Abstract: A squeegee assembly including an outer pair of longitudinal plate brackets secured about a squeegee holder for retaining and positioning a squeegee blade. The squeegee holder secures the squeegee blade and is connected to positioning shafts at each end of the outer brackets. The positioning shafts may be rotated to adjust the position of the squeegee holder and blade, which retains the printing edge of the blade at the desired distance from a slotted opening in the outer brackets. The squeegee holder may consist of one or two longitudinal bars and includes a longitudinal flange which is positioned in a longitudinal groove in the squeegee blade to ensure the proper retention of the squeegee blade. The outer brackets are secured at the top end and include a longitudinal groove for connecting the squeegee assembly to the carriage of the screen printing apparatus.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus includes a screen frame disposed above a ceramic green-sheet, and a screen on which an electrode pattern is formed is held by the screen frame. A cover is detachably attached to the screen frame by making a recess formed on upper surface of the screen frame engage with a projection formed on a lower end surface of the cover. An interior of the cover becomes an airtight state substantially except for a stitch portion of the screen. Therefore, when a vapor pressure of a volatile solvent of an electrode paste becomes to be saturated in the interior of the cover after volatilization of the volatile solvent to some extent, the volatile solvent of the electrode paste is prevented from further volatilizing.

Abstract: A silk screen work station and clamp mechanism assembly for the precise positioning and support of a work piece comprising a cabinet which has an upper planar work surface with a centrally disposed working area and a pair of compartments below the work area and with cabinet drawers and storage space. The central working area also has a rectangular opening formed therein. The opening has lateral and longitudinal edges. A work plate in a rectangular configuration corresponds to the rectangular opening in the work surface, but slightly smaller lengthwise and width-wise for precise positioning within the opening during operation and use. A pair of spaced parallel lead screws are secured to the under side of the work surface on opposite sides of the opening through bearing members. The bearing members are secured to the under side of the work surface.

Abstract: A printing machine comprises a turntable carrying a plurality of object supports in a circular arrangement, at least one of which object supports is adjustable in position on said turntable perpendicularly thereto. The printing machine may be a silkscreen printing machine, for example.

Abstract: A device and method for positioning a silk screen frame containing a silk screen against a large, smooth, flat surface such as glass. A pair of hand operated suction cups are mounted in spaced apart positions on an elongate mounting member. The suction cups are adapted to be secured by vacuum to the flat surface. A pair of clamps are mounted on the elongate mounting member between the suction cups. The clamps are adapted to clamp the edge of a silk screen frame and maintain the silk screen frame in flatwise position against the flat surface. The various silk screen frames containing separate silk screens of the design to be applied on the flat surface can be successively clamped in place in substantially identical positions on the flat surface, and if any one of the silk screen frames has to be repositioned after it has been removed from the device, it can quickly be reclamped in substantially the identical position as its original position before being removed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flood bar and squeegee for printing apparatus. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the flood bar or squeegee comprises an elongated member having an ink engaging face. A plurality of spaced apart fins are arranged across the face. The fins are generally parallel to one another and each end of the member is bent inwardly so as to inhibit the flow of ink to the sides of the screen.

Abstract: A liquid coating applicator employs a disposable and replaceable squeegee blade adapted to permit the simultaneous dispensing and spreading of controlled amounts of screen filler onto screen printing stencil surfaces. The squeegee blade is removably attached to the dispensing end of the applicator to immediately contact and spread the dispensed liquid. The applicator threadingly attaches to a reservoir of liquid screen filler having resiliently flexible walls and which is refillable.

Abstract: A thermal stenciling device in which the heat generating elements are sized to create optimal perforations based upon the type of stencil paper such that the ink does not bleed, produce back images or incompletely dry upon use and a method for determining the size of the heat generating elements. The size is based on desired dot pitches in both the main and sub-scanning directions which are a function of the stencil paper and ink.

