Abstract: A method is disclosed to provide a DTS machine that is simple to operate and can through human operator control provide economic and competitive throughput speeds as compared to more complex DTS machines utilizing multiple printing tunnels and material handlers. The present method repositions a print carriage and a reconfigures an inkjet printhead bank to accommodate different sizes and shapes of media. The allows for the printing of a single piece of media in a single each printing event, but maintains a printing throughput similar to DTS machines having the capability to print media in parallel printing events. Media is moved from a media loading area on the machine by a single operator into a printing tunnel and then the operator adjusts the angle of the media relative to a reconfigurable array of ink-heads to meet inkjet expression distance requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for online quality control of decorative prints on substrate materials, including similarity comparisons of actual and target images and adjusting decorative prints if deviations of color values are detected. The method may include the steps of: a) producing a hyperspectral digital image of a print decoration; b) calibrating the print decoration via a hyperspectral digital image; c) producing and storing a digital target image of the print decoration; d) creating a first print decoration on a first substrate material; e) producing and storing a digital actual image of the printed decoration on the first substrate material; f) determining color deviations between the digital target image and the digital actual image via a computer program; and g) printing on at least one side of substrate materials so as to form a decorative layer. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A device for printing on hollow bodies comprises a mandrel wheel and a segment wheel. The mandrel wheel has its own motor separate from a motor of the segment wheel. In association with the segment wheel, along a circumferential line thereof, a plurality of plate cylinders are positioned or at least are positionable radially against this segment wheel. An inking unit is associated with each plate cylinder. Each plate cylinder, and a roller arranged in the associated inking unit, are each driven in rotation independently by a motor. The motor of the mandrel wheel and the motor of the segment wheel and the motor of the relevant plate cylinder and the motor of the roller arranged in the associated inking unit are connected to one another for data exchange by a common data bus. The relevant motors each have their own drive controller and their own power part connected to the data bus. Control data for the relevant motors, transported via the data bus, form a virtual guide axis.

Abstract: A device for printing on hollow bodies includes a segmented wheel. A system is used for sequentially supplying the hollow bodes to the periphery of the segmented wheel. That system includes at least one conveyor wheel and one mandrel wheel. The conveyor wheel, the mandrel wheel, and the segmented wheel are arranged in a transport direction of the hollow bodies. A plurality of driving elements are arranged on the periphery of the conveyor wheel, and a plurality of holding elements are arranged on the periphery of the mandrel wheel. Each holding element receives a respective hollow body to be printed in cooperation with the segmented wheel. The mandrel wheel and the conveying wheel each have their own drive, each of which drive is separate from a drive of the segmented wheel.

Abstract: While deterioration in processing efficiency caused by printing devices with slow printing speed is suppressed, facilities necessary to manufacture can bodies are able to be shared. A can body manufacturing system includes: a can body conveyance route, by which can bodies are conveyed, provided to branch halfway and thereafter merge again, the can body conveyance route at least including a first branching conveyance route and a second branching conveyance route; a first printing device performing printing on can bodies conveyed by the first branching conveyance route; and a second printing device performing printing on can bodies conveyed by the second branching conveyance route, the number of can bodies on which printing is performed by the second printing device per unit time being different from the number of can bodies on which printing is performed by the first printing device per unit time.

Abstract: Transfer system for removing sleeve-shaped workpieces from a first conveyor and for pushing the sleeve-shaped workpieces onto a second conveyor, with a linearly movable coupling rod, with which a gear unit is associated, which includes a swivel body mounted so as to be pivotable about an axis of movement, on which a first workpiece gripper mounted so as to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a second workpiece gripper are arranged, wherein the gear unit has an adjuster for initiating an actuating movement for setting a distance between a first gripping region of the first workpiece gripper, which is arranged at a radial distance from the axis of movement, and a second gripping region of the second workpiece gripper, which is arranged at a radial distance from the axis of movement, as well as with a swivel drive for actuating the adjuster for initiating a forced swivel movement connected to the swivel movement of the swivel body onto the first workpiece gripper.

