Inspection system, control system, and adjustment assembly for can decorators

Abstract

A control system for a can decorator configured to apply an image to a can includes a can inspection system configured to capture an image of the can, a controller configured to receive the captured image, analyze the captured image, and determine the quality of the image applied to the can based on a comparison of the captured image with a reference image, and an adjustment assembly configured to adjust the circumferential or translational position of the plate cylinder mounted on the end of the plate cylinder shaft of the plate cylinder shaft, the adjustment assembly including at least one stepping motor, the operation of at least one stepping motor causing circumferential or translational adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0004]

[0001] <Cross - Reference to Related Applications> This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 461,619, "Can Decorator Inspection And Control System And Adjustment Assemblies," filed on April 25, 2023.

[0002] The disclosed concepts generally relate to can decorators, and more specifically to inspection and control systems for can decorators. Also, the disclosed concepts relate to adjustment assemblies for can decorators.

Background Art

[0003] High - speed, continuous - operation machines for decorating cans, commonly referred to as "can decorator machines" or simply "can decorators," are well - known. Figure 1 shows a can decorator 2. As shown in Figure 1, the can decorator 2 includes an infeed conveyor 15 that receives cans 16 from a can supply device (not shown) and guides them to arcuate cradles or pockets 17 provided along the periphery of spaced - apart parallel rings fixed to a pocket wheel 12. The pocket wheel 12 is fixed to a continuously rotating mandrel carrier wheel 18, and the mandrel carrier wheel 18 is keyed to a continuously rotating horizontal drive shaft 19. Horizontal spindles or mandrels (not shown), each pivotable about its own axis, are attached adjacent to the peripheral portion of the mandrel carrier wheel 18. Downstream of the infeed conveyor 15, each spindle or mandrel is axially aligned closely with an individual pocket 17, and the undecorated cans 16 are sent from the pockets 17 to the mandrels. The suction force applied through the axial passage of the mandrel draws the can 16 to its final seating position on the mandrel.

[0004] While mounted on the mandrel, each can 16 is decorated by engaging with a blanket (e.g., a replaceable adhesive rubber piece, but not limited to one) positioned on the blanket wheel of a multicolor printing unit, indicated collectively by reference numeral 22. Then, while still mounted on the mandrel, the outside of each decorated can 16 is coated with a protective film of varnish applied by engaging with the periphery of a varnish application roll (not shown) rotating on the shaft 23 of an over-varnish unit, indicated collectively by reference numeral 24. The decorated and protectively coated cans 16 are then transferred from the mandrel to a suction cup (not shown) mounted adjacent to the periphery of a transfer wheel (not shown) rotating around the shaft 28 of a transfer unit 27. From the transfer unit 27, the cans 16 are placed on a nearly horizontal pin 29, which is carried by a chain-type discharge conveyor 30, which transports the cans 16 through a curing oven (not shown).

[0005] As the blanket wheel moves toward engagement with the undecorated can 16, it engages with multiple plate cylinders 31. Each plate cylinder 31 is associated with an individual inking station 32 (Figure 1 shows eight exemplary inking stations 32). Typically, each inking station 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 are combined to produce a "main image" configured to be applied to the can body. The "main image" is then transferred to the undecorated can 16, becoming what is referred to herein as the "can body applied image".

[0006] Each inking station 32 includes several rollers, or "rolls" as defined herein, which are configured to transfer a certain amount of ink from a reservoir, or "ink fountain" as defined herein, to a blanket. The path through which the ink travels is identified herein as the "ink train." That is, the rollers through which the ink travels define the "ink train." Furthermore, as described herein, the "ink train" is directional, with the ink fountain at the "upstream" end of the ink train and the plate cylinder 31 at the "downstream" end of the ink train.

