Patent Description:
High speed continuous motion machines for decorating cans, commonly referred to as can decorator machines or simply can decorators, are generally well known. A typical can decorator is disclosed in commonly assigned <CIT>. It is understood that during the decorating process, the cans are "can bodies," i.e., shells having a substantially cylindrical body with one closed end and one open end or, in some instances, two open ends. The can decorator includes an in-feed conveyor, which receives cans from a can supply (not shown) and directs them to arcuate cradles or pockets along the periphery of spaced parallel rings secured to a pocket wheel. The pocket wheel is fixedly secured to a continuously rotating mandrel carrier wheel or turret. The turret, in turn, is keyed to a continuously rotating horizontal drive shaft. Radial/horizontal spindles or mandrels, each being rotatable about its own axis, are mounted to the mandrel carrier wheel adjacent its periphery. Downstream from the in-feed conveyor, each mandrel is in closely spaced axial alignment with an individual pocket and undecorated cans are transferred from the pockets to the mandrels. Suction applied through an axial passage of the mandrel draws the can to a final seated position on the mandrel.

While mounted on, and rotating with, the mandrels, the cans are decorated by inking stations such as, but not limited to, inking stations including blankets or digital print heads. That is, the inking station(s) applies ink in a selected pattern while mandrels rotate the cans. Thereafter, and while still mounted on the mandrels, the outside of each decorated can is coated with a protective film of varnish applied by engagement with the periphery of an application roll in an over-varnish unit or digital print heads. Cans with decorations and protective coatings thereon are then transferred from the can decorator for further processing.

Generally, the can bodies and the mandrels are substantially cylindrical. The can bodies have a cross-sectional area that is slightly larger than the mandrel. In this manner, the can fits over the mandrel with the suction applied to the closed end of the can. It is noted that the open end of the can generally does not engage the mandrel. Such mandrels, however, are not structured to decorate can bodies that have been "necked. " That is, a "necked" can has been formed so that the end of the can about the open end has a smaller cross-sectional area relative to most other portions of the can. In this configuration, a cylindrical mandrel sized to pass through the necked open end of the can has a smaller cross-sectional area relative to most other portions of the can. In this configuration, the can is likely to wobble on the mandrel during the decorating process. This is a problem.

<CIT> discloses apparatus for decorating a cup, including a mandrel suitable for cups that have not been "necked".

In order to resist deformations in the can during the can decorating process, a mandrel according to the present invention as defined in claim <NUM> is provided. Here, there is provideed a mandrel wherein a portion of the mandrel body outer surface is conical; i.e., flared outwardly. In this configuration, the can is drawn against the conical portion of the mandrel body outer surface while a generally cylindrical portion of the mandrel body extends into the can. Further, the space between the cylindrical portion of the mandrel body and the can is pressurized so as to resist deformations in the can during the decorating process. The mandrel includes an elongated mandrel body with an outer surface, a proximal, first end, a proximal medial portion, a distal medial portion, and a distal, second end and having an axis of rotation. The mandrel body outer surface includes an elongated conical portion; the mandrel body outer surface conical portion is disposed adjacently about the mandrel body first end.

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:.

It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in the figures herein and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided as non-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used, embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

As used herein, the singular form of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, "structured to [verb]" means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is "structured to move" is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. As such, as used herein, "structured to [verb]" recites structure and not function. Further, as used herein, "structured to [verb]" means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not "structured to [verb].

As used herein, "associated" means that the elements are part of the same assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other in some manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is "associated" with a specific tire.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are "coupled" shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof. Further, an object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not "coupled" to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto.

As used herein, a "fastener" is a separate component structured to couple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a "fastener" but a tongue-and-groove coupling is not a "fastener. " That is, the tongue-and-groove elements are part of the elements being coupled and are not a separate component.

As used herein, the phrase "removably coupled" or "temporarily coupled" means that one component is coupled with another component in an essentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled in such a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy and would not damage the components. For example, two components secured to each other with a limited number of readily accessible fasteners, i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access, are "removably coupled" whereas two components that are welded together or joined by difficult to access fasteners are not "removably coupled. " A "difficult to access fastener" is one that requires the removal of one or more other components prior to accessing the fastener wherein the "other component" is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door.