Abstract: A screen printing plate includes a plate body having a front surface and a rear surface. The plate body has a plurality of openings penetrating from the front surface to the rear surface and formed according to a preselected pattern. A recess is formed on the rear surface of the plate body so as to surround the opening. A separation wall defining the boundary of the opening and the recess is formed between this one opening and the recess. The spreading of the solder paste onto a surface to be printed around the opening and onto the rear surface of the printing plate is restricted by the recess when the paste is transferred onto the surface to be printed from the opening. The paste does not go beyond the boundary defined by the edge on the side of the recess.

Abstract: A process for painting a design onto a clothing item to create wearable art utilizes a draw-through-pattern graphics system. When creating wearable art on a clothing item such as a shirt, a backing board is placed within the shirt so as to underlie the shirt fabric to which the design will be applied. A bracket is placed over the shirt and engages a peripheral portion of the backing board in a manner causing the shirt fabric to be stretched over the backing board and to clamp a portion of the shirt between the bracket and the backing board. A screen pattern bearing a printed outline pattern thereon is removably placed in register within the bracket. Fabric markers or fine-tipped fabric paint bottles are utilized to apply a fabric paint or like substance through the screen pattern onto the underlying portion of the shirt to re-create the printed pattern.

Abstract: A stencil arranging apparatus for spray painting numbers on the surface of parking lots or floors providing a pair of stencil wheels when rotated provide two digit numbers masked by the stencil wheels and a cutout platform with an overspray guard mounted to a L frame on wheels that can allow apparatus to lie flat on the surface for painting or by tipping L frame back can mobilize apparatus for moving to next area to be numbered.

Abstract: In order to positively dispose of a used stencil sheet from a printing drum of a rotary stencil printer, an endless belt element expanded between one of a pair of used stencil sheet transfer rollers for nipping and transferring a used stencil sheet disposed of from a printing drum and a pulley is positioned to oppose a claw means with a space left therebetween so that a leading end portion of the used stencil sheet detached from the printing drum by the claw means is guided by the endless belt element until it reaches a nip portion of the pair of used stencil sheet transfer rollers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for enabling automated printing of through holes extending between top and bottom surfaces of a ceramic substrate or the like. The perimeter of the substrate is placed on a support that locates the bottom surface of the substrate spaced from a member that interacts with the interior portion of the substrate. The interacting member has holes that correspond to the through holes in the substrate, and it is moved generally perpendicular to the substrate to a position where it is in juxtaposition with the bottom surface of the substrate and its holes are in registration with the holes in the substrate. Conductive material is applied to the top surface of the substrate and a vacuum is applied to the holes in the interacting member to pull the conductive material through the through holes in the substrate. The vacuum is then discontinued and the interacting member is moved back to a position where it is spaced from the bottom surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An improved squeegee and method of ergonomically modifying a conventional squeegee, is provided. A squeegee includes a rigid handle having a convex top side, opposite from a bottom side, and opposing concave faces longitudinally disposed between the top and bottom sides of the handle. A blade is attached to the bottom side of the handle. A compressible pad is removably secured to the convex topside of the handle providing maximum padding to the palmer regions of the printer's hands. The pad tapers to a minimum thickness at distal edges which are located on or near the concave faces of the handle.

Abstract: A portable automatic silk screen printer including a frame (24) supporting a transport device (26) which selectively moves a printing head (28) which is programmed to control the flood and squeegee bars (56, 58).

Abstract: A shock absorber pad for absorbing shock caused by separation of a perforated sheet mask from a surface on which a pattern of a screened medium has been formed by forcing a viscous material through the mask which includes a plurality of protuberant features which have a separation determined in accordance with a nominal viscosity of the screened medium and a transverse feature dimension based on characteristic stand-off spacing or mask feature size increases pattern quality and extends mask life. Hollow pattern features also improve pattern quality by reducing pad contact area with the mask during separation while allowing the pad features to span mask features. Methodology of shock absorber pad design and adjustment of screened medium viscosity to pad feature spacing are included.

Abstract: A CCD camera is set under a print object having a registration hole, and a screen plate having a reference mark on its screen corresponding to the registration hole is arranged above the position of the print object. First, the amount of elongation of the screen is measured from a position of the reference mark in an unelongated state of the screen and that of the reference mark in a elongated state of the screen upon operation of a squeegee, and the shift amount between the registration hole and the reference mark is calculated from positions of the reference mark and the registration hole before printing This shift amount is corrected by the amount of elongation of the screen, and the screen plate is moved in response to the corrected shift amount to attain registration.

