Abstract: In a method for positioning engraving elements in an electronic engraving machine for a rotogravure printing cylinder engraving at least two adjacent lying engraving areas of selected widths by engraving with an engraving element respectively assigned thereto, axial reference positions are selected for the engraving elements whose axial distances to each other correspond to the selected widths of the engraving areas that are to be engraved. An electronic position measuring system formed essentially of a video camera and an image evaluation unit is successively placed on the axial reference positions. At each reference position, the axial divergence of the tip of the stylus pertaining to the appropriate engraving element or the divergence of at least one cup which is test engraved by the engraving element from the reference position is determined using the position measuring system.

Abstract: A flexible counter for an embossing system provides resilient support under a sheet which opposes pressure from a contoured die forming an embossment in the sheet. The flexible counter includes a resilient mat and a fixed bolster which supports the mat. The bolster has peripheral walls which extend around sides of the mat so that an upper portion of the mat protrudes above the peripheral walls. In addition, the bolster includes a resilient bumper that bounds an upper portion of the mat. An upper edge of the bumper is about flush with an upper surface of the mat. The walls have a peripheral channel in which the bumper is disposed. The bumper is formed of a resilient material having higher rigidity than the mat, thereby controlling the flow and stretching behavior of the upper surface of the mat as compressed during an embossing operation.

Abstract: In a method for determining the axial position of an engraving element in an engraving machine used for engraving impression cylinders, the engraving machine has a fixed toothed comb in which a significant tooth flank of each tooth presents an axial distance which is a multiple of the tooth spacing of the toothed comb to a reference point. A photoelectric barrier which serves as axial reference mark is positioned on the engraving element and the toothed comb serves as black-out element for said photo-electric barrier. The engraving element is displaced by means of the photoelectric barrier from a momentary position to the nearest relevant tooth flank of the toothed comb. The approximate distance between the reference mark and the reference point is measured by means of a distance meter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an embossed PVA film, which includes embossing the film such that the crystallinity index of the emboss top is 0.50-0.90. According to the present invention, an embossed PVA film superior in resistance to blocking even when preserved in a roll state, in appearance to show high quality of products, and in resistance to pinholes can be provided.

Abstract: A system and method for tagging sheets of recording material, so that the origin of the sheets and the authenticity of the sheets may be determined, includes a roller that applies at least a portion of the random pattern to the document. The random pattern is applied by imprinting, embossing, or by piercing the sheet. The pattern applied to the sheet can be determined by any known forensic technique and the pattern can be imaged and stored in a database. A series of rollers may apply phase shifted random patterns to one side or both sides of the sheet. The phase shift of the random patterns may be determined to establish a sequence code. The roller or rollers including the random patterns may be installed in an image forming apparatus, preferably in a sheet transport mechanism of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking a sheet metal workpiece on a punching press. A marking tool, mounted in a holder on the punching press is forced either against the surface of the workpiece, or to a depth into the surface of the workpiece. The workpiece is displaced in its plane, while engaged by the marking tool, in accordance with the desired contour. The marking tool is mounted either in the punch holder or in a holder of the workpiece table. A support roller or ball provides counter-support on the side of the workpiece opposite from the marking tool.

Abstract: A marking device comprises: a marking mechanism for marking a surface to be processed, of an object to be marked, by reciprocating a marking portion; a marking portion moving mechanism for moving the marking portion in two-dimensional directions along the surface to be processed; and a pressure adjusting circuit for keeping a constant pressure which the marking portion applies to the surface to be processed; wherein the marking mechanism comprises a cam mechanism for linearly reciprocating the marking portion by following a cam which is rotated by a driving member.

