Abstract: The invention relates to a method for contacting a flexible sheet to a first element with improved lateral alignment. The method includes a step of measuring a first lateral misalignment after establishing a first contact between the flexible sheet and either of the first element and a sheet parking surface called anchor in the first stage. If the 5 misalignment exceeds a predetermined threshold the flexible sheet is parked at the anchor such that it is not in contact with the first element, and the relative position of the first element and the anchor is altered during the second stage for correcting the mismatch during a contact between the flexible sheet and the first element to be established within the next step of the method. During the steps of shifting the contact point to obtain the second stage 10 the contacting process is more accurate and reproducible than the process for establishing the initial contact.

Abstract: Printing apparatus including a flexible support for a patch to be printed on and a vertical ram carrying type at its lower end. An inking roller is positioned to pass over the type with the type held up away from the patch to be printed on, and, after the inking roller has left the area of the type, the ram drives the inked type onto the patch. The ram is then raised, and the inking roller returns from being inked to a position where it can again ink the raised type to begin and repeat the printing operation.