An air dryer (1) is provided for use with an ink jet printer (50) comprising a print head (15) for applying an inked image (18) to a substrate (16). The air dryer (1) comprises: a housing (2) enclosing an internal space (3) therein; an air supply (5) configured to supply air into the internal space (3) of the housing; a heating element (6) configured to heat the air; and an air guide (8) in communication with the internal space (3). The air guide (8) is configured to direct a jet of the heated air (10) at the inked image (18) on the substrate (16) so as to dry the inked image (18). The air guide (8) is configured such that the jet of the heated air (10) between the air guide 8 and the substrate (16) forms an angle θ of between 0 and 30 degrees relative to a direction of travel X of the substrate (16).
A marking unit configured for marking variable data content on a product or product packaging, the marking unit including a plurality of interface modules configured to be connected to a global computer network. The plurality of interface modules includes a wired Ethernet connection module, a wireless WI-FI module, and a cellular data module. The marking unit includes instructions for sending or receiving communications, each communication defined by a category selected from the group consisting of: sending telemetric data over a global computer network to a telemetric data collection / remote support node, receiving updates the machine-readable instructions, and receiving variable data content. The included instructions are also for selecting which of the plurality of interface modules to use for sending or receiving each communication based on the category of the communication and whether each of the plurality of interface modules is available.
H04W 48/18 - Selecting a network or a communication service
B41J 2/325 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads by selective transfer of ink from ink carrier, e.g. from ink ribbon or sheet
B41M 5/24 - Ablative recording, e.g. by burning marks; Spark recording
Embodiment of the present invention relate to a continuous inkjet ink composition which uses a higher order ketone solvent or solvents (ketones having 5 or more carbon atoms) in place or more hazardous solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone and a secondary solvent with a higher derived no effect inhalation level greater than 200 mg/m3 such as ethanol. These ink compositions contain a combination of resins including a cellulose resin and a polyurethane resin or an acrylic resin, with an optional third resin. A colorant (i.e., a dye, preferably a conductive dye) also is included.
This invention relates to metal complex dyes that are free of chromium, are not carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxins. These dyes have good solubility and conductivity in organic solvents, chemical stability, and light stability. The invention also relates to a method of inkjet printing comprising using the ink compositions and ink cartridges.
The present invention relates to inkjet ink compositions that take advantage of solvent mixtures containing an ester, a ketone, and optionally an alcohol, in order to provide ink compositions that have suitable qualities for inkjet printing. Preferred ink compositions include a C1-C3 alkyl ester of C1-C3 carboxylic acid, a C3-C7 ketone, and optionally a C2-C3 alkyl alcohol.
C09D 11/033 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the solvent
C09D 11/102 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions other than those only involving unsaturated carbon-to-carbon bonds
C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
Apparatus for continuous ink jet printing, comprising: an ink system comprising an ink storage tank (15) operable to supply ink to a print head associated with the apparatus; a single cartridge connection (9) for releasable engagement with a fluid cartridge (8), the cartridge connection (9) comprising: a fluid connector (10) for engaging an outlet of a fluid cartridge; and a conduit configured to allow fluid to flow along a fluid pathway from a cartridge engaged with the cartridge connection, via the fluid connector, to the ink storage tank. The apparatus has a first configuration in which a solvent cartridge is engaged with the cartridge connection and in which the apparatus is configured to receive solvent from the engaged solvent cartridge, and a second configuration in which an ink cartridge is engaged with the cartridge connection and in which the apparatus is configured to receive ink from the engaged ink cartridge.
The invention relates to a high adhesion ink with good abrasion resistance, useful for inkjet printing. These inks include a first resin comprising a polymer comprising vinyl chloride or a polymer comprising vinyl acetate, the first resin having a weight average molecular weight between about 20 kDa and about 80 kDa, a second resin comprising a tackifier resin with a weight average molecular weight between about 200 Da and about 2.5 kDa, and a third resin with a weight average molecular weight between about 500 Da and about 40 kDa.
C09D 11/033 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder characterised by the solvent
C09D 11/102 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions other than those only involving unsaturated carbon-to-carbon bonds
8.
METHOD FOR DETECTING AN ISSUE WITH AN INDUSTRIAL PRINTER
There is provided a computer implemented method comprising, receiving data associated with an industrial printer, the industrial printer operating on a print line and executing a print job, determining, based on the data associated with the industrial printer, an issue associated with the industrial printer, determining, based on the issue, whether the industrial printer requires remedial action or if the industrial printer can continue to be operated with the issue.
A cartridge for storing and dispensing ink for use with an inkjet printer. The cartridge comprises a reservoir having at least one wall enclosing an internal space for storage of the ink, an outlet for dispensing the ink, the outlet provided at a base of the reservoir, and a sediment shield, the sediment shield having an aperture and defining an enclosed fluid communication path between the aperture and the outlet, the aperture being provided at a separation distance from the base of at least 5 millimetres.
There is provided a cartridge for storing and dispensing liquid for use with an inkjet printer, the cartridge comprising: a collapsible reservoir enclosing an internal space for storage of the liquid, wherein: the reservoir comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion, the first wall portion defining a first region of the internal space, the second wall portion defining a second region of the internal space, the first region and the second region being in fluid communication with each another; and the first wall portion and the second wall portion are configured such that at least a part of the second wall portion collapses more easily than the first wall portion when the liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir; an outlet configured to dispense the liquid; and a holder configured to receive an electronic data storage device, wherein the holder is provided on the first wall portion.
This specification discloses non-aqueous solvent, pigmented ink formulations that are suitable for the electronic and aerospace industries and form printed marks that are resistant to smearing and dissolution by organic solvents commonly used in overcoatings in this industry and others. These ink formulations are based on use of an acidic resin with an inherent acid value of at least about 25 mg KOH/g, preferably at least partially neutralized by a quaternary ammonium hydroxide and/or alcohol amine acid neutralizing or modifying agent.
C09D 11/106 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
There is provided a printhead for a continuous inkjet printer. The printhead comprises: an ink gun comprising a nozzle for ejecting an ink jet; at least one electrode for steering the ink jet for printing; a gutter having an ink receiving orifice for receiving parts of the ink jet which are not used for printing; and a housing having a first printing configuration in which parts of the ink jet are permitted to leave the printhead for printing, and a second cleaning configuration in which the housing at least partially encloses a cleaning volume comprising at least a part of the at least one electrode and the ink receiving orifice. There is also provided a continuous inkjet printer, and method of cleaning a printhead for a continuous inkjet printer.
A method of operating a continuous inkjet printer (1). The printer comprise a printhead. The printhead comprises a droplet generator (16) comprising a printing nozzle (17) for ejecting an ink jet for printing, at least one electrode (22, 23) for steering the inkjet, and a gutter (18) having an ink receiving orifice (24) for receiving parts of the ink jet which are not used for printing. The method comprises performing a cleaning operation. Said cleaning operation comprises: ejecting a solvent jet from the printing nozzle towards the gutter; and causing at least a portion of the solvent jet to contact at least a part of the gutter (18) surrounding the orifice (24) for cleaning said part of the gutter surrounding the orifice.
A method of processing phase signals for continuous inkjet printing, said method comprising: providing at least one phase signal, wherein said at least one phase signal is an analogue signal; converting the at least one phase signal into at least one corresponding digitised phase signal; and processing said at least one digitised phasing signal, wherein the processing comprises extracting at least one predetermined phase parameter from the at least one digitised phasing signal when the at least one digitised phasing signal is a time-domain digitalised phase signal, and wherein the at least one predetermined phase parameter comprises one or more time-domain signal features of the at least one digitised phasing signal.
