Abstract: A machine that processes gift cards in an in-line process where the gift cards travel along a generally straight transport path from a card feed mechanism to a delivery end where the cards and carrier combinations are discharged. During the in-line processing, a magnetic stripe, integrated circuit chip or RFIID tag on the gift cards can be encoded with account information, a serial number or other information. In addition, the cards are transported to a print mechanism that personalizes the cards with a bar code. account information, serial number or other information. After printing, the cards are transported to a gluing system which applies adhesive to one side of the cards. The cards arc then transported to a feeding mechanism that feeds and applies a carrier to one or more cards.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite multi-layered absorbent article. At least two of the layers include a colored region.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods of printing using ink-jet technology and offset printing capabilities are provided. The method can comprise jetting an ink onto a printing blanket, where the ink comprises a carrier and a pigment colorant, and where the carrier substantially free of polymers. Additional steps include developing the ink to create a print image on the printing blanket; applying a layer of wetting fluid to a surface of a print medium, where the surface includes a coating comprising a polymer; heating the surface to a print-receptive temperature that is lower than the softening temperature of the polymer, causing softening of the polymer; and transferring the print image from the printing blanket to the surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a building material with a pre-applied adhesive, the method comprising the steps of manipulating a first membrane and a second membrane to be spaced from one another along parallel adjacent edges to form a gap; securing a single strip of adhesive tape to a top surface of both said first and second membranes adjacent to said adjacent edges so that said adhesive tape extends over said gap; and cutting along the length of said adhesive tape to form a first adhesive tape and a second adhesive tape, said first adhesive tape being secured to the top surface of said first membrane and extending over a portion of said gap, and said second adhesive tape being secured to the top surface of said second membrane and extending over a portion of said gap.

Abstract: A method for labeling an object such as a biological sample, including printing at least two different light-emitting species onto a substrate which are capable of displaying a unique optical signature when excited; and externally attaching the object to the printed at least two different light-emitting species.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a magnet handles a plurality of split magnets obtained by sequentially splitting a magnet to be split from one end thereof. The apparatus for handling a magnet is equipped with a mechanism which arranges a split magnet with respect to a previously split magnet so that the magnets are put on top of one another and the corresponding irregularities of a pair of split surfaces thereof are arranged opposite each other. The apparatus for handling a magnet is also equipped with a section where the plurality of split magnets are arranged.

Abstract: Methods of transferring an image to a substrate are generally provided. A heat transfer material can be partially cut to define a shape with cuts made into the heat transfer material (i.e., into its thickness). The heat transfer material includes a transferable portion overlying a release layer overlying a base sheet such that the cuts are made into the heat transfer material through the transferable portion while leaving the release layer and base sheet uncut. The transferable portion of the heat transfer material can be removed from the base sheet in an area surrounding the shape. Then, the heat transfer material can be positioned adjacent the substrate such that the transferable portion defined by the shape contacts the substrate. Heat and pressure can be applied to the heat transfer material. Thereafter, the base sheet can be removed.

Abstract: A rotation device includes an endless guide that defines a continuous circular path, a plurality of moving sections whose movement is guided by the endless guide, and a plurality of pads. Each pad is capable of carrying an article thereon, and each pad is mounted to a respective moving section. A method for producing a worn article using such a rotation device includes the following steps: (i) rotating a fixed pivot point about a first axis where a link connects the pivot point to the moving section; (ii) guiding a moving section along the path defined by the endless guide, where the endless guide has a second axis parallel to but offset from the first axis; (iii) receiving an article by the pad, where the rotating and guiding steps change a spacing interval between adjacent pads; and (iv) releasing the article from the pad after the spacing interval has changed.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing electronic monolithic ceramic components, including a sheet supplier for supplying a plurality of ceramic green sheets of a plurality of types in a predetermined order, and a laminator for laminating the ceramic green sheets supplied by the sheet supplier. A plurality of trays is set in two vertical columns in a rack which is vertically movable. Each tray holds a stack of a plurality of ceramic green sheets of the same type. A particular tray positioned to a predetermined level by the vertical movement of the rack is drawn by a tray drawer device, and one ceramic green sheet is picked up from the tray, and is then conveyed to the laminator. The utilization efficiency of area in the sheet supplier is thus increased.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with improved fuel cell stack assemblies, and methods of operation of a fuel cell stack assembly, particularly with improved gas flow and thermal management.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for manufacturing multiple layer composite structures and structures containing components made of multiple layer composite structures, comprising dispensing layers of composite material, trimming each layer to its final shape as it is being dispensed, and positioning it properly with respect to prior layers in the part lay-up.

