Abstract: Creating an artistic work of art on a lawn includes: unfolding and stretching taut a stencil; driving stakes into the lawn, each stake extending through a corner of the stencil; spraying paint over openings in the stencil; removing the stencil while leaving stakes in place; unfolding and stretching taut a second stencil; anchoring the second stencil by extending corners of the second stencil over stakes driven in the ground; spraying paint over openings in the second stencil. An indication of orientation located on the second stencil is oriented in the same position as that of an indication of orientation of the first stencil. Each stencil includes a planar sheet of flexible film and a gate that extends across an opening of the respective stencil and maintains structural integrity of the stencil and distributes tension in the stencil when the stencil is stretched taut.

Abstract: The present invention is a screen printing plate 1 in which at least an opening portion 2 that discharges a printing material for forming a target printing pattern 4 on a matter to be printed is provided in screen printing, and the screen printing plate is characterized in that the size of the opening portion 2 is reduced from the target printing pattern 4 and an opening end portion 3 of the opening portion 2 has a projection and recess pattern shape different from the target printing pattern shape. By this arrangement, bleeding of the printing material of the screen printing can be controlled and a high-quality and low-cost screen printing plate is provided which can print a target printing pattern accurately and with high transfer performance even for a fine design.

Abstract: A stencil device ensures that solder paste is accurately applied to a printed circuit board to create a substantially zero signal degradation solder bridge electrical connection. The printed circuit board is defined by a dielectric structure core having a first surface which further includes a first conducting pad having an edge and a second conducting edge having an edge separated from and adjacent to the edge of the first conducting pad. The edges of the first and second conducting pads define therebetween a surface area of the first surface. The stencil device includes a stencil plate member defining a first opening sized to substantially correspond to the first conducting pad, a second opening sized to substantially correspond to the second conducting pad, and a third opening. The third opening links the first opening to the second opening at a size to correspond to a partial portion of the surface area of the first surface between the edges of the first and second conducting pads.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing assays on materials, particularly biological materials, are provided. The devices and methods make use of self-sealing members, which can be applied to a flat surface to form wells to facilitate immobilization of materials on the flat surface, then removed to yield a flat surface that facilitates the performance of processes on and/or detection of the immobilized material.

Abstract: A putting training aid comprising a main body having a first recess and a second recess formed therein, wherein the first recess is adapted to at least partially receive a golf ball to provide a guide for placing a marking on the golf ball a spindle member operably attached to the main body to at least partially extend into the second recess; and a string wound around the spindle member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a stencil printer section and a non-stencil printer section and can form a stencil image and a non-stencil image on a single sheet. A first and a second adjusting section respectively adjusts the position of the stencil image and that of the non-stencil image relative to the sheet in the direction of sheet conveyance and the widthwise direction of the sheet perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance. A first shift display section displays an amount of shift of the position adjusted by the first adjusting section. A first moving mechanism shifts the position of the stencil image in accordance with the operation of the first adjusting section. A second shift display section displays an amount of shift of the position adjusted by the second adjusting section. A second moving mechanism shifts the position of the non-stencil image in accordance with the operation of the second adjusting section.

Abstract: A method for creating an artistic work on a lawn includes: anchoring a first stencil to a lawn; applying paint of a first color in a first desired pattern on the lawn by applying paint over a first pattern of one or more openings in the first lawn stencil; anchoring a second stencil to the lawn; and applying paint of a second color in a second desired pattern on the lawn by applying paint over a second pattern of one or more openings in the second awn stencil. The pattern of one or more openings in each lawn stencil corresponds to one or more design elements of the artwork to be created on the lawn. Additional lawn stencils and containers of paint also may be included. Proper orientation of each lawn stencil is insured by proper orientation and alignment of an indication of orientation and alignment locations, which each lawn stencil includes.

