Multicolor Patents (Class 101/115)
  • Patent number: 5619919
    Abstract: A print head for silk-screen printing apparatus is provided. The silk-screen frame and squeegee of the print head are fixedly connected together to provide that the two move together in rotational manner. Thus, the squeegee can be made to always print across the square-shaped mesh of the woven screen rather than across diamond-shaped mesh whereby to eliminate or at least minimize or localize moire. The silk-screen frame and squeegee can be rotated together to a predetermined angle or degree, in advance of the printing of a particular color in the silk-screen printing of halftones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Autoroll Machine Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Karlyn, Edward J. Berry, James J. McGrath
  • Patent number: 5613436
    Abstract: An adjustable pin registration plate assembly for use in a single or multiple station silk screen printing press apparatus which includes an apparel support platen mounted on an elongated support arm and at least one pivoting silk screen frame support assembly movably suporting a silk screen frame above the apparel support platen. The registration plate assembly comprises a flat plate portion having a plurality of pairs of spaced vertical bores therethrough and a pair of pins each extending upwardly from the plate portion through one of the bores and adjustably secured in the bore. The pair of pins fit into correspondingly spaced holes in the rear side of the silk screen frame to provide final alignment of the frame on the apparel support platen as the frame is lowered into position. The pins are adjustable in height above the plate portion to preclude binding during frame placement and removal from the apparel support platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Richard E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5596925
    Abstract: Provided is a method and device for stencil printing which can readily achieve a stencil printing of a prescribed even density even when the surface area of the printing surface is great, and which can ensure a multi color printing to be made without mixing of colors even when a large number of copies are to be printed. Printing ink having a sufficient consistency to retain its shape is deposited on a stencil master plate S as ink lumps B, and a stencil master plate S is placed in a pressure chamber 17 with its surface carrying the ink lumps B facing the diaphragm 15, the pressure chamber 17 having a wall portion formed by a diaphragm 15 which is at least either flexible or elastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventor: Takanori Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 5595113
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: M & R Printing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Daniel, Boguslaw S. Biel
  • Patent number: 5592877
    Abstract: A system of control is disclosed for an oval printing machine comprising a plurality of travelling pallets sequentially moved in a first direction on an endless path through a plurality of screen printing stations during a printing mode of operation in which the pallets pause at the printing stations, the system of control comprising: a print head controller associated with each printing station for storing parameters defining print head functions in the print mode and for controlling printing operations at the associated printing station responsive to the stored parameters; an index controller storing parameters defining index controller functions in the print mode and for controlling the movement of pallets through the printing stations in response to the stored parameters; and a master controller electrically connected to the print head controller of each printing station and to the index controller for directing the index controller to move the pallets and the print head controllers to perform printing op
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Elexon Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander Szyszko, Rick L. Fuqua, Thomas B. Lyden, Mariusz Smialek, Marek Dudek
  • Patent number: 5590596
    Abstract: A printer system prints a given pattern of viscous conductive ink on a base board with the aid of a screen plate. The system has a printer device which moves horizontally when carrying out printing. The printer device includes two spaced side walls. Two stationary parallel rails extend horizontally to respectively support, through the screen plate, the side walls of the printer device during the horizontal movement of the printer device. The screen plate is tightly placed on the rails. A supporting device is employed for stationarily supporting the base board under the screen plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Tani Electronics Industry, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Okie Tani, Takashi Nanzai
  • Patent number: 5588770
    Abstract: A pallet assembly for releasably installing or adjusting the position of the pallet on the printing station of a single or multi-color screen printing apparatus. The assembly includes a locking mechanism on the support member of the printing stations and track means on the pallet which can be cooperatively engaged in desired position of the pallet at the printing station for transferring a desired colored image to the workpiece on the pallet in a proper registered location on the workpiece. The locking mechanism is readily accessable for releasing and re-engaging the pallet on the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: A.W.T. World Trade, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Bart
  • Patent number: 5553536