Abstract: In a method for engraving printing cylinders for rotogravure in an electronic engraving machine, at least two engraving lanes with predetermined lane widths lying side-by-side in an axial direction of the printing cylinder are engraved with a respectively allocated engraving element. Before the engraving, an axial reference position is predetermined for each engraving element, the axial spacings thereof relative to one another corresponding to the predetermined lane widths of the engraving lanes. The engraving elements are roughly positioned to their reference positions. Subsequently, the axial spacing errors between the reference positions and the actual position of the engraving element the rough positions are measured. During engraving, the engraving elements are moved along the printing cylinder with the faulty spacings relative to one another caused by their rough positioning.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an embossing roll used in an embossing process. The method includes steps of passing a paper web between a pair of embossing rolls and preventing or cleaning deposits from the surface of at least one embossing roll. Pressurized air is forced through an air nozzle having an elongated narrow outlet that directs the pressurized air as an air knife against the patterned surface of the embossing roll after the patterned surface rotates out of contact with the web. The air knife extends an embossing width of the embossing roll. A lubricant or solvent may be mixed with the pressurized air.

Abstract: In a method for measuring cups given the engraving of printing cylinders in an electronic engraving machine, an engraver of an engraving member engraves cups into a printing cylinder. The geometric dimensions of the cups represent actual hue values. A video image of the cups is picked up. The contour of a cup is determined in the video image and the geometric dimensions of the cup are determined in that the cup contour is measured. For this purpose, the cup contour in the picked up video image is smoothed by a simulation with a spline function or a general polynomial function, and the geometric dimensions of the cup are determined on the basis of the smoothed cup contour. The determined geometric dimensions are the transverse diagonal, the longitudinal diagonal, the through-cut, the web width, the cup surface or the cup volume.

Abstract: Holographic labels are used on a variety of articles of manufacture for security, authenticity, or aesthetic appeal. Manufacturing a holographic label or sticker typically entails microembossing, that is, imprinting or cutting, microscopic grooves into a clear plastic sheet with a shiny aluminum coating. The grooves diffract light and form a three-dimensional image, such as the dove commonly found on Visa™ brand credit cards. Unfortunately, conventional microembossing machines, or microembossers, suffer from a number of problems. For example, these microembossers include two large base rollers that move back and forth in sequence to contact a shimroller. The clumsy back and forth movement not only limits how fast embossing can occur but also causes misalignment of embossed images. To address this and other problems, the inventors devised an exemplary microembosser which includes a single base roller and a shimroller which one or more unique features.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for continuously embossing a moving web of material. More particularly, the present invention is a unitary saddle used to mount multiple embossing slugs to an emboss roll. The unitary saddle of the present invention improves slug alignment and thereby reduces the time the converting operation must be shut down for roll maintenance or the pattern changes.

Abstract: A device for offsetting a postage imprint in a mail-handling machine, the device comprising detection means for detecting an edge of a mail item, print means for printing a postage imprint on the mail item, and monitoring and control means connected firstly to said detection means and secondly to said print means so as to control printing of said postage imprint on said mail item as a function of a predetermined standard offset &Dgr;0 on the basis of the detection of said edge of the mail item, the detection means for detecting an edge of the mail item comprising means for retarding the detection of the edge of the mail item as a function of the thickness of the mail item, which thickness is determined using said detection means for detecting an edge of a mail item.

Abstract: A flexible counter for an embossing system provides resilient support under a sheet which opposes pressure from a contoured die forming an embossment in the sheet. The flexible counter includes a resilient mat and a fixed bolster which supports the mat. The bolster has a peripheral wall which extends around sides of the mat so that an upper portion of the mat protrudes above the peripheral wall. In addition, the bolster includes support surfaces bounded by recesses. The support surfaces support a bottom surface of the mat, and the recesses receive bulging portions of the mat when compressed under pressure from the die.

Abstract: A method for personalizing flat supports by embossing, characterized by comprising the following stages: withdrawing a card to be personalized from a holder, transferring the card into an embossing station in which a bar code is embossed corresponding to data to be personalized, transferring the embossed card to a bar code reading station, and verifying that the bar code data read in the reading station corresponds to the bar code data memorized in a control unit. If the bar code and memorized data does not correspond then the card is eliminated, while if the data does correspond, the card is returned to the embossing station for completing the embossing cycle by embossing the card with alphanumeric characters corresponding to the bar code characters.

Abstract: Print rolls having subtle identifying markings impressed in the side thereof at a depth sufficient for detection at 45.degree. angle or less. The print rolls can be prepared in a print roll press fitted with a platen containing the desired image raised above the surface of said platen. The printing press can be one used in the manufacture of the print roll.