A system comprising a plurality of marking and/or coding devices and a computing system coupled to the devices and having at least one processor configured to: receive sensor data associated with each device and to classify, by a classifying module, a fault condition of a respective one device based on one or more of received sensor data, device self-test data, current operational data and historical device condition data, to determine autonomously a repair process recommendation, in response to the classified fault condition and based on an estimated time to repair (ETR) a non-marking or non-coding device using a self-repair recovery process relative to a line recovery time LRT threshold.
The present invention is a thermal inkjet ink that provides good reliability at a wide range of industrial print conditions from both low temperature to high temperature environments across a broad range of humidities. It is particularly advantageous in low-temperature applications, for example, printing at temperatures down to 5 °C or lower continuously for 8 hours without developing print defects which can lead to unreadable codes; and, in the meantime also maintains other critical functional aspects including contrast, wetting, decap time, dry time, adhesion, ink cartridge stability, etc. The inks contain one or more binder resins that exhibit a hydroxyl number or acid number of at least 100 mg KOH/g; one or more terpene phenolic resins; one or more volatile organic solvents; and one or more dyes, and optionally further components.
C09D 11/36 - Inkjet printing inks based on non-aqueous solvents
C09D 11/102 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions other than those only involving unsaturated carbon-to-carbon bonds
C09D 11/106 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
C09D 11/103 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions other than those only involving unsaturated carbon-to-carbon bonds of aldehydes, e.g. phenol-formaldehyde resins
C09D 11/107 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from unsaturated acids or derivatives thereof
C09D 11/328 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by colouring agents characterised by dyes
A printer comprising a printhead configured to selectively cause a mark to be created on a substrate, a stepper motor having an output shaft coupled to the printhead, the stepper motor being arranged to vary the position of the printhead, a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an angular position of the output shaft of the stepper motor, and a controller arranged to generate control signals for the stepper motor. Said control signals being at least partially based upon an output of said sensor and at least partially based upon a target position. Said control signals for the stepper motor are arranged to cause a magnetic field to be generated by windings of the stepper motor. A field angle being defined between an angular position of the output shaft of the stepper motor, and an orientation of the generated magnetic field. Said control signals comprise a first control signal configured to cause said field angle to have a predetermined value, and a second control signal configured to cause said magnetic field to have a predetermined magnitude, and said controller is configured to vary said first and second control signals based upon said target position and said output of said sensor.
B41J 2/325 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads by selective transfer of ink from ink carrier, e.g. from ink ribbon or sheet
B41J 2/35 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads providing current or voltage to the thermal head
B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
B41J 25/312 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with print pressure adjustment mechanisms, e.g. pressure-on-the-paper mechanisms
B41J 25/316 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with tilting motion mechanisms relative to paper surface
There is a print head connector assembly for a printer, the print head connector assembly providing at least one continuous fluid and/or electrical connection between a first port and a second port, the at least one continuous connection being provided by at least one conduit. The print head connector assembly comprises: a first component connectable to an umbilical conduit at the first port; a second component connectable to a print head at the second port, wherein one of the first component and the second component comprises a print head connection axis at the second port and the other of the first component and the second component comprises an axis of rotation, the first component and the second component housing the at least one conduit; adjustment means between the first component and the second component for adjusting the print head connector assembly into a plurality of configurations, wherein each of the plurality of configurations has a respective rotational relationship between the first component and the second component, and wherein in each of the plurality of configurations the print head connection axis and the axis of rotation are substantially parallel and aligned; and a locking component for locking the print head connector assembly in each of the plurality of configurations. There is also a printer and a method of assembling a print head connector assembly.
The invention provides stable nucleic acid-tagged ink compositions suitable for printing an ink mark on an object as an identifier or for authentication of goods, and methods of marking an article with such a mark. These ink compositions contain a specific nucleic acid of known length and sequence that can be deposited on an article by inkjet printing or thermal transfer printing to produce a mark, which may be visible or invisible, covert or overt. These ink products are stable and can accurately deliver an amount of nucleic acid tag that can be removed or sampled and analyzed by known DNA analytical methods to detect the specific nucleic acid on the marked article but which cannot be identified without previous knowledge of the nucleic acid sequence in the mark. The invention also provides methods of applying these tagged marks using inkjet printers and printer systems, and the systems for using the tagged ink compositions.
Techniques for operating an industrial printer include causing it to report data that indicates COO parameter values based on output sensors and/or component detection module configured to measure physical phenomena related to components of the printer referred to as COO parameters. The COO parameters values, which may include waste values, are derived and displayed in a graphical user interface dynamically on a real time basis. One or more graphical user interface is generated to present a one or more active areas to select the display of the COO parameter values in numeric and or graphical form or combinations thereof.
A method and system for operating an industrial printer includes obtaining initial data that indicates the industrial printer used on a production line at a facility and a product to be output. Target data is obtained indicating target start time and target number of the product and target duration. The industrial printer is operated to report a count of print operations for the product at regular time intervals. Actual data is stored indicating the count and the time interval. Upon a condition, a line report is determined based on the count and the target data. The line report is presented on a display device. The condition is one or more of passage of the target duration after the target start time, passage of the target duration after a first print operation, a change in shift workers on the production line, a time of day, and a predetermined event.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
G05B 19/18 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form
B41M 1/40 - Printing on bodies of particular shapes
Embodiments of the invention relate to ink compositions suitable for applications in the printing industry, for example continuous inkjet printing, including ultra-high speed continuous inkjet printing. The ink compositions use volatile organic solvents, a colorant, and one or more binder resins including a resin that is a phenolic resole resin, wherein the ink composition is free of methanol, halogens, halogenated compounds and bisphenol-A. A phenolic resole resin of the ink composition preferably contains less than 0.1% by weight of free formaldehyde. The one or more binder resins including the phenolic resole resin may be present in an amount that is from about 5% to about 30% by weight of the ink composition.
C09D 11/10 - Printing inks based on artificial resins
C09D 11/101 - Inks specially adapted for printing processes involving curing by wave energy or particle radiation, e.g. with UV-curing following the printing
C09D 11/103 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions other than those only involving unsaturated carbon-to-carbon bonds of aldehydes, e.g. phenol-formaldehyde resins
Method and Apparatus for Securing Peripheral Devices A printing machine 1 comprises a processor (2a) and a memory (2b, 2c) storing computer readable instructions. The computer readable instructions are arranged to cause the processor (2a) to generate access request data for processing by an access control server (3), receive access response data responsive to the access request data, process the access response data to determine a first print type and a first print quantity indicated by the access response data, and update, responsive to processing the access response data, an access status in the memory to indicate a second print quantity for the first print type.
A method of operating a transfer printer configured to transfer ink from a printer ribbon to a substrate which is transported along a predetermined substrate path adjacent to the printer. The printer comprises a tape drive comprising two tape drive motors, two tape spool supports on which said spools of ribbon may be mounted, each spool being drivable by a respective one of said motors. The printer further comprises a printhead being displaceable towards and away from the predetermined substrate path and being arranged to, during printing, contact one side of the ribbon to press an opposite side of the ribbon into contact with a substrate on the predetermined substrate path, and a printing surface. The printer further comprises a controller configured to control the tape drive to transport ribbon between the first and second ribbon spools. The method comprises controlling the tape drive to perform a ribbon movement in which ribbon is transported between first and second ribbon spools along a ribbon path, the ribbon path having a first length during a first part of said ribbon movement, and a second length during a second part of said ribbon movement, a transition from the first length to the second length being caused by a displacement of the printhead with respect to the printing surface, wherein control of at least one of the tape drive motors is based upon data indicative of the first and second lengths.