    Abstract: A screen printing apparatus transfers an image onto a substrate. A feed mechanism is provided for moving the substrate along a fixed linear path. Vacuum is provided through the feed mechanism for holding the substrate in at least one position along the fixed linear path. A printing head transfers the image onto the substrate while the substrate is held in a first position by the vacuum. A curing station is provided for fixing the image transferred to the substrate while it is passing through the curing station, or while it is being held in a second position by the vacuum applied through the feed mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Van Os Enterprises
    Inventor: Arlen Van Os
  • Patent number: 5549043
    Abstract: A printing machine includes a rectilinear print line along which an object station adapted to receive an object to be printed moves under the control of a numerical controller. A print head overlies the print line at one printing station at least. Two conjointly mobile object stations are staggered along the print line. The numerical controller delivers stopping instructions corresponding to distances from which the distance between the object stations is deducted in alternate operating cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Societe d'Exploitation des Machines Dubuit
    Inventor: Frederic Tranin
  • Patent number: 5520107
    Abstract: A printing machine for printing objects liable to be stacked includes a circular printing table having a plurality of object stations regularly distributed at its perimeter each adapted to receive an object to be printed. By stepwise rotation about an axis, it moves the object stations successively to a loading station, to a plurality of workstations each including a printing system, and to an offloading station. A loading system at the loading station includes a presentation device which moves at least one stack of objects to the loading station and a transfer device operative between the presentation device and the printing table and equipped with at least one pick-up unit adapted to pick up an object from the stack on the presentation device and then to put this object down on one of the object stations of the printing table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Societe d'Exploitation des Machines Dubuit
    Inventor: Frederic Airoldi
  • Patent number: 5513565
    Abstract: In a stencil printing device, a plurality of printing drums are mounted on a turret-like printing drum supporting member, and the indexing rotary movement of the printing drum supporting member and the rotary actuation of each of the printing drums thereon are effected by a common motor without regard to the number of the printing drums so that the overall structure can be simplified, and the control of the indexing rotary movement of the planetary plate disk and the rotary actuation of each of the printing drums can be accomplished in a centralized manner. The present invention is particularly useful in a stencil printing for full color printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventor: Takanori Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 5501148
    Abstract: An automatic sheet printing and alignment system includes a holding table; a transport system for moving the table through a plurality of stations; a first station for positioning a sheet on the table; a second station for printing features on the sheet positioned on the table; a third station for receiving the printed sheet from its position on the table to compile a stack of sheets with their printed features in predetermined alignment; and a control system for sequentially moving the table through the stations for repeatedly printing and stacking each sheet aligned with prior printed and stacked sheets received, transported and printed by the same table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Bellio, Mark J. Condon, James F. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5490456
    Abstract: A multiple station automated cap printer includes a plurality of printing heads mounted in fixed circumferentially spaced relationship to one another and are vertically movable between a raised non-printing position and a lowered printing position. A plurality of printing mandrels are disposed in fixed circumferentially spaced relationship to one another and rotatably mounted about a vertical axis between releasably fixed and precisely aligned positions below a respective one of the printing head. The mandrels include a cylindrical cap receiving platen which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation extending in a radial direction relative to the rotational path of the mandrel. Each mandrel includes a trolley frame which carries the cylindrical platen in a linear path which mirrors the linear path of travel of a squeegee mounted within each of the printing heads while the platen is rotated through an arcuate distance equal to the linear path of travel of the squeegee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: ATM Machining Inc.
    Inventors: Orland W. Richardson, Roger J. Gerdeman
  • Patent number: 5483881
    Abstract: A screen printing apparatus comprising a plurality of print stations arranged in a circle and an equal plurality of platens carrying objects to be printed by the print stations. Objects to be printed are placed on platens at a loading/unloading one of the stations and the platens are indexed around the circle of print stations for printing. A control unit controls the printing at the print stations and selectively inhibits printing at individual ones of the print stations. During start up, the control unit activates print stations, one at a time, in synchronism with the indexing of the platens. A skip mode is available in which printing at a given platen is inhibited by the control unit at each print station, when the given platen is at that print station. The control unit also successively inhibits print stations, one at a time, in synchronism with platen indexing to provide a controlled stop of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: American Screen Printing Equipment Co.