Abstract: A kit for creating an artistic work on a residential lawn includes: first and second lawn stencils; first and second containers of paint of first and second colors; and a plurality of stakes. The stakes are used to anchor the lawn stencils to the lawn, and the paint is used to apply layers of paint over the lawn stencils, which in turn applies layers of the paint in desired patterns on the lawn. Each lawn stencil includes a pattern of openings therein, which pattern corresponds to one or more design elements of the artwork to be applied to the lawn using the paint. Additional lawn stencils and containers of paint also may be included in this aspect. Proper orientation of each lawn stencil of the kit is insured by proper orientation and alignment of an indication of orientation and alignment locations, which each lawn stencil includes.

Abstract: A screen printing plate includes a discharging area from which printing liquid is discharged and a non-discharging area from which no printing liquid is discharged. With the screen printing plate, a squeegee is slid to discharge the printing liquid so as to perform printing. The non-discharging area is of a polygonal shape having as an apex the point with which the squeegee first comes in contact when being slid, and a width of the non-discharging area in the length direction of the squeegee increases from the apex to the maximum of the width.

Abstract: A structure and associated methods of formation. The structure includes a layered configuration comprising a copper layer, a first layer, and a second layer. The copper layer consists essentially of copper. The first and second layers are disposed on opposite sides of the copper layer and are in direct mechanical contact with the copper layer. The first and second layers each consist essentially of a same alloy of nickel and cobalt having a weight percent concentration of cobalt in a range of 3% to 21%. A through hole in the layered configuration extends completely through the first layer, the copper layer, and the second layer, wherein a first opening in the layered configuration extends completely through the first layer and does not extend into any portion of the second layer.

Abstract: A method of making a plurality of the same combination of lawn stencils, which combination is used to create an artistic work on a lawn, includes: simultaneously cutting a first predetermined pattern of one or more openings in each sheet of a first stack of sheets by applying a high pressure water jet, each sheet of the first stack representing a first lawn stencil of the combination; and simultaneously cutting a second predetermined pattern of one or more openings in each sheet of a second stack of sheets by applying a high pressure water jet, each sheet of the second stack representing a second lawn stencil of the combination. The first predetermined pattern corresponds to one or more design elements of the artistic work, and the second predetermined pattern corresponds to one or more additional design elements of the artistic work.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device and a method for positioning a substrate to be printed in accordance with a screen printing method, lying on a print table, with respect to a template of a screen of the screen printing device. After placement and fixing of the substrate on the print table, and with the screen arranged close to the print position, the side of the screen towards the print table is illuminated from the print table and at least one predetermined edge section of the substrate is photoelectrically detected from the print table. After evaluation of the detection signals, the screen is adjusted into its desired disposition with respect to the actual disposition of the substrate, and then the printing is effected.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electronic component includes the steps of inserting tabs of a cover into through holes formed in a circuit board having mounting elements on the front surface thereof, disposing a print mask having openings at positions corresponding to the through holes on the back surface of the circuit board, and supplying solder cream to the through holes through the openings by placing the solder cream on the print mask and moving the solder cream in a predetermined direction with a squeegee. The print mask is provided with projections which project upstream in the moving direction of the solder cream in openings of the print mask, and the openings are shifted upstream in the moving direction of the solder cream. In addition, the tabs are inserted into the through holes such that the width direction of the tabs is along the moving direction of the solder cream.

Abstract: Before embossing raised letters on a target tape which is subjected to embossing of raised letters, written letters are printed based on inputted character information, and also an upside-and-downside identifying information for identifying the upside and the downside of the target tape as seen in the widthwise direction thereof is printed on the target tape. In the emboss-processing section, the upside and the downside of the target tape is detected based on the identifying information. If the target tape is found to have been inserted upside down, the raised letters are embossed in a state of turning the embossing data by 180 degrees.

Abstract: A method for silk screen printing a design on a visor of a cap using high-density ink is disclosed. The method of the present invention includes the steps of: (1) loading a fabric from which a visor of a cap will be fabricated onto a template formed in the shape of the visor of the cap; (2) printing the design on the visor of the cap using a flat panel silk screen printing apparatus and at least one high-density ink which can withstand the wear and tear experienced by the visor of the cap during normal usage; (3) curing the high-density ink by heating the ink to a predetermined temperature; (4) cutting the fabric to form the visor of the cap; and (5) assembling the cap by stitching together the fabric of the visor, inserting a visor board, and attaching the assemble visor to a headpiece.

