Patent Publication Number: US-2023158818-A1

Title: Technique for marking an object

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a U.S. National Phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2020/077975, filed on Oct. 6, 2020, and claims benefit to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2019 127 153.3, filed on Oct. 9, 2019. The International Application was published in German on Apr. 15, 2021 as WO/2021/069427 under PCT Article 21(2). 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The invention relates to a technique for marking an object, for example a conductor. In particular, the invention relates to a device for providing a marking originating from a printed product that is arranged or arrangeable around an object. 
     BACKGROUND 
     For marking electrical conductors conventional label printers are used, for example, which print a label that has to be subsequently mounted on the conductor by manual work after the printing. The document US 2003/146943 A1 describes a printer that alternately prints and cuts a label. 
     Furthermore, special printers are known which may be used for conductor labeling. The document US 2004/0211522 A1 describes a device that winds a pre-printed wrap-around label, which is on a spindle roll, around a conductor. The document US 2008/0073023 A1 discloses a monolithic printing system for printing and applying wrap-around labels. The document EP 1468922 A1 also describes a printing system that may apply a wrap-around label around a conductor. 
     Such conventional printing systems can only print certain labels and apply them using an integrated automated application. No other printing applications are possible with such conventional printing systems. 
     If the functionality required for the application is shifted to a unit that can be separated from the printer, this extends the conveying path from a material interface where the printed product is transferred to the separable unit. This means that the printer must output the printed product unprinted beyond an end of the printing until the printed product reaches a processing position where the separable unit may begin application. However, since in many printing systems a printing material (for example, a color ribbon) and a print medium (i.e., the material on which is printed) are fed in parallel, the additional feed path without printing means that the printing material is wasted. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, the present invention provides a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object, comprising: a mechanical interface configured to releasably or irreversibly mount the device to a printer; a material interface configured to receive a print medium, which is printed by the printer using a print head, as a printed product in a longitudinal direction; at least one eccentric supported at the material interface to be pivotable about a pivot axis; and at least one print head actuator configured to move the at least one eccentric to a first pivot position and to a second pivot position different from the first pivot position to provide the marking originating from the printed product, wherein the eccentric is configured, in a state of the device mounted to the printer using the mechanical interface, to move the print head and the print medium towards each other into a printing position for printing the print medium when the eccentric moves into the first pivot position, and to move the print head and the print medium away from each other into an open position when the eccentric moves into the second pivot position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Other features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate the following: 
         FIG.  1 A  a schematic sectional view of a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object according to a first embodiment in a first pivot position and an embodiment of a printer in a printing position corresponding to the first pivot position; 
         FIG.  1 B  a schematic sectional view of the device according to the first embodiment in a second pivot position and of the embodiment of the printer in an open position corresponding to the second pivot position; 
         FIG.  2 A  a schematic sectional view of a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object according to a second embodiment in a first pivot position and of an embodiment of a printer in a printing position corresponding to the first pivot position; 
         FIG.  2 B  a schematic sectional view of the device according to the second embodiment in a second pivot position and of the embodiment of the printer in an open position corresponding to the second pivot position; 
         FIG.  3 A  a schematic perspective view of a part of a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object according to a third embodiment in a first pivot position and of an embodiment of a printer in a printing position corresponding to the first pivot position; 
         FIG.  3 B  a schematic perspective view of a part of the device according to the third embodiment in a second pivot position and of the embodiment of the printer in an open position corresponding to the second pivot position; 
         FIG.  4    a schematic sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object, mounted on an embodiment of a printer; 
         FIG.  5    a schematic sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object in a first state; 
         FIG.  6 A  a schematic sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the device in a second state; 
         FIG.  6 B  a schematic sectional view of a variant of the fifth embodiment of the device in a second state; 
         FIG.  7    a schematic sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object in a first state; 
         FIG.  8    a schematic sectional view of the sixth embodiment of the device in a second state; 
         FIG.  9    a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a printer as a thermal transfer printer, which can be combined with any embodiment of the device; 
         FIG.  10 A  a schematic perspective view of an exemplary printing system comprising an embodiment of the printer and an embodiment of the device for providing a marking in a mounted position; and 
         FIG.  10 B  a schematic perspective view of the exemplary printing system of  FIG.  10 A  in a disassembled position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In an embodiment, the present invention provides a device for a printing system preferably with the size and portability of a desktop device, so that the system may be converted in a short time to different applications of object marking, preferably different applications of conductor marking. An embodiment provides a convertible printing system that does not comprise increased material consumption compared to an integral system. 
     One aspect relates to a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object, preferably a conductor. The device comprises a mechanical interface configured to releasably or irreversibly mount the device to a printer; a material interface configured to receive, as a printed product in a longitudinal direction, a print medium printed by the printer using a print head; at least one eccentric mounted on the material interface so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis; and at least one print head actuator configured to move the at least one eccentric into a first pivot position and into a second pivot position different from the first pivot position in order to provide the marking originating from the printed product. In the state of the device mounted to the printer using the mechanical interface, the eccentric is configured to move the print head and the print medium towards each other into a printing position for printing the print medium when moving into the first pivot position of the eccentric, and to move the print head and the print medium away from each other into an open position when moving into the second pivot position of the eccentric. 
     The device may be a device for circumferentially arranging a printed marking around a prolate object, preferably around a conductor. 
     The device may be configured as an applicator, a front module or front attachment of the printer, in particular of a thermal transfer printer. The device may be exchangeable. Each of a plurality of different embodiments of the device may be selectively attachable to the same printer. 
     For example, in the first pivot position, the eccentric may lower the print head onto the print medium. In the second pivot position, the eccentric may lift the print head off the print medium. 
     In one embodiment, the motion to the open position (for example, lifting off) of the print head may save the printing material when the print medium is fed in the longitudinal direction (i.e., an output at the material interface). In the same or another embodiment, the motion into the open position (for example, by lifting off) of the print head during a retraction (i.e., a retraction) of the printing material may prevent warping or crumpling of the printing material. 
     The printing material may rest in the open position while the print medium moves in the longitudinal direction (for example, using a print roller). During feed or advance, the print medium may be advanced (i.e., moved from the printer to the device). During retraction, the print medium may be retracted (i.e., moved from the device to the printer). 
     The print medium may be guided on a print roller. The first pivot position of the eccentric may correspond to the printing position (also: closed position) of the print head with respect to the print roller. The second pivot position of the eccentric may correspond to an open position of the print head with respect to the print roller. The material interface may be configured to receive the print medium printed on the print roller by the printer using the print head as a printed product. 
     A printing material, preferably a color ribbon, may be guided in the longitudinal direction between the print head and the print medium, preferably using a print roller. The printing material may abut the print head in the printing position and in the open position. 
     In the printing position, the printing material may abut the print medium and/or be mechanically coupled to the print medium in the longitudinal direction without slippage. In the open position, the printing material may be lifted off the print medium and/or mechanically decoupled. 
     The pivot axis may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Alternatively or additionally, the pivot axis may be parallel to a plane of the printed product, parallel to a pivot axis of the print head, and/or parallel to an axis of rotation of the print roller. 
     The print head may be force-loaded or subject to a mechanical force, for example with a preload (or pretension or bias) from the open position to the printing position. In the second pivot position, the at least one eccentric may move the print head into the open position against the preload. The at least one eccentric may release the print head in the first pivot position for motion into the printing position. 
     In the second pivot position, the at least one eccentric may abut the print head, with a support surface eccentric to the pivot axis, on a side facing the material interface and/or the print roller. 