Abstract: An embosser and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the embosser has a frame, a hammer and an anvil and includes: (1) a ram coupled to the frame and oriented to apply a force in a given direction and (2) force translators, coupled to the ram and the hammer, that reorient the force in a direction substantially normal to a plane of a face of the hammer and limit a cant of the hammer with respect to the anvil.

Abstract: A method of fastener identification for traceability of manufacturing information of an individual fastener, is achieved by applying a code to the fastener. The fasteners to be identified typically are formed of hardened materials such as steel. A die cast, forged or pressed roll stamp or forge stamp is thus used to apply the code and is formed with a raised stencil of one or more characters or indicia. Multiple lots of a certain fastener typically are manufactured in a given time period, such as a year, thus requiring a different code to identify each fastener lot. Numbers of lots and sizes of individual lots for a given time period are difficult to predict for a fastener producer, thus risking waste if multiple customized stamps are used to identify the lots. A universal stamp having a single indicia stencil is utilized to identify all lots of a certain fastener in a given time period, by removing selected ones of the stencil characters from the universal stamp for each different lot.

Abstract: A method for impressing holographic images or holograms in the surface of metal objects such as aluminum cans. The surfaces of metal shims and print rolls bearing holograms are hardened as by coating them with thin amorphous diamond coatings or diamond like coatings so the holograms can be embossed into many thousands of metal objects with clarity and consistency.

Abstract: A color changeable device that has been partially activated. The device comprises a flexible substrate with a first major surface and a second major surface and an interference color generating laminate on the first major surface. The color generating laminate comprises a first layer and a second layer in intimate contact. When the first and second layers are in intimate contact, the laminate generates an interference color. When the first and second layers are not in intimate contact, the laminate does not generate the interference color. The substrate and laminate include a first permanent deformation causing separation of the first and second layers at a first portion of the device while retaining the first and second layers in intimate contact at a second portion of the device. The device is particularly useful for confirming the authenticity of an article without having to remove the color change device from the article.

Abstract: A web with an embossed surface with a plurality of lows separated by a plurality of highs is provided with a shadow effect by passing the web between a pair of counterrotating rollers, a backup roller for supporting the web on its reverse surface and an ink application roller for applying ink to selected portions of the embossed surface of the web. The ink application roller is formed of a hard elastomeric material and its outer surface is engraved to have a plurality of highs corresponding to and engaging the lows of the embossed surface of the web and a plurality of lows corresponding to and overlying the highs on the embossed surface of the web.

Abstract: An engraving system and method is disclosed having multiple engraving heads wherein the operation of each head is controllable so that a vertical screen and/or horizontal screen may be independently controlled, thereby facilitating enabling each engraving head to engrave in accordance with different screen rulings as may be selected by a user. The engraving system includes a signal generator for controlling the vertical screen by utilizing a plurality of vertical scalers which use a cylinder factor signal corresponding to the rotational position of a cylinder rotatably mounted on the engraver, as well as screen variables, such as a screen angle and a screen ruling, to generate independent vertical scaled or screen signals. These vertical scaled signals are used to independently energize the engraving heads to engrave patterns defining different vertical resolutions or vertical screens.

Abstract: A metal coil printing mechanism for providing alignment between two patterns to be printed on a surface of the coil includes a blanket cylinder for applying a pattern to the metal coil and first and second plate cylinders which apply first and second patterns to the blanket cylinder. The first plate cylinder is geared directly to the blanket cylinder for rotation therewith. The second plate cylinder is geared for rotation with the blanket cylinder through a phase shifting device. The phase shifting device can be adjusted such that the circumferential position of the second pattern relative to the first pattern is adjusted such that desired alignment of the two patterns can be obtained.