Abstract: A coloring book for method is provided creating a picture 51 by different layered stencils with the steps of: Lining up the border stencil holes 21 or holes marked for lining up, then coloring each stencil page for each individual color of the picture. When all colors or pages are colored the master page 20 will have a completed picture 51.

Abstract: A stencil for use in fabricating semiconductor devices is disclosed that has an aperture having a first portion extending from a first side thereof and a second portion extending from a second side thereof to minimize the shear stress between the material extruded therethrough and the stencil. The stencil allows for material to be extruded through the top of the stencil to the surface of the substrate and not contact the wall of the second portion of the aperture of the stencil. Since the material only contacts a small area of the first portion of the aperture near the top of the stencil, the material remains on the substrate and not in the aperture of the stencil.

Abstract: A screen printing manual repetition system semi-automates use of a screen with a manual printing press. The screen has a screen frame and a screen mesh. The manual repetition system (MRS) has an MRS frame mountable to the screen frame, a track system, and a height adjustor configured to adjust the height of the track system relative to the MRS frame. A squeegee has a squeegee frame with a blade, guide members configured to guide the squeegee through the track system, and an angle adjustor configured to adjust the angle of the blade relative to the screen mesh during operation.

Abstract: A screen printing manual repetition system semi-automates use of a screen with a manual printing press. The screen has a screen frame and a screen mesh. The manual repetition system (MRS) has an MRS frame mountable to the screen frame, a track system, and a height adjustor configured to adjust the height of the track system relative to the MRS frame. A squeegee has a squeegee frame with a blade, guide members configured to guide the squeegee through the track system, and an angle adjustor configured to adjust the angle of the blade relative to the screen mesh during operation.

Abstract: A stencil printer for printing viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, and a print head, coupled for the frame, to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. The stencil printer further includes a substrate supporting and clamping assembly to support and clamp a substrate in a print position. The substrate supporting and clamping assembly includes at least one support member to support the substrate in a print position, a pair of rail members, coupled to the frame, adapted to engage opposite edges of the substrate, and a clamping mechanism, coupled to the frame, to move at least one of the rail members against the substrate to clamp the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying solder paste to circuits, such as integrated circuits, are disclosed. The apparatus and methods comprise a squeegee blade having a pair of elongated face sides spaced apart by a selected thickness and a corresponding pair of elongated substantially parallel narrow sides spaced apart by a selected width. The elongated face sides and elongated narrow sides join together to form squeegee operating edges. The squeegee blade is free of mounting aperture as to provide four operating edges. The squeegee blade is mounted to a resilient clamping structure which applies a regular and controlled gripping force so as to avoid deformation of the squeegee blade edge due to excessive mounting force. The plurality of fasteners are received by the clamping structure for adjusting the gripping force to the squeegee blade.

Abstract: A screen printing manual repetition system semi-automates use of a screen with a manual printing press. The screen has a screen frame and a screen mesh. The manual repetition system (MRS) has an MRS frame mountable to the screen frame, a track system, and a height adjustor configured to adjust the height of the track system relative to the MRS frame. A squeegee has a squeegee frame with a blade, guide members configured to guide the squeegee through the track system, and an angle adjustor configured to adjust the angle of the blade relative to the screen mesh during operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stretching and mounting a screen printing screen or mesh that separates the tensioning of the screen/mesh into two independent directions with the screen/mesh attached to two separate independent frames. The outer frame has two ends perpendicular to a print direction for attaching to ends of a screen mesh. The outer frame is placed outside of the inner frame, and supports the screen/mesh tensioned in the print direction of movement, with a high level of tension. The inner frame has two sides parallel to a print direction for attaching to the sides of the screen/mesh. The sides of the inner frame can apply tension, when applicable, to the screen/mesh, at a significantly lower tension level in the non-print direction, can act as, or provide a fixing point for barriers to stop the leakage or loss of the print medium or ink from the screen.

