Abstract: The present invention consists of a combined offset and flexographic printing apparatus. The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides apparatus for printing both quasi-random numbers and a plurality of different images on cylindrical objects. In this preferred embodiment, the invention consists of a cylindrical container printing and decorating press incorporating a blanket cylinder with a plurality of peripheral segments on which rubber offset blankets are mounted. A random number printing unit and a polygonal multi-image printing unit are provided between two segments of the blanket cylinder. Preferably, a plurality of random number/multi-image printing unit pairs are provided, one located between each pair of adjacent segments. A plurality of printing stations are arranged around the blanket cylinder, each featuring a master plate for transferring a single color image to the printing faces of the offset blankets, the random number printing units and the hexagonal multi-image printing units.

Abstract: A method for printing quasi-random number tables on cylindrical objects. A quasi random number printing unit is inserted in a blanket cylinder of an object decorator press. A printing plate cylinder disposed within the printing unit is advanced by a cam drive, thereby advancing a plurality of belts entrained about the cylinder and exposing a series of printing plates to an inking unit. Ink is applied from the inking unit to a series of numerical segements on the plates, and from the segments to a cylindrical object surface.