Abstract: Systems and methods are described for creating designs that can be imprinted on articles of merchandise. A wide range of designs may be selected by purchasers of customized merchandise, for one-off production or for production small or large quantity, without significantly compromising cost and speed of production. An online platform for selecting and combining designs in order to create customized merchandise that can be automatically manufactured. Searches of large design databases comprising uniquely identified design elements are enabled. The design elements can include one or more of fonts, colors, themes, shapes and images. Results of the searches can be selectively incorporated in customizable designs and can be embodied in merchandise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a design that is melded onto an underlying layer of material that is then cut out and applied onto a final surface to produce an appliqué. The design is first created using a printer to print a design onto a top layer of “puff” or other suitable cloth material. The printed design area is cut out of the top layer material and then the bottom layer, to create a two layer appliqué that resembles a traditional stitched appliqué.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for creating designs that can be imprinted on articles of merchandise. A wide range of designs may be selected by purchasers of customized merchandise, for one-off production or for production small or large quantity, without significantly compromising cost and speed of production. An online platform for selecting and combining designs in order to create customized merchandise that can be automatically manufactured. Searches of large design databases comprising uniquely identified design elements are enabled. The design elements can include one or more of fonts, colors, themes, shapes and images. Results of the searches can be selectively incorporated in customizable designs and can be embodied in merchandise.

Abstract: A platen for use in printing on an object, wherein the platen has an adjustable area of a working surface on which to place the object. The platen surface includes a plurality of elements, wherein each element includes a flat surface that can be positioned at a working level at which the object is to be placed, and wherein an operator can insert or remove each element and thereby the corresponding flat surface of that element from the working level as required in order to provide a desired area of the working surface. In one embodiment, the platen includes a base plate and a plurality of elements which can be positioned on the base plate or removed to form a desired configuration of the working surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an online platform for organizations to design and create customized merchandise and to offer the merchandise for sale to their members and to the general public. The organization sets up an online group account to facilitate the design and sale of a customized product. The platform allows the organization to create customized merchandise by designing products for its members or by defining parameters that enable its members or other individuals to customize certain aspects of merchandise, and also to provide a private or public forum for members to submit, share and vote on designs and otherwise interact with each other. The platform provides various forms of payment to accommodate different purchasers and to account for any sponsors or donors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a design that is melded onto an underlying layer of material that is then cut out and applied onto a final surface to produce an appliqué. The design is first created using a printer to print a design onto a top layer of “puff” or other suitable cloth material. The printed design area is cut out of the top layer material and then the bottom layer, to create a two layer appliqué that resembles a traditional stitched appliqué.

Abstract: A method of book production wherein a customer sends a computer file of a book to a producer whose computer book production program restructures the text and cover data to fit a standard/preferred size accommodated by the producer's book binding system. The program then calculates the spine dimensions, and this is sent to the customer for determining a layout and content for printing on the spine. The layout is sent to the producer who inserts it into the book production program with a job identification spine code. The producer inserts a code in the cover data identifying the corresponding text and spine. At the beginning of each day/production run, the producer simply enters the covers in the desired order into the production program. The program reads the cover code, which identifies the corresponding stack and spine and directs the printing and binding accordingly.

Abstract: A method for applying sublimation ink to an object. An ink transfer medium is placed in contact with an object surface that is coated with a material receptive to the ink. Microwave susceptor material is placed over the transfer medium, and clamped onto the object surface. The clamped assembly is energized in a microwave oven. Energy absorbed by the susceptor material is converted into heat energy, which heats the sublimation ink, causing it to sublimate and penetrate into the receptive coating.