Image control system for can decorator and can decorator

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image control system for a can decorator and a can decorator. The image control system includes an electronic can decorator control assembly, a mechanical can decorator control assembly, and a number of sensors. At least one actuator of the mechanical can decorator control assembly is operatively coupled to at least one of an axial adjustment assembly or a circumferential adjustment assembly of a plate cylinder assembly and is configured to provide fine adjustment of at least one of the axial adjustment assembly or the circumferential adjustment assembly of the plate cylinder assembly by moving the at least one of the axial adjustment assembly or the circumferential adjustment assembly in increments of less than 0.001 inch. The at least one actuator includes an air motor and a reducer assembly. A comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to determine whether a registration of an image signal is acceptable. If not, the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to send a correction signal to the at least one actuator to provide fine adjustment of at least one of the axial adjustment assembly or the circumferential adjustment assembly.

Description

[0001] This divisional application is based on Chinese Patent Application No. 202080085882.X (International Application No. PCT / US2020 / 063865), entitled “IMAGE CONTROL SYSTEM AND EMPLOYING SAME FOR CAN DECORATOR,” filed on December 9, 2020.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 946,027, filed on December 10, 2019, entitled “IMAGE CONTROL SYSTEM AND EMPLOYING SAME FOR CAN DECORATOR,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The disclosed concept relates generally to an image control system for a can decorator used in the food and beverage packaging industry, and more particularly, to an image control system for a can decorator configured to automatically adjust an image applied to a can body. BACKGROUND

[0005] High speed, continuous motion machines for decorating cans, commonly known as “can decorator machines” or simply “can decorators,” are generally known. One such can decorator 2 is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the can decorator 2 includes an infeed conveyor 15 that receives cans 16 from a can supply (not shown) and guides the cans along the outer periphery of spaced apart parallel rings fixed to a concave wheel 12 to an arcuate shaped shelf or pocket 17. The concave wheel 12 is fixedly secured to a continuously rotating mandrel carrier wheel 18 which, in turn, is keyed to a continuously rotating horizontal drive shaft 19. The horizontal mandrels or spindles (not shown), each pivoting about its own axis, are mounted to the mandrel carrier wheel 18 adjacent to its outer periphery. Downstream of the infeed conveyor 15, each mandrel or spindle is in axial alignment in close proximity to a respective pocket 17 from which an undecorated can 16 is transferred to the mandrel. Suction applied through an axial passage of the mandrel draws the can 16 to a final seating position on the mandrel.

[0006] While mounted on the mandrel, each can 16 is decorated by engagement with a blanket (e.g., but not limited to, a replaceable rubber adhesive-backed piece) disposed on a blanket wheel of a multi-color printing unit, generally indicated by reference numeral 22. Thereafter, while still mounted on the mandrel, the exterior of each decorated can 16 is coated with a varnish protective film applied by engagement with the outer periphery of a varnish applicator roll (not shown) rotating on a shaft in an upper varnish unit, generally indicated by reference numeral 24. The can 16, with the decoration and protective coating thereon, is then transferred from the mandrel into a suction cup (not shown) mounted adjacent the outer periphery of a transfer wheel (not shown) rotating on a shaft 28 of a transfer unit 27. The can 16 is stored from the transfer unit 27 on a generally horizontal spike 29 carried by a chain output conveyor 30 which carries the can 16 through a curing oven (not shown).

[0007] In motion to engage the un-decorated can 16, the blanket engages a plurality of plate cylinders 31, each associated with a respective ink station assembly 32 (eight exemplary ink station assemblies 32 are shown in Fig. 1). Typically, each ink station assembly 32 provides a different color of ink, and each plate cylinder 31 applies a different ink image segment to the blanket. All of the "ink image" segments combine to produce a "master image" configured to be applied to the can body. The "master image" is then transferred to the un-decorated can 16 and becomes the "can body applied image" as used herein.

[0008] Each ink station assembly 32 includes a plurality of rollers or "rolls" as used herein configured to transfer a quantity of ink from a reservoir or "chamber" as used herein to the blanket. As used herein, the path of travel of the ink is identified as an "ink track". That is, the rolls over which the ink travels define an "ink track". Further, as used herein, an "ink track" has a direction, with the chamber at the "upstream" end of the ink track and the plate cylinder 31 at the "downstream" end of the ink track.

[0009] The ink track extends over a number of rolls, each with its purpose. As shown, the ink track begins at the chamber and is initially applied as a thin film to the chamber roll. The chamber roll is intermittently engaged by the infeed roll. When the infeed roll engages the chamber roll, a quantity of ink is transferred into the infeed roll. The infeed roll also intermittently engages the downstream roll and transfers ink to the downstream roll. The infeed roll has a "duty cycle", as used herein, which refers to the ratio of the duration of time that the infeed roll is in contact with the chamber roll to the duration of a complete cycle (infeed roll in contact with chamber roll moves to first downstream roll, in contact with first downstream roll, moves back to chamber roll).

[0010] Other rollers include, but are not limited to, one or more distribution rollers, one or more oscillator rollers, and one or more transfer rollers. Generally, these rollers are configured to distribute ink such that an appropriate amount of ink is applied to the plate cylinder 31 substantially uniformly. For example, oscillator rollers are configured to reciprocate along a longitudinal direction about their axis of rotation to spread the ink as it is applied to the next downstream roller. The final roller is the plate cylinder 31 that applies the ink to the blanket. It should be understood that each ink station assembly 32 applies a single selected color "ink image" to the blanket, and each ink station assembly 32 must apply the ink image in the proper position relative to the other ink images so that the ink images do not have offset ink images.

[0011] Thus, as used herein, an "ink image" refers to an image of a single ink color that is part of a "master image." As used herein, a "master image" refers to an image formed from a number of ink images, and the image is the image that is applied to the can body as a "can body application image." It should be understood that a "master image" includes a number of ink images, typically including multiple ink images. For example, if the master image is the French flag (which is a tricolor flag featuring three vertical bands of color (blue (hoist side), white, and red)), the ink station assembly 32 with blue ink will provide a blue rectangular ink image, the ink station assembly 32 with white ink will provide a white rectangular ink image, and the ink station assembly 32 with red ink will provide a red rectangular ink image. Further, assuming the master image is the French flag with the hoist side on the left, the ink station assembly 32 with blue ink will provide the blue rectangular ink image on the left side of the blanket, the ink station assembly 32 with white ink will provide the white rectangular ink image next to the blue rectangular ink image at the center of the blanket, and the ink station assembly 32 with red ink will provide the red rectangular ink image next to the white rectangular ink image on the right side of the blanket. Once all of the ink images are applied to the blanket, the master image is formed, and the master image is then applied to the can body.

[0012] Each ink station assembly 32 is configured such that one or more final rollers before the plate cylinder 31 apply an appropriate amount of ink to the plate cylinder 31. Those skilled in the art are aware of the amount of ink required to produce an image with the intended sharpness, resolution, and tone. Thus, as understood by those skilled in the art, as used herein, an "appropriate" amount of ink is an amount of ink that is neither too little (which typically results in a faint image) nor too much (which typically results in a blurred image), i.e., an "appropriate" amount of ink is the amount of ink that forms an image that is produced with the intended sharpness, resolution, and tone. Further, an "appropriate" amount of ink applied to the plate cylinder 31 is also a film having a substantially uniform thickness. It should be understood that those skilled in the art are aware of the amount of ink required to be applied to a substrate, such as but not limited to a can body, to produce an image with the intended sharpness, resolution, and tone.

[0013] Similarly, each ink station assembly 32 is configured such that the printing plate cylinder 31 applies the ink image in the proper position on the blanket. One skilled in the art knows the position in which the ink should be positioned on the printing plate cylinder 31 in order to produce the intended image. Further, as understood by one skilled in the art, as used herein, "proper position" of an ink image means that the ink image is applied to the blanket in a position relative to the position of other ink images applied by other ink station assemblies 32 that is intended and all of the ink images form a master image in which the individual ink images do not overlap in an unintended manner. Further, "proper position" of an ink image means that the ink image, and thus the master image, has an intended side-wise placement and an intended circumferential placement. As used herein, "intended" side-wise placement / circumferential placement means that the side-wise placement / circumferential placement is such that the can apply image is the intended image. As understood by one skilled in the art, as used herein, "intended image" means an image created by an image creator. As used herein, "can body apply image" means an image applied to a can body; that is, an image on a can body after the printing operation is complete.

