Abstract: A three-dimensional printer head includes a drive motor, the drive motor including a drive shaft, a feed plate is affixed to the drive motor, and a feed hob is mounted to the drive shaft. The feed hob includes drive teeth configured to engage a filament. An idle assembly mounted to the feed plate configured to bias the filament against the drive teeth. The printer head further includes a z-axis plate assembly, wherein the z-axis plate assembly includes at least two flexures coupling a z-axis plate to the feed plate and a print nozzle mounted to the z-axis plate assembly. The printer head also includes a sensor coupled to the feed plate, wherein the sensor is configured to be triggered by the z-axis plate assembly when the z-axis plate assembly moves a given distance in a first direction.

Abstract: According to the invention there is an apparatus for printing onto cylindrical structures comprising: a plurality of inker devices each comprising a print cylinder and one or more servomotors for adjustably controlling the position or orientation of a print cylinder; a blanket device comprising a plurality of print blankets, in which the blanket device is configured to bring each print blanket into contact with the print cylinders to transfer ink from the print cylinders to the print blanket, and to bring each print blanket into contact with a cylindrical structure to achieve printing thereon; a transporter for transporting the cylindrical structures into and out of contact with the print blankets; and an automatic print correction system comprising a print inspection device for detecting a misregistration of ink transferred from one or more of the print cylinders onto a print blanket, and a controller for controlling the servomotors of the print cylinders to correct the misregistration in response to data re

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of decorating a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods used to provide a decoration or indicia on a predetermined portion of an outer surface of a metallic container body. The decorator includes at least one digital print unit, a transfer blanket, and a support element. The digital print unit transfers a decorating material to the transfer blanket to form a decoration on the transfer blanket. The support element then moves a metallic container into contact with the transfer blanket. In this manner, the decorating material is transferred to an exterior surface portion of the metallic container to decorate the metallic container. In one embodiment, the digital print unit is an electrophotographic system which transfers a toner material to the transfer blanket. In another embodiment, the digital print unit includes an inkjet print head which transfers an ink to the transfer blanket.

Abstract: An apparatus for pad printing includes a printing pad (12). A textured transfer member (13) is configured to be pressed alternately by the printing pad (12) against an ink carrier (17) and against a substrate (24) so as to transfer an ink pattern to the substrate.

Abstract: A marking system for springs comprises: an arranging apparatus for arranging a spring; and a marking apparatus for applying an identification mark on the spring. The marking apparatus comprises: a frame having a space for marking therein; a pad unit for applying a mark on the spring located in the frame; and an ink unit for supplying ink to the pad unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating packaging means, such as bottles, cans or similar containers, comprising a device-internal transport section, on which the treatment of the packaging means is carried out on processing stations (8) in at least two process steps, and further comprising holding and centering elements, by means of which the packaging means (1) are held at least during the respective process step in an orientation on the device-internal transport system necessary for said process step and/or by means of which the packaging means are moved at least during one process step.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for labeling containers, especially specimen containers for medical specimens. The apparatus comprises a printing device; a supply and removal device for supplying and removing at least one container to and from the printing device. The printing device is designed such that it can be moved into at least one first position and into a second position. In the first position, the container is automatically supplied to and removed from the printing device with the aid of the supply and removal device. The container can be manually supplied and removed from the printing device when it is in the second position.

Abstract: There is provided a disc drive device including a recording and playback unit that performs recording or playback of an information signal on a disc-shaped recording medium having a printing surface and a recording surface; a printing head that performs printing on the printing surface of the disc-shaped recording medium; a roller that is separated from or comes into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the disc-shaped recording medium and rotates the disc-shaped recording medium by being rotated while in contact with the outer circumferential surface; a spring member that biases the roller in an axial direction of the roller; and a position restricting member that has a restricting section against which the roller biased by the spring member is pressed and performs the positioning of the roller in the axial direction.

Abstract: Automated inspection technology is integrated with a cylindrical container print decorator machine to optimize the decoration process by making critical process and machine information properly and immediately available for corrective adjustments to the process. With this information, a high speed decoration machine operator will be made directly aware of the portions or subsystems of the decorator machine not functioning properly. The information directly facilitates, and can even recommend, corrective adjustments that are necessary to the decorator to better optimize printing functions. It is possible to use this information to optimize the operation of the decorator. It is possible to use this information by way of a properly configured control system, after specific augmentation capabilities are added to the decorator machine, to automatically close the loops with specific decorator printing machine parts or subsystems to dramatically improve the decorating process even while the machine is printing.

