Abstract: The printing machine (1) comprises: a supporting structure (11); a thermal transfer assembly (20) movable in a predetermined horizontal direction (21) and comprising a rotatable motorized transfer roller (30) and heating means (70, 71) associated to the transfer roller (30), wherein the transfer roller (30) and the associated heating means (70, 71) are movable vertically towards and away from a path of the articles (A) to be printed; and supply means (2; 12-16, 33-40) arranged to advance a printing ribbon (N) which on a side facing the articles (A) carries at predetermined intervals images formed of a thermally transferable ink. The thermal transfer assembly (20) further comprises first and second deviation rollers (35, 36) whose axes of rotation are horizontal and substantially parallel to one another and to the axis of rotation (x) of the transfer roller (30).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing a security mark via a non-fluorescent toner is disclosed. For example, the method may be executed by a processor and includes receiving an electronic file of a security mark to be printed on a substrate, determining an amount of halftone coverage for a non-fluorescent toner based on a brightness of the substrate, converting the electronic file of the security mark into a printer description language with the amount of halftone coverage that is determined, and causing the security mark to be printed on the substrate.

Abstract: A rotary pad printing system comprises a compressible pad wheel (105), one or more inkjet or other image applicator heads (400), optional treatment stations (500), a shaft encoder (535), a control unit (540), and an image source (565). The image applicator heads apply an image to the wheel and the treatment stations can supply treatments such as heat, gas, light, overcoats, and undercoats. The image is then transferred to a receiving surface (532). An optional cleaning station (510) cleans the rotary pad prior to application of the next or a continuous image. Each image can be different and can be applied to a moving surface. Since the rotary pad can continuously receive updated image information, the area printed can range from a single pixel to an image of indefinite length. In an alternative embodiment, a domed pad is used. In another alternative embodiment, a flexible belt (1000) is used instead of a rotary wheel. In another alternative embodiment, a segmented pad (2205) is used.

Abstract: An overprint stamper is provided with three print surface retainer portions positioned flush with each other in the non-depressed condition, print surface portions each comprising a thermoplastic expanded sheet fixed to each print surface retainer portion, a slider portion for supporting the print surface retainer portions rotatably by means of a resilient hinge means while being generally movable, and a guide bar for guiding the direction in which the slider portion moves. Further, in order to control the position where the slider portion stops so that each print surface portion is positioned at a predetermined printing position, three grooves are provided on the guide bar and a spring having a protrusion fitting therein is fixed to the slider portion.

Abstract: A data carrier, in particular check paper, having a picture theme printed on by the dot screen, grain screen, line-halftone combination or special screen techniques or as a line copy, which is printed over by a security pattern serving the purpose of protecting the data carrier. The picture theme is interrupted by a negative security pattern adapted to the security pattern, into which negative security pattern the security pattern is printed congruently. The lines of the negative security pattern are preferably wider than the lines of the security pattern, so that the lines of the security pattern integrated into the picture theme are at a certain distance from the lines of the negative security pattern in the entire picture area and do not touch the picture theme.

Abstract: A data carrier, in particular check paper, having a picture theme printed on by the dot screen, grain screen, line-half-tone combination or special screen techniques or as a line copy, which is printed over by a security pattern serving the purpose of protecting the data carrier. The picture theme is interrupted by a negative security pattern adapted to the security pattern, into which negative security pattern the security pattern is printed congruently. The lines of the negative security pattern are preferably wider than the lines of the security pattern, so that the lines of the security pattern integrated into the picture theme are at a certain distance from the lines of the negative security pattern in the entire picture area and do not touch the picture theme.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting sublimation printing of a substrate wherein a matrix comprising the design to be printed is electrostatically charged in a given polarity and then a fine disperse dye powder, oppositely charged, is brought into contact with said matrix wherein the charged matrix attracts the oppositely charged dye particles to effect coating of the matrix with the dye, after which the coated matrix is moved into registry with the substrate to be printed, and specifically in overlying relation with respect to a surface of the substrate that has been coated with a dye receptive coating, after which the matrix is brought into pressurized contact with the coated surface of the substrate to cause sublimation of the dye pattern into said coated substrate surface.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for coloring a pile fabric, liquid coloring material is introduced into compartments, and the pile fabric is pressed face downwardly into the compartments. In order to provide regions wherein different colors are distinct from one another, a resilient barrier is provided between compartments to which different colored liquid coloring material is introduced and in order to provide areas of the pile fabric wherein the colors are blended, liquid coloring material of different colors is introduced into the compartments in regions not separated by a resilient barrier.