Method for printing multicolor images on edible pieces
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for printing a multicolor composite image formed from at least two component ink-laden images on a plurality of shaped confectionery pieces each having at least one non-planar surface, said method comprising:
- printing a first component ink-laden image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped confectionery pieces at a first print position;
printing a subsequent second component ink-laden image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped confectionery pieces at a second print position;
moving a transport surface including said shaped confectionery pieces from said first print position to said second print position, wherein said transport surface includes a plurality of transport recess portions each provided with at least one vacuum hole; and
positioning said shaped confectionery pieces in a predetermined location temporarily fixed laterally, longitudinally and rotationally at least in part by vacuum pressure within a respective one of said transport recess portions at least at and between the first and second print positions, to thereby maintain registration of said first component ink-laden image relative to said second component ink-laden image so as to enable said multicolor composite image to be formed.
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Abstract
Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for printing a multicolor composite image formed from at least two component ink-laden images on a plurality of shaped confectionery pieces each having at least one non-planar surface, said method comprising:
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printing a first component ink-laden image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped confectionery pieces at a first print position;
printing a subsequent second component ink-laden image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped confectionery pieces at a second print position;moving a transport surface including said shaped confectionery pieces from said first print position to said second print position, wherein said transport surface includes a plurality of transport recess portions each provided with at least one vacuum hole; and positioning said shaped confectionery pieces in a predetermined location temporarily fixed laterally, longitudinally and rotationally at least in part by vacuum pressure within a respective one of said transport recess portions at least at and between the first and second print positions, to thereby maintain registration of said first component ink-laden image relative to said second component ink-laden image so as to enable said multicolor composite image to be formed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for printing a multicolor composite image formed from at least two component images on a plurality of shaped confectionery pieces each having at least one non-planar surface, said method comprising:
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printing a first component image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped confectionery pieces at a first print position; printing a subsequent second component image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped confectionery pieces at a second print position; moving a transport surface including said shaped confectionery pieces from said first print position to said second print position, wherein said transport surface includes a plurality of transport recess portions;
positioning said shaped confectionery pieces in a predetermined location temporarily fixed within a respective one of said transport recess portions at least between the first and second print positions, to thereby maintain registration of said first component image relative to said second component image so as to enable said multicolor composite image to be formed; and
positioning a first vacuum hole at a deepest portion of each said transport recess portion, and positioning a second vacuum hole along an inclined trailing wall of each said transport recess portion.
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20. A method for printing a multicolor composite image formed from at least two component images on a plurality of shaped confectionery pieces each having at least one non-planar surface, said method comprising:
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printing a first component image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped confectionery pieces at a first print position; printing a subsequent second component image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped confectionery pieces at a second print position;
moving a transport surface including said shaped confectionery pieces from said first print position to said second print position, wherein said transport surface includes a plurality of transport recess portions;positioning said shaped confectionery pieces in a predetermined location temporarily fixed within a respective one of said transport recess portions at least between the first and second print positions, to thereby maintain registration of said first component image relative to said second component image so as to enable said multicolor composite image to be formed; and
providing each said transport recess portion with a vacuum hole positioned along an inclined trailing wall of each said transport recess portion.
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21. A method for printing a multicolor composite image formed from at least two component images on a plurality of shaped confectionery pieces each having at least one non-planar surface, said method comprising:
- printing a first component image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped confectionery pieces at a first print position;
printing a subsequent second component image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped confectionery pieces at a second print position;
moving a transport surface including said shaped confectionery pieces from said first print position to said second print position, wherein said transport surface includes a plurality of transport recess portions;
positioning said shaped confectionery pieces in a predetermined location temporarily fixed within a respective one of said transport recess portions at least between the first and second print positions, to thereby maintain registration of said first component image relative to said second component image so as to enable said multicolor composite image to be formed; and
applying a pressure differential to temporarily fix the shaped confectionery pieces in the predetermined position, wherein the applying comprises applying a relatively higher pressure differential at the first and second positions and applying a relatively lower pressure differential between the first and second print positions.
- printing a first component image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped confectionery pieces at a first print position;
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22. A method for printing a multicolor composite image formed from at least two component images on a plurality of shaped confectionery pieces each having at least one non-planar surface, said method comprising:
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printing a first component image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped confectionery pieces at a first print position; printing a subsequent second component image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped confectionery pieces at a second print position; moving a transport surface including said shaped confectionery pieces from said first print position to said second print position, wherein said transport surface includes a plurality of transport recess portions;
positioning said shaped confectionery pieces in a predetermined location temporarily fixed within a respective one of said transport recess portions at least between the first and second print positions, to thereby maintain registration of said first component image relative to said second component image so as to enable said multicolor composite image to be formed;constructing the transport surface to include a plurality of carrier bars forming an endless loop, each said carrier bar including a plurality of transport recess portions; providing a plenum chamber beneath the transport surface and in communication with a vacuum source; and dividing said plenum chamber including at least one divider that defines plenum subchambers equal in number to the plurality of said transport recess portions.
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Specification