A CPU is provided which controls a first light emission state in which a light source is controlled to emit a light beam to scan a full-scanning region and a second light emission state in which the light source is controlled to emit a light beam to scan a non-image region in a period from start of activation of a scanning motor to when the number of rotations of the scanning motor reaches a target number of rotations. The CPU acquires BD cycle values of BD signals generated by a main-scanning synchronization sensor, determines a second timing for changing from the first light emission state to the second light emission state on the basis of the two serial BD cycle values, and changes the semiconductor laser from the first light emission state to the second light emission state according to the second timing.

The present invention relates to a method for marking a container comprising at least a transparent wall comprising the following steps: a) applying at least one spot of ink on an outer surface of said transparent wall, b) heating said transparent wall, c) engraving a data matrix in the spot of ink of said transparent wall. The invention also relates to a marked container and to a method for identifying such a marked container.

A system and method for performing laser marking may include identifying an event performed by a laser marking system. A laser marking unit may be driven to mark the feature on the part. The part may be illuminated with a visible illumination signal to indicate an occurrence of the event in response to identifying the event.

A set of laminates includes an outer laminate and an inner laminate, wherein the outer laminate includes a transparent polymeric support including on a first side of the support a color laser markable layer containing an infrared dye having an absorption maximum λ.sub.max(IR-1) in the infrared region; wherein the inner laminate includes a transparent polymeric support including on, a first side of the transparent polymeric support, a color laser markable layer containing an infrared dye having an absorption maximum λ.sub.max(IR-2) in the infrared region and, on a second side of the transparent polymeric support, a color laser markable layer containing an infrared dye having an absorption maximum λ.sub.max(IR-3) in the infrared region; and the conditions a) and b) are satisfied:
λ.sub.max(IR-1)>λ.sub.max(IR-2)>λ.sub.max(IR-3); and  a)
λ.sub.max(IR-1)>1100 nm and λ.sub.max(IR-3)<1000 nm.  b)

The detector that detects a light beam emitted from a light source of a second image forming device and reflected by a polygon mirror, and an adjustment device that performs adjustment processing of adjusting the velocity of the polygon mirror based on an output of the detector are provided. Before a first image forming device performs the image forming processing, the adjustment device performs the adjustment processing while causing the light source of the second image forming device to emit the light beam during a time period including at least a time period in which a photosensitive member of the second image forming device is emitted with the light beam. Before the adjustment processing is finished, the first image forming device starts to move a developing member to a developing position.

This method, intended for the marking of a receptacle (2) while it is moved along a conveying path, comprises: moving the receptacle (2) in a marking station along the conveying path; simultaneously marking a first surface region (2A) and a second surface region (2B) of the receptacle (2) while it is moved in the marking station along the conveying path, using a first laser beam (44) and a second laser beam (54) emitted in opposite directions on both sides of the receptacle, transversally to the conveying direction (X.sub.1), the first and second surface regions (2A, 2B) being arranged substantially at 180° from each other with respect to a main axis (X.sub.2) of the receptacle.

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.

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.

An electrophotographic imaging device, including at least one photoconductive member, a printhead unit, at least one shutter-wiper member, and at least one shutter actuator. The at least one shutter-wiper member is moveable in a first direction between a first position in which the shutter-wiper covers the at least one exit lens of the printhead unit and a second position in which the at least one shutter-wiper does not cover the at least one exit lens so as to allow the at least one light beam generated by the printhead unit to pass therethrough. The at least one actuator is coupled to the at least one shutter-wiper member such that movement of the at least one shutter actuator in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction causes the corresponding shutter-wiper member to move in the first direction.

An electrophotographic imaging device, including at least one photoconductive member, a printhead unit, at least one shutter-wiper member, and at least one shutter actuator. The at least one shutter-wiper member is moveable in a first direction between a first position in which the shutter-wiper covers the at least one exit lens of the printhead unit and a second position in which the at least one shutter-wiper does not cover the at least one exit lens so as to allow the at least one light beam generated by the printhead unit to pass therethrough. The at least one actuator is coupled to the at least one shutter-wiper member such that movement of the at least one shutter actuator in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction causes the corresponding shutter-wiper member to move in the first direction.