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: A method and apparatus for the circumferential printing onto individual bottles in a run of bottles where the individual bottles in the run have at least one varying dimension due to manufacturing tolerances, the method and apparatus providing more consistent artwork on individual containers in the run of containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: There is proposed a clamping mandrel for a rotationally symmetrical hollow body in the form of a beverage can integrally comprising a body portion and a bottom. Accurate coupling and precise control of the movement of the mandrel is to be transmitted to the hollow body. For that purpose there are provided a plurality of clamping segments forming an outwardly facing cylindrical clamping surface for engaging an inside surface of the hollow body. The clamping segments are radially movably guided. A force-transmission device arranged in the interior of the clamping mandrel is provided for synchronous control of the radial movement of the clamping segments. That provides for controlled precision movement of a hollow body clamped by the clamping device.

Abstract: A printer machine for printing on articles, includes a plurality of article-carriers suitable for moving in indexed manner in a plane around a circular path. Each article-carrier is stationary in an indexed position and mobile between the indexed positions, and a plurality of print stations distributed around the path in register with indexed positions of the article-carriers. Each article-carrier is fitted with an inlet shaft turnable about its own axis by drive elements, and with at least one outlet shaft for carrying an article and adapted to turn when the inlet shaft is turned. The inlet shaft of each article-carrier is adapted to turn in register with an indexed position, and to conserve the same angular orientation between print stations.

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.

Abstract: A compact drive mechanism for both driving a paper web and severing a printed receipt in a transaction or point-of-sales printer. Both driving the paper web and cutting the printed receipt is accomplished through a bi-directional stepper motor that is operative through a one-way clutch.

Abstract: A machine for printing on or otherwise decorating hollow bodies. It comprises a rotationally driven decoration application drum, which peripherally is provided with decoration faces, which are able to be moved along a first orbit. On an adjacent capstan plate receiving capstans are arranged for capstan units for carrying hollow bodies. On rotation of the capstan plate the radially inwardly facing sections of the hollow bodies proceed along a second orbit. Pitman units serve to so correct the second orbit on passage through a decoration zone that it coincides with the first orbit.

Abstract: A balloon printing apparatus for printing an image on the outer surface of a number of inflatable elastic balloons of the type defining a main body and a neck opening allowing access into the main body. The apparatus comprises: a conveyor device movable in a closed path in an intermittent manner; a plurality of nozzles spacedly carried by the conveyor device, insertable into a balloon neck opening and for inflating a balloon; as many balloon supporting frames as air nozzles, carried by the conveyor device, each nozzle adjacent to a corresponding frame, each frame sized to partly surround and support the main body of an inflated balloon installed on the adjacent nozzle with a portion of the inflated balloon protruding from the frame. The body remains in a stable position relative to the conveyor device while the inflated balloon is transported by the nozzle and frame through the closed path.

Abstract: A process for coating and transfer printing sheet metal which is especially suited for manufacture into three-dimensional articles such as appliance panels and one-piece pictures and frames. The coatings may include a thin pigmented base coat and a clear, thin top coat. A decorative image is transfer printed in the clear top coat.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing a decorative pattern of differing colors on the cylindrical outer surface of a can body wherein a pattern of one color is applied and dried on the outer surface and a pattern of a different color is applied to the cylindrical outer surface of the can body with only portions of the pattern of a different color superposed over portions of the pattern of one color and repeating the steps for a plurality of additional patterns and different colors.

Abstract: A system and method for imprinting an object including both irregularly shaped or non-round objects and regularly shaped round and/or rectangular objects and combinations thereof in which a plurality of positioning vectors are computed to control operation of the apparatus to effect imprinting of the object. The positioning vectors are generated by an electronic control unit and are used to control the position of at least one of a print screen of the printing apparatus, a squeegee of the printing apparatus, and an object to be imprinted. Servo-motors, or other suitable mechanical actuators, are connected to the electronic control unit and position the appropriate components of the printing apparatus to effect printing of the object in response to commands received therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying heat transfer labels, disposed on a web, to containers. In one embodiment, the apparatus is intended for round, non-tapered containers and comprises a continuously rotating turret, a container transport system for continuously delivering containers to and away from the turret and a web transport system for moving a web containing heat-transfer labels into position for label transferring. The turret includes a rotably driven shaft and a plurality of cup assemblies arranged in a circle around the shaft and coupled thereto. Each cup assembly includes a cup used to hold a container, the cup being rotably driven independently of the shaft and in a required direction. A nozzle assembly is associated with each cup assembly and is used to secure a container within its respective cup and, if necessary, to inflate the container to impart sufficient rigidity thereto for labelling. Each cup assembly and its associated nozzle assembly together define a container holding station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pad printing images around cylindrical items. The apparatus includes a gravure plate, image, a flexible ink transfer pad for receiving an ink image from the gravure plate and transferring the image onto a flat silicon ink transfer plate, and a flat silicon pressure plate for engaging a cylindrical item positioned on the ink transfer plate and rolling the cylindrical item across the ink transfer plate for applying the image about the outer periphery of the cylindrical item in a continuous one step operation.

