Doctor roll assembly, inking assembly and can decorator using the same

Abstract

A doctor roll assembly for use in an inking station assembly of a can decorator to transfer ink from a fountain roll to a distribution roll, the doctor roll assembly having an elongated shaft member and a plurality of segments selectively arranged adjacent one another axially about the shaft member for rotation about an axis of rotation, the plurality of segments including a number of ink transfer segments, each ink transfer segment disposed a first radial distance from the axis of rotation and having an ink transfer surface configured to transfer ink between a corresponding axial portion of the fountain roll and a corresponding axial portion of the distribution roll, and a number of spacer segments having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed concepts generally relate to machines, and more particularly, to can decorating devices and methods for decorating cans used in the food and beverage packaging industry. The disclosed concepts also relate to an ink station assembly for a can decorating device.

Background Art

[0002] High-speed continuous operating machines for decorating cans are generally referred to as can decorating devices or simply can decorators and are generally well known.

[0003] Figures 1 - 3 show, for example, a can decorator 100 of the type disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 114,730, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Figure 1 shows a portion of a can decorating device 100 that includes a plurality of ink station assemblies 200 (eight are shown). The can decorating device 100 is configured to decorate the outer surface of a plurality of cans 300 (in Figure 1, for simplicity of illustration, one can 300 is shown in a simplified virtual diagram) (e.g., apply a desired ink image to the outer surface). Among the components, the can decorating device 100 (sometimes simply referred to as a can decorator) includes a blanket 102 having a plurality of image transfer segments 104 (shown in phantom lines in Figure 3). Preferably, the blanket 102 is configured to transfer an image associated with each image transfer segment 104 to a corresponding one of the cans 300. As described above, the can decorator 100 further includes a plurality of ink station assemblies 200. The exemplary can decorator 100 described and illustrated herein includes eight ink station assemblies 200, but it will be understood that any other known or suitable number and / or configuration of ink station assemblies (not shown) may alternatively be included without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. Further, for the sake of efficiency of disclosure and simplicity of illustration, it will be understood that only one of the ink station assemblies 200 will be described and illustrated in detail herein.

[0004] Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams showing one of the ink station assemblies 200 in more detail. Specifically, the ink station assembly 200 includes an ink sump 202 configured to supply ink 400 (shown in a simplified phantom line diagram in FIG. 2). The fountain roll 204 receives the ink 400 from the ink sump 202. The ink key system has a plurality of adjustable fountain keys 205 arranged side by side along the boundary between the ink sump 202 and the fountain roll 204, and adjusts the amount of ink 400 passing from the ink sump 202 to the fountain roll 204. More specifically, each fountain key 205 adjusts the amount of ink 400 passing from the ink sump 202 to the corresponding shaft portion of the fountain roll 204. It should be understood that the example shown in FIG. 2 includes eight fountain keys 205, but the number of fountain keys 205 may vary depending on the specific application.

[0005] The ink station assembly 200 further includes a distribution roll 206 and a doctor roll 208. The doctor roll 208 cooperates with both the fountain roll 204 and the distribution roll 206 to transfer ink 400 from the fountain roll 204 to the distribution roll 206. More specifically, the doctor roll 208 oscillates between a first position where the doctor roll 208 receives ink 400 from the fountain roll 204 and a second position where the doctor roll 208 transfers ink 400 to the distribution roll 206 by means of a pair of pivot arms 209. Several oscillating rolls 210, 212 (two are shown) are further provided as parts of the ink station assembly 200, and each roll has a longitudinal axis 214, 216. The oscillating rolls 210, 212 are each configured to oscillate back and forth along such longitudinal axes 214, 216. The exemplary ink station assembly 200 also includes two transfer rolls 218, 220, and each transfer roll cooperates with at least one of the oscillating rolls 210, 212. The printing plate cylinder 222 includes a printing plate (generally denoted by reference numeral 224) and cooperates with several form rolls 230 to apply ink 400 to the printing plate 224 and the image transfer segment 104 of the blanket 102.

[0006] Depending on the label design printed by the can decorator 100, one or more of the fountain keys 205 may need to be adjusted so that there is no ink carried to the ink train in a particular non-image area of the label. To absolutely eliminate the ink in this area, the corresponding ink key 205 needs to contact the fountain roll 202 and "scrape" all the ink from the fountain roll 202 in that area. Such contact causes wear of the fountain key 205, damage to the fountain roll 202, or both. Also, in a remotely operated ink key system (e.g., servo-driven), this will result in the loss of the zero-key setting that forms the basis of the label recipe.

