BOTTLING PLANT WITH AN INFORMATION-ADDING STATION CONFIGURED TO ADD INFORMATION ON THE OUTER SURFACE OF A BOTTLE OR CONTAINER

• US 20100257819A1
• Filed: 04/19/2010
• Published: 10/14/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: KHS GmbH (Salzgitter AG)
• Original Assignee: KHS GmbH (Salzgitter AG)
• Inventors: SCHACH, Martin
• Granted Patent: US 10,166,781 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 53/411
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/4073 Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects B41J3/283, B41J3/286 take precedence; building up a 3D object using individual droplets from jetting heads B29C64/112
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/40733 Printing on cylindrical or rotationally symmetrical objects, e. g. on bottles

Abstract

A bottling plant with an information-adding station configured to add information on the outer surface of a bottle or container. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Claims

1. A method of operating a beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with liquid beverage material, said method comprising the steps of:

operating a plurality of rotary machines comprising at least a rotary beverage bottle filling machine and a rotary beverage bottle closing machine;

conveying beverage bottles to be filled to said beverage bottle filling machine;

filling beverage bottles with liquid beverage material with said beverage bottle filling machine;

said beverage bottle filling machine comprising;

a rotor;

a rotatable vertical machine column;

said rotor being connected to said vertical machine column to permit rotation of said rotor about said vertical machine column;

a plurality of beverage bottle filling elements for filling beverage bottles with liquid beverage material being disposed on the periphery of said rotor;

each of said plurality of beverage bottle filling elements comprising a container carrier being configured and disposed to receive and hold beverage bottles to be filled;

each of said plurality of beverage bottle filling elements being configured and disposed to dispense liquid beverage material into beverage bottles to be filled;

at least one liquid reservoir being configured to hold a supply of liquid beverage material;

at least one supply line being configured and disposed to connect said at least one liquid reservoir to said beverage bottle filling machine to supply liquid beverage material to said beverage bottle filling machine;

a first star wheel structure being configured and disposed to move beverage bottles into said beverage bottle filling machine; and

a second star wheel structure being configured and disposed to move beverage bottles out of said beverage bottle filling machine;

conveying filled beverage bottles from said beverage bottle filling machine to said beverage bottle closing machine;

closing tops of filled beverage bottles with said beverage bottle closing machine;

said beverage bottle closing machine comprising;

a rotor;

a rotatable vertical machine column;

said rotor being connected to said vertical machine column to permit rotation of said rotor about said vertical machine column;

a plurality of closing devices being disposed on the periphery of said rotor;

each of said plurality of closing devices being configured and disposed to place closures on filled beverage bottles;

each of said plurality of closing devices comprising a container carrier being configured and disposed to receive and hold filled beverage bottles;

a first star wheel structure being configured and disposed to move filled beverage bottles into said beverage bottle closing machine; and

a second star wheel structure being configured and disposed to move filled, closed beverage bottles out of said beverage bottle closing machine;

operating an information-adding station being configured to add information onto curved outer surfaces of beverage bottles, which curved outer surfaces comprise radii of curvature tolerances of containers tolerances that are less than about seven-tenths of a millimeter but which are substantially greater than zero millimeters, and which information-adding station is configured to compensate for curvature variances, surface roughness, and/or unevenness of beverage bottles;

said information-adding station comprising;

an inlet star being configured and disposed to move beverage bottles into said information-adding station;

a rotor being configured and disposed to convey beverage bottles in said information-adding station;

an outlet star being configured and disposed to move beverage bottles out of said information-adding station;

a plurality of information-adding arrangements, each of said plurality of information-adding arrangements being configured and disposed to transfer an image onto a curved outer surface of a beverage bottle;

each information-adding arrangement comprising;

a plurality of transfer elements;

a transfer rotor being disposed adjacent to said rotor of said information-adding station and being configured and disposed to rotate said plurality of transfer elements;

said transfer rotor comprising an outer circumference;

said plurality of transfer elements being disposed adjacent said outer circumference of said transfer rotor;

each of said plurality of transfer elements being configured and disposed to contact a curved outer surface of a beverage bottle, upon said transfer rotor moving each of said plurality of transfer elements past a beverage bottle;