Abstract: A device for printing on hollow articles comprises a segmented wheel and an apparatus for sequentially supplying the hollow articles to the periphery of the segmented wheel. The apparatus comprises at least a conveyor wheel and a mandrel wheel, arranged in the transport direction of the hollow articles, with first the conveyor wheel, then the mandrel wheel and thereafter the segmented wheel being arranged. A plurality of driver elements are on the periphery of the conveyor wheel, and a plurality of retaining apparatuses are arranged on the periphery of the mandrel wheel. Each retaining apparatus is provided for receiving a hollow article, which is to be printed on in cooperation with the segmented wheel. The conveyor wheel has a suction apparatus for suctioning each hollow article to be supplied to the segmented wheel. The suction apparatus has a suction pump which is switched on or off in dependence on an angular position of the conveyor wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of monitoring and adjusting a decorator for metallic containers are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods used to provide a decoration on a predetermined portion of a metallic container body. The decorator includes a sensor that senses decorations on metallic containers. A control system receives information related to the sensed decorations from the sensor and then determines if the decorations at least meet predetermined color, density, thickness, orientation, and consistency targets. The control system can optionally automatically adjust elements of the decorator to correct a deficient decoration. In one embodiment, the control system can automatically send a signal to the decorator to adjust the color, density, orientation, positioning, and consistency of decorations transferred to the metallic containers.

Abstract: A can body loader assembly includes a turret starwheel having asymmetrical pockets and a vacuum belt that provides a precise pitch dimension between adjacent cans.

Abstract: Disclosed is a printing apparatus carriage for a container having a circular cross section. The present invention is directed to perform stable transport and mass printing therethrough without using a groove formed on a middle part of the container when the container is transported.

Abstract: A PTP packaging machine includes: a filler that fills a predetermined content into pocket portions formed in a strip-shaped container film; a sealer that is provided on a downstream side of the filler and mounts a strip-shaped cover film to the container film to close the pocket portions and obtain a strip-shaped PTP film including the cover film mounted to the container film; and a puncher that is provided on a downstream side of the sealer and punches out an expected sheet portion of the PTP film that is a region of eventually forming a predetermined PTP sheet and thereby obtain the PTP sheet.

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: 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: The invention relates to a separation unit for a feed apparatus for joining elements, in particular screws, in particular flow-drilling screws, comprising a joining element receiver for receiving a joining element having a head and a shaft, a slider displaceable relative to the joining element receiver, and a rotational element about which the joining element received in the joining element receiver is rotatable on a displacement of the slider.

Abstract: A can decorator comprising a spindle disc, a blanket drum, a transfer wheel, a pin chain drive, and a controller. The spindle disc is adapted for (i) receiving beverage cans from an infeed and (ii) carrying and rotating each can body on a corresponding spindle. The blanket drum is adapted for (i) applying ink to printing cylinders and (ii) rotating the print cylinders in registration with beverage cans on the spindle disc to decorate the cans. The transfer wheel is adapted for receiving beverage cans from the spindle disc after decoration by the blanket drum. The pin chain drive is adapted for receiving cans from the transfer wheel and transporting the cans on a chain through an oven. The controller adapted for receiving encoder information and matching or adjusting speeds of a spindle disc motor, a blanket drum motor, a transfer wheel motor, and a pin chain drive motor.

Abstract: A printer includes a conveyor that feeds objects from a stack of nested objects to the printer. The conveyor includes a member having protuberances that extend from the member to hold the lips of objects in the stack except for the object closest to the printheads in the printer. A spindle mounted to a member is moved to be within an orifice of the object closest to the printheads to engage that object and pull it from the stack. The spindle rotates to facilitate the printing of the object. After the object is printed, it is released from the spindle and gravity directs the printed object along a ramp to an opening in the printer for collection.

Abstract: A screen printing method and an apparatus are provided for printing on objects (12) which can be rolled against a printing screen (34). The method and apparatus provide the possibility of printing on the region (13) of the object to be printed upon over the entire periphery thereof, that is over 360°, even when the length of the final overall print image in the peripheral direction of the object is longer than the spacings between the individual objects passing through the printing station. For that purpose, the peripheral surface to which the final overall print image is to be applied is subdivided into at least two portions (13a, b) which are displaced relative to each other in the peripheral direction of the object (12). Each of those portions is provided with at least one individual print (53), wherein a plurality of individual prints applied to the same portion (13a, b) can supplement each other to afford a colored partial print image.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing a design on a container includes first and second pluralities of printing stations for printing corresponding first and second colors, with the second plurality following the first. A controller operably interlinks the first and second pluralities of printing stations. Each printing station includes a print head that has an adjustable position and orientation relative to a container. A measuring device having sensors arranged to measure a distance between the print head and the container determines this. The measuring device receives, from the sensors, information representative of the print head's position and orientation relative to the container and provides it to the controller, which then adjusts it.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in connection with application of decoration to a container by printing thereon includes a container transport system comprising a processing position configured to receive a container, a coating installation disposed at the processing position, and a transfer element. The transfer element applies a base coat to the container by rolling on or off the container.

