Abstract: A dryer (10) for printed textiles and substrates is disclosed having a plurality of infrared-based sensors (60) therein for monitoring the temperature of the products as opposed to the ambient environment. Each sensor (60) is positioned within a projecting sensor housing (55,58). The sensor housing (55,58) has an annular chamber (70) to protect and cool the sensor (60). A chilling/dehumidifying system (100) is also disclosed that incorporates a dehumidifier (110) and, humidity monitors (160).

Abstract: An exposure frame (30) and a registration printing pallet (130) are disclosed for registering a printing screen frame (10) holding a screen (12) first to the artwork (4) and next to the pallet (19) supporting the product (T) to be screened.

Abstract: A turret style printing machine (10) having a plurality of radial arms (30,70,170) incorporates a plurality of hinge assemblies (35,75,175) for permitting the arms to be moved between a first, extended position for operation of the machine and a second, folded position for storing or transporting the machine (10).

Abstract: A sequencing system for a printing press, the printing press having a plurality of print stations, each of the print stations for printing a respective portion of a design on an item with ink, the printing press also having a curing station for curing the printed ink, the sequencing system comprising a controller having random access memory for selecting one of the print stations, for selecting one of the print stations, for indexing the item to the selected print station, for determining whether the item is present at the selected print station, for actuating the selected print station to print the respective portion of the design on the item, determining completion of the actuation, for selecting one of the curing stations, for indexing the item to the selected curing station, for determining whether the item is present at the selected curing station, for actuating the selected curing station, and for determining completion of the curing operation.

Abstract: A device for recovering accumulated ink from a screen in a printing press, the screen having interstices corresponding to printed indicia, the device comprising means for applying the screen with ink while travelling along the length of the screen in a first direction, first means for generating a signal when said ink applying means has reached a desired point of travel after printing, means for stopping travel of said ink applying means in response to said signal from said first signal generating means, second means for generating a signal when recovery of ink is desired, and means for permitting further travel of said ink applying means in response to said signal generated by said second signal generating means, and lowering said ink applying means.

Abstract: A sequencing system for a printing press, the printing press having a plurality of print stations, each of the print stations for printing a respective portion of a design on an item with ink, the printing press also having a curing station for curing the printed ink, the sequencing system comprising a controller having random access memory for selecting one of the print stations, for indexing the item to the selected print station, for determining whether the item is present at the selected print station, for actuating the selected print station to print the respective portion of the design on the item, for determining completion of the actuation, for selecting one of the curing stations, for indexing the item to the selected curing station, for determining whether the item is present at the selected curing station, for actuating the selected curing station, and for determining completion of the curing operation.

Abstract: A dryer for drying printed articles comprising a drying chamber, a plurality of conveyor belts having first and second ends, the conveyor belts located substantially within the drying chamber, a motor adapted to drive the plurality of conveyor belts, and a burner adapted to supply heated air to the drying chamber.

Abstract: An improved printing press of the type having a plurality of beds having a top surface, a flood bar for flooding ink onto a screen placed on one of said plurality of beds, and a squeegee for removing excess ink from the screen, both located at a printing station of the printing press, wherein the improvement comprises a light source, a strip of light reflective material adapted to reflect light generated by the light source, a photoelectric eye for detecting light reflected by the reflective material, and a microprocessor adapted to operatively engage with the photoelectric eye and programmed to sequentially shut off the print station should the photoelectric eye detect reflected light generated by the light source and reflected by the reflective material.

Abstract: A curing unit and method for curing ink and the like on a substrate wherein the curing unit comprises a dual-chambered cover assembly in which is disposed a reflector assembly containing a curing lamp, and means for exhausting air from the chambers of the cover. The reflector assembly includes primary and secondary reflectors that reflect substantially all the radiation emitted along the upper portion of the lamp downward onto the substrate. The lamp is supported within the reflector assembly on upwardly opening supports that do not restrict the expansion or contraction of the lamp, and may be adjusted to adjust the focus of the lamp. The cover assembly includes inner and outer covers that create an outer cooling chamber therebetween, and an inner cooling chamber between the inner cooling chamber and the reflector assembly. The ends of the cover assembly form ducts which communicate with the means for exhausting air from the chambers of the cover.

Abstract: A pallet assembly for a printing machine used to print designs on garments such as tee shirts. The pallet assembly generally forms the outline of a human torso, arms and neck. The assembly is comprised of a pair of arm members rotatably attached to a plate.

Abstract: An improved transfer printing press of the type having a plurality of beds having a top surface, a device for squeegeeing ink through a screen onto a substrate, a device for curing the ink remaining on the substrate, and a device for drawing air through the bed, wherein the improvement comprises an air permeable material interposed between the top surface of the bed and the substrate to be printed to keep said substrate at a substantially uniform temperature.

Abstract: A detachable scraper attachment for a flood bar having a pair of opposing opposite edges comprising a portion adapted to mount on a portion of the flood bar holder, a flange having an upper and lower edge, the lower edge being generally arcuate, the upper edge attached to the channel portion, and means for detachably affixing the scraper attachment to the edges of the flood bar.

Abstract: An automatic screen registration device for a screen having a pair of generally perpendicular intersecting fiducial lines, each of the fiducial lines having first and second edges, the second edge being generally parallel to and to the outside of the first edge, comprising a base plate having a pair of opposing end edges, air cylinders for positioning the screen on the base plate along an adjacent side edge and end edge of the base plate, servo motors for indexing translational movement of the screen on the base plate from the adjacent side and end edges of the base plate, a light source and a light detector for sensing the first edge of each of the intersecting fiducial lines of the screen, a microprocessor for generating a signal upon sensing the first edge of each of the intersecting fiducial lines, and which is responsive to the detection of the first edge for slowing translational movement of the screen, a light source and a light detector for sensing the second edges of each of the intersecting fiducial

Abstract: A screen tensioning and framing device comprising two opposing pairs of bars, the opposing bars being generally parallel to each other, means for attaching an edge portion of the screen to each of the bars, and means for pulling each of the bars to create tension in the screen.