[0007] Therefore, there is room for improvement in the can decoration device, the can decoration method, and the inking assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] These requirements and other requirements are met by embodiments of the disclosed concepts related to an inking assembly for a can decoration device and a related can decoration method. Among the advantages, the inking assembly and method employ a single form roll and address ink inconsistencies and problems (e.g., but not limited to, ink starvation, ink film thickness, ink film thickness variation, image ghosting).

[0009] As one aspect of the disclosed concept, a doctor roll assembly is provided for use in an inking assembly of a can decorator to transfer ink from a fountain roll to a distribution roll. The doctor roll assembly includes a roll portion having an extended shaft member and a plurality of segments selectively disposed adjacent to each other axially around the shaft member for rotation about a rotational axis, the plurality of segments including some ink transfer segments, each ink transfer segment being disposed at a first radial distance from the rotational axis and having an ink transfer surface configured to transfer ink between a corresponding axial portion of the fountain roll and a corresponding axial portion of the distribution roll, and some spacer segments having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter.

[0010] One or both of the some ink transfer segments may consist of a plurality of ink transfer segments and / or the some spacer segments may consist of a plurality of spacer segments.

[0011] The extended shaft member may include a central shaft rotatably coupled to a pair of pivot arms and configured to rotate about the rotational axis, and each segment of the plurality of segments may be attached to and rotate with the central shaft.

[0012] Each ink transfer segment may include a central hub formed from a first material and an outer portion disposed radially outward of the central hub, coupled to the central hub, and formed from a second material.

[0013] The extended shaft member may include a hollow cylinder disposed around a central shaft so as to rotate about the rotation axis and configured to be rotatably coupled to the central shaft.

[0014] The extended shaft member may include a central shaft fixed to a pair of pivot arms and configured to be stationary with respect to the rotation axis, and each ink transfer segment may be rotatably coupled to the central shaft so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis.

[0015] The doctor roll assembly may further include a pair of pivot arms, the roll portion being coupled between the pair of pivot arms and the pair of pivot arms being configured to swing the roll portion about a pivot axis parallel to the rotation axis.

[0016] Each pivot arm of the pair of pivot arms includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being coupled to the roll portion, the lower portion being configured to be coupled to an inking assembly, the upper portion being selectively coupled to the lower portion, and the roll portion and the upper portion being selectively removable from the lower portion.

[0017] In another aspect of the disclosed concept, an inking assembly for use in a can decorator is provided. The inking assembly includes an ink sump configured to supply ink, a fountain roll disposed adjacent to the ink sump and configured to receive ink from the ink sump, a distribution roll, and a doctor roll assembly having a roll portion that is pivotable between a first position adjacent to the fountain roll and away from the distribution roll and a second position away from the fountain roll and adjacent to the distribution roll. The fountain roll is configured to transfer ink from the ink sump to the roll portion of the doctor roll assembly when the roll portion is in the first position, and the roll portion of the doctor roll assembly is configured to transfer ink from the roll portion to the distribution roll when the roll portion is in the second position. The roll portion includes an extended shaft member and a plurality of segments selectively disposed axially adjacent to each other around the shaft member for rotation about a rotational axis. The plurality of segments includes a plurality of ink transfer segments, each ink transfer segment being disposed at a first radial distance from the rotational axis and having an ink transfer surface configured to transfer ink between a corresponding axial portion of the fountain roll and a corresponding axial portion of the distribution roll, and a plurality of spacer segments having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter.

[0018] The inking assembly further includes a plurality of adjustable fountain keys arranged along a boundary between the ink sump and the fountain roll. Each fountain key is configured to adjust the amount of ink passing from the ink sump to the fountain roll, each fountain key has the same fountain key width as each of the other fountain keys, and each ink transfer segment may have an axial length along the rotational axis that is the same as the fountain key width or a multiple of the fountain key width.

[0019] One or both of the several ink transfer segments may consist of a plurality of ink transfer segments and / or the several spacer segments may consist of a plurality of spacer segments.

[0020] The extended shaft member may include a central shaft configured to be rotatably coupled to a pair of pivot arms and rotate about the rotation axis, and each segment of the plurality of segments may be attached to and rotate with the central shaft.