[0007] The ink train extends across several rolls, each with its own purpose. As illustrated, the ink train begins with an ink reservoir and is first applied as a film to the fountain roll. The ductor roll intermittently engages with the fountain roll. When the ductor roll engages with the fountain roll, a certain amount of ink is transferred to the ductor roll. The ductor roll also intermittently engages with downstream rolls, transferring ink there. The ductor roll has a "duty cycle." In this specification, this means the ratio of the duration the ductor roll is in contact with the fountain roll to the duration of a complete cycle (the ductor roller in contact with the fountain roll, moving to the first downstream roller, in contact with the first steel roller, and returning to the fountain roll).

[0008] Other rolls include, but are not limited to, distribution rolls, oscillator rolls, and transfer rolls. Generally, these rolls are configured to distribute ink so that the appropriate amount of ink is applied to the plate cylinder 31 in a generally uniform manner. For example, an oscillator roll is configured to reciprocate longitudinally around its axis of rotation to spread the ink when it is applied to the next downstream roll. The final roll is the plate cylinder 31, which applies the ink to the blanket. It is understood that each inking station 32 applies a selected single-color "ink image" to the blanket, and that each inking station 32 must position its ink image appropriately relative to other ink images so that there is no offset of the ink image in the main image.

[0009] Image placement may be distorted, printing errors may occur, or the ink level may be insufficient for the specific optimal temperature required to apply the image to the container. In some cases, overlapping print layers may occur, resulting in ink contamination or unintended colors being printed on the can. In such situations, hundreds or thousands of cans may need to be discarded, and the decorator may need to be shut down. This leads to a shutdown of the entire can line, affecting a line that typically produces 400 to 6,000 cans per minute. This shutdown results in higher operating costs and a large amount of waste. Also, if the ambient air surrounding the decorator is unstable or difficult to control, the material properties are affected by the ambient temperature, and the ability of the ink substrate to adhere to the can surface and maintain the thinnest possible ink film thickness can be affected, potentially leading to unstable ink application. The tinctorial strength of the ink is directly related to the ink film thickness. The higher the tinctorial strength, the thinner the film thickness can be. If the ink's tinctorial strength is not optimized, the film weight needs to be made quicker, and the decorator operation needs to be slower. The typical temperature range recommended by ink manufacturers is between 95°F and 105°F. If the ink is too cold, it will appear as pinholes in the container. If the ink temperature is too high, the ink will begin to atomize or be applied too thinly, resulting in an unintended image and a high spoilage rate. In either case, the inability to control the temperature can lead to over-application of ink, as operators may increase the ink flow rate in an attempt to increase the ink coverage. A typical decorator ink reservoir can hold 50 ounces of ink and can be refilled every hour. If operators are adjusting for insufficient ink density or temperature, ink usage can easily double.

[0010] Therefore, there is room for improvement in the can decorator and its components. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0011] According to one aspect of the disclosed concept, a control system for a can decorator configured to apply an image to a can comprises: a can inspection system configured to capture a plurality of images of the can; a controller configured to receive the captured plurality of images, analyze the captured plurality of images, and determine the quality of the image applied to the can based on a comparison of the captured plurality of images with a reference image; and an adjustment assembly configured to adjust the circumferential or translational position of a plate cylinder attached to the end of the plate cylinder shaft of the plate cylinder shaft, the adjustment assembly including at least one stepping motor, the operation of which the operation of the at least one stepping motor causes circumferential or translational adjustment, the controller is configured to determine an image alignment error based on a comparison of the captured plurality of images with a reference image, determine an excitation period and an excitation frequency based on the image alignment error, and control the at least one stepping motor according to the determined excitation period and excitation frequency.

[0012] According to one aspect of the disclosed concept, an adjustment assembly for a plate cylinder and plate cylinder shaft of a can decorator comprises: a translation ring coupled to the plate cylinder shaft, the rotation of which causes circumferential adjustment of the plate cylinder attached to the plate cylinder shaft and the end of the plate cylinder shaft; a guide structure positioned near the translation ring; a plurality of cam followers attached to the guide structure, the cam followers operably coupled to the translation ring such that their rotation causes rotation of the translation ring; and a stepping motor operably coupled to the cam followers such that the operation of at least one stepping motor causes rotation of the cam followers.