Abstract: A method of transferring a portion of a functional film (1) onto a substrate from a base plate (100) comprises the formation of a groove (S1) which passes through the said functional film and also a separating film (2) placed between the functional film and the base plate. A portion (2p) of the separating film is then detached from the base plate with the portion of the functional film. The portion of said separating film protects the portion of the functional film in the rest of the method. According to one improvement, the portion of the functional film which is detached from the base plate comprises a useful portion (1p) and a margin (1m) that are connected together by the portion (2p) of the separating film. The useful portion (1p) of the functional film may then be gripped and handled via the margin (1m).

Abstract: A tape applying device for applying electrically conductive tape onto a board includes: a applying head for pressing the conductive tape; a tape holding unit including a reel section having a feed reel for feeding the conductive tape laminated with a separator and a wind-up reel to which the separator is to be wound up, and a tape guide section for guiding the conductive tape along with the separator to a position of pressing by the applying head; and a base section which has a tape guide driving unit for moving up and down the tape guide section, and to and from which the tape holding unit is fittable and removable. The tape guide section, while in a fitted state of being fitted to the base section, is separated from the reel section and moved up and down by driving force of the tape guide driving unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling substrates with functional blocks, using a printhead to deliver individual functional blocks to the appropriate locations on the substrates. In an embodiment, the functional block releasing mechanism comprises a heat source to provide thermal energy and a light source to provide photon energy, wherein the heat source and the light source enable releasing individual functional blocks from the reservoir for positioning on the substrate. The heat source can comprise an array of heating elements, such as thin film heating elements, which can provide localized heating to individual elements, thus enabling releasing individual functional blocks. The light source can comprise a laser beam and a moving mechanism to move the laser beam to the individual functional blocks.

Abstract: A method is provided for imaging vinyl flooring material. Images are formed on vinyl flooring material having enhanced thermomechanical properties using heat activated imaging methods. Minimum shrinkage of the flooring substrate and minimum image deformation are provided by the invention.

Abstract: Sheet goods having extremely long repeat lengths and tiles having a large number of different visual patterns are formed by printing two different print patterns having different repeat lengths. The two different print patterns are printed on two films that are laminated together, or on a substrate, or one print pattern on a substrate and one print pattern on a transparent or translucent film that is laminated to the printed substrate.

Abstract: Method of making a heat transfer materials are generally provided, along with the materials and the methods of using the materials. A splittable layer can be formed to overlie a base sheet, and an image-receptive coating can be formed to overlie the splittable layer. The image-receptive coating can include thermoplastic microparticles, a thermoplastic binder, and a humectant. The thermoplastic microparticles can be styrene particles having an average particle size of from about 5 microns to about 80 microns and melt at temperatures between about 90° C. and about 115° C. A second thermoplastic microparticle can also be included in the image-receptive coating. Alternatively, a combination of thermoplastic polyester microparticles and thermoplastic polyamide microparticles can be included in the image-receptive coating. The heat transfer material can then be dried. The humectant is configured to draw moisture back into the heat transfer sheet after drying.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for of applying a sublimation transfer to a coffee cup having a handle connected at two locations to the cup. A sublimation transfer is placed around the container with a dye image an outer surface of the cup and extending beneath the handle. An elastic clamp wraps around the cup and sublimation transfer and extends beneath the handle to press the dye layer against the cup beneath the handle. The clamp has an elongated opening near one end of the clamp and the opening is placed over the handle to fasten the clamp to the cup. The wrapped cup and sublimation transfer is placed on a conveyor oven for sublimation heating, with the clamp being removed for reuse after the sublimation transfer of the dye layer onto the cup is completed.

Abstract: Continuous motion label transferring apparatus includes a non-stick surface between a peel point and a pinch point. A label unwinder continuously passes a first web along a path towards the pinch point. The first web includes a series of spaced labels having pressure sensitive self-adhesive on a surface to which a liner of release material is releasably attached. As the release liner travels around the peel point, the labels continue to move toward the pinch point, passing over the nonstick surface as they approach the pinch point. A target mover passes a succession of spaced targets through the pinch point adjacent the self-adhesive surface of the labels, so that the labels are individually adhered to the targets. A control system for the label unwinder monitors the target mover, and synchronizes the labels and targets in a desired manner. The distance between the peel point and the pinch point is set so that the labels can be fed continuously into the pinch point in registration with the targets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for transferring at least one coating onto at least one geometrically defined surface of a lens substrate to produced a lens substrate coated with at least one functional coating adhering to at least one geometrically defined surface through a layer of transparent adhesive composition.