Abstract: A universal object holding mechanism for holding three-dimensional objects for printing thereon uses an array of wires connected to one side of a frame that are stretched to an opposite side of the frame of the holding mechanism to thereby trap an object between the wires and a back plate positioned behind and spaced from the frame. A minimum number of wires are used to hold the object against a minimum number of datum pins, so that the maximum amount of object surface is available for printing.

Abstract: Methods and systems related to the three-dimensional (3D) printing of build structures including a plurality of 3D objects embedded within a support matrix are provided.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally printed object includes build portions formed with a build material, first support portions formed with a first support material, and second portions formed with a second support material that is different than the first support material. The first and second support portions are arranged with the build portions such that the build portions are supported and protected during fabrication of the object. The arrangement is optimized to minimize a time period for removing the first and second support materials from the object and releasing the build portions. A method of producing the object includes operating ejectors of a three-dimensional object printer to form the build portion, first support portions, and the second support portions. The portions are formed with reference to the arrangement.

Abstract: A system and method provide automated identification mechanisms that facilitate efficiencies in inventory monitoring, management and control, including reducing labor costs associated with product placement, product inventorying, and shelf stocking/re-stocking in retail marketing scenarios, and advising consumers/customers regarding product pricing, promotional, nutritional and other information. Near field communication or other similar identification devices are embedded in retail-ready composite packaging. The embedded communication and identification devices provide identification information regarding the product with which the packaging is associated to a wireless reader device as a retailer's employee walks by a set of shelves stocked with an assortment of such packaged products. Mechanisms are included for tracking the addition or removal of items from the retail-ready container.

Abstract: A system dynamically balances a rotating body. The system includes a support that holds the body as it rotates. At least one sensor generates signals indicative of a balance of the body as it rotates and a controller identifies a position on the body where material can be placed to balance the body. The controller operates at least one actuator to move a plurality of ejectors opposite the identified position where the controller operates at least one ejector in the plurality of ejectors to eject material onto the identified position. The system can operate iteratively until the body is balanced within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method for producing edible medications comprises providing a three-dimensional (3D) model of the edible medication including an internal cavity sized and shaped for receipt of a medicament therein, printing an edible media to form a portion of the 3D shell corresponding to the model for introduction of the medicament, and then printing the edible media to form the remainder of the 3D shell to completely enclose the medicament within the edible media.

Abstract: A media cutting system is disclosed comprising a die cutter including a cutting surface and a plurality of dies stored proximate the cutting surface, a die exchange system including a die storage system configured to support the plurality of dies and a die transport system, and a computer system comprising a controller configured to operate the die transport system and the die cutter. A die exchange system and methods of making and using the die exchange system also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a cleaning system removes support material from parts made by a three-dimensional printer. The method operates the cleaning system to correlate data for features on a part located within a receptacle with structural data in a file used by the three-dimensional printer to fabricate the part. The method then operates one or more actuators to locate a fluid directing nozzle pneumatically connected to a pressurized fluid source opposite areas containing support material and operates the pressurized fluid source to enable pressurized fluid to be directed by the fluid directing nozzle at the support material. The method includes generating image data of the cleaned areas with an image sensor so the removal of the support material can be confirmed, and if an area is not sufficiently cleaned, the cleaning operation can be repeated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object facilitates the removal of support material from the object. The method includes moving the object to a position opposite a microwave radiator and operating the microwave radiator to change the phase of the support material from solid to liquid. A controller either monitors the expiration of a predetermined time period or a temperature of the object to determine when the microwave radiator operation is terminated. The microwave radiation does not damage the object because the support material has a dielectric loss factor that is greater than the dielectric loss factor of the object.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object facilitates the removal of support material from the object. The method includes forming at least a portion of a support for the object with support material containing nanoparticles of a material that readily converts microwave energy into heat. The object and support are moved to a position opposite a microwave radiator and the microwave radiator is operated to begin a change of the phase of the portion of the support material containing the nanoparticles before beginning a change of the phase of a portion of the support made from the support material alone. A controller either monitors the expiration of a predetermined time period or a temperature of the object to determine when the microwave radiator operation is terminated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object is disclosed. The method includes operating a first ejector of a three-dimensional object printer to eject a first material towards a platen to form an object. The method further includes operating a second ejector of the three-dimensional object printer to eject a second material towards the platen to form support for portions of the object, the support being configured to provide support for portions of the object during the operation of the first ejector to form the object, at least one portion of the support having a body with at least one fluid path that connects at least one opening in the body to at least one other opening in the body. The method further includes connecting a fluid source to the at least one fluid path of the support to enable fluid to flow through the at least one fluid path to remove at least an inner portion the support from the object.

