Abstract: A container component decorating apparatus (10) delivers one or more art graphics to a plurality of container components in a manufacturing queue. A container component handling module (200) has one or more holders (204) which retain the container components to the apparatus (10). The apparatus (10) has a supply of one or more fluids which are to be deposited onto the container components; A source of thermal energy (240) is thermally couplable to the container component. A thermal energy is transferred from the source to the container component prior to one or more fluid droplets from the source fluid being deposited on a non-absorbent surface of the container component.

Abstract: A device for imprinting cans comprises a plurality of ink cartridges that supply ink to a plurality of printing plates; the printing plates communicate with transfer blankets fixed to a drum, the transfer blankets move ink from the printing plates and apply it to cans; each transfer blanket includes a different art in low relief which produces an image on cans in addition to the image produced by printing plates; the device is preferably a rotary dry offset printer.

Abstract: The invention provides a good inking quality and high inking efficiency lens digital inking device in drum layout. It includes a rotating unit, a lens height adjustment unit, invisible mark recognition unit and print head, utilizing the rotating circumference of the same drum, to completely or partially compensating for the curvature of the front surface of the lens, making the distance between print head to the center or edge of the lens edge reduced, which improves the print quality. This invention is suitable for all kinds of lens inking.

Abstract: A printing apparatus and method are disclosed for printing on three-dimensional objects. The apparatus employs an offset printing process in which an ink image is deposited onto an intermediate transfer member (ITM) having the form of a flexible endless belt. After drying of the ink image on the ITM, the ITM transports the dried ink image to an impression station having a nip at which the ITM is compressed between an object and an impression surface, so that the dried ink image is transferred from the ITM to the object. The impression surface may form part of a stationary anvil, the ITM sliding relative to the impression surface during passage through the impression station. To optimize throughput, the velocity of the ITM relative to the surface of the object at the impression station may be greater than the velocity of the ITM relative to the imaging station.

Abstract: A printing apparatus and method are disclosed for printing on conical objects. An ink image is deposited onto the outer release surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) having the form of a flexible endless belt. After drying of the ink image on the ITM, the ITM transports the dried ink image to an impression station having a nip at which the ink image is transferred onto the objects. In order to permit printing on conical objects, the ITM is elastically deformable at least in the direction of movement of the ITM, and is guided in such a manner as to be elongated during passage through the impression station, the extent of elongation varying across the width of the ITM so as to match the surface velocity of the ITM to that of the object over the entire line of contact between the ITM and the object at the nip.

Abstract: A turret styled container decorator machine is disclosed having a rotatable turret and a number of circumferentially spaced container holding assemblies for holding a variety of pieces of media, such as a drink container, the surface of which is to be printed upon with an image. A plurality of workstations are positioned around the perimeter of the turret through which each media holder passes as the turret rotates. Each workstation includes an ink printing assembly and a curing assembly so that ink may be applied and cured as each piece of media is indexed into each workstation location. Each printing workstation may be removed and replaced with a different arrangement or configuration of ink heads to suit different types of media sizes and shapes, and the turret holds a plurality of media holding means assigned to a pie-shaped section of the turret adjustable to accommodate various types of media geometries.

Abstract: The invention is a method of using a turret styled decorator machine to decorate container media. The machine utilized has a rotatable turret and a number of circumferentially spaced container holding assemblies for holding a variety of pieces of “media,” such as a drink container, the exterior surface of which is to have ink applied to form an image. A plurality of workstations are positioned around the perimeter of the turret through which each media holder passes as the turret rotates. Due to the unique configuration of the decorating machine, each piece of media, once loaded, spins at a rate different from any other piece of media so that the entire decorating process is speed optimized for each print job. Further, container media may spin continuously during the decorating process so that the turret never needs to pause for media to stop rotating or to begin rotating.