    Inventor: Alex Erman
  • Patent number: 5456172
    Abstract: A serigraphic printing apparatus having increased color and printing station/open station capabilities. The apparatus is constructed by linking two independent and obsolete screen printing machines together by a unique assembly to enable multi-function synchronized operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Interchange Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc L. Herrmann
  • Patent number: 5445075
    Abstract: A screen printing apparatus includes a plurality of novel printing mechanisms, one each at the outer end of a radially disposed support arm having a first, elbow joint and attached at the inner end of the arm to a vertically disposed, rotatable hub. Each printing mechanism includes a screen frame clamp pivotably mounted at a second, vertically pivotable wrist joint to a base section, allowing pivotability of a screen held in the clamp. The base section has attached at an outer end thereof an alignment bar having a plurality of upwardly protruding registration pins. A transparent calibration plate has holes therethrough adapted to insertably receive the registration pins, in an overlying relationship to an object to be printed on a platen beneath the calibration plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Charles L. Panipinto
  • Patent number: 5438922
    Abstract: A screen printing apparatus has simultaneously movable multiple print heads made movable by a single fluid cylinder. The apparatus also has multiple printing platens, and structure for indexing and simultaneously registering the multiple platens into printing position, as well as combined flood bar/squeegee ink applicators which are capable of simultaneously shifting of operational positions, and provide a high quality printed image on the goods printed thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Lawson Screen Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry J. Bubley, David Landesman
  • Patent number: 5402718
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Societe D'Exploitation des Machines Dubuit
    Inventor: Pierre Rigodiat
  • Patent number: 5400709
    Abstract: A portable print head module dedicated to one type of printing, for example rotary screen printing, for functionally replacing one print head, dedicated to another type of printing, for example flexographic printing, in a rotary printing press having a number of spaced apart print head stations for transferring multiple images along the length of a continuous web substrate. The rotary print head module is installed by partially retrofitting one of the print head stations. The module can be moved to functionally replace any of the print heads in the rotary printing press. A non-rotating impression bar can be used to back the continuous web instead of a rotatable impression cylinder. A cushion of air is formed on the backing face of the impression bar on which the continuous web can ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Comco Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Drilling, George W. Reinke, Michael H. Schultz, Dilip Shah, Douglas N. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 5383400
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: M & R Printing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Aleksander Szyszko
  • Patent number: 5375516
    Abstract: To provide a stencil printing device of a multi printing drum type which can be reduced in size without complicating the path of conveying printing paper and without compromising the ease of maintenance, a plurality of printing drums are arranged along an inclined line of a prescribed angle of inclination, and the path of conveying printing paper between each pair of adjacent printing drums is defined, for instance, as a straight line. A plate making unit, a plate ejection unit and a paper feeding unit are arranged in the space defined above and below the inclined line along which the printing drums are arranged so that a compact design may be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventor: Takanori Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 5361694
    Abstract: A printing machine comprises a print line along which at least one object support can move and a printhead overlying said print line at at least one printing station and twinned with another printhead disposed on standby away from said print line and with which it is interchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Societe d'Exploitation des Machines Dubuit
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Dubuit
  • Patent number: 5335594
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for automatic transport of compact discs one-at-a-time from a loading station in a horizontally disposed, circular defined path through various work stations e.g., silk-screen printing and UV-curing, to an off-loading station. The compact discs are automatically loaded by loading apparatus onto the transport apparatus one-at-a-time in a predetermined location from apparatus automatically supplying compact discs to the loading apparatus for loading onto the transport apparatus in a plurality of vertically disposed stacks, each stack providing a plurality of discs horizontally disposed and superposed one above the other. Subsequent to printing and curing of the printing ink, the printed compact discs are off-loaded from the annular-shaped transport apparatus one-at-a-time by unloading apparatus and provided in a plurality of vertically disposed stacks of compact discs, each stack containing a plurality of horizontally disposed printed discs superposed one above the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventors: William M. Karlyn, Frederick C. Pink, William L. Lamarre, Edward J. Berry
  • Patent number: 5313882
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for automatic transport of compact discs one-at-a-time from a loading station in a horizontally disposed, circular defined path through various work stations e.g., silk-screen printing and UV-curing, to an off-loading station. The compact discs are automatically loaded by loading apparatus onto the transport apparatus one-at-a-time in a predetermined location from apparatus automatically supplying compact discs to the loading apparatus for loading onto the transport apparatus in a plurality of vertically disposed stacks, each stack providing a plurality of discs horizontally disposed and superposed one above the other. Subsequent to printing and curing of the printing ink, the printed compact discs are off-loaded from the annular-shaped transport apparatus one-at-a-time by unloading apparatus and provided in a plurality of vertically disposed stacks of compact discs, each stack containing a plurality of horizontally disposed printed discs superposed one above the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventors: William M. Karlyn, Frederick C. Pink, William L. Lamarre, Edward J. Berry
