Patent GB-899801-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to apparatus for decorating dishware
IPC: B41F17/00
Filed: 1958-09-18
Abstract: Apparatus for decorating dishware and the like comprises a number of ware carriers 12 (Fig. 1) connected to each other and having a driving mechanism by which they are moved stepwise around a closed path, each carrier comprising a body 20 (Fig. 24) in which a holder 21 with means 22 for gripping the ware, is rotatably mounted, a mechanism for rotating the holder and a detent for positively locking it in a fixed position relative to the body at all times other than when the rotating mechanism is actuated; each carrier takes up one of a series of stations (I to X, Fig. 1) in turn as it is moved around the path, I being a loading, and X an unloading station, and decorating devices having mechanisms for operating the carrier rotating mechanism, are provided at one or more other stations, and controlled selectively by a control device.  Ware transport means. As shown, ware arriving at the apparatus on a conveyer 11 is spaced by an escapement comprising detents on vertically reciprocable beams 134 and is arrested by a stop plate 139.  It is then transferred to a carrier 12 by an assembly comprising a suction cup which is reciprocated along the beam 153, which is also given a vertical movement, and is deposited on the suction cup 22 of a carrier 12; the cup is then lowered so that the ware is engaged by the face ribs 23. The carrier, which is supported <PICT:0899801/III/1> on tracks 14 and 15, is then indexed by the intermittently driven chain 13 to station III, where the ware is centred by a pair of oppositelymoved chuck jaws, the vacuum in the suction cup 22 being meanwhile released.  It then passes to one or more decorating stations, which may comprise either spraying or stamping devices, bolted to the beams 160.  Each decorating station has a pair of pins 90 which are raised by an hydraulic cylinder 91 to engage sockets 93 in the carrier, and locate the latter accurately, and means for rotating the ware holder 21, comprising a gear 51 which is raised to engage a gear 24 on the holder, while disengaging a detent 64 which normally prevents the gear 24 from rotating.  The gear 51 may be rotated by an hydraulic cylinder operating a rack and pinion.  After decoration, the ware is transferred to the conveyer 11 at station X, by a second suction cup carried by the beam 153.  Spraying and masking means; stencilling apparatus.  The spraying unit is mounted on a portable cart and comprises a spray-gun 218 (Fig. 35) and three decoration-defining masks 175 which are associated with blocks 176 adapted to be held to, or released from, electromagnets 177.  The latter are supported by arms 178 spaced at 120 degrees and mounted on a rotatable column 179, which is capable of being raised and lowered by an hydraulic cylinder 180.  Means are provided whereby the column 179 is rotated and lowered and the electromagnets de-energized so that the masks are deposited successively and in correctly timed sequence on the dishware and on rotatable supports in a cleaning vessel 205, which may be filled with a suitable cleaning solution, and in a drying receptacle 205A, towards which a stream of heated air may be directed.  While the mask is in contact with the ware, this is caused to rotate and the spray-gun operated.  Stamp unit.  The stamp unit comprises a ram assembly 248 (Fig. 42) operating a printing head 291 supporting a stamp 292, and a platen and inking assembly 249.  Inking apparatus.  Ink is transferred intermittently by a transfer roll 279 from a lower fountain roll 281 to the first of a series of applicator rolls 280 which apply the ink to a platen 250 as it is moved beneath them by chains 260.  The platen is then moved beneath the stamp 293 which is lowered into contact with it, means being provided to limit such movement.  Printing on curved surfaces.  The stamp is then raised and the platen withdrawn, and at the next stroke of the ram 248 the inked stamp is applied to ware which is held stationary beneath it.  The platen table is rotatable about a bearing 264, and is rotated by ratchet mechanism at each operation.  A control device is provided to actuate the various mechanisms in timed relation to one another.