[0021] Each ink transfer segment may include a central hub formed from a first material and an outer portion disposed radially outward of the central hub, coupled to the central hub, and formed from a second material.

[0022] The extended shaft member may include a hollow cylinder disposed around the central shaft and configured to be rotatably coupled to the central shaft so as to rotate about the rotation axis.

[0023] The extended shaft member may include a central shaft fixed to a pair of pivot arms and configured to be immovable relative to the rotation axis, and each ink transfer segment may be rotatably coupled to the central shaft so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis.

[0024] The doctor roll assembly may further include a pair of pivot arms for swinging the roll portion between the first position and the second position. The roll portion may be coupled to the pair of pivot arms between the pair of pivot arms. The pair of pivot arms may be configured to swing the roll portion about a pivot axis parallel to the rotation axis. Each pivot arm of the pair of pivot arms may include an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion may be coupled to the roll portion. The lower portion may be coupled to another portion of the ink station assembly. The upper portion is selectively coupled to the lower portion. The roll portion and the upper portion may be selectively removed from the lower portion.

[0025] As yet another aspect of the disclosed concept, a can decorator for attaching images to a plurality of cans is provided. The can decorator includes a plurality of ink station assemblies, and a blanket having a plurality of image transfer segments configured to receive ink from each ink station assembly and transfer the ink to the plurality of cans. Each ink station assembly includes an ink sump configured to supply ink, a fountain roll disposed adjacent to the ink sump and configured to receive ink from the ink sump, a distribution roll, and a doctor roll assembly having a roll portion that is swingable between a first position adjacent to the fountain roll and away from the distribution roll and a second position away from the fountain roll and adjacent to the distribution roll. The fountain roll is configured to transfer ink from the ink sump to the roll portion of the doctor roll assembly when the roll portion is in the first position. The roll portion of the doctor roll assembly is configured to transfer ink from the roll portion to the distribution roll when the roll portion is in the second position. The roll portion includes an extended shaft member and a plurality of segments selectively disposed adjacent to each other axially around the shaft member for rotation about a rotation axis. The plurality of segments include a plurality of ink transfer segments, each ink transfer segment having an ink transfer surface disposed at a first radial distance from the rotation axis and configured to transfer ink between a corresponding axial portion of the fountain roll and a corresponding axial portion of the distribution roll, and a plurality of spacer segments having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter.

[0026] The plurality of ink station assemblies may consist of a plurality of ink station assemblies.

[0027] Some of the ink transfer segments may be one or both of a plurality of ink transfer segments and / or some of the spacer segments may be a plurality of spacer segments.

[0028] The extended shaft member may include a central shaft rotatably coupled to a pair of pivot arms and configured to rotate about the rotation axis, and each of the plurality of segments may be rotatably attached to the central shaft.

[0029] A can decoration device and a can decoration method are also disclosed.

[0030] These and other objects, features, characteristics of the disclosed concept, the method of operation and function of the related elements of the structure, and the combination and economy of parts in manufacturing will become more apparent by considering the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings. All of the drawings form a part of this specification, and like reference numerals in the various drawings indicate corresponding parts. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and are not intended to define the limits of the concept.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] The disclosed concept can be fully understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Shown in the drawings and described herein, the specific elements are merely exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept. Accordingly, the specific dimensions, orientations, and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0034] As used herein, the term "can" refers to any known or suitable container structured to contain a substance (e.g., liquid, food, other suitable contents), explicitly including but not limited to food cans and beverage cans such as beer and soda cans.

[0035] As used herein, the term "ink train" refers to the path through which ink is transferred from the ink sump through the ink station assembly, particularly through the various rolls of the ink station assembly to the printing plate cylinder.

[0036] As used herein, the phrase that two or more components are "coupled" means that the components are either directly connected or connected via one or more intermediate components.

[0037] As used herein, the term "some" means one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

[0038] Embodiments of the disclosed concept address problems associated with conventional doctor rolls and inking, as described above, by providing a mechanism that allows for ink transfer in a selected axial region of the doctor roll while preventing ink transfer in other selected axial regions.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 4 - 6, a doctor roll assembly 10 based on an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept is shown. The doctor roll assembly 10 may be employed, for example, but not limited to, in the inking assembly 200 of the can decorator 100 previously described with respect to FIGS. 1 - 3, instead of the doctor roll 208 and pivot arm 209. However, it is understood that the doctor roll assembly 10 can also be used with other inking assemblies and / or other can decorators to transfer ink from a fountain roll to a distribution roll.