Abstract: A printer for printing predetermined patterns of letters, figures, marks and the like on surfaces of solid articles such as tablets or capsule articles which includes a horizontal carrier for carrying the regularly arranged solid articles in a horizontal direction, an ink pattern transfer device for transferring the patterns on the surfaces of the solid articles, a print quality judging device for judging the quality of the printed ink patterns and an inferior article remover for automatically removing articles of inferior print quality from the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Silk-screen printing apparatus is provided for the silk-screen printing of articles such as oval-shaped bottles and containers on the two major curved peripheral surfaces thereof, sequentially, with one printing pass. The apparatus utilizes, in this case, two squeegees positioned one behind the other and synchronized in such a manner as to force ink through a screen provided with two image patterns as each of the two image patterns on the screen moves sequentially over the two curved surfaces to be printed.

Abstract: A machine for screen printing curved objects has a frame with support rods and positioning rods, a scraping assembly which slides on the support rods under the influence of a motor and a gear wheel/spur rail combination, and a pair of screen-holding structures which are anchored to the positioning rods and hold a screen therebetween. The scraping assembly and the screen-holding assembly can be vertically positioned under the influence of pneumatic cylinders. A workpiece mold holds a curved workpiece such as a bowl and is rotatable under the influence of an axle and another gear wheel/spur rail combination. Three scrapers are attached to the scraping assembly. When the motor is activated, the scraping assembly moves and the workpiece mold rotates. Outside scrapers spread ink on the screen and a center scraper applies the ink to the workpiece. A proximity switch stops the motor when the scraping assembly has moved a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is disclosed having stationary frame members disposed at an angle with respect to one another and supporting an ink storage member on one portion while supporting an image carrier member on the other portion. A movable member is capable of rotation and reciprocation, and supports an ink transfer member and a pressure applying member. When in a first angular position, the movable member will bring the ink transfer member and the pressure applying member into operable engagement or position with said ink storage member and said image carrier member respectively when reciprocated between first and second end limits of travel. When the movable member is disposed in a second angular position, the ink transfer member is brought into operable engagement or position with respect to the image carrier means as the movable member is reciprocated between first and second end limits of movement.

Abstract: A printing machine suitable for printing objects with an oblong or a circular transverse cross-section includes a fixed printing shaft. An object to be printed is rotated about the printing shaft in contact with a flat printing plate or the like carried by a mobile assembly. The distance between the printing shaft and the printing plate or the like is corrected automatically. A drive shaft rotates the object to be printed through a transmission system which provides at least two transmission ratios.

Abstract: A flat frame is arranged to reciprocate vertically and parallel to the travel strokes of two overlying carriages, namely a screen support carriage and an ink knife support carriage respectively. On the free end of the frame a mandrel is provided for longitudinally gripping the objects to be. A spindle is provided with a toothed element at its rear end which is rotatably mounted by of its own pivot on the ink knife support carriage.The pitch circle diameter of the toothed element coincides with the diameter of the receiving cylindrical surface of the objects to be printed, and the toothed element is in constant engagement with a further toothed member on a lower side of a screen support carriage.The device is suitable for silkscreen printing machines in general, and especially for printing cylindrical objects having an elliptical cross-section.

