Abstract: In an apparatus for printing on dimensionally stable individual articles such as glass or plastic bottles, using screen printing, the articles each carried by a respective holder are transported along a transport path by a continuously circulating transport device. At least one treatment station and at least two transfer stations are associated with the transport path, one transfer station acting as a feed station and the other as a removal station for the articles. During a printing operation on an article the article is rotated about its longitudinal axis in a first direction which is governed by the printing procedure and the transport direction, and then after conclusion of the printing operation the article is rotated back into its initial position by rotation about its longitudinal axis in the opposite direction, so that the position of the article in angular terms about its longitudinal axis can be accurately defined and controlled.

Abstract: In a punching apparatus for cutting portions out of a web of material, the punching tool assembly has a movable top punching tool and a bottom punching tool carried by a plate arrangement which includes a base, a first plate supported on the base and a second plate which is supported on the first plate and which carries the bottom tool. One of the plates is reciprocal transversely to the web of material while the other is pivotable about a substantially vertical axis. Movements of the plates relative to each other and relative to the base permit the punching tool assembly to be aligned with the portion to be punched out of the material web, prior to the punching operation.

Abstract: For accurate positioning of a web of material which is to be transported stepwise by at least first and second feed means through processing stations disposed therebetween, the feed means are controlled by a programmable computer which stores a value representative of the length of the distance to be covered by the web during a transportation step. The tension of the web is measured and the measured value is compared to a reference value stored in the computer. If the actual value deviates from the reference value the drive means of at least one of the web feed means is controlled in such a way that the tension in the web is at least substantially adjusted to the reference value by increasing or reducing the length of the portion of web which in a transportation step is drawn into the processing region between the web feed means.

Abstract: A screen printing machine has a carrier for an article to be printed, comprising first and second carrier members interconnected by a transverse connecting member. The carrier is reciprocal along the stencil between an article-receiving and an article-discharge station. The connecting member is adapted to pivot to a position beside the carrier, at at least one of the stations, for access to the carrier.

Abstract: In a screen printing process and machine for stepwise printing a succession of images, the screen printing stencil is moved along with the material during the printing operation, while the material is supported by a rotatable backing roller against the force applied to the material by the screen and a doctor blade disposed opposite the backing roller. During the printing operation the material is rolled against the stencil by the backing roller which together with the doctor may be moved in the opposite direction to the stencil. The direction of movement of the backing roller and an upstream guide roller, relative to the direction of movement of the stencil, is such as to promote separation of the material after printing from the stencil.

Abstract: A screenprinting machine has at least one printing station past which an object to be printed travels in a path, and which includes a movable printing screen and a cooperating movable squeegee. A fixed rack extends along this path, and an arrangement is provided which engages and rotates the object to be printed and which includes a gear which meshes with the rack. A drive is provided for moving the squeegee at a constant rate of speed, and another arrangement serves to vary the speed of movement and the stroke of the printing screen in dependence upon the peripheral speed of the rotating object.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus includes a stencil and a doctor blade or a squeegee cooperating with the printing screen or stencil to print images on objects. A transportation arrangement is provided for transporting the objects on which the images are to be printed in a given path and direction, part of the path leading past the stencil. The transportation arrangement includes a plurality of pairs of support members which are respectively mounted on carrier elements extending laterally of the path. The carrier elements are mounted on elongated rails for movement longitudinally thereof by a distance corresponding to the spacing of the pairs of support members from one another in said direction, the carrier elements reciprocating in said direction and in an opposite direction relative to the rails.

Abstract: A screenprinting machine has at least one printing station past which an object to be printed travels in a path, and which includes a movable printing screen and a cooperating movable squeegee. A fixed rack extends along this path, and an arrangement is provided which engages and rotates the object to be printed and which includes a gear which meshes with the rack. A drive is provided for moving the squeegee at a constant rate of speed, and another arrangement serves to vary the speed of movement and the stroke of the printing screen in dependence upon the peripheral speed of the rotating object.

Abstract: A printing machine for applying printed matter to the outside of dished articles, particularly plastics containers for packaging food stuffs, of non-circular cross-section has a rotary printing drum associated with a revolving head, with supports for the articles, arranged to be indexed past the printing drum and is characterised by each support having an arbor which is operative to support an article throughout the printing operation and at least one additional arbor spaced therefrom and displaceable between an operative position in which it also supports the article and an inoperative position in which it does not support the article. A vacuum, applied through a frontal aperture in the first-mentioned arbor may be provided to assist in retaining the articles on their supports. Alternatively or additionally the articles may be held on to their supports by means of rollers acting on the outside of the articles.