Abstract: A method of manufacturing photopolymer marking structures is disclosed. The improved method results in a substantially tack-free marking structure.

Abstract: A hand stamp that preferably includes a case, a platen secured for selective movement within the case, a stamp die retained adjacent to the platen for movement therewith between a non-marking position where the stamp die is remote from a surface to be marked and a marking position where the stamp die is pressed into contact with a surface to be marked; and a retaining member mounted on the platen in any one of a plurality of positions such that the stamp die is secured in an assembled position adjacent the platen is provided. A preferred method of assembling the hand stamp is also provided.

Abstract: Pre-inked impression members for hand stamps are made from a gel or premix of thermoplastic resin particles and liquid ink with use of a disposable molding device comprising a matrix board that is recessed in its molding area with cavities to form inked indicia of the impression members and has a peripheral surface area to which is adhered fluid-tight, and entirely about the molding area, an upright rigid wall means comprising a structure of fiberboard, wood, hard resin or other suitable material shaped to a height corresponding to the desired thickness of the impression members. As another feature, during the heating for curing of a layer of premix formed over the molding area of a matrix board, the layer of premix is confined in place by a covering means, applied over it and held under pressure, which comprises, together preferably with overlaid pliable ink-absorbent material, e.g.

Abstract: A microporous marking structure, a hand stamp and methods of manufacturing a hand stamp is disclosed. The microporous marking structure includes a noncontinuous pattern of sealed portions on the rear surface thereof. The microporous marking structure may be mounted for use in a pre-inked hand stamp which can be used to create numerous impressions without reinking.

Abstract: Pre-inked impression members for hand stamps are made from a gel or premix of thermoplastic resin particles and liquid ink with use of a disposable molding device comprising a matrix board that is recessed in its molding area with cavities to form inked indicia of the impression members and has a peripheral surface area to which is adhered fluid-tight, and entirely about the molding area, an upright rigid wall means comprising a structure of fiberboard, wood, hard resin or other suitable material shaped to a height corresponding to the desired thickness of the impression members. As another feature, during the heating for curing of a layer of premix formed over the molding area of a matrix board, the layer of premix is confined in place by a covering means, applied over it and held under pressure, which comprises, together preferably with overlaid pliable ink-absorbent material, e.g.

Abstract: A hand stamp and a method of assembling such hand stamp is disclosed. The hand stamp includes a frame having an open top for receiving a platen during assembly operations.

Abstract: Self-inking stamps and methods of reinking such stamps are disclosed. The self-inking stamps comprise a frame and a removable ink pad holder releasably mounted on the frame wherein the ink pad holder may be at least partially removed while the remaining structure of the self-inking stamp remains substantially intact to facilitate reinking of the associated ink pad.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for stabilizing a microporous marking structure is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of placing a microporous marking structure in conjunction with an absorbent material within a stabilizing device. A positive pressure is then applied to the microporous marking structure within the stabilizing device until a sufficient amount of ink originally retained within the microporous marking structure is forced to flow therefrom into the absorbent material so that the microporous marking structure obtains a substantially stabilized state. The apparatus may comprise a pair of substantially rigid plates arranged for relative movement with respect to each other wherein at least one of the substantially rigid plates is adapted to support a microporous marking structure thereon until the microporous marking structure is arranged between the plates.

Abstract: Self-inking stamping devices are disclosed which include a frame, an encasement surrounding the frame and vertically displaceable with respect thereto between upper and lower positions, an ink pad holder supporting an ink pad at the upper end of the frame, a stamp die holder for mounting a stamp die within the frame, a turnover mechanism for operating the stamp die holder between positions in contact with the ink pad and where the stamp die is in a stamping position, and springs affixed to the ink pad holder and normally compressed between the encasement and the ink pad holder so that the ink pad can be removed from the frame without removing the ink pad holder, and the springs hold the encasement in a position from which it can be pressed downwardly against the spring into its stamping position.