Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for transferring print and/or embossing patterns to a security element with a printing or embossing cylinder (3) and a counter-pressure cylinder (5). The security element consists of at least one substrate in the form of an endless foil that is light-transmitting in at least some regions (1), the endless foil (1) running between the printing or embossing cylinder (3) and the counter-pressure cylinder (5). According to the present invention, in the running direction of the endless foil (1), before the printing or embossing cylinder (3) is arranged at least one pivot roller (4) that overstretches the endless foil (1) to one side. This creates an inclination of the endless foil (1) in relation to the axis of the printing or embossing cylinder (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element (12) for protecting valuable articles, having a thin-film element (30) that has a color-shift effect and that includes an absorber layer (36) having gaps (38) in the region of which no color-shift effect is perceptible, and a relief pattern (26) that is arranged only in gapped absorber layer regions (38) below the thin-film element (30).

Abstract: An embossing roller and a backing roller are positionally maintained so that the embossing roller and the backing roller define a gap therebetween. The temperature of the backing roller is maintained below a reference temperature. Material is fed between the embossing roller and the backing roll, where the material has been heated to a temperature greater than the reference temperature. As the material passes between and makes contact with the embossing roller and the backing roll, the embossing roller imparts a predefined pattern into the material. As the temperature of the embossing roller increases due to contact with the material, the temperature of the embossing roller is reduced so that it remains below the temperature of the material but above the reference temperature.

Abstract: Micro-protrusions, which constitute a diffractive microstructure, are produced by embossing the surface layer of a substrate by an embossing member having microgrooves in such a way that the cross-sectional area of a produced micro-protrusion is substantially smaller than the cross-sectional area of the microgroove producing said micro-protrusion. Thus, the embossing pressure is small, the risk of adhesion is reduced, it is possible to use a low embossing temperature, and microstructures may be produced at a high speed. Furthermore, the same embossing member may be used for producing a low microstructure, a normal microstructure, and a high microstructure.

Abstract: An embossing apparatus comprises pairs of rotary embossing drums (230) driven by respective servo motors (260). The drums have an embossing formation. A conveyor feeds blanks to the embossing drums (230). A control senses the position and speed of the blank and the position and speed of the drum and applies a correction to the rotational position of the drum such that the blank will engage the embossing formation in the correct position as it travels past the formation.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To provide a method for ornamenting a container, a mandrel, drum, apparatus used for the method, in which the number of manufacturing process and the manufacturing cost are reduced, and prevents scratches in the inner and outer surface of the container. [Solution] The ornamenting method of a container comprises a process to perform underprinting, a process to perform outer surface printing, and a process to perform embossing on the surface of the container held by a holding means in a manufacturing line. It is preferable that the outer surface printing process and the embossing process are simultaneously or successively performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for embossing raised dots (B) on plate elements (A), at least partly plastically deformable. The apparatus comprises at least one punch (31) movable alternatively along a first direction (Z) to emboss a raised dot (B), on a plate element (A) which rests, on a work surface intercepted by said first, direction (Z). Advantageously, the apparatus also comprises a feed device (2) of the plate element (A) along a second direction (X), which can be operated to feed new sections of said plate element (A) to the punch (31). The punch (31) can be translated along a third direction (Y), orthogonal to said first direction (Z), to emboss at least another raised dot (B) along a same section of the plate element (A).