A method for monitoring a characteristic of a printed image of a thermal transfer printer. The method comprises providing a ribbon and a substrate at a printing location of the thermal transfer printer. The method further comprises printing an image on the substrate at the printing location by transferring ink from a region of the ribbon in a printing operation, a negative image being formed on the region of ribbon. The method further comprises transporting the region of ribbon, by a ribbon transport system, from the printing location towards an imaging location along a ribbon transport path. The method further comprises when a characteristic of the ribbon transport meets a predetermined criterion, obtaining, by an image capture system, a ribbon image of the negative image. The method further comprises processing said ribbon image to generate data indicative of the characteristic of the printed image.
There is provided a tape drive. The tape drive comprises first and second spool supports on which spools of tape may be mounted. The tape drive further comprises an optical sensing system. The optical sensing system comprises a radiation emitter and a radiation detector, said radiation emitter and radiation detector having a fixed positional relationship in use with respect to said first and second spool supports. The tape drive further comprises a controller. The controller is operative to, energise the radiation emitter to emit radiation, and determine a diameter data indicative of a diameter of a spool mounted on one of the first and second spool supports based on a radiation signal generated by the detector.
B41J 33/36 - Ribbon-feed devices or mechanisms with means for adjusting feeding rate
B41J 35/36 - Alarms, indicators, or feed-disabling devices responsive to ink-ribbon breakage or exhaustion
B41J 2/325 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads by selective transfer of ink from ink carrier, e.g. from ink ribbon or sheet
B41J 29/38 - Drives, motors, controls, or automatic cut-off devices for the entire printing mechanism
There is provided a charge electrode for charging ink droplets for continuous ink jet printing. The charge electrode has a generally cylindrical main body defining a generally cylindrical passage for the ink droplets, said passage extending along a travel axis that represents, in use, the position of an ink jet in ingress to the electrode and a direction of travel of the ink droplets once these have detached from the ink jet. The charge electrode comprises two distinct axially disposed regions: a first region for charging the droplets as required; and, a second region for screening the charged droplets from any electric fields which could undesirably affect the trajectory of the ink jet and/or the droplets. The second region may fully surround at least a portion of the travel axis. The invention therefore provides improved screening for the ink jet and/or the droplets. This may in turn enable better control of the charge applied to the charged droplets, and/or of their travel trajectory.
Embodiments of the invention relate to ink compositions suitable for applications in the printing industry, for example continuous inkjet printing, including ultra-high speed continuous inkjet printing. The ink compositions use volatile C5 ketone (pentanone) solvents (e.g., 2-pentanone, 3-pentanone, or 3-methyl-2-butanone) as a major solvent or the only solvent, and also include a binder resin and a colorant, but preferably contain substantially no acetone, methanol, or methyl ethyl ketone, or other solvents listed on the Japan ISHL class II organic solvents list. Preferred ink compositions can contain up to 30% ethanol, n-propanol, or other solvents not listed on the Japan ISHL class II organic solvents list, but preferably contain substantially no ethanol.
A printer comprising a printhead configured to selectively cause a mark to be created on a substrate provided adjacent to the printer, the printhead having a first configuration in which the printhead is spaced apart from the printing surface and a second configuration in which the printhead is configured to press the substrate against a printing surface during a printing operation. The printer further comprises a printhead drive assembly configured to cause movement of the printhead towards and away from the printing surface between the first and second configurations, the printhead drive assembly comprising a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. When the electromagnet is in a first condition, an attractive magnetic force is generated between the permanent magnet and the electromagnet, and when the electromagnet is in a second condition, a repulsive magnetic force is generated between the permanent magnet and the electromagnet, each of said attractive and repulsive magnetic forces being configured to one of urge the printhead away from and towards the printing surface. The printhead drive assembly is configured such that, when the printhead is in each of the first and second configurations, it is retained in that configuration by the printhead drive assembly when the electromagnet is in the first condition, the printhead being retained in one of the first and second configurations by said attractive magnetic force generated between the permanent magnet and the electromagnet.
B41J 2/32 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads
B41J 2/325 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads by selective transfer of ink from ink carrier, e.g. from ink ribbon or sheet
B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
B41J 25/316 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with tilting motion mechanisms relative to paper surface
A laser marking system comprises at least one controller to control an array of optical devices, between a laser source and a scan head. The array applies a selected pattern of portions of the received spatial profile of the laser beam to the substrate to achieve a second intensity different from the first intensity of laser beam at a rate of power deposition relative to a rate of thermal diffusion in the substrate for a predetermined time interval to thermally heat locations of the substrate with the selected pattern of the portions. The second intensity effectuates carbonization of materials of the substrate to create a mark without ablation.
B41J 2/435 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material
B41J 2/44 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using single radiation source, e.g. lighting beams or shutter arrangements
B41J 2/47 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using the combination of scanning and modulation of light
A printhead for a thermal transfer printer comprising a plurality of printing elements, each of the printing elements being configured to transfer ink from an ink carrying ribbon to a substrate, and at least one sensor arranged to sense ink carrying ribbon. The at least one sensor comprises at least one emitter arranged to emit radiation towards the ribbon and a plurality of receivers. Each of the plurality of receivers is arranged to receive a respective reflected signal reflected by the ribbon, each reflected signal is based upon radiation emitted by the at least one emitter.
A device comprising a printer configured to apply a code of printed content on a substrate of a product based on a printer technology type, the code having a plurality of digits. The device includes an optical code detector, executed by one or more processors, to detect the code in a received image of the product printed by the printer by optically recognizing characters in the received image using a trained optical character recognition (OCR) algorithm for the printer technology type. The OCR algorithm is trained to identify each digit of the plurality of digits of the code in a region of interest (ROI) based on at least one product parameter to which the printed content is directly applied and the printer technology type. A system and method are also provided.
G06K 9/18 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints using printed characters having additional code marks or containing code marks, e.g. the character being composed of individual strokes of different shape, each representing a different code value
G06K 9/62 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means
G06K 9/78 - Combination of image acquisition and recognition functions
G06K 15/02 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers
G06F 17/22 - Manipulating or registering by use of codes, e.g. in sequence of text characters
33.
LASER MARKING SYSTEM WITH THROUGH-THE-LENS AUTOFOCUS
The embodiments include a system, comprising: a scanhead with a marking laser having a marking field. The system includes a vision system having a camera embedded in the scanhead having a field of view (FOV) within the marking field and an autofocus module which uses pixel information in an in-focus region of interest (ROI) of a target surface of a part to obtain a Z-axis focus in a vertical dimension above a two-dimensional (2D) plane. The marking laser selectively marks with a laser beam the target surface in the marking field based on at least the Z-axis focus.
A printer comprising a printhead configured to selectively cause a mark to be created on a substrate. The printer comprises a stepper motor having an output shaft coupled to the printhead, the stepper motor being arranged to vary the position of the printhead relative to a printing surface against which printing is carried out, and to control the pressure exerted by the printhead on the printing surface. The printer further comprises a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of an angular position of the output shaft of the stepper motor. The printer further comprises a controller arranged to generate control signals for the stepper motor so as to cause a predetermined torque to be generated by the stepper motor; said control signals being at least partially based upon an output of said sensor.