Abstract: A portable resin curing apparatus is used for curing or drying materials printed on a screen press which has rotatable platens carrying screen printed sheets from a printing station to a curing station. The portable curing apparatus is located and the curing station has electrical resistance heating elements alternating between low voltage and high voltage in conjunction with a forced airflow between the heating elements and printed material being cured. A controller is employed which sends an electrical signal upon advancement of the printed materials. Full curing voltage with no forced airflow is supplied to the heating elements during curing operations, whereas a lower voltage in combination with forced airflow is employed during the intervals between successive curing operations to prevent heat from continuing to be imparted to the printed material while still allowing for rapid re-attainment of full curing upon resumption of production.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for registration of screens used in ink transfer processes for the printing of patterns on substrates such as clothing and other articles. The apparatus includes a platen surface and registration members that are mounted for movement toward and away from opposite sides of the platen. A pair of the registration members are coupled so that they move in mirror image in relation to a fixed point on the platen. When the screen frame is positioned on the platen, the registration members are activated to move inwardly toward the fixed point on the platen to center the screen in relation to the fixed point. Artwork is applied to the screen in alignment with underlying indicia provided on the platen and the screen is then processed to form a stencil in the screen.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus includes a stage for positioning a substrate thereto, a screen plate positioned above the stage, a squeegee, positioned above the screen plate, for printing material to be printed on the substrate, an adjusting means for adjusting a movement range of the squeegee with respect to the substrate, a surface state-recognizing means for recognizing a surface state of the screen plate after the material is printed on the substrate, and a control means for processing information obtained by the surface-recognizing means and operating the adjusting means so as to adjust the movement range of the squeegee to the substrate.

Abstract: Electronic apparatus for imprinting screen-process printing stencils, comprising: an electronic device for the color acquisition of the image of a color design so as to obtain information in a digital format which can be stored on a magnetic support; a computer for the management of the data stored on the magnetic support, suitable for allowing to manage the data, i.e.

Abstract: A screen printer which has a cleaning device for cleaning a mask which is formed with at least a hole of a printing pattern. The cleaning device includes a spatula member and an airstream generating device. The spatula member is moved along the surface of the mask in contact therewith so as to scrape ink adhered to the mask surface. The airstream generating device generates an airstream passing through the hole of the mask so as to remove ink within the hole of the mask.

Abstract: A sheet of multi-layer seal film is cut along desired boundary lines for coloring, and is adhered on a silk screen. Printing is effected by repeating a series of procedure as follows. When seal film sections which have been cut into patterns to be printed in a common color are removed from the screen, ink permeable holes are formed to carry out printing, and the ink permeable holes after printing are closed with resin. A section with at least one gradational pattern is printed by forming a large number of screen-mesh apertures through a covering film of the resin. For additional printing, a piece of already-cut seal film is adhered on the screen prior to applying the resin liquid to the screen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for screening a pattern of material onto a surface including detection of the instant of separation of the mask from the surface after screening. Particularly as applied to a process for making a multi-layer ceramic device with an automated apparatus, the screening process is speeded by initiating high speed movement immediately when the separation of the mask from the surface is complete. In a preferred embodiment, a shock absorber is used to limit the rate of change of motion of the mask and a sensor is placed directly on a portion of the shock absorber structure. Noise reduction is accomplished through differential sensing and thresholding to improve detection.

Abstract: A screen printing kit for children includes a housing defining an interior cavity shaped in a fanciful footprint configuration. The interior cavity of the housing is sufficiently sized to receive and store a plurality of screen printing ink tubes as well as a porous tip pen and cap together with a plurality of screens. A frame is similarly shaped to the housing and fits nestably thereon to complete the closure of the interior cavity. The frame defines a planar upper surface and a generally rectangular recess. The recess is surrounded by an inwardly extending lip defining a rectangular opening therethrough and a plurality of locating posts extending upwardly from the lip. A printing screen includes a rectangular frame member having an opening defined therein and a plurality of locating apertures cooperating with and spaced in correspondence to the locating posts. The frame supports a mesh screen of the type used in screen printing having an impervious film layer extending thereacross.

