Object holder for a direct-to-object printer
First Claim
1. An object holder for retaining an object in a direct-to-object print system, the object holder comprising:
- a shuttle mount configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead of a direct-to-object print system;
at least one block of memory foam attached to the shuttle mount; and
a pump for drawing a volume of air through a hole in the foam block such that, when a vacuum is drawn through the hole, a difference in air pressure causes an object to be pressed against the block of memory foam, the foam block partially deforming to a shape of the object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
What is disclosed is an object holder for securely retaining an object while it is being printed in a direct-to-object print system and a direct-to-object print system configured to use various embodiments of the object holder of the present invention. In one embodiment, the object holder comprises a shuttle mount configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead configured to eject marking material on to a surface of an object. A memory foam is attached to the shuttle mount. A vacuum pump is used to withdraw a volume of air through a hole in the memory foam such that, a difference in air pressure causes an object to be pressed against the face of the memory foam causing the foam to partially deform to the object'"'"'s shape.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. An object holder for retaining an object in a direct-to-object print system, the object holder comprising:
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a shuttle mount configured to slideably traverse a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by at least one printhead of a direct-to-object print system; at least one block of memory foam attached to the shuttle mount; and a pump for drawing a volume of air through a hole in the foam block such that, when a vacuum is drawn through the hole, a difference in air pressure causes an object to be pressed against the block of memory foam, the foam block partially deforming to a shape of the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A direct-to-object print system for printing on a surface of an object, the direct-to-object print system comprising:
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at least one printhead configured to eject marking material on to a surface of an object; a support member positioned parallel to a plane formed by the printhead; an object holder comprising; a shuttle mount configured to slideably traverse the support member; at least one block of memory foam attached to the shuttle mount; and a pump for drawing a volume of air through a hole in the foam block such that, when a vacuum is drawn through the hole, a difference in air pressure causes an object to be pressed against the block of memory foam, the foam block partially deforming to a shape of the object; and a controller configured to cause the printhead to eject marking material onto the object held by the object holder as the object passes the printhead. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification