Passive object handling device

A method of printing on objects using an apparatus that comprises:

• a carrying device that is configured to move along a path that is defined by a track;
• a handling device that is adapted to hold an object and is mounted to the carrying device such that the handling device is rotatable with respect to the carrying device about a handling axis;
• and a drive device disposed at a position along the path and having a drive axis;
• wherein a section of the track is configured such that the carrying device is moveable along the path in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis into and out of a drive position, the handling axis being in parallel relationship with the drive axis during the movement into the drive position and during the movement out of the drive position, and wherein:
• in the drive position, the handling axis of the handling device is in substantial alignment with the drive axis of the drive device whereupon the drive device induces a torque in the handling device causing the handling device to rotate, thereby causing the object held by the handling device to rotate;
• the method comprising:
• moving the object held by the handling device into a vicinity of a printhead by moving the carrying device into the drive position;
• rotating the handling device by operating the drive device when coupled to the handling device in the drive position;
• and
• printing onto the object held by the handling device while the handling device is rotated.

A printing system comprising:

• a carrying device that is configured to move along a path that is defined by a track;
• a handling device that is adapted to hold an object and is mounted to the carrying device such that the handling device is rotatable with respect to the carrying device about a handling axis;
• a drive device disposed at a position along the path and having a drive axis;
• and
• one or more printing devices configured to print onto the object held by the handling device while the handling device is rotated;
• wherein a section of the track is configured such that the the carrying device is moveable along the path in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis into and out of a drive position, the handling axis being in parallel relationship with the drive axis during the movement into the drive position and during the movement out of the drive position, and wherein:
• in the drive position, the handling axis of the handling device is in substantial alignment with the drive axis of the drive device whereupon the drive device induces a torque in the handling device causing the handling device to rotate, thereby causing the object held by the handling device to rotate.