[0014] Accordingly, it is important to provide the printing plate cylinder 31 with as consistent an ink film thickness as possible so that the printing plate imparts a clear and consistent image to the printing blanket 21 and ultimately to the final printed substrate (e.g., can 16). Inconsistencies in the ink film can result in variable color density across the printed image and the potential for an image "underprint" in which a lighter repeat or copy of the image is undesirably applied to the can 16 in addition to the master image.

[0015] Typically, control of the ink trajectory is accomplished by a technician who monitors the output of the can decorator, who manually adjusts individual elements of the ink station assemblies and / or blanket wheel so that ink is applied in the proper amount in the proper position. For example, each ink fountain contains a number of fountain keys, which are elongated members disposed adjacent to a fountain roller. The space between the fountain roller and the tips of the fountain keys determines the amount of ink applied to the fountain roller. That is, the fountain keys are configured to collectively or individually move toward or away from the fountain roller. When the spacing between the fountain roller and the tips of the fountain keys is increased, more ink is applied to the fountain roller. When the spacing between the fountain roller and the tips of the fountain keys is decreased, less ink is applied to the fountain roller. Typically, a threaded rod or similar structural member controls the spacing between the fountain roller and the tips of the fountain keys.

[0016] Furthermore, the duty cycle of the inker roller is adjustable. Generally, the longer the inker roller is engaged with the fountain roller, the more ink is applied to the inker roller and then travels along the ink path. Thus, adjusting the duty cycle of the inker roller so that the inker roller spends less time engaged with the fountain roller results in less ink being applied to the inker roller. Conversely, adjusting the duty cycle of the inker roller so that the inker roller spends more time engaged with the fountain roller results in more ink being applied to the inker roller.

[0017] Furthermore, errors in the can body applied image can be caused by individual ink images not being in the proper position on the blanket or the primary image not being in the proper position on the blanket. For example, the ink images or the primary image can not be in the proper longitudinal position on the blanket. This is also identified as an improper "side set". That is, as used herein, "side set" relates to the position of the image relative to the axial direction. That is, an ink image having a proper "side set" is in the expected position relative to the other ink images. Furthermore, a primary image having a proper "side set" is in the expected position on the can body, i.e., the primary image is not shifted towards either axial can end. Thus, as used herein, an image that does not have a proper "side set" is "axially shifted". In order to allow for longitudinal adjustment of the ink images or the primary image, each plate cylinder 31 includes an axial adjustment assembly configured to adjust the position of each ink image onto the blanket. Typically, the axial adjustment assembly includes a threaded rod that allows for fine adjustment of the axial position of the ink images. The threaded rod is adjusted manually by a technician.

[0018] Furthermore, the ink images or the primary image can be "circumferentially shifted". This is also identified as an improper "circumferential set". Typically, incorrect circumferential set or circumferential set errors are caused by mis-timing between the blanket and the plate cylinders. Nonetheless, it should be appreciated that other factors can also cause or contribute to circumferential set errors, such as, but not limited to, when the surface speed of the plate cylinders 31 is not properly matched with the surface speed of the blanket and / or the surface speed of the blanket is not properly matched with the surface speed of the plate cylinders 31, which can cause or contribute to circumferential set errors. When these situations occur, the can body applied image does not extend completely around the can body, or, the can body applied image covers itself at the axially extending edges of the image. Thus, as used herein, "circumferential set" relates to the position of the image relative to the circumference of the can body. As used herein, an image that does not have a proper "circumferential set" is a "circumferentially shifted image". A circumferential adjustment assembly is configured to change the circumferential set of the image.

[0019] The circumferential adjustment assembly includes a bearing on the shaft of the plate cylinder, which is driven by a helical gear mounted to the shaft. The plate cylinder gear is driven by a larger gear, which is mounted on a common shaft with the blanket wheel. It is also a helical gear. The plate cylinder helical gear is rotationally keyed to the shaft, but is allowed to move axially on the shaft. A linear screw mechanism is used to move the helical gear axially on the shaft while the machine is running. The axial movement of the plate cylinder gear rotationally advances or retards the shaft, the timing of which is directly proportional to the helix angle of the gear. This advances or retards the position of the ink image on the blanket for that particular color.

[0020] It should be understood that the technician observes the output of the can decorator and adjusts the individual ink images or the master image as needed to correct the printing on the subsequent can bodies. That is, the previously printed cans are not corrected by the can decorator. Further, it should be understood that the adjustments mentioned above are very fine / minuscule. For example, when an ink image has even less than an inch of improper side placement, the technician will adjust the position of that ink image or the position of the master image.

[0021] The above-identified ink image / master image errors and the need to manually correct these errors presents a problem. Further, if the can images are out of specification during the start of the label or during the run of the label, a large number of scrap cans can accumulate in a short period of time and thus production is lost. This is a problem. Accordingly, there is room for improvement in the decorating machine and method and the ink station assembly. SUMMARY

[0022] These and other needs are met by at least one embodiment of the disclosed concept, which provides an image control system for a can decorator, the image control system including an electronic can decorator control assembly, a mechanical can decorator control assembly, and a number of sensors. The electronic can decorator control assembly includes a programmable logic circuit and a number of modules. The mechanical can decorator control assembly is configured and does operatively couple to at least one of an ink fountain inking adjustment assembly, an inker roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly, a plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly, or a plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly. The electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to operatively couple to the mechanical can decorator control assembly. Each of the number of sensors is configured to measure a can body applied image feature and generate an image signal, the image signal including data representative of the can body applied image feature. Each sensor is further configured and does electronically communicate with the electronic can decorator control assembly and is configured and does transmit the image signal to the electronic can decorator control assembly. The modules of the electronic can decorator control assembly include a database module and a comparison module, the database module having decorator can image data. The comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured and does compare the image signal to associated decorator can image data from the database module to determine if the image signal is acceptable. If the image signal is not acceptable, the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured and does send a correction signal to a selected element of the mechanical can decorator control assembly to adjust at least one of the ink fountain inking adjustment assembly, the inker roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly, the plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly, or the plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly.

[0023] These and other needs are met by at least one embodiment of the disclosed concept, which provides a can decorator comprising an inking system. The inking system comprises a blanket wheel comprising a wheel frame and a plurality of printing blankets disposed on a radial surface of the wheel frame, and a number of ink station assemblies each comprising an ink fountain assembly, an ink fountain roller, an ink transfer roller assembly, a number of ink transfer rollers, and a plate cylinder assembly, each of the ink fountains comprising an ink fountain inking adjustment assembly, each of the ink transfer roller assemblies comprising an ink transfer roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly, and each of the plate cylinder assemblies comprising a plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly and a plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly. Each of the ink station assemblies is configured to apply a portion of an image to a printing blanket, and wherein each of the printing blankets is configured to apply the image to a can body, wherein each of the can bodies has a can body applied image. The can decorator further comprises a can transport assembly configured to position a number of can bodies in operative proximity to the inking system. The can decorator further comprises an image control system comprising an electronic can decorator control assembly and a mechanical can decorator control assembly, the electronic can decorator control assembly comprising a programmable logic circuit and a number of modules, the mechanical can decorator control assembly configured to operatively couple to at least one of the ink fountain inking adjustment assemblies, the ink transfer roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assemblies, the plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assemblies, or the plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assemblies. The electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to operatively couple to the mechanical can decorator control assembly. The image control system further comprises a number of sensors each configured to measure a can body applied image characteristic and generate an image signal comprising data representative of the can body applied image characteristic. Each of the sensors is configured to be in electronic communication with the electronic can decorator control assembly and to transmit the image signal to the electronic can decorator control assembly. The modules of the electronic can decorator control assembly comprise a database module and a comparison module, the database module having decorator can image data. The comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to compare the image signal to associated decorator can image data from the database module to determine whether the image signal is acceptable. If the image signal is not acceptable, the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to send a correction signal to a selected element of the mechanical can decorator control assembly to adjust at least one of the ink fountain inking adjustment assemblies, the ink transfer roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assemblies, the plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assemblies, or the plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assemblies.

[0024] The image control system for a can decorator and / or the can decorator as described below solves the problems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] A full understanding of the application will be obtained from the following description of the preferred embodiments, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a prior art can decorator machine;

[0027] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a portion of a can decorator machine and its ink station assembly according to embodiments of the disclosed concept;

[0028] Figure 3 is a partial schematic isometric view of one of the ink station assemblies of Figure 2

[0029] Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the ink station assembly of Figure 3

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the ink station assembly showing the ink track;

[0031] Figure 6 is an exploded isometric view of the ink application adjustment assembly;

[0032] Figure 7 is a side sectional view of the ink application adjustment assembly;

[0033] Figure 8 is an end elevational view of a portion of an image control system and its actuators and sensors according to embodiments of the disclosed concept;

[0034] Figure 9 is a pictorial schematic view of a can decorator machine and its image control system according to the disclosed concept;

[0035] Figure 10 is a simplified schematic view of a closed loop image control system according to the disclosed concept; and

[0036] Figure 11 is a circuit diagram of an image control system and can decorator machine according to embodiments of the disclosed concept. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] It will be appreciated that the specific elements shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concept in any way. Thus, nothing in this specification should be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosed concept except as set forth in the claims.

