| 摘要 |
More than one, and preferably two opposed inkjet print heads direct ink droplets to opposite sides of a cylindrical elongated plastic straw containing biological products such as semen or ova. The print heads are controlled by a computer to print multiple lines of text or data as the straw is advanced by a conveyor such as dual paralled drive belts through a bridge which has a straw-directing infeed channel. The straw is discharged from the channel through an unobstructed window in the bridge which is positioned in the path of the two print heads. Downstream of the window the straw passes over portions of the bridge which form a shelf with open sides, on which the straw is supported until it is engaged by the outfeed portions of the conveyor which remove the printed straw from the bridge. The construction of the bridge ensures accurate positioning of the straw, while minimizing disturbances to the freshly applied ink. <IMAGE> |