an electronic printing arrangement being configured and disposed to print information on each of said plurality of transfer elements;

said electronic printing arrangement being configured and disposed to print information on each of said transfer elements, upon said transfer rotor moving each of said plurality of transfer elements past said electronic printing arrangement;

said electronic printing arrangement being configured and disposed to print information on a transfer element upon moving the transfer element past said printing arrangement;

said printing arrangement comprising;

a preheating and electrostatic-charging unit being configured and disposed to preheat and electrostatically charge the transfer element;

a printing unit being configured and disposed to print across a substantial portion of the width of the transfer element;

said printing unit comprising a plurality of electrostatic print heads;

each print head of said plurality of print heads comprises at least a first electrostatic print head, a second electrostatic print head, and a third electrostatic print head, each being configured to print a different primary color;

each of said print heads having a longitudinal axis transverse or perpendicular to the feed direction of the plurality of transfer elements, each of said printing arrangements comprising;

a housing being configured and disposed to hold a supply of printing medium therein;

a plurality of individually-actuatable nozzles for the controlled discharge of printing medium;

said nozzles being arranged in at least one row, one after another along said print head longitudinal axis;

each of said nozzles comprising an electrode and a corresponding aperture;

each of said apertures having a cross-sectional diameter configured to produce a surface tension of the printing medium such that printing medium does not escape from said housing via said apertures upon its corresponding electrode being inactive; and

each of said electrodes being configured to be activated in a pulsed manner to discharge printing medium via its corresponding aperture to produce a printed dot on the transfer element;

each of said plurality of transfer elements being configured to be disposed adjacent to said printing arrangement, upon said transfer rotor moving each of said plurality of transfer elements past said printing arrangement;

each of said plurality of transfer elements being configured and disposed to transfer information onto a curved outer surface of a beverage bottle, which information comprises an image in a first orientation, upon the image in the first orientation being printed on said transfer element by said printing arrangement;

each of said plurality of transfer elements being configured and disposed to transfer an image, in a first orientation, onto a curved outer surface of a beverage bottle, such that the image in the first orientation is transferred to the beverage bottle in a second orientation, which second orientation is a positive reversal of the first orientation;

each of said plurality of transfer elements comprising;

a first layer being configured and disposed to accept an image from said print head;

said first layer being configured and disposed to contact curved outer surfaces of beverage bottles;

said first layer being configured and disposed to compensate for curvature variances, surface roughness, and/or unevenness, and radii of curvature tolerances of beverage bottles, which radii of curvature tolerances are less than about seven-tenths of a millimeter but which are substantially greater than zero millimeters;

a second layer being disposed adjacent said first layer;

said second layer being configured and disposed to compensate for curvature variances, surface roughness, and/or unevenness, and radii of curvature tolerances of beverage bottles, which radii curvature tolerances are less than about seven-tenths of a millimeter but which are substantially greater than zero millimeters;

said second layer comprising one of;

a rubber and an elastomeric plastic material;

a third layer being disposed between said second layer and said outer circumference of said transfer rotor;

said third layer comprising one of;

a metallic material and a plastic material;

each of said plurality of transfer elements being configured and disposed to be sufficiently resilient to compensate for curvature variances, surface roughness, and/or unevenness, and radii of curvature tolerances of beverage bottles;

a cleaning station being configured and disposed to clean residual printing medium from each of said plurality of transfer elements;

said cleaning station comprising at least one scraper, which at least one scraper is configured and disposed to contact each of said plurality of transfer elements to remove residual printing medium from the surface of each of said plurality of transfer elements upon moving a transfer element past said cleaning station; and

a drying device being configured and disposed to dry added information onto curved outer surfaces of beverage bottles;

moving beverage bottles into said information-adding station with said inlet star;

conveying beverage bottles in said information-adding station with said rotor;

moving beverage bottles out of said information-adding station with said outlet star;

transferring an image onto a curved outer surface of a beverage bottle with each of said plurality of information-adding arrangements;

rotating said plurality of transfer elements with said transfer rotor;