Abstract: Conveying apparatus including a plurality of conveying vehicles that can be moved along a movement path by the force of gravity independently of one another for conveying piece goods. The conveying apparatus also includes a discharging device for discharging piece goods from the conveying vehicles to a receiving device as well as an entraining device with a plurality of actively driven entrainment devices. The conveying vehicles include contact elements for producing a guiding contact with the entrainment devices. The entraining device supplies the conveying vehicles to a discharging region of the discharging device while exerting a holding-back contact with the contact elements and guides the conveying vehicles out of the discharging region again while exerting an entraining contact with the contact elements.

Abstract: A decorator assembly is provided. The decorator assembly includes a mandrel turret assembly. The mandrel turret assembly includes a rotatable turret, a number of mandrels, and a number of independent ink stations. Each mandrel is rotatably coupled to the turret. Each mandrel extends generally radially from the turret and are disposed generally in a plane about an axis of rotation. The turret is structured to rotate about an axis of rotation thereby moving each mandrel over a generally circular path of travel. Each independent ink station is disposed adjacent to the path of travel of the mandrels.

Abstract: An image forming system (100) is provided with plural image forming apparatuses (200) that form images on can bodies (10), a can-body supply mechanism (300) that supplies can bodies (10) to the plural image forming apparatuses (200) successively, and a can-body discharge mechanism (400) that discharges the can bodies (10) on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatuses (200). Each of the image forming apparatuses (200) receives, at a can-body receiving position (1C), can bodies (10) supplied by the can-body supply mechanism (300). Each of the image forming apparatuses (200) also discharges, at a can-body discharging position (1D), can bodies (10) on which images have been formed. The can-body receiving positions (1C) and the can-body discharging positions (1D) are arranged more to the inner side than a circular virtual line (1B) that passes through the centers of the image forming apparatuses (200).

Abstract: A printing machine is providing including a transporter for transporting objects to be printed, a printing station including at least four printing units arranged to project ink on the objects to be printed, a transfer device for transferring an object to be printed from the transporter to the printing station and from the printing station to the transporter. The printing station includes a single mandrel corresponding to the maintenance of an object to be printed, the corresponding mandrel being rotatably movable around its axis so that the printing units project ink onto the object maintained by the corresponding mandrel, the printing station being arranged to print only the objects maintained by the corresponding mandrel.

Abstract: A printing device for containers, such as bottles, cans or cups, with a screen to apply a screen print onto the containers, where a squeegee holding device that is guided by a continuous track holds an squeegee in such a way that while the printed image is being applied to the container, one end of the squeegee scrapes across the screen and forces ink through the screen onto one of the containers, and where the distance between the end of the squeegee and the squeegee holding device varies. Also, a container handling device, in the manner of a bottling plant, with such a printing device and a mechanical turret designed to guide the containers to a surface of the container contact device facing away from the squeegee. Also, a method for applying ink to containers in accordance with a screen printing principle.

Abstract: A device for printing on containers, in particular non-rotationally symmetric containers, including at least one printing unit including at least one print head, a conveying system, which includes a plurality of container reception means arranged for rotation about axes of rotation and which is configured such that the container reception components circulate on a closed path and a print area of an outer surface of a container accommodated in a container reception components is movable past the print head, and at least one first drive adapted to rotate the container reception component, accommodating the container, about its axis of rotation by at least one open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit, the first drive being adapted to be variably controlled such that the print area is moved past the print head at a predetermined, substantially constant printing distance.

Abstract: An ink jet printer for printing on an at least partially cylindrical objects comprises one or more printheads positioned above a line of travel and a carriage assembly configured to hold an at least partially cylindrical object axially aligned along the line of travel and to position said object relative to the printheads, and then rotate the object relative to said one or more printheads. The printer also includes a curing device located along the line of travel and configured to emit energy suitable to cure the deposited fluid.

Abstract: A method for printing on a curved surface and a printed curved surface body using the method. The method includes the steps of: applying printing ink having a viscosity of 5-500 PaS, preferably 5-250 PaS, to a protrusion portion of a relief printing master plate 3 which is a flat plate with the protrusion portion 0.1-50 ?m high, preferably 0.