[0038] As used herein, directional phrases, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, up, down, and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting unless specifically so stated herein.​​

[0039] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0040] As used herein, “configured to [verb]” means that an identified component or assembly has structure that is shaped, sized and positioned to perform the identified verb. For example, a member “configured to move” can be movably coupled to another element and include an element that moves the member, or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. As such, “configured to [verb]” recites structure rather than function as used herein. Further, as used herein, “configured to [verb]” means that the identified component or assembly is intended to and designed to perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is capable of performing the identified verb but is not intended to and not designed to perform the identified verb is not “configured to [verb]”.

[0041] As used herein, in terms such as but not limited to “[X] configured to [verb] [Y]”, “[Y]” is not the recited element. Rather, “[Y]” further defines the structure of “[X]”. That is, assume in the following two examples “[X]” is a “mount” and the [verb] is “support”. In the first example, the entire term is “mount configured to support a flying bird”. That is, in this example, “[Y]” is “a flying bird”. It is known that, in contrast to a swimming / walking bird, a flying bird typically grasps a tree branch to support itself. Thus, for a mount, “[X]”, to be “configured to” support a flying bird, the mount is shaped and dimensioned to be something like a tree branch that a flying bird can grasp. However, this does not mean that the bird is the recited element. In the second example, “[Y]” is a house; that is, the second example term is “mount configured to support a house”. In this example, the mount is configured to be a foundation structure, as is well known, a house is supported by a foundation structure. As before, the house is not the recited element, but rather defines the shape, size and configuration of the mount, i.e., the shape, size and configuration of “[X]” in the term “[X] configured to [verb] [Y]”.

[0042] As used herein, “associated with” means that the elements are part of the same assembly and / or operate together, or interact / act upon each other in some manner. For example, a car has four tires and four hubcaps. While all of the elements are coupled as part of the car, it is understood that each hubcap is “associated with” a particular tire.

[0043] As used herein, a "coupling assembly" includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are not typically part of the same element or other component. As such, the components of a "coupling assembly" can not be described simultaneously in the following description.

[0044] As used herein, a "coupling" or "one or more coupling components" is one or more components of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components configured to couple together. It should be appreciated that the components of a coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap-in socket, then the other coupling component is a snap-in plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the other coupling component is a nut (and the opening through which the bolt extends) or a threaded hole.

[0045] As used herein, a "fastener" is a separate component configured to couple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a "fastener," but a tongue-and-groove coupling is not a "fastener." That is, a tongue-and-groove element is part of the elements being coupled rather than a separate component.

[0046] As used herein, a statement that two or more parts or components are "coupled" shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., connecting or

[0047] As used herein, the phrase "removably coupled" or "temporarily coupled" means that one component is coupled with another component in a substantially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled such that the components are easily connected or disconnected and do not damage the components. For example, two components are "removably coupled" with one another with a limited number of easily accessible fasteners (i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access), whereas two components that are welded together or connected by fasteners that are difficult to access are not "removably coupled." A "difficult to access fastener" is a fastener that requires the removal of one or more other components before the fastener can be accessed.

[0048] As used herein, "operatively coupled" means that multiple elements or components are coupled, each of which is movable between a first position and a second position or between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that when the first element moves from one position / configuration to the other, the second element also moves between positions / configurations. It should be noted that a first element can be "operatively coupled" to another element, but not vice versa. With respect to electronic devices, a first electronic device is "operatively coupled" to a second electronic device when the first electronic device is configured and does send a signal or current to the second electronic device, causing the second electronic device to actuate or otherwise be powered or function.

[0049] As used herein, "temporarily disposed" means that one or more first elements or components rest on one or more second elements or components such that the first elements / components are allowed to move without having to be detached from the first elements or manipulated in other ways. For example, a book that is simply placed on a table (i.e., the book is not glued or otherwise fixed to the table) is "temporarily disposed" on the table.

[0050] As used herein, a statement that two or more parts or components "engage" one another means that these elements either directly contact one another or contact one another through one or more intermediary parts or components. Also, as used herein with respect to moving components, a moving component can "engage" another element during movement from one position to another position, and / or the moving component can "engage" another element once in the position. Thus, it should be understood that the statements "when element A moves to a first position of element A, element A engages element B" and "when element A is in a first position of element A, element A engages element B" are equivalent statements, meaning that element A engages element B when moving to the first position of element A and / or element A engages element B when element A is in the first position of element A.

[0051] As used herein, "operatively engaged" means "engaged and moved." That is, when used in relation to a first component configured to move a second component that is movable or rotatable, "operatively engaged" means that the first component exerts a force sufficient to move the second component. For example, a screwdriver can be placed in contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is merely "temporarily coupled" to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed against the screw and "engages" the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver "operatively engages" the screw and rotates the screw. Further, in relation to electronic components, "operatively engaged" means that one component controls another component through a control signal or electrical current.

[0052] As used herein, in the phrase "[x] is moved between its first position and its second position" or "[y] is configured such that [x] is moved between its first position and its second position," "[x]" is the name of an element or component. Further, when [x] is an element or component that is moved between a number of positions, the pronoun "its" refers to "[x]," i.e., the element or component named before the pronoun "its."

[0053] As used herein, "corresponding" means that two structural components are sized and shaped to resemble each other and can be coupled with minimal amount of friction. Thus, an opening of a "corresponding" member is slightly larger in size than the member so that the member can travel through the opening with minimal amount of friction. If the two components are to be "snugly" fitted together, the definition is modified. In that case, the difference between the sizes of the components is even smaller so that the amount of friction is increased. If the element defining the opening and / or the component inserted into the opening is made of a deformable or compressible material, the opening can even be slightly smaller than the component inserted into the opening. In relation to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two or more "corresponding" surfaces, shapes, or lines generally have the same size, shape, and profile. In relation to movable or configurable elements / components, "corresponding" means that when an element / component is related and moves / reconfigures as one element / component, then the other element / component also moves / reconfigures in a predetermined manner. For example, a lever, i.e., a "rocker" or "seesaw," that includes a central fulcrum and an elongated plate, the plate having a first end and a second end. When the plate first end is in a raised position, the plate second end is in a lowered position. When the plate first end moves to a lowered position, the plate second end moves to a "corresponding" raised position. Alternatively, a camshaft in an engine has a first lobe operatively coupled to a first piston. When the first lobe moves to its upward position, the first piston moves to a "corresponding" upper position, and when the first lobe moves to a lower position, the first piston moves to a "corresponding" lower position.

[0054] As used herein, "travel path" or "path" when used in connection with a moving element includes the space through which the element moves as it is in motion. As such, any moving element inherently has a "travel path" or "path." Further, "travel path" or "path" relates to the motion of an identifiable structural member as a whole relative to another object. For example, assume a perfectly smooth road, a rotating wheel on a car (an identifiable structural member) does not generally move relative to the car's body (another object). That is, the rotating wheel as a whole does not change its position relative to, for example, the adjacent fender. Thus, the rotating wheel does not have a "travel path" or "path" relative to the car's body. In contrast, an intake valve on the rotating wheel (an identifiable structural member) does have a "travel path" or "path" relative to the car's body. That is, as the rotating wheel rotates and moves, the intake valve as a whole moves relative to the car's body.

[0055] As used herein, the word "unitary" means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a "unitary" component or body.

[0056] As used herein, "unified" means that all elements of the assembly are disposed in a single location and / or within a single housing, frame, or similar structural member.

[0057] As used herein, the term "a number" shall mean an integer of one or greater (i.e., a plurality). That is, the phrase "a number of elements" means one element or a plurality of elements. It is specifically noted that the term "a number of [X]" includes a single [X].

[0058] As used herein, the "radial side / surface" of a circular or cylindrical body is a side / surface that extends around or encircles a height line through or from the center of the circular or cylindrical body. As used herein, the "axial side / surface" of a circular or cylindrical body is a side that extends in a plane that extends generally perpendicular to a height line through the center. That is, generally, for a cylindrical soup can, the "radial side / surface" is the generally circular sidewall, and the "axial side / surface" or "axial sides / surfaces" are the top and bottom of the soup can. Further, as used herein, "radially extending" means extending in a radial direction or along a radial line. That is, for example, a "radially extending" line extends from the center of a circle or cylinder toward the radial side / surface. Further, as used herein, "axially extending" means extending in an axial direction or along an axial line. That is, for example, an "axially extending" line extends from the bottom of a cylinder toward the top of the cylinder and substantially parallel to or along the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

[0059] As used herein, a "tension member" is a structural member that has a maximum length when exposed to tension, but is otherwise substantially flexible, such as but not limited to a chain or cable.

