Abstract: A system directs a laser beam to mark a material with an alphanumeric code. Character and quality information corresponding to a mark to apply to the material with the laser beam can be received, a font definition that specifies character segments can be obtained, a set of multiple spaced locations can be generated from the character segments in accordance with the character and quality information, and the material can be marked with the laser beam by directing the laser beam to dwell at the locations and move between the locations without deactivating the laser beam.

Abstract: A variable resolution print system is provided. The system includes a variable resolution printer coupled to a positional encoder and a configuration module. The position encoder provides a pulse train to a controller in the variable resolution printer, the pulse train representing the movement of a target relative to the printer. A user of the print system enters or sets a desired resolution for printing via the configuration module. The controller calculates the difference between pulses in the pulse train. The controller then determines an adjustment to the calculate difference based on the desired resolution. The adjustment is used to generate a pulse train that actuates one or more print head of the printer.

Abstract: Solvent-based inkjet ink formulations including an organic solvent, a resin, a surfactant, and a colorant are provided. The inks have many desirable attributes such as extended decap time.

Abstract: A method for forming a mark on a substrate is disclosed. The method includes: (a) heating an edible hot melt ink including a colorant to a temperature sufficient to liquify the ink; and (b) transferring the ink to a substrate to provide a mark on the substrate.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a controller to maintain negative pressure in a print head of a printing system includes: control loop feedback logic to receive a set point and an output of a vacuum sensor associated with the print head; a regulator coupled with an output of the feedback logic; and a driver coupled with the regulator and configured to output a drive signal to a pump, which is associated with the print head, responsive to an output of the regulator. According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a vacuum control assembly for a printing system includes: a body having one or more associated accumulators; a pump coupled with the body; and one or more flexible tubes coupled with the one or more accumulators associated with the body and configured to restrict air flow within the vacuum control assembly.

Abstract: A system directs a laser beam to mark a material with an alphanumeric code. Character and quality information corresponding to a mark to apply to the material with the laser beam can be received, a font definition that specifies character segments can be obtained, a set of multiple spaced locations can be generated from the character segments in accordance with the character and quality information, and the material can be marked with the laser beam by directing the laser beam to dwell at the locations and move between the locations without deactivating the laser beam.

Abstract: Systems and techniques relating to printing include an apparatus including a base mounting a storage spool to store printing ribbon including a web carrying marking medium, the base mounting a ribbon take-up spool. A ribbon path from the storage to the take-up spool runs through a printing station where there is a print head, and printing is effected at the printing station when relatively moving the head and the substrate with the ribbon interposed between. The apparatus includes a movable ribbon guide member, a ribbon guide member drive device to move the ribbon guide member, and a controller which, during or in between at least some printing operations, controls drive of at least the take-up spool to advance ribbon through the printing station. The controller controls the ribbon guide member in response to an input signal representative of ribbon tension along the ribbon path to adjust the ribbon tension.

Abstract: A method for configuring a marking device includes, at a control system, establishing communication with the marking device; receiving, from the marking device, information about capabilities of the marking device; presenting the received information about capabilities of the marking device to a user; receiving, from the user, instructions to set machine settings for the marking device; and causing the marking device to be configured according to the instructions received from the user.

Abstract: Solvent-based inkjet ink formulations including an organic solvent, a resin, a surfactant, and a colorant are provided. The inks have many desirable attributes such as extended decap time.

Abstract: A printing method includes jetting a curable ink including at least one of an oxetane compound, a siloxane compound, or a sulfide compound onto a substrate.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods that utilize material-handling systems in which material in the systems has enhanced stability, e.g., during conveyance of the material from a reservoir to a printhead through a conduit, the conduit having a conduit wall defining an inner conduit space and including a material line for carrying the printing material in the inner conduit space, wherein the inner conduit space is configured to carry a heated liquid, being heated from a liquid heater, to contact the material line.

Abstract: A method for marking items includes determining production-date information indicative of a production date associated with an item; at least in part on the basis of the production-date information, determining a production-date range corresponding to the production-date information; retrieving expiration-date information corresponding to the production-date information; and marking the item with a mark representative of the expiration-date information.