As used herein, "temporarily disposed" means that a first element(s) or assembly (ies) is resting on a second element(s) or assembly(ies) in a manner that allows the first element/assembly to be moved without having to decouple or otherwise manipulate the first element. For example, a book simply resting on a table, i.e., the book is not glued or fastened to the table, is "temporarily disposed" on the table.

As used herein, "operatively coupled" means that a number of elements or assemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and a second position, or a first configuration and a second configuration, are coupled so that as the first element moves from one position/configuration to the other, the second element moves between positions/configurations as well. It is noted that a first element may be "operatively coupled" to another without the opposite being true.

As used herein, a "coupling assembly" includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or other component. As such, the components of a "coupling assembly" may not be described at the same time in the following description.

As used herein, a "coupling" or "coupling component(s)" is one or more component(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components that are structured to be coupled together. It is understood that the components of a coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component is a snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the other coupling component is a nut.

As used herein, "correspond" indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which "corresponds" to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition is modified if the two components are to fit "snugly" together. In that situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into the opening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opening. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more, "corresponding" surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size, shape, and contours.

As used herein, a "planar body" or "planar member" is a generally thin element including opposed, wide, generally parallel surfaces, i.e., the planar surfaces of the planar member, as well as a thinner edge surface extending between the wide parallel surfaces. That is, as used herein, it is inherent that a "planar" element has two opposed planar surfaces. The perimeter, and therefore the edge surface, may include generally straight portions, e.g., as on a rectangular planar member, or be curved, as on a disk, or have any other shape.

As used herein, a "path of travel" or "path," when used in association with an element that moves, includes the space an element moves through when in motion. As such, any element that moves inherently has a "path of travel" or "path.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components "engage" one another shall mean that the elements exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. Further, as used herein with regard to moving parts, a moving part may "engage" another element during the motion from one position to another and/or may "engage" another element once in the described position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, "when element A moves to element A first position, element A engages element B," and "when element A is in element A first position, element A engages element B" are equivalent statements and mean that element A either engages element B while moving to element A first position and/or element A either engages element B while in element A first position.

As used herein, "operatively engage" means "engage and move. " That is, "operatively engage" when used in relation to a first component that is structured to move a movable or rotatable second component means that the first component applies a force sufficient to cause the second component to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed into contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is merely "coupled" to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed against the screw and "engages" the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver "operatively engages" the screw and causes the screw to rotate. Further, with electronic components, "operatively engage" means that one component controls another component by a control signal or current.

As used herein, the word "unitary" means a component that is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a "unitary" component or body.

As used herein, the term "number" shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

As used herein, in the phrase "[x] moves between its first position and second position," or, "[y] is structured to move [x] between its first position and second position," "[x]" is the name of an element or assembly. Further, when [x] is an element or assembly that moves between a number of positions, the pronoun "its" means "[x]," i.e., the named element or assembly that precedes the pronoun "its.

As used herein, "about" in a phrase such as "disposed about [an element, point or axis]" or "extend about [an element, point or axis]" or "[X] degrees about an [an element, point or axis]," means encircle, extend around, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement or in a similar manner, "about" means "approximately," i.e., in an approximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, a "radial side/surface" for a circular or cylindrical body is a side/surface that extends about, or encircles, the center thereof or a height line passing through the center thereof. As used herein, an "axial side/surface" for a circular or cylindrical body is a side that extends in a plane extending generally perpendicular to a height line passing through the center. That is, generally, for a cylindrical soup can, the "radial side/surface" is the generally circular sidewall and the "axial side(s)/surface(s)" are the top and bottom of the soup can.

As employed herein, the terms "can" and "container" are used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable container, which is structured to contain a substance (e.g., without limitation, liquid; food; any other suitable substance), and expressly includes, but is not limited to, beverage cans, such as beer and soda cans, as well as food cans. As used herein, a "necked can" is a can including a sidewall and one open end wherein the open end has a cross-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of the other portions of the sidewall. It is noted that a can wherein a closed end of the can has a cross-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of the other portions of the sidewall is not determinative of whether the can is a "necked can. " That is, the cross-sectional area of a closed can end is not relevant to that nature of a can as a "necked can.

As used herein, "generally curvilinear" includes elements having multiple curved portions, combinations of curved portions and planar portions, and a plurality of planar portions or segments disposed at angles relative to each other thereby forming a curve.