  • Patent number: 5300173
    Abstract: A method for printing soft resin in which a composite printing material containing PVC-pasteresin, plasticizer, epoxy oil, titan dioxide BC complex, stabilizer, Hi-Sil 244, pigment, etc. is employed. The gelation temperature of such composite printing material is reduced to be within 150.degree.-160.degree. C. The composite printing material of different colors are sequentially applied to separate matrixes in several times depending on number of colors to be printed. Article to be printed with a desired pattern is positioned beneath the matrixes. Each time the printing material is applied, it is dried and then cooled so that it forms color fast and lasting pattern on the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Jenq Y. Lin
  • Patent number: 5252838
    Abstract: Apparatus assures correct alignment of a plurality of cylindrical, patterned textile printing screens arrayed horizontally, parallel with one another in a sequence of screens on heads which are rotated by a drive. Optical encoders associated with the drive mechanism for each screen indicate the orientations of the heads as they rotate, and reflective markers are located on the screens with an edge in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the screens and in a predetermined relationship to the pattern to be printed by the screen. An overhead laser source scans the screens aimed at a rotating mirror aligned to reflect light from the laser source to scan the reflective markers on the screens to a light sensor. A computer receives signals from the orientation sensors and the light sensor, and a counter counts at a rate on the order of 10 megahertz and recognizes a reflective marker when light is detected by the light detector for a threshold number of pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Innovative Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley W. Timblin
  • Patent number: 5249255
    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 at the curing station and has electrical resistance heating elements alternating between low voltage and high voltage in conjunction with a forced air flow 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 air flow is supplied to the heating elements during curing operations, whereas a lower voltage in combination with forced air flow 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Wisconsin Automated Machinery Corporation
    Inventors: Rick L. Fuqua, Phil Motev
  • Patent number: 5245922
    Abstract: A screen printing machine with one or more printing units each of which has a screen and at least one squeegee above a portion of the path for a movable web of paper or the like. The positions of the screens are adjustable by carriages which support the frames for the screens and receive motion from sets of motors which respond to signals from a computer. The latter receives signals from cameras which are adjacent the path of movement of the web and monitor alignment marks (if any) on the web and/or the position of printed matter on the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Gerhard Klemm Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Gerhard Klemm
  • Patent number: 5239923
    Abstract: A multi-station screen printer is provided with components which simplify maintenance, reduce repair and increase ease of use. The printer includes at least one printing head which defines a printing station, a screen holding device positioned thereunder for holding a screen, and at least one arm for carrying substrates positionable below the screen holding device. A flood bar and squeegee carriage is slideably mounted to the printing head and is shiftable by a telescoping cable which shifts the carriage between a print position wherein the squeegee is lowered to the screen and a non-print position wherein a flood bar is lowered near the screen. The arm for carrying platens is provided with a ball and socket system of registration which reliably positions the arm at each station and releases the arm therefrom after printing on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Harco Graphic Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Belcher, John R. Coulter
  • Patent number: 5239613
    Abstract: A control for the electrical curing elements on screen printing apparatus which applies full power to the elements during a heat-up period, and upon attaining a preselected temperature the control switches to a selected lower percentage of full power which continues as long as the apparatus continues to index through its printing cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: American Screen Printing Equipment Company
    Inventors: Phil Motev, Michael Skrypnik
  • Patent number: 5228108
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Advance Process Supply Company
    Inventors: Phil Motev, Rick L. Fuqua
  • Patent number: 5189950
    Abstract: Screen printing machines of the carousel type and apparatus for use in those machines. One of the features relates to a print head assembly having a carriage mounted for reciprocating movement, the carriage comprising two spaced apart bearing sections arranged relative to three support members. Another feature relates to an improved air manifold for the print head assembly. Yet another feature is concerned with an improved screen holding device utilizing inflatable bags. Yet another feature relates to an improved vacuum supply mechanism. A further feature is concerned with an improved frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Reefdale Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Otto R. Eppinger
  • Patent number: 5179897
    Abstract: Described is a method for pattern repeat presetting of a multi color screen printing machine wherein the screen printing stencils to be used are pre-set on the basis of independently determined stencil-data and printing position data by establishing a fixed predetermined relation between these data. Also described is a multi color screen printing device having means for setting the lengthwise, widthwise and diagonal pattern repeat with use of a computer and independently determined printing position and stencil data. The invention also relates to a device of determining stencil data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Stork Brabant B.V.