[0060] As used herein, "generally curved" includes elements having multiple curved portions, combinations of curved portions and planar portions, and multiple planar portions or segments that are disposed at an angle relative to one another so as to form a curve.

[0061] As used herein, an "elongated" element inherently includes a longitudinal axis and / or a longitudinal line that extends in the direction of elongation.

[0062] As used herein, "about" in phrases such as "disposed about [an element, point, or axis]" or "extending about [an element, point, or axis]" or "about [X] degrees about [an element, point, or axis]" means encircles, extends around, or measures around, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. When used in reference to a measured value, or in a similar manner, "about" means "approximately," as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0063] As used herein, "generally" means "in a general manner" as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in relation to the term being modified.

[0064] As used herein, "substantially" means "for the most part or to a great degree" as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in relation to the term being modified.

[0065] As used herein, "at" means "on or near" as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in relation to the term being modified.

[0066] As used herein, "electronic communication" is used to convey signals via electromagnetic waves or signals. "Electronic communication" includes hardwire communication forms and wireless communication forms; thus, for example, a "data transmission" or "communication method" via a component that is in "electronic communication" with another component refers to the transmission of data from one computer to another (or from one processing component to another) by a physical connection such as USB, an Ethernet connection, or a remote connection such as NFC, Bluetooth, etc. and shall not be limited to any particular means of transferring data from one computer to another (or from one processing component to another).

[0067] As used herein, "in electrical communication" means that electrical current is passing between or can pass between the identified elements. "In electrical communication" is further dependent on the position or configuration of the elements. For example, in a circuit breaker, a movable contact is "in electrical communication" with a stationary contact when the contacts are in a closed position. The same movable contact is not "in electrical communication" with the stationary contact when the contacts are in an open position.

[0068] As used herein, a "computer" is a device configured to process data, having at least one input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch screen; at least one output device, such as a display, image card; a communication device, such as an Ethernet card, or a wireless communication device; a permanent memory, such as a hard drive; a temporary memory, i.e., a random access memory; and a processor, such as a programmable logic circuit. A "computer" can be a traditional desktop unit, but also includes mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices, such as gaming devices, that have been adapted to include components such as, but not limited to, those identified above. Moreover, a "computer" can include components that are physically in different locations. For example, a desktop unit can utilize a remote hard drive for storage. As used herein, such physically separate elements are "computers."

[0069] As used herein, the word "display" refers to a device configured to present a visible image. Moreover, as used herein, "present" refers to producing an image on a display that can be seen by a user.

[0070] As used herein, a "computer-readable medium" includes, but is not limited to, a hard drive, a CD, a DVD, a magnetic tape, a floppy drive, and a random access memory.

[0071] As used herein, "permanent memory" refers to a computer-readable storage medium, more specifically, a computer-readable storage medium configured to record information in a non-transitory manner. Thus, "permanent memory" is limited to non-transitory, tangible media.

[0072] As used herein, "stored in permanent memory" refers to a module of executable code or other data that has been functionally and structurally integrated into a storage medium.

[0073] As used herein, a "file" is an electronic storage construct used to contain data or executable code that is processed, which can be represented as text, images, audio, video, or any combination thereof.

[0074] As used herein, a "module" is an electronic construct used by a computer or other processing component, including but not limited to a computer file or a set of interacting computer files, such as executable code files and data storage files, used by a processor and stored on a computer-readable medium. A module can also include a number of other modules. It should be understood that a module can be identified by its functional purpose. Unless otherwise stated, each "module" is stored in, i.e., integrated into, the permanent memory of at least one computer or processing component. From this, as used herein, all modules are limited to constructs and not recitations of functionality. All modules are shown schematically in the drawings.

[0075] As used herein, "configured to [verb]" in relation to a module means that the module contains executable computer instructions, code, or the like designed and intended to achieve the purpose of the module. As noted above, all modules are integrated into permanent memory, whereby all modules define structure and not recite functionality.

[0076] As used herein, "automated" refers to a structure that operates without the need for human input / action. A structure is "automated" even if it requires a human to initially set it up or install it and / or perform maintenance or calibration, so long as the structure typically performs thereafter without the need for human input / action.

[0077] As used herein, the term "can" refers to any known or suitable container configured to hold a substance (e.g., but not limited to, a liquid; a food; any other suitable substance), and expressly includes, but is not limited to, food cans and beverage cans (such as beer cans and soda cans).

[0078] As Figure 2 shown, the can decorator machine 100 (alternatively, "can decorator 100" as used herein) includes a can transport assembly 102 (shown schematically) and an inking system 104. The can transport assembly 102 is substantially similar to the can transport structure described above, the description of which is incorporated herein. Generally, as shown, the can transport assembly 102 is configured and does move a quantity of unadorned can bodies 300 into contact with the inking system 104, blanket wheel 112, and / or image transfer segments 114 as discussed below.

[0079] The inking system 104 is configured and does apply ink to a selected pattern on the exterior of each can body 300. That is, the inking system 104 includes a plurality of ink station assemblies 200 (8 shown) and a blanket wheel 112. The blanket wheel 112 is an assembly that includes a wheel frame 113 (i.e., a frame forming a generally disc-shaped body) with a plurality of image transfer segments 114 (shown in phantom line drawing in Figure 4 Preferably, the blanket wheel 112 is configured to transfer a primary image (including a plurality of combined "ink images") from each image transfer segment 114 to a respective one of the can bodies 300.

[0080] As previously mentioned, the can decorator 100 further includes a plurality of ink station assemblies 200. It should be appreciated that while the example shown and described herein includes eight ink station assemblies 200, it can alternatively include any known or suitable alternative number and / or configuration of ink station assemblies (not shown) without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. It should be further appreciated that only one of the ink station assemblies will be shown and described in detail herein in view of the economy of the disclosure and the simplicity of the illustration.

[0081] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the ink station assembly 200 is shown in greater detail. Specifically, the ink station assembly 200 includes an ink fountain 202 configured to provide a supply of ink 400 (shown in simplified form as a hypothetical line drawing in Figure 3 ; see also Figure 5 ). An ink fountain roller 204 receives ink 400 from the ink fountain 202. The ink station assembly 200 further includes a distributor roller 206 and an ink transfer roller 208 operable in common with both the ink fountain roller 204 and the distributor roller 206 to transfer ink 400 from the ink fountain roller 204 to the distributor roller 206. That is, the ink transfer roller 208 is part of an ink transfer roller assembly 207 which further includes a duty cycle adjustment assembly 209 configured and operative to cause the ink transfer roller 208 to reciprocate between two positions (a first position and a second position); in the first position, the ink transfer roller 208 engages the ink fountain roller 204, thereby causing ink to be transferred from the ink fountain roller 204 to the ink transfer roller 208, and wherein the ink transfer roller 208 is spaced apart from the distributor roller 206, in the second position, the ink transfer roller 208 is spaced apart from the ink fountain roller 204, and wherein the ink transfer roller 208 engages the distributor roller 206, thereby causing ink to be transferred from the ink transfer roller 208 to the distributor roller 206. The duty cycle adjustment assembly 209 is configured and operative to vary the duty cycle of the ink transfer roller 208 (see the adjusted position of the ink transfer roller 208 shown in Figure 4 simplified form as a hypothetical line drawing in

[0082] Furthermore, a number of oscillator rollers 210, 212 (two are shown) each have a longitudinal axis 214, 216, respectively. The oscillator rollers 210, 212 are configured and operative to oscillate back and forth along their longitudinal axes 214, 216, respectively. By way of example and without limitation, the oscillator roller 212 oscillates back and forth along the longitudinal axis 216 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 217. The oscillator roller 210 oscillates back and forth along the longitudinal axis 214 in a similar manner.