As used herein, a "contour" means the line or surface that defines an object. That is, for example, when viewed in cross-section, the surface of a three-dimensional object is reduced to two-dimensions; thus, a portion of a three-dimensional surface contour is represented by a two-dimensional line "contour.

As used herein, a "perimeter portion" means the area at the outer edge of a defined area, surface, or contour.

As used herein, "generally" means "in a general manner" relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, "substantially" means "for the most part" relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, "at" means on and near relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

An exemplary can decorator <NUM> for a can <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. It is understood that can decorators which use mandrels may be in other configurations such as, but not limited to, the can decorator disclosed in <CIT>. Further, as described below, the can <NUM> is assumed to be substantially circular. It is understood, however, that the can <NUM> and elements that interact with the can <NUM>, may have a shape other than substantially circular. Further, the can <NUM> is a "necked" can <NUM> as described above; that is, the can <NUM> has a sidewall <NUM> with a first cross-sectional area, a necked opening <NUM> with a smaller, second cross-sectional area, and a closed end <NUM> which, in an exemplary embodiment, is domed.

The can decorator <NUM> includes a can infeed <NUM>, a mandrel turret <NUM>, a plurality of ink stations <NUM>, a blanket wheel <NUM> having a plurality of blankets <NUM> disposed about the outer circumference, and a can transfer assembly <NUM>. Generally, the configuration of the mandrel turret <NUM> is not relevant to the present concept, but it is noted that the mandrel turret <NUM> includes a drive assembly <NUM> structured to rotate each mandrel assembly <NUM> and/or mandrel <NUM>, discussed below.

Generally, each mandrel assembly includes a mandrel shaft body <NUM> and a mandrel <NUM> disposed thereabout. The mandrel shaft body <NUM> and mandrel <NUM> are discussed in detail below. A number, or a plurality, of mandrel assemblies <NUM> are coupled to the mandrel turret <NUM>. The mandrel assemblies <NUM> are generally elongated and coupled at one end to the mandrel turret <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, each mandrel assembly <NUM>, and more specifically each mandrel shaft body <NUM> extends substantially parallel to the mandrel turret <NUM> axis of rotation <NUM>. It is noted that in other embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in <CIT>, each mandrel assembly <NUM> extends generally radially relative to the mandrel turret <NUM> axis of rotation <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the blanket wheel <NUM> is also structured to rotate on an axis <NUM> that extends substantially parallel to the mandrel turret axis of rotation <NUM>. The blankets <NUM> are disposed on the outer surface of the blanket wheel <NUM>. Thus, the blankets <NUM> are positioned to laterally, or radially, engage the mandrel assemblies <NUM>. As is known, each ink station <NUM> applies an ink to the blankets <NUM>, typically via an intermediate plate cylinder <NUM>. The ink stations <NUM> are disposed, generally, on the side of the blanket wheel axis of rotation <NUM> opposite the mandrel carrier <NUM>. A prespin assembly <NUM> (shown schematically) which typically comprises a plurality of belts <NUM> and guide wheels <NUM> is operatively coupled to the blanket wheel <NUM> and has a belt <NUM> structured to engage a mandrel <NUM> (described below) and spin the mandrel <NUM>.

In operation, a can <NUM> is disposed over the distal end of a mandrel assembly <NUM> at the can infeed <NUM>. As the mandrel carrier <NUM> rotates, the mandrel assembly <NUM> with the can <NUM> is moved toward the blanket wheel <NUM>. Prior to engaging the blanket <NUM>, the prespin assembly belt <NUM> engages the mandrel <NUM> and causes the mandrel <NUM> to spin about the mandrel assembly longitudinal axis. As the mandrel carrier <NUM> continues to rotate, the mandrel assembly <NUM> with the can <NUM> is moved into engagement with an inked blanket <NUM>, while spinning at a speed such that the can <NUM> rotates once during the engagement with the blanket <NUM>. This causes the ink on the blanket <NUM> to be transferred to the can <NUM>. The can transfer assembly <NUM> then removes the can <NUM> from the mandrel assembly <NUM> and transfers the can <NUM> to subsequent processing stations such as, but not limited to, a varnishing station and/or curing station <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a mandrel assembly <NUM> includes an elongated mandrel shaft assembly <NUM>, a mandrel <NUM>, and a fluid system <NUM>. Alternatively, and as used herein, the fluid system <NUM> is also identified as part of each mandrel shaft assembly <NUM> and is discussed below. Further, as the mandrel assemblies <NUM> are substantially similar, only one mandrel assembly <NUM> is described herein.

