SIMULTANEOUSLY LASER MARKING SUCCESSIVE OBJECTS ON A CONVEYOR

摘要

An apparatus for laser marking individual objects with indicia at a marking station where a predetermined window exists during which each object can be marked as the objects are conveyed along at least one path at a predetermined speed. The apparatus includes at least first and second lasers (30, 32) positioned adjacent one or more paths configured to direct a laser beam onto the objects to mark the same with indicia as the objects pass through the marking station. Each of the first and second lasers mark alternate following objects as they pass through the marking station. A first predetermined time window for marking a first object overlaps with a second predetermined time window for marking a second object so that the first and second objects are simultaneously marked in at least a common portion of the first and second predetermined time windows.