Abstract: An improved screen printing frame is presented that is cast from one piece of plastic material and possesses support ribs to confer additional strength to the structure. The frame is designed to be produced by a low-cost single-mold casting process and to permit the attachment of screens by adhesive means.

Abstract: A hand accent stencil applicator system for positioning a design on a surface is provided. The applicator system comprises an applicator handle and a compression housing mounted to the applicator housing. A bladder is positioned within the compression housing for holding a texture material. A design template is mounted to the compression housing wherein the applicator handle exerts forces into the compression housing causing a texture flow from the bladder through the design template.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of transferring a membrane image to an article. The method comprises providing a printed decoration to be applied onto a low surface energy membrane. The low surface energy membrane has a hardness level of greater than 70 durometer Shore A and a surface energy of up to 25 mJ/m2. The method further includes applying a predetermined pressure with a pressure device to force the printed decoration through a screen onto the low surface energy membrane. The pressure device has a hardness of up to 70 durometer Shore A. The method further includes forming the low surface energy membrane to the geometry of the surface of the article and applying pressure between the membrane and the article to transfer the membrane image from the membrane to the article.

Abstract: A screen-printing plate is provided with a plurality of printing patterns disposed in a single plate frame. Each printing pattern is formed with a plurality of mesh holes. At least two different aperture ratios of the mesh holes forming the printing patterns are provided according to the positions of regions on the screen-printing plate in which the printing patterns are disposed. The aperture ratio of the mesh holes forming the printing patterns positioned in a region close to the periphery of the plate frame is set higher than the aperture ratio of the mesh holes forming the printing patterns positioned in a central region of the plate frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of making a silkscreen mesh holding apparatus is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to allow a silkscreen mesh to be adhesively bonded to the apparatus while preventing the formation of residual staining liquids thereon. In one configuration, the apparatus formed of tubular material and is coated with a powder coating configured to allow the apparatus to be easily cleaned with more environmental safe types of cleaning solvents. In one embodiment, the apparatus is coated with a powder coating configured to provide an adhesive attached thereto a bond strength, within a bond strength range, that allows a silkscreen mesh bonded therewith to be removed by peeling such silkscreen mesh and adhesive from the apparatus without the use of solvents.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for prevention of overspray during coating of a pallet used in a screen printing operation. After being coated with an adhesive, the pallet is capable of removably retaining textile fabrics and the like thereon. The apparatus comprises a spray guard, preferably rectangular in shape, which captures overspray on its interior walls.

Abstract: A printing mask has protrusions having through holes defined therein for printing a solder paste on lands on a printed circuit board. The protrusions serve to increase the amount of solder paste filled in the through holes.

Abstract: A control device for removing register errors on printing machines. The control device for controlling the printing drums for a printing machine has at least a first sensor to detect sheets on a conveyor belt and printing drums to apply printing images, whereby a spacing, which is defined between a position on the conveyor belt determined by a signal of the first sensor and the nip of a printing cylinder on the conveyor belt, corresponding to a whole-numbered multiple of the circumference of a nip roller.

Abstract: A stencil used for printing solder paste on a contact pad of a printed wiring board has interior surfaces that define one or more apertures through the stencil. Those interior surfaces are coated with a material, such as parylene, having a lower surface tension than the interior surfaces absent the coating. The stencil can also have one or more reverse-tapered apertures passing there through, wherein the apertures have a variable cross-section that is larger at the fill side of the stencil (i.e., where solder paste enters the apertures) than at the board side of the stencil (i.e., where the stencil contacts the contact pad of the printed wiring board). Solder paste can be printed through the aperture(s) of the stencil onto contact pads on a printed wiring board.