Each mandrel shaft assembly <NUM> includes an elongated body <NUM>. Each mandrel shaft assembly body <NUM> (hereinafter "mandrel shaft body" <NUM>) includes an outer surface <NUM>, a proximal, first end <NUM>, and a distal, second end <NUM>. As used herein, an "end" of an elongated body means a length of the body at the identified "end" as opposed to just the axial face of the body. It is understood that the "proximal end" is the end coupled, or adjacent, to the mandrel turret <NUM>. The mandrel shaft body <NUM> also includes a medial portion (not numbered) which further includes a proximal medial portion and a distal medial portion (neither numbered).

In an exemplary embodiment, the mandrel shaft body <NUM> defines a central passage which is identified herein as a vacuum conduit <NUM>. The vacuum conduit <NUM> has a distal end <NUM> which, in an exemplary embodiment, is threaded. Further, the mandrel shaft body second end <NUM> includes a mounting <NUM>. As shown and in an exemplary embodiment, the mounting <NUM> is a toroidal collar <NUM> disposed about the vacuum conduit <NUM> and which has a smaller cross-sectional area than the mandrel shaft body <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the mandrel shaft body <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the mandrel turret <NUM>. In another embodiment, the mandrel <NUM>, described below, is rotatably disposed on the mandrel shaft body <NUM>. A drive assembly (not shown) is structured to, and does, rotate the mandrel <NUM> or the mandrel shaft body <NUM> about the longitudinal axis of the mandrel shaft body <NUM>. Thus, the mandrel assembly <NUM> has an axis of rotation <NUM> which is also the mandrel shaft body <NUM> axis of rotation or the mandrel <NUM> axis of rotation.

Each mandrel <NUM> includes a generally toroidal, elongated body <NUM>. Each mandrel body <NUM> includes an outer surface <NUM>, a proximal, first end <NUM>, proximal medial portion <NUM>, a distal medial portion <NUM>, a distal, second end <NUM> and defines a generally enclosed space <NUM>. Further, as discussed below, the mandrel body <NUM> rotate and, therefore, has an axis of rotation <NUM>. It is noted that the mandrel body axis of rotation <NUM> is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongated mandrel body <NUM>. It is understood that the mandrel body proximal medial portion <NUM> and mandrel body distal medial portion <NUM> are disposed between the mandrel body first end <NUM> and the mandrel body second end <NUM> with a mandrel body midline separating the mandrel body proximal medial portion <NUM> and mandrel body distal medial portion <NUM>. It is understood that the "proximal end" is the end coupled, or adjacent, to the mandrel turret <NUM>. The mandrel body <NUM> is a generally toroidal body having both ends open. That is, generally, the mandrel body <NUM> is generally hollow and defines a passage. The mandrel body <NUM>, in an exemplary embodiment, includes an inwardly extending, toroidal mounting flange <NUM>. The mandrel body mounting flange <NUM> is structured to correspond to the mandrel shaft body mounting <NUM>. That is, the opening defined by the mandrel body mounting flange <NUM> corresponds to the mandrel shaft body mounting <NUM>.

