A system for in-line treatment of at least one thread is provided. The system is configured to be used with a thread consuming device and comprises a treatment unit having a plurality of nozzles arranged at different positions relative the at least one thread, said at least one thread being in motion in use, each nozzle being configured to dispense one or more coating substances onto the at least one thread when activated; and at least one thread engagement device configured to rotate the at least one thread along its longitudinal axis as the at least one thread moves through said treatment unit.

A liquid discharge apparatus is to be coupled to a post-processing apparatus to perform post-processing using a linear medium such that the post-processing apparatus is disposed downstream from the liquid discharge apparatus in a conveyance direction of the linear medium. The liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharge head, a conveyance mechanism, a head driver, and control circuitry. The discharge head includes a nozzle to discharge droplets onto the linear medium to dye the linear medium. The conveyance mechanism conveys the linear medium in conjunction with the post-processing apparatus. The head driver drives the discharge head in conjunction with conveyance of the linear medium. The control circuitry controls the head driver and determines whether to execute maintenance of the discharge head based on a time required for the post-processing for each dyeing job.

A liquid discharge apparatus is to be coupled to a post-processing apparatus to perform post-processing using a linear medium such that the post-processing apparatus is disposed downstream from the liquid discharge apparatus in a conveyance direction of the linear medium. The liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharge head, a conveyance mechanism, a head driver, and control circuitry. The discharge head includes a nozzle to discharge droplets onto the linear medium to dye the linear medium. The conveyance mechanism conveys the linear medium in conjunction with the post-processing apparatus. The head driver drives the discharge head in conjunction with conveyance of the linear medium. The control circuitry controls the head driver and determines whether to execute maintenance of the discharge head based on a time required for the post-processing for each dyeing job.

A treatment unit for in-line treatment of at least one thread for use with a thread consuming device is provided.

A treatment unit for in-line treatment of at least one thread for use with a thread consuming device is provided.

A system for in-line treatment of thread for use with a thread consuming device is provided. The system includes a treatment unit having a plurality of nozzles arranged at different positions relative the thread, said thread being in motion in use, each nozzle being configured to dispense one or more coating substances onto the thread when activated; and a control unit configured to activate at least two of the nozzles to dispense the coating substance at different circumferential positions of the thread when the thread twists along its longitudinal axis.

A system for in-line treatment of thread for use with a thread consuming device is provided. The system includes a treatment unit having a plurality of nozzles arranged at different positions relative the thread, said thread being in motion in use, each nozzle being configured to dispense one or more coating substances onto the thread when activated; and a control unit configured to activate at least two of the nozzles to dispense the coating substance at different circumferential positions of the thread when the thread twists along its longitudinal axis.

Computerized methods of creating embroidery including capturing embroidery instructions, receiving instructions at an embroidery engine, creating planned patterns of stitches, and outputting instructions for stitching, including instructions for printing colors onto a thread before stitching. Color may be printed in a gradient or gradually faded, for example, from a start color to an end color, or from a start color to an intermediate color and from the intermediate color to an end color. Color may be gradually faded from a start location to an end location or from a start location to an intermediate location and from the intermediate location to an end location. Varying shades of colors may be printed, patterns may be repeated, outlines, segments, and vectors may be used, and intermediate stitch color may be determined based on number of stitches or vector length. Some embodiments allow a user to change embroidery instructions while reapplying unchanged instructions.

An integrated system for treating a thread and using the treated thread, comprising: a thread treatment machine for treating a thread or portions thereof; a thread applicator configured for using the treated thread such as a stitching machine of 3D printer; at least one mechanism for collecting and trimming thread portions; and a control unit, configured for controlling at least the thread treatment machine, the thread applicator and the collecting and trimming mechanism and for coordinating the treatment of the thread with the operation of the thread applicator, wherein the control unit is further configured for controlling the collecting and trimming mechanism for collecting untreated thread edge portions for allowing using only treated thread portions.

An integrated system for treating a thread and using the treated thread, comprising: a thread treatment machine for treating a thread or portions thereof; a thread applicator configured for using the treated thread such as a stitching machine of 3D printer; at least one mechanism for collecting and trimming thread portions; and a control unit, configured for controlling at least the thread treatment machine, the thread applicator and the collecting and trimming mechanism and for coordinating the treatment of the thread with the operation of the thread applicator, wherein the control unit is further configured for controlling the collecting and trimming mechanism for collecting untreated thread edge portions for allowing using only treated thread portions.