Abstract: A printer is configured with an actuator to rotate a platen about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the platen and an encoder that generates angular data corresponding to the rotation of the platen. A controller operates the actuator to rotate the platen while monitoring the angular data generated by the encoder to ensure accurate rotation of the platen after each layer of an object is printed. By forming successive layers at different angles to one another, the structural integrity of the object is improved over previously known printed objects and the effects of defective ejectors are mitigated without having to substitute operational ejectors for the defective ejectors.

Abstract: A method for printing on a multi-dimensional object may include creating a customized object holder for the multi-dimensional object by heating a thermoforming sheet to a thermoforming temperature, molding the heated thermoforming sheet around at least a portion of a multi-dimensional object to form a holding portion for the multi-dimensional object, creating one or more printable areas on the molded thermoforming sheet, and applying one or more datum points on the molded thermoformed sheet. The one or more datum points may be configured to provide information relating to position of the one or more printable areas to a print system.

Abstract: A system and method for printing on a multi-dimensional object includes at least one print head configured to eject marking material onto a surface of the multi-dimensional object, a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by the at least one print head, and an object holder. The object holder includes a moving frame configured to traverse the support member, at least one granule-filled collapsible membrane configured to be retained within the moving frame and at least partially collapsible around the multi-dimensional object when a volume of air is withdrawn therefrom, and at least one inflatable bladder associated with the moving frame and configured to be inflated to retain the at least one collapsible membrane within the moving frame when air is withdrawn from the at least one collapsible membrane.

Abstract: A method for printing on a multi-dimensional object may include creating a customized object holder for the multi-dimensional object by heating a thermoforming sheet to a thermoforming temperature, molding the heated thermoforming sheet around at least a portion of a multi-dimensional object to form a holding portion for the multi-dimensional object, creating one or more printable areas on the molded thermoforming sheet, and applying one or more datum points on the molded thermoformed sheet. The one or more datum points may be configured to provide information relating to position of the one or more printable areas to a print system.

Abstract: A system and method for printing on a multi-dimensional object includes at least one print head configured to eject marking material onto a surface of the multi-dimensional object, a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by the at least one print head, and an object holder. The object holder includes a moving frame configured to traverse the support member, at least one granule-filled collapsible membrane configured to be retained within the moving frame and at least partially collapsible around the multi-dimensional object when a volume of air is withdrawn therefrom, and at least one inflatable bladder associated with the moving frame and configured to be inflated to retain the at least one collapsible membrane within the moving frame when air is withdrawn from the at least one collapsible membrane.

Abstract: A universal object holding mechanism for holding three-dimensional objects for printing thereon uses an array of suction cups mounted at the ends of retractable tubes. The array is pressed into an object which in turn is pressed against a datum surface that represents a print head. Vacuum is applied through the tubes to the suction cups which grip the object. The suction cup walls are hollow and filed with particulates that cause the cup to become rigid when the vacuum is applied. This contributes to keeping the object from moving due to flex in the suction cup when it is being moved past the print head.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance module is configured as a replaceable unit. The module includes a frame, at least two rollers detachably mounted within the frame, at least two electric motors, a platen, an optical sensor, and a controller. Each electric motor is operatively connected to one of the rollers in a one-to-one correspondence. The controller is configured to operate one of the electric motors to rotate one of the rollers to move media from a position opposite a printhead where a test pattern is printed on the media to a position opposite the optical sensor, receive image data of the printed test pattern generated by the optical sensor, and identify inoperative ejectors with reference to the image data of the test pattern.

Abstract: A method for printing on a multi-dimensional object may include creating a customized object holder for the multi-dimensional object via thermoforming. The customized object holder includes at least one datum point for providing registration information corresponding to one or more printable areas of the multi-dimensional object. The method may then include mounting the multi-dimensional object on the customized object holder, attaching the customized object holder to a moving sled of a print system, and controlling the movement of the moving sled relative to a plurality of print heads, and operating the plurality of print heads to eject marking material onto the multi-dimensional object. The movement of the moving sled may be controlled by determining a position of at least one printable area on the multi-dimensional object, and using the determined position to control the movement of the moving sled relative to the plurality of print heads.

Abstract: A universal object holding mechanism for holding three-dimensional objects for printing thereon uses an array of suction cups mounted at the ends of retractable tubes. The array is pressed into an object which in turn is pressed against a datum surface that represents a print head. Vacuum is applied through the tubes to the suction cups which grip the object. The suction cup walls are hollow and filed with particulates that cause the cup to become rigid when the vacuum is applied. This contributes to keeping the object from moving due to flex in the suction cup when it is being moved past the print head.

Abstract: A method for printing on a multi-dimensional object may include creating a customized object holder for the multi-dimensional object via thermoforming. The customized object holder includes at least one datum point for providing registration information corresponding to one or more printable areas of the multi-dimensional object. The method may then include mounting the multi-dimensional object on the customized object holder, attaching the customized object holder to a moving sled of a print system, and controlling the movement of the moving sled relative to a plurality of print heads, and operating the plurality of print heads to eject marking material onto the multi-dimensional object. The movement of the moving sled may be controlled by determining a position of at least one printable area on the multi-dimensional object, and using the determined position to control the movement of the moving sled relative to the plurality of print heads.