Abstract: An embossed sheet is composed of at least a first and a second ply of creped tissue having a basis weight between 12 and 30 g/m2 according to which the first ply has a first embossed pattern composed of a series of first aligned protrusions of frustoconical overall shape, the tops of which are oriented towards the inside of the sheet, and the second ply has a first and a second series of protrusions, the tops of which are oriented towards the inside of the sheet, the second series having a height greater than that of the first series of protrusions. The protrusions of the first ply and the highest protrusions of the second ply are nested inside one another, and the lowest protrusions of the second ply are arranged between the protrusions of the first ply so as to create empty spaces between the two plies and promote a rapid absorption of liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a die with a metal backing layer that carries a polymer layer. The polymer layer has a female pattern formed through laser engraving. The metal backing layer of the die is capable of being magnetically attached to a magnetic cylinder. A counter die is also included and has a metal backing layer that carries a polymer layer. The polymer layer has a male pattern formed thereon through laser engraving. The metal backing layer of the counter die is capable of being magnetically attached to a magnetic cylinder. An alternative apparatus is provided that includes a male and female starting member to aid in aligning the patterns. Another apparatus is included that has male and female register tracts for keeping the die and counter die in register with one another. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method of printing an image on corrugated material may include receiving a digital representation of an image. A print target may be printed on a first corrugated material with respect to a print location. It may be determined whether an error distance between the print target and a die cut target is less than a threshold. The print location may be automatically adjusted based on the error distance. The image may be printed on a second corrugated material based on the adjusted print location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a metal element to a security document using a stamp element, the metal element being configured from a metal layer of foil and being applied to the security document, preferably in a hot embossing process. To increase the protection against forgery, during the application of the metal element (2), the latter (2) is embossed (21) by means of a stamping surface (31) of the stamp element (3), which is configured as a line gravure printing plate (32).

Abstract: A system to imprint patterns on impressionable materials by generating a pressure differential within an imprinting chamber by creating a substantial vacuum in an imprinting area is provided. This system can be used to create conductive traces in a substrate onto which integrated circuit chips and dies can be mounted to create semiconductor packages. A low pressure line evacuates air from a material receiving area of a vessel creating a pressure differential across pistons in the vessel to thereby causing the pistons to press microtools into impressionable material layers. The low pressure line helps the microtools conform to any thickness variations in the imprinted material and prevents air pockets from developing between the microtool and the imprinted material.

Abstract: A security feature for an identification document comprising a document substrate, a first security feature applied to the document substrate, and an image of a bearer of the identification document transferred over the first security feature. The image includes a knockout portion in which selected areas of the image are not transferred to the substrate. The selected areas expose the first security feature and selected areas are in the form of personal information of the bearer of the document.

Abstract: A method for making an embossed article, tools used to make such articles and the resulting article are disclosed. The article includes a first composite element having a plurality of spaced apart subelements, which is created by mounting a first embossing tool to an embossing press wherein the first embossing tool includes first and second male dies, as well as mounting a second embossing tool in registered opposition to the first embossing tool, which includes first and second female dies complementary in number, type and position to the respective first and second male dies. After positioning a first deformable sheet material between the first and second embossing tools, the first male dies and the first female dies are compressed, the sheet is moved, and the second male dies and second female dies are compressed. Alternatively, at least some of the dies are moved or replaced prior to the second compressing actions, which may be to the same or different sheet material.

Abstract: A nanoimprinting system incorporates a patterned media contact architecture to provide a uniform imprinting pressure across the target imprinting area on a disk substrate. The system leverages the unique disk substrate characteristic of an inner diameter hole by incorporating a membrane suspension, gel-pad buffering, and air cushion loading that exploits the inner diameter hole characteristics of the disk substrate. This design dramatically increases the uniformity of the pressing pressure across the target imprinting area. As a result, a simple and effective improvement of the quality of the patterns imprinted on the recording disk substrate is realized.

Abstract: An embossed sheet forming apparatus has phase controlling means (33, 34) axially shifting a second embossing roller 11, a front embossed profile detector 74 for detecting an embossed profile on a front surface of a both-sided embossed sheet 100, a rear embossed profile detector 75 for detecting an embossed profile on the rear surface, both surfaces phase difference computing means 80 comparing a detection signal from the front embossed profile detector 74 and a detection signal from the rear embossed profile detector 75 for calculating an embossing phase difference in a sheet width direction between the embossed profiles on the both surfaces, and phase adjustment control processing means 77 inputting a phase difference signal representing the embossing phase difference from the both surfaces phase difference computing means 80 for outputting a command to the phase controlling means (33, 34) to cancel a deviation of the phase difference.

Abstract: A method of making a printed product having an optical effect based on light refraction has the steps of applying an embossable coating to face of a substrate in an image zone, embossing an optical structure in the embossable coating, curing the embossed coating, and printing an image on the substrate in the image zone.

