Abstract: In an apparatus for decorating stiff objects, the objects are transported stepwise along an arcuate conveyor path. Printing stations and drying stations are arranged alternately along the conveyor path with the printing stations at a level above the conveyor path and the drying stations at a level below the conveyor path. Holders for the objects are reciprocatable upwardly and downwardly to permit vertical movements of the objects during the printing operation and/or for setting the objects in different heightwise positions in different stations. The holders for the objects are subdivided into first and second groups, wherein the holders of each group are adjustable in respect of height independently of the holders of the respective other group. The printing stations are screened from view in relation to the drying stations by screening members.

Abstract: In an apparatus for decorating stiff objects, the objects are transported stepwise along an arcuate conveyor path. Printing stations and drying stations are arranged alternately along the conveyor path with the printing stations at a level above the conveyor path and the drying stations at a level below the conveyor path. Holders for the objects are reciprocatable upwardly and downwardly to permit vertical movements of the objects during the printing operation and/or for setting the objects in different heightwise positions in different stations. The holders for the objects are subdivided into first and second groups, wherein the holders of each group are adjustable in respect of height independently of the holders of the respective other group. The printing stations are screened from view in relation to the drying stations by screening members.

Abstract: An apparatus for decorating articles has at least one article carrier which is movable along a transport path through treatment stations and which is connected to a vacuum source at least over a portion of the transport path for holding an article in the article carrier by the vacuum. A stationary vacuum duct is arranged along at least a portion of the transport path, to make a connection between the vacuum source and the article carrier. At least one vacuum conduit in the article carrier is connected to the vacuum duct by way of a connecting conduit which is connected to the vacuum conduit in the article carrier and which is moved along the transport path. The vacuum duct is provided with an opening for the passage of the vacuum to the connecting conduit, the opening being movable along the vacuum duct.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method of decorating articles which are transported on article carriers through a treatment station along a transport path which is linear at least over a portion of its extent, the article carriers are transported through the linear portion of the transport path by a screw having a screw flight adapted to engage with a respective article carrier required to move along the linear portion of the transport path. Rotation of the screw advances the respective article carrier along the linear transport path portion. The screw preferably rotates at a constant speed so that changes in the speed of movement of the article carrier along the linear portion of the transport path are implemented by variations in the screw flight pitch over the length of the screw.

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 printing on individual articles has at least two rotatably disposed holders, each of which carries an article. Each of the holders which can comprise first and second holder portions is provided with separate drives for transporting the respective holder and for producing rotational movement thereof so that an article carried by one of the holders can be moved and rotated independently of articles carried by other holders. When printing on articles whose region to be printed upon differs from the shape of a circle or a circular arc, it is also possible for the printing mechanism consisting of a screen printing stencil and a squeegee to be raised or lowered in the printing operation, in dependence on the cross-sectional shape of the region to be printed upon, so that there is no need to alter the position in respect of height of the article during a printing operation.