Abstract: A fuser apparatus for use with coated media to encapsulate and bond with ink-jet oriented inks. The apparatus includes one or more endless belts to create durable images with a smooth or textured finish on media coated with a fusible coating. In one preferred embodiment, two endless belts are used, each with a different surface texture, to provide the user with two fusible coating texture options, depending upon which way the coated media (e.g. paper) is placed upon the fuser.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing panels used in building utilises low wattage blowers to heat a zone upstream of the embossing site. Embossing is carried out by feeding a panel through the nip of an embossing wheel and an anvil roller. A track is rolled into the hard panel surface and various decorative effects are achieved by using side by side arrangements of wheels. The tendency to panel splitting is reduced by the provision of hot localised zones. The apparatus is sufficiently wide to receive the panel in both axes.

Abstract: An engraved picture bearing certificate comprising a specular-surfaced engraving sheet on which an original picture for identification, such as the photograph of face, a fingerprint, a signature, a logo or the like, is engraved by a graving tool of an engraving device. The specularly reflected light from the surface of the engraving sheet is visibly recognized as the engraved picture.

Abstract: A method for impressing holographic images or holograms in the surface of metal objects such as aluminum cans. The surfaces of metal shims and print rolls bearing holograms are hardened as by coating them with thin amorphous diamond coatings or diamond like coatings so the holograms can be embossed into many thousands of metal cans with clarity and consistency.

Abstract: A half-finished folded soft cloth product, which is formed in an almost box shape by folding the soft cloth product such as a shirt, a handkerchief, a towel, etc., is put in a square frame on a lower die interposing a hard rubber plate thereunder, and thereafter is compressed between the lower die and an upper die to form a solid cloth product, which is convenient for carrying.

Abstract: The method provides the protection or personalization of the pre-printed sheets by impressing microengravings, on all or some of the printed portions of the sheets, through an embossing process carried out on the pre-printed sheets at a temperature higher than the softening point of the dyeing substances used for obtaining the print thereon and followed by a cooling step, said microengravings corresponding to holograms or diffraction patterns or images or words.

Abstract: A forgery-preventive fretwork paper comprising a support layer and an engraving coating layer, the support layer being a stretched laminate which comprises a biaxially stretched propylene resin film layer as a base layer and, laminated thereto on each of front and back sides thereof, a uniaxially stretched propylene resin film layer containing fine inorganic powder, wherein said support layer has (1) an opacity (JIS P-8138) of from 50 to 100% and (2) a density (JIS P-8188) of from 0.70 to 1.4 g/cm.sup.3, and the paper bearing an engraving extending into the engraving coating layer or to one of the uniaxially stretched films of the support layer.

Abstract: A method for impression microengravings, which reproduce holograms, kinetic holograms, or diffraction patterns, directly on paper through an embossing process. Paper is subjected to a humidification step to give it a degree of humidity between 60 and 80% of relative humidity. The humidified paper is then passed through an embossing group, consisting of an embossing cylinder carrying the microengravings and a counterthrust cylinder, at a temperature and a pressure on the paper within the ranges of 90-220.degree. C. and 20-120 kg/mm.sup.2, respectively.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a process and a product made by the process. The first step of the process includes: providing a press having at least one die which forms the negative image of one face of a license plate of sufficiently small size to be used as an element of jewelry. The second step of the process includes: providing a generally planar blank having an upper and a lower surface, and is comprised of a precious metal such as: gold, silver, platinum, palladium, vanadium or combinations of these metals. The third step of the process includes: impressing the at least one die on the blank with the press sufficient to emboss a positive image of the license plate on at least one surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imprinting a sublimation transfer onto a generally cup-shaped structure. The apparatus comprises a support structure for holding the cup-shaped structure and a cover mounted to the apparatus for movement between an open position and a closed position. The cover when in the closed position forms a heating chamber wherein the cup-shaped structure is positioned for heating. A heating tower is provided on the support structure and has a shape such that the cup-shaped structure can be placed in the inverted position over the tower without touching the tower. The heating tower includes an electrical heating wire that is wrapped about a support structure and is capable of heating the cup-shaped structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel shaded logos for use on golf balls, golf balls having said novel shaded logo designs printed on their surface and methods of adding shaded logos to golf balls.

Abstract: An embossing roll for embossing pile fabric having foreground portions that are either mill engraved or acid etched, and background portions formed with a router engraved technique. The foreground portions of the embossing roll have a depth in the order of 1.5/2.0 to 100 times that of the background portions.

