A universal object holding mechanism for holding three-dimensional objects for printing thereon uses multiple conformable balls mounted within a pattern of holes in a two part back plate. The multiple conformable balls are pressed into an object, which in turn, is pressed against a datum surface that represents desired spacing away from print heads. Vacuum is applied to the multiple conformable balls which grip the object. The multiple conformable balls are filled with particulates that cause the multiple conformable balls to become rigid when the vacuum is applied. This contributes to keeping the object from moving when it is being moved past a print head.

An apparatus is disclosed for printing images on generally cylindrical objects. The apparatus comprises an impression station that includes a movable imaging surface for bearing an ink image; and a transport mechanism for advancing the objects through the impression station, comprising a drive member rotatably connected to a plurality of rotatable mandrels, each for mounting a respective one of the objects, the transport mechanism being configured to cause each object to rotate during passage through the impression station such that, within a nip region of the impression station, the surface of the object makes rolling contact with the imaging surface, thereby causing the ink image to be impressed on the object. An impression platen is provided opposite the imaging surface within the nip region, the impression platen being configured to apply a force, directly or indirectly, to the objects to ensure rolling contact between the objects and the imaging surface.

A device (100) for arranging a marking (101) circumferentially closed around a prolate object (102) or for providing a marking (101) arrangeable circumferentially closed around a prolate object (102) is described. The object (102) is preferably a conductor. The device (100) comprises a material interface (156) to receive a printed medium (208) printed by a printer (200) as a printed product (214); a data interface (158) to communicate with the printer (200) to arrange or provide the marking (101); and at least one sensor (106) to acquire control signals that imply or indicate at least one measurand of the object (102) to be marked. The at least one sensor (106) is in data communication with the data interface (158). Further, the device (100) comprises at least one actuator (120; 122) for arranging the marking (101) on the object (102) in a circumferentially closed manner or for providing the marking for circumferentially closed arrangement, according to the communication via the data interface (158) and by means of the printed product (214) output by the printer (200).

A three-dimensional object printing method includes first operation of concurrently performing ejection of liquid toward a workpiece by a head, emission of energy toward the workpiece by an energy emitter, and movement of the head and the energy emitter with respect to the workpiece by a moving mechanism, and second operation of concurrently performing emission of energy toward the workpiece by the energy emitter and movement of the head and the energy emitter with respect to the workpiece by the moving mechanism, without performing ejection of liquid by the head. A first irradiation distance, which is a distance between the workpiece and an emission face during execution of the first operation, and a second irradiation distance, which is a distance between the workpiece and the emission face during execution of the second operation, are different from each other.

A device and method for treating several surfaces of objects, including treatment equipment for carrying out a treatment on a surface of an object; a shuttle having at least two locations configured to receive objects, which is mounted to as to be able to move between two positions, passing through intermediate positions in which the shuttle presents one surface of the objects to the treatment equipment; a first piece of handling equipment capable of placing an object in a first location when the shuttle is in its first position; a second piece of handling equipment configured to remove one object from the second location; and third piece of handling equipment configured to remove the object from the first location and turning it before placing the object in the second location.

A device for printing two-dimensional code identifiers in an intelligent manufacturing system is composed of a damping and positioning part and a two-dimensional code printing part. The invention can meet the demand for printing two-dimensional code identifiers in an intelligent manufacturing system, and has ideal effects and high efficiency. The operation is safe and reliable, with high degree of automation, and is especially suitable for mass production on the production line.

A marking system for decorating one or more workpieces includes a plurality of marking stations that can mark product images on blank workpieces to produce product workpieces, at least some of which have different sizes, shapes, materials, or a combination thereof, a control system that can select one of the plurality of marking stations and send product image data to the selected one of the plurality of marking stations, and a robotic manipulator that can transport a blank workpiece to the selected marking station under the control of the robotic manipulator. The selected marking station can mark the product image the blank workpiece based on the product image data which produces a product workpiece. The robotic manipulator can remove the product workpiece from the selected one of the plurality of marking stations.

An inkjet printing system includes: a production apparatus configured to receive an original body template and to produce a three-dimensional body based on the original body template; a metrology apparatus configured to receive the produced three-dimensional body from the production apparatus and to topographically scan the received three-dimensional body to thereby produce an updated body template of the three-dimensional body; a control apparatus in communication with the metrology apparatus; and an inkjet printing apparatus. The control apparatus is configured to receive the updated body template and to create a topographical printing design based on the updated body template. The inkjet printing apparatus is in communication with the control apparatus, and is configured to receive the three-dimensional body and apply the created topographical printing design to the three-dimensional body.

A pitch-yaw actuation system includes a pitch frame, a yaw frame, a pitch actuator, a yaw actuator, and a universal joint assembly. The pitch frame is pivotably coupled to a device frame via a pitch hinge. The yaw frame is pivotably coupled to the pitch frame via a yaw hinge. The pitch actuator pivots the pitch frame about a pitch axis. The yaw actuator pivots the yaw frame about a yaw axis oriented orthogonal to the pitch axis. The universal joint assembly couples the yaw actuator to the yaw frame, and includes a universal joint slidably coupled to a linear guide mechanism. The guide mechanism axis is oriented at an angle that allows the universal joint to move in a manner accommodating misalignment of the yaw actuator with the yaw frame during pivoting of at least one of the pitch frame and the yaw frame.

A device actuation system for actuating a treatment device includes a first drive gear rotatably mountable to the treatment device, a coupler rail slidably mountable to the treatment device, a second drive gear rotatably mountable to the coupler rail, and a coupler gear rotatably mountable to the treatment device and engageable with the coupler rail. In addition, the device actuation system includes a drive rail locatable between the first drive gear and the second drive gear of the gear system. The coupler gear is rotatable to move the coupler rail in a manner maintaining the second drive gear in continuous engagement with the drive rail against the first drive gear. The first drive gear and the second drive gear are rotatable in a manner causing at least one of translation and rotation of the treatment device relative to the drive rail.