Multi-line straw printer

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The biological product straw printer of this invention utlizes two inkjet print heads which direct trajectory-controlled ink droplets on to opposite sides of a cylindrical elongated plastic straw.
The print heads are positioned around the circumference of the straw or opposed.
The print heads are controlled by a computer to print multiple lines of text or data as the straw is advanced at a controlled rate by dual parallel drive belts through a straw support bridge.
The support bridge has a square channel which receives a straw from the infeed portion of the drive belts.
The straw is discharged from the square 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 dual belts which remove the printed straw from the bridge.
An optical sensor detects the entry of the straw into the bridge, and printing is initiated in response to signals from the sensor.
The construction of the bridge ensures accurate positioning of the straw, while minimizing disturbances to the freshly applied ink.
By printing on both sides of a cylindrical straw, the device provides better identification of the biological products such as animal ova and semen contained therein.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide a device for printing multiple lines of data on a straw.
It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a printer which prints on at least two sides of a cylindrical straw.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a printer which automatically prints information on straws dispensed from a hopper.
It is another feature of the present invention to provide a multi-line straw printer which may be rapidly converted for printing on cylindrical straws of different diameters.
Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings