Abstract: An illuminated sign or nametag achieving the even glow and brightness of neon light displays without neon light tubes. Each character or symbol of the sign or nametag contains a plurality of light emitting members. Each such indicia comprises a light diffusion layer illuminated by light emitting members disposed on, near or in the light diffusion layer. A permanent or temporary masking layer partially covers the light diffusion layer to form a glowing border around the masking layer. Reflective layers covering either or both faces of the light diffusion layer may be used to intensify the light emitted therefrom. By the particular arrangement of the reflective surfaces relative to the light diffusion layer, electromagnetic radiation in the form of visible light from the light emitting members is controlled to provide an aura that enhances formed outlines or contours of light around the indicia making up the sign.

Abstract: A signage device (10) in which a housing (12) receives a circuit board (30) having a plurality of spaced-apart light sources (38) to define at least one symbol and overlaid by a message plate (42) having a projecting channel (46) with a translucent light emitting side (54) aligned with the light sources and a light blocking overlay sheet (60) defining an open slot (62) configured for mating reception of the projecting channel, whereby light from the light sources communicates from the light emitting surface of the channel extending from the overlay sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermal printer and a method for using the printer for printing on thermoplastic foam to form a relief image which is comprised of open cells in the area that is the transfer ink enclosed or sealed cells which is to be impermeable to ink or other print medium. More particularly, the present invention relates to a printer having a thermal head or thermal imaging means and method of using the printer to form an image on a thermoplastic foam, the image being comprised of a relief image of open cells and a background image of closed cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-inked thermoplastic foam which is utilized to form a relief image which includes open cells in the area that is designed to transfer ink and enclosed or sealed cells in the area which is designed to be impermeable to ink or other print medium. The present invention also includes the method of using and manufacturing the pre-inked foam.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermal printer for printing on thermoplastic foam to form a relief image which is comprised of open cells in the area that is the transfer ink enclosed or sealed cells which is to be impermeable to ink or other print medium. The present invention also includes the method of using the thermal head printer which preferably includes cooling the thermoplastic foam prior to forming the image thereon and using a lubricant to pass the thermoplastic form across the thermal printhead.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an image plate comprised of a stiffening layer formed from a first photocured polymeric material and a print contact layer formed from a second photocured polymeric material wherein the first photocured polymeric material is a hard photocured polymeric material and the second photocured polymeric material is formed from a soft photocured polymeric material. The image plate is assembled as a photocured pre-cut sheet of relief images comprising a first layer formed from a releasable substrate, a second layer formed from a first photocured polymer, and a third layer formed from a second photocured polymer, wherein the first photocured polymer is formed from a hard photopolymer resin and the second photocured polymer is formed from a soft photopolymer resin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-inked thermoplastic foam which is utilized to form a relief image wherein the image bearing thermoplastic foam has open cells in the area that is designed to transfer ink and closed or sealed cells in the area which is designed to be impermeable to ink or other print medium.

Abstract: A handstamping apparatus comprises a first housing member and a second housing member. The first and the second housing members are moveable relative to each other from a first position to a second position. The first position is a ready position and the second position is a print position. A biasing element is coupled to the first and second housing members for biasing the members to the first position. A die support is coupled to the first housing member for movement therewith relative to the second housing member. A printing die is on the die support and the printing die and die support are disposed within a second housing member. The die support and the printing die are moveable relative to the housings from a ready position to a print position. The printing die is in the print position when the housings are disposed in the second position. An ink roller is coupled to the second housing member.