     Alternatively, the print head may be force-loaded or subject to a mechanical force with a preload (or bias) from the printing position to the open position. In the first pivot position, the at least one eccentric may move the print head into the printing position against the preload. In the second pivot position, the at least one eccentric may release the print head for motion into the open position. 
     In the first pivot position, the at least one eccentric may abut the print head, with a support surface eccentric to the pivot axis, on a side facing away from the material interface and/or the print roller. 
     The device may further comprise a suspension extending beyond the material interface and extending into the printer when the device is in the mounted state using the mechanical interface. The at least one eccentric may be pivotally arranged on the suspension. 
     The suspension may comprise at least two bolts parallel to each other. At a free-standing end of each bolt, a pivot bearing may support a shaft so that it can pivot about the pivot axis. The at least one eccentric may be arranged on the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The print head actuator may be coupled to the shaft for pivotal movement of the at least one eccentric. 
     The at least one eccentric may also be referred to as a tappet or rotary tappet. The at least one eccentric may be connected to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner and arranged to lower the print head of the printer onto the print medium in the first pivot position for printing the print medium and to lift off the print head from the print medium or release it against a preload in the second pivot position of the shaft. 
     The device may be removably mounted to the mechanical interface with the printer. The data interface may be configured to communicate with the printer to provide (preferably apply) the marking. At the material interface, the device may receive the printed product (i.e., the print medium printed by the printer) that comprises the marking. 
     The device may further comprise a printing signal interface configured to detect or transmit a control signal for outputting the printed product. Alternatively or additionally, the device may comprise at least one sensor configured to detect a control signal for providing the marking. 
     The device may further comprise at least one further actuator (which may also be referred to as a provisioning actuator), which is configured to arrange the marking on the object in a circumferentially closed manner or to provide the marking for circumferentially closed arrangement, using the printed product output by the printer. For example, the at least one further actuator may be configured to arrange the marking on the object in a circumferentially closed manner or to provide it for circumferentially closed arrangement by means of the printed product output by the printer, depending on the control signal for outputting the printed product and/or the control signal for providing the marking. 
     The device may be a device for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable in a closed manner around a prolate object (preferably around a conductor). 
     The device may further comprise a control unit (in short: control system) or a regulating unit (in short: regulation). The control unit or regulating unit may be configured to move the eccentric into the second pivot position using the actuator prior to a feed of the printed product to a cutting position and/or prior to a retraction of the printed product already dispensed at the material interface and/or prior to a retraction of the print medium already dispensed at the material interface and still unprinted. Alternatively or additionally, the device may be configured to move the eccentric to the first pivot position using the actuator, for example after retraction of the printed product or the still unprinted print medium. 
     The control unit or regulating unit may be configured to send instructions to the printer via the data interface to feed and/or retract (i.e., pull back) the print medium and/or receive instructions to control the print head actuator of the printing position and/or the open position. 
     The control unit or the regulating unit may be configured to control or regulate the print head actuator for pivoting the eccentric, for example to the first or second pivot position, synchronously with or in coordination with the feed and/or retraction of the print medium. The control unit or the regulating unit may be configured to synchronize, via the data interface, an alternating operation of the at least one further actuator and the printer for providing (for example, applying) the marking. 
     The printer may receive an identifier or label via an interface (e.g., a network interface or a serial interface). The printer may be configured to print the received identifier or label onto the print medium using a printing material. The printing material may comprise a color ribbon, such as for thermal transfer printing. The printing medium (i.e., a substrate or printing material) may be a plastic film, for example for heat sealing or welding, or a heat shrink tube. The printed product may comprise the print medium printed using the printing material. 
     At the material interface, the printed medium (i.e., the printed product) printed using the printing material may be output by the printer. The printer may be configured to deliver the printed product to the device at the material interface, for example in response to communication between the printer and the device and/or a detection of the object to be marked. 
     The providing may comprise arranging the marking on the prolate object, preferably arranging the marking circumferentially about a longitudinal axis of the prolate object. The at least one actuator may be configured to circumferentially arrange the printed marking about a longitudinal axis of the object. 
     For example, the actuator may arrange or provide the marking when the control signal of the printing signal interface indicates the output of the printed product at the material interface and the control signal of the sensor indicates the presence of the object or a desired use to provide the marking. 
     The device and the printer may be arranged side by side, for example without a direct mechanical connection. For example, the printer and device may each be arranged in a stationary and/or non-slip manner on the same work surface. For example, a material interface of the printer may be aligned or in register with the material location of the device. There may be a clear gap between the printer and the device during operation. 
     The mounting may be irreversible, for example comprising a connection with a material bond. Alternatively, the device may be removably mounted to the printer, for example, may be non-destructively detachable, and/or may be mountable and/or detachable without tools. 
     The at least one sensor of the control signal for providing the marking may be configured to detect the object, preferably to detect a presence, a position, and/or a size of the object. 
     The control signal for providing the marking may indicate the presence (i.e., the availability), the position, and/or the size of the object. The position may comprise a location and/or orientation of the object (for example, a longitudinal axis of the object). The size may comprise a length (for example, along the longitudinal axis), a width, a diameter, and/or a circumference of the object. 
     The at least one sensor of the control signal for providing the marking may detect the object without contact. 
     The at least one sensor of the marking provision control signal may comprise a pushbutton. The marking provision control signal may indicate an actuation of the button (also: provision request). 
     The control signal for providing the marking may indicate a user request for providing the marking. The control signal for providing the marking may be a trigger signal. The actuator may be configured to arrange the marking on the object in a closed-loop manner or to provide the marking in a closed-loop manner in response to detecting the object and/or detecting the trigger signal. 
     The button may be a foot switch or a hand switch. 
     The printing signal interface may comprise a sensor configured to detect the printed product output by the printer, preferably to detect a presence, a position, and/or a feed of the output printed product. 
     The sensor for detecting the output of the printed product (also: sensor for detecting the output printed product or in short: sensor for detecting the printed product or printed product detection sensor) may be arranged at the material interface. The printed product detection sensor may detect the printed product without contact. 
     The at least one sensor may further comprise a sensor for detecting the printed product output from the printer. Detecting the printed product may comprise detecting the presence, a position (e.g., location and/or orientation), and/or a size (e.g., length and/or diameter) of the printed product. 
     Alternatively or additionally, the printing signal interface may comprise a data interface configured to communicate, preferably bidirectionally, with the printer for providing or arranging the marking. 
     The at least one actuator may be configured to (for example, in response to detecting the object and/or the trigger signal) process, in communication with the printer, the printed product output from the printer for marking and arrange the marking on the object or provide the marking for the arrangement. 
     The bidirectional communication may comprise receiving the control signal for outputting the printed product from the printer and sending a control signal for requesting output of the printed product to the printer. For example, the control signal for providing the marking may be forwarded to the printer as a request for output of the printed product via the data interface. 
     The printer may be configured to deliver the printed product to the device at the material interface, for example, in accordance with bidirectional communication and/or in response to the control signal to provide the marking. 
     The data interface may be configured for wireless communication, preferably using radio signals, infrared signals, and/or near-field communication. 
     The data interface may be configured to synchronize or coordinate an alternating and/or event-driven operation of the at least one actuator and the printer to provide or arrange the marking. 
     For example, a feed of the printed product executed by the printer may be alternately executed, synchronized and/or coordinated with cutting, folding and/or turning of the output printed product. The respective sub-steps executed during alternating and/or event-driven operation by the device or the printer for providing or arranging the marking may also be referred to as actions. The coordination of the sub-steps may also be referred to as action coordination. 
     The data interface may be configured to allow the printer to control the at least one actuator of the device, to read control signals from the at least one sensor and/or the printing signal interface of the device, and/or to read an identifier stored in the device. 