contacting a curved outer surface of a beverage bottle with each of said plurality of transfer elements, upon said transfer rotor moving each of said plurality of transfer elements past a beverage bottle;

printing information on each of said transfer elements with said electronic printing arrangement, upon said transfer rotor moving each of said plurality of transfer elements past said electronic printing arrangement;

activating each of said electrodes in a pulsed manner to discharge printing medium via its corresponding aperture to produce a printed dot on the transfer element;

transferring information onto a curved outer surface of a beverage bottle, which information comprises an image in a first orientation, upon the image in the first orientation being printed on said transfer element by said printing arrangement;

transferring an image, in a first orientation, onto a curved outer surface of a beverage bottle, such that the image in the first orientation is transferred to the beverage bottle in a second orientation, which second orientation is a positive reversal of the first orientation, with each of said plurality of transfer elements;

compensating for curvature variances, surface roughness, and/or unevenness, and radii of curvature tolerances of beverage bottles, which radii of curvature tolerances are less than about seven-tenths of a millimeter but which are substantially greater than zero millimeters, with said second layer;

cleaning residual printing medium from each of said plurality of transfer elements, with said cleaning station;

contacting each of said plurality of transfer elements, with said at least one scraper, to remove residual printing medium from the surface of each of said plurality of transfer elements, upon moving a transfer element past said cleaning station; and

drying added information onto curved outer surfaces of beverage bottles, with said drying device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein one of (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii), and (viii):

(i) at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprises a plurality of coats of layer material;

(ii) at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprises a plurality of coats of layer material;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

(iii) at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprises a plurality of coats of layer material;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

(iv) at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprises a plurality of coats of layer material;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

the path of controlled movement of each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is substantially parallel to the movement of each of said transfer elements, upon each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers being adjacent to each of said transfer elements;

(v) at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprises a plurality of coats of layer material;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

the path of controlled movement of each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is substantially parallel to the movement of each of said transfer elements, upon each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers being adjacent to each of said transfer elements;

one of (E) and (F);

(E) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a curved surface; and

(F) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a substantially planar surface;

(vi) at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprises a plurality of coats of layer material;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

the path of controlled movement of each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is substantially parallel to the movement of each of said transfer elements, upon each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers being adjacent to each of said transfer elements;

one of (E) and (F);

(E) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a curved surface; and

(F) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a substantially planar surface;

information added to each of said transfer elements by said printing unit comprises a negative or inverse image of the information;

(vii) at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprises a plurality of coats of layer material;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

the path of controlled movement of each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is substantially parallel to the movement of each of said transfer elements, upon each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers being adjacent to each of said transfer elements;

one of (E) and (F);

(E) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a curved surface; and

(F) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a substantially planar surface;

information added to each of said transfer elements by said printing unit comprises a negative or inverse image of the information;

said cleaning station is disposed adjacent to the path of movement of said transfer rotor and each of said transfer elements;

said cleaning station is disposed upstream in relation to said information-adding device, relative to the direction of movement of said transfer rotor; and

(viii) at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprises a plurality of coats of layer material;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

the path of controlled movement of each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is substantially parallel to the movement of each of said transfer elements, upon each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers being adjacent to each of said transfer elements;

one of (E) and (F);

(E) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a curved surface; and

(F) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a substantially planar surface;

information added to each of said transfer elements by said printing unit comprises a negative or inverse image of the information;

said cleaning station is disposed adjacent to the path of movement of said transfer rotor and each of said transfer elements;

said cleaning station is disposed upstream in relation to said information-adding device, relative to the direction of movement of said transfer rotor; and

said plurality of said transfer elements is disposed on said transfer rotor.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein:

at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprises a plurality of coats of layer material;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

the path of controlled movement of each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is substantially parallel to the movement of each of said transfer elements, upon each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers being adjacent to each of said transfer elements;

one of (E) and (F);

(E) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a curved surface; and

(F) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a substantially planar surface;

information added to each of said transfer elements by said printing unit comprises a negative or inverse image of the information;

said cleaning station is disposed adjacent to the path of movement of said transfer rotor and each of said transfer elements;

said cleaning station is disposed upstream in relation to said information-adding device, relative to the direction of movement of said transfer rotor; and

said plurality of said transfer elements is disposed on said transfer rotor.