Abstract: A silk screen frame is removably attached directly to the screen frame carrier of a silk screen printing apparatus, such as the reciprocating screen frame support carriage of a silk screen press, by novel mounting brackets which are attached directly to the carrier and screen frame in such a way as to eliminate the need for the relatively heavy and costly master frame or the like which is commonly used to support the screen frame in conventional silk screen apparatus. The mounting brackets are uniquely constructed and adjustable relative to the screen frame and screen frame carrier to accommodate different screen frame types, including conventional frames, and a range of screen frame sizes and to permit precise alignment of the screen frame relative to the screen frame carrier.

Abstract: A combination embroidery/screen printing apparatus and method comprises an inner hoop cooperating with an outer hoop for clamping and planarly confining a selected area of a textile substrate as a reproduction of a selected pattern is formed thereon, a framed screen for forming selected first portions of the reproduction on the selected substrate area by screen printing, a stitching machine for forming selected second portions of the reproduction on the selected substrate area by automated stitching, and an alignment mechanism including an alignment template for obtaining close registration between the printed first portions and the stitched second portions of the reproduction. The framed screen and the alignment template are shaped and dimensioned such that each can be snugly slidably removably inserted in the inner hoop. A removable target disk in conjunction with the alignment template provides alignment of the substrate relative to the clamping hoops.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposing of a used thermal stencil master sheet, in a superior disposing efficiency and secret-retainability, and a process for disposing of the same are provided, which apparatus is provided with a stripping nail for stripping a used thermal stencil master sheet wound up on a stencil body therefrom, a waste stencil box for encasing the stripped master sheet and rolls for waste stencil for feeding the master sheet into the box, and is characterized by providing a means for heating the master sheet so that it is heat-shrinked and/or melted within the box, and which process comprises discarding the used master sheet of a thermal stencil master sheet, and heating the used master sheet so as to subject it to heat-shrinkage and/or melting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pre-registering a set of multi-color print screens prior to installation into a registration apparatus of a screen printing machine.

Abstract: A solder paste stencil printing process and apparatus in which a stencil plate having a porous figure printing area may be used for single component solder paste application. The printing operation is performed by alignment of the stencil pattern figure over the appropriate component substrate pads. With the stencil plate being held in place by downward force, solder paste is dispensed over the stencil plate pattern allowing gravity flow of the paste material into the stencil pattern pores. Excess paste material is squeegeed level to the top surface of the stencil plate and the plate lifted from the substrate surface leaving solder paste in the configured pattern. An associated stencil plate holder matched to the apparatus receiver head allows any number of stencil plate patterns to be made available for solder paste application.

Abstract: In a mimeographic printing machine, a stencil discharge apparatus comprises a device for peeling a stencil from the outer circumferential surface of a rotary cylindrical drum, a rotary unit rotatably located near the peeling device, the rotary unit having a receiving portion opening backwardly with respect to the rotating direction of the rotary unit, and a disposal unit located near the rotary unit. The disposal unit has an introducing plate which is operable in response to the rotation of the rotary unit for compressing the stencil to discard.

Abstract: The invention discloses an automatic manual set for screen printing which delivers constant pressure of a squeegee and uniformity in printing. The automatic manual set basically includes an ensemble of four levers inter-clamped by sleeved axles. Provided is anatomic handle, an ink spreading knife, and printing squeegees.

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.

Abstract: An ink design is silk screened onto an intermediate surface and is then transferred to an article by a deformable pad. In order to provide a large difference in the ink affinities of the intermediate surface and pad, these are made of silicone rubbers in which different catalysts are used in the curing of the rubbers. Dibutyltindilaurate as catalyst provides an intermediate surface of low ink affinity which can enable 100% transfer of ink from the intermediate surface to the pad when a stannous octoate catalyzed, condensation cured rubber, or a suitable addition cured rubber, is used for the pad. The screen is heated to a greater temperature than that of the intermediate surface.