[0013] According to one aspect of the disclosed concept, an adjustment assembly for a plate cylinder and plate cylinder shaft of a can decorator comprises: a shaft housing coupled to the plate cylinder shaft and the plate cylinder shaft end, the axial movement of which causes translational adjustment of the plate cylinder shaft end and the plate cylinder attached to the plate cylinder shaft end; a translation coupling member having a first end coupled to the shaft housing and configured to move in conjunction with the shaft housing and the translation coupling member; a translation guide coupled to a second end of the translation coupling member and configured to move in conjunction with the translation coupling member; and a stepping motor operably coupled to the translation guide such that the operation of at least one stepping motor causes linear movement of the translation guide and the plate cylinder shaft end. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] A full understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reading the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a can decorator.

[0016] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a plate cylinder shaft assembly, including a circumferential adjustment assembly and a translational adjustment assembly, according to one embodiment of the disclosed concept.

[0017] [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a plate cylinder shaft assembly with a circumferential adjustment assembly according to one embodiment of the disclosed concept.

[0018] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partial elevation view of a plate cylinder shaft assembly with a circumferential adjustment assembly according to one embodiment of the disclosed concept.

[0019] [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the plate cylinder shaft assembly of Figure 4.

[0020] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a view of a plate cylinder shaft assembly including a translational adjustment assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept.

[0021] [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an elevation view of a plate cylinder shaft assembly including a translational adjustment assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept.

[0022] [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the plate cylinder shaft assembly of Figure 7.

[0023] [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic view of a can inspection system according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept.

[0024] [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic view of an inker station with temperature sensing and adjustment functions according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept.

[0025] [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic view of a can decorator inspection control system according to an embodiment of the disclosed concept.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a plate cylinder shaft assembly 100, including a circumferential adjustment assembly 200 and a translational adjustment assembly 300, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept. The plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 is configured to receive a plate cylinder, such as the plate cylinder 31 shown in Figure 1, at the plate cylinder shaft end 102. The plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 may be employed in the can decorator 2 shown in Figure 1 or in other types of can decorators. The plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 is configured to provide adjustment to the circumferential position of the plate cylinder mounted via the circumferential adjustment assembly 200 and to provide adjustment to the translational position of the plate cylinder mounted via the translational adjustment assembly 300. The circumferential adjustment is rotational adjustment of the plate cylinder, and the translational adjustment is axial adjustment of the plate cylinder. The circumferential adjustment assembly 200 and the translational adjustment assembly 300 are driven by stepping motors 202 and 302, respectively. In some embodiments, the stepping motors 202, 302 have 50 to 100 pins, and an excitation algorithm is used to adjust the position by a set amount defined by the pin spacing, excitation period, and excitation frequency of the stepping motors 202, 302. Stepping motors allow for fewer components to be used and are significantly less expensive than other types of motors available.

[0027] Figure 3 is a diagram of a plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 with a circumferential adjustment assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept. Figure 4 is a partial elevation view of the plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 with the circumferential adjustment assembly 200, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 of Figure 4. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, it will be understood that the plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 may include only the circumferential adjustment assembly 200, only the translational adjustment assembly 300, or both the circumferential adjustment assembly 200 and the translational adjustment assembly 300.

[0028] The circumferential adjustment assembly 200 includes a stepping motor 202, a guide structure 204, a plurality of cam followers 206, a plurality of cam follower springs 208, and a translation ring 210. The plurality of cam follower springs 208 are configured to pre-load the plurality of cam followers 206 relative to the translation ring 210. The cam followers 206 are mounted on the guide structure 204 and spaced apart from each other. The stepping motor 202 is operably coupled to the cam followers 206 and is configured to control the rotation of the cam followers 206. The translation ring 210 is coupled to the plate cylinder shaft 104 of the plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 such that the rotation of the translation ring 210 adjusts the circumferential position of the plate cylinder shaft 104. The outer portion of the translation ring 210 is positioned between the cam followers 206 so that the rotation of the cam followers 206 causes the rotation of the translation ring 210. By driving the stepping motor 202 to rotate the cam follower 206 in a controlled manner, the rotation of the translation ring 210 and the circumferential adjustment of the plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 can be controlled.

