Abstract: Apparatus and a method for printing an image on an edible substrate is described. The apparatus comprises a printer head assemble having a container or containers for liquid food colorant. A support for holding an edible substrate adjacent a print head assembly is provided, which support is adjustable such that the surface thereof upon which an edible substrate is placed may be moved in a direction vertically towards and away from the print head assembly. The support and print head assembly are movable laterally relative to one another. A controller is provided for controlling the print head assembly with printing instructions and for controlling relative movement of the support and print head assembly such that an image to be printed on the edible substrate may be printed. The support comprises upper and lower plates, the upper plate being supported in the lower by a scissors mechanism enabling the height of the upper plate relative to the lower to be adjusted.

Abstract: A machine adapted to print an image as hereinbefore defined onto a surface of an edible substrate, the machine including a bubble-jet printer head assembly, and including a container for containing a liquid food colorant, a surface for supporting the said edible substrate, said surface and said head assembly being movable relative to each other, and a controller for controlling the said head assembly with printing instructions and for causing said relative movement in accordance with the desired image to be printed upon a edible substrate. This invention also included a method of printing an image onto an edible substrate.