A printer includes a spindle that rotates a fibrous object opposite a plurality of printheads while a forced air heater directs heated air toward the surface of the fibrous object. The plurality of printheads eject drops of solid ink onto the surface of the fibrous object to form a solid ink image on the fibrous object and the heated air affixes the solid ink image to the surface of the fibrous object without requiring pressure to affix the solid ink image to the fibrous object.

A printer includes a spindle that rotates a fibrous object opposite a plurality of printheads while a forced air heater directs heated air toward the surface of the fibrous object. The plurality of printheads eject drops of solid ink onto the surface of the fibrous object to form a solid ink image on the fibrous object and the heated air affixes the solid ink image to the surface of the fibrous object without requiring pressure to affix the solid ink image to the fibrous object.

The present invention relates to a drum stencil printing system for reliably and automatically printing materials on the inside of a concave surface. The drum stencil printing system includes a pliable drum stencil secured in place by a stencil spring. As the printhead applies radial pressure to the drum stencil, the portion of the stencil in contact with the printhead is deflected to make contact with the container sidewall. When the printhead rotates, the portion of the stencil contacting the container sidewall also rotates to match the nozzle of the printhead. After printing is complete, the printhead retracts, and the pliable stencil is returned to its undeflected position, breaking contact between the stencil and the container, and protecting the printed material from being rubbed or worn off of the container.

The present invention relates to a method for decorating a drinking or eating vessel, the method comprising: a. providing: i. a drinking or eating vessel, wherein the vessel comprises an inner surface that defines a volume for receiving a liquid or a solid food and an outer surface comprising a polymeric coating; and ii. a transfer sheet, wherein the transfer sheet comprises a printed decoration; and iii. a supporting means comprising a recess for receiving the vessel; and b. arranging the vessel within the recess of the supporting means thereby defining a lower portion of the outer surface of the vessel occluded from contact with the transfer sheet and an upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel for contacting the transfer sheet; and contacting the upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel and the supporting means with the transfer sheet under at least a partial vacuum, wherein the printed decoration is transferred from the transfer sheet to the upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel, and wherein the supporting means reduces stretching of the transfer sheet from the upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel to the lower portion of the outer surface of the vessel. Also described are associated uses, an apparatus, and drinking or eating vessels obtainable by the methods of the invention.

The present invention relates to a method for decorating a drinking or eating vessel, the method comprising: a. providing: i. a drinking or eating vessel, wherein the vessel comprises an inner surface that defines a volume for receiving a liquid or a solid food and an outer surface comprising a polymeric coating; and ii. a transfer sheet, wherein the transfer sheet comprises a printed decoration; and iii. a supporting means comprising a recess for receiving the vessel; and b. arranging the vessel within the recess of the supporting means thereby defining a lower portion of the outer surface of the vessel occluded from contact with the transfer sheet and an upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel for contacting the transfer sheet; and contacting the upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel and the supporting means with the transfer sheet under at least a partial vacuum, wherein the printed decoration is transferred from the transfer sheet to the upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel, and wherein the supporting means reduces stretching of the transfer sheet from the upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel to the lower portion of the outer surface of the vessel. Also described are associated uses, an apparatus, and drinking or eating vessels obtainable by the methods of the invention.

A printing apparatus and method are disclosed for printing on conical objects. An ink image is deposited onto the outer release surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) having the form of a flexible endless belt. After drying of the ink image on the ITM, the ITM transports the dried ink image to an impression station having a nip at which the ink image is transferred onto the objects. In order to permit printing on conical objects, the ITM is elastically deformable at least in the direction of movement of the ITM, and is guided in such a manner as to be elongated during passage through the impression station, the extent of elongation varying across the width of the ITM so as to match the surface velocity of the ITM to that of the object over the entire line of contact between the ITM and the object at the nip.

A pretreatment assembly includes a product support assembly and a pretreatment device. The product support assembly includes a primary support assembly, a primary drive assembly, a number of secondary support assemblies, and a secondary drive assembly. The primary drive assembly is operatively coupled to the primary support assembly. The primary drive assembly imparts a generally constant motion to the primary support assembly. Each secondary support assembly is structured to support a number of work pieces. Each secondary support assembly is movably coupled to the primary support assembly. The secondary drive assembly is operatively coupled to each secondary support assembly. The secondary drive assembly selectively imparts a motion to each secondary support assembly. The pretreatment device is disposed adjacent the product support assembly.

A marking machine for marking an article and a method of operating the same. The marking machine has a marking head including a support and at least one punch. The marking machine also includes a positioning system configured to position the article with respect to the punch. The punch has rotational mobility about an axis of rotation that is fixed with respect to the support.

A marking machine for marking an article and a method of operating the same. The marking machine has a marking head including a support and at least one punch. The marking machine also includes a positioning system configured to position the article with respect to the punch. The punch has rotational mobility about an axis of rotation that is fixed with respect to the support.

A segment wheel for a device for printing on hollow bodies has a plurality of segments formed on its circumference. A printing blanket, for printing on the hollow bodies, is, or at least can be, arranged on at least one segment. The segment wheel has a main body, the main body being made from a metal material. The segments are arranged along the circumference of the main body, each at a joint. Each segment is releasably connected to the main body.