B41J 2/325 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads by selective transfer of ink from ink carrier, e.g. from ink ribbon or sheet
B41J 25/312 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with print pressure adjustment mechanisms, e.g. pressure-on-the-paper mechanisms
B41J 25/316 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with tilting motion mechanisms relative to paper surface
An electronic data storage device for use with a cartridge for storing and dispending liquid for use with an inkjet printer, the electronic data storage device storing printing data, wherein the printing data comprises at least one of: liquid density data, liquid conductivity data, recirculation data, and printer geometry data.
A cartridge for storing and dispensing liquid for use with an inkjet printer is provided. The cartridge comprises a reservoir having at least one wall enclosing an internal space for storage of the liquid, and an outlet for dispensing the liquid. The reservoir comprises a reinforcing structure extending from a first part of the at least one wall and from a second part of the at least one wall. The reinforcing structure is adapted to maintain a predetermined separation in a first direction between the first and second parts of the at least one wall, the first and second parts of the at least one wall being within a boundary of the at least one wall. The reinforcing structure is further adapted to separate the internal space of the reservoir into a first chamber and a second chamber, the reinforcing structure and the first and second chambers being arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The reinforcing structure is further adapted to provide at least one fluid communication path between the first and second chambers. The reinforcing structure comprises first and second portions of wall, the first and second portions partially defining the first and second chambers, respectively. The reinforcing structure further comprises a wall partially defining the at least one fluid communication path. The first and second portions of wall each define a smooth profile. The first and second chambers have respective first and second widths in a third direction perpendicular to each of said first and second directions. Said at least one fluid communication path has a third width, in said third direction. Said third width is less than said first or second widths.
A printing machine comprising a processor and a memory storing computer readable instructions. The computer readable instructions are arranged to cause the processor to generate access request data for processing by an access control server, receive access response data responsive to the access request data, process the access response data to determine a first print limit indicated by the access response data, and update, responsive to processing the access response data, an access status in the memory to indicate a second print limit.
An ink quality system for an inkjet printer includes an ink reservoir including a volume of ink. A first sensor is disposed in the ink reservoir. At least a portion of the first sensor is in contact with the volume of ink. A second sensor is disposed in the ink reservoir. At least a portion of the second sensor is in contact with the volume of ink. Electronic circuitry is in electrical communication with the first sensor and the second sensor and configured to measure a quality of the ink by measuring the resistance between the first sensor and the second sensor.
A printer comprising a printhead configured to selectively cause a mark to be created on a substrate, a first motor coupled to the printhead and arranged to vary the position of the printhead relative to a printing surface against which printing is carried out to thereby control the pressure exerted by the printhead on the printing surface, and a controller arranged to control the first motor. The controller is arranged to control the magnitude of current supplied to windings of the first motor so as to cause a predetermined pressure to be exerted by the printhead on the printing surface.
B41J 2/325 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads by selective transfer of ink from ink carrier, e.g. from ink ribbon or sheet
B41J 25/312 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with print pressure adjustment mechanisms, e.g. pressure-on-the-paper mechanisms
B41J 25/316 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with tilting motion mechanisms relative to paper surface
A thermal ink jet ink composition includes one or more volatile organic solvents, wherein the one or more volatile organic solvents comprise a solvent selected from C1-C4 alcohols, C3-C6 ketones, C3-C6 esters, C4-C8 ethers, and mixtures thereof. The one or more volatile organic solvents are present in an amount at least 60% by weight of the ink composition. The ink composition includes one or more binder resins present in an amount from 1% to 10% by weight of the ink composition, and one or more dyes. If water is present, it is present in amount less than 5% by weight of the ink composition. The ink composition includes less than 2% by weight of any humectant and/or wetting agent with a relative evaporation rate less than 0.3. The ink composition is suitable for use in a thermal ink jet printer.
C09D 11/102 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions other than those only involving unsaturated carbon-to-carbon bonds
C09D 11/328 - Inkjet printing inks characterised by colouring agents characterised by dyes
C09D 11/36 - Inkjet printing inks based on non-aqueous solvents
C09D 11/106 - Printing inks based on artificial resins containing macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
A tape support arrangement comprises a tape take up core (220) suitable for supporting a tape; and a tape supply core (210) suitable for supporting a tape (230). The supply core (210) comprises an inner surface (212), the inner surface defining an internal volume (240) of the supply core and being configured for engagement with a tape drive support. The take up core (220) is sized and shaped such that it can be located in the internal volume (240) of the supply core (210). Refer to Figure 2
A tape drive comprises a spool support (30) for supporting a tape spool (32), wherein the spool support comprises a support surface (34) mounted to a tape drive base plate (36) such that the support surface (34) is fixed against rotation relative to the base plate (36), the support surface (34) being configured such that, in use, as tape is removed from or wound onto the spool (32), the spool (32) rotates relative to the spool support (30) such that the spool (32) rotates around the support surface (34).
This application concerns an apparatus comprising a housing arranged to be positioned at any one of a plurality of rotational angles, a display mounted to the housing and a processor arranged to execute instructions stored in a memory. The instructions are arranged to cause a user interface to be displayed on the display, to receive an indication of a rotation amount and rotation direction from a rotation input, rotate at least one corner element about its centre point by the rotation amount in the rotation direction and if the rotation amount is greater than a first predetermined limit, move the at least one corner element to a different one of a plurality of corner portions of the display.
G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
G06F 3/0481 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
A method of operating a transfer printer (1), the transfer printer comprising first and second spool supports each being configured to support a spool (3,4) of ribbon (2), a ribbon drive configured to cause movement of ribbon (2) from the first spool support to the second spool support along a predetermined ribbon path, and a printhead (7), the printhead being configured to selectively transfer ink from the ribbon to a substrate as the substrate is moved relative to the printhead in a direction of substrate movement. The method comprises driving the ribbon in a direction parallel to the direction of substrate movement, printing a first plurality of images onto a first respective plurality of substrates, driving the ribbon in a direction opposite to the direction of substrate movement, driving the ribbon in the direction parallel to the direction of substrate movement, and printing a second plurality of images onto a second respective plurality of substrates. Printing each image of the first and second pluralities of images results in corresponding pluralities of first (15 a, b, c) and second (16 a, b, c) negative images being formed on the ribbon, wherein each negative image of the first plurality of negative images (15 a, b, c) is located adjacent a negative image of the second plurality of negative images (16 a, b, c) on the ribbon.
A removable module for an inkjet printer comprises: a housing; a plurality of fluid conduits; two cartridge connections; a printer connection; and an electrical link. The plurality of fluid conduits are disposed within the housing. The two cartridge connections are each for releasable engagement with a fluid cartridge. Each cartridge connection is exposed by the housing and comprises: a fluid connector for engaging an outlet of a fluid cartridge to allow fluid to flow from the engaged cartridge to one of the plurality of fluid conduits; and an electrical contact arranged to contact a corresponding contact on the engaged fluid cartridge. The printer connection is for releasable engagement with an inkjet printer.
An inkjet printer cabinet for use in a hygienic environment includes a housing formed by a base, a top and one or more walls extending between the base and the top. The housing defines an interior configured for receipt of components of an inkjet printer. The housing defines one or more apertures, each aperture providing access to at least one of the components via the aperture. The housing incorporates one or more features adapted to reduce at least one of the accumulation of unwanted matter on a surface of the housing and the accumulation of unwanted matter within the interior of the housing.
