Patent ID: 7114445

Claim:
A method for printing a multicolor composite image formed from at least two component ink-laden images on a plurality of shaped pharmaceutical pieces each having at least one non-planar surface, said method comprising: printing a first component ink-laden image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped pharmaceutical pieces at a first print position; printing a subsequent second component ink-laden image on said at least one non-planar surface of said shaped pharmaceutical pieces at a second print position; moving a transport surface including said shaped pharmaceutical pieces from said first print position to said second print position, wherein said transport surface includes a plurality of transport recess portions each provided with at least one vacuum hole; and positioning said shaped pharmaceutical pieces in a predetermined location temporarily fixed laterally, longitudinally and rotationally at least in part by vacuum pressure within a respective one of said transport recess portions at least at and between the first and second print positions, to thereby maintain registration of said first component ink-laden image relative to said second component ink-laden image so as to enable said multicolor composite image to be formed.