[0029] Figure 6 is a diagram of the plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 including the translation adjustment assembly 300, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept. Figure 7 is an elevation view of the plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 including the translation adjustment assembly 300, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 of Figure 7. In Figures 6 to 8, the plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 is shown with only the translation adjustment assembly 300. However, it will be understood that in exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, the plate cylinder shaft assembly 100 may include only the circumferential adjustment assembly 200, only the translation adjustment assembly 300, or both the circumferential adjustment assembly 200 and the translation adjustment assembly 300.

[0030] The translation adjustment assembly 300 includes a stepping motor 302, a translation guide 304, a translation coupling member 306, and a shaft housing 308. The stepping motor 302 is operably coupled to the translation guide 304 and is configured to control the forward and backward movement of the translation guide 304. The shaft housing 308 is coupled to the plate cylinder shaft 104 and the plate cylinder shaft end 102 of the plate cylinder shaft assembly 100. The shaft housing 308 is coupled to the translation guide 304 via the translation coupling member 306, so that the translation guide 304, the coupling member 306, and the shaft housing 308 all move in conjunction. The shaft housing 308 is also coupled to the plate cylinder shaft end 102 such that the movement of the shaft housing 308 causes translation adjustment of the plate cylinder shaft end 102. Therefore, when the stepping motor 302 is driven to move the translation guide 304 forward or backward, controlled translation adjustment is induced with respect to the plate cylinder shaft end 102 and any plate cylinder attached to the plate cylinder shaft end 102.

[0031] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a can inspection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept. The can inspection system includes a camera 400 for inspecting cans 16. The camera 400 captures multiple images of the can 16 as it passes through an inspection window. The can 16 is transported through the inspection window by a rotating can pad. The rotating can pad rotates the can 16 by at least a full 360-degree rotation as it moves through the inspection window. Thus, the camera 400 can capture images of all sides of the can 16 as it passes through the inspection window. These images may be used to determine the quality of the image printed on the can, for example, image alignment, ink density, ink color, ink bleeding, and image defects. The can inspection system may be located at any suitable location in the can-making process, e.g., not limited to, a pin chain, a transport wheel, inside a curing oven, or any other suitable location. In some embodiments, the can inspection system may be configured such that the camera 400 moves around the can along a focal arc. In some embodiments, the can inspection system may use a wide-angle lens, which maintains a common focus for objects moving along a straight path for a specified distance. It will also be understood that other types of photoelectric sensors may be used instead of, or in addition to, the camera 400.

[0032] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an inker station with temperature sensing and control functions, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept. The inker station 500 includes an ink reservoir 502 and a roller assembly 504. The ink reservoir 502 is configured to hold ink, which is transferred to the plate cylinder 506 via the roller assembly 504. The plate cylinder 506 applies the ink image to a blanket wheel, where the ink image is transferred to a can.

[0033] The inker station 500 includes, for example, an ink temperature control element 600 in the ink reservoir 502. The ink temperature control element 600 may be, for example, a heating element. The inker station 500 also includes one or more ink temperature sensors 602, 604. The ink temperature sensors 602, 604 may be, for example, a contact-type ink temperature sensor 602 that detects temperature through direct contact with the ink, or a non-contact-type ink temperature sensor 604 that detects temperature without direct contact. The ink temperature sensors 602, 604 may be located in any suitable place in the inker station 500, for example, the plate cylinder 506, the blanket wheel, the mandrel, various parts of the roller assembly 504, the ink reservoir 502, or any other suitable place. In some embodiments, a cooling port 508 may be included in one or more rolls of the roller assembly 504 or the plate cylinder 506. The cooling port 508 may also be considered an ink temperature control element.

