to be dried are heated through application of a heated liquid to the exterior surface thereof while a gas jet is simultaneously directed into the bottle interior. Method and apparatus for continuously moving and rotating the bottles during the drying process is also described.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for spray coating the interior cavity of a plastic bottle with a barrier material. The apparatus includes a spraying assembly for moving a nozzle body into and out of the interior cavity of the bottle while the bottle rotates about its central longitudinal axis. A spraying control system causes a predetermined amount of coating material to be dispensed to selected regions of the bottle as a function of the nozzle body linear displacement relative the bottle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of applying a thin narrow width coating to can body members comprising a feed control means associated with a guideway means for causing rotating moving of the can body members across an elongated coating applicator roller member extending parallel to the path of movement of the can body members, the rotation of and spacing of the can body members and the rotation of the applicator roller member being controlled to apply the coating during substantially only one revolution of the can body member and less than one revolution of the roller member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of applying a thin narrow width coating to can body members comprising a feed control means associated with a guideway means for causing rotating moving of the can body members across an elongated coating applicator roller member extending parallel to the path of movement of the can body members, the rotation of and spacing of the can body members and the rotation of the applicator roller member being controlled to apply the coating during substantially only one revolution of the can body member and less than one revolution of the roller member.