     The at least one actuator of the device may be controllable on the printer side using the data interface. Alternatively or additionally, measured values of the at least one sensor of the device may be interrogated using the data interface. 
     The data interface may be electrically connected within the device to the at least one actuator and/or the at least one sensor. 
     The data interface may be configured to receive control commands for controlling or regulating the at least one actuator from the printer and/or to send control commands for controlling or regulating the printer to the printer based on the control signals from the at least one sensor and/or the printing signal interface. 
     The data interface may be electrically connected to the at least one actuator and/or the at least one sensor within the device via a control unit and/or a regulating unit. The control unit and/or regulating unit may determine parameters of the applicator from the detected measured values. The control commands sent to the printer may comprise the parameters and/or control the printer according to the parameters. 
     The data interface may be configured to send control signals (for example, control commands and/or confirmation messages) from the at least one sensor and/or the printing signal interface, and/or parameters determined from the (aforementioned) control signals, to the printer for providing or arranging the marking. 
     The device may further comprise a control unit or regulating unit configured to control or regulate the at least one actuator of the device depending on the control signals of the at least one sensor, measured values of the printer received via the data interface, confirmation messages of the printer received via the data interface, and/or control commands of the printer received via the data interface for arranging or providing the marking. 
     The control unit or regulating unit may be further configured to obtain a control command from the printer via the data interface, execute control or regulation of the at least one actuator in accordance with the control command, and send feedback to the printer via the data interface in response to completion of execution of the control command. 
     The feedback may comprise a confirmation of the (for example successful) completion of the execution of the control command or an error message regarding an error during the execution of the control command. For example, the feedback may inform the printer that a defined state of the device has been reached, such as an end position of the at least one actuator. 
     The control unit or regulating unit may further be configured to determine a parameter of the arranging based on the control signal detected using the at least one sensor, and to send the determined parameter to the printer via the data interface. 
     The detected control signal may indicate a diameter or circumference of the object. The determined parameter may specify a length of a feed or a retraction of the printed product. 
     A control command sent from the device to the printer via the data interface may initiate the feed (or advance) or retract. 
     The control unit or regulating unit may autonomously perform the providing or arranging of the marking, or a substep of providing or arranging the marking, in accordance with the control command during the period between obtaining the control command from the printer and sending the feedback to the printer. 
     The device may further comprise an electrical interface configured to supply electrical power to the device via the printer. 
     The data interface and/or the electrical interface may be arranged relative to the mechanical interface to contact the printer for communication or supply of electrical power when the device is mounted to the printer using the mechanical interface. 
     The data interface may be arranged relative to the mechanical interface to contact the printer for communication when the device is mounted to the printer using the mechanical interface. The electrical interface may be arranged relative to the mechanical interface to contact the printer for power when the device is mounted to the printer using the mechanical interface. For example, mounting the device to the printer using the mechanical interface may cause contacts of the data interface and/or the electrical interface to come into contact. 
     The object may comprise a conductor or be a conductor. The conductor may be a current conductor or a light guide. 
     The mechanical interface may comprise a centering pin or an opening for receiving a centering pin and/or a lever and an eccentric connected to the lever in a rotationally fixed manner, which is configured for mounting the device to the printer without screws and/or without tools. 
     Another aspect relates to a system (also: printing system) for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable around an object, preferably around a conductor. The system comprises a printer, preferably a thermal transfer printer, configured to output, as a printed product in a longitudinal direction, a print medium printed using a print head. Furthermore, the system comprises a device according to an embodiment of the device aspect, wherein in the state of the device mounted to the printer using the mechanical interface, the material interface is arranged relative to the printer to receive the printed product output by the printer. 
     The system may be a printing system for providing a marking arranged or arrangeable in a closed loop around a prolate object, preferably around a conductor. 
     Embodiments of the device enable a modular system (also: printing system) that may be based on a single printer, for example a desktop device, so that this printer may be converted in a short time or a few steps to the different applications of object marking, preferably conductor marking. For example, a user may quickly and easily form a system from a normal or application-unspecific label printer for assisting in applying a marking (for example, a label) to the prolate object to be marked, preferably the conductor to be marked. 
     The terms application and applying (preferably as a process step) may be interpreted herein synonymously or interchangeably. The terms arrangement and arranging may (preferably as a process step) be interpreted herein synonymously or interchangeably. 
     Applying the marking to the prolate object (preferably to the conductor) may comprise arranging the marking on the prolate object. Providing the marking circumferentially arranged or arrangeable closed around the prolate object (preferably around the conductor) may comprise cutting (preferably trimming) the printed product. 
     The prolate object may be an elongated object. At least in sections, the prolate object may be a (for example general) cylinder, preferably a circular cylinder or a prism. 
     The prolate object may comprise a longitudinal axis. An extent of the object in the direction of the longitudinal axis may be greater (for example, several times greater) than one or any extent of the object transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     The prolate object may be a conductor, a tube, a vessel, or a housing. The conductor may be an elongated object for conducting signals or substances. For example, the conductor may be an elongated object for conducting electrical current and/or electromagnetic radiation (preferably light). The vessel may be a test tube or a sample tube, for example for holding and/or transporting a fluid. 
     The conductor may comprise an electrical conductor and/or an optical fiber. 
     The conductor may comprise one core (or wire or line) or two, at least two, three or more cores (or wires or lines) electrically insulated or optically decoupled from each other. The cores (or wires or lines) may extend parallel to each other or may be twisted together (for example in pairs). 
     The conductor may be a single, multiple, fine and/or superfine stranded conductor (or wire or line). The conductor may be a cable, cable bundle and/or ribbon cable. The conductor may be a light guide (also: light guide cable). The conductor may be a tube and/or a fluid line. 
     The conductor may be a cylindrical body and/or a non-rotationally symmetrical elongated body. The conduction of the signals or substances may be directed along a longitudinal axis of the conductor and/or extend between ends of the conductor. 
     By allowing embodiments of the device for a specific application to be attached to a printer that is not specific to the application, special printers for the respective application, and thus costs, may be avoided and/or resources may be used more effectively. For example, a utilization rate of the printer may be increased as a result. The same or further embodiments of the device may reduce a downstream manual effort in mounting the printing materials on the objects to be marked. 
       FIG.  1 A  shows a first embodiment of a device generally designated by reference numeral  100  for providing (for example, dispensing, arranging, and/or applying) a marking  101  arranged or arrangeable around an object, preferably a prolate object or conductor. The marking  101  is preferably arranged or arrangeable in a closed circumferential manner around the object, for example, circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the prolate object or conductor. 
     The device  100  is described and shown in the context of an embodiment of a printer generally designated by reference numeral  200 . The embodiments of the device  100  and the printer  200  form one embodiment of a printing system. In principle, various embodiments of the printer  200  may be combinable with an embodiment of the device  100 , and/or various embodiments of the device  100  may be combinable with an embodiment of the printer  200 . 
     The first embodiment of the device  100  shown in  FIG.  1 A  for providing a marking  101  arranged or arrangeable around an object (preferably around a conductor) comprises a mechanical interface  152  for releasably (for example, removably or demountably) or irreversibly (for example, adhesively) mounting the device  100  to a printer  200 . A material interface  156  of the device  100  is configured to receive a print medium  208  printed by the printer  200  using a print head  202  as a printed product  214  in a longitudinal direction  210 . 
     Mechanical interface  152  and material interface  156  of device  100  may correspond to a mechanical interface  252  for mounting device  100  and a material interface  256  of printer  200  for outputting printed product  214 . 
     The printer  200  may comprise a roller  216  from which the print medium  208  may be removed or taken during a feed of the print medium  208  in the longitudinal direction  210  (for example, for printing in the printing position of the print head  202  or a non-printing feed in the open position of the print head  202 ). 
