Abstract: An apparatus for decorating articles comprises a transport path with at least one decorating station, and at least one article carrier displaced by a circulating transport system along the transport path. The transport system circulates in a horizontal plane and comprises a plurality of rigid rack portions which are interconnected pivotably in the horizontal plane. The transport system is driven by way of a gear. The transport system is guided by guide rollers mounted on a connecting pivot connecting each two adjacent rigid rack portions and they co-operate with guide rails defining at least a portion of the transport path.

Abstract: An apparatus for decorating articles such as bottles by means of labelling, printing thereon or the like includes a plurality of operating stations for performing various working operations on the articles as they are successively moved through the apparatus, transportation means for transporting the articles in a batch-wise manner from one operating station to the next and holding means for holding the articles in the stations between the transportation stepping movements. The transportation means comprises a main support member which is arranged to perform a reciprocating pivotal movement and on which holding elements such as grippers are pivotably carried. The pivotal movements of the main member and the holding elements take place in the same plane or in mutually parallel planes in such a way that the stroke movements of the main member and the holding elements are added together to make up the total length of movement to be covered by the articles in moving from one station to another.

Abstract: In an apparatus for cutting portions such as labels or tickets from a continuously moving web, the web is passed between a blade and a co-operating support member. As the web moves past the blade, the blade is displaced during the cutting operation in the same direction as the web and synchronously therewith, but over a shorter distance than the length of the portion to be cut out. The blade is then disengaged from the web and returned to its initial starting position. The support member may also be displaced in the opposite direction to the movement of the web and blade during the cutting operation.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for cutting portions such as labels or tickets from a continuously moving web, the web is passed between a blade and a co-operating support member. As the web moves past the blade, the blade is displaced during the cutting operation in the same direction as the web and synchronously therewith, but over a shorter distance than the length of the portion to be cut out. The blade is then disengaged from the web and returned to its initial starting position. The support member may also be displaced in the opposite direction to the movement of the web and blade during the cutting operation.

Abstract: In a screen printing process and machine for stepwise printing a succession of images, the screen printing stencil is moved along with the material during the printing operation, while the material is supported by a rotatable backing roller against the force applied to the material by the screen and a doctor blade disposed opposite the backing roller. During the printing operation the material is rolled against the stencil by the backing roller which together with the doctor may be moved in the opposite direction to the stencil. The direction of movement of the backing roller and an upstream guide roller, relative to the direction of movement of the stencil, is such as to promote separation of the material after printing from the stencil.