Apparatus for use in continuous inkjet printing, comprising: a cabinet, an ink system located in the cabinet, the ink system comprising, an ink pump, an ink system air inlet, and an ink system air outlet, and an air circulation device arranged to cause air to flow within the cabinet. The air circulation device is arranged to cause air to flow along a predetermined air flow path through the ink system air inlet, past the ink pump, and through the ink system air outlet.
A machine and method for its operation A gap sensor assembly for a labelling machine, the labelling machine configured to convey label web (18) along a web path (20). The gap sensor assembly comprises a roller (30b) configured to guide the label web along the web path, and a sensor arrangement (50, 52) configured to produce a sensor signal (56) which is a function of a property of a portion of label web. The roller comprises at least a portion of the sensor arrangement.
A method of providing coding instructions to a printer includes creating artwork design for a package and creating coding instructions associated with the artwork design, the coding instructions for printing a code on the package. The coding instructions are associated with the artwork design and transferred to a remote storage location. An identifier is provided with the package, package materials, or a component thereof to allow a user to retrieve the coding instructions for printing the code on the package.
A thermal ink jet ink composition include a volatile organic solvent, a binder resin, a dye, a humectant in an amount from 1% to 40% by weight of the ink composition, and an additive for extending the decap time. The additive is present in an amount greater than 0.1% by weight of the thermal ink jet ink composition. The additive is selected from fluorinated surfactants, ionic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants.
A method of determining the diameter of a first spool (3) of tape (2) in a tape drive in which tape (2) is transferred between first (3) and second (4) spools of tape, the method comprising: generating a first estimate of a quantity of tape (2) transferred between said first and second spools in one or more tape transport operations; generating a second estimate of a quantity of tape transferred between said first and second spools in said one or more tape transport operations; generating an indication of the diameter (D) of the first spool of tape based upon said first and second estimates.
A method of operating a thermal transfer printer, the thermal transfer printer comprising first and second spool supports (3a, 4a) each being configured to support a spool of ribbon (3,4); a ribbon drive (3b, 4b) configured to cause movement of ribbon from the first spool support to the second spool support along a predetermined ribbon path; and a printhead (7). The printhead (7) is moveable towards and away from a printing surface, and, during printing, is configured to selectively transfer ink from the ribbon to a substrate as the substrate and printhead are moved relative to one another at a print speed (V-substrate). The method comprising causing relative movement between the ribbon and the printhead at a ribbon speed (V-ribbon). A relative speed of movement between the ribbon and the substrate during printing is controlled based upon a force exerted upon the ribbon by the printhead (F-printhead) during a printing operation, and/ or a parameter indicative of an area of contact between a portion of the printhead and a portion of the printing surface.
A method of operating a thermal transfer printer, the thermal transfer printer comprising: first and second spool supports each being configured to support a spool of ribbon; a ribbon drive configured to cause movement of ribbon from the first spool support to the second spool support along a predetermined ribbon path; and a printhead, the printhead being a corner edge printhead. The printhead is configured to selectively transfer ink from the ribbon to a substrate as the substrate and printhead are moved relative to one another at a print speed. The method comprises transferring ink from the ribbon to the substrate when the print speed is less than 40 millimetres per second.
B41J 2/325 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads by selective transfer of ink from ink carrier, e.g. from ink ribbon or sheet
B41J 2/355 - Control circuits for heating-element selection
A labelling machine comprises a supply spool support (10) for supporting a supply spool (16) comprising label stock (18); a take-up spool support (12) adapted to take up a portion of the label stock; a motive device (14) configured to propel the label stock along a web path (20) from the supply spool support towards the take up spool support; a first arrangement configured to produce a first signal (56) indicative of a speed at which label stock is removed from the supply spool by the motive device; a controller configured to receive the first signal and output a brake assembly control signal based upon the first signal; and a brake assembly (70, 70a) configured to apply a braking force to the supply spool support based upon the brake assembly control signal, the braking force resisting rotation of the supply spool support. The controller is configured to output the brake assembly control signal based upon a target supply spool speed.
A method and system for remote servicing of an industrial printer (110) includes obtaining, on a processor, sensor data that indicates values output by sensors (170) configured to measure physical phenomena related to a plurality of components (160) of the industrial printer. Also obtained, on the processor, is parameter data that indicates values for parameters that indicate user settings (184) for operation of the industrial printer. It is determined, on the processor, a service issue related to the industrial printer based on the sensor data and the parameter data, It is also determined, at least in part on the processor, an action to be performed on the industrial printer in response to the service issue. Furthermore, the action is caused to be initiated. In some embodiments, the action is initiated at one facility different from a facility where the industrial printer is located.
A continuous ink jet print head, including: a droplet generator (32, 32', 32") for generating ink droplets (64); a charging electrode (22, 22', 22") having a passageway (74, 74', 74") through which the ink droplets travel to receive a charge; a deflection electrode (60, 60', 60") for deflecting the charged ink droplets; a gutter (50, 50', 50", 50'") having a gutter entrance (52, 52', 52", 52'"); wherein the passageway is aligned with the gutter entrance through which uncharged droplets enter; and a mounting deck (10, 10', 10") configured to secure the gutter entrance into a fixed, nonadjustable gutter entrance position (56, 56', 56", 56'") and to secure the charging electrode into a fixed, nonadjustable charging electrode position (24, 24', 24") relative to the gutter entrance.
A filter module (38) for a continuous inkjet printer (10) comprising a filter housing (40) and a filter medium (42) fixed within the housing (40). The filter housing (40) further includes an inlet portal (44) through which ink flows into the housing under pressure and a first self-sealing valve assembly (54) disposed within the inlet portal. In addition, housing includes an outlet portal (46) through which ink flows out of the housing (40) under pressure and a second self-sealing valve assembly (56) disposed within the outlet portal (46). The first and second valve assemblies (54, 56) open when mechanically connected to an ink flow path (34) from an ink tank (18) to a print head (14), and the first and second valve assemblies (54, 56) seal closed when mechanically disconnected from the ink flow path (34).
A continuous ink jet print head (10), including: an ink droplet generator (116) configured to emit an ink droplet (158) along an undeflected droplet flight path (30); a charge electrode (118) configured to impart a charge to the ink droplet; deflector plates (120A, 120B) adjacent the undeflected droplet flight path, downstream from the charge electrode, and configured to deflect the ink droplet to a deflected droplet flight path that lies within a range of deflected flight paths bounded by at least deflected droplet flight path and a most deflected droplet flight path; a gutter (122) configured to receive an ink droplet traveling along the undeflected droplet flight path; and an ink buildup sensor (102) configured to detect an accumulation of ink (140) relative to a droplet flight path disposed within the range of deflected flight paths.
A binary array ink jet printhead assembly includes a cavity for containing ink, nozzle orifices in fluid communication with the cavity for passing the ink from the cavity to form droplets, the nozzle orifices extending along a length of the cavity, and an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a front face configured to be disposed generally parallel to a plurality of droplet paths of droplets from the nozzle orifices. A plurality of charge electrodes are disposed on the front face, each charge electrode corresponding to a droplet path and disposed parallel to the droplet path. Circuitry is disposed on the electrode assembly, wherein each electrode is electrically connected to the circuitry. The circuitry is further in electrical connection to a connector for connecting the electrode assembly to a controller for the printhead.
