Abstract: Apparatus for applying a plurality of color images to cylindrical or frustoconical articles includes a turret mounting radially extending angularly spaced shafts, each of which mounts a mandrel. The turret is fixed vertically and is moved in angular steps so that each of the mandrels is alternately positioned at printing stations and drying stations. The mandrels are rotated in synchronism with printing rolls located at each of the printing stations. Each printing roll is mounted on an individual auxiliary frame which in turn is mounted to a subframe on a horizontal pivot axis so that the printing roll may be adjusted pivotally to a position wherein its outer surface is aligned with the outer surface of a mandrel. The subframe is vertically movable relative to the turret for simultaneously moving all of the printing rolls relative to the mandrels.

Abstract: A photocomposer includes a fixed rearwardly inclined backboard for supporting a sensitized lithographic plate. To substantially reduce the weight of the backboard and its supporting structure, the main portion of the backboard is of cellular construction. Depressible register pins for positioning the lithographic plate are mounted on the backboard. Each pin is part of an assembly constructed to readily permit transverse adjustment of the pins.

Abstract: A takeoff and restacking device is operated in coordination with printing apparatus that applies decorations to the outside of cup-like containers. The apparatus includes a plurality of container holding mandrels extending radially from a turret which moves in angular steps between stations spaced by a distance equal to the space between adjacent mandrels. At one of these stations (takeoff station) a bellows-type suction head mounted on a support arm of the device engages a decorated container and carries it to a stacking region where the container is added to a stack at the rear thereof. The support arm is pivotally mounted to a drive arm on a movable pivot located at one end of the drive arm and intermediate the ends of the support arm. The end of the drive arm remote from the movable pivot is mounted to a fixed pivot about which the drive arm oscillates.

Abstract: A takeoff-delivery mechanism for cup-like containers is provided with a pusher device that is operated repeatedly to remove stacks containing a predetermined number of containers from the front of a horizontal supply stack while containers are being fed to the rear thereof. Initially, each removed stack is fed to a horizontal delivery device which is then pivoted by moving its front end upward until the delivery device is generally vertical. The removed stack is discharged from the delivery device through the now downwardly facing rear thereof into a receiving device where the removed stack remains generally vertical.

Abstract: A continuous motion decorator is provided with mandrels pivotally mounted to a carrier wheel and radially positioned by a stationary cam. An individual eccentric, operated by an individual power cylinder, is interposed between each mandrel pivot. When an unloaded or misloaded mandrel is detected, the associated eccentric is operated to retract mandrel from the printing blanket. Each mandrel is part of a subassembly including a pair of crank arms that are integrally connected by a section parallel to the axis for the carrier wheel. The mandrel is mounted on one crank arm and cam follower means is mounted on the other crank.

Abstract: Apparatus for decorating cylindrical containers is provided with a curing section mounted directly thereto. The containers are held by mandrels while decorations are applied and are then removed by suction transfer spindles which carry the containers through the curing section. Each transfer spindle is connected to the output of an individual clutch that is actuated only while the spindle is at the curing section. The clutch input is rotated continuously so that when the clutch is energized the transfer spindle rotates and the container carried thereby rotates when at the curing section.

Abstract: Apparatus for unloading decorated cans from wire brush-type container carriers or holders mounted on a closed-loop conveyor chain moving along a path extending through a curing oven includes a plurality of retriever rods mounted on a continuous rotating wheel. Radial movement of the retriever rods is programmed so that the free end of each rod engages the closed end of a can on the outside thereof, axially moving the can from a rear pocket of the wheel to an aligned front pocket. This movement strips the can from the holder, and when the stripped can reaches a predetermined angular position of the wheel such can is directed by gravity into an output conveyor chute.