Abstract: In a method for disposing of used embossing foil webs during the operation of an embossing apparatus, in which at least one embossing foil web is moved with the aid of a foil feed device with varying web speeds through an embossing gap and is subsequently supplied to a disposal device, the embossing foil web is removed from a final control device of the foil feed device by means of a tension conveying device downstream of the foil feed device and which produces a tension acting on the embossing foil web independently of the direction and amount of the embossing foil web speed in the same tension direction, as well as a cutting through of the embossing foil web in predeterminable time sections downstream of the tension conveying device outside an engagement area of the tension conveying device for producing cut off embossing foil web portions. The latter can then be disposed of. An embossing apparatus equipped with a corresponding disposal device is described.

Abstract: The pattern position determining method includes the steps of: preparing a transparent film on which latticed holes are indicated as in an upper mold on which latticed fixing holes are formed; placing the transparent film on printing paper; placing a gold foil printing pattern forming film on the transparent film, to then indicate positions of fixing holes on the gold foil printing pattern forming film; and etching or numerically controlled engraving the pattern forming film to thereby obtain a pattern forming member from which a pattern and the positions of the fixing holes protrude. A gold foil printing apparatus is completed by bolting and fixing the pattern forming member onto the fixing holes of the upper mold. The gold foil printing apparatus makes the position of fixing the pattern forming member indicated during etching, to thereby accurately find the fixing positions of the pattern forming member more easily.

Abstract: A texture tool comprising a body to which is coupled an upper cap and a lower cap. A ball holder fits in a socket defined by the body and the lower cap. The ball holder includes a plurality of balls which come into contact with a sheet of material to be embossed or imprinted.

Abstract: An embossed printing processing apparatus for carrying out embossed printing by converting attribute values that are extracted from non-embossed image data into height data to create embossed image data, and transmitting the non-embossed image data and the created embossed image data to an image forming apparatus, the embossed printing processing apparatus, includes embossing specification setting pattern storing unit that creates and stores therein embossing specification setting patterns that set conversion specifications for converting the attribute values that are extracted from the non-embossed image data into height data; selecting unit that selects a desired embossing specification setting pattern from among the embossing specification setting patterns stored in the embossing specification setting pattern storing unit in creating the embossed image data from the non-embossed image data; and embossed image data creating unit that creates the embossed image data from the non-embossed image data using the

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an embossed product including a first embossing member having a plurality of discrete embossing elements disposed in a first non-random pattern having at least one first single pattern unit. The total area of the distal ends of the discrete embossing elements in the first single pattern unit is less than about 5.0 cm2. The apparatus also includes a second embossing member having a plurality of linear embossing elements disposed in a second non-random pattern having at least one second single pattern unit. The total area of the second distal ends in the second single pattern unit is less than about 10 cm2. The second non-random pattern is coordinated with the first non-random pattern such that when engaged with each other the first single pattern unit and the second single pattern unit make up an embossing pattern single pattern unit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing water-based laser hologram papers has acts of entirely or partially coating water-based varnish on a printed paper substrate, subjecting the paper substrate to a mirror treatment, and entirely or partially molding the paper substrate with laser compressing operations. By substituting PVC or PET plastic membranes with decomposable water-based varnish, the laser hologram paper is environmental friendly to reduce pollution and is also breakable to provide counterfeit-deterring efficiency. Moreover, material cost of the plastic membranes is eliminated to reduce manufacturing cost of the laser hologram papers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for manufacturing a metalized micro-embossed plastic film using a shim made from a flexographic plate. A digital image is transferred to the flexographic plate and the flexographic plate is processed to create a shim having a raised image corresponding to the digital image. A film is embossed by extruding the film across the flexographic plate, creating a micro-embossed surface in the film. The micro-embossed surface of the film can further be metalized to enhance the visual effects of the image when viewed from the non-embossed surface of the film.

