Abstract: A dot matrix line printer is disclosed in which the amount of wear of an ink ribbon is measured by continuously compiling data representing impacting action of the printer as the printer prints.In one embodiment, this is accomplished by initially determining a dot count based on the length of the ribbon and representing the maximum theoretical useful life of the ink ribbon and then decreasing the initial dot count as printing thereafter commences. The dot count remaining is continuously divided by the initial dot count to determine the percentage of ribbon life remaining. When the dot count has been increased substantially to zero, a worn ribbon indication is provided to initiate an audible or visible alarm and to prevent further printing until the worn ribbon is replaced. As printing occurs the dots actually printed are counted, and this count is applied to reduce the initial dot count at a rate determined by the type of printing being undertaken.

Abstract: A dot matrix line printer is disclosed in which the amount of wear of an ink ribbon is measured by continuously compiling data representing impacting action of the printer as the printer prints.In a first embodiment, this is accomplished by initially determining a dot count based on the length of the ribbon and representing the maximum theoretical useful life of the ink ribbon and then decreasing the initial dot count as printing thereafter commences. The dot count remaining is continuously divided by the initial dot count to determine the percentage of ribbon life remaining. When the dot count has been decreased substantially to zero, a worn ribbon indication is provided to initiate an audible or visible alarm and to prevent further printing until the worn ribbon is replaced. As printing occurs the dots actually printed are counted, and this count is applied to reduce the initial dot count at a rate determined by the type of printing being undertaken.

Abstract: Apparatus for radiation curing of decorative and protective coatings on the exterior of a can or other tubular article is constructed with a plurality of ultraviolet lamps, each of which is disposed between two runs or flights of a conveyor chain having pins that carry the articles so that each article makes two passes at each lamp to receive radiation therefrom on opposite sides of each article. Two runs of the chain are at right angles to another two runs thereof so that curing radiation impinges on the entire outer surface of the tubular article. Each lamp is disposed within an individual baffle unit including a stationary shield that surrounds a cylindrical shutter that is pivotable about its cylindrical axis between normal and standby positions. In the normal position, diametrically opposed windows of the shutter are aligned with diametrically opposed windows of the shield so that radiation from a single lamp is directed toward two flights of the conveyor chain.

Abstract: An oven for curing ultraviolet curable ink on cylindrical objects consists of an assembly of two pairs of elongated ultraviolet lamps with respective reflectors for directing the radiation of the respective pairs of lamps toward the path taken by the objects to be cooled. The assembly is rotatable to move either of the pair of lamps into operative curing position and to enable maintenance on the other two lamps or the lamp power supplies at a convenient time as when other maintenance is required rather than force immediate shutdown of the decorating/printing and curing line. Air flow paths are provided to cool the lamps and reflectors during high power operation and to enable the lamp to stay hot during low power operation. A plurality of spindles which carry the cans to be cured are fixed on the pins of a pin chain and move over a wire brush type rack to cause the spindles and then the cans on the spindles to rotate as they move under and along the length of the lamps.

Abstract: A high temperature-resistant, open-mesh fabric conveyor belt for conveying graphic arts printed or coated material over a vacuum bed and through a high temperature oven is described. A V-belt is secured to the open-mesh fabric to center and guide the belt wherein the V-belt is guided by suitable guide slots in suitable guide members which require no adjustments for guiding. The V-belt is vulcanized to a strip of cotton tape, and the strip is, in turn, sewn to the open-mesh belt by a high temperature-resistant thread. In one embodiment, a single V-belt is centrally located on the belt. In a second embodiment, two V-belts are located adjacent to the respective opposite edges of the belt. In a narrow conveyor belt, a single V-belt can be provided at one edge of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for decorating cylindrical containers is provided with a compact-curing section mounted directly thereto. The curing section includes a subassembly pivotally mounted for movement between an operating and a servicing position. The subassembly includes a liquid-cooled main reflector, an arcuate array of elongated ultra-violet lamps, and air-cooled chambers wherein the lamp terminals are disposed. A liquid-cooled shutter is provided to shield those containers stopped in the curing section.