Abstract: Apparatus and method for decorating a surface of a tubular container with a decorating medium applied by a decorating device, at an area of transfer at the decorating surface of the decorating device, utilizing a single drive motor coupled with the container for registering the container for decoration and then effecting relative rotation and translation between the container and the decorating device, the drive motor being operated in a first mode of operation for accomplishing registration of the container relative to the decorating device, and then being operated in a second mode of operation in which the container is rotated at a rate related ratiometrically to the rate of translation to effect essentially rolling contact between the container and the decorating surface of the decorating device so that the relative velocity between the surface of the container and the decorating surface of the decorating device is maintained at zero at the area of transfer of the decorating medium.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for decorating the surface of an article having a non-circular cross-sectional configuration in which the article is positioned relative to an applicator to maintain the proper relative position and appropriate relative velocity for the application of a decorating medium throughout a decorating cycle in accordance with information pertaining to the cross-sectional configuration of the article and obtained from the surface contour of the article itself.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for decorating the surface of an article having a non-circular cross-sectional configuration in which the article is positioned relative to an applicator to maintain the proper relative position and appropriate relative velocity for the application of a decorating medium throughout a decorating cycle in accordance with information pertaining to the cross-sectional configuration of the article and obtained from the surface contour of the article itself.