Abstract: A method of identifying an air bag module assembly (14) with a motor vehicle (16) and applying coded indicia (10) onto a cover (12) of the air bag module assembly (14) in the motor vehicle (16). The identifying method consists of comparing the coded indicia (10) on the cover (12) of the air bag module assembly (14) with coded indicia (10) in the motor vehicle (16). If the coded indicia (10) on the cover (12) of the air bag module assembly (14) matches up with the coded indicia (10) in the motor vehicle (16), it will establish that the air bag module assembly (14) belong to the motor vehicle (16) and thereby will prevent the theft of the air bag module assembly (14) from the motor vehicle (16). The applying method comprises a procedure for placing coded indicia (10) onto the cover (12) of the air bag module assembly (14).

Abstract: A method of making color filters for liquid crystal display panels. A multicolored ink pattern is formed on a collector device, then hardened or cured while on the collector device. The multicolored pattern is then applied to a substrate using a suitable adhesive.

Abstract: The invention includes a self-aligning die platen assembly for use with a cooperating die platen assembly to form a die set. The self-aligning die platen assembly comprises a die shoe and a platen having a working face for operational cooperation with a corresponding working face of the cooperating die platen assembly. The platen is mounted in the die shoe and has a freely rockable condition therein which permits the platen to be moved into an aligned operational position in which its working face conforms to the corresponding working face of the cooperating die platen when the assemblies are closed. The die platen assembly also includes a locking element for securely maintaining the self-aligning platen in the operational position. A preferred locking device includes a low temperature melting alloy.

Abstract: A weather resistant sign and a method of printing a sign including the steps of providing a sign component and an image definition, applying dry toner powder to surface portions corresponding to the image definition, and fusing the applied toner. Preferably, the fused toner is protected from weather by a transparent protective layer. A toner composition and a computer program for printing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of molding a design in low relief in an area of printing ink with a puffing agent placed on fabric which comprises applying a molding die with a reverse impression of the design to be molded on the ink under heat and pressure for a sufficient time to activate the puffing agent to produce a molded design in the ink with a minimum change to the physical configuration of the underlying fabric. Heat and pressure can also be applied through a transfer medium to the area surrounding where the design in low relief is to be formed to enhance the feel or hand of the fabric. This method is especially useful for molding a design on cotton and cotton blend T-shirts and sweatshirts, hats and denim jackets.

Abstract: An embossing method for marking braille numbers on currency notes wherein the embossing device used by the present invention has a universal female die permanently affixed to its upper platen and interchangeable lower counters for use in marking labels to affix to currency notes or for embossing braille markings directly on currency notes. The universal female die would collectively incorporate indentations for the braille markings of all of the currency denominations commonly used, such as one dollar bills, five dollar bills, ten dollar bills, twenty dollar bills, fifty dollar bills, and one hundred dollar bills. The interchangeable lower counters could comprise braille images placed on a rotating disk or individual counter units. Applications could include, but are not limited to, marking United States currency notes, the currency notes of other nations, and currency note substitutes such as checks, coupons, travelers checks, and money orders for the benefit of visually challenged people.

Abstract: An embossing system for the simultaneous positive and negative (i.e. in and out embossing of an indicia (10) in sheet material (20) has a top plate (40) and a bottom plate (50) each with respective positive and negative embossing plate portions (43/53, 44/54) which are aligned and complementary, so arranged that during the embossing step, the neutral portions (45,55) of the plates (40,50) do not apply pressure to the sheet material (20). By applying ink to one plate (40), or by placing an ink ribbon (80) between the sheet material (20) and one plate (40), the indicia (10) can be simultaneously inked and embossed.

Abstract: A method of producing a sign having raised colored characters arranged in a predetermined design. A male die is provided presenting the predetermined design; a substrate sheet is positioned over the male die; the substrate sheet and die are passed between pinching rolls to emboss the substrate sheet with raised areas corresponding to the predetermined design; a color transfer sheet is positioned over the embossed substrate sheet; the embossed substrate sheet with the color transfer sheet positioned thereover is passed between pinching rolls to transfer color pigmentation from the color transfer sheet to the raised areas on the embossed sheet and "tip" the raised areas; and the embossed color tipped sheet is secured to a sheet of relatively rigid base material.