     Furthermore, the device  100  comprises at least one eccentric  140  mounted on the material interface  156  so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis  142  and at least one print head actuator  141  (in short: actuator, for example an electric motor) configured to move the at least one eccentric  140  into a first pivot position and into a second pivot position different from the first pivot position when the marking  101  is provided originating from the printed product  214 . The eccentric  140  is configured to, in the state of the device  100  mounted to the printer  200  using the mechanical interface  152 , move the print head  202  and the print medium  208  toward each other into a printing position for printing on the print medium  208  when the eccentric  140  moves into the first pivot position, and to move the print head  202  and the print medium  208  away from each other into an open position when the eccentric  140  moves into the second pivot position. 
     Optionally, in the first pivot position, the eccentric  140  transmits a force to the print head  202  of the printer  200  that moves the print head  202  into the printing position or holds it in the printing position. This may not be necessary, for example, in the first embodiment of the device  100  in  FIG.  1 A , if the print head  202  is prestressed (or biased) into the first pivot position. 
     In the second pivot position, the eccentric  140  optionally transmits a motion to the print head  202  of the printer  200  that moves the print head  202  to the open position or holds it in the open position. This is exemplified based on  FIG.  1 B  for the first embodiment of the device  100  with the eccentric  140  in the second pivot position. 
     Optionally, the device  100  comprises a printing signal interface configured to detect a control signal for outputting the printed product  214 . For example, the printing signal interface may comprise a sensor generally designated herein by reference numeral  104  and/or a data interface generally designated herein by reference numeral  158 . The sensor  104  may generate a corresponding control signal in response to the output of the printed product  214 . The data interface  158  of the device  100  may receive the control signal from the printer  200  to output the printed product  214 . 
     The data interface  158  of the device  100  may correspond to a data interface  258  of the printer  200 . 
     Optionally, the device  100  may comprise at least one sensor  106  configured to detect a control signal for providing the marking  101 . The sensor  106  may comprise a sensor configured to output the provisioning control signal in response to the presence of the object  102 . Alternatively or additionally, the sensor  106  may comprise a button configured to detect a provisioning request from a user. 
     Preferably, the device  100  comprises at least one providing actuator (in short: actuator, for example at least one of the first and second actuators generally designated herein by reference numerals  120  and  122 , respectively) configured to arrange the marking  101  on the object  102  in a circumferentially closed manner or to provide the marking  101  for circumferentially closed arrangement, depending on the control signal for outputting the printed product  214  and the control signal for providing the marking  101  by means of the printed product  214  output by the printer  200 . 
     For example, the printing signal interface comprises a data interface  158  configured to communicate with the printer  200  for providing the printed marking  101 . The control signal for outputting the printed product  214  may be received by the printer  200  (for example, its control system). Alternatively or additionally, the printing signal interface comprises a sensor  104  configured to detect the output of the printed product  214 . 
     For example, the sensor  106  of the device  100  is configured to detect the object  102 , preferably the conductor (for example, its presence and/or size, preferably width or diameter). Alternatively or additionally, the sensor  106  comprises a pushbutton whose actuation initiates the provisioning. 
     Through the material interface  156 , the device  100  receives the printed product  214  output by the printer  200 . The at least one provisioning actuator (for example, at least one of the actuators generally designated herein by reference numerals  120  and  122 ) of the device  100  may be configured (preferably controlled) to provide the marking  101  and/or apply (for example, arrange) the marking  101  to the object  102  (preferably the conductor) using the printed product  214  output by the printer  200  in response to communication with the printer  200  (for example, via the data interface  158 ) and/or detection of the object  102  (preferably the conductor), for example, using the sensor  106 . 
     The first embodiment of the device  100  shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  is mounted to an embodiment of the printer generally designated by reference numeral  200 . 
     While the embodiment of the printer  200  is shown and described in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  in connection with the first embodiment of the device  100 , any or all of the further embodiments of the device  100  may also be attachable (preferably alternately) to the embodiment of the printer  200 . 
     The embodiment of the printer  200  comprises a print head  202 . For example, the print head  202  is pivotable about a pivot axis  203  between the open position and the printing position. Preferably, the printer  200  comprises a print roller  204 . In the open position, print head  202  and print roller  204  may be spaced apart. In the closed position, the print head  202  and the print roller  204  may abut each other (for example, except for the print medium  208  and/or the printing material  206 ). 
     In a first group of embodiments, the print head  202  is pretensioned (or biased) from the open position towards the printing position using a resilient element, for example according to the first embodiment. A support surface of the eccentric  140  may abut on a side of the print head  202  facing the printing position and/or abut on a side of the print head  202  facing away from the open position, in the second pivot position of the eccentric  140 . 
     In a second group of embodiments, the print head  202  is pretensioned (or biased) from the printing position towards the open position using a resilient element, for example according to the second embodiment described below. A support surface of the eccentric  140  may abut on a side of the print head  202  facing the open position and/or abut on a side of the print head  202  facing away from the printing position in the first pivot position of the eccentric  140 . 
     In a third group of embodiments, the print head  202  is mechanically bistable with respect to the printing position and the open position. During motion to the first pivot position, the eccentric  140  may move the print head  202  toward the printing position via a tipping point between the printing position and the open position, whereupon the print head  202  assumes the printing position. During the motion into the second pivot position, the eccentric  140  may move the print head  202  over the tipping point towards the open position, whereupon the print head  202  assumes the open position. 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  illustrate a second embodiment of the device  100  in the first and second pivot positions, respectively. The second embodiment may be implemented independently or as a further development of the first embodiment. 
     For clarity, the eccentric  140  and its pivot axis  142  are drawn without the print head actuator  141  (in short: actuator  141 ) in the following figures. In any embodiment, the actuator  141  may be coupled to the eccentric  140  for leg movement via a chain drive or belt drive (for example, as shown schematically in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B ), or may be arranged directly on the pivot axis  142  for leg movement of the eccentric  140 . 
     The device  100  comprises a suspension  144  for pivotally supporting the eccentric  140 . The eccentric  140  is pivotally supported on the suspension  144  about the pivot axis  142 . Preferably, the suspension  144  cantilevers at the material interface  156 . 
     The pivot axis  142  of the eccentric  140  is arranged at an end of the suspension  144  spaced from the device  100 . The pivot axis  142  of the eccentric  140  is external to a housing of the device  100  and/or, when mounted (i.e., mounted) to the material interface  156 , is internal to the printer  200 . 
     For example, the suspension comprises two mutually parallel bolts arranged at the material interface  156  and extending parallel to each other. At the end spaced from the material interface  156 , the bolts may each comprise a bearing. The bearings may support a shaft on which at least one eccentric  140  is arranged. 
     As shown schematically in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the suspension  144  may allow the at least one eccentric  140  to abut the print head  202  on a side away from the material interface  156 . This allows, for example, motion of the print head  202  biased from the printing position to the open position by the at least one eccentric  140 . 
       FIG.  3 A  shows a perspective view of a portion of the device  100  according to a third embodiment in the first pivot position of the eccentric  140 . The device  100  is mounted to an embodiment of the printer  200 . The print head  202  is in a printing position corresponding to the first pivot position of the eccentric  140 .  FIG.  3 B  shows the portion of the device  100  according to the third embodiment in the second pivot position of the eccentric  140 . The print head  202  of the embodiment of the printer  200  is in an open position corresponding to the second pivot position of the eccentric  140 . 
     In any of the embodiments, the device  100 , preferably a control system of the device  100 , is capable of moving the print head  202  between the printing position and the open position, for example lifting it off the print roller  204 , through the eccentric  140  and its actuator  141 . 