[0034] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a can decorator inspection and control system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept. The can decorator inspection and control system includes a controller 700. The controller 700 is configured to receive inputs from various components and to control various components of the can decorator. It will be understood that the inputs and outputs of the controller 700 may be wired or wireless. The can decorator inspection and control system includes a can inspection camera 400. The controller 700 is configured to receive and analyze images output from the can inspection camera 400. The controller 700 analyzes the images to determine the quality of the can, in particular the quality of the ink image applied to the can. The controller 700 may, for example, compare the captured image to a “proof image” in which inspection criteria have been assigned to specific fields such as ink overlap, alignment, and ink density. For example, the controller 700 can determine whether the ink image applied to the can is properly positioned. The controller 700 is configured to adjust the components of the can decorator in response to the determination of the quality of the ink image. For example, the controller 700 is configured to control the circumferential adjustment assembly 200 and the translational adjustment assembly 300. The controller 700 may control the circumferential adjustment assembly 200 and the translational adjustment assembly 300 by exciting a stepping motor 202 or 302. For example, based on the required alignment correction, the controller 700 can perform circumferential or translational adjustment by a set amount by exciting the stepping motor 202 or 302 with a selected excitation period and excitation frequency, depending on the pin spacing of the stepping motor 202 or 302. The period and excitation frequency of the stepping motor 202 or 302 may have a variety of excitation ranges depending on the required movement. For large adjustments in the range of 0.008 inches to 0.25 inches, the precision is not as critical, so the excitation frequency is smaller and the period is longer.For precise and minute adjustments of less than 0.008 inches, and potentially as small as 0.0001 inches, higher excitation frequency settings with shorter durations are used to produce smaller movements for greater precision. The circumferential adjustment assembly 200 and the translational adjustment assembly 300 can be used to quickly correct misalignment of the ink image, for example, while the can decorator is stopped during label changes.

[0035] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 700 may control various components, such as the circumferential adjustment assembly 200 and the translational adjustment assembly 300, in a general home position or an operator-defined position, for example, in a predetermined operation of a stored setting specific to the label. When the controller 700 analyzes the images of the captured cans and compares them to a “proof image”, it may create a range or boundary of tolerance. The boundary may be determined dynamically. The boundary is determined over a number of samples, or three or more samples, to define the statistical capability curve of the can decorator itself using sample data collected over a number of runs. For each specific label or specific run of a label, an additional subset of the boundary is applied to create an optimized range specific to each label and run. If the collected image data is outside the optimized boundary, the controller 700 excites the stepping motors 202 and / or 302 to drive the circumferential adjustment assembly 200 and / or the translational adjustment assembly 300 to move correspondingly within the optimized boundary. Understanding how each can decorator behaves differently is crucial, as the components that make up each decorator can wear out, have varying years of use, and have slight manufacturing differences. Setting simple boundaries without understanding the behavior of each can decorator and how it affects specific labels will lead to the decorator consuming a lot of energy and becoming susceptible to motor fatigue as the adjustment process continues. Furthermore, this allows for the most accurate image application for each unique label.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 700 is also configured to receive the outputs of the ink temperature sensors 602 and / or 604. The controller 700 is configured to analyze these outputs to determine the ink temperature. Based on the determined ink temperature, the controller 700 is also configured to control the ink temperature control element 600, for example, to control the ink temperature to an optimal ink temperature. This is important because the properties of ink change with temperature, and for each ink type, this allows for optimal and efficient ink application to the printing blanket and can. The optimal ink temperature is usually specified by the ink manufacturer.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 700 may also determine the ink density for the application of halftones and color shading. Here, the color of the can as perceived by the human eye is actually composed of several small dots that do not overlap, and depending on the amount of ink applied, they produce a lighter, darker, or mixed appearance. It is important that these small dots do not overlap, because overlapping would result in ink contamination, applying unintended colors to the can, and causing the operator to mistakenly attempt to adjust the ink reservoir by applying too little or too much ink. The controller 700 may be configured to control various elements of the can decorator, such as printing pressure or pneumatic ductor interval, to adjust the ink density to a desired level.

