Abstract: A system for printing an image on a surface may include a robot having at least one arm. A printhead may be mounted to the arm and may be movable by the arm over a surface along a rastering path while printing an image slice on the surface. The image slice may have opposing side edges. The printhead may be configured to print the image slice with an image gradient band along at least one of opposing side edges wherein an image intensity within the image gradient band decreases from an inner portion of the image gradient band toward the side edge.

Abstract: A marking object having at least one object blank (3) and held by an object carrier (2), the object blank (3) being markable by a marking apparatus (7). To configure the marking objects such that the known drawbacks are eliminated, the object carrier (2) has at least one identification means (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) that contains at least one piece of information relating to the marking object (1) and/or the identification means (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) can be used to store at least one piece of information relating to the marking object (1).

Abstract: A downsized recording apparatus capable of housing inside a holding member that holds a disc recording medium so as to convey the disc recording medium. The recording apparatus includes a conveyance unit that conveys a sheet; a recording unit that performs recording on the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit; a duplex conveyance path that guides the sheet having recording performed on a first side thereof by the recording unit and reverses the sheet before guiding the sheet to the conveyance unit so that recording is performed on a second side of the sheet having recording performed on the first side thereof, the second side being opposite the first side; a holding-member-housing portion provided at a position enclosed by the duplex conveyance path, the portion housing a holding member that holds a disc recording medium; and a moving unit that moves the holding member to the conveyance unit so that the holding member is conveyed by the conveyance unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for labeling containers, especially specimen containers for medical specimens. The apparatus comprises a printing device; a supply and removal device for supplying and removing at least one container to and from the printing device. The printing device is designed such that it can be moved into at least one first position and into a second position. In the first position, the container is automatically supplied to and removed from the printing device with the aid of the supply and removal device. The container can be manually supplied and removed from the printing device when it is in the second position.

Abstract: A control method for a publisher that has a media drive for writing data to one side of a target disc, a label printer for printing on the other side of the target disc, media stacker for storing the target discs, and a media transportation mechanism for transporting the target disc at least any one of the media drive, the label printer, and the media stacker in response to a command from a host computer reports an error to a host computer when the target disc cannot be transported as instructed by the host computer.

Abstract: A bag dispenser feeds a bag assembly for supplying bags to a work station for manual removal from the bag assembly as needed. Each bag is printed with information such as packing date or packing location prior to reaching the work station.

Abstract: A media processing device has a printer error detection unit 40 that detects ink supply errors, such as the ink end, in the label printer, and a media retraction stacker for removing written media from the media drive, the label printer, and the media transportation path.

Abstract: A device for holding a laboratory sample cassette having a marking surface disposed at inclined angle to a main body of the cassette, has a platen with an aperture through which marking of the marking surface can occur. The device also has a receiving surface for receiving one of said cassette which surface is inclined relative to the platen, a step, and a clamp. A receiving cassette is slid down the inclined receiving surface until the cassette engages the stop and so that the marking surface substantially faces the platen and a recess behind the marking surface is aligned with the clamp. A plunger of the clamp is lowered toward the platen and into the recess so that the marking surface is pinned against the platen. The marking surface can then be marked by marking means via the platen aperture. The plunger is then moved away from the platen and the cassette is removed.

Abstract: A code applying device is provided which can efficiently manufacture an information recording paper roll having a code relating to the information recording paper. The code applying device includes a tubular body holding section which holds a tubular body and can rotate around an axis; a code forming section forming a code, which expresses specific information, on an end surface of the tubular body held by the tubular body holding section; and a control section rotating the tubular holding section which is holding the tubular body, and applying the code to the end surface of the tubular body along a peripheral direction.

Abstract: A card-flipping device for a card printing apparatus is provided. The card-flipping device comprises a card-carrier unit for transporting the card in a vertical direction, a motor drive means for moving the unit in the vertical direction, and an actuator assembly including a rotatable cam arm for flipping the card over. The card-flipping device is particularly suitable for use in thermal dye printers that print images on card substrates such as driver's licenses, employee badges, student cards, and the like. After one surface of the card has been printed, the card is conveyed to the card-flipping device, where the card is flipped over so that the reverse, unprinted side of the card can be printed thereon.

Abstract: A printer machine for printing on articles, includes a plurality of article-carriers suitable for moving in indexed manner in a plane around a circular path. Each article-carrier is stationary in an indexed position and mobile between the indexed positions, and a plurality of print stations distributed around the path in register with indexed positions of the article-carriers. Each article-carrier is fitted with an inlet shaft turnable about its own axis by drive elements, and with at least one outlet shaft for carrying an article and adapted to turn when the inlet shaft is turned. The inlet shaft of each article-carrier is adapted to turn in register with an indexed position, and to conserve the same angular orientation between print stations.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making e.g. boardlike objects (11) arranged in a pile (12), in which method the objects are marked with a marking printed by a print head (26) and containing e.g. information about the object. To improve the marking quality, the objects are pressed together to reduce or eliminate gaps between them in the direction of compression, and the marking is made on an edge of the object that is parallel to the direction of compression of the objects.