Abstract: A system prints solid ink images on fibrous objects. The controller of the system is configured to operate a first motor to move an object rotating subsystem to and from a position opposite a plurality of printheads, to operate a second motor to rotate an object on a spindle of the object rotating subsystem at the position opposite the plurality of printheads, to operate a forced air heater to direct heated air onto a surface of the object as the object rotates at the position opposite the plurality of printheads, and to operate the plurality of printheads to eject a solid ink marking material onto the heated surface of the object as the object rotates in the first and/or second rotational direction. The solid ink image is affixed to the object by the heating of the object surface alone.

Abstract: A system for printing images on an object, the system including, a housing, a rod driven by a first motor, an object rotating subsystem positioned about the rod and arranged for reciprocal movement, an object rotating subsystem that includes a spindle and a second motor connected to the spindle and configured to rotate the object in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction. The system further including a vacuum source connected to the spindle, a plurality of printheads, a curing lamp, and a controller connected to the plurality of printheads, the first motor, the second motor, the curing lamp, the controller configured to operate the first motor, the second motor, the plurality of printheads, and the curing lamp, wherein the plurality of printheads are configured to eject a first marking material onto the object and the second motor rotates the object in the first or second rotational direction.

Abstract: A printing system for an article of apparel includes an article receptacle device for receiving an article to be printed. The printing system includes a receptacle receiving system for receiving an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include an article positioning system for positioning an article receptacle device with an article to be printed. The printing system can include a printhead for printing an indicia portion on an article that corresponds to a design element on the article.

Abstract: An image processor 53 processing taken images includes an image inspection means 54 for inspecting whether printing is performed properly as compared with a master image by using the image of the entire can taken by a first camera, a density measurement means 55 for measuring densities in designated positions for respective colors also by using the image of the entire can taken by the first camera, and a printing misalignment value measurement means 56 for measuring misalignment values with respect to set positions of printing misalignment inspection marks printed on an opening-side end portion of a can for respective colors by using the image of the opening-side end portion of the can taken by the second camera.

Abstract: A printing technique is presented for efficiently printing (i.e. with production lines rates at high resolution and high accuracy) on outer surfaces of a plurality of objects passing in an optimized stream through a printing route/zone. According to this technique, at least one array of printing head units is provided being configured to define at least one printing route along a printing axis, where the at least one printing route is a substantially linear segment of a closed loop lane along which the objects are progressing.

Abstract: A cyclically operating printing press includes a clocked wheel with a drivable holder for holding a three-dimensional object arranged thereon. A fixed print head is disposed in a printing station. An additional print head is disposed in the printing station at another location or side than the print head relative to the axis of rotation of the three-dimensional object in such a way that: no dirt emanating from the print head can fall down onto any other print head of the printing station as a result of gravity, the at least one additional print head can print the three-dimensional object simultaneously with the other print heads of the printing station, and none of the print heads is arranged in an interference contour formed by the holder and the three-dimensional object held therein being moved by the transport system.

Abstract: A customization system for a tubular article of apparel includes a printing system for printing a graphic onto the tubular article. The customization system also includes a cylinder for holding the tubular article for printing a graphic upon the article. The cylinder can include one or more recesses in the outer surface of the cylinder to accommodate one or more regions of increased thickness on the tubular article. By providing recesses in the cylinder that correspond to the regions of increased thickness, the tubular article can present a substantially uniform flat surface for printing the graphic upon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to using soft photopolymer plates in a printing process, and more specifically, to an apparatus and methods of using soft photopolymer materials to decorate an exterior surface of cylindrical metallic containers with high definition graphics and other indicia.

Abstract: A customization system for an article of equipment includes a printing system for printing a graphic onto the article. The customization system also includes a cylinder for holding the article for printing a graphic upon the article. The cylinder can include one or more recesses in the outer surface of the cylinder to accommodate the article. A partial vacuum applied to the article when disposed within the recess through ports in the bottom surface of the recess holds the article in place within the recess while the cylinder rotates during printing. A gasket can be included between the recess in the cylinder and the article to provide an airtight seal to hold the article in place.