Abstract: A system uses microwave energy to remove support material from a three-dimensional printed object with reduced risk of damage to the object. The system includes a microwave source, a three port device, a susceptor, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The controller operates the microwave source to direct microwave energy into a first port of the three port device, which emits the microwave at a second port of the three port device to irradiate the three-dimensional object and melt the support material. Reflected microwave increases as the amount of support material contacting the object is reduced and enters the second port of the three port device, which directs the reflected energy to the susceptor coupled to a third port of the three port device. The controller monitors the signal generated by the temperature sensor and deactivates the microwave source in response to a predetermined condition being reached.

Abstract: A printer includes a surface preparatory material remover. The remover is configured with a pad mounted to a roller to engage selectively the surface preparatory material on a surface of a rotating member to remove a portion of the surface preparatory material outside of an area where an ink image is formed to reduce the adhesion of media to the rotating member surface as the media exits a nip in which the ink image is transferred to the media.

Abstract: A system dynamically balances a rotating body. The system includes a support that holds the body as it rotates. At least one sensor generates signals indicative of a balance of the body as it rotates and a controller identifies a position on the body where material can be placed to balance the body. The controller operates at least one actuator to move a plurality of ejectors opposite the identified position where the controller operates at least one ejector in the plurality of ejectors to eject material onto the identified position. The system can operate iteratively until the body is balanced within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A media transport system provides full vacuum under media as the media traverses an entire print path of an ink jet printer while simultaneously providing for a no-vacuum inter-copy gap that moves along with the media past print heads of the ink jet printer. This is accomplished with a dual vacuum inner/outer vacuum drum system that includes a first drum that has a matrix of holes that allows for full coverage of vacuum with a second underlying drum that is shifted to align a second set of holes to match the sheet pitch. By shifting the second drum in relation to the first drum, a combination set of holes is aligned to provide full vacuum across the media while a column of holes is blocked to provide a non-vacuum inter-copy gap.

Abstract: A media cutting system is disclosed comprising a die cutter including a cutting surface and a plurality of dies stored proximate the cutting surface, a die exchange system including a die storage system configured to support the plurality of dies and a die transport system, and a computer system comprising a controller configured to operate the die transport system and the die cutter. A die exchange system and methods of making and using the die exchange system also are disclosed.

Abstract: An aqueous inkjet printer is configured to reduce condensation of vapor on printhead faces. The printer includes air directing members between adjacent printheads in a process direction and an air mover pneumatically connected to the air directing members. The air mover is operated selectively to remove vapor in the air between adjacent printheads as an ink image is formed on an image receiving surface moves past the adjacent printheads.

Abstract: A computer-based apparatus for labeling medications, including: a processor for a computer configured to: calculate a configuration of a first medication package using a first digital image of the first medication package; create, using the configuration, a package template; receive first prescription information including a name of a patient, a name of a medication, a dosage of the medication, an amount of the medication, and a schedule for taking the medication; create a first custom label, using the package template and the first prescription information, the first custom label including a first plurality of data fields including the first prescription information and a configuration for the first custom label; and transmit first data, including the first custom label with the first prescription information entered in the first plurality of data fields, to a printer.

Abstract: An aqueous inkjet printer is configured to reduce condensation of vapor on printhead faces. The printer includes air directing members between adjacent printheads in a process direction and an air mover pneumatically connected to the air directing members. The air mover is operated selectively to remove vapor in the air between adjacent printheads as an ink image is formed on an image receiving surface moves past the adjacent printheads.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing medications, including: a portable cassette including with a body portion including a plurality of cassette compartments and at least one lid displaceable with respect to the body portion to enable access to the cassette compartments in a predetermined sequence; and a pill-dispenser including at least one dispensing compartment arranged to store respective pills of at least one respective medication; a dispensing element configured to release the respective pills from the at least one dispensing compartment; and a cassette element arranged to receive the portable cassette and displace the portable cassette so that at least one of the in respective pills falls into each cassette compartment. After the at least one of the respective pills fall into said each cassette compartment: the portable cassette is removable from the pill-dispenser; and the lid is displaceable to control access to the cassette compartments.