[0083] The exemplary ink station assembly 200 also includes two transfer rollers 218, 220, each of which cooperates with at least one of the oscillator rollers 210, 212. However, it should be appreciated that any known or suitable alternative number and / or configuration of transfer rollers (not shown) can be used in addition to those shown and described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0084] The plate cylinder assembly 221 includes a plate cylinder 222 having a plate (generally designated 224) and a plate cylinder axial adjustment assembly 226 and a circumferential adjustment assembly 228, which are schematically shown in Figure 3 and discussed in greater detail below. The plate cylinder 222 cooperates with a number of inking rollers 230 to apply ink 400 to the plate 224. As shown above, the plate cylinder 222 engages the blanket wheel 112 and / or the image transfer segment 114. The blanket wheel 112 Figure 2 and Figure 4 ) and / or the image transfer segment 114 Figure 2 and Figure 4 engages the can 300 Figure 2 , thereby transferring ink to the can 300 (shown in phantom line drawing in Figure 2 ). Thus, generally, each ink station assembly 200 defines an "ink path 402" as shown in Figure 5 , thereby transferring ink 400 from the fountain roller 204 to the inking rollers 230 as described above. Moreover, a broad purpose of the various rollers discussed above is to spread the ink to form a thin film of ink and to break up the ink so that the film of ink has a substantially uniform thickness when applied to the plate 224. That is, the ink 400 on the various rollers (e.g., the distributor roller 206) is in the form of a film that is thinned and evenly distributed across the surface of the rollers in turn.

[0085] As best shown in Figure 3 , the ink station assembly 200 further includes opposing first and second side plates 260, 262, a drive assembly 264, and a housing 266 that at least partially encloses the drive assembly 264. The first side plate 260 has opposing first and second sides 268, 270. The fountain roller 204, the distributor roller 206, the infeed roller 208, the oscillator rollers 210, 212, the transfer rollers 218, 220, and the individual inking rollers 230 are all rotatably disposed between the first and second side plates 260, 262. The drive assembly 264 is disposed at the second side 270 of the first side plate 260 and is configured to drive at least the fountain roller 204, the distributor roller 206, and the oscillator rollers 210, 212 in a generally known manner.

[0086] Initially, the thickness of the ink 400 applied to the fountain roller 204 is controlled by an ink application adjustment assembly 500 that is part of each fountain 202. As Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the fountain ink application adjustment assembly 500 (hereinafter and as used herein, "ink application adjustment assembly 500") is configured and does thin or limit the amount of ink applied to the fountain roller 204 or thin / limit the amount of ink applied to a portion of the fountain roller 204. The ink application adjustment assembly 500 includes a mounting assembly 502, a blade assembly 504, and an adjustment structure 506. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown, the mounting assembly 502 includes a mounting body 510 (hereinafter and as used herein, "mounting 510"), a clamp plate 512, a shim plate 514, and two side plates 516, 518, and a number of seals (not represented by reference characters).

[0087] In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting 510 includes a generally planar lower surface 520 and a generally planar upper surface 522. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower surface 520 and the upper surface 522 of the mounting are angled relative to one another. As shown, the angle is approximately 15 degrees. The clamp plate 512 is a substantially rigid planar body 530 that is configured and does couple to the upper surface 522 of the mounting. In the exemplary embodiment, the shim plate 514 is a planar body 532 made of resilient spring steel that is configured to enhance the bias of the blade assembly 504.

[0088] As Figure 6 shown, the blade assembly 504 includes a blade 540 that is a generally planar elastomer 542 having a first edge 544. The blade first edge 544 includes a number of adjustable portions 546. As described below, as Figure 7 shown, the blade 440 is disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the fountain roller 204. Thus, the blade first edge adjustable portions 546 are configured and do move between a first position in which each blade first edge adjustable portion 546 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the fountain roller 204 and a second position in which each blade first edge adjustable portion 546 is closer to the outer surface of the fountain roller 204. That is, it should be understood that the first position and the second position are relative positions in which the second position is closer to the outer surface of the fountain roller 204. Each blade first edge adjustable portion 546 is further configured to be disposed in a number of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position.

[0089] In the exemplary non-limiting embodiment, as Figure 6As shown, the blade 540 includes a number of elongated blade segments 550 disposed proximate to one another. Each blade segment 550 includes a blade first edge adjustable portion 546. In another non-limiting embodiment, not shown, the blade body 542 is a unitary body that includes a parallel slit (not shown) extending inwardly from the blade first edge. That is, generally, the blade body 542 resembles a comb, but without gaps or with minimal gaps between the "teeth" of the comb. In another embodiment, not shown, the blade body 542 is a very resilient unitary body in which a bias applied to one region of the blade first edge 544 is not significantly transmitted to another region of the blade first edge 544.

[0090] In Figure 6 and Figure 7 the non-limiting embodiment shown, the adjustment structure 506 includes a number of adjustment devices 560. Each adjustment device 560 is associated with a blade first edge adjustable portion 546 and is configured to move a blade first edge adjustable portion 546 between a first position and a second position. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, there is an equal number of adjustment devices 560 and blade first edge adjustable portions 546. Thus, each blade first edge adjustable portion 546 has an associated adjustment device 560. As best shown in Figure 6 , the adjustment devices 560 include a number of elongated bodies 562 each having a movable coupling 564. Figure 7 As shown in Figure 7 , each adjustment device body 562 includes a first end 570, an intermediate portion 572, and a second end 576. Each adjustment device body first end 570 is configured to engage an associated blade segment 550. In the exemplary embodiment, each adjustment device body first end 570 is generally conical and tapers at an angle substantially similar to the angle between the lower surface 520 and the upper surface 522 of the mount 510. Each adjustment device body intermediate portion 572 includes a threaded portion 578. As described below, the adjustment device body threaded portion 578 is the movable coupling 564. Each adjustment device body second end 576 includes an actuator, which in one exemplary embodiment is a coupling 580.

[0091] In addition, the mount 510 defines a number of elongated channels 590. In the exemplary embodiment, the mount channels 590 extend generally parallel to the lower surface 520 of the mount 510. Each mount channel 590 includes a threaded portion 592. The mount channels 590 correspond to the adjustment device bodies 562 and the mount channel threaded portions 592 are configured to be coupled to the adjustment device body threaded portions 578.

[0092] It should be understood that embodiments including threaded elements 578, 592 are exemplary. In another non-limiting embodiment, not shown, each adjustment device body 562 and each mounting member passage 590 is substantially smooth. In such embodiments, each adjustment device body 562 is moved between positions by an actuator (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a DC servo motor (not shown). Nonetheless, it should be appreciated that a pneumatic actuator assembly is used in conjunction with other aspects and embodiments of the disclosed concept.

[0093] The ink fountain inking adjustment assembly 500 is assembled as follows. The blade 540 is disposed on the mounting member upper surface 522 with the blade plane 540 substantially corresponding to the plane of the mounting member upper surface 522. The backing plate 514 is disposed on the blade 540 and the clamping plate 512 is disposed on the backing plate 514. In the exemplary embodiment, the blade 540, the backing plate 514 and the clamping plate 512 are coupled by fasteners (not shown) extending into the mounting member 510. Each blade first edge adjustable portion 546 (that is, each blade segment first edge 544) extends beyond the mounting member upper surface 522. Further, the adjustment devices 560 are disposed in the mounting member passages 590 with each adjustment device body threaded portion 578 threadably coupled to the mounting member passage threaded portion 592. As noted above, in the exemplary embodiment, there is an equal number of blade segments 550 and adjustment devices 560. The mounting member passages 590 are positioned so that each adjustment device 560 is in substantial alignment with a blade segment 550.

[0094] In this configuration, when the blade 540 and / or the blade segments 550 are disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the mounting member upper surface 522, the blade first edge adjustable portions 546 are in their first position. That is, when each blade first edge adjustable portion 546 is in the first position, the entire blade body 542 is substantially parallel to the mounting member upper surface 522. Each adjustment device 560 is moved (e.g., rotated) to a position so that the threaded coupling advances the adjustment device 560 longitudinally until the adjustment device body first end 570 contacts and engages the blade first edge adjustable portion 546. Further longitudinal movement of the adjustment device 560 toward the blade first edge adjustable portion 546 causes the adjustment device body first end 570 to engage the associated blade first edge adjustable portion 546 and move the associated blade first edge adjustable portion 546 toward the second position.

[0095] In other words, the ink fountain 202 and the inking adjustment assembly 500 are positioned such that the adjustable portion 546 of the first blade edge is spaced apart from the outer surface of the ink fountain roller 204 when in the first position. As the adjustment device 560 moves longitudinally toward the blade 540, the engagement of the adjustment device 560 with the associated adjustable portion 546 of the first blade edge causes the adjustable portion 546 of the first blade edge to move toward and then into the second position. It should be understood that the forward movement of the adjustment device 560 can stop at either position between the first and second positions. It should be understood that when the adjustable portion 546 of the first blade edge is in the first position, the gap between the ink fountain roller 204 and the adjustable portion 546 of the first blade edge is larger than that when the adjustable portion 546 of the first blade edge is in the second position. Therefore, the thickness of the ink 400 film applied to the ink fountain roller 204 is thicker than the thickness of the ink 400 film applied to the ink fountain roller 204 when the adjustable portion 546 of the first blade edge is in the second position.