Abstract: The printing machine includes a support plate provided on its periphery with a plurality of receiving elements for articles rotatably mounted on the support plate, and a device for rotating the support plate in order that two articles, mounted on their associated receiving elements, respectively face two separate printing stations, the printing stations being supported by a single base. The machine further has a device for generating a relative translational movement between the base and the support plate so that patterns are helically printed on the articles during the rotation of the receiving elements.

Abstract: A golf ball carrying and alignment tool includes an elongated member having a generally circular aperture disposed along the bottom end. A slit traverses the bottom end and engages the aperture. A lid is hingedly secured above the aperture, a clip is disposed along the top end of the main body, and a writing instrument is removably secured within a channel on the main body.

Abstract: A customization system for a tubular article of apparel includes a printing system for printing a graphic onto the tubular article. The customization system also includes a cylinder for holding the tubular article for printing a graphic upon the article. The cylinder can include one or more recesses in the outer surface of the cylinder to accommodate one or more regions of increased thickness on the tubular article. By providing recesses in the cylinder that correspond to the regions of increased thickness, the tubular article can present a substantially uniform flat surface for printing the graphic upon.

Abstract: Described is a machine for printing containers such as bottles or cans, with a plurality of treatment stations, on which printing heads and if applicable further devices required for the pre-treatment and post-treatment of the containers are provided, with a carrier for a plurality of containers, which are arranged next to one another on the carrier. In the process it is provided that the carrier can be transported via a conveyor belt from one treatment station to the next, in that a plurality of treatment stations each are arranged in line next to one another substantially transversely to the conveyor belt, in that the carrier is arranged substantially transversely to the conveyor belt and in that the treatment stations and the carrier can be moved relative to one another in substantially vertical direction. Instead of the conveyor belt, a rotary device can also be provided.

Abstract: A system for digitally printing directly on a plurality of containers is provided. In an embodiment, the system includes a device configured to determine an initial position or orientation of an individual container; a plurality of print heads configured to print directly on said containers; and a plurality of container holders configured hold or retain an individual container, to rotate the individual container, and to maintain a rotational position of the individual container relative to at least one print head while printing occurs; and one or more curing devices. The system may be configured such that the plurality of container holders are configured to move along a linear or curved path, and the plurality of container holders may be configured to controllably rotate about a container axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for printing by transfer onto a print support (10) comprising at least one blanket (30) driven in a sequential relative movement past a magazine (50) conveying the print supports (10), in which device the blanket (30) has a surface area greater than that of the print support (10), the device further comprising digital printing means (20) which print by spraying ink onto this blanket (30) over a variable area equal to that of the print support (10).

Abstract: A support assembly includes a lid, a plug body, and a conduit. The lid engages a target object having an exterior surface on which an image is to be printed. The plug body is disposed in an interior volume of the target object when the lid is engaged with the target object. The plug body engages an interior surface of the target object to form a sealed chamber inside the target object. The conduit extends through the lid to an orifice disposed between the lid and the plug body. The conduit delivers a pressurizing fluid into the sealed chamber in order to increase a pressure inside the sealed chamber in the target object. The pressure inside the sealed chamber provides a resistive force that prevents the exterior surface of the target object from changing shape when the image is printed on the exterior surface of the target object.

Abstract: An independent mandrel trip system wherein a mandrel support block retaining a mandrel is connected to a shaft mounting block in a manner such that the mandrel support block can be reciprocatingly retracted and extended relative to the shaft mounting block in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. The system includes parallel front and rear plate members to which are mounted linear bearing assemblies such that mandrel support block is supported in the front and the rear.

Abstract: A decorating machine applies artwork to a product having a central axis and a frustoconical surface around its central axis. The decorating machine includes a film with artwork, a moveable deck, and a roller. The moveable deck includes a rotating mount on which the product is rotatably mounted. The product undergoes a pendulum-like movement on the deck while the product rotates relative to the moveable deck. The roller has a frustoconical shape that generally corresponds to the frustoconical surface of the product. The film is located between the roller and the product. The roller provides heat and pressure to the film such that the artwork attaches to the frustoconical surface of the product.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly for a can body can decoration machine is provided. The mandrel assembly includes a bearing assembly that creates a virtual pivot point whereby the mandrel may pivot relative to the supporting mandrel shaft. To allow the mandrel to pivot relative to the mandrel shaft, the bearing assembly is located at one location and is the only contact point between the mandrel and the mandrel shaft.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly for a can body can decoration machine is provided. The mandrel assembly includes a bearing assembly that creates a virtual pivot point whereby the mandrel may pivot relative to the supporting mandrel shaft. To allow the mandrel to pivot relative to the mandrel shaft, the bearing assembly is located at one location and is the only contact point between the mandrel and the mandrel shaft.