[0040] The doctor roll assembly 10 includes a roll portion 12 and a pair of pivot arms 14. The roll portion 12 is coupled to the pair of pivot arms 14 and is between the pair of pivot arms 14. Similar to the pivot arms 209 of the ink application assembly 200 described above, each pivot arm 14 has its lower portion 14A coupled to a part of the ink application such that the roll portion 12 receives ink (e.g., ink 400 from the fountain roll 204 in FIGS. 2 and 3) from the fountain roll at a first position and transfers the ink to a distribution roll (e.g., the distribution roll 206 in FIGS. 2 and 3) at a second position. The roll portion 12 of the doctor roll assembly 10 is configured to swing about a pivot axis 16 between these two positions. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 - 6, each pivot arm 14 includes an upper portion 14B selectively coupled (e.g., via a threaded fastener or other suitable mechanism) to the lower portion 14A, and as will be further described below, the upper portion 14B and the roll portion 12 can be removed from the ink application assembly for reconfiguration of the roll portion 12.

[0041] Unlike the doctor roll 208 of the ink application assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, which uses a single continuous transfer surface 211 that generally extends between the pivot arms 209 to transfer the ink 400, the roll portion 12 of the doctor roll assembly 10 includes a plurality of discrete transfer surfaces 18 for transferring the ink, and each transfer surface extends over the entire length L of the roll portion 12 TOTIt has a shorter axial length L1. The plurality of transfer surfaces 18 are arranged in series along the roll portion 12 between the pivot arms 14 and are rotatable relative to the pivot arms 14 about a rotation axis 20 parallel to the pivot axis 16. Each of the separate transfer surfaces 18 is arranged radially at a first radial distance R1 from the rotation axis 20 and is part of an individual transfer segment 22 that is similarly rotatable about the rotation axis 20 (thus, the roll portion 12 includes a plurality of transfer segments 22). In the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-6, each transfer segment 22 includes a central hub 24 and an outer portion 26 that is arranged radially outward from the central hub 24 and is coupled to the central hub 24, and the outer portion 26 includes the transfer surface 18. The central hub 24 is formed from a lightweight material (e.g., but not limited to, aluminum) machined to minimize the moment of inertia, and the outer portion 26 is formed from NG rubber or another suitable material for receiving and transferring ink. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept, the outer portion 26 is formed from NG rubber having a durometer hardness of 55-60 on the Shore A scale. However, it is understood that other suitable materials can be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0042] In addition to several transfer segments 22, the roll portion also includes several spacer segments 28 arranged axially in series with the several transfer segments 22. Unlike each transfer segment 22 having an outer transfer surface 18 for transferring ink, each spacer segment 28 is merely intended to maintain a predetermined axial spacing L2 along the rotation axis 20, is not configured to transfer ink, and is not intended to transfer ink in any sense. Thus, each spacer segment 28 has an outermost surface (not labeled), and the outermost surface is arranged radially from the rotation axis 20 at a second radial distance R2 that is smaller than a first radial distance R1 so as not to transfer ink between the roll adjacent to the roll portion 12. In the example shown in FIGS. 4-6, each spacer segment 28 is formed of the same material as each central hub 24 and has the same dimensions, but it is to be understood that the material and / or dimensions of each spacer segment 28 may be different from the central hub 24 without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0043] In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, each transition segment 22 and each spacer segment 28 are arranged around a central shaft 30 centered on the rotation axis 20 and are selectively coupled. As shown in FIG. 4, each transition segment 22 and spacer segment 28 are fixed to the central shaft by a key 32 extending axially along the central shaft 30 and are rotatable. In addition, each transition segment 22 is axially immobilized with respect to the central shaft 30 by individual set screws 34. The set screws 34 are screwed into the central hub 24 of the transition segment 22 and tightened against the central shaft 30. In this example, each spacer segment 28 is axially constrained with respect to the central shaft 30 by transition segments 22 arranged adjacent axially. The central shaft 30 is rotatably coupled at each of its ends to one of a pair of pivot arms 14 by bearing mechanisms 36, 38 (e.g., ball bearings or other suitable mechanisms). The bearing mechanisms 36, 38 are housed in the upper portion 14B of each pivot arm 14 and are fixed therein by a removable plate 40. By such a mechanism, the central shaft 30, the transition segments 22, and the spacer segments 28 are fixed to each other and are rotatable about the rotation axis 20 with respect to the pivot arms 14.