[0096] Furthermore, as described above, the ink delivery roller 208 reciprocates between two positions (a first position and a second position); in the first position, the ink delivery roller 208 engages the ink fountain roller 204, thereby causing ink to be transferred from the ink fountain roller 204 to the ink delivery roller 208, and wherein the ink delivery roller 208 is spaced apart from the distributor roller 206; in the second position, wherein the ink delivery roller 208 is spaced apart from the ink fountain roller 204, and wherein the ink delivery roller 208 engages the distributor roller 206, thereby causing ink to be transferred from the ink delivery roller 208 to the distributor roller 206. The period of this reciprocating motion is the "duty cycle" as described above. It should be understood that the longer the duty cycle, the closer the duty cycle is to a 1:1 ratio, and the more ink 400 is transferred to the ink delivery roller 208.

[0097] Furthermore, as described above, the duty cycle adjustment component 209 (such as...) Figure 4 (As shown) is configured to and actually changes the duty cycle of the ink supply roller 208. That is, the duty cycle adjustment component 209 is configured to and actually changes the length of time the ink supply roller 208 engages with the ink fountain roller 204. Therefore, the duty cycle adjustment component 209 is also configured to and actually changes the amount of ink transferred between the ink fountain roller 204 and the distributor roller 206.

[0098] Therefore, as described above, the inking adjustment component 500 and the duty cycle adjustment component 209 are configured to and do indeed change / limit the amount of ink supplied or applied to the downstream rollers and printing plate 224 of the ink track 402.

[0099] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that each ink station assembly 200 applies a single color ink image to the blanket wheel 112 and / or the image transfer segment 114. As is known in the art, the individual ink images must be substantially "in register" relative to one another. As used herein, "in register" of an "ink image" means that each ink image is substantially in place relative to the other ink images such that the plurality of ink images form a master image. It should be further appreciated that each printing plate cylinder 222 (and / or elements thereof) must be positioned to ensure that the ink images are in proper register. To accomplish this, as described above and as shown in Figure 3 illustratively, each printing plate cylinder assembly 221 includes a printing plate cylinder axial adjustment assembly 226 and a printing plate cylinder circumferential adjustment assembly 228.

[0100] Furthermore, each ink image, master image, and / or can body application image must have proper lateral register and circumferential register. Referring to Figure 3 , the axial adjustment assembly 226 is configured and does move the printing plate cylinder 222 in an axial direction relative to an axis of rotation of the printing plate cylinder 222. That is, the axial adjustment assembly 226 is configured and does change the lateral register of the master image. That is, as the axial position of each ink image is moved axially (into proper lateral register with the other ink images), the position of the master image is moved axially relative to the can body to which the master image is applied.

[0101] In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the axial adjustment assembly 226 includes a mount 227 and an actuator 229, both of which are shown in simplified form in Figure 3 . The axial adjustment assembly mount 227 is configured and does rotatably support the printing plate cylinder 222 (and / or a shaft (not represented by a reference numeral) of the printing plate cylinder 222). The axial adjustment assembly mount 227 is configured to be movably coupled to the printing unit frame assembly 22. The axial adjustment assembly actuator 229 is configured and does move the axial adjustment assembly mount 227 relative to the printing unit frame assembly 22 such that the printing plate cylinder 222 is moved in an axial direction. It should be appreciated that as the printing plate cylinder 222 is moved in the axial direction, the position of the ink image (and / or master image) is changed on the blanket wheel 112 and / or the image transfer segment 114. The change in position of the ink image (and / or master image) on the blanket wheel 112 and / or the image transfer segment 114 changes the position of the can body application image on the can body 300 Figure 2 ). That is, the position of the can body application image on the can body 300 Figure 2 is moved in the axial direction on the can body 300 Figure 2 . In other words, the axial adjustment assembly 226 changes the lateral register of the can body application image. Thus, the axial adjustment assembly 226 is configured and does change the lateral register of the can body application image.

[0102] Circumferential adjustment component 228 (also in) Figure 3 (Schematably shown) is constructed to and does indeed alter the circumferential positioning of the image applied by the printing cylinder. As described above, and as is known in the art, the circumferential adjustment assembly 228 includes a bearing on the printing cylinder shaft, driven by a helical gear mounted to the shaft (not shown). The printing cylinder gear (not shown) is driven by a larger gear (not shown) mounted on the blanket wheel. This is also a helical gear. The printing cylinder helical gear is rotatably keyed to the shaft but allows axial movement on the shaft. During machine operation, a linear thread mechanism (not shown) is used to axially move the helical gear on the shaft. The axial movement of the printing cylinder gear causes the shaft to rotatably advance or retract its timing, which is proportional to the gear helix angle. This advance or retraction of the ink image is then used for positioning on the blanket of that particular color. These elements are collectively and schematically constituted by Figure 3 The box 228 above indicates this. The circumferential adjustment assembly 228 also includes an actuator 233 (shown schematically) that is configured to and actually actuates the linear thread mechanism.

[0103] The can decorator machine 100 and / or ink application system 104 also include an image control system 600 (in Figure 2 (Illustrated schematically). The image control system 600 is configured and does automatically adjust the ink image of each ink station assembly 200 and the main image applied to the blanket roller 112 and / or image transfer section 114. In other words, the image control system 600 is configured and does automatically adjust the thickness of the ink 400 in the ink track 402 and the lateral and circumferential positioning of each ink image and / or main image.

[0104] Image control system 600 ( Figure 2 ; Also in Figures 9-11 (Illustrated schematically) It includes an electronic can decorator control assembly 602, a mechanical can decorator control assembly 604, and a number of sensors 606. The electronic can decorator control assembly 602 includes programmable logic circuitry 610 and a number of modules 612. The electronic can decorator control assembly 602 is configured to accurately determine whether the image applied to the can has the appropriate amount of ink and whether the ink image / main image is in the appropriate position.

[0105] In exemplary embodiments, the electronic can decorator control assembly module 612 includes a database module 620 having decoration can image data and a comparison module 622. As used herein, "decoration can image data" means data representative of an intended image. Further, the electronic can decorator control assembly database module 620 is configured and does include a number of decoration can image data sets, wherein each decoration can image data set is associated with a particular host image. That is, for example, one decoration can image data set is representative of a host image of a can containing a cola beverage, while another decoration can image data set is representative of a host image of a can containing a beer beverage. The electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 is configured and does compare the image signal to the associated decoration can image data from the database module to determine whether the image signal is acceptable. As used herein, "acceptable" is that the can body applied image / ink image / host image is substantially the intended image, as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, but not limitation, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed concept, acceptable in position is preferably within about 0.001 inch of the intended image position, more preferably, within about 0.0005 inch of the intended image position. It is understood that those skilled in the art are capable of and do create can image data that is an electronic construct representative of an intended image.

[0106] In exemplary embodiments, the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 is configured and does determine whether the image signal indicates that the can body applied image includes one of an ink amount deficiency or an ink amount excess. As used herein, "ink amount deficiency" means that the amount of ink in the can body applied image / ink image / host image is less than the amount required to create the intended image, as understood by those skilled in the art. As used herein, "ink amount excess" means that the amount of ink in the can body applied image / ink image / host image is more than the amount required to create the intended image, as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0107] Further, in exemplary embodiments, the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 is configured and does determine whether the image signal indicates that the can body applied image includes an axial misregistration image. As used herein, "axial misregistration image" means that the can body applied image / ink image / host image is not in proper position. That is, the "axial misregistration image" does not have the intended lateral in position.

[0108] Further, in exemplary embodiments, the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 is configured and does determine whether the image signal indicates that the can body applied image includes a circumferential misregistration image. As used herein, "circumferential misregistration image" means that the can body applied image / ink image / host image is not in proper position. That is, the "circumferential misregistration image" does not have the intended circumferential in position.

[0109] Other aspects of the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 are discussed below, followed by the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 and a number of sensors 606.

