Patent ID: 7997193

Claim:
A printing machine for cylindrical objects ( 100 ), comprising: carousel means ( 2 ) for moving for locating the cylindrical objects ( 100 ) each in a successive number of work stations, among which at least a printing station ( 3 ) and at least a drying station ( 4 ); at least a means for inking ( 30 ) for printing on the lateral surface of a cylindrical object ( 100 ) located in the printing station ( 3 ); and at least a drying device ( 5 ) for generating a beam of rays which strike a cylindrical object ( 100 ) located in the drying station ( 4 ); said printing stations ( 3 ) and said drying stations ( 4 ) being at least set in partially opposite positions, wherein said drying device ( 5 ) comprises a source ( 50 ) of rays, an upper screen ( 52 ) provided with a slit ( 55 ), and an obturator ( 57 ) for intercepting the beam of rays and for selectively closing the slit ( 55 ), the slit ( 55 ) screening the rays emitted by the source ( 50 ) and delimiting the beam of rays, and where said obturator ( 57 ) is associated with actuating means ( 59 , 60 , 61 ) apt to operate said obturator ( 57 ) selectively in cooperation with said carousel means ( 2 ) in order to protect said means for inking ( 30 ) and comprises a cylindrical body ( 57 ) arranged parallel with respect to the slit ( 55 ) and having a diameter which is larger than a breadth of the slit ( 55 ), the cylindrical body ( 57 ) exhibiting a diametral longitudinal slit ( 59 ) which collimates with the slit ( 55 ).