An integrated vertical inkjet printer for printing on a vertical substrate, comprising: a controller; a main trolley carrying a main trolley body; and a printing assembly, comprising: a plurality of inkjet printing head assemblies mounted on a platform; a vertical telescopic tandem beam system comprising: a first printing beam, wherein said platform is slidable along said first printing beam; and a second printing beam detachably insertable between said first printing beam and said main trolley body, a first motor configured to drive said platform vertically; and a second motor configured to drive said first printing beam along said second printing beam.

A printing jig includes bases to be fitted to a printing apparatus, a first holder fittable to each of the bases, and a second holder fittable to each of the bases. The first holder is able to hold one or more first substrates. The second holder is able to hold one or more second substrates different in size from the first substrate or substrates. The first holder includes a first fitting portion to be fitted to each of the bases. The second holder includes a second fitting portion to be fitted to each of the bases. Each of the bases is structured such that the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are both fittable thereto.

A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for applying a color to an aircraft. The color for an exterior surface of the aircraft is determined by the computer system from a design of the aircraft. A position of the color in three-dimensional space is determined by the computer system. The position is in a color space coordinate system. An inkjet printer in the inkjet printers with a point cloud in the plurality of point clouds having a smallest Euclidean distance to the position of the color is selected by the computer system. The inkjet printer is used to apply the color on the exterior surface of the aircraft.

A detection segment for use in a device for printing on containers includes an image-capturing device that optically detects a container feature and a sensor interface that interfaces with a sensor that uses a code provided on a retaining-and-centering unit that holds a container to determine a rotational position of that container. A computer connects to the image-capturing device and the sensor unit. The computer determines an alignment variable based on the code and the detected container feature and then forwards this alignment variable to a printer segment on a printer module.

A geographically remote computing device transmits an image to a central computing device. The geographically remote computing device also communicates specifications of a substrate or substrates to be imaged to the central computing device. The central computing device selects a geographically remote fulfillment printer. A local, but geographically diverse distribution system is available according to the invention. The central computing device chooses the geographically remote fulfillment printer as a function of factors such as the selected image and substrate, printer capabilities, and the consumer's location. Image quality and consistency is maintained by the central computer selecting an appropriate geographically remote computing device and providing printer the appropriate instructions, rather than the instructions for printing being determined locally at the printer.

A printing system facilitates the printing of articles of manufacture. The system includes an array of printheads, a support member positioned to be parallel to a plane formed by the array of printheads, a member movably mounted to the support member, an actuator operatively connected to the movably mounted member, an object holder configured to mount to the movably mounted member, and a controller operatively connected to the plurality of printheads and the actuator. The controller is configured to operate the actuator to move the object holder past the array of printheads and to operate the plurality of printheads to eject marking material onto objects held by the object holder as the object holder passes the array of printheads. The support member and printhead array are oriented vertically to enable the printing system to be installed in a vertical cabinet that provides a small footprint in a non-production environment.

Certain examples described herein relate to printing systems and methods of operating the same. In an example of a printing system, a porosity determiner determines a porosity of a print medium and a signal generator generates a signal relating to a state of a printing fluid collector based on the porosity determined. In an example of a method of operating a printing system, a pressure measurement is obtained from a vacuum system of the printing system when a print medium is present on a media path of the printing system. This is compared to at least one predefined pressure range and, based on the comparison, an indication is provided setting out a state of a printing fluid collector.

A measurement system includes a measurement device to detect measurement information relating to a position-modifiable component of a printing station during movement thereof. A calculation unit receives the measurement information from the measurement device. The calculation unit determines actual-position data of the position-modifiable component from the measurement data received and compares it with predetermined reference-position data to determine calibration information based on the actual-position data and the reference-position data. An interface permits then permits transfer of this calibration information.

An egg printing system comprises a printer (30, 31, 32) and an endless egg conveyor (1) that is adapted to move the eggs (50) past the printer. The conveyor including an endless element running around a set of rotational wheels and a drive unit defining a conveying direction of the conveyor. The egg conveyor includes a lane of egg retaining pockets (10) coupled to the endless element, said lane of retaining pockets in use moving in the conveying direction. Each retaining pocket has a central axis and an upper receiving opening to receive an egg with a longitudinal axis of the egg generally aligned with said central axis of the pocket. The pocket has a side opening at a side thereof facing in the conveying direction and/or in the opposite direction, leaving a side surface area exposed of the egg that is received in the pocket. The retaining pockets remain in an upright position in every position in the lane. The printer is positioned at one of the head sections of the conveyor with a printing head facing the corresponding lane being directed to said side opening in the pocket to allow printing on said side surface area of the egg.

An egg printing system comprises a printer (30, 31, 32) and an endless egg conveyor (1) that is adapted to move the eggs (50) past the printer. The conveyor including an endless element running around a set of rotational wheels and a drive unit defining a conveying direction of the conveyor. The egg conveyor includes a lane of egg retaining pockets (10) coupled to the endless element, said lane of retaining pockets in use moving in the conveying direction. Each retaining pocket has a central axis and an upper receiving opening to receive an egg with a longitudinal axis of the egg generally aligned with said central axis of the pocket. The pocket has a side opening at a side thereof facing in the conveying direction and/or in the opposite direction, leaving a side surface area exposed of the egg that is received in the pocket. The retaining pockets remain in an upright position in every position in the lane. The printer is positioned at one of the head sections of the conveyor with a printing head facing the corresponding lane being directed to said side opening in the pocket to allow printing on said side surface area of the egg.