Abstract: A code applying device is provided which can efficiently manufacture an information recording paper roll having a code relating to the information recording paper. The code applying device includes a tubular body holding section which holds a tubular body and can rotate around an axis; a code forming section forming a code, which expresses specific information, on an end surface of the tubular body held by the tubular body holding section; and a control section rotating the tubular holding section which is holding the tubular body, and applying the code to the end surface of the tubular body along a peripheral direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus use an in-line printer to print on chips or swatches mounted on an underlying substrate such as a sheet or web of paper or paperboard. The chips may have varying heights due to variations of thickness of the paint on the chip and/or adhesive mounting the chips to the substrate. The sheets are continuously moving through the chip mounting machine and the printing machine which are synchronized to operate at the same speed. In the illustrated apparatus, conveyor pushers push the sheets through the chip mounting machine and through the printer machine and resilient strips on the printing roller form a nip with an underlying anvil roller to grip and hold the chips against shifting to prevent smearing of the ink as the sheets are pushed through the nip between the printing cylinder and the anvil roller. An in-line trimming apparatus such as die cutter may cut the chips to size and/or shape as to provide rectangularly mounted chips with arcs, curves, circles, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an economical printer which is simple in structure and uses a common tray but is capable of adapting itself to various recording media of different shapes. Adapters in which recording media can be firmly held can be selectively mounted in the tray. An adapter 24 has an oval opening 24a in which a recording medium 30 can be placed. The contour of the adapter 24 can fit into a recessed portion 23a formed in the tray 23. The recording medium 30 is firmly held in the adapter 24. When the adapter 24 is mounted in the recessed portion 23a in the tray 23, a keyway 23b and a protrusion 24b engaging the keyway 23b prevent the adapter 24 from shifting out of position; the adapter is held in the tray 23. Prints can be made in accurate positions on the recording medium 30.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically marking paper, board or cellulose web rolls at a slitter for the purpose of identifying the rolls during later finishing steps. Such finishing operations include, e.g., roll transport, rewinding, sheeting or other finishing steps and roll packaging. The roll identification code is also used for material management related to customer rolls. The roll identification information of a roll set leaving the slitter, that is, the sequence of rolls exiting from the slitter as a group is transmitted for the use of the roll marking equipment and the customer rolls are moved away from the slitter area only via the roll marking equipment and new rolls are prevented from entering the slitter area in any other form except as a new roll set. As a result, the correct identification data for each roll set is continuously available to the marking equipment.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for applying information onto an object, the surface to be printed is roughened by means of a laser before the printing of the object with ink by means of a pad printing machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transport mechanism, and method, for transporting plastic cards, such as credit cards, identification cards, and the like, past a printing apparatus within a printer. The transport mechanism includes a lifting and rotating station for displacing the card from a first level to a second level, as well as rotating the card. The second level is located above the top of the printing apparatus. A card translating station is disposed at the second level, generally above the printing apparatus, and has a receiving end disposed adjacent the lifting and rotating station for receiving the card therefrom, as well as an output end. The translating station includes means for moving the card from the receiving end to the output end thereof along a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of the lifting and rotating station.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for and method of applying labels, printing images, or scanning a feature on the surface of a substrate. The mechanism (1) comprises a read/write/apply means (4) for reading, writing or applying the information, carried and located relative to a predetermined position by a robotically actuated device. The device comprises a mounting member (5), a support member (6) relatively movable with respect to the mounting member (5) and carrying the said means (4), and at least three pairs of extendable arms (7,8,9) extending between and pivotally mounted on the members (5,6). The arrangement is such that one arm in each of said pairs of arms (7,8,9) cooperates with an arm from another pair of arms. Extension and/or retraction of the arms (7,8,9) causes movement and/or rotation of the support member (6) relative to the mounting member (5), whereby the said means (4) may be located relative to the predetermined position.

Abstract: An automatic ink feeding mechanism for tape cartridge printing machines. The mechanism is positioned over the a print inking system. On a timed basis, ink is dispensed from ink barrel reservoirs onto the driver roller. A reversing roller abutting the driver roller spreads the ink evenly across the driver roller. The driver roller then transfers ink evenly to the form roller which in turn transfers the ink to the inking roller for inking of the printing die.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a printing head comprising a plurality of coaxial, rotatable printing wheels, disposed substantially side-by-side and employing printing characters, and a control rotor for controlling the printing wheels and having its axis parallel to that of the printing wheels and positioned to be moved bi-directional to come into engagement with any selected printing wheel and then to be rotated about its axis to rotate the selected printing wheel for bringing into printing position a desired character thereon, comprising mounting structure mounting the control rotor toi) move axially parallel to the axis of the printing wheels,ii) move toward and away from the axis of the printing wheels,iii) rotate as aforesaid; and drive structure to effect the i) movement, the ii) movement and the iii) rotation.