[0044] The roll portion 12 is a modular mechanism of the transfer segment 22 and the spacer segment 28, and it can be easily arranged / configured as desired to provide an axial region configured to transfer or not transfer ink according to the requirements of a specific can decoration application. It will be understood from the foregoing description that, depending on the application, the axial lengths L1 and / or L2 of one or both of the transfer segment 22 and / or the spacer segment 28 may be the same as the width of a fountain key (e.g., the fountain key 205 of the ink station assembly in FIG. 2, etc.) that adjusts the amount of ink passing from the ink sump to the fountain roll. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, each of the axial lengths L1 and L2 is the same as the width of the corresponding fountain key. Thus, as moving from left to right in FIG. 5, the roll portion 12 is configured to transfer the ink from the first, second, fifth, sixth, and eighth fountain keys and not transfer the ink from the third, fourth, and seventh fountain keys.

[0045] Instead of making the axial lengths L1 and / or L2 the same as the width of the fountain key, in applications where adjacent segments of the roll portion 12 are of the same type of segment (i.e., transfer segment 22 or spacer segment 28), the axial lengths L1 and / or L2 of one or both of the transfer segment 22 and / or spacer segment 28 may be a multiple of the width of the fountain key that adjusts the amount of ink passing from the ink sump to the fountain roll, and the number of segments utilized can be reduced. For example, the roll portion 12 of FIG. 5 may alternatively be implemented using: a first transfer segment having an axial length that is twice L1 and configured to transfer ink from the first and second fountain keys; a first spacer segment having an axial length that is twice L2 and configured not to transfer ink from the third and fourth fountain keys; another transfer segment having an axial length that is twice L1 and configured to transfer ink from the fifth and sixth fountain keys; a second spacer segment having an axial length of L2 and configured not to transfer ink from the seventh fountain key; a second transfer segment having an axial length of L1 and configured not to transfer ink from the eighth fountain key.

[0046] Figures 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of other exemplary embodiments of roll portions 12' and 12'', which provide the same functions and advantages as roll portion 12 in slightly different ways. Referring to Figure 7, roll portion 12' includes a plurality of transfer segments 22' and spacer segments 28' that function similarly to segments 22 and 28 of roll portion 12. However, unlike the illustrated roll portion 12, each segment 22' and each segment 28' are selectively coupled and arranged in a desired axial order to a hollow cylinder 50. The segments 22' and 28' can be easily slid along the hollow cylinder 50 and fixed using a retaining ring 52 and a locking ring 54 (or via other suitable mechanisms). The hollow cylinder 50 is rotatably coupled to a central shaft 30' via a pair of bearing mechanisms 36' and 38', and the hollow cylinder 50 and the segments 22' and 28' coupled thereto can rotate generally freely about a rotation axis 20 corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft 30'. Unlike the central shaft 30 of roll portion 12 that rotates about the rotation axis 20 with respect to the pivot arm 14, the central shaft 30' of roll portion 12' is configured to be fixed to the pivot arm, so the central shaft 30' does not rotate about the rotation axis 30.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 8, the roll portion 12’’ includes a plurality of transfer segments 22’’ and spacer segments 28’’, and these segments function in the same manner as the segments 22 and 28 of the roll portion 12, and the segments 22’ and 28’ of the roll portion 12’. Each of the segment 22’’ and the segment 28’’ is selectively joined and arranged in a desired axial order on the central shaft 30’’. The segment 22’’ and the segment 28’’ can be easily slid onto and detached from the central shaft 30’’ and are fixed thereto by a threaded retaining member 56 that threadedly engages with a cooperating threaded portion of the central shaft 30’’. Each transfer segment 22’’ is rotatably coupled to the central shaft 30’’ via a bearing mechanism 60, and each transfer segment 22’’ can rotate generally freely about a rotation axis 20 corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft 30’’. Similar to the central shaft 30’ of the roll portion 12’, the central shaft 30’’ of the roll portion 12’’ is configured to be fixed to a pivot arm, so the central shaft 30’’ does not rotate about the rotation axis 30. The exemplary roll portion 12’’ shown in FIG. 8 employs two types of spacer segments 28’’ having different axial lengths L1 and L2, and thus, it will be understood that it further illustrates a version of the alternative configuration described above with respect to the roll portion 12 in FIGS. 4 - 6.