Abstract: A stencil screen with a desired pattern to be imprinted is supported on a stencil screen frame. The frame has upstanding elongated sidewalls joined by spaced apart end walls to circumscribe a screen window opening. The stencil screen has sufficient strength transversely to plane of the screen to allow deflection from the plane of the screen without elastic deformation. The stresses produced by the deflection of the screen produce repeated flexing of fatigue resistant and resilient screen frame sidewalls and screen support arms at opposite end of these side walls by the provision of sufficient resiliency to restore the stencil screen to a stencil screen support plane.

Abstract: A screen printing stencil is prepared by coating one side of a light transmissive film with a radiation curable material. Then, either the radiation curable material or the opposite side of the film is coated with a print ink receptive surface for receiving and adhering ink from a conventional ink jet printer. The ink receptive surface and the radiation curable material may be one and the same. An ultraviolet block image is printed on the ink receptive surface with a conventional ink jet printer in safe light conditions and the printed side is then exposed to curable radiation for curing areas of the radiation curable material not blocked by the print for providing ink impermeable areas. The noncured areas are washed out with an appropriate solvent and the cured areas are applied to a printing screen mesh, and after drying the cured areas, the film is removed.

Abstract: A resin-encapsulation method of the present invention for electronic parts by a stencil printing, in which a resin filling opening in a stencil is filled with a resin while a squeegee is being moved over the stencil, is characterized in that elevation control of the squeegee is made in a finish printing process at a position close to an end portion of the resin filling opening on a squeegee movement terminal side so as to scrape the excess of the filing resin out of the resin filling opening.

Abstract: A stencil design for solder paste printing, or other metal stencil printing, is disclosed. A stencil for stencil printing of solder onto a semiconductor wafer for semiconductor wafer bumping includes a substrate. The substrate has a hole defined therein substantially shaped to correspond to and receptive to the semiconductor wafer. An interior edge of the substrate surrounds the hole, and has an upper lip under which the semiconductor wafer is positioned. The upper lip of the interior edge of the substrate surrounding the hole substantially prevents the solder from flowing onto sides and a bottom of the semiconductor wafer during stencil printing of the solder. The cross-profile shape of the upper lip may in one embodiment be rectangular, whereas in another embodiment be triangular.

Abstract: A stencil in sheet or roll form that is adapted for stenciling large surfaces such as walls or ceilings, particularly when those surfaces are of a delicate nature. The stencil is a laminar structure including an outer layer of a absorbent flexible material such as paper permanently adhered to a flexible barrier layer. On the side of the barrier layer opposite the outer layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive layer that is fixed to the barrier layer, yet temporarily and releasably adheres the stencil to the surface to be decorated. The pressure sensitive adhesive may be covered with a release liner that is easily removed to expose the adhesive for application of the stencil sheet to the surface, and that prior to being removed, permits the stencil sheets to be formed conveniently into a roll or stacked without adhering to itself or one another.

Abstract: A circuit board with high quality is provided by preventing the falling of paste which comes around to the squeegee complementary angle side during the pattern printing or paste filling by the squeegeeing method. While lowering, the squeegee is passed through the inclined portion of a paste removing section (3) provided on a mask (2) before pattern printing or paste filling, whereby the paste on the non-printing side (complementary angle) of the squeegee can be removed; thus, a circuit board superior in quality is obtained.

Abstract: A screen printing manual repetition system semi-automates use of a screen with a manual printing press. The screen has a screen frame and a screen mesh. The manual repetition system (MRS) has an MRS frame mountable to the screen frame, a track system, and a height adjustor configured to adjust the height of the track system relative to the MRS frame. A squeegee has a squeegee frame with a blade, guide members configured to guide the squeegee through the track system, and an angle adjustor configured to adjust the angle of the blade relative to the screen mesh during operation.

Abstract: Stencils are provided for more precisely aligning stencil orifices with terminals or “targets” on a substrate. One such stencil is adapted for registration with an electronic substrate, such as a PCB, about a locus. The stencil includes a stencil body and an array of printing orifices passing through the stencil body. The printing orifices may have varying sizes, with the size of each printing orifice being a function of a distance of the printing orifice from the locus. Various methods are also provided, including methods for applying solder on electronic substrates using stencils and methods and systems for designing such stencils.

