Abstract: A method of printing and of authenticating a marking, having a visible printed anti-copy pattern produced by pseudorandom noise that is generated on the basis of a secret generation key, includes processing at least one image of the printed anti-copy pattern. The anti-copy pattern is printed onto a marking substrate using predetermined printing conditions. The phase of marking control involves: regenerating the pseudorandom noise on the basis of the secret generation key; creating, computationally, a digital file of an image of a simulated printed anti-copy pattern which corresponding to a projected printing quality of the regenerated pseudorandom noise; capturing at least one image of the printed anti-copy pattern; and comparing the captured image of the printed anti-copy pattern with the image of the simulated anti-copy pattern in order to determine, computationally, a mathematical distance between the image of the printed anti-copy pattern and the image of the simulated anti-copy pattern.

Abstract: Method for producing a label having at least one identifier and at least one authenticator printed on a printable medium. A unique identifier is generated by a centralized system or a printing device, and the unique identifier is printed on the printable medium incorporating the authenticator. The unique identifier is generated without relation to a product. The method is implemented with a system including one or more printing devices, one or more recording devices and one or more activation devices communicating with the centralized system.

Abstract: Method for producing a label having at least one identifier and at least one authenticator printed on a printable medium. A unique identifier is generated by a centralized system or a printing device, and the unique identifier is printed on the printable medium incorporating the authenticator. The unique identifier is generated without relation to a product. The method is implemented with a system including one or more printing devices, one or more recording devices and one or more activation devices communicating with the centralized system.

Abstract: A support system and method for supporting a printing screen unit in a screen printing machine. The support system includes a support assembly comprising a support unit for supporting a printing screen unit comprising a printing screen including printing apertures through which printing medium is printed onto a workpiece; and a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the printing screen in a screen printing operation, wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the printing screen to a first tension in a printing phase in printing printing medium onto a workpiece and a second tension, which is lower than the first tension, in a separation phase in separating the printing screen unit and the workpiece. Other aspects also are disclosed.

Abstract: A support system for and method of supporting a printing screen unit in a screen printing machine. In one aspect the support system includes a support assembly comprising: a support unit far supporting a printing screen unit (3) comprising a printing screen (5) including printing apertures (6) through which printing medium is printed onto a workpiece; and a tensioning mechanism (18) for tensioning the printing screen in a screen printing operation, wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the printing screen to a first tension in a printing phase in printing printing medium onto a workpiece and a second tension, which is lower than the first tension, in a separation phase in separating the printing screen unit and the workpiece.

Abstract: A filling device for and a method of filling balls in an array of apertures in a ball-receiving element, the filling device comprising: a housing including an opening at a lower surface thereof and defining in part a chamber for containing a supply of balls, the housing being in use movably disposed over a ball-receiving element including an array of apertures; and distribution means disposed within the housing for distributing balls contained in the chamber such as to maintain a limited number of layers of the balls over at least a region of the opening in the housing.

Abstract: A filling device for and a method of filling balls in an array of apertures in a ball-receiving element, the filling device comprising: a housing including an opening at a lower surface thereof and defining in part a chamber for containing a supply of balls, the housing being in use movably disposed over a ball-receiving element including an array of apertures; and distribution means disposed within the housing for distributing balls contained in the chamber such as to maintain a limited number of layers of the balls over at least a region of the opening in the housing.