Abstract: A microcontroller, an integrated circuit memory chip, and a data line connection to a microcontroller are the functional elements of a thermal printer vinyl tape cartridge life validation system. A unique, 64 bit, end user company specific identifier is provided from a vendor along with a write zero once integrated circuit device. The write zero once memory chip guarantees that no re-roll of a vinyl tape roll core used in a thermal label printer incorporating this system is possible. The write zero once integrated circuit memory chip is selected for write protection where bits can only be changed from a one to a zero state. The length of a tape roll is represented as a binary number polynomial vector. A length vector is mapped to a count-down register where it will be decremented based on a thermal label printer signal capable of translating tape consumption events into supply length units.

Abstract: A thermal printer is operated to adjust the level of energy applied to print elements of a print head of the printer in response to selected changes in signals corresponding to the voltage from a power source used to provide energy to the printing elements. Voltage changes that occur during printing of a print can be ignored. In addition, voltage changes occurring when a printer is not being powered by a battery can also be ignored. Rapid decreases in voltage of the power source can be detected and accounted for. In addition, increasing voltages of the power source can also be determined and accounted for.

Abstract: An entire block of print data for a message is subdivided into sub-blocks of print data. During printing of sub-blocks, an earlier received sub-block of data is used to print one portion of a substrate moving in the downstream direction. The substrate is moved upstream for a back distance and then moved downstream with the next sub-block of data being printed on the substrate as it is moved downstream. As a back distance section of the substrate again travels in the downstream direction, data from the subsequent sub-block of data that corresponds to data printed on the back distance section of the substrate during printing of the immediately preceding sub-block of data, is printed on the back distance section of the substrate. The sub-blocks of data are in effect stitched together by the dual printed back distance to minimize transition artifacts.

Abstract: A thermal printer, when operating under battery power, has an internal or battery ground. Static electricity is typically generated during normal operation of the printer. At least one static electricity discharge member is positioned in contact with a major surface of printing substrate at a location downstream from the location at which a thermal print head transfers ink from an ink transfer ribbon to the substrate. The at least one static electricity discharge member is electrically coupled to the internal ground so as to discharge static electricity build up that can otherwise damage electronic components of the printer.

Abstract: An NC apparatus 1 replaces a required machining shape of a workpiece 5 with a predetermined canned machining cycle depending on a specification of machining conditions including a machining start point, a machining end point, and the size of an end mill E to be used. Calculation of an estimated value of cutting force exerted on the end mill E fed along the assumed tool path during the replaced canned machining cycle is repeated until a predetermined comparison and evaluation result is obtained in comparison with a predetermined appropriate value. Accordingly, the tool path of the end mill E together with the feed rate in each portion of the tool path is determined. This permits generation of an NC program which is used in a NC machine equipped with an end mill serve as a cutting tool, and which optimizes the tool path of the end mill together with the feed rate in each portion of the tool path such as to achieve high machining efficiency and accuracy.

Abstract: A maximum undeformed chip thickness, a cutting arc length or an engage angle, and an active angle for each tooth of the end mill are calculated when a ball end mill is used in machining, or the maximum undeformed chip thickness, the cutting arc length or the engage angle, and an axial depth of cut for each tooth of the end mill are calculated when a straight end mill is used in machining. Then, the estimated value of the cutting force Fxy or Fxyz in each portion of the tool path is calculated on the basis of a response surface whose explanation variables are composed of the above-mentioned calculated values, whereby the feed rate contained in an equation for the maximum undeformed chip thickness tm is determined to maintain the obtained estimated value of the cutting force Fxy or Fxyz at an appropriate value.

Abstract: A system for producing a finished printed product exhibiting print specific conditions by automatically translating print or job specific conditions to an appropriate set of machine specific functions associated with printing press machines and auxiliaries so as to manipulate and obtain a final desired set of print specific conditions. The system includes software control means for controlling the printing press machines and auxiliaries, and an input device allowing a pressman to enter print specific data into the system.