A viscometer includes a housing and a bob disposed in the housing such that a gap is provided between the bob and the housing. The bob includes a magnet. A linear support supports the bob such that the bob is free to rotate with respect the housing. A flow inlet in the housing provides fluid flow into the housing. A flow outlet provides fluid flow out of the housing. At least one coil is disposed adjacent the housing for providing a magnetic field to induce oscillating rotational movement in the bob and to measure the movement of the bob. The viscometer is configured to measure a viscosity of a fluid by inducing movement in the bob and measuring a dampening effect of the fluid.
G01N 11/16 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticity; Analysing materials by determining flow properties by moving a body within the material by measuring damping effect upon oscillatory body
B41J 2/195 - Ink jet characterised by ink handling for monitoring ink quality
G01N 11/14 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticity; Analysing materials by determining flow properties by moving a body within the material by using rotary bodies, e.g. vane
A labelling machine comprises a first motive apparatus configured to advance a label web along a label web path; an encoder arranged to output a sensor signal which is indicative of a rate of movement of said label web along said label web path; and a printer configured to print on said label web, the printer including a second motive apparatus configured to advance a print ribbon along a ribbon path. The labelling machine further comprises a controller configured to receive said sensor signal and control the second motive apparatus based on the sensor signal. The controller is configured to supply a pulsed control signal to the second motive apparatus, the intervals between pulses of the pulsed control signal being a function of a desired rate of movement of the print ribbon along the ribbon path. The controller is configured such that if the controller is controlling the second motive apparatus to advance the print ribbon at a first rate of movement having a first series of intervals between pulses, and the controller receives said sensor signal being indicative of the label web moving along label web path at a second rate of movement greater than the first, then the controller supplies a re-timed pulse to the second motive apparatus at a time which is before a next pulse defined by the first series of intervals.
B41J 2/325 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads by selective transfer of ink from ink carrier, e.g. from ink ribbon or sheet
B41J 2/355 - Control circuits for heating-element selection
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41J 33/36 - Ribbon-feed devices or mechanisms with means for adjusting feeding rate
A tape drive comprising: first and second motors (3b, 4b); first and second spool supports (3a, 4a), respectively receiving first and second spools of tape (3, 4), the first spool support (3a) being driveable by the first motor (3b) and the second spool support (4a) being drivable by the second motor (4b); a sensor (5a) arranged to provide a signal indicative of linear movement of tape (2) between the tape spools along a predetermined tape path; a controller (9) arranged to control energization of said first and second motors (3b, 4b) for transport of the tape in at least one direction between the first and second spools of tape along the predetermined tape path; wherein the controller is arranged to generate data indicating the diameter of said first and second spools of tape based upon said signal provided by the sensor and data indicating rotation of each of said first and second spools.
B41J 33/34 - Ribbon-feed devices or mechanisms driven by motors independently of the machine as a whole
B65H 23/18 - Registering, tensioning, smoothing, or guiding webs longitudinally by controlling or regulating the web-advancing mechanism, e.g. mechanism acting on the running web
G11B 15/46 - Controlling, regulating, or indicating speed
A labelling machine comprises a label supply spool support (la) for supporting a label spool (1) of label carrying web (lb), a label take up spool support (3a) for supporting a label take up spool (3) adapted to take up a portion of web, and a first motive apparatus (4) for transporting web along a web path between the supply spool support to the take up spool support, and a controller (10). The controller is configured to provide a control signal (10a) to the first motive apparatus, wherein the controller is further configured such that the controller provides a control signal to the first motive apparatus to accelerate the first motive apparatus between a first speed and a second speed by providing a control signal to the first motive apparatus to command the first motive apparatus to accelerate to a predetermined first intermediate speed intermediate the first and second speeds, then a control signal to command the first motive apparatus to accelerate to a second predetermined intermediate speed intermediate the first intermediate speed and the second speed, and then a control signal to command the first motive apparatus to accelerate to the second speed.
A method for controlling a thermal printhead of a printer. The printhead comprises an array of printing elements. The method may comprise performing a plurality of printing operations, each printing operation comprising energisation of one or more printing elements. A respective energisation value is determined for each printing element based upon energisations of that printing element during said printing operations. A printhead control signal is generated for the printhead for a subsequent printing operation based upon the energisation values of a predetermined subset of the printing elements.
A labelling machine comprises a label supply spool support (la) for supporting a label supply spool (1) of label carrying web, a labelling station (2) arranged to remove labels from a label carrying web supported by the supply spool, a label take up spool support (3a) for supporting a web take up spool (3) to take up the web from which labels have been removed, and a first motive apparatus (4) for transporting web from the supply spool support to the take up spool support via the labelling station. The supply spool support, the labelling station and the take up spool support are mounted to a base plate (10). The base plate includes a first portion (10a) which supports the labelling station via a base (2a) of the labelling station such that the labelling station extends from the base plate in a first direction (A), and a second portion (10b) which supports one or more of the label supply spool support, web take up spool support and first motive apparatus. The maximum distance to which the second portion (10b) and any component supported by the second portion extend from the base (2a) of the labelling station (2) in a second direction (B) is greater than the maximum distance to which the first portion (10a) and any component supported by the first portion extend from the base (2a) of the labelling station (2) in the second direction (B), the first (A) and second (B) directions being generally opposite.
A thermal transfer printer comprising: first and second spool supports each being configured to support a spool of ribbon; a ribbon drive configured to cause movement of ribbon from the first spool support to the second spool support; a printhead configured to selectively transfer ink from the ribbon to a substrate, the printhead pressing the print ribbon and substrate together against a print roller; a substrate drive configured to cause movement of a substrate past the printhead; a sensor configured to monitor rotation of the print roller and generate a signal indicative thereof; and a controller configured to determine a measure of movement of the substrate and/or ribbon past the print roller based on the signal output by the sensor.
B41J 35/36 - Alarms, indicators, or feed-disabling devices responsive to ink-ribbon breakage or exhaustion
B41J 17/36 - Alarms, indicators, or feed-disabling devices responsive to material breakage or exhaustion
B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
B41J 25/312 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with print pressure adjustment mechanisms, e.g. pressure-on-the-paper mechanisms
An apparatus for determining the resistance of a printing element of a print head, the apparatus comprising: a print head comprising a plurality of individually controllable printing elements connected in parallel, and a capacitor connected in parallel with the printing elements; a test voltage supply arranged to supply a test voltage to the print head; a current monitor arranged to measure the current supplied to one of the printing elements when the said one of the printing elements is connected to the test voltage supply; and a controller arranged to determine the resistance of the said one of the printing elements based upon the measured current.
B41J 2/35 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads providing current or voltage to the thermal head
B41J 2/355 - Control circuits for heating-element selection
A spool support, for supporting a windable material, comprises a main body (2), an actuator (50) and a clamp portion (30). The actuator (50) is movable relative to the main body (2) between a first position and a second position. The clamp portion (30) is pivotably connected to the main body. The actuator actuates the clamp portion such that the clamp portion pivots relative to the main body between a retracted position when the actuator is in the first position and a deployed position when the actuator is in the second position.
A droplet generator for a continuous stream ink jet printhead includes an elongate cavity for containing ink and nozzle orifices in fluid communication with the cavity for passing the ink from the cavity to form jets. The nozzle orifices extend along a length of the cavity. A mounting plate provides a wall of the cavity opposite the nozzle orifices. A plurality of actuators is disposed in the cavity to vibrate the ink in the cavity such that each jet breaks up into ink droplets at substantially a same predetermined distance from the wall. Each of the plurality of actuators is integrally connected to the mounting plate by a membrane.