4. A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with liquid beverage material, said beverage bottling plant comprising:

a plurality of rotary machines comprising at least a rotary beverage bottle filling machine and a rotary beverage bottle closing machine;

a first conveyor arrangement being configured and disposed to convey beverage bottles to be filled to said beverage bottle filling machine;

said beverage bottle filling machine being configured and disposed to fill beverage bottles with liquid beverage material;

said beverage bottle filling machine comprising;

a rotor;

a rotatable vertical machine column;

said rotor being connected to said vertical machine column to permit rotation of said rotor about said vertical machine column;

a plurality of beverage bottle filling elements for filling beverage bottles with liquid beverage material being disposed on the periphery of said rotor;

each of said plurality of beverage bottle filling elements comprising a container carrier being configured and disposed to receive and hold beverage bottles to be filled;

each of said plurality of beverage bottle filling elements being configured and disposed to dispense liquid beverage material into beverage bottles to be filled;

at least one liquid reservoir being configured to hold a supply of liquid beverage material;

at least one supply line being configured and disposed to connect said at least one liquid reservoir to said beverage bottle filling machine to supply liquid beverage material to said beverage bottle filling machine;

a first star wheel structure being configured and disposed to move beverage bottles into said beverage bottle filling machine; and

a second star wheel structure being configured and disposed to move beverage bottles out of said beverage bottle filling machine;

a second conveyor arrangement being configured and disposed to convey filled beverage bottles from said beverage bottle filling machine to said beverage bottle closing machine;

said beverage bottle closing machine being configured and disposed to close tops of filled beverage bottles;

said beverage bottle closing machine comprising;

a rotor;

a rotatable vertical machine column;

said rotor being connected to said vertical machine column to permit rotation of said rotor about said vertical machine column;

a plurality of closing devices being disposed on the periphery of said rotor;

each of said plurality of closing devices being configured and disposed to place closures on filled beverage bottles;

each of said plurality of closing devices comprising a container carrier being configured and disposed to receive and hold filled beverage bottles;

a first star wheel structure being configured and disposed to move filled beverage bottles into said beverage bottle closing machine; and

a second star wheel structure being configured and disposed to move filled, closed beverage bottles out of said beverage bottle closing machine;

an information-adding station being configured to add information onto curved outer surfaces of beverage bottles, which curved outer surfaces comprise radii of curvature tolerances that are less than about seven-tenths of a millimeter but which are substantially greater than zero millimeters, and which information-adding station is configured to compensate for curvature variances, surface roughness, and/or unevenness of beverage bottles;

said information-adding station comprising;

an inlet star being configured and disposed to move beverage bottles into said information-adding station;

a rotor being configured and disposed to convey beverage bottles in said information-adding station;

an outlet star being configured and disposed to move beverage bottles out of said information-adding station;

a plurality of information-adding arrangements, each of said plurality of information-adding arrangements being configured and disposed to transfer an image onto a curved outer surface of a beverage bottle;

each information-adding arrangement comprising;

a plurality of transfer elements;

a transfer rotor being disposed adjacent to said rotor of said information-adding station and being configured and disposed to rotate said plurality of transfer elements;

said transfer rotor comprising an outer circumference;

said plurality of transfer elements being disposed adjacent said outer circumference of said transfer rotor;

each of said plurality of transfer elements being configured and disposed to contact a curved outer surface of a beverage bottle, upon said transfer rotor moving each of said plurality of transfer elements past a beverage bottle;

an electronic printing arrangement being configured and disposed to print information on each of said plurality of transfer elements;

said electronic printing arrangement being configured and disposed to print information on each of said transfer elements, upon said transfer rotor moving each of said plurality of transfer elements past said electronic printing arrangement;

said electronic printing arrangement being configured and disposed to print information on a transfer element upon moving the transfer element past said printing arrangement;

said printing arrangement comprising;

a preheating and electrostatic-charging unit being configured and disposed to preheat and electrostatically charge the transfer element;