Abstract: The inventive apparatus provides for the automated marking, inspecting and handling of a variety of singulated integrated circuit devices. The apparatus includes a computerized high speed vision system with operator touchscreen interface control of a novel series of electrical and mechanical operations to automatically receive integrated circuit devices from a suitable bulk input supply and sequentially inspect, align, mark, inspect, accept or reject, cure and discharge into a suitable bulk output supply, a high volume of properly marked integrated circuit devices, packaged and ready for shipment.

Abstract: A printing system for directly printing on tape cassettes. A cassette feed assembly passes tape cassettes by means of a rail conveyancer to a printing assembly which has a back pressure plate subassembly on one side of the conveyancer for stiffening the cassette and a print head subassembly for direct printing on the cassette. A print inking system mounted over the print head subassembly inks the print head between cassette imprints. In an alternative embodiment, the back pressure plate assembly is replaced with a second print head subassembly and print inking system. An optional dryer station is provided after cassette printing.

Abstract: A feeder device for feeding tags, cards, nameplates and the like to a rotary printer or marking machine. The feeder device is comprised of a chute for receiving a stack of tags. A reciprocatory pusher plate or shuttle is adapted to push a bottom-most tag through a narrow slot in a side wall of the chute onto a table of the printer. The table has a pair of guard rails spaced from one another and disposed in a converging relationship. The tags are pushed into a wide portion between the rails and advance into a tag engaging restricted portion between the rails where one of the rails is biasedly engageable against an edge of the tag. The tag is guided in a controlled manner as it is pushed underneath a printing wheel where the desired printing information is printed upon it.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an embossing machine having an indexing mechanism including an indexing wheel carrying a plurality of embossing stamps which are individually rotated into association with an opposing anvil during relative opening motion between a pair of die elements thereby indexing a different embossing stamp to its embossing position and applying different codes to the material passing through the embossing machine, the indexing mechanism further including a spring-biased arm carrying an indexing detent for yieldably holding the indexing wheel in one of a plurality of desired positions, and a pivotally mounted pawl acting against pins of the indexing wheel to rotate the latter and release the indexing detent between successive embossing operations.

Abstract: In automated press systems it is desirable to be able to control the actuators of an automation system associated with the press based on the speed of the press. To accomplish this, a circuit arrangement is provided which includes a pulse generator for producing a coded signal indicating the position of the press based on a press speed signal. An evaluation circuit having a parallel arrangement of a converter and a process control circuit receives these coded position signals. The outputs of the converter and process control circuit control the actuators of the automation system through pulse converters and positioning control circuits (e.g. speed and position control loops). Information as to the number of press strokes is also provided to the pulse converters through a generator. The converter can be an electronic curve shaper which controls the actuators when the press ram is moving, while the process control circuit can be a CNC control circuit which controls the actuators when the press ram is stopped.

Abstract: A cable and hose marking machine for imprinting identifying markings on plastic covered cable or hose, which is fed through the machine by a continuously rotating pulley. At timed intervals a cam mechanism disengages the drive and actuates a printing head carrying heated dies, which are pressed against the momentarily stationary cable or hose supported in a rigid guide. The machine is readily adjustable for various sizes of cable and hose.

Abstract: In one form of the invention, an electronic scale transmits data responsive to the weight of an article on the scale to a driver or control unit which activates selected segments of a digital printer to project those segments beyond the face of the printer for inking and subsequently applying indicia to the article showing its weight. Also, visual display means may be provided with the electronic scale. The digital segments are activated simultaneously by a switch on the portable printer and remain in extended locked position until the switch is subsequently closed to activate the printer to release those segments which have been extended and to extend segments indicative of a new weight on the scale. In a second form of the invention, an electronic scale activates a stationary printer which sequentially extends and retracts the segments for each digit to be printed onto a box which has been previously been weighed.

Abstract: The invention provides for a screen printing method for printing on ceramic articles, wherein color in the form of an image to be printed is transferred via intermediate carriers on to the article to be imprinted wherein the improvement resides in that four intermediate carriers are each provided simultaneously with a color extract to produce a four-color print from a plurality of circulating intermediate carriers, and these color extracts are then transferred to four of a plurality of circulating articles, the cycle of the articles being staggered in relation to that of the intermediate carriers so that each intermediate carrier with a different color extract is brought up to each article in succession. The invention has particular application to a four-color print.