Abstract: A rotary driving device includes a rotary shaft supported rotatably about an axis thereof on a predetermined supporting member, a rotary load body mounted on the rotary shaft to project radially outward from the rotary shaft in such a manner that the rotary load body can rotate integrally with the rotary shaft about the axis thereof, a driver for rotating the rotary shaft about the axis thereof, a disk mounted on the rotary shaft coaxially therewith for integral rotation with the rotary shaft, the disk having a mounting hole formed therein, a pendulum loosely fitted in the mounting hole, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a relative position relationship between a central axis position of the mounting hole and a center of gravity position of the pendulum under conditions where the disk is rotating.

Abstract: A device for printing via screen printing an object which has a conical portion, the device includes a frame, a screen which can be moved relative to the frame, elements for rotatably driving the screen about a rotation axis, including a single motor, first members for moving the motor, the first members, extending in a first direction, second members for moving the motor, the second members extending in a second direction perpendicular relative to the first direction, the first members carrying the second members.

Abstract: A rotary printing machine for printing on containers, comprising a chuck-bearing carousel exhibiting an intermittent circular motion, being rotatably supported by a base element or casing, and being powered by an electric motor and integrated encoder, in which the electric motor comprises a stator coil supported by the casing and a rotor supported directly by the carousel.

Abstract: A rotary driving device includes a rotary shaft supported rotatably about an axis thereof on a predetermined supporting member, a rotary load body mounted on the rotary shaft to project radially outward from the rotary shaft in such a manner that the rotary load body can rotate integrally with the rotary shaft about the axis thereof, a driver for rotating the rotary shaft about the axis thereof, a disk mounted on the rotary shaft coaxially therewith for integral rotation with the rotary shaft, the disk having a mounting hole formed therein, a pendulum loosely fitted in the mounting hole, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a relative position relationship between a central axis position of the mounting hole and a center of gravity position of the pendulum under conditions where the disk is rotating.

Abstract: A decorating machine applies artwork to a product having a central axis and a frustoconical surface around its central axis. The decorating machine includes a film with artwork, a moveable deck, and a roller. The moveable deck includes a rotating mount on which the product is rotatably mounted. The product undergoes a pendulum-like movement on the deck while the product rotates relative to the moveable deck. The roller has a frustoconical shape that generally corresponds to the frustoconical surface of the product. The film is located between the roller and the product. The roller provides heat and pressure to the film such that the artwork attaches to the frustoconical surface of the product.

Abstract: A machine for marking or labeling circularly symmetrical work pieces includes a marking or labeling member, elements for moving the member and a workpiece relative to each other in a first direction, and a cradle for holding a workpiece while it is being marked or while a label is being applied to it. The cradle includes components for moving the workpiece in rotation around an axis of revolution thereof. A drive carriage drives the cradle in translation in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. There are components that drive the carriage in translation in a third direction that is perpendicular to the first and second directions. Other components make it possible to drive the cradle relative to the carriage in rotation about a first axis that is parallel to the first direction.

Abstract: An ink station assembly is provided for a can decorator machine. The ink station assembly includes an ink fountain providing a supply of ink, a fountain roll, a distributor roll, a ductor roll cooperable with the fountain roll and the distributor roll, a number of oscillator rolls having longitudinal axis and oscillating back and forth along such axis, a number of transfer rolls cooperating with the oscillator rolls, a printing plate cylinder including a printing plate, and a single form roll cooperating with the printing plate cylinder to apply the ink to the printing plate. The diameter of the single form roll is greater than the diameter of the printing plate cylinder such that the printing plate cylinder makes a complete revolution before the single form roll makes a complete revolution. Accordingly, no portion of the single form roll contacts the printing plate more than once per revolution.

