US 11,703,778 B2
Method and apparatus of decorating a metallic container by digital printing to a transfer blanket
Adam P. S. Stowitts, Arvada, CO (US)
Assigned to BALL CORPORATION, Westminster, CO (US)
Filed by BALL CORPORATION, Westminster, CO (US)
Filed on Aug. 23, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/409,542.
Application 17/409,542 is a continuation of application No. 16/990,847, filed on Aug. 11, 2020, granted, now 11,099,502, issued on Aug. 24, 2021.
Application 16/990,847 is a continuation of application No. 15/893,364, filed on Feb. 9, 2018, granted, now 10,739,705, issued on Aug. 11, 2020.
Application 15/893,364 is a continuation in part of application No. 15/674,363, filed on Aug. 10, 2017, granted, now 10,754,277, issued on Aug. 25, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/373,134, filed on Aug. 10, 2016.
Prior Publication US 2021/0382414 A1, Dec. 9, 2021
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. G03G 15/16 (2006.01); B41M 3/12 (2006.01); B41J 3/407 (2006.01); B41F 17/00 (2006.01); G03G 15/01 (2006.01); B41J 2/01 (2006.01); B41M 5/00 (2006.01); G03G 15/00 (2006.01); B41J 3/413 (2006.01); B41J 11/00 (2006.01); B41F 17/22 (2006.01); G03G 15/22 (2006.01)
CPC G03G 15/161 (2013.01) [B41F 17/002 (2013.01); B41F 17/22 (2013.01); B41J 2/01 (2013.01); B41J 3/4073 (2013.01); B41J 3/40733 (2020.08); B41J 3/413 (2013.01); B41J 11/002 (2013.01); B41J 11/00214 (2021.01); B41M 3/12 (2013.01); B41M 5/00 (2013.01); B41M 5/0047 (2013.01); B41M 5/0058 (2013.01); B41M 5/0088 (2013.01); G03G 15/0131 (2013.01); G03G 15/6585 (2013.01); G03G 15/6591 (2013.01); B41J 2002/012 (2013.01); B41M 2205/10 (2013.01); G03G 15/225 (2013.01); G03G 15/50 (2013.01); G03G 15/6588 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for applying a decoration to an exterior surface of a metallic container, comprising:
a first transfer blanket segment connected to a first blanket support, wherein the first blanket support has a length that is variable;
a print unit in a predetermined alignment with respect to the first transfer blanket segment, the print unit operable to convey a decorating material to the first transfer blanket segment to form a decoration on the first transfer blanket segment; and
a feed unit to move the metallic container into contact with the first transfer blanket segment to transfer the decoration from the first transfer blanket segment to the exterior surface of the metallic container, wherein the first blanket support extends outwardly to press the first transfer blanket segment against the exterior surface of the metallic container in the feed unit.