Abstract: A printing machine includes: a frame a tower which is driven in rotation relative to the frame in order to move an object to be printed between at least a printing station, an introduction station and/or discharge station; a conveyor which is capable of introducing or discharging the object to be printed to/from the introduction station and/or discharge station; a transfer device including a conveyor web portion which is capable of moving the object to be printed between the conveyor and the tower. The machine includes an element for driving the conveyor web portion of the transfer device, the drive element being carried by the frame, each transfer device including a transmission element which can be disengaged from the drive element.

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: Process and system for removing printing in metallic packages used in drinks, food and other applications in general, comprising the removal of ink before the cure thereof, by means of spray with ink remover liquid and non abrasive friction. Preferably, said liquid is an alkaline aqueous solution, which is sprayed onto the package surface simultaneously with the friction thereof with a soft and non abrasive element. In a preferred embodiment, said friction results in the rotation of the package around the longitudinal axis thereof, which is mounted on a rotative support, and the soft non abrasive element in contact with the surface thereof keeps motionless.

Abstract: A method for pad printing a pattern on a textile substrate with a pad printing machine, and fabric and apparel so formed from the textile substrate. The method includes the steps of positioning the textile substrate on the printing area of the pad printing machine, transferring a pattern having at least one color from the cliché of the pad printing machine to a printing pad, and transferring the pattern from the printing pad to the textile substrate.

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: The invention relates to a device for printing one multiple-pass print on each packaging container (2), on which the packaging containers are moved in a transport direction past printing stations or printing heads for applying the multiple-pass print. The device is constructed from a plurality of modules (4.1-4.8) in at least a partial area. Each module comprises at least one transport element having an associated drive. The transport elements of the module adjacent to each other form at least one part of the transport path.

Abstract: A transfer device (26) intended to move an object (8) between a support zone (28) and a cap (12), includes: a frame (30); at least one holding arm (32) which is able to carry the object (8) to be moved; and drive elements (36) which are carried by the frame (30), and able to move the holding arm (32). The drive elements (36) are able to move the holding arm (32) so that the opening (19) of the object is moved firstly along an initial trajectory portion which includes a component in accordance with a direction perpendicular to the support zone (28), then along a curve which extends through a point (119) of the trajectory (118) of the base (17) of the object, after the base (17) of the object has passed through that point.

Abstract: A golf ball stamper which securely holds a golf ball while the golf ball is stamped. The golf ball stamper comprises a handle, a stamping element coupled to the handle, and a golf ball receptacle sized to hold a golf ball. When the handle is pushed, the stamping element applies a stamp to the golf ball. The golf ball receptacle stabilizes and holds the golf ball while it is stamped to ensure a legible stamp is applied.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for printing on the peripheral surface of cylindrical workpieces, in particular bottle stoppers, using a pad printing process, with a feeding device for the workpieces and with a cliché roller, to which are assigned an inking station, a doctoring station, and a printing station, wherein the printing station features a pad roller that transfers the ink from the cliché roller to the workpieces.

Abstract: Method for forming glossy and matt surface zones during printing of a can body in a production line comprising: a priming varnishing machine for applying a priming layer to the can body, a printing machine for applying printing colors including at least one glossy printing color to the can body provided with a priming layer, and a finish varnishing machine for applying a finish varnish to the can body provided with a priming layer and printed. A matt varnish is applied as finish varnish, after drying of the inks, by means of a flexographic printing plate controlled by dot-for-dot marking or by means of a cylinder controlled by dot-for-dot marking, to the zones of the can body for the purposes of giving a matt visual aspect. To implement the method, a conventional production line can be re-equipped with simple means.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved printer and recording device having an improved design for providing efficient operation and improved print and recording speed to one or more storage devices. In one aspect, the present invention meets the above needs by providing a printer having printing means adapted to operate independently from a transportation mechanism of a storage device. In another aspect, the present invention provides a printer having one or more removable cartridges for the supply and/or removal of completed storage devices from the print device. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a new and improved engaging feature, of the transportation mechanism, for the selection and transportation of the storage device through the recording and/or printing process of the storage device.

Abstract: In present invention relates to a pad printing machine having a printing subassembly support that bears several pad printing subassemblies, at least two object carriers are used and together with the printing subassemblies of the printing subassembly support, constitute one print station wherein multiple print-objects, which are configured on the object carriers, can be printed simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing machine comprising a support plate (42) and a printer unit (44) fastened to the support plate (42) to project ink onto articles for printing. The printer station includes at least one additional printer unit (46, 48, 50), and the printer units (44, 46, 48, 50) are arranged beside one another on a circle centered on the axis of rotation (B-B) of a mandrel (8), when the mandrel (8) is placed in its printing position. The invention also provides a method of printing.