a printing unit being configured and disposed to print across a substantial portion of the width of the transfer element;

said printing unit comprising a plurality of electrostatic print heads;

each print head of said plurality of print heads comprises at least a first electrostatic print head, a second electrostatic print head, and a third electrostatic print head, each being configured to print a different primary color;

each of said print heads having a longitudinal axis transverse or perpendicular to the feed direction of the plurality of transfer elements, each of said printing arrangements comprising;

a housing being configured and disposed to hold a supply of printing medium therein;

a plurality of individually-actuatable nozzles for the controlled discharge of printing medium;

said nozzles being arranged in at least one row, one after another along said print head longitudinal axis;

each of said nozzles comprising an electrode and a corresponding aperture;

each of said apertures having a cross-sectional diameter configured to produce a surface tension of the printing medium such that printing medium does not escape from said housing via said apertures upon its corresponding electrode being inactive; and

each of said electrodes being configured to be activated in a pulsed manner to discharge printing medium via its corresponding aperture to produce a printed dot on the transfer element;

each of said plurality of transfer elements being configured to be disposed adjacent to said printing arrangement, upon said transfer rotor moving each of said plurality of transfer elements past said printing arrangement;

each of said plurality of transfer elements being configured and disposed to transfer information onto a curved outer surface of a beverage bottle, which information comprises an image in a first orientation, upon the image in the first orientation being printed on said transfer element by said printing arrangement;

each of said plurality of transfer elements being configured and disposed to transfer an image, in a first orientation, onto a curved outer surface of a beverage bottle, such that the image in the first orientation is transferred to the beverage bottle in a second orientation, which second orientation is a positive reversal of the first orientation;

each of said plurality of transfer elements comprising;

a first layer being configured and disposed to accept an image from said print head;

said first layer being configured and disposed to contact curved outer surfaces of beverage bottles;

said first layer being configured and disposed to compensate for curvature variances, surface roughness, and/or unevenness, and radii of curvature tolerances of beverage bottles, which radii of curvature tolerances are less than about seven-tenths of a millimeter but which are substantially greater than zero millimeters;

a second layer being disposed adjacent said first layer;

said second layer being configured and disposed to compensate for curvature variances, surface roughness, and/or unevenness, and radii of curvature tolerances of beverage bottles, which radii of curvature tolerances are less than about seven-tenths of a millimeter but which are substantially greater than zero millimeters;

said second layer comprising one of;

a rubber and an elastomeric plastic material;

a third layer being disposed between said second layer and said outer circumference of said transfer rotor;

said third layer comprising one of;

a metallic material and a plastic material;

each of said plurality of transfer elements being configured and disposed to be sufficiently resilient to compensate for curvature variances, surface roughness, and/or unevenness, and radii of curvature tolerances of beverage bottles;

a cleaning station being configured and disposed to clean residual printing medium from each of said plurality of transfer elements;

said cleaning station comprising at least one scraper, which at least one scraper is configured and disposed to contact each of said plurality of transfer elements to remove residual printing medium from the surface of each of said plurality of transfer elements upon moving a transfer element past said cleaning station; and

a drying device being configured and disposed to dry added information onto curved outer surfaces of beverage bottles.

5. The beverage bottling plant according to claim 4, wherein at least one of said first layer and said second layer comprises a plurality of coats of layer material.

6. The beverage bottling plant according to claim 5, wherein one of (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi), and (vii):

(i) said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

(ii) said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

(iii) said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

the path of controlled movement of each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is substantially parallel to the movement of each of said transfer elements, upon each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers being adjacent to each of said transfer elements;

(iv) said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

the path of controlled movement of each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is substantially parallel to the movement of each of said transfer elements, upon each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers being adjacent to each of said transfer elements;

one of (E) and (F);

(E) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a curved surface; and

(F) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a substantially planar surface;

(v) said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

the path of controlled movement of each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is substantially parallel to the movement of each of said transfer elements, upon each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers being adjacent to each of said transfer elements;

one of (E) and (F);

(E) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a curved surface; and

(F) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a substantially planar surface;

information added to each of said transfer elements by said printing unit comprises a negative or inverse image of the information;

