Patent ID: 6823780
Filing Date: 2004-11-30
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An apparatus for printing indicia onto a candlewick having an outer coating applied thereto, comprising:a printer operable to print indicia onto the outer coating of the candlewick; a first alignment guide positioned upstream of said printer and having a circumferential groove formed therein, said first alignment guide being rotatable about a first axis; a second alignment guide positioned downstream of said printer and having a circumferential groove formed therein, said second alignment guide being rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis, said circumferential grooves of said first and second alignment guides contacting the candlewick at spaced apart locations during movement of the candlewick relative to the printer to align the candlewick in a first direction relative to said printer; a first tension member positioned upstream of said first alignment guide; and a second tension member positioned downstream of said second alignment guide, said first and second tension members contacting the candlewick at spaced apart locations during movement of the candlewick relative to the printer so as to provide tension to the candlewick between the first and second alignment guides to align the candlewick in a second direction relative to said printer during a printing operation.