Abstract: A printer is configured with an actuator to rotate a platen about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the platen and an encoder that generates angular data corresponding to the rotation of the platen. A controller operates the actuator to rotate the platen while monitoring the angular data generated by the encoder to ensure accurate rotation of the platen after each layer of an object is printed. By forming successive layers at different angles to one another, the structural integrity of the object is improved over previously known printed objects and the effects of defective ejectors are mitigated without having to substitute operational ejectors for the defective ejectors.

Abstract: A cleaning cart for a three-dimensional object printing system wipes an ejector head to remove debris from the ejector head. The cleaning cart includes a platform having a plurality of bearings configured to move the platform on rails of the printing system. A cleaning mechanism is movably mounted to the platform, and an actuator is mounted to the platform. The actuator is configured to move the cleaning mechanism relative to the platform to enable the cleaning mechanism to clean an ejector head that is positioned opposite the rails of the printing system.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance module is configured as a replaceable unit. The module includes a frame, at least two rollers detachably mounted within the frame, at least two electric motors, a platen, an optical sensor, and a controller. Each electric motor is operatively connected to one of the rollers in a one-to-one correspondence. The controller is configured to operate one of the electric motors to rotate one of the rollers to move media from a position opposite a printhead where a test pattern is printed on the media to a position opposite the optical sensor, receive image data of the printed test pattern generated by the optical sensor, and identify inoperative ejectors with reference to the image data of the test pattern.

Abstract: A print head includes a backup plate and a nozzle plate. The backup plate has a non-planar lower surface. The nozzle plate also has a non-planar lower surface. The nozzle plate is coupled to the lower surface of the backup plate.

Abstract: An apparatus including a control cylinder rotatably supported for thermal conduction to a sheet. The sheet conveys ink deposited on a first side. The sheet is held against a peripheral arch of the control cylinder as it rotates with the first side of the sheet directly engaging and wrapping around the control cylinder along the peripheral arch. The apparatus also includes a thermal control element for heating and/or cooling the control cylinder. The apparatus also includes a pressure roll for spreading the ink. The pressure roll with the control cylinder forms a spreader nip, which is selectively changeable between a closed and open position. In the closed position the pressure roll is biased toward the control cylinder for applying pressure to the ink on the sheet. The pressure roll is spaced further away from the control cylinder in the open position relative to the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a bracket connected to a frame, where the bracket connects a light source to the frame. The frame supports a photoreceptor that has a planar surface. Also, the bracket positions the light source at a set distance from the photoreceptor. Further, the bracket comprises an adjustment device that moves the light source along a plane that is parallel to the planar surface of the photoreceptor, and that maintains the light source at the set distance from the photoreceptor as the light source moves within the plane.

Abstract: An apparatus including a control cylinder rotatably supported for thermal conduction to a sheet. The sheet conveys ink deposited on a first side. The sheet is held against a peripheral arch of the control cylinder as it rotates with the first side of the sheet directly engaging and wrapping around the control cylinder along the peripheral arch. The apparatus also includes a thermal control element for heating and/or cooling the control cylinder. The apparatus also includes a pressure roll for spreading the ink. The pressure roll with the control cylinder forms a spreader nip, which is selectively changeable between a closed and open position. In the closed position the pressure roll is biased toward the control cylinder for applying pressure to the ink on the sheet. The pressure roll is spaced further away from the control cylinder in the open position relative to the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus including a control cylinder rotatably supported for thermal conduction to a sheet. The sheet conveys ink deposited on a first side. The sheet is held against a peripheral arch of the control cylinder as it rotates with the first side of the sheet directly engaging and wrapping around the control cylinder along the peripheral arch. The apparatus also includes a thermal control element for heating and/or cooling the control cylinder. The apparatus also includes a pressure roll for spreading the ink. The pressure roll with the control cylinder forms a spreader nip, which is selectively changeable between a closed and open position. In the closed position the pressure roll is biased toward the control cylinder for applying pressure to the ink on the sheet. The pressure roll is spaced further away from the control cylinder in the open position relative to the closed position.

Abstract: A cleaning cart for a three-dimensional object printing system wipes an ejector head to remove debris from the ejector head. The cleaning cart includes a platform having a plurality of bearings configured to move the platform on rails of the printing system. A cleaning mechanism is movably mounted to the platform, and an actuator is mounted to the platform. The actuator is configured to move the cleaning mechanism relative to the platform to enable the cleaning mechanism to clean an ejector head that is positioned opposite the rails of the printing system.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a bracket connected to a frame, where the bracket connects a light source to the frame. The frame supports a photoreceptor that has a planar surface. Also, the bracket positions the light source at a set distance from the photoreceptor. Further, the bracket comprises an adjustment device that moves the light source along a plane that is parallel to the planar surface of the photoreceptor, and that maintains the light source at the set distance from the photoreceptor as the light source moves within the plane.