(vi) said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

the path of controlled movement of each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is substantially parallel to the movement of each of said transfer elements, upon each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers being adjacent to each of said transfer elements;

one of (E) and (F);

(E) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a curved surface; and

(F) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a substantially planar surface;

information added to each of said transfer elements by said printing unit comprises a negative or inverse image of the information;

said cleaning station is disposed adjacent to the path of movement of said transfer rotor and each of said transfer elements;

said cleaning station is disposed upstream in relation to said information-adding device, relative to the direction of movement of said transfer rotor; and

(vii) said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

the path of controlled movement of each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is substantially parallel to the movement of each of said transfer elements, upon each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers being adjacent to each of said transfer elements;

one of (E) and (F);

(E) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a curved surface; and

(F) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a substantially planar surface;

information added to each of said transfer elements by said printing unit comprises a negative or inverse image of the information;

said cleaning station is disposed adjacent to the path of movement of said transfer rotor and each of said transfer elements;

said cleaning station is disposed upstream in relation to said information-adding device, relative to the direction of movement of said transfer rotor; and

said plurality of said transfer elements is disposed on said transfer rotor.

7. The beverage bottling plant according to claim 5, wherein:

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of beverage bottle carriers, which each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is configured to carry a beverage bottle;

said rotor of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers, at least upon each of said beverage bottle carriers carrying a beverage bottle adjacent to said transfer element;

the path of controlled movement of each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers is substantially parallel to the movement of each of said transfer elements, upon each of said plurality of beverage bottle carriers being adjacent to each of said transfer elements;

one of (E) and (F);

(E) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a curved surface; and

(F) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a substantially planar surface;

information added to each of said transfer elements by said printing unit comprises a negative or inverse image of the information;

said cleaning station is disposed adjacent to the path of movement of said transfer rotor and each of said transfer elements;

said cleaning station is disposed upstream in relation to said information-adding device, relative to the direction of movement of said transfer rotor; and

said plurality of said transfer elements is disposed on said transfer rotor.

8. A container filling plant for filling containers with a filling material, in combination with an information-adding station which information-adding station is configured to add information onto containers;

said container filling plant comprising;

a filling machine being configured and disposed to fill empty containers with a filling material;

a first moving arrangement being configured and disposed to move containers to said filling machine;

said filling machine comprising;

a moving device being configured and disposed to accept containers from said first moving arrangement and to move containers within said filling machine;

an apparatus being configured and disposed to hold containers during filling; and

at least one filling device being configured and disposed to fill containers with a filling material upon the containers being within said filling machine;

a closing machine being configured and disposed to close filled containers;

a second moving arrangement being configured and disposed to accept filled containers from said moving device of said filling machine to move filled containers from said filling machine to said closing machine;

said closing machine comprising;

a device being configured and disposed to accept filled containers from said second moving arrangement and to move filled containers within said closing machine;

an apparatus being configured and disposed to hold filled containers during closing; and

at least one closing device being configured and disposed to close filled containers upon the filled containers being within said closing machine;

said information-adding station being configured to add information onto curved outer surfaces of containers, which curved outer surfaces comprise radii of curvature tolerances, and which information-adding station is configured to compensate for radii of curvature variances, surface roughness, and/or unevenness of curved outer surfaces of containers being processed;

said information-adding station comprising;

an inlet arrangement being configured and disposed to move containers into said information-adding station;

a conveyor arrangement being configured and disposed to convey containers in said information-adding station;

an outlet arrangement being configured and disposed to move containers out of said information-adding station;

a plurality of information-adding arrangements, each of said plurality of information-adding arrangements being configured and disposed to transfer information onto a curved outer surface of a container;

each information-adding arrangement comprising;

a plurality of transfer elements;

a transfer arrangement being disposed adjacent to said conveyor arrangement of said information-adding station and being configured and disposed to move said plurality of transfer elements;

each of said transfer elements being configured and disposed to contact a curved outer surface of a container, upon at least one of said transfer arrangement and a container, providing relative movement between each said transfer element and its corresponding container;

an information-adding device being configured and disposed to add information onto each of said transfer elements;