    Inventor: Paulus M. M. Liebregts
  • Patent number: 5165340
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for automatic transport of compact discs one-at-a-time from a loading station in a horizontally disposed, circular defined path through various work stations e.g., silk-screen printing and UV-curing, to an off-loading station. The compact discs are automatically loaded by loading apparatus onto the transport apparatus one-at-a-time in a predetermined location from apparatus automatically supplying compact discs to the loading apparatus for loading onto the transport apparatus in a plurality of vertically disposed stacks, each stack providing a plurality of discs horizontally disposed and superposed one above the other. Subsequent to printing and curing of the printing ink, the printed compact discs are off-loaded from the annular-shaped transport apparatus one-at-a-time by unloading apparatus and provided in a plurality of vertically disposed stacks of compact discs, each stack containing a plurality of horizontally disposed printed discs superposed one above the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventors: William M. Karlyn, Frederick C. Pink, William L. Lamarre, Edward J. Berry
  • Patent number: 5161460
    Abstract: A multiple screen printing apparatus is disclosed which can be manufactured to loose manufacturing tolerances but yet can print "all screens-down" with accurate and repeatable registration. The registration is a result of having two complementary components for both distance and angular registration which are located near the printing end of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a spring biased loose carrying connection that causes the registration components to seat accurately with one another as the screen is brought into engagement with the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventors: Edward A. Andersen, Eric T. Andersen
  • Patent number: 5160505
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the transfer printing of a fabric web is provided. The apparatus includes a supply station for supplying a multi-layered web comprising a web of fabric to be printed and at least one substrate having a surface provided with a sublimation ink, the substrate being disposed in intimate frictional contact with the web of fabric so that the ink-carrying surface thereof is in contact with the web surface to be printed. The apparatus further includes a printing station for maintaining a slight pressure on the multi-layered web and for applying heat thereto to thereby effect the transfer of ink from the substrate to the web of fabric. A receiving station is also provided for separating the multi-layered web into a printed web of fabric and into at least one substrate, and further for collecting the printed web and substrate following the separation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Pierre L. P. M. Seveno
    Inventors: Pierre L. P. M. Seveno, Aime M. Lemire
  • Patent number: 5158016
    Abstract: A printing machine comprises a frame and a turntable adapted to rotate on the frame to move objects to be printed along a displacement circumference. At least one silkscreen type printing head is aligned with the turntable and includes a support beam and, carried by the support beam, a screen support adapted to receive a screen and a squeegee carriage adapted to move relative to the screen support. The support beam extends along a line which is secant to the displacement circumference and is coupled to the frame at at least two points thereon disposed on respective sides of the displacement circumference. The squeegee carriage moves parallel to the support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Societe d'Exploitation des Machines Dubuit
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Dubuit
  • Patent number: 5154119
    Abstract: An automatic screen printing press has a frame with a plurality of platens which are movable seriatim through a plurality of stations in an endless path of movement past printing heads having a power-driven squeegee carriage thereon. At least one of the printing heads is mounted for movement and is positioned at a first location adjacent an open printing station at which cooling or drying of the ink is done when printing in a first sequence. When desiring to print in a different or second sequence, the movable printing head is shifted to previously open printing station to print at this latter station during this second sequence thereby leaving its previously-occupied station open for cooling or drying of ink during this second sequence. The movable head allows the user to print a larger number of sequences using fewer printing heads than a user can print using a conventional, automated screen printer which has the same number of printing heads, but all of which heads are fixedly mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Advance Process Supply Company
    Inventors: Rick L. Fuqua, Salvatore Prainito, David Pelko, Alex Iaccino
  • Patent number: 5138943
    Abstract: In a press type stencil printing device in which a press plate holding a stencil printing plate is pivotably mounted to a base carrying a print sheet receiver placed thereon so that the stencil printing plate is pressed onto a print sheet placed on the print sheet receiver, a transparent or semi-transparent positioning print sheet is pivotably mounted to be selectively overlapped on the print sheet receiver, and the print sheet receiver is fastened to the base by a fastener which allows minute adjustment of the printing sheet receiver in two dimensions on the base relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Kikuchi, Satoru Komata
  • Patent number: 5136938
    Abstract: A silk screen printing process onto a support with a reduced ink absorption including, after each silk screen printing phase onto a support to be submitted to silk screen printing, at least a first heating phase of the support and at least a second forced cooling phase of said support, the second phase being immediately successive to the first phase. The process is carried out by a plant (1) including, after each printing station (2), a heating station (5) acting onto the silk-screened support (14) and a cooling station (6) active onto the same support (14) to be submitted to silk screen printing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: C.M.S. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Ercole Pellegrina
  • Patent number: 5133256