[0048] Accordingly, from the foregoing embodiments, it is understood that the disclosed concepts provide a doctor roll assembly that addresses the drawbacks of the prior art and can be easily customized for a particular use or application, an inking assembly and a can decorator that utilize such a doctor roll assembly, and those doctor roll assemblies may be originally provided or may be easily retrofitted.

[0049] While specific embodiments of the disclosed concepts have been described in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details may be made in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the specific configurations disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting of the scope of the invention, which is given by the full scope of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

[0050] In the claims, reference signs shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The words “comprising” or “including” do not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claims. In device claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same hardware element. The fact that a single word “a” or “one” precedes an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In device claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same element of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.

Claims

1. A doctor roll assembly used in an ink station assembly of a can decorator for transferring ink from a fountain roll to a distribution roll, the doctor roll assembly comprising: An extended shaft member; A plurality of segments selectively arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction around the shaft member for rotating about a rotation axis; A roll portion having; The plurality of segments include: Some ink transfer segments, each ink transfer segment being arranged at a first radial distance from the rotation axis and having an ink transfer surface configured to transfer ink between a corresponding axial portion of the fountain roll and a corresponding axial portion of the distribution roll; Some spacer segments, each spacer segment having an outer surface arranged at a second radial distance from the rotation axis, the second radial distance being smaller than the first radial distance; A pair of pivot arms; Comprising; The roll portion is coupled to the pair of pivot arms between the pair of pivot arms, and the pair of pivot arms are configured to swing the roll portion about a pivot axis parallel to the rotation axis; Each pivot arm of the pair of pivot arms includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being coupled to the roll portion; The lower portion is configured to be coupled to the ink station assembly; The upper portion is selectively coupled to the lower portion, and the roll portion and the upper portion are selectively removable from the lower portion, the doctor roll assembly.

2. The several ink transfer segments consist of a plurality of ink transfer segments, and / or The several spacer segments consist of a plurality of spacer segments, the doctor roll assembly according to claim 1.

3. The extended shaft member includes a central shaft rotatably coupled to a pair of pivot arms and configured to rotate about the rotation axis; Each segment of the plurality of segments is attached to and rotates with the central shaft, the doctor roll assembly according to claim 1.

4. Each ink transfer segment includes a central hub formed from a first material and an outer portion disposed radially outward of the central hub, coupled to the central hub, and formed from a second material, the doctor roll assembly of claim 1.

5. The extended shaft member includes a hollow cylinder disposed around a central shaft so as to rotate about the rotation axis and configured to be rotatably coupled to the central shaft, the doctor roll assembly of claim 1.

6. The extended shaft member includes a central shaft fixed to a pair of pivot arms and configured to be stationary with respect to the rotation axis, Each ink transfer segment is rotatably coupled to the central shaft so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis, the doctor roll assembly of claim 1.