[0038] The controller 700 may communicate with various components of the can decorator or external components using an application programming interface (API). The controller 700 may independently control adjustments to various components of the can decorator based on feedback from various sensors. The controller 700 may also control adjustments to various components of the can decorator based on user input, such as settings provided by an operator.

[0039] Various embodiments of the disclosed concept improve the operation of can decorators, for example, by improving quality, reducing maintenance and downtime, and increasing efficiency.

[0040] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in light of the overall teachings of this disclosure, various modifications and alternatives to those details may be developed. Accordingly, the specific arrangements disclosed are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concept to which the entire scope of the appended claims and all their equivalents should be given.

Claims

1. In a control system for a can decorator configured to apply an image to a can, A can inspection system configured to capture multiple images of a can, A controller configured to receive multiple captured images, analyze the multiple captured images, and determine the quality of the image applied to the can based on a comparison between the multiple captured images and a reference image, An adjustment assembly configured to adjust the circumferential or translational position of the plate cylinder, which is attached to the end of the plate cylinder shaft, It is equipped with, The adjustment assembly includes at least one stepping motor, The operation of the at least one stepping motor causes the circumferential or translational adjustment, A control system configured to determine an image alignment error based on a comparison of the captured images with a reference image, determine an excitation period and excitation frequency based on the image alignment error, and control at least one stepping motor according to the determined excitation period and excitation frequency.

2. An ink temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the ink in the aforementioned can decorator, An ink temperature control element configured to adjust the temperature of the ink, It also has the following features: The control system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to receive the detected ink temperature, compare the detected ink temperature with an optimal ink temperature, and control the ink temperature adjustment element to adjust the ink temperature to the optimal ink temperature.

3. The control system according to claim 2, wherein the ink temperature control element is a heating element located in the ink reservoir of the inker station of the can decorator.

4. The control system according to claim 2, wherein the ink temperature control element is a cooling port located in the roller assembly or plate cylinder of the inker station of the can decorator.

5. The control system according to claim 2, wherein the ink temperature sensor is located in the plate cylinder or ink reservoir of the inker station of the can decorator.

6. The adjustment assembly is A translation ring coupled to the plate cylinder shaft, wherein the rotation of the translation ring causes circumferential adjustment of the plate cylinder shaft and the plate cylinder attached to the end of the plate cylinder shaft, A guide structure positioned near the translation ring, A plurality of cam followers attached to the guide structure, wherein the plurality of cam followers are operably coupled to the translation ring such that the rotation of the plurality of cam followers causes the rotation of the translation ring, It includes, The control system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one stepping motor is operably coupled to the plurality of cam followers such that the operation of the at least one stepping motor causes the plurality of cam followers to rotate.

7. The control system according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment assembly further comprises a plurality of cam follower springs configured to prepress the plurality of cam followers relative to the translation ring.

8. The control system according to claim 6, wherein the outer portion of the translation ring is positioned between the plurality of cam followers.

9. The adjustment assembly is A shaft housing coupled to the plate cylinder shaft and the end of the plate cylinder shaft, wherein the axial movement of the shaft housing causes translational adjustment of the plate cylinder shaft end and the plate cylinder attached to the plate cylinder shaft end, A translation coupling member having a first end connected to the shaft housing, wherein the shaft housing and the translation coupling member are configured to move in conjunction with each other, A translation guide coupled to the second end of the translation coupling member, wherein the translation guide and the translation coupling member are configured to move in conjunction with each other, It includes, The control system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one stepping motor is operably coupled to the translation guide such that the operation of the at least one stepping motor causes linear movement of the translation guide and the end of the plate cylinder shaft.