The mandrel body outer surface <NUM> includes an elongated conical portion <NUM> and an elongated generally cylindrical portion <NUM>. As used herein, a surface with an "elongated conical portion" means a generally conical surface that has length that is more than a transition between tiers. That is, for example, <CIT> <FIG> and <NUM> disclose tiered, tapered shafts with short conical portions between the tiers; such short conical transition portions are not, as used herein, an "elongated conical portion. " In an exemplary embodiment, the mandrel body outer surface conical portion <NUM> is flared. As used herein, a "flared" conical portion of an elongated body having a cylindrical portion means that the wide end of the "flared" conical portion has a greater cross-sectional area than the cylindrical portion of the elongated body. In an exemplary embodiment, the mandrel body outer surface conical portion <NUM> is disposed adjacently about at least one of the mandrel body first end <NUM> and the mandrel body proximal medial portion <NUM>. As used herein, "adjacently about" means generally encircling and near. That is, it is understood that the length of the mandrel body outer surface conical portion <NUM> is sized relative to the necked can being formed and the mandrel body outer surface conical portion <NUM>; in exemplary embodiments (not shown) are disposed adjacently about one of, or a combination of, the mandrel body proximal medial portion <NUM>, the mandrel body distal medial portion <NUM> and the mandrel body distal, second end <NUM>. The mandrel body outer surface conical portion <NUM> defines a necked engagement surface <NUM>. As used herein, a "necked engagement surface" is a surface that is structured to be, and is, engaged by the surface of a necked can <NUM>. That is, a surface that is structured to be, and is, engaged by the surface of a non-necked can, or a surface that is only capable of, but is not, engaged by the surface of a necked can, is not a "necked engagement surface" as used herein.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the mandrel body outer surface cylindrical portion <NUM> is disposed adjacently about the mandrel body distal medial portion <NUM> and the mandrel body second end <NUM>. The mandrel body outer surface cylindrical portion <NUM> has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the can necked opening <NUM> and the can sidewall <NUM>. The mandrel body outer surface cylindrical portion <NUM> defines a non-engagement surface <NUM>. As used herein, a "non-engagement surface" means a surface that is structured so that a can <NUM> does not engage the surface. For example, as shown, a surface having a cross-sectional area that is substantially smaller than the cross-sectional area of the can sidewall <NUM> is a "non-engagement surface. " It is noted that as prior art cans are disposed over prior art mandrels, the mandrels must have a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the mandrel. The sidewalls of such prior art cans extend substantially parallel to the surface of the mandrels. Such prior art cans, however, have a cross-sectional area that is substantially similar, but slightly larger, than the prior art mandrels. Such prior art mandrels do not have, as used herein, a cross-sectional area that is "substantially smaller" than the prior art cans.

Each mandrel body <NUM> is disposed over and coupled, directly coupled, or rotatably coupled to an associated mandrel shaft body <NUM>. Stated alternately, each mandrel shaft body <NUM> is partially disposed in an associated mandrel body enclosed space <NUM>. Thus, each mandrel body <NUM> is structured to, and does, rotate about the mandrel assembly axis of rotation <NUM>. As shown, the mandrel assembly <NUM> also includes a mandrel retainer <NUM> which is a toroidal body including a wide portion and a narrow portion (neither numbered. ) The mandrel retainer <NUM> narrow portion is threaded and sized to correspond to the threaded vacuum conduit distal end <NUM>. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the mandrel body <NUM> is disposed over the mandrel shaft body <NUM> with the mandrel body mounting flange <NUM> disposed on the mandrel shaft body mounting <NUM>. The mandrel retainer <NUM> is then threadably coupled to the threaded vacuum conduit distal end <NUM>. In this configuration, the mandrel body <NUM> is fixed to the mandrel shaft body <NUM>. It is understood that in this configuration, the mandrel shaft body <NUM> rotates relative to the mandrel turret <NUM>. Further, it is noted that the vacuum conduit <NUM> is in fluid communication with the passage defined by the mandrel retainer <NUM>.

Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the mandrel body <NUM> defines a number of mandrel body pressure conduits <NUM>. Each mandrel body pressure conduit <NUM> includes an inlet <NUM> and an outlet. In an exemplary embodiment, each mandrel body pressure conduit inlet <NUM> is disposed at the mandrel body first end <NUM> and each mandrel body pressure conduit outlet is disposed adjacent the mandrel body outer surface non-engagement surface <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mandrel assembly <NUM>, or as noted above, each mandrel shaft assembly <NUM>, includes a fluid system <NUM>, shown schematically. The fluid system <NUM> is includes a control assembly <NUM>, a negative pressure generator <NUM>, a positive pressure generator <NUM>, a number of vacuum conduits <NUM>, a number of vacuum couplings <NUM>, and a number of fluid system pressure conduits <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid system <NUM> also includes a number of manifolds <NUM>. The negative pressure generator <NUM> is structured to, and does, generate a negative pressure in a fluid relative to the atmospheric pressure and which, as used herein, is identified as a "vacuum. " The positive pressure generator <NUM> is structured to, and does, generate a positive pressure in a fluid relative to the atmospheric pressure. The control assembly <NUM> is structured to, and does, actuate the fluid system negative pressure generator <NUM> and the fluid system positive pressure generator <NUM> in an overlapping manner. As used herein, an "overlapping manner" means that both the fluid system negative pressure generator <NUM> and the fluid system positive pressure generator <NUM> are generating a pressure at the same time and for more than a small instant. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid system negative pressure generator <NUM> is actuated before the fluid system positive pressure generator <NUM>. Thus, the can <NUM> is held by a vacuum to the mandrel assembly <NUM> before the can is inflated. Further, the fluid system positive pressure generator <NUM> is, in an exemplary embodiment, maintained in an actuated state for longer than the fluid system negative pressure generator <NUM> so that the can <NUM> is ejected from the mandrel assembly <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid system negative pressure generator <NUM> and the fluid system positive pressure generator <NUM> both generate a pressure for about the time a can <NUM> is disposed on the mandrel assembly <NUM>.