Abstract: An ink handling apparatus includes an ink handling module and a base for receiving and supporting the ink handling module. The ink handling module includes a container having a discharge aperture, a moveable member with paddles for moving ink through the discharge aperture, and an ink pump connected to the discharge aperture for receiving and pumping the discharged ink through a supply hose to a desired location. The base includes a pair of motors each having releasably engageable drive connectors for releasably engaging drives on the moveable member and the ink pump. The releasable engageable drive connectors are configured so that the ink handling module can be set on the base with the releasably engageable drive connectors engaged with the drives, whereafter interlocking connectors on the base and the ink handling module can be fastened to secure the assembly together.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling printing ink includes a bucket support positioned over a container that allows buckets to be placed up-side-down on the bucket support and rotated to wipe the inside of the bucket substantially clean. A cover for the container is moveable between an open position which allows the bucket to be placed on the bucket support and a closed position wherein the cover and bucket cooperate to form a substantially air tight closure over the container. Paddles urge ink from the container toward a discharge opening such that ink may be dispensed through various dispensing systems.

Abstract: A multi-station screen printer is provided with components which simplify maintenance, reduce repair and increase ease of use. The printer includes at least one printing head which defines a printing station, a screen holding device positioned thereunder for holding a screen, and at least one arm for carrying substrates positionable below the screen holding device. A flood bar and squeegee carriage is slideably mounted to the printing head and is shiftable by a telescoping cable which shifts the carriage between a print position wherein the squeegee is lowered to the screen and a non-print position wherein a flood bar is lowered near the screen. The arm for carrying platens is provided with a ball and socket system of registration which reliably positions the arm at each station and releases the arm therefrom after printing on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling printing ink includes a bucket support positioned over a container that allows buckets to be placed up-side-down on the bucket support and rotated to wipe the inside of the buckets substantially clean. A cover for the container is moveable between an open position which allows the bucket to be placed on the bucket support and a closed position wherein the cover and bucket cooperate to form a substantially air tight closure over the container. Paddles urge ink from the container toward a discharge opening such that ink may be dispensed through various dispensing systems.

Abstract: A silk screen printing machine having a track about which the printing screens and platens are free to be moved relative to one another in the course of a multi-step printing process. An embodiment is disclosed having the printing screens supported by spokes and platens manually rotatable about a circular supporting track without supporting spokes. The platens move on a common horizontal plane below the printing screens which are brought down onto the platens for screen printing.

Abstract: A printing machine for simultaneously performing multiple printing operations in a continuous manner includes: a number of platens supporting thereon articles to be printed; a plurality of printing heads designed to print a desired pattern onto the article; and an oval track about which the platens are moved. The track includes first and second portions, wherein the first portion is at a higher elevation than the second portion. The first portion is positioned to orient the platen horizontally for ease in mounting the article thereon. The second portion underlies the printing heads and orients the platens in a downward inclination to thereby clear the printing heads as they are moved along the track. A lifting assembly lifts each platen into engagement with a printing head for printing a pattern onto the article.

Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus and method for cleaning printing screens or the like work surfaces in which solvent is pumped from a reservoir to the surface to be cleaned at a point closely adjacent a vacuum cleaning tool. The vacuum cleaning tool is connected by a vacuum line to the reservoir and vacuum means are provided to draw a vacuum on the reservoir whereby solvent is delivered to the surface to be cleaned and residue laden solvent is vacuumed off the surface to be cleaned through the vacuum tool and vacuum line. A clean up tray and light panel are provided to facilitate the clean up operation. A control assembly comprising independently or simultaneously actionable foot pedals for control solvent feed and vacuum is provided.

Abstract: A screen printing press includes a main frame, a generally horizontal printing bed supported on the frame and a rectangular printing frame or head which is pivotal between a first, generally parallel printing position to a second, angled flood position. A squeegee and flood bar carriage is supported for reciprocating movement along the printing frame. The carriage includes a flood bar support member and a squeegee support member. The support members are engaged by a shifting plate which is pivoted to the carriage. A flipper rod assembly engages a sliding follower which is fixed to the shifting plate. The flipper bar assembly is pivoted to the printing frame. An actuating rod or tongue engages a shifting bracket fixed to the main frame of the press. Pivotal movement of the press alternately raises and lowers the flipper bar to alternately raise and lower the flood bar and squeegee support members.

Abstract: A numbering machine for use in the printing of numbers, wherein the machine includes a base, a carriage reciprocally mounted to the base, a platent pivotally mounted to the carriage for supporting material upon which the number will be printed, and a scale member provided with indicia which cooperates with the carriage for effecting proper positioning thereof. The scale member also provides indicia for indicating to the operator the proper pivotal orientation of the platen for its particular reciprocal positioning.

Abstract: The specification discloses a belt tracking system for screen printing conveyor driers or the like which intentionally shifts the conveyor belt to the left or the right between controlled limits. As the belt is shifted one way, a desired limit is sensed and devices are provided for shifting it back the other way.