Abstract: An embossing apparatus for inorganic board and the method of embossing thereby are provided in the present invention. In the present invention, an uncured mat of inorganic board set on a lower fixed plate is embossed by a flexible mold plate of a upper movable plate wherein the surface of said flexible mold plate divided into a plural number of square patterns enclosed by ridges and said flexible mold plate is bent downward and convexly such that the ridge lines of said ridges on both sides of the lowest part of said flexible mold plate are respectively situated at the same level as the lowest part or higher than the lowest part.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeit latent image formation object for bills, bank notes, security papers, credit cards, passports, valuable printing matters, and the like including a main body, a plurality of projections and/or recesses formed on the main body in such a manner as to exhibit various kinds of patterns, in which the various kinds of patterns include straight image lines forming a pattern, a relief pattern, or a combination of the pattern and the relief pattern; a plurality of straight lines printed on at least one surface of the main body at predetermined intervals, the straight lines being printed in a different color from that of the main body itself. The patterns consisting of letters, figures, etc. can be visually recognized only when the anti-counterfeit latent image formation object is viewed from an adequate angle. A method for making the anti-counterfeit latent image formation object is also disclosed.

Abstract: A double-sided three dimensional embosssed web is provided by passing an uncured paper or plastic web (15), through a nip between an embossing roller (18) and a pressure roller (19), the pressure roller having a smooth and hard surface to create the effect of a double-sided three dimensional embossing on the web. Such double-sided embossing gives the web a good hand and feel and a good drapability, thereby making the method suitable for manufacturing cloth, curtains, diapers and other products which should feel soft and pleasant and which should have a good drapability comparable with that of knitwear and textiles. The embossed web has embossing or impressions (24) provided on two surfaces as a mirror image around a plane of symmetry (23) passing through the middle of the web (15). In the same way raised areas (26) are opposed by raised areas (26).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of embossing a sheet of material with a background pattern together with additional selectable indicia, wherein the method comprises the steps of removably securing an indicia-bearing element to a first one of embossing rollers and removably securing a yieldable element to a second one of embossing rollers, passing the sheet material through the nip of rigid embossing rollers while synchronously moving the embossing rollers so as to impart a background, embossed pattern to a first portion of the sheet material and secondly imparting additional indicia to second portions of the sheet material by repetitively bringing into opposing relationship at the nip the indicia-bearing element and the yieldable element.

Abstract: A series of wood graining tools for producing wood grain patterns corresponding to plain sawn, quarter sawn and/or rotary cut woods, on an application surface. The plain sawn tool presents a graining pattern having a plurality of crown-shaped embossed ribs thereon. Each rib is formed by utilizing a series of rib arcs with lateral ribs extending therefrom at a preferred angle of 40.degree. to 50.degree. relative to the horizontal. The quarter sawn pattern presents a series of embossed ribs diagonally extending across the pattern and decreasing in density from one corner of the panel to the center thereof. A rotary cut pattern is presented by first and second arcuate ribs positioned so that one rib will channel the graining liquid to the other to produce a ring on the application surface during rolling movement of the tool.

Abstract: A rotary embossing die includes a curved metallic plate having an inner and an outer surface. An embossing design is etched on the outer surface of the metallic plate and an epoxy-based support plate is formed on the inner surface of the metallic plate. The metallic plate and the support plate preferably cooperate to define a shoulder. Die clips positioned around the shoulder are used to fasten the embossing die to the die cylinder of a rotary embossing machine. The metallic plate can be formed from brass or magnesium, and is preferably curved to any suitable radius.

Abstract: A method for applying and reproducing an original visual image such as an oil painting or photograph onto a rough vinyl or leather surface using silk screen ink techniques for a high resolution permanent image transformation, especially useful on objects having a course or roughened surface, such as a football, basketball, or the like, wherein an image is applied to a rough surface by an improved silk screening type method resulting in a sports ball having a multi-colored reproduction of the image on the ball exterior.