A decorator assembly is provided. The decorator assembly includes a number of independent ink stations. Each independent ink station is disposed adjacent to the path of travel of the mandrels.

A decorator assembly is provided. The decorator assembly includes a number of independent ink stations. Each independent ink station is disposed adjacent to the path of travel of the mandrels.

A positioning system for positioning a plurality of rotatable objects for processing includes a base plate that is configured to be positioned on a support surface of a processing machine. The base plate defines a plurality of alignment members to align the base plate to the support surface. The positioning system further includes at least three elongate cylindrical members that are arranged in parallel to one another and rotatably supported in alignment with the base plate. The cylindrical members are configured to support the rotatable objects. The positioning system also includes a rotation mechanism configured to cooperate with the cylindrical members and rotate the cylindrical members in synchrony so as to rotate the plurality of rotatable objects in synchrony. The positioning system further includes a rotational control mechanism configured to cooperate with the rotation mechanism to control rotation of the cylindrical members.

A decorator assembly is provided. The decorator assembly includes a mandrel turret assembly. The mandrel turret assembly includes a rotatable turret, a number of mandrels, and a number of independent ink stations. Each mandrel is rotatably coupled to the turret. Each mandrel extends generally radially from the turret and is disposed generally in a plane about an axis of rotation. The turret is structured to rotate about an axis of rotation thereby moving each mandrel over a generally circular path of travel. Each independent ink station is disposed adjacent to the path of travel of the mandrels.

A decorator assembly is provided. The decorator assembly includes a mandrel turret assembly. The mandrel turret assembly includes a rotatable turret, a number of mandrels, and a number of independent ink stations. Each mandrel is rotatably coupled to the turret. Each mandrel extends generally radially from the turret and is disposed generally in a plane about an axis of rotation. The turret is structured to rotate about an axis of rotation thereby moving each mandrel over a generally circular path of travel. Each independent ink station is disposed adjacent to the path of travel of the mandrels.

A printing system includes: a plurality of unitary objects each having a unique identification code, a plurality of fixtures arranged on a base, and a printer controller. Each unitary object includes a uniquely-shaped three-dimensional body fixed to a plate by a connection mechanism. Each fixture includes: a fixture block defining a printing opening; and a plate guide defined in the fixture block and configured to receive the plate. A target region of the three-dimensional body is aligned within the printing opening of the fixture block when the plate is fixed within the plate guide. The printer controller is configured to: detect the unique identification code of each unitary object; and control an ink dispenser to print a unique topographical design on each aligned target region of each three-dimensional body, the unique topographical design being associated with the detected unique identification code.

A printing system includes: a plurality of unitary objects each having a unique identification code, a plurality of fixtures arranged on a base, and a printer controller. Each unitary object includes a uniquely-shaped three-dimensional body fixed to a plate by a connection mechanism. Each fixture includes: a fixture block defining a printing opening; and a plate guide defined in the fixture block and configured to receive the plate. A target region of the three-dimensional body is aligned within the printing opening of the fixture block when the plate is fixed within the plate guide. The printer controller is configured to: detect the unique identification code of each unitary object; and control an ink dispenser to print a unique topographical design on each aligned target region of each three-dimensional body, the unique topographical design being associated with the detected unique identification code.

A method for printing a marking on a golf ball includes arranging ink in an etching pattern on a printing plate, matching a reference position on the plate to a reference position on the golf ball, transferring the ink from the printing plate to a pad, and transferring the ink from the pad to the golf ball such that the golf ball includes the marking. The pattern includes an etch corresponding to the marking, wherein the etch differs from the marking in a manner dependent on the position of the marking on the golf ball. The marking that results on the golf ball is a linear marking, and a centerline of the linear marking lies entirely within a marking plane that is not a centerline plane of the golf ball, and wherein the edges of the marking are parallel with the marking plane.

A method for printing a marking on a golf ball includes arranging ink in an etching pattern on a printing plate, matching a reference position on the plate to a reference position on the golf ball, transferring the ink from the printing plate to a pad, and transferring the ink from the pad to the golf ball such that the golf ball includes the marking. The pattern includes an etch corresponding to the marking, wherein the etch differs from the marking in a manner dependent on the position of the marking on the golf ball. The marking that results on the golf ball is a linear marking, and a centerline of the linear marking lies entirely within a marking plane that is not a centerline plane of the golf ball, and wherein the edges of the marking are parallel with the marking plane.

A printing system includes: a plurality of unitary objects each having a unique identification code, a plurality of fixtures arranged on a base, and a printer controller. Each unitary object includes a uniquely-shaped three-dimensional body fixed to a plate by a connection mechanism. Each fixture includes: a fixture block defining a printing opening; and a plate guide defined in the fixture block and configured to receive the plate. A target region of the three-dimensional body is aligned within the printing opening of the fixture block when the plate is fixed within the plate guide. The printer controller is configured to: detect the unique identification code of each unitary object; and control an ink dispenser to print a unique topographical design on each aligned target region of each three-dimensional body, the unique topographical design being associated with the detected unique identification code.