Abstract: A rotary machine including a substantially vertical rotatable drum having pellet-receiving receptacles in its peripheral sidewall. Gravity causes pellets to collect toward the drum's bottom. As the drum rotates, pellets received in the receptacles are carried upwardly from the bottom. A printing device positioned within the peripheral sidewall prints indicia on the inwardly exposed surfaces of the pellets. Optionally, the receptacles define apertures extending through the peripheral sidewall, and a printing device is positioned externally to the peripheral sidewall to print indicia on the outwardly exposed surfaces of the pellets. Drilling or inspection devices may be provided in addition to, or instead of, the printing devices. A support member may be provided adjacent the peripheral sidewall to prevent gravity from causing the pellets to exit the receptacles. Chutes may be provided to supply and remove pellets to and from the drum. An air stream may eject pellets from their receptacles.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing image bearing filled gelatin capsules (12 and 16) for directing gelatin ribbon (2,4) from respective casting drums to an encapsulation station (6). Along the path of at least one ribbon (4) is a transfer station (18) at which images are applied to the ribbon. The images are applied in a pattern which corresponds to the pattern of capsules formed from the ribbon at the encapsulation station (6). Both the rollers (8) at the encapsulation station, and a support roller at or adjacent the transfer station are positively drive, and a control system ensures that the peripheral speed of a support roller (16) in the transfer station (18) is the same as the speed of the ribbon into and through the encapsulation station. The drive motor for the respective support roller in the transfer station is preferably a stepping motor, adjustable to advace or retard relative to the ribbon spped in the encapsulation station (6).

Abstract: The screen-printing machine (10) comprises: a print station (12); at least one support surface (40A, 40B) for supporting the objects away from the print station (12); and at least one transfer device (18, 20) for transferring an object, which transfer device comprises a manipulator arm (54) equipped with an end clamp (56), the arm (54) being hinged relative to the support surface (40A, 40B) about a pivot axis (Z1-Z1) and the clamp (56) being hinged relative to the arm (54) about a tilt axis. The pivot axis (Z1-Z1) of the arm (54) defines with the normal to the support surface (40A, 40B) a non-zero angle of inclination that is less than 45°. Application to printing flasks.

Abstract: A card-flipping device for a card printing apparatus is provided. The card-flipping device comprises a card-carrier unit for transporting the card in a vertical direction, a motor drive means for moving the unit in the vertical direction, and an actuator assembly including a rotatable cam arm for flipping the card over. The card-flipping device is particularly suitable for use in thermal dye printers that print images on card substrates such as driver's licenses, employee badges, student cards, and the like. After one surface of the card has been printed, the card is conveyed to the card-flipping device, where the card is flipped over so that the reverse, unprinted side of the card can be printed thereon.

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: A reduction to the traveling motion of bottles along a delivery conveyor in an intermittent motion decorating machine is provided by one of a pair of workpiece feed cams rotatably supported in a side-by-side relation to rotate about spaced horizontal axes lying in a common horizontal plane. The workpiece feed cams have feed cam tracks for receiving cam followers of each of plurality of vertical bottle carriers. One of the feed cam tracks reduces the speed of the bottle carriers from a relatively high entry speed corresponding to the through put speed in the decorating machine to the speed of the deliver conveyor for more densely populating the delivery conveyor with workpieces. Carrier transfer members at each of opposite ends of the workpiece feed cams transfer the bottle carriers from one to the other of the workpiece feed cams. A drive rotates the workpiece feed cams, carrier return cams and carrier transfer members.

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.

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: An apparatus includes a rotary printing assembly operative for directly printing a layer of radiation curable material onto the cylindrical surface of individual articles. The rotary printing assembly includes a rotationally supported belt defining an interior region, the belt having a planar portion for contact with the cylindrical surface of the articles for directly printing a layer of the radiation curable material thereon. At least one squeegee is arranged within the interior region of the belt having a portion engaging the belt for contacting the planar portion of the belt with the cylindrical surface of the article. The squeegee is moveable longitudinally within the interior region of the belt during the printing operation. A radiation emitting device can be positioned adjacent the rotary printing assembly for at least partially curing the layer of radiation curable material applied to the articles.

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.