7. An inking assembly for use in a can decorator, An ink sump configured to supply ink, A fountain roll disposed adjacent to the ink sump and configured to receive ink from the ink sump, A distribution roll, A doctor roll assembly having a roll portion swingable between a first position adjacent to the fountain roll and away from the distribution roll and a second position away from the fountain roll and adjacent to the distribution roll, Comprising, The fountain roll is configured to transfer ink from the ink sump to the roll portion of the doctor roll assembly when the roll portion is disposed at the first position, The roll portion of the doctor roll assembly is configured to transfer ink from the roll portion to the distribution roll when the roll portion is disposed at the second position, The roll portion is, An extended shaft member, A plurality of segments selectively disposed adjacent to each other axially around the shaft member for rotation about a rotation axis, Comprising, The plurality of segments are, Some ink transfer segments, each ink transfer segment being disposed at a first radial distance from the rotation axis and having an ink transfer surface configured to transfer ink between a corresponding axial portion of the fountain roll and a corresponding axial portion of the distribution roll, some ink transfer segments. Several spacer segments, each spacer segment having an outer surface disposed at a second radial distance from the axis of rotation, the second radial distance being less than the first radial distance, several spacer segments, and comprising: The doctor roll assembly further comprises a pair of pivot arms for swinging the roll portion between the first position and the second position, The roll portion is coupled to the pair of pivot arms between the pair of pivot arms, The pair of pivot arms is configured to swing the roll portion about a pivot axis parallel to the axis of rotation, Each pivot arm of the pair of pivot arms comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being coupled to the roll portion, The lower portion is coupled to another portion of the ink application assembly, The upper portion is selectively coupled to the lower portion, and the roll portion and the upper portion are selectively removable from the lower portion, an ink application assembly. **Claim 8** The ink application assembly according to claim 7, further comprising a plurality of adjustable fountain keys arranged side by side along a boundary between the ink sump and the fountain roll, each fountain key being configured to adjust an amount of ink passing from the ink sump to the fountain roll, each fountain key having the same fountain key width as each of the other fountain keys, and each ink transfer segment having an axial length along the axis of rotation that is the same as the fountain key width or a multiple of the fountain key width. **Claim 9** The ink application assembly according to claim 7, wherein the several ink transfer segments consist of a plurality of ink transfer segments, and / or The ink application assembly according to claim 7, wherein the several spacer segments consist of a plurality of spacer segments. **Claim 10** The extended shaft member comprises a central shaft configured to be rotatably coupled to the previous pair of pivot arms and rotate about the axis of rotation, The ink application assembly according to claim 7, wherein each segment of the plurality of segments is attached to the central shaft and rotates. **Claim 11** Each ink transfer segment comprises a central hub formed from a first material and an outer portion disposed radially outward of the central hub, coupled to the central hub, and formed from a second material, the ink station assembly of claim 7.

12. The extended shaft member comprises a hollow cylinder disposed around a central shaft so as to rotate about the axis of rotation and configured to be rotatably coupled to the central shaft, the ink station assembly of claim 7.

13. The extended shaft member includes a central shaft fixed to a pair of pivot arms and configured to be stationary with respect to the axis of rotation, Each ink transfer segment is rotatably coupled to the central shaft so as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation, the ink station assembly of claim 7.

14. A can decorator for applying images to a plurality of cans, Several ink station assemblies, A blanket having a plurality of image transfer segments configured to receive ink from each ink station assembly and transfer the ink to the plurality of cans, Comprising, Each ink station assembly, An ink sump configured to supply ink, A fountain roll disposed adjacent to the ink sump and configured to receive ink from the ink sump, A distribution roll, A doctor roll assembly having a roll portion swingable between a first position adjacent to the fountain roll and away from the distribution roll and a second position away from the fountain roll and adjacent to the distribution roll, Comprising, The fountain roll is configured to transfer ink from the ink sump to the roll portion of the doctor roll assembly when the roll portion is disposed at the first position, The roll portion of the doctor roll assembly is configured to transfer ink from the roll portion to the distribution roll when the roll portion is disposed at the second position, The roll portion, An extended shaft member, A plurality of segments selectively disposed adjacent to each other axially around the shaft member for rotation about an axis of rotation, Comprising, The plurality of segments, Several ink transfer segments, each ink transfer segment being arranged at a first radial distance from the rotation axis and having an ink transfer surface configured to transfer ink between a corresponding axial portion of the fountain roll and a corresponding axial portion of the distribution roll. Several spacer segments, each spacer segment having an outer surface arranged at a second radial distance from the rotation axis, the second radial distance being smaller than the first radial distance. Comprising: The doctor roll assembly further comprises a pair of pivot arms for swinging the roll portion between the first position and the second position. The roll portion is coupled to the pair of pivot arms between the pair of pivot arms. The pair of pivot arms is configured to swing the roll portion about a pivot axis parallel to the rotation axis. Each pivot arm of the pair of pivot arms comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being coupled to the roll portion. The lower portion is coupled to another part of the inking assembly. The upper portion is selectively coupled to the lower portion, and the roll portion and the upper portion are selectively removable from the lower portion, a can decorator.

15. The several inking assemblies comprise a plurality of inking assemblies, the can decorator according to claim 14.

16. The several ink transfer segments consist of a plurality of ink transfer segments, and / or The several spacer segments consist of a plurality of spacer segments, the can decorator according to claim 14.

17. The extended shaft member comprises a central shaft configured to be rotatably coupled to a pair of pivot arms and rotate about the rotation axis. Each segment of the plurality of segments is rotatably attached to the central shaft, the can decorator according to claim 14.

Images