Abstract: The output end of a very high speed continuous motion cylindrical can decorator is provided with unloading apparatus in the form of a continuously moving closed loop suction belt supplied by first and second continuously rotating, parallel axis, suction applying conveyor wheels. Cans held on the second wheel are on two concentric circular tracks and are transferred by suction to the belt. The first wheel carries cans along a single row circular path. In a region where the first and second wheels overlap partially, alternate cans on the path are delivered to one track of the second wheel and the remaining alternate cans on the path are delivered to the other track of the second wheel. Alternate cans supported on the first wheel may be moved radially so that the cans on the first wheel are in two rows which intersect the two tracks on the second wheel at respective common tangents of each row and the respective track.

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.