Abstract: A tape processing apparatus has: mode selecting device for selecting among a print processing, a Braille-emboss processing, and a complex processing of the ink-character printing and the Braille embossing; tape-type detecting device for detecting the mounted tape type; and informing device for informing the discrepancy in a tape type, as a result of comparing a tape type which conforms to the mode selected by the mode selecting device with a tape type detected by the tape type detecting device.

Abstract: A disc having a relief pattern and a transprint method thereof are provided. The transprint method for transprinting the relief pattern on a substrate of the disc includes the following steps. First, a transprint template is provided. A first surface of the transprint template has a complementary pattern corresponding to the relief pattern. Next, a pattern layer is formed on the substrate. Then, the transprint template is placed on and covers the pattern layer until the first surface of the transprint template closely contacts a second surface of the pattern layer, so that the relief pattern is formed on the second surface. Afterward, the pattern layer is cured by irradiation. Later, the transprint template is removed for exposing the second surface with the relief pattern.

Abstract: A bare diffractive microstructured area on a product is protected against wearing by one or more protruding elements. In an embodiment, the product is provided with a depression, whose bottom is further provided with a diffractive microstructured area. Thus, the rim areas of the depression form a protruding element with respect to the microstructured area. If the product is rubbed, for example, against the surface of a table, the protruding element prevents the rubbing surface from having a physical contact with the microstructured area. The microstructured area does not need to be protected with a transparent protective layer, which entails significant cost savings.

Abstract: A multi-function media embellishing template and a system and method of embellishing media with the template is provided. The template includes a body having a media abutment surface and an aperture in the media abutment surface extending through the body, and an embellishing wall extending from the media abutment surface and terminating in an embellishing surface.

Abstract: A periodic line pattern, which is covered by a periodic lens structure of cylindrical lenses parallel to the lines of the line pattern, is imprinted on a substrate. The period of the lens structure corresponds with the period of the line pattern. The lenses preferably are aligned flush with the lines of the line pattern. The lines consist of paths of elementary printing dots or image dots (pixels). The number of paths of elementary printing dots in one period is at least 4 and not more than 16. The height of the cylindrical lenses at the apex is at least half the width of a period and not more than the width of a period of the line pattern. With advanced offset printing methods, which are employed for instance in safety printing (e.g. for banknotes), a printing resolution of about 4 ?m is achieved. Preferably, the elementary printing dots are chosen only a little larger than the achievable printing resolution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of applying indicia such as labels, text, logos, bar codes, or the like to plastic parts, in particular storage and transport containers, palettes, or trays. The goal is to create a cost-effective method of the application of multi-colored and consistently easily readable, durable printing to the plastic parts mentioned above with a low level of logistical expenditure. In order to attain this goal in a combined hot embossing and thermotransfer printing unit, first a background color is applied as contrast to the plastic part that has been removed from a production machine, using hot embossing and then, in the same location, the indicia is applied using thermotransfer printing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imprinting text on items such as tools. The imprinting process involving employing a roll forging assembly including a large-sized roller plate and a multi-angle vise.

Abstract: Printed placemats, potholders, and oven mitts, and process for producing same using a high definition color sublimation printing technique. The sublimation printing technique applies a high quality image onto a print receiving layer that is incorporated into a printed placemat, potholder, or oven mitt. The print receiving layer can be adhesively bonded to the printed placemat, potholder, or oven mitt.

