A card/carrier combination sorter system is described that is configured for use with a card/carrier combination production system. The sorter system includes an input that is in communication with an output of the production system so as to receive a plurality of card/carrier combinations one-by-one from the production system. The sorter system is configured to sort the plurality of card/carrier combinations into one or more bins of the sorter system. In some embodiments, a card/carrier combination is not diverted and is instead output through an output of the sorter system to an inserter system for insertion into an envelope and subsequent mailing.

A card/carrier combination sorter system is described that is configured for use with a card/carrier combination production system. The sorter system includes an input that is in communication with an output of the production system so as to receive a plurality of card/carrier combinations one-by-one from the production system. The sorter system is configured to sort the plurality of card/carrier combinations into one or more bins of the sorter system. In some embodiments, a card/carrier combination is not diverted and is instead output through an output of the sorter system to an inserter system for insertion into an envelope and subsequent mailing.

A system for transferring graphical representations on an object by sublimation is provided. The system has a first loading device configured to load on a work plane, a support having a graphical representation to be transferred, a second loading device configured to load, the object over the support on the work plane. The system further includes a sublimation apparatus having a catenary, and a plurality of pendulum components hooked to the catenary, each component having ends and jaws configured to cooperate with the work plane so that, by suction, the support wraps the object, is made to adhere to the object and is moved together with the object by way of the catenary in an oven arranged for transferring the support graphical representation from the support to the object. The invention relates also to a method for transferring graphical representations on an object by sublimation.

A positioning system for positioning a plurality of rotatable objects for processing includes a base plate that is configured to be positioned on a support surface of a processing machine. The base plate defines a plurality of alignment members to align the base plate to the support surface. The positioning system further includes at least three elongate cylindrical members that are arranged in parallel to one another and rotatably supported in alignment with the base plate. The cylindrical members are configured to support the rotatable objects. The positioning system also includes a rotation mechanism configured to cooperate with the cylindrical members and rotate the cylindrical members in synchrony so as to rotate the plurality of rotatable objects in synchrony. The positioning system further includes a rotational control mechanism configured to cooperate with the rotation mechanism to control rotation of the cylindrical members.

A positioning system for positioning a plurality of rotatable objects for processing includes a base plate that is configured to be positioned on a support surface of a processing machine. The base plate defines a plurality of alignment members to align the base plate to the support surface. The positioning system further includes at least three elongate cylindrical members that are arranged in parallel to one another and rotatably supported in alignment with the base plate. The cylindrical members are configured to support the rotatable objects. The positioning system also includes a rotation mechanism configured to cooperate with the cylindrical members and rotate the cylindrical members in synchrony so as to rotate the plurality of rotatable objects in synchrony. The positioning system further includes a rotational control mechanism configured to cooperate with the rotation mechanism to control rotation of the cylindrical members.

A positioning system for positioning a plurality of rotatable objects for processing includes a base plate that is configured to be positioned on a support surface of a processing machine. The base plate defines a plurality of alignment members to align the base plate to the support surface. The positioning system further includes at least three elongate cylindrical members that are arranged in parallel to one another and rotatably supported in alignment with the base plate. The cylindrical members are configured to support the rotatable objects. The positioning system also includes a rotation mechanism configured to cooperate with the cylindrical members and rotate the cylindrical members in synchrony so as to rotate the plurality of rotatable objects in synchrony. The positioning system further includes a rotational control mechanism configured to cooperate with the rotation mechanism to control rotation of the cylindrical members.

A positioning system for positioning a plurality of rotatable objects for processing includes a base plate that is configured to be positioned on a support surface of a processing machine. The base plate defines a plurality of alignment members to align the base plate to the support surface. The positioning system further includes at least three elongate cylindrical members that are arranged in parallel to one another and rotatably supported in alignment with the base plate. The cylindrical members are configured to support the rotatable objects. The positioning system also includes a rotation mechanism configured to cooperate with the cylindrical members and rotate the cylindrical members in synchrony so as to rotate the plurality of rotatable objects in synchrony. The positioning system further includes a rotational control mechanism configured to cooperate with the rotation mechanism to control rotation of the cylindrical members.

A method of decorating a metal can body and comprising printing a fine pattern onto the can body using a non-varnishable ink, and applying a varnish over the printed fine pattern while the printed non-varnishable ink remains wet. The pattern is configured to give rise to a textured pattern in the varnish once the varnish has dried.

A method of decorating a metal can body and comprising printing a fine pattern onto the can body using a non-varnishable ink, and applying a varnish over the printed fine pattern while the printed non-varnishable ink remains wet. The pattern is configured to give rise to a textured pattern in the varnish once the varnish has dried.

A pad printing machine configured to print an object in at least two stages includes at least one printing pad to print the object and at least two printing plate zones within each of which a printing plate may be moved into the desired position. The pad printing machine further includes an image recorder configured to generate an image of at least a partial area of at least one printing plate zone, and a comparator configured to compare the image generated by the recorder with reference data.