Abstract: A stencil in sheet or roll form that is adapted for stenciling large surfaces such as walls or ceilings, particularly when those surfaces are of a delicate nature. The stencil is a laminar structure including an outer layer of a absorbent flexible material such as paper permanently adhered to a flexible barrier layer. On the side of the barrier layer opposite the outer layer is a pressure sensitive adhesive layer that is fixed to the barrier layer, yet temporarily and releasably adheres the stencil to the surface to be decorated. The pressure sensitive adhesive may be covered with a release liner that is easily removed to expose the adhesive for application of the stencil sheet to the surface, and that prior to being removed, permits the stencil sheets to be formed conveniently into a roll or stacked without adhering to itself or one another.

Abstract: Preparation time of a multi print head screen printing machine is reduced by inputting the printing parameters into an electronic storage device on the silk screen when carrying out test printing, to avoid rekeying the information at the print head. The storage means can be accessed by cable connection or wireless connection.

Abstract: Screen printing to an edge of an object without the flow of print ilk over the edge and to a supporting platen is realized by applying a flow of gas from the platen over the edge of the object and opposing the flow of print ink. The platen can have a support surface including a groove or a plurality of holes arranged to match the edge of the wafer. The wafer can include a semiconductor wafer such as a photovoltaic cell, and the gas can include air, nitrogen, or an inert gas.

Abstract: A stenciling assembly for connecting and interlocking stencil members together end-to-end. The stenciling assembly includes one or more stencil members each including a piece of material having a distinctive pattern and being used to transpose the pattern onto other objects; and also includes one or more first connector members each being attached to a first end of a respective stencil member for connecting the stencil member to other stencil members; and further includes one or more second connector members being attached to a second end of a respective stencil member for connecting the stencil member to other stencil members.

Abstract: A hybrid printing apparatus and related control method have a first print section 1a composed of a plurality of printing machines located in parallel to one another, and a second print section 1b composed of one printing machine and connected to the first print section, via a print medium transfer section 1c having a transfer passage 31 composed of discrete passage components which include change-over rollers 32 to change over start/stop operations in transfer of print media and medium detection sensors 33 to detect leading edges of the print media discharged from the respective printing machines of the first print section 1a, respectively. A control section 1d controls timings at which the change-over rollers 32 are changed over, so as to sequentially transfer the printing media from the first section 1a to the second print section 1b in response to detection signals from the medium detection sensors 33.

Abstract: A stencil comprising two or more layers is disclosed for applying surface mount materials onto printed circuit boards, flexible circuits, wafers or other substrates. The stencil can accommodate preexisting surface mount components and materials. The stencil utilizes material reservoirs, relief areas and delivery apertures and can be used for depositing surface mount materials such as adhesives, conductive glues, solder paste and solder balls.

Abstract: A gripper for screen printing applications comprises a gripper body supporting a tensioning assembly comprising a gripping element designed for gripping the edge of a fabric to be tensioned on a frame, and a bottom abutment cam providing a variable lowering stroke based on a withdrawal tensioning stroke of the tensioning assembly.

Abstract: A golf ball marking guide for use in making alignment markings on a golf ball. The guide has peripheral guide edges which facilitate simple marking of perpendicular lines, equatorial lines, and non-equatorial lines on a golf ball.

Abstract: A stencil comprises an electret film, wherein the film has at least one perforation having a perimeter that defines an area, and wherein the area is greater than or equal to about one square centimeter. Methods of marking a substrate using stencils of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A screen printing machine including a stencil sheet assembly having a frame member having outer peripheral sides for partitioning an outer configuration and inner peripheral sides for partitioning an opening and stencil sheet adhered to one face of the frame member to cover the opening, a tension frame projected to inner sides of the inner peripheral sides of the frame member, having a raised portion toward the stencil sheet and arranged on other face of the frame member for applying tension to the stencil sheet, and holding means for holding the tension frame and the stencil sheet assembly which are put together such that a front face of the tension frame in a direction of raising the raised portion and the outer face of the frame member are brought into contact with each other.