Abstract: A printing unit of a printing material processing machine, preferably a sheetfed offset printing press, includes a form cylinder and an impression cylinder. The form cylinder has a printing form for applying printed information to the printing material and the impression cylinder has a microstructured surface, preferably a cover, contacting the printing material. A surface of the impression cylinder contacting the printing material is provided with micro-embossed structures for applying embossed information to the printing material. The printing material is printed and embossed simultaneously. A security feature and/or a change in gloss can be implemented on the printed product through the use of the embossed, preferably micro-embossed, information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to use and/or provision of a unique identifier on an integrated circuit (IC) device are described. In one embodiment, an indicia may be provided on a substrate to uniquely identify the substrate. In an embodiment, the indicia may be used to track the substrate. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method in connection with the lithography of structures on a micro or nanometer scale. A nano-imprinting apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention comprises two rotatably mounted rollers for transferring a pattern of micro or nanometer size to the substrate to be patterned. A first rotatably mounted roller has a patterned circumferential surface for transferring a pattern from the first rotatably mounted roller to a deformable substrate by contacting the patterned surface with the substrate. A second rotatably mounted roller has a principally smooth circumferential surface which faces the patterned surface of the first rotatably mounted roller. Furthermore, the second rotatably mounted roller is rotatably coupled with the first rotatably mounted roller for synchronized rotation of the first and second rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a carrier material with at least one hidden identification mark which is attached in at least one surface region of the carrier material and which is then covered. The invention furthermore relates to articles containing this carrier material and its use for analysis of the identification mark(s). By the process as claimed in the invention a carrier material with hidden identification marks is made available, the use of which is given in a wide range, especially when the original state of goods is to be established. For the consumer itself the identification mark is not necessarily visible so that he is not unnecessarily upset, but rather is confronted with a conventional decoration, specifically an embossing pattern. If necessary, such as for example in customs controls, the identification mark however can be easily exposed by depression so that analysis of the packaged product with respect to originality can take place.

Abstract: A method for the hot-stamping a plurality of parts for stamping comprises operatively engaging a surface of at least one printing plate and a surface of a part for stamping in a stamping plane. The method further comprises providing a material which is to be stamped on between the printing plate and the part for stamping in such a manner that, during the operative engagement, the material which is to be stamped on is stamped onto the part for stamping. A stamping force for the stamping acts in a stamping direction approximately perpendicular to the stamping plane. The method further comprises simultaneously moving the surface of the printing plate and surfaces of the parts for stamping relative to each other into and out again from the stamping plane on defined, uniform paths of movement, said paths of movement intersecting a stamping axis during the stamping operation.

Abstract: A print processing method of a printing-and-embossing composite apparatus in which ink-characters printing and braille embossing are performed on the same object based on inputted character information, wherein, in cases where the ink-characters printing and the braille embossing are performed on the same object in a superposed state, and a character size for use in the ink-characters printing is set equal to or less than a given size, the ink-characters printing is barred.

Abstract: A system to imprint patterns on impressionable materials by generating a pressure differential within an imprinting chamber by creating a substantial vacuum in an imprinting area is provided. This system can be used to create conductive traces in a substrate onto which integrated circuit chips and dies can be mounted to create semiconductor packages. A low pressure line evacuates air from a material receiving area of a vessel creating a pressure differential across pistons in the vessel to thereby causing the pistons to press microtools into impressionable material layers. The low pressure line helps the microtools conform to any thickness variations in the imprinted material and prevents air pockets from developing between the microtool and the imprinted material.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for the adjustment of the position of a die in a printing press are disclosed. The apparatus and methods provide for the adjustment of a die frame within a chase. The chase defines a horizontal and a vertical axis. The die frame is slidably secured in a chase to permit movement and adjustment of the die frame in the horizontal and the vertical axis. The die frame may be slidably mounted to one or more vertical guides and one or more horizontal guides to facilitate movement and adjustment in the horizontal and vertical axis.

Abstract: A method, an arrangement and computer program product for manufacturing micro-optic surface design with complex, variable three-dimensional forms. A step embossing, step imprinting, a chip bonding or a corresponding device capable of patterning the surface of a target substrate is obtained. The target substrate whereto the micro-optic structures shall be patterned is obtained. A plurality of different stamping tools operable with the device is obtained. Each stamping tool includes one or more surface relief forms defining one or more micro-optic structures. A stamping tool is selected from the plurality of stamping tools by the device. The target substrate is embossed with the selected stamping tool as controlled by the device. The selected stamping tool is optionally heated or assisted by at least one ultraviolet light so as to cure the target substrate during or after the embossing. The selecting and embossing steps are repeated until the micro-optic surface design has been completed on the substrate.