    Abstract: A printer plate locating device used in the alignment of printer plates with respect to a screen or stencil holder of a screen printing machine. The present invention is particularly useful when used in a multi-station printing machine where the printing machine sequentially moves the printer plates into a printing station to affect the printing or image transfer. The present invention consists of two securely connected rigid plates and a system of actuators. The mounting plate 1 acts as a support or structural member for the rest of the apparatus. The alignment plate, being smaller in size than the mounting plate, provides edges against which the substrate locating devices of the printer plate make contact. In operation, the present invention is fastened to the screen holder in place of a screen or stencil on the first station of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: AG Communication Systems Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Keaton
  • Patent number: 5129155
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: M & R Printing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Hoffman, Aleksander Szyszko
  • Patent number: 5127321
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Silk Screen Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Proffer
  • Patent number: 5113757
    Abstract: Printed elastic bands are made by piercing, evacuating and flattening an elastic tubing and washing and scrubbing and drying the upper surface of the tubing, aligning a tubing on a conveyor and moving the tubing upward toward a printing head and quickly downward away from the printing head while maintaining the tubing flattened. The printing is devolatilized and cured while the tubing continues to move to the cutoff point. Nip rollers drive a tubing onto a cutoff platen, a final roller near the edge of the platen has a higher surface speed than the nip rollers to flatten the tubing. Printing on the tubing is sensed and rotating knives are sensed and the speed of the nip rollers is controlled to cut the tubing between the printed areas. Severed printed bands are removed by vacuum and are discharged from a cyclone separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Alliance Rubber Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard R. Spencer
  • Patent number: 5107760
    Abstract: A multiple screen screen-printing apparatus (10) is disclosed which is specifically design to print numbers on sports jerseys and the like. The apparatus has a rectangular frame (15) in which a screen printing carriage rack (35) is slidably mounted and movable in a vertical direction. A rack and pinion assembly cooperates between frame (15) and carriage rack (35) to selectively move the carriage up and down within the frame. Carriage rack (35) contains a plurality of printing screen cassettes (65) slidably mounted therein and disposed in a vertical array. Cassettes (65) are slidable, in a drawer-like fashion, between an extended printing position and a retracted storage position. An angular printing platen (130) is pivotally mounted on a front face of frame (15). Platen (130) is pivotal between a right printing position, which aligns with the numerals on the right side of the center plane, and a left printing position, which aligns with the numerals on the left side of the center plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventor: Gordon D. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5107759
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventors: Michael K. Omori, Floyd G. Miller
  • Patent number: 5099758
    Abstract: In a screen printing apparatus an applicator body is rotatable about its axis to selectively bring one of a plurality of medium supply ducts into active position so that it can deliver the color medium to the substrate. The applicator roller or blade and a strip defining the applicator compartment are provided on the rotatable body for each set of orifices and each distribution duct so that these elements need not be cleaned for color changeover since they remain associated with the color when the applicator is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: HWB Maschinenbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Heinz Hassler, Michael Warmuth, Albert Bellina
  • Patent number: 5099757
    Abstract: A screen printing machine including a head and at least one screen frame holding arm pivotally mounted on the head for movement about an axis toward and away from a platen between lowered printing and raised non-printing positions, respectively, is provided which includes primary springs associated with the screen frame holding arm, the primary springs attached at one end to first attachment locations on the arm and at another end to second attachment locations on the head for controlling the movement of the arm. Secondary springs for adjusting the spring rate of the primary springs are also provided, the secondary springs in one embodiment extending between the same first and second attachment locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: R. Jennings Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Jennings
  • Patent number: 5094161
    Abstract: A multi-color printing apparatus is specifically adapted for printing designs on clothing by the application of ink to successive silk screens, the apparatus including a pedestal having registration pins for insertion in openings in the silk screen supporting frame, and a clamping plate is hingedly mounted above the supporting frame with a lever arm to force the clamping plate downwardly against the support frame into complete registry with the pins. Lift tabs are also provided to lift the supporting frame away from pins after completion of each printing stage, and a printboard is adjustably mounted on a pivot arm to align the article of clothing with respect to the silk screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: Richard E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5092239
    Abstract: Screen printing apparatus having an inner stationary column having a vertical axis and an outer rotatable cylinder encircling the column and rotatable about the vertical axis. A rotatable turntable is mounted on the rotatable cylinder for movement between successive screen printing stations. The turntable mounts plural work supports having vacuum beds to retain workpieces. A vacuum ring is connected to a stationary vacuum means and has a slidable sealed contacting surface with the turntable to transfer vacuum to a plurality of conduits extending to each work support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventor: Henry J. Bubley