     As a result, it is not necessary to adapt the printer  200  to the function of the device  100 . For example, conventional printers  200  that are not configured to provide automatic motion of the print head  202  may be used with the device  100  (for example, an applicator  100 ) to provide (for example, apply) the marking  101 . 
     In the conventional printer  200  shown in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the print head  202  may be raised manually by the operator. For this purpose, a lever  148  connected to a shaft in a rotationally fixed manner is provided. Manual tappets are arranged on the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, which move the print head  202  into the open position ( FIG.  3 B ) or printing position ( FIG.  3 A ). This is necessary, for example, to insert the print medium  208  or the printing material  206  (for example, a color ribbon). 
     In order to save the printing material  206  (for example, the color ribbon) during feed (i.e., advancing) of the print medium  208  and/or to prevent wrinkling of the printing material  206  (for example, the color ribbon) during retraction (i.e., retracting), the device  100  may use the actuator  141  and the eccentric  140  to move the print head  202  from the printing position to the open position, for example, to raise it by a motor. 
     For this purpose, the lever  148  remains in the position that corresponds to the open position when the print head  202  is operated manually. 
     Since a motor integrated into the printer  200  for lifting off the print head  202  would incur costs, and since this motor is not required in all applications, there are printers (such as the one shown in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B ) without the function of lifting off the print head  202  by motor. 
     In order to lift the print head  202  by motor in these printers  200  as well the actuator  141  and the eccentric  140  may be incorporated in the applicator  100  itself, i.e. according to an embodiment of the device  100 . 
     The third embodiment partially shown in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  comprises a shaft  146  rotatably mounted at two spaced positions on a respective suspension  144 . The at least one eccentric  140  is non-rotatably arranged on the shaft  146  as a tappet. The shaft  146  and the actuator  141  (for example, an electric motor) are thereby mounted on a base plate of the applicator  100 . The base plate comprises the mechanical interface  152  and/or an opening corresponding to the material interface  156 , so that when the applicator  100  is mounted on the printer  200  (for example, without its own drive for lifting the print head), a function is available for automatically moving the print head  202  between the open position and the printing position. 
     The function for automatic motion of the print head  202  between the open position and the printing position may, for example, be used or controlled by a control system of the applicator  100  and/or a control system of the printer when providing (for example, applying) the marking  101 . 
     For a concise description, and without limitation of the prolate object  102 , a conductor is described below as an example of the prolate object  102 . 
     Preferably, each embodiment of the device  100  further comprises an electrical interface  154  for supplying power to the device  100  via the printer  200 . Alternatively or additionally, the device  100  may comprise its own power supply, such as a power supply for connection to a power grid or a rechargeable electrical energy storage device (such as a secondary cell). 
     Optionally, each embodiment of the device  100  comprises a control unit  130  or regulating unit  130  configured to control or regulate the at least one or each actuator (for example, the actuator  120 ,  122  and/or  141 ) of the device  100 , for example, according to a controlled variable whose actual value is detected by the sensor  106  as measured values. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit  130  or the regulating unit  130  may be configured to detect the measured values of the at least one sensor  104  and/or  106  and send them to the printer  200  via the data interface  158 . Alternatively or additionally, the control unit  130  or the regulating unit  130  may be configured to receive control commands for controlling or regulating the at least one actuator (for example, the actuator  120 ,  122 , and/or  141 ) from the printer  200  via the data interface  158  and/or to send control commands for controlling or regulating the printer  200  to the printer  200  based on measured values of the at least one sensor  106 . 
     The printed product  214  may be a print medium  208  printed by the printer  200 . The print medium  208  may be a printable tape (preferably plastic tape or adhesive tape) or a printable film (preferably plastic film or adhesive film). The printable film may comprise a self-adhesive layer on a side opposite the printing, or may be heat-sealable to itself (preferably end-to-end) and/or the conductor. Alternatively or additionally, the print medium  208  may comprise a tube (for example, a shrink tube). 
     The first actuator  120  (also: cutting unit) may be configured to cut the printed product  214 . The cutting unit may be configured to cut through the printed product  214  in a transverse direction  121  transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction of the printed product  214 . Alternatively or additionally, the second actuator  122  may be configured to provide the cut printed product  214 , preferably to arrange it on the conductor. 
     The transverse direction  121  may be parallel to the pivot axis  142  of the eccentric  140 . 
     The marking  101  may comprise a portion of the printed product  214 , such as a portion of the printed product  214  cut or arranged by the device  100  using the at least one actuator  120  and/or  122 . The marking  101  may also be referred to as a label. 
     The marking  101  may be a printed wrap-around label, a printed flag label, or a printed section of the tube. 
     The application of the marking  101  to the conductor  102  may comprise a material connection of the marking  101  to the conductor  102 . For this purpose, the marking  101  may be self-adhesive or bondable by heat. For example, the marking  101  may be a flag label that is wrapped around the conductor  102  during application and connected to itself in a two-dimensional manner at both ends of the marking  101 . In another example, the marking  101  may be a wraparound label that is wrapped around the conductor  102  and connected to itself in a two-dimensional manner during application. Alternatively or additionally, applying the marking  101  to the conductor  102  may comprise a positively (for example, displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the conductor) connection of the marking  101  to the conductor  102 . For this purpose, the marking  101  may comprise a tube (for example, a shrink tube) and/or a film (for example, a weldable thermoplastic film) that can be bonded to itself at the ends (preferably by the action of heat). 
     Applying the marking  101  to the conductor  102  using the at least one actuator  120  may comprise opening the tube and/or sliding the tube (for example, the shrink tube) onto the conductor  102  as the marking  101 , wrapping the conductor  102  with the marking  101 , wrapping the marking  101  around the conductor  102  and closing the marking  101  as a flag label, inserting the marking  101  into a transparent grommet on the conductor  102 , and/or printing a tag as the marking  101  that may be clipped around the conductor  102 . 
     The device  100  may be configured to apply the marking  101  to the conductor  102  when the conductor  102  is already mounted (for example, when ends of the conductor are contacted and/or not free ends). For example, during application, the conductor  102  may not be rotated about a transverse axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of the conductor  102 , may not be rotated about a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conductor  102 , and/or may be at rest. 
     The marking  101  applied to the conductor  102  may be captive. Alternatively or additionally, a printed surface of the applied marking  101  may be flat or substantially free of curvature. For example, the printed surface may be arranged between two embossments. As a result, the printed surface may be easily readable and/or sufficiently large. 
     The marking  101  may be durable, for example in terms of printing (preferably in that the printer  200  is a thermal transfer printer), in terms of the material of the print medium  208  (for example in that the print medium is a plastic film), and/or in terms of the connection to the conductor  102  (for example in that the marking  101  is positively or adhesively connected to the conductor  102 ). 
     A marking  101  may be space-saving, for example so that a plurality of conductors  102  each carrying such a marking  101  may be arranged closely together. Alternatively or additionally, the marking  101  may be displaceable and/or rotatable, for example by positively connecting the marking  101  to the conductor  102 . This may allow the marking  101  to be aligned on conductors  102  (such as cables) that are in close proximity to each other. 
     The embodiment of the printer  200  disclosed in the context of the first, second, and third embodiments of the device  100  may further comprise at least one or all of the features disclosed below in the context of the fourth embodiment of the device  100  or  FIG.  4   . 
     Further, the printer  200  may comprise a light barrier  212  for detecting the print medium  208  (i.e., the material to be printed), for example, for detecting control holes, control marks (e.g., black control marks), a beginning and/or an end of the printing material  208 . For example, the printing material  206  is a color ribbon. 