Abstract: A switch-over processing method includes the steps of performing a first process on a sheet passing between a first cylinder and a second cylinder with a first mounted body being mounted on a circumferential surface of the second cylinder arranged to oppose the first cylinder, and performing a second process different from the first process on the sheet passing between the first cylinder and the second cylinder with a second mounted body being mounted on a circumferential surface of the second cylinder in place of the first mounted body. A switch-over processing apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a process for producing a marking on a substrate. Substrates marked in that way are applied to documents such as for example credit cards, personal identity cards or banknotes as security features to provide protection from forgery. Embodiments of those security features have diffractive or holographic structures. The production of the markings was hitherto effected by shaping from a mold. A change in the marking is possible by changing the mole, which is time-consuming. The new apparatus and the new process are intended to permit the production of individualized markings on a substrate, at a low level of apparatus expenditure.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for imprinting a pattern formed on surfaces of an imprint mask onto a double-sided substrate. The method includes deforming the surfaces of the first and second imprint stamps to produce respective first and second deformed surfaces, each having an arc therein. A pressure is applied to bring the deformed first and second surfaces into intimate contact with the first and second substrate surfaces, respectively. The applied pressure substantially flattens the deformed surfaces. To separate the two surfaces, the applied pressure is released. The method also includes transporting a substrate having first and second patterning surfaces and a shaped edge using a carrier having a holding portion that holds the shaped edge of the substrate, the holding surface having a shape that is complementary to the shaped edge of the substrate, such that the patterning surfaces remain untouched by the carrier.

Abstract: A method for providing a hidden image within a substrate the method comprising embossing recesses on the substrate, the recesses form an at least one hidden image, whereby the at least one hidden image can be viewed with the use of at least one decoder. The decoder can be embossed in a similar manner.

Abstract: A system to imprint patterns on impressionable materials by generating a pressure differential within an imprinting chamber by creating a substantial vacuum in an imprinting area is provided. This system can be used to create conductive traces in a substrate onto which integrated circuit chips and dies can be mounted to create semiconductor packages. A low pressure line evacuates air from a material receiving area of a vessel creating a pressure differential across pistons in the vessel thereby causing the pistons to press microtools into impressionable material layers. The low pressure line helps the microtools conform to any thickness variations in the imprinted material and prevents air pockets from developing between the microtool and the imprinted material.

Abstract: A process for affixing an embossing arrangement to a printing press having opposing first cylinder and second cylinder is disclosed. The embossing arrangement includes an embossing tool and an opposing tool. The process includes the steps of mounting the embossing tool and the opposing tool together on the first cylinder; making a surface of the opposing tool which faces away from the first cylinder a pressure-sensitive adhesive surface; and positioning the opposing tool on the second cylinder by rolling the first cylinder over the second cylinder. An embossing arrangement and a photopolymer embossing plate are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine readable cord of a set of printed markings, wherein each printed marking of the set has a predetermined height on a substrate and represents a predetermined date value, wherein printed markings having a same predetermined height represent a same data value, and wherein printed markings representing different data values have different heights. Also disclosed is a system for embedding and recovering information on a substrate, including an image forming device containing at least one marking material, wherein the image forming device receives data, corresponding to the information, for forming machine readable code in accordance with claim 1 on an image receiving substrate, and forms an image including the machine readable code on the image receiving substrate with the at least one marking material, and a document reading device comprising a reader that detects the differences in height among the different printed markings of the machine readable code.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a process for producing a marking on a substrate. Substrates marked in that way are applied to documents such as for example credit cards, personal identity cards or banknotes as security features for affording protection from forgery. Embodiments of these security features have diffractive or holographic structures. Production of the markings is produced by shaping from a mold. A change in the configuration of the marking is possible by changing the mold, which is time-consuming. The new apparatus and the new process are intended to permit the production of individualised markings on a substrate at a low level of apparatus expenditure.

Abstract: An embossing system is provided for embossing a web having a first embossing roll having embossing elements and a second embossing roll having embossing elements, wherein at least a portion of the embossing elements of the first and second embossing rolls are substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction. The embossing roll may be crowned, may have alignment means, and may be provided with precision gearing.