Abstract: A rotary driving device includes a rotary shaft supported rotatably about an axis thereof on a predetermined supporting member, a rotary load body mounted on the rotary shaft to project radially outward from the rotary shaft in such a manner that the rotary load body can rotate integrally with the rotary shaft about the axis thereof, a driver for rotating the rotary shaft about the axis thereof, a disk mounted on the rotary shaft coaxially therewith for integral rotation with the rotary shaft, the disk having a mounting hole formed therein, a pendulum loosely fitted in the mounting hole, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a relative position relationship between a central axis position of the mounting hole and a center of gravity position of the pendulum under conditions where the disk is rotating.

Abstract: Described herein is a plant for printing containers, such as bottles, with at least one print image on at least one printing press with at least one printing head, wherein at least two printing presses connected one after the other are designed as carousels for the successive reception of the containers to be printed and the containers are directly transferred from a carousel to a following carousel or received by the latter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for printing on the surface of soft gelatin capsules during filling. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for printing a pre-determined figure or symbol on the surface of a soft gelatin capsule while a product is being encapsulated, including means for transporting the gelatin ribbon, inking means and means for shaping the soft capsule, including an injection, moulding and die-cutting station and additional printing means.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disc with a first area to store data for playback and that is reflective or opaque to visible light, and a second area that is transparent to visible light and includes first and second concentric rings. In one embodiment, a method of printing information on the optical disc includes: printing an inverse first text pattern in the first ring during a first printing on a first side, where the first text pattern is formed in reverse as viewed from the first side; printing a second text pattern in the second ring during a second printing on the first side, where the second text pattern is correctly visible from the first side; and printing, during the second printing, a first solid pattern to overlay at least a portion of the first text pattern, where the first text pattern is correctly visible as viewed from a second side.

Abstract: A disc driving apparatus includes: a recording and reproducing unit for recording or reproducing an information signal; and a print unit for performing printing to the printing surface of the disc-shaped recording medium. The print unit includes a print head contacting the printing surface when performing printing, a head feeding unit having a head support lever to which the print head is mounted, a guide cam having a cam guide portion extending in a movement direction of the head feeding unit, a moving cam having an forward path cam engagement portion engaged with the cam guide portion in the forward path and a return path cam engagement portion engaged with the cam guide portion in the return path; and a guide member guiding the movement of the head feeding unit between the initial location and the turnaround location.

Abstract: A printer includes a holding unit, a printer head, a supporting device, a movement controller and a printing controller. The holding unit is configured to hold a print substrate having a surface to be printed. The axes X and Y pass through the print substrate. The movement controller is configured to move the holding unit and the printer head relative to each other in the directions of the axes X, Y and Z which are substantially perpendicular to each other and configured to rotate the holding unit about the axes X and Y relative to the printer head. The printing controller is configured to control ejection of the ink from the printer head according to a relative position of the holding unit and the printer head.

Abstract: A system for digitally printing directly on a plurality of containers is provided. In an embodiment, the system includes a device configured to determine an initial position or orientation of an individual container; a plurality of print heads configured to print directly on said containers; and a plurality of container holders configured hold or retain an individual container, to rotate the individual container, and to maintain a rotational position of the individual container relative to at least one print head while printing occurs; and one or more curing devices. The system may be configured such that the plurality of container holders are configured to move along a linear or curved path, and the plurality of container holders may be configured to controllably rotate about a container axis.