A printer system includes a print head, the print head oriented with a first end at a height above a substrate. A support arm extends laterally with respect to the print head. A camera is disposed on the support arm a fixed height above the substrate, such that the camera can be adjusted laterally with respect to the print head. The camera is disposed at an angle with respect to vertical to the substrate. A product detect mechanism is disposed laterally on the support arm with respect to the print head. A controller is in communication with the camera and the product detect mechanism, wherein the system is configured so that the camera can verify the printing of an image on the substrate.
A thermal inkjet cartridge for an organic solvent-based ink includes a cartridge housing, a printhead attached to the housing, and a collapsible ink reservoir disposed in the housing. The ink reservoir has an opening through which ink is supplied to the printhead in fluid communication with the ink reservoir. The reservoir includes a basin member defining a first major portion of the ink reservoir and a movable plate defining a second major portion of the ink reservoir. At least one of the basin member and the movable plate includes a barrier layer for reducing the migration of solvent from the ink reservoir to an external environment.
A method of generating data associated with printing an image. The method comprises receiving data defining an image design specification, generating a plurality of options for printing an image based upon the image design specification, 5 displaying data based upon the plurality of options to a user, receiving selection of one of the options from the user, and generating the data associated with printing an image based upon the selected option.
A method of removing a coating of a substrate comprises a series of steps. A substrate is provided, the substrate including a feature on a surface of the substrate. The surface of the feature has a coating. The surface of the substrate is imaged to provide information about the feature. A portion of the coating is removed by a laser source. The surface of the substrate is imaged to provide information about a coating thickness of the coating of the surface of the feature. A boundary is calculated between a first area including the coating and a second area with the coating substantially removed. A portion of the coating in the first area within the boundary is removed using a laser source.
A fluid container for an ink jet printer includes a collapsible reservoir, a cap, and an electronic storage device. The collapsible reservoir is for containing a printing fluid and includes walls enclosing an internal space having a variable volume for storage and dispensing of a liquid. The cap for attachment to the reservoir includes a port for connection to the printer. The port is adapted to prevent air from entering the internal space from outside the reservoir as liquid is dispensed. An electronic storage device is configured to store data relating to the contents of the container. At least one electrical contact is associated with the electronic storage device and provided on a substrate.
A labelling machine comprises a supply spool support (10) for supporting a supply spool comprising label stock comprising a web and a plurality of labels attached to the web and which are separable from the web; a take-up spool support (12) adapted to take up a portion of web; a sensor (52) configured to produce a sensor signal (56) indicative of a periodic property of at least a portion of the label stock; and a controller configured to calculate a displacement of the web a web path defined between the supply spool and the take-up spool based upon the sensor signal and a length of a component of the label stock.
A labelling machine comprises a supply spool support (10) for supporting a supply spool comprising label stock; a take-up spool support (12) adapted to take up a portion of the label stock; a movable element (28) which defines a portion of a web path between the supply spool and the take-up spool support; a sensor configured to produce a sensor signal indicative of the position of the movable element; a controller configured to receive the sensor signal and output a brake assembly control signal based upon the sensor signal; and a brake assembly (70) configured to apply a braking force to one of said spool supports based upon the brake assembly control signal, the braking force resisting rotation of said one of said spool supports. The controller is configured to control the brake assembly based upon the sensor signal so as to cause the moveable element to move towards a desired position.
A labelling machine comprises a supply spool support (10) for supporting a supply spool comprising label stock (18) comprising a web and a plurality of labels attached to the web and which are separable from the web; a take-up spool support (12) adapted to take up a portion of web; a first motive means configured to propel the web along a web path from the supply spool support towards the take up spool support, the first motive means comprising a first motor (14) including a first stator and a first rotor; a labelling peel beak (30) located along the web path and configured to peel the labels from label web as the label stock passes the labelling peel beak; and a printer (36) for printing on the labels. The printer includes a ribbon supply spool support (38) for supporting a ribbon supply spool comprising printer ribbon for the printer; a ribbon take-up spool support (40) adapted to take up a portion of the printer ribbon; and a second motive means configured to propel the printer ribbon from the supply spool support towards the take up spool support, the second motive means comprising a second motor including a second stator and a second rotor. The labelling machine further comprises a base plate. The following components are mounted to the base plate such that the majority of each component is located on one side of a first surface of the base plate: supply spool support, take-up spool support, first stator, labelling peel beak, ribbon supply spool support, ribbon take-up spool support and second stator.
A system for creating and/or editing a code for an ink jet printer includes a display screen. A plurality of icons is displayed on the screen. Each icon corresponds to an editable field of a printable code. A plurality of menu items is displayed on the screen. Each menu item corresponds to a property of one or more of the editable fields of the printable code. The printable code includes a lot code or a batch code.
An ink jet ink composition includes an organic solvent in an amount between 60% and 95% by weight of the ink composition, a binder resin, a stabilizing agent, which may be provided by the binder resin, and a pH sensitive dye. An image formed by the ink composition changes from a first color to a second color when exposed to water, wherein the first color is different than the second color.
A continuous ink jet printer including an ink tank for holding ink, an ink nozzle in fluid communication with the ink tank for ejecting ink droplets, and a gutter for receiving, through an ink-receiving inlet thereof, ink droplets which are not used for printing. A gutter flow path starts at the ink-receiving inlet for ink that has entered the gutter through the ink-receiving inlet, and provides fluid communication to the ink tank. A return line is in fluid communication with the gutter for conveying air to enter the gutter flow path. A makeup tank is in vapor communication with the ink tank to allow air to be conveyed from the ink tank to the makeup tank. A condenser is in fluid communication with the makeup reservoir and the return line for condensing solvent.
The present disclosure relates to the use of ink containing luminescent dyes for security applications. In one aspect, method of printing a security code on an article includes applying droplets of an ink composition with an ink jet printer to a surface of an article to print an encrypted code. The ink composition includes an organic solvent, a binder resin, and a luminescent dye. In another aspect, an ink jet ink composition includes an organic solvent; a solubilizing agent selected from cyclic ketones, heterocyclic amides, cyclic alcohols, and furans; a binder resin; and a luminescent dye.
A method of managing products includes providing a plurality of products in a first arrangement in an environment. Each product includes a respective code indicative of a date. Each code has a first appearance under ambient lighting conditions in the environment and a second appearance when exposed to a predetermined radiation source. The second appearance is more visible to an observer in the environment than the first appearance. The predetermined radiation source is applied to the code to reveal the second appearance of the code. Each of the plurality products is viewed to determine if the respective code meets predetermined criteria. The products are moved into a second arrangement in the environment based on whether the respective code meets the predetermined criteria.
There is provided an industrial apparatus of the type used in a product packaging facility arranged to pack one or more products into one or more packs. The apparatus comprises a device configured to perform an operation on at least some of the packs as the packs are transported past the device, a controller arranged to control the apparatus, the controller providing a user interface for the apparatus and a communications link providing bi-directional communication between the controller and a remote device. The controller is configured to receive a command from the user interface indicating a request to initiate a remote support session, initiate the remote support session by establishing a communications session between the controller and the remote device, and receive data from the remote device in the communications session to provide remote support for the apparatus.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
A print system includes an ink source, a print head including a nozzle for ejecting ink onto a substrate, and a fluid line providing fluid communication from the ink source to the print head. A traversing mechanism moves the print head in a lateral direction with respect to a production line. A pressure damping device is disposed in the fluid line adjacent the print head for reducing pressure fluctuations in the fluid line.