     The media or material  208  to be printed is guided between the print head  202  and the print roller  204  along with the color ribbon  206 . The light barrier  212  may detect a beginning of the print medium  208  during printing to ensure positioning of the printed image within the portion of the printed product  214 , which portion is used for forming the marking  101 . 
     The printer  200  comprises interfaces that are spatially associated with and/or functionally correspond to the interfaces of the device  100 , respectively. The spatially assigned and/or functionally corresponding interfaces are connected or connectable to each other in pairs. 
     Preferably, the printer  200  comprises a mechanical interface  252  that is connected to, or is connectable to, or in communication or exchange or configured for communication or exchange with the mechanical interface  152  of the device  100 . Preferably, the spatial association implies that when the mechanical interface  152  and  252  are connected (e.g., interlocked), the other interfaces of the device  100  and the printer  200  are also mutually connected or brought into communication or exchange. 
     Alternatively or additionally, the printer  200  comprises a data interface  258  that is connected or connectable to, or in communication or exchange with, the data interface  158  of the device  100 . Alternatively or additionally, the printer  200  comprises a material interface  256  that is connected or connectable to, or in communication or exchange with, the material interface  156  of the device  100 . 
     For example, the material interfaces  156  and  256  are in connection, or can exchange, the printed product  214 . The data interfaces  158  and  258  are in communication or connection for exchanging measurement data from the respective sensors  104 ,  106 , and/or  212  and/or control commands from the control unit  130  of the device and/or from a control unit  230  of the printer  200 . 
     Optionally, as shown by way of example in  FIG.  4   , the printer  200  comprises an interface  222  to a computer or computer network  300  (for example, a connection to the Internet). The printer  200  (for example, its controller or control unit  230 ) may receive print jobs via the interface  222 . 
     The device  100  for applying the marking  101  to the conductor  102  is also referred to as an applicator. 
     An embodiment of the applicator  100  (for example, the aforementioned first embodiment of the applicator  100 ) or a printing system (for short: system) comprising an embodiment of the applicator  100  and an embodiment of the printer  200  (for example, the aforementioned embodiment of the printer) are configured to perform one or more of the following functions and method steps. 
     The applicator  100  and the printer  200  may perform operations (which are also referred to as actions), i.e., a set of one or plurality of process steps, alternately, in particular when applying the marking  101  to the conductor  102 . In doing so, the applicator  100  and the printer  200  communicate with each other via the data interfaces  158  and  258 , respectively, for example, in order to coordinate parameters and/or timing of the operations (preferably of the next operation in each case). The alternating execution of the operations is also referred to as interleaved operation of the applicator  100  and the printer  200 . 
     In a first implementation, an overall procedure control (or sequence control) is stored (e.g., implemented or executably stored) in the printer  200 , for example, in the control unit  230  (preferably by means of firmware stored in the control unit  230 ). The overall procedure control may comprise printing on the print medium  208  and applying the printed product  214  resulting from the printing. 
     A procedure control (or sequence control) of the applicator  100  may be stored (e.g., implemented or executably stored) in the applicator  100  and/or the printer  200 . The procedure control of the applicator  100  may comprise (preferably exclusively) applying the marking  101  to the conductor  102  using the printed product  214 . For example, the marking  101  is applied to the conductor  102  by executing the procedure control of the applicator  100 . 
     In other words, executing the procedure control of the applicator  100  may be partially or entirely in the applicator  100  or exclusively executed in the printer  200 . In any case, executing the procedure control of the applicator  100  causes the marking  101  to be applied to the conductor by means of the applicator  100 . 
     In any embodiment, when the sequence control provides for feed of the print medium  208  without printing using the print head  200  and/or retraction of the print medium  208 , the control unit  130  and/or  230  may control the print head actuator  141  to move the eccentric  140  from the first pivot position to the second pivot position, thereby moving the print head  202  from the printing position to the open position. 
     In a first variant of the first implementation, the procedure control (e.g., sequence control) of the applicator  100  is stored in the printer  200 . The applicator  100  preferably does not have any sequence control, for example, it also does not have a control unit  130 . The control unit  230  of the printer (for example, the firmware of the printer  200  in the control unit  230 ) is configured to (preferably individually) control (or drive) the actuators (for example  120  and/or  122  and/or  141 ) or (preferably individually) query (or detect) the sensors (for example,  104  and/or  106 ) of the applicator  100  via the data interfaces  158  and  258 . 
     In a second variation of the first implementation, the procedure control (e.g., sequence control) of the applicator  100  is stored (e.g., implemented or executably stored) in the applicator  100 . For example, the applicator  100  comprises the control unit  130  or the regulating unit  130  in which the sequence control of the applicator  100  is stored (e.g., implemented or executably stored). Preferably, the control unit  130  or the regulating unit  130  is configured to control or regulate the applicator. For simplicity and without limitation, reference is made herein to the control unit  130 , i.e., the function of a regulator (e.g., closed-loop control) is optionally comprised. 
     The execution of the procedure control (or sequence control) (preferably in the control unit  130 ) is started by the printer  200  (for example, the control unit  230 , preferably by means of the printer firmware). For this purpose, the applicator  100  may receive a control command via the data interface  158  or may be energized via the electrical interface  154 . As soon as an operation of the applicator  100  is required, the printer  200  (for example, the control unit  230 , preferably by means of the printer firmware) sends a signal as a control command to the applicator  100  via the data interface  258  or  158 . 
     Preferably, the printer  200  waits while the applicator  100  performs the requested operation (for example, initiated by the control command). As soon as the applicator  100  sends (e.g., reports) a signal via the data interface  158  or  258  as a control command of completion of the operation, the printer  200  continues execution of the overall procedure control. 
     Optionally, the signal from the applicator  100  to the printer  200  indicates a status of completion of the operation. For example, the status may indicate successful completion or an error that occurred during execution of the operation. 
     In a second implementation, the applicator  100 , for example the control unit  130  (preferably using a firmware of the applicator  100 ) executes the overall procedure control (i.e., the overall operation). In other words, the overall procedure control is stored (e.g., implemented or executably stored) in the applicator  100 , for example, in the control unit  130  (preferably by means of firmware stored in the control unit  130 ). By executing the overall procedure control, the applicator  100  controls the overall flow. 
     The printer  200  acts as a slave in the overall operation. For example, the printer  200  has sovereignty over the printed image, i.e., the printer  200  (preferably its control unit  230 ) performs the printing as an operation of the printer  200  in response to a corresponding control command from the applicator  100 . Optionally, the printer  200  issues a control command (i.e., a first start command) to execute the overall procedure control, for example, because only the printer  200  knows about the content and/or the presence of a print job. 
     To implement the interleaved (or alternating or nested) operation, the applicator  100  and the printer  200  exchange information (for example, measurement data and/or control commands) using the data interface  158  and  258 , respectively. 
     The exchanged information may comprise measured values (for example, electrical voltages, electrical currents, electrical frequencies), preferably measured values of the sensor  104  and/or  106 , which are transferred (i.e., sent) from the applicator  100  to the printer  200 . Alternatively or additionally, measured values of a sensor of the printer (for example, the light barrier  212 ) may be transferred (i.e., sent) from the printer  200  to the applicator  100 . The applicator  100  or the printer  200  may determine (for example, calculate) sequence control parameters based on the measurands (or measured values) and/or transmit the measured values or the parameters to the computer or computer network  300  (for example, to application software) via the interface  222 . 
     For example, the sensor  106  may sense or acquire a diameter or circumference of the conductor  102  (or the prolate object about its longitudinal axis). The control unit  130  and/or the control unit  230  may determine a length of a feed of the printing medium  208  and/or a selection of the printing medium  208 , for example, depending on the sensed or acquired diameter or circumference. 