[0110] The mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 is configured and reliably operatively coupled to at least one of the inking adjustment assembly 500, the inking roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly 209, the plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly 226, or the plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly 228. That is, typically, the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 includes an actuator 650 (as used herein, reference numeral 650 denotes a general actuator or any actuator for the mechanical can decorator control assembly; specific actuators are discussed below). The mechanical can decorator control assembly actuator 650 is configured to actuate an associated structural element, namely, at least one of the inking adjustment assembly 500, the inking roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly 209, the plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly 226, or the plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly 228.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 includes at least one or more ink application adjustment assembly actuators 652. Figure 3 (Illustratively shown). Each ink adjustment component actuator 652 is configured and operatively coupled to the ink adjustment component adjustment device 560. That is, each ink adjustment component actuator 652 is configured to move the ink adjustment component adjustment device 560 between a first position, a second position, and any intermediate position. In an exemplary embodiment, each ink adjustment component actuator 652 is configured and operatively coupled to the second end connector 580 of the adjustment device body.

[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 includes a number of ink roller assembly duty cycle adjustment actuators 654. Figure 3 (Illustratively shown). Each inking roller assembly duty cycle adjustment actuator 654 is configured to actuate the inking roller assembly duty cycle adjustment component to adjust the amount of ink applied to the printing plate cylinder assembly. That is, each inking roller assembly duty cycle adjustment actuator 654 is configured to actuate the duty cycle adjustment component 209 to change the duration for which the associated inking roller 208 engages the ink fountain roller 204.

[0113] In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 includes a number of plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly actuators 656. Figure 3(Illustratively shown). In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, each plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment actuator 656 is configured and actually operatively coupled to the axial adjustment assembly 226. In another exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, each plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment actuator 656 is an axial adjustment assembly mount actuator 229. That is, as used herein, the axial adjustment assembly mount actuator 229 is part of both the axial adjustment assembly 226 and the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604.

[0114] In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 includes a number of plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly actuators 658. Figure 3 (Illustratively shown). Each plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment component actuator 658 is configured and actually operatively coupled to the circumferential adjustment component 228. In another exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, each plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment component actuator 658 is a circumferential adjustment component actuator 233. That is, as used herein, the circumferential adjustment component actuator 233 is part of both the circumferential adjustment component 228 and the mechanical can decorator control component 604.

[0115] In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, a number, multiple, or all of the mechanical can decorator control component actuators 650 include an air motor 670. Figure 2 Schematic illustration; see also Figure 8 As used herein, "air motor" refers to a structural component that expands compressed gas and converts the energy of compressed air into mechanical work through its linear motion, rotational motion, or any other motion. As is known, the area where the can decorator machine 100 operates is often filled with ink particles, including airborne particles. Therefore, operating the motor can be dangerous in certain situations, as the motor may generate a flame or spark that could ignite the airborne particles. Therefore, as used herein, "air motor" further excludes any type of motor that utilizes combustion or generates / uses electricity. That is, a motor that utilizes combustion or generates / uses electricity is not an "air motor" or its equivalent.

[0116] As is known, air motors 670 are not typically used for fine adjustment of other structural components. As used herein, "fine" adjustment preferably refers to moving an element by less than 0.001 inches, more preferably less than 0.0005 inches. Thus, in an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, each air motor 670 includes a reduction gear assembly 672 (… Figure 2, schematically shown). As used herein, "reducer assembly" refers to reducing the output motion (measured in, for example, but not limited to, revolutions per minute (rpms)) produced by an air motor for a given amount of compressed air energy. For example, if a given air motor uses "X" amount of compressed air energy to produce ten revolutions of an output shaft, the "reducer assembly" converts the motion into one revolution when the same air motor uses "X" amount of compressed air energy. Further, in exemplary embodiments, the "reducer assembly" is preceded by an indicator in the form of "[number] X" that indicates the amount of reduction. For example, a "10X reducer assembly" is configured and does, in fact, reduce the output of an air motor by a factor of ten. That is, if a given air motor uses "X" amount of compressed air energy to move a sliding element ten inches, the same air motor with a "10X reducer assembly" using "X" amount of compressed air energy results in the sliding element moving one inch. In non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the reducer assembly 672 discussed herein is at least one of a 30X reducer assembly 672 and a 101 X reducer assembly 672. Further, it should be appreciated that the disclosed concept preferably utilizes a combination of reducer assemblies 672. For example, but not limited to, in one non-limiting embodiment, in the system shown generally in Figure 8 for a total ratio of 3,000: 1, the first reducer assembly 672 can be a gearbox with a reduction ratio of 100: 1 combined in series with a second reducer assembly 672 that is a worm gear with a reduction ratio of 30: 1. For example, the output of the worm gear reducer can drive a ball screw 0.2 inches (5 mm) per revolution. The position of the position adjustment is measured with a high resolution (e.g., preferably about 0.0025 mm accuracy) inductive proximity sensor 606. Nonetheless, it should be appreciated that other known or suitable sensors can be used in accordance with the disclosed concept.

[0117] Reference is made to the pictorial illustrations of the system shown and described in Figure 9 and Figure 10 and Figure 11 the features and operation of the disclosed image control system 600 will be more fully appreciated, which will be described in more detail below.

[0118] In exemplary non-limiting embodiments, the number of sensors 606 includes a number of image sensors 700. As used herein, image sensor refers to a sensor configured to convert an image into data that includes a signal incorporating the data representative of the features of the can body applied image / ink image / master image. In Figure 9In the illustratively shown non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the image sensors 700 are digital cameras 702. In the exemplary embodiment, the image sensors 700 are positioned proximate the path of the can bodies 300 on the can transport assembly 102. Each sensor 606 (i.e., each image sensor 700 / digital camera 702) is configured and does generate an image signal that includes data representative of one or more of the can body imposed image characteristics. In the exemplary embodiment, the image signal includes data representative of the thickness of the can body imposed image / ink image / primary image, i.e., ink thickness characteristic data. In the exemplary embodiment, the image signal includes data representative of the lateral positioning of the can body imposed image / ink image / primary image, i.e., lateral positioning characteristic data. In the exemplary embodiment, the image signal includes data representative of the circumferential positioning of the can body imposed image / ink image / primary image, i.e., circumferential positioning characteristic data. Further, each sensor 606 (i.e., each image sensor 700 / digital camera 702) is configured and does transmit the image signal to the electronic can decorator control assembly 602.

[0119] Accordingly, the electronic can decorator control assembly 602 is configured and does receive image signals from a number of sensors. Further, the electronic can decorator control assembly 602 (i.e., the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622) is configured and does compare the image signals (i.e., the data representative of the image characteristic data incorporated into the signals) to associated can image data from the database module 620 to determine whether the image signals are acceptable. That is, for example, the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 is configured and does determine whether the image signals indicate that the can body imposed image / ink image / primary image includes one of an insufficient amount of ink or an excessive amount of ink. That is, the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 is configured and does compare the ink thickness characteristic data to records of acceptable ink thicknesses in the electronic can decorator control assembly database module 620.

[0120] Additionally or alternatively, the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 is configured and does determine whether the image signals indicate that the can body imposed image / ink image / primary image includes an axial misregistration image. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 is configured and does determine whether the image signals indicate that the can body imposed image includes a circumferential misregistration image.

[0121] If the can body applied image / ink image / master image is not acceptable, the image control system 600 (i.e., the electronic can decorator control assembly 602) is configured and does send a correction signal to selected elements of the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 to adjust at least one of the ink fountain ink application adjustment assembly 500, the inking roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly 209, the printing cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly 226, or the printing cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly 228. For example, if the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 determines that the can body applied image includes one of an insufficient amount of ink or an excessive amount of ink, the electronic can decorator control assembly 602 is configured to actuate the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 to further actuate at least one of the ink fountain ink application adjustment assembly 500 or the inking roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly 209 to adjust the amount of ink applied to the printing cylinder assembly. As another example, if the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 determines that the can body applied image includes an axially offset image, the electronic can decorator control assembly 602 is configured to actuate the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 to further actuate the printing cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly 226 to adjust the axial position of the can body applied image. As another example, if the electronic can decorator control assembly comparison module 622 determines that the can body applied image includes a circumferentially offset image, the electronic can decorator control assembly 602 is configured to actuate the mechanical can decorator control assembly 604 to further actuate the printing cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly 228 to adjust the circumferential position of the can body applied image.

[0122] Figure 10 A simplified schematic of the closed loop image control system 600 is shown, Figure 11 A circuit diagram of the image control system 600 and the can decorator machine 100 is shown, more particularly, Figure 8 As shown, in accordance with the non-limiting example embodiments of the disclosed concept, an air motor 670 and a position feedback sensor are used to control the air motor 670. It should be appreciated that in addition to these benefits, such air motors 670 provide a robust actuator in harsh environmental conditions such as, but not limited to, the oil bath environment required to lubricate the decorator drive gears. Prior art actuators (not shown), such as servo motors or stepper motors, are susceptible to oil intrusion from the oil bath, which leads to subsequent electrical failures. Air motors 670 are also advantageous in that they do not pose a hazard as a source of ignition for a potential fire.