each of said transfer elements being configured to be disposed adjacent to said information-adding device, upon said transfer arrangement moving each of said plurality of transfer elements past said information-adding device;

each of said transfer elements being configured and disposed to transfer information onto a curved outer surface of a container;

each of said transfer elements being configured and disposed to transfer information, in a first orientation, onto a curved outer surface of a container, such that the information in the first orientation is transferred onto the container in a second orientation, which second orientation is different from the first orientation;

each of said plurality of transfer elements being configured and disposed to be sufficiently resilient to compensate for radii of curvature variances, surface roughness, and/or unevenness, and radii of curvature tolerances of containers, to maximize accuracy of information added onto a container, upon said transfer element transferring information onto a container; and

a controller to control said information-adding station and its components.

9. The container filling plant according to claim 8, wherein:

each said transfer element comprises a first layer and a second layer;

each said first layer comprising a surface configured to accept an information-adding medium;

said second layer being configured to support said first layer;

said second layer having a resiliency to compensate for radii of curvature variances, surface roughness, and/or unevenness, and radii of curvature tolerances of containers; and

said first layer being sufficiently flexible to conform to changes of thickness due to the resiliency of said second layer during application of information-adding medium onto a container.

10. The container filling plant according to claim 9, wherein:

each said transfer element comprises a third layer;

said third layer being substantially nonresilient;

said third layer being configured to contact and to support said second layer;

said third layer being disposed between said second layer and the outer surface of said transfer arrangement; and

said third layer being disposed to connect said second layer to the outer surface of said transfer arrangement.

11. The container filling plant according to claim 10, wherein at least one of said first layer and said second layer, comprises a plurality of coats of layer material.

12. The container filling plant according to claim 11, including one of (A) and (B):

(A) said transfer arrangement comprising an arrangement configured to rotate a container about its longitudinal axis;

said transfer arrangement comprising a transfer drum which transfer drum is configured to be driven about the axis of said transfer drum;

the drum axis being disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a container; and

(B) said transfer arrangement comprising one of;

band-like, belt-like, or chain-like transport element forming a closed loop.

13. The container filling plant according to claim 12, including one of (C) and (D):

(C) said transfer arrangement comprising an arrangement configured to rotate a container about its longitudinal axis;

said transfer arrangement comprising a transfer drum which transfer drum is configured to be driven about the axis of said transfer drum;

the drum axis being disposed substantially parallel to an longitudinal axis of a container; and

said conveyor arrangement of said information-adding station comprising a rotor that rotates about a substantially vertical axis; and

(D) said transfer arrangement comprising one of;

band-like, belt-like, or chain-like transport element forming a closed loop; and

said conveyor arrangement comprising a linear conveyor.

14. The container filling plant according to claim 13, wherein said conveyor arrangement of said information-adding station comprises a plurality of container carriers at the conveyor arrangement, which each container carrier is configured to carry one container.

15. The container filling plant according to claim 14, wherein:

said conveyor arrangement of said information-adding station comprises controlled movement apparatus for each of said container carriers; and

said controlled movement apparatus being configured to move each of said container carriers, at least upon each of said container carriers carrying a container adjacent to said transfer element.

16. The container filling plant according to claim 15, wherein the path of controlled movement of each of said container carriers is parallel or substantially parallel to the movement of each of said transfer elements, upon each of said container carriers being adjacent to each of said transfer elements.

17. The container filling plant according to claim 16, wherein one of (E) and (F):

(E) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a curved surface; and

(F) said first layer of each of said transfer elements comprises a substantially planar surface.

18. The container filling plant according to claim 17, wherein information added to each of said transfer elements by said information-adding devices comprises a negative or inverse image of the information.

19. The container filling plant according to claim 18, including at least one cleaning station is configured and disposed to clean residual printing medium from each of said transfer elements;

said cleaning station being disposed adjacent to the path of movement of said transfer arrangement and each of said transfer elements; and

said cleaning station being disposed upstream in relation to said information-adding device, relative to the direction of movement of said transfer arrangement.

20. The container filling plant according to claim 19, wherein a plurality of said transfer elements are disposed on said transfer arrangement.