10. The control system according to claim 9, wherein the at least one stepping motor is operably coupled to the translation guide such that the operation of the at least one stepping motor causes the translation guide to move forward or backward.

11. The adjustment assembly is A circumferential adjustment assembly, A translation ring coupled to the plate cylinder shaft, wherein the rotation of the translation ring causes circumferential adjustment of the plate cylinder shaft and the plate cylinder attached to the end of the plate cylinder shaft, A guide structure positioned near the translation ring, A plurality of cam followers attached to the guide structure, wherein the plurality of cam followers are operably coupled to the translation ring such that the rotation of the plurality of cam followers causes the rotation of the translation ring, It includes, A circumferential adjustment assembly comprising a first stepper among the at least one stepper motor, which is operably coupled to the plurality of cam followers such that the operation of the first stepper motor causes the rotation of the plurality of cam followers, A translation adjustment assembly, A shaft housing coupled to the plate cylinder shaft and the end of the plate cylinder shaft, wherein the axial movement of the shaft housing causes translational adjustment of the plate cylinder shaft end and the plate cylinder attached to the plate cylinder shaft end, A translation coupling member having a first end connected to the shaft housing, wherein the shaft housing and the translation coupling member are configured to move in conjunction with each other, A translation guide coupled to the second end of the translation coupling member, wherein the translation guide and the translation coupling member are configured to move in conjunction with each other, It includes, A translation adjustment assembly comprising a second stepper motor among the at least one stepper motors, which is operably coupled to the translation guide such that the operation of the second stepper motor causes the translation guide to move linearly, The control system according to claim 1, including the following:

12. The aforementioned can inspection includes a camera configured to capture an image of the can as it passes through an inspection window. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the camera is configured to image the entire side of the can as the can passes through the inspection window.

13. The control system according to claim 12, further comprising a rotating pad configured to rotate the can in a full 360-degree rotation while the can passes through the inspection window.

14. The control system according to claim 13, wherein the camera is configured to move around the can along a focal arc.

15. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment assembly is configured to adjust the circumferential or translational position of the plate cylinder with an accuracy of 0.008 inches or less.

16. In an adjustment assembly for the plate cylinder and plate cylinder shaft of a can decorator, A translation ring coupled to the plate cylinder shaft, wherein the rotation of the translation ring causes circumferential adjustment of the plate cylinder attached to the plate cylinder shaft and the plate cylinder at the end of the plate cylinder shaft, A guide structure positioned near the translation ring, A plurality of cam followers attached to the guide structure, wherein the plurality of cam followers are operably coupled to the translation ring such that the rotation of the plurality of cam followers causes the rotation of the translation ring, Stepping motors operably coupled to the plurality of cam followers such that the operation of at least one stepping motor causes the rotation of the plurality of cam followers, A pre-fabricated, adjustable assembly.

17. The adjustment assembly according to claim 16, further comprising a plurality of cam follower springs configured to prepress the plurality of cam followers relative to the translation ring.

18. The adjustment assembly according to claim 16, wherein the outer portion of the translation ring is positioned between the plurality of cam followers.

19. In an adjustment assembly for the plate cylinder and plate cylinder shaft of a can decorator, A shaft housing coupled to the plate cylinder shaft and the end of the plate cylinder shaft, wherein the axial movement of the shaft housing causes translational adjustment of the plate cylinder shaft end and the plate cylinder attached to the plate cylinder shaft end, A translation coupling member having a first end connected to the shaft housing, wherein the shaft housing and the translation coupling member are configured to move in conjunction with each other, A translation guide coupled to the second end of the translation coupling member, wherein the translation guide and the translation coupling member are configured to move in conjunction with each other, A stepping motor is operably coupled to the translation guide such that the operation of at least one stepping motor causes linear movement of the translation guide and the end of the plate cylinder shaft, An adjustment assembly comprising:

20. The adjustment assembly according to claim 19, wherein the at least one stepping motor is operably coupled to the translation guide such that the operation of the at least one stepping motor causes the translation guide to move forward or backward.

Images