Abstract: A machine for printing oval objects. The oval object has imparted to it a simple pivoting movement about an axis which is separate from the center of the radius of curvature of a section of the area of the object to be screenprinted upon. The printing screen which is attached to a printing or a screen support is moveable to correct simultaneously the distance between the screen and the rotation axis of the object. The printing machine is applicable to processes for decorating convex surfaces by screen printing, hot pressing, and dry offset printing.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing on frusto-conical cups includes a mandrel wheel intermittently rotatably movable to a loading, pre-treatment, printing, first cure, second cure, and unloading station; a plurality of mandrel assemblies rotatably mounted on the mandrel wheel for holding the containers on the mandrel wheel; a stationary support at each station, each stationary support including a slot therein; a mandrel rotation assembly for rotating the mandrel assemblies and containers at the pre-treatment and first and second cure stations, the mandrel rotation assembly including a resilient rubber ring rotatably mounted adjacent to the plurality of mandrel assemblies in concentric relation with the mandrel wheel, a mounting assembly for rotatably mounting the resilient ring in concentric relation to the mandrel wheel, a drive mechanism for continuously rotating the resilient ring, a biasing assembly for biasing the resilient ring into engagement with each mandrel assembly at the pre-treatment and first and second cure

Abstract: Spark plug insulators are mounted vertically around the edge of a horizontal turntable. A screen printing head is arranged horizontally above a print transfer drum that is rotatable about a horizontal axis. Pads of a relatively hard resilient material are disposed about the drum. The printing head is brought down into contact with the top, horizontal pad on the drum, so that the pad takes up ink, and the drum is then rotated to a vertical position. As the turntable is rotated, a pair of rollers are urged by a cam surface into contact with the insulator, rolling the insulator along the vertical print transfer pad to take up ink from the pad. The ink is ceramic-based in a thermoplastic carrier. The printing head is heated by passing current through a conductive screen so as to render the ink flowable, the print transfer pads being heated to maintain the ink flowable until it is deposited on the insulator.

Abstract: A petri dish imprinting apparatus comprises an imprinting block of characters disposed along one side of a support surface for a covered petri dish and having heated characters adapted to imprint the petri dish by thermal embossment. An endless belt on the other side of the path presses the petri dish against the heated characters.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a rotatably driven transfer apparatus is adapted to receive a design configuration and a follower synchronously driven therewith for carrying and orienting an article to receive the design from the transfer apparatus into alignment therewith in nonslip rolling contact. The respective transfer apparatus and article share a respective center and apex as established by the follower. In another embodiment the transfer apparatus and article are forced into engagement via an elastic interface.

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: A novel, high-speed, efficient, versatile, automatic machine is provided for the marking of parts. A wheeled platform is driven in a reciprocating cycle by a slotted arm and a revolving roller. The platform carries a rotatably mounted mandrel to couple the part to be marked to the reciprocating platform. The platform forces the part across a stationary marking die. Accessories are provided to automatically feed parts onto the platform and to automatically eject marked parts from the platform. Provisions are made to hold the platform stationary while a part is coupled to the mandrel and to guide and stabilize the unmarked part until it is coupled to the mandrel. Components and accessories are positioned for easy access for alignment and set-up.

Abstract: In the use of pigment coated foil, e.g. so-called "gold leaf" being a common example, in the imprinting of pens, there is unavoidable slippage between the pen, supported on one or more idler rollers, and a rotationally driven printing slug, which detracts from the clarity of the imprinting indicia. This is obviated herein by using a stationary heated printing slug and converting a pen-supporting roller from an idler into a driving roller to, in turn, cause corresponding rotation in the pen. The pen is thus caused to rotate or "roll" across or along the printing slug, and such movement in turn causes the gold leaf to transfer onto the pen with a high degree of clarity.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for automatically printing two faces of an object. The present invention is an attachment for use with a screen printing press of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,090,300, issued to Louis Gilbert Dubuit on May 21, 1963. The attachment permits the utilization of two separate sections of the same screen to print the face and reverse side of an object of revolution, such as a bottle, and particularly bottles of oval or irregular shape. The attachment consists of a main drive train which rotates the bottle at the same surface speed as the movement of the screen. Means are provided to flip or invert the bottle 180.degree. during the return stroke with a separate means provided to shift the screen relative to the drive, presenting a different section of the screen to the reverse side of the bottle for printing when the machine cycles through its normal print stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously curing can bodies coated with a photopolymerizable ink. The can bodies are placed onto spindles. The spindles are mounted onto a conveyor chain and pass the can bodies through a first U.V. lamp chamber. The U.V. lamp chamber is oriented to cure first opposed sides of the can bodies. Then the can bodies are carried on the conveyor chain in a different direction, so that as the can bodies pass through the second U.V. lamp chamber second opposed sides of the can bodies are cured. The first and second opposed can body sides are at right angles to each other. After the can body has passed through the first and second U.V. lamp chambers the entire can body exterior has been cured.