Each fluid system vacuum conduit <NUM> is in fluid communication with the fluid system negative pressure generator <NUM> and with the mandrel shaft body vacuum conduit <NUM>. As such, each mandrel shaft body vacuum conduit <NUM> is, as used herein, part of a fluid system vacuum conduit <NUM>. Each fluid system vacuum coupling <NUM> is in fluid communication with a mandrel shaft body vacuum conduit <NUM>. That is, each fluid system vacuum coupling <NUM> is disposed within an associated mandrel body second end <NUM>. Further, each fluid system vacuum coupling <NUM> is structured to be coupled to a can <NUM>. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, each fluid system vacuum coupling <NUM> includes a resilient, partially conical body, such as, but not limited to a suction cup. Each fluid system vacuum coupling <NUM> is structured to engage a can end <NUM> when the can is disposed on a mandrel <NUM> and when a negative pressure is drawn via the fluid system negative pressure generator <NUM>. Thus, the fluid system <NUM> is structured to bias a can against the mandrel <NUM>. Stated alternately, the fluid system <NUM> is structured to bias a can necked opening <NUM> against the necked engagement surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a fluid system manifold <NUM> is disposed about each mandrel body first end <NUM>. Each fluid system manifold <NUM> is structured to be, and is, in fluid communication with the positive pressure generator <NUM>. Each fluid system manifold <NUM> is further structured to be, and is, in fluid communication with each mandrel body pressure conduit <NUM>. Thus, each mandrel body pressure conduit <NUM> is, as used herein, also part of a fluid system pressure conduits <NUM>. In this configuration, the fluid system <NUM> is structured to provide fluid at a positive pressure each mandrel body pressure conduit outlet.

Thus, in operation, a can <NUM> is disposed on a mandrel <NUM> as described above. It is further noted that, in the configuration disclosed above, when the can <NUM> is disposed on a mandrel <NUM> there is a space, or plenum <NUM>, between the mandrel body outer surface cylindrical portion <NUM> (as well as some portions of the mandrel body outer surface conical portion <NUM>) and the inner surface of the can <NUM>. Further, each mandrel body pressure conduit outlet is in fluid communication with the plenum <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A mandrel assembly (<NUM>) for a can decorator (<NUM>), said mandrel assembly (<NUM>) including an elongated mandrel shaft assembly (<NUM>) and a mandrel (<NUM>), wherein:
the mandrel (<NUM>) comprises an elongated mandrel body (<NUM>) including an outer surface (<NUM>), a proximal, first end (<NUM>), a proximal medial portion (<NUM>), a distal medial portion (<NUM>), and a distal, second end (<NUM>) and having an axis of rotation (<NUM>);
and said mandrel body outer surface (<NUM>) includes an elongated conical portion (<NUM>) disposed adjacently about said proximal, first end (<NUM>);
characterized in that
said mandrel body outer surface (<NUM>) includes a cylindrical portion (<NUM>) disposed adjacently about said distal medial portion (<NUM>) and said second end (<NUM>), the cylindrical portion (<NUM>) defining a non-engagement surface (<NUM>);
and wherein:
the mandrel shaft assembly (<NUM>) includes an elongated body (<NUM>) that defines a mandrel shaft body vacuum conduit (<NUM>) that, when in fluid communication with a negative pressure generator (<NUM>), is structured to bias a can against the mandrel (<NUM>) to draw the can against the conical portion while the cylindrical portion extends into the can; and
said elongated mandrel body (<NUM>) defines a number of mandrel body pressure conduits (<NUM>) having an inlet (<NUM>) disposed at the mandrel body first end (<NUM>) and an outlet disposed adjacent the mandrel body outer surface non-engagement surface (<NUM>) that, when in fluid communication with a positive pressure generator (<NUM>), is structured so that a space between the cylindrical portion and the can is pressurized so as to resist deformations in the can during a decorating process.