Abstract: An installation for printing fabric pieces having: a fixed printing frame; two take-up drums, situated spaced apart from and facing the terminal edges of the frame, each drum having a horizontal rotary shaft; drive means for causing said drums to rotate; a printing band as a support for the fabric piece to be printed and which is provided with end portions attached to the take-up drums and adapted to slide over the horizontal surface, alternately between a position of maximum take-up on the first drum and a position of maximum take-up on the second drum.

Abstract: Known screen printing machines, which have a continuous support for the squeegee, have the disadvantage that the printing is impaired when the support bends. This also applies to constructions with a squeegee support which is independent of the support and the weight of which, in the case of an asymmetrical squeegee arrangement, results in an uneven loading of the squeegee. According to the invention, the support is therefore disposed rigidly at the guide rails, and pneumatic double-action cylinders are arranged directly at the support, the squeegee being fastened at the cylinders so that its angle can be adjusted. A bending off the support does not influence the printing quality, even if the squeegee is not arranged in the center of the support.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising an analog copying system using electrophotographic process and a digital printing system for printing by using a printing master formed according to digital data generated by an image sensor is disclosed. A scan section is controlled so as to scan an image of a document at a first scan speed in a first mode when the analog copying system is activated, and at a second scan speed which is different from the first scan speed in a second mode when the digital printing system is activated.

Abstract: A print head assembly for use with a screen printing machine of the carousel type having a multiple armed fixed frame and a multiple armed movable frame mounted for rotation relative thereto. The print head assembly (40) comprises: a mounting frame (45) operatively connected to an arm of the carousel. A carriage (44) is operatively connected to the mounting frame (45) and arranged for reciprocating movement relative thereto along a path of travel. Drive means is provided for causing the reciprocating movement, the drive means comprising a piston/cylinder assembly (41) including a cylinder (43) having a longitudinal axis, and opposed ends with a piston rod (42) extending from one of those ends there being a region defined between the lateral axes at respective ends of the cylinder (43) these lateral axes extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the assembly.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus includes a mesh screen mounted on screen frame, a wiper carrier reciprocably mounted above the screen, and a drive shaft mounted laterally of the wiper carrier and extending in the direction of reciprocable movement of the carrier, the wiper carrier being journaled on and guided to move along the shaft and being pivotable about the shaft.

Abstract: The cleaner utilizes a screen cleaning head carriage having a freely rotatable wiper roller, solvent ejector for directing solvent at the web before it passes over the wiper roller during motion of the head carriage in a first direction, and a drying gas ejector for directing drying gas at the screen during motion of the head carriage in a second direction opposite the first direction, together with web feed control means for advancing the web about the wiper roller in advancement increments and retracting the web about the wiper roller in lesser retraction increments interspersed with the advancement increments, to produce a two steps forward and one step back" forward intemittent web motion.

Abstract: A device for securing and/or registering the stencil frame for a screen printing machine, said screen printing machine having amongst other things a printing table and a scraper and/or ink application device arranged above the printing table. Between the printing table and the scraper arrangement are arranged one or more guides (6, 7) intended to interact with the stencil frame (5). These guides are designed in such a way that the stencil frame (5) is able to be moved or displaced as a single unit from an initial position outside the screen printing machine to an appropriate position inside the screen printing machine, and vice versa. Inside the screen printing machine are present registering devices (8, 9) intended to guide the stencil frame into a registration position. The elements intended to interact with the stencil frame comprise at least two guides (6, 7) running parallel to each other, along which the stencil frame (5) is capable of being displaced.

Abstract: A printing press having novel sheet transport mechanisms which facilitate precise operation at high speeds. In the preferred embodiment, the press includes a printing bed which pivots forward and downward on parallel links to remove sheets of stock from forwardly opening grippers. Also in the preferred embodiment, novel mechanisms for opening and closing the grippers are provided, including a mechanism for closing the grippers which is inoperable until the grippers are in the proper position to grip the leading edge of a sheet of stock.

