Patent ID: 7647867
Filing Date: 2010-01-19
Classification: B41F,B41M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for printing onto closed vial units, and wherein each of said vial units are comprised of a series of individual vials and said vial units each having an inner portion filled with a drug, and wherein said vial units each have a first side and a second side, the apparatus comprising: a conveyor belt for moving the vial units through the apparatus, said conveyor belt having spaced cleats, and wherein said first side of said vial units is facing-up on said conveyor belt in a horizontal orientation, the conveyor belt transporting the vial units through a first printing unit; the first printing unit including a first offset inking transfer device for printing a first ink pattern onto the vial units, said first side offset inking transfer device configured to print to said first side of each vial unit; the first printing unit further including a first back-up roller configured opposite said first offset inking transfer device, said first back-up roller being a cylindrical member and wherein said first back-up roller contains an indented profile placed about said cylindrical member and wherein said indented profile is reciprocal to an outer contour of each of said vial units; and a first ultra violet dryer positioned to receive the conveyor belt and vial units from the first offset inking transfer device and provide for drying of the first ink pattern from the first offset inking transfer device.