[0123] Thus, the disclosed concept provides closed loop automated control of numerous inspection and adjustment operations that heretofore have required manual completion by an operator. Moreover, the precision provided by the disclosed concept greatly reduces, if not completely eliminates, the waste cans and lost production due to image quality defects.

[0124] While specific embodiments of the application have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alterations to these details can be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the concepts disclosed, which are to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An image control system for a can decorator, the can decorator comprising a can transport assembly configured to position a quantity of can bodies in operative proximity to an inking system, the inking system comprising a blanket wheel and a quantity of ink station assemblies, each of the ink station assemblies comprising an ink fountain, an ink fountain roller, an ink transfer roller assembly, a quantity of ink transfer rollers, and a plate cylinder assembly, each of the ink fountains comprising an ink fountain inking adjustment assembly, each of the ink transfer roller assemblies comprising an ink transfer roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly, each of the plate cylinder assemblies comprising a plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly and a plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly, the blanket wheel comprising a wheel frame and a plurality of printing blankets disposed on a radial surface of the wheel frame, wherein each ink station assembly is configured to apply a portion of an image to a printing blanket, wherein each printing blanket is configured to apply an image to a can body, wherein each can body has a can body applied image, the image control system comprising: an electronic can decorator control assembly comprising a programmable logic circuit and a quantity of modules; a mechanical can decorator control assembly configured to be operatively coupled to at least one of the ink fountain inking adjustment assembly, the ink transfer roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly, the plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly, or the plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly; the electronic can decorator control assembly configured to be operatively coupled to the mechanical can decorator control assembly; a quantity of sensors, each sensor configured to measure a can body applied image feature and generate an image signal comprising data representative of the can body applied image feature; each of the sensors configured to be in electronic communication with the electronic can decorator control assembly and to transmit the image signal to the electronic can decorator control assembly; the modules of the electronic can decorator control assembly comprising a database module and a comparison module, the database module having decorator can image data; the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly configured to compare the image signal to associated decorator can image data from the database module to determine if the image signal is acceptable; and wherein, if the image signal is not acceptable, the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to send a correction signal to a selected element of the mechanical can decorator control assembly to adjust at least one of the ink fountain inking adjustment assembly, the ink transfer roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly, the plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly, or the plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly; wherein, the mechanical can decorator control assembly comprises a quantity of actuators; at least one actuator operatively coupled to at least one of the plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly or the plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly; wherein, the at least one actuator comprises an air motor; wherein, the at least one actuator comprises a reducer assembly; wherein the at least one actuator is configured to provide fine adjustment of at least one of the printing cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly or the printing cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly by causing the printing cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly or the printing cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly to move in increments of less than 0.001 inches; wherein the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to determine that the registration of the image signal is acceptable when the position of the image signal is within 0.001 inches of the position of the associated decorated can image data, and otherwise determine that the registration of the image signal is unacceptable; wherein, in response to the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly determining that the registration of the image signal is unacceptable, the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to send a correction signal to the at least one actuator to provide fine adjustment of at least one of the printing cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly or the printing cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly.

2. The image control system for can decorators of claim 1, wherein, The number of sensors includes a number of image sensors.

3. The image control system for can decorators of claim 1, wherein, The reducer assembly is at least one of a 30X reducer assembly and a 101X reducer assembly.

4. The image control system for a can decorator of claim 1, wherein: the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to determine whether the image signal indicates that the can body applied image includes one of an insufficient amount of ink or an excessive amount of ink; and wherein, if the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly determines that the can body applied image includes one of an insufficient amount of ink or an excessive amount of ink, the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to actuate the mechanical can decorator control assembly to further actuate at least one of the ink fountain ink application adjustment assembly or the ink train roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly to adjust the amount of ink applied to the printing cylinder assembly.

5. The image control system for a can decorator of claim 1, wherein: the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to determine whether the image signal indicates that the can body applied image includes an axially offset image; and wherein, if the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly determines that the can body applied image includes an axially offset image, the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to actuate the mechanical can decorator control assembly to further actuate the printing cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly to adjust the axial position of the can body applied image.

6. The image control system for a can decorator of any of claims 1-5, wherein: the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to determine whether the image signal indicates that the can body applied image includes a circumferentially offset image; and wherein, if the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly determines that the can body applied image includes a circumferentially offset image, the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to actuate the mechanical can decorator control assembly to further actuate the printing cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly to adjust the circumferential position of the can body applied image.

7. A can decorator comprising: an ink application system comprising: a blanket wheel comprising a wheel frame and a plurality of printing blankets disposed on a radial surface of the wheel frame, and a number of ink station assemblies, each comprising an ink fountain, an ink fountain roller, an ink transfer roller assembly, a number of ink transfer rollers, and a plate cylinder assembly, each ink fountain comprising an ink fountain ink application adjustment assembly, each ink transfer roller assembly comprising an ink transfer roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly, each plate cylinder assembly comprising a plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly and a plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly, wherein each ink station assembly is configured to apply a portion of an image to a printing blanket, wherein each printing blanket is configured to apply the image to a can body, wherein each can body has a can body applied image, a can transport assembly configured to position a number of can bodies in operative proximity to the ink application system; and an image control system comprising: an electronic can decorator control assembly comprising programmable logic circuitry and a number of modules; a mechanical can decorator control assembly configured to be operatively coupled to at least one of the ink fountain ink application adjustment assembly, the ink transfer roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly, the plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly, or the plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly; the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to be operatively coupled to the mechanical can decorator control assembly; a number of sensors, each configured to measure a can body applied image characteristic and generate an image signal comprising data representative of the can body applied image characteristic; each of the sensors is configured to be in electronic communication with the electronic can decorator control assembly and to transmit the image signal to the electronic can decorator control assembly; the modules of the electronic can decorator control assembly comprise a database module and a comparison module, the database module having decorator can image data; the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to compare the image signal to associated decorator can image data from the database module to determine whether the image signal is acceptable; and wherein, if the image signal is not acceptable, the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to send a correction signal to a selected element of the mechanical can decorator control assembly to adjust at least one of the ink fountain ink application adjustment assembly, the ink transfer roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly, the plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly, or the plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly; the mechanical can decorator control assembly comprises a number of actuators; at least one actuator is operatively coupled to at least one of the plate cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly or the plate cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly; wherein the at least one actuator comprises an air motor; wherein the at least one actuator comprises a reducer assembly; wherein the at least one actuator is configured to provide fine adjustment of at least one of the printing cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly or the printing cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly by moving the printing cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly or the printing cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly in increments of less than 0.001 inches; wherein the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to determine that the registration of the image signal is acceptable when the position of the image signal is within 0.001 inches of the position of the associated decorated can image data, and otherwise determine that the registration of the image signal is unacceptable; wherein, in response to the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly determining that the registration of the image signal is unacceptable, the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to send a correction signal to the at least one actuator to provide fine adjustment of at least one of the printing cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly or the printing cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly.

8. The can decorator of claim 7, wherein, The number of sensors includes a number of image sensors.

9. The can decorator of claim 7, wherein, The reducer assembly is at least one of a 30X reducer assembly and a 101X reducer assembly.

10. The can decorator of claim 7, wherein: the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to determine whether the image signal indicates that the can body applied image includes one of an insufficient amount of ink or an excessive amount of ink; and wherein, if the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly determines that the can body applied image includes one of an insufficient amount of ink or an excessive amount of ink, the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to actuate the mechanical can decorator control assembly to further actuate at least one of the ink fountain ink application adjustment assembly or the ink train roller assembly duty cycle adjustment assembly to adjust the amount of ink applied to the printing cylinder assembly.

11. The can decorator of claim 7, wherein: the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to determine whether the image signal indicates that the can body applied image includes an axial misregistration image; and wherein, if the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly determines that the can body applied image includes an axial misregistration image, the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to actuate the mechanical can decorator control assembly to further actuate the printing cylinder assembly axial adjustment assembly to adjust the axial position of the can body applied image.

12. The can decorator of any one of claims 7-11, wherein: the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to determine whether the image signal indicates that the can body applied image includes a circumferential misregistration image; and wherein, if the comparison module of the electronic can decorator control assembly determines that the can body applied image includes a circumferential misregistration image, the electronic can decorator control assembly is configured to actuate the mechanical can decorator control assembly to further actuate the printing cylinder assembly circumferential adjustment assembly to adjust the circumferential position of the can body applied image.

Images