Abstract: A kit for singular screen printing on T-shirts, including a carrier loaded with a row of overlapping stencils and a mask for shielding around a printing area.

Abstract: The screen fabric woven of synthetic fibers such as polyester monofilament and polyamide monofilament for preparing the stencil. The synthetic fiber has colored transparency and 0.01 to 0.1 weight percent of titanium dioxide as well as 0.5 to 1.0 weight percent of ultraviolet absorber and pigment are added thereto for preventing halation during exposure treatment process.

Abstract: The method of screen printing with a hot melt foam composition includes providing a screen having the desired pattern to be transferred to a substrate, casting onto the screen a hot melt foam composition and forcing the foam composition through the screen to form the described pattern on the substrate. The method offers a number of advantages including the transfer of large amounts of hot melt inks through the screen, fast printing speeds, printing with highly viscous polymeric or thermosetting materials and control of processing temperatures, among other advantages.

Abstract: A master frame assembly for use in a screen printing press carries an upper seal means to seal directly to a screen printing frame to provide an enclosed sealed chamber within the screen frame to contain solvents associated with the ink within the sealed chamber. The preferred upper seal means includes a traveling cover sheet which is pressed directly into sealing engagement with the underlying screen frame about all four sides of the screen frame. Mounted on the master frame are side seal bars for pressing the traveling marginal edges of the sheet against the underlying sides of the screen frame. These side seal bars are adjustably and movably mounted on the master frame so that they may press the traveling cover sheet against the sides of each of several different widths of screen frames.

Abstract: A screen printing assembly attachable to a screen frame supporting a screen having a pattern. A support frame, which comprises a flat aluminum extrusion, is positionable adjacent and attachable to the screen frame. A squeegee assembly is movable relative to the support frame and positionable generally on the screen to press ink through the screen. A sealed chamber is connected to the bottom of the support frame and positionable generally adjacent the screen. The squeegee assembly presses the ink through the screen within this sealed chamber. The sealed chamber safety contains the printing ink solvents which are deposited in it. A flexible plastic sheet forms the upper surface of the sealed chamber. This sheet, which can have ultra-violet properties, rolls at its opposite ends about rod assemblies. The sheet is attached to the squeegee assembly and moves with it between these rod assemblies. Tension springs mounted in the rod assemblies keep the sheet taut.

Abstract: Screen printing apparatus for directly printing indicia on a substrate, such as a cap, comprising a screen print assembly including a replaceable screen holder, means for introducing fluid under constant pressure to said screen holder, and means on said screen holder for mounting a sensitized screen, especially a curved screen, upon which viscous ink can be placed; and means for mounting a substrate for printing thereon by contacting said screen to said substrate and introducing fluid under pressure to said holder to force said ink through said sensitized screen to print indicia on said substrate.

Abstract: A registration device for use in silk screen printing of garments and other articles. The device facilitates the accurate positioning of the garment or other article to be printed. The device has a support arm which is held in a fixed position in respect to the platen of the silk screen printing apparatus. The support arm holds a frame which is affixable to a transparent sheet. The sheet is taped to the platen and marked with the silk screen indicia. The frame is then moved over the transparent sheet and taped to the sheet. The sheet is then detached from the platen and moved away therefrom on the frame. The garment to be marked is then placed on the platen, and the transparent sheet and frame is temporarily returned to its original position and placed over the garment to be marked. The garment is then alignd so that the spot on the garment to be marked is directly below the indicia on the transparent sheet. The frame and sheet are then moved away and the garment is accurately printed.

Abstract: An arrangement for feeding a stencil frame having a stencil mounted therein to a silk screen printing machine and/or for discharging a stencil frame therefrom, in which the silk screen printing machine is provided with means for receiving a stencil frame and means for holding the stencil frame firmly in the printing machine. One or more stencil frame magazines are arranged between the printing machine a transfer and arrangement for feeding a stencil frame to the magazine and/or receiving a stencil frame therefrom.Each magazine is allocated horizontal planes for each of which there is provided means adapted to feed a stencil frame to the printing machine and/or adapted to remove a stencil frame from the printing machine.