A capping device for an ink jet print head includes a base configured to receive an ink jet print head and a cap assembly attached to the base. The cap assembly is configured for sliding movement with respect to the base to provide a closed position of the cap assembly when the print head is not printing and an open position to allow for the ejection of ink from nozzles when the print head is printing. The cap assembly includes a cover support and a cover attached to the cover support in a generally planar relationship thereto. The cover is adapted to provide additional movement with respect to the cover support in a direction different from the sliding direction. The cover includes a rigid mating surface configured to engage a surface of the print head adjacent the nozzles.
A thermal transfer printer, including first and second spool supports each being configured to support a spool of ribbon; a ribbon drive configured to cause movement of ribbon from the first support to the second spool support; a printhead for selectively transferring ink from the ribbon to a substrate; an electromagnetic sensor arranged to sense electromagnetic radiation and to generate data indicative of a property of the ribbon based upon sensed electromagnetic radiation; and a controller for processing data generated by the electromagnetic sensor.
B41J 25/312 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with print pressure adjustment mechanisms, e.g. pressure-on-the-paper mechanisms
B41J 33/36 - Ribbon-feed devices or mechanisms with means for adjusting feeding rate
A thermal transfer printer, including first and second spool supports each being configured to support a spool or ribbon; a ribbon drive configured to cause movement of ribbon from the first support to the second spool support; a printhead for selectively transferring ink from the ribbon to a substrate; a controller configured to control the ribbon drive to move the ribbon relative to the printhead at a speed that is less than a speed at which a substrate passes the printhead while using the printhead to selectively transfer ink from the ribbon to the substrate; wherein the controller is further arranged to receive data obtained from the ribbon after ink has been transferred to the substrate and to process the data to control at least one property of the printer.
B41J 25/312 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with print pressure adjustment mechanisms, e.g. pressure-on-the-paper mechanisms
A thermal transfer printer including first and second spool supports each being configured to support a spool of ribbon; a ribbon drive configured to cause movement of ribbon from the first spool support to the second spool support; a printhead for selectively transferring ink from the ribbon to a substrate; and a motor coupled to the printhead and arranged to vary the position of the printhead relative to a surface against which printing is carried out to thereby control the pressure exerted by the printhead on the surface; wherein the printhead is rotatable about a pivot and the motor is arranged to cause rotation of the printhead about the pivot to vary the position of the printhead relative to the surface.
B41J 25/312 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface with print pressure adjustment mechanisms, e.g. pressure-on-the-paper mechanisms
An inkjet ink composition includes an organic solvent, a binder, and a colorant. The colorant is selected from at least a first pigment and a second pigment. If the ink composition comprises carbon black, the carbon black is present in an amount less than 30% by weight of the total pigment content.
A method of printing a modified product code includes providing a printer and a substrate. An initial product code is determined. The initial product code includes a plurality of unmodified characters. A modified product code is determined. The modified product code includes at least one modified character that is different from a corresponding one of the plurality of unmodified characters of the initial product code. The modified character is a function at least in part by of initial product code. The printer is controlled to print the modified product code on the substrate.
A method of printing a product code includes providing a printer and a substrate. A product code is determined. The product code includes a plurality of characters and a key code. The key code includes an interleaved character including a combination of a first character and a second character selected from the plurality of characters. The printer is controlled to print the product code on the substrate.
An ink system of an ink jet printer includes a fluid tank. The fluid tank includes a generally conically shaped side wall, the side wall sloping inwardly from a top portion to a bottom portion. A bottom surface is disposed adjacent the bottom portion of the side wall. A first fluid conduit is disposed in the fluid tank and includes an opening adjacent to and above the bottom surface of the fluid tank. A second fluid conduit is disposed in the fluid tank and includes an opening at a location above the opening of the first fluid conduit. A pump is in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit. An ink supply line is in fluid communication with the pump. A print head is in fluid communication with the ink supply line.
A ribbon includes a substrate film, wherein the film comprises a tensionable material; and an ink disposed on the ribbon. A length of the ribbon includes portions that have been tensioned to provide a code readable from the ribbon by measuring the tension over the length of the ribbon.
A method for printing images on a substrate with an ink jet printer includes providing a liquid ink composition. The liquid ink composition includes an organic solvent, a binder, and a colorant. Droplets of the ink jet ink composition are directed to a plastic film substrate. The droplets are allowed to dry, thereby printing a durable graphic image on the substrate.
A system prevents solenoids from overheating. The solenoid circuit has solenoids connected across a power supply. Control switches energize the solenoids by controllably connecting the solenoids to and from the power source. The protection system includes a master switch connected between the power source and the solenoids for simultaneously connecting and disconnecting all of the solenoids with the power source. A current sensor is positioned between the supply terminal of the power supply and the solenoids for detecting a current flowing between the supply and any of the solenoids and for producing a current-sensed signal. A controller detects abnormalities based on the current-sensed signal and responsively opens the master switch to disconnect all of the solenoids from the power source.
H01F 7/18 - Circuit arrangements for obtaining desired operating characteristics, e.g. for slow operation, for sequential energisation of windings, for high-speed energisation of windings
A method of printing on a hygienic article includes applying droplets of an ink composition with an ink jet printer to a surface of a hygienic article to form a desired image. The ink composition includes an organic solvent, a water-soluble binder resin including hydroxypropylcellulose, and a water-soluble dye. The image acts as a wetness indicator by dissolving in an aqueous fluid.
A method of cleaning a print head assembly comprising a print head and a cover includes removing the cover from the print head assembly. A cleaning unit includes a fluid chamber, a fluid intake port, and a fluid exit port. The cleaning unit is attached to the print head such that the fluid chamber surrounds a portion of the print head. A solvent is introduced into the fluid chamber to contact the print head. The solvent is allowed to clean the print head. The solvent is removed from the chamber.
A thermal ink jet ink composition include a volatile organic solvent, a binder resin, a dye, a humectant in an amount less than 40% by weight of the thermal ink jet ink composition, and an additive for extending the decap time. The additive is present in an amount greater than 0.1% by weight of the thermal ink jet ink composition. The additive is selected from plasticizers, surfactants, aliphatic hydrocarbons, drying oils and mixtures thereof. The additive does not phase separate from the ink jet composition during application of the ink to a substrate in thermal ink jet printing.
B05D 5/06 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces to obtain special surface effects, finishes or structures to obtain multicolour or other optical effects
A thermal ink jet ink composition includes one or more volatile organic solvents, one or more solvent dyes, and one or more humectants. The one or more volatile organic solvents are selected from C1-C4 alcohols, C4-C8 ethers, C3-C6 ketones, C3-C6 esters, and mixtures thereof. The one or more solvent dyes are soluble in the organic solvent or solvents with a solubility of at least 0.1 % by weight. The thermal ink jet ink composition is free or substantially free of tetrahydrofuran, binder resin, and water.
An inkjet printing system includes a print head in fluid communication with an ink reservoir and having a plurality of orifices and a corresponding plurality of associated ejection chambers. The print head includes a substrate and a barrier layer disposed on the substrate. The barrier layer defines in part a plurality of fluid channels and the plurality of ejection chambers. The barrier layer includes a material selected from epoxy-based photo resist materials and methyl methacrylate-based photo resist materials. An orifice plate is disposed over the substrate. The orifice plate includes the plurality of orifices in fluid communication with the ejection chambers. The orifice plate comprises a material selected from polyimides and nickel.
B41J 2/345 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads characterised by the arrangement of resistors or conductors
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