Abstract: A label assembly includes a support and a label body. The label body is configured to allow a label to be attached thereto. The support includes an upright post, and a fixing portion formed at a distal end of the post opposite to the label body. The fixing portion is configured to removably attach the label assembly to a circuit board. A circuit board supporting the label assembly is further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a combination permanent partial decoration and temporary decoration to mass customize refillable glass vessels. The method comprising: decorating a glass vessel with a permanent partial decoration, receiving the glass vessel at a filling facility, washing the glass vessel in caustic solution to remove presence of a temporary decoration, filling the glass vessel with a product contents, printing the temporary decoration on the glass vessel, distributing the glass vessel to a marketplace for use by a consumer, receiving the consumer used glass vessel at the filling facility, and recycling the glass vessel by returning to the step of washing. Other embodiments include not using the permanent partial decoration and printing the temporary decoration on the glass vessel, wherein at least some of the temporary decoration is printed on top of a background region to increase the luminance qualities of the temporary decoration.

Abstract: A printing machine for cylindrical objects, comprising a carousel for moving for locating the cylindrical objects in a successive number of work stations, among which at least a printing station and a drying station; at least a device for inking for printing on the lateral surface of a cylindrical object located in the printing station; and at least a drying device for generating a beam of rays which strike a cylindrical object located in the drying station; the drying device including an obturator for intercepting the beam of rays when the means for moving transfer the objects from one station to another.

Abstract: By reducing a level difference between an overlapping portion and an ink layer in a portion in continuity with the overlapping portion, wrinkles caused duo to a neck-in processing are reduced, and a degradation of a film-strength in the overlapping portion is prevented. In a seamless can in which an ink layer is transferred onto a can body thereof by a curved surface printing, the ink layer which has been transferred, has an overlapping portion which is formed by an ink layer at a front-end portion and an ink layer a rear-end portion in a circumferential direction of the can body being overlapped mutually, and an ink area ratio for at least one of the ink layer at the front-end portion and the ink layer at the rear-end portion is smaller than an ink area ratio of a portion in continuity with the overlapping portion, excluding the overlapping portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for processing the surface of objects (3) and comprises a predetermined number of processing stations (B1-B8) performing processing processes and a conveying unit performing processing movements. The objects are transported into predetermined desired positions at the processing stations (B1-B8) by means of the conveying unit. The device (1) further comprises a central controller (7), by means of which the processing movements of the conveying unit and the processing processes of the processing stations are synchronized by presetting a clock pulse being correlated with the processing movement of the object (3) to be processed and controlling the respective processing process via the central controller (7) for each processing station (B1-B8).

Abstract: A printer, especially a device for printing images and characters on a candle includes an inkjet-printing unit. The printing unit comprises a printing bracket on which a printing head is provided. The printing head may reciprocate linearly relative to the printing bracket. Two rotating shafts parallel with each other are arranged below the inkjet-printing unit. At least one of the rotating shafts connects with a driving device. The driving device and the inkjet-printing unit connect with a circuit broad. The device may be used to print golden, silvery, white, and color images and characters on a waxen surface, or used in combination with a computer having a strong image processing functionality to print color images and characters on the candle, meeting an individuation need of a person. The image may be online updated or self defined at all hours according to fashion and vogue.

Abstract: A label printer includes a tray, a tray transport means, a print mechanism, a disk holding mechanism, a disk release mechanism, a carriage transport means and a control means.

Abstract: This machine for marking hollow parts comprises a marking member designed to be on contact in at least one line of tangency with a hollow part for it to be marked, and a first and a second mandrel capable of supporting respectively a first part to be marked and a second part previously marked. A control camera is placed at a focal length from the marked surface of the second part. The first mandrel is capable of moving the first part relative to the marking member and the movement of the second mandrel is slaved and identical to that of the first mandrel. The camera is capable of moving parallel to, and in synchronism with, the line of tangency between the marking member and the first part.

Abstract: An air folder adjuster (10) includes an air supply (12) and air supply tubing (14) connected to air supply (12) at end (16). The opposite end (18) of air supply tubing (14) is connected to one or more air nozzles (20). In a printing press utilized for folding documents such as books, air folder adjuster (10) is positioned so that air nozzles (20) direct compressed air from air supply (12) downward onto the head (26) of document (24) on either side of chopper arm (34) during the folding process thus ensuring that the document (24) lies flat, square, and untouched during the folding process and thereby allowing the elimination of chopper brushes altogether.