     Furthermore, when a defined threshold value is exceeded, these measured values may be transferred as a digital signal (for example, either as a state “0” or a state “1”) to the data interface  158  or  258 , respectively, in order to indicate to the other (printer  200  or applicator  100 ) that a defined state (for example, the completion of an operation) has been reached. For example, reaching an end position or a reference point of an actuator (for example, the actuator  120  and/or  122 ) may be indicated. 
     A reference move (or reference run) of an actuator of the applicator  100  (for example, the actuator  120  and/or  122 ) may be used to mechanically move an actuator (i.e., a drive connected to a mechanism of the applicator  100 ) to a determined position of the actuator (i.e., the mechanism), referred to as a reference position. A control command from the printer  200  or a process step of the operation, sequence control, and/or overall sequence control performed by the applicator  100  may comprise a motion (for example, a travel command) of the actuator, with the reference position serving as a reference point for the motions. 
     When the control unit  130  of the applicator  100  (for example, the applicator firmware) calculates one or more parameters of the applying (i.e., procedure control) from measured values (for example, transferred from the printer  200  or acquired from the sensor  104  and/or  106 ), the parameter(s) may be transferred to the control unit  230  of the printer  200  (preferably to the printer firmware thereof) in accordance with a communication protocol via the data interface  158  and  258 . Furthermore, the control unit  130  of the applicator  100  (preferably its applicator firmware) may also use measurement data acquired by the printer  200  (for example, measurement data from the light barrier  212 ) to control the sequence control of the applicator (for example, as parameters of the applicator). 
     The embodiment of the printer  200  may comprise any or all of the features of any or all of the embodiments of the printer  200  described in the context of  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B ,  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B , and/or  FIGS.  3 A,  3 B . 
     The printer  200  may be configured to print normal labels, for example, when no device  100  is mounted to the mechanical interface  252  and/or the data interface  258 . 
     The printer  200  may be a thermal transfer printer. The thermal transfer printer may provide high contrast and consistent marking  101 . For example, the printer  200  may be a thermal transfer roll printer. 
     The embodiment of the printer  200  comprises an unroller  216  (or source roller) of the print media  208  disposed upstream of the print head  202 , an unroller  218  of the print media  206  disposed upstream of the print head  202 , and a rewinder  220  (or target roller) of the print media  206  disposed downstream of the print head  202 . 
     An electrical interface  254  of the printer  200  is configured to supply electrical power to the applicator  100  mounted to the printer via the electrical interface  154  thereof. 
       FIGS.  5  and  6 A  show a schematic sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the applicator  100  (i.e., the device  100  for applying) a printed marking in a first state and a second state of application, respectively. 
     The fifth embodiment of the applicator  100  may be implemented independently or in further variant of any of the first through fourth embodiments of the applicator  100 . Features of the first and second embodiments of the applicator  100 , denoted by the same reference numerals, may be the same or interchangeable. 
     The fifth embodiment of the applicator  100  is configured to strike or fold a printed film as a printed product  214  around the conductor  102  by means of a second actuator  122  of the applicator  100 . Preferably, the sensor  106  determines the diameter of the conductor  102 . The control unit  130  calculates a length from the diameter and controls the printer (for example, its print roller  204 ) via the data interface  158  to feed the printed product  214  according to the determined length. 
     After the feed, for example in the first state shown in  FIG.  4  or  5    or the second state shown in  FIG.  8   , the printer  200  signals via the data interface  258  (i.e., to the data interface  158 ) that the feed has been successfully completed, for example that the determined length has been reached. In response to the message from the printer  200 , the control unit  130  controls the actuator  122  to wrap or fold the printed product  214  around the conductor  102 . Further, the second actuator  122  (or, in one variant, a further actuator) is configured to abut overlapping sections of the printed product by applying heat. A first actuator  120  of the applicator cuts the welded sections to a flush end of the marking  101 . 
     In a first variant of the fifth embodiment of the applicator  100 , a portion of the surface surrounding the conductor  102  is printed and the flush cut end is short compared to the circumference of the conductor  102 . Preferably, the applying, i.e., a step of the procedure control of the applicator  100 , comprises two embossments performed on the printed product before and after the printed portion by means of the actuator  120 , as schematically shown in  FIG.  6 A . 
     For example, the procedure control of the applicator  100  may comprise at least one of the following operations or steps. In one step, a control command is sent from the control unit  130  to the printer  200 . The control command specifies the feed rate of the printed product  214  for a reference cut. In another step, in response to a notification of completion of the feed from the printer  200  to the applicator  100 , the reference cut is executed by the actuator  120 . A further step of the procedure control of the applicator  100  may comprise waiting until the presence of the conductor  102  is detected or acquired by means of the sensor  106 . Another step of the procedure control (i.e., the procedure control sequence) of the applicator  100  may comprise acquiring the diameter of the conductor  102  by means of the sensor  106  and calculating parameters of the applying (for example, partial lengths for feeds of the printed product  214 ). 
     In a further step, a further control command is sent from the control unit  130  to the printer  200 . The further control command specifies a first partial feed of the printed product  214  for a first embossing. In a further step, in response to a notification of completion of the first partial feed from the printer  200  to the applicator  100 , the first embossing is performed by the actuator  120 . 
     In a further step, a further control command is sent from the control unit  130  to the printer  200 . The further control command specifies a second partial feed of the printed product  214  for a second embossing. In a further step, in response to a notification of completion of the second partial feed from the printer  200  to the applicator  100 , the second embossing is performed by the actuator  120 . 
     In a further step, a control command is sent from the control unit  130  to the printer  200  indicating a partial feed of the printed product  214  for a cutting position. In a further step, in response to a notification of completion of the partial feed for the cutting position from the printer  200  to the applicator  100 , the cut is performed by the actuator  122 , the printed product is wrapped or folded around the conductor  102 , sealing portions of the printed product  214  brought into contact with each other in a planar manner, and a cut performed by the actuator  120 . 
     In a second variant of the fifth embodiment of the applicator  100 , the flush cut end is equal to or longer than the diameter of the conductor  102  and comprises the printed portion of the printed product  214 , as schematically shown in  FIG.  6 B . 
       FIGS.  7  and  8    show a schematic cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the applicator  100  (i.e., the device  100  for applying) a printed marking in a first state and a second state of application, respectively. 
     The sixth embodiment of the applicator  100  may be implemented independently or in further embodiment of the first and/or second embodiment of the applicator  100 . Features of any of the first through fifth embodiments of the applicator  100  designated by the same reference numerals may be the same or interchangeable. 
     The sixth embodiment of the applicator  100  is configured to push or attach a tube (for example, a heat-shrink tube) as a printing medium  208  or a printed tube as a printed product  214  to the conductor  102 . When the tube is printed and/or cut (for example, by means of the first actuator  120  of the applicator), the tube is pressed flat, whereby its cut end or at least a portion of the printed tube may be closed, i.e., the cut edge or the inner sides of the tube adhere to each other. 
     The second actuator  122  (also: opening unit) is configured to open the cut edge of the printed tube adhering together and/or the inner sides (for example, an upper tube half and a lower tube half) of the printed tube adhering together. To this end, the second actuator  122  comprises waisted rollers  123  that apply a force in pairs to opposite lateral edges of the printed tube  214  to open the cut edge of the tube and/or to release the inner sides of the tube from each other. In the schematic illustration of  FIGS.  7  and  8   , one of each of the pairs of opposing rollers  123  is visible as the pairs are aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or direction of movement  210 . 
     In the second state shown in  FIG.  8   , the printed tube is opened by means of the second actuator  122 , pushed onto the conductor as a marking  101  due to a feed of the printer  200 , and cut off at the end by means of the first actuator  120 . 
       FIG.  9    schematically shows a further embodiment of the printer  200 , which may be implemented independently or as a further development of one of the embodiments of the printer  200  described in the context of  FIGS.  1 A to  4   . In this regard, individual or all features of the embodiments designated by the same reference numerals may be identical or interchangeable. For example, the print head  202  may be pivotally movable about a pivot axis  203  in mechanical coupling with the eccentric  140 . 
     Alternatively or additionally, the further embodiment of the printer  200  may be configured to receive at least one or each of the first through sixth embodiments of the device  100  at its mechanical interface  252  and be moved by its eccentric  140  between the open position and the printing position. 
     Preferably, the further embodiment of the printer  200  is an example of a thermal transfer roll printer. 
     A control unit  230  of the printer  200  controls a feed and/or a retraction of the print medium  208  at the print head  202  and/or of the printed product  214  at the material interface  256  (and consequently at the material interface  156  of the device  100 ), depending on the signals from the light barrier  212  and/or control commands obtained from the device  100  via the data interface  258  (i.e., via the data interface  158  of the device  100 ). For this purpose, the control unit  230  may control a drive (for example, a stepper motor) for rotating the print roller  204 . 
     Prior to a feed of the print medium  208  with printing on the print medium  208 , the actuator  141  moves the eccentric  140  into the first pivot position. Due to the motion into the first pivot position, the eccentric  140  moves the print head  202  into the printing position, so that the printing material  206  is moved along with the printing feed of the print medium  208  (preferably transported without slip and/or transferred to the print medium  208  during printing). 
     Alternatively or additionally, the actuator  141  moves the eccentric  140  into the second pivot position at or before a feed of the print medium  208  without a printing of the print medium  208 . Due to the motion into the second pivot position, the eccentric  140  moves the print head  202  into the open position, so that no printing material  206  is moved along with the non-printing feed of the print medium  208  (i.e., not transported unused). 
     The pivoting motion of the eccentric  140  and the feed of the print roller  204  may be controlled or regulated by the control system  130  of the device  100  or the control system  230  of the printer  200  via the data interfaces  158  and  258 , respectively. Alternatively, the pivoting motion of the eccentric  140  and the feed of the print roller  204  may each be controlled or regulated by the control system  130  of the device  100  or the control system  230  of the printer  200 , respectively, wherein the control systems  130  and  230  coordinate, for example synchronize, their respective actions via the data interfaces  158  and  258 , respectively. 
     The light barrier  212  may be arranged in front of the print head  202  and/or the print roller  204  with respect to a direction of movement  210  of the print medium  208  during feed. The light barrier  212  may comprise, as exemplarily shown in  FIG.  9   , a light source  212 A on the side of the print head  202  and a light sensor  212 B on the side of the print roller  204 . In a first variation, the positions of light source  212 A and light sensor  212 B may be interchanged. In a second variation, light source  212 A and light sensor  212 B may be arranged on the same side for detecting the printing medium  208  in reflection. 
     The print head  202  comprises a plurality of heating elements. When the heating elements are heated (for example, energized) and the print roller  204  applies a predetermined (for example, sufficiently large) pressure to the print medium  208 , the color pigments are transferred from the print material  206  (for example, a color ribbon) to the material to be printed. The control unit  230  may control the stepper motor to rotate the print roller  204  and control the energization of the heating elements of the print head  202 . 
     The printing material  206  may comprise a plurality of layers. For example, the printing material  206  may comprise a carrier material  206 A (for example, a carrier film) facing away from the printing medium  208  and a color layer  206 B (for example, a color wax) facing toward the printing medium  208 . 
     The printer  200  is preferably a tabletop device to which the device  100  may be mounted as a replaceable or interchangeable module, for example, specific to an application or for the duration of a uniform application process. 
       FIG.  10 A  shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary printing system (system for short), comprising an embodiment of the printer  200  and an embodiment of the device  100 . In an exemplary mounted position of the device shown in  FIG.  10 A , all implemented physical interfaces are connected due to the arrangement of the device  100  on the printer  200 .  FIG.  10 B  shows a schematic perspective view of the exemplary printing system of  FIG.  10 A  in a disassembled position. The physical interfaces are exposed. 
     A method of providing a marking  101  arranged or arrangeable around an object  102 , preferably a conductor, may comprise at least one of the following steps S 1  to S 8 . The method may comprise a printing and applying operation or use of the device  100  and the printer  200 . 
     S 1 : An operator mounts (i.e., assembles) the applicator  100  to the printer  200  using the mechanical interface  152 . 
     S 2 : The operator inserts the print medium  208  (also: printing material) into the printer  200 , adjusts the light barrier  212  and/or other 
     Setting options and brings the print head into the printing position (i.e. closes the print head  202 ) 
     S 3 : The operator switches on the printer  200 . 
     S 4 : The printer  200  recognizes the applicator and initializes itself and the applicator  100 . 
     S 5 : The operator sends a print job to the printer  200  using a print function (for example, an application program) of a personal computer  300  and/or a mobile device  300 . 
     S 6 : The printer  200  detects the beginning of the print medium  208  to be printed via the light barrier  212 . 
     S 7 : The printer  200  controls the entire process sequence (i.e. the overall process control). It receives signals and data about the current process step from the applicator  100  via the data interface  158  or  258 . 
     S 8 : The applicator  100  reports data and signals back to the control system  230  (for example, a printer firmware executed by the control system  230 ) via the interface  158 . These may be compared by the printer firmware with the pending or currently executed print job (e.g. plausibility check whether the object  102  to be marked matches the print job with respect to a measured diameter) or print data (for example parameters of the application or printing) are adjusted according to the feedback (e.g. adjustment of the print length in the longitudinal direction  210 ). 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below. Additionally, statements made herein characterizing the invention refer to an embodiment of the invention and not necessarily all embodiments. 
     The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “A and B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
         Device for providing a marking, 
       
    
     for example applicator  100 
     Marking  101     Prolates object, preferably conductor,   

     for example copper conductor or light conductor  102 
     Printing signal interface for a control signal to output the printed product,   

     for example sensor for acquiring the printed product  104 
     Sensor of a control signal to provide the marking,   

     for example sensor for acquiring the object or 
     sensor for acquiring a provisioning request  106 
     First actuator of the device, for example cutting unit  120     Transverse direction  121     Second actuator of the device  122     Waisted rolls of the second actuator  123     Control unit or regulating unit of the device  130     Eccentric  140     Print head actor  141     Pivot axis of the eccentric  142     Suspension of the eccentric  144     Shaft of the eccentric  146     Lever for manually opening the print head  148     Mechanical interface of the device  152     Electrical interface of the device  154     Material interface of the device  156     Data interface of the device  158     Printer, for example thermal transfer printer  200     Print head of the printer  202     Pivot axis of the print head  203     Print roller of the printer  204     Printing material, for example color ribbon  206     Carrier material of the printing material, for example carrier foil  206 A   Color layer of the printing material, for example ink or color wax  206 B   Print medium of the printer (also: material to be printed)  208     Feed direction or longitudinal direction of the print medium  210     Light barrier of the printer  212     Light source of the light barrier  212 A   Light sensor of the light barrier  212 B   Printed product of the printer  214     Unwinder of the print medium  216     Unwinder of the printing material  218     Rewinder of the printing material  220     Data interface of the printer  222     Control unit of the printer  230     Mechanical interface of the printer  252     Electrical interface of the printer  254     Material interface of the printer  256     Data interface of the printer  258     Computer or computer network  300