Patents Examined by Sonya Mazumdar
  • Patent number: 8425709
    Abstract: A thermal transfer sheet having a subbing layer and a dye layer in this order on a substrate film, wherein the subbing layer contains colloidal silica or colloidal alumina, and the dye layer contains a polyvinyl acetal resin having an acetacetal group in an amount of from 3.0 to 30.0 molar times the butyral group therein, and a dye of the following formula (1): wherein A represents a phenylene group; R1 and R2 represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group; R3 represents an amino group, an alkoxy group, or an aryloxy group; and R4 represents an alkyl group, or an aryl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Naotsugu Muro
  • Patent number: 8419889
    Abstract: A package for securing a card is disclosed where the card is retained between two panels that are secured together by a heat-activated adhesives and/or a combination of polymeric and adhesive constituents to drastically hinder surreptitious access to the contents of the package. The package may include additional features for activating or accessing the card and increasing the aesthetic appeal of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: CPI Card Group—Colorado, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8408271
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for removing pressure adhesive indicia, such as labels or stamps, from their backing and affixing the same to a target substrate is provided. The automated process affixes stamps, for example, to the target substrate with both speed and precision of placement. Desired stamps can be selectively removed from a backing, for example, can be placed on variable locations upon the target substrate, and can be affixed in the desired orientation with precise spacing between stamps. The precision of affixation afforded by this system is commensurate with philatelic standards and is suitable for all pressure adhesive indicia where rapid and precise placement is desired for aesthetic or other reasons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Khalid X. Hussain, David C. Faulkner
  • Patent number: 8408269
    Abstract: An applicator suitable for converting a white-light endoscope into an endoscope for combined white-light/fluorescence imaging is disclosed. The applicator facilitates attachment of an optical element, for example an optical filter, to a distal optical port of an endoscope. The applicator engages with alignment feature on the endoscope's distal end and releasably supports the optical element in an opening that is aligned with the optical port. The optical element is released in a proximal direction by pressing down on an actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Novadaq Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Fengler, John Senger, Gary Jenne
  • Patent number: 8372232
    Abstract: A heat transfer material kit is disclosed that includes a first image transfer material that includes a printable non-porous surface, and a second image transfer material that includes an outer layer having a film forming binder and thermoplastic particles. A method of using the kit is disclosed that includes the steps of a) imaging the substantially non-porous printable surface to form an imaged surface having printed and un-printed areas; b) positioning the outer layer adjacent the imaged surface; c) transferring a portion of the outer layer to the printed area while transferring a lesser portion of the outer layer to the non-printed area to form a coated imaged surface having a non-printed area with less coating than the printed area; and d) thereafter transferring the coated image to a substrate. Alternate methods of using the kit and applying images to substrates that provide good image appearance and durability are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Neenah Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis Joseph Kronzer
  • Patent number: 8372233
    Abstract: A heat transfer material kit is disclosed that includes a first image transfer material that includes a printable non-porous surface, and a second image transfer material that includes an outer layer having a film forming binder and thermoplastic particles. The film forming binder is polar. A method of using the kit is disclosed that includes the steps of a) imaging the substantially non-porous printable surface to form an imaged surface having printed and un-printed areas; b) positioning the outer layer adjacent the imaged surface; c) transferring a portion of the outer layer to the printed area while transferring a lesser portion of the outer layer to the non-printed area to form a coated imaged surface having a non-printed area with less coating than the printed area; and d) thereafter transferring the coated image to a substrate. Alternate methods of using the kit and applying images to substrates that provide good image appearance and durability are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Neenah Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis J. Kronzer
  • Patent number: 8366854
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a decorated laminate having a plate-shaped core made of wood or wood material, a decorative layer on at least one side of the core, and a cover layer made of aminoplast on the decorative layer, comprising the following steps: attaching the decorative layer, applying a layer made of an aqueous solution of an aminoplast precursor to form a cover layer on the decorative layer, at least partially drying the cover layer, curing the aminoplast under pressure and heat, wherein a part of said solution of said aminoplast precursor is initially applied and the partial layer thus generated is dried and said step is repeated at least twice, in order to form the final cover layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Surface Technologies GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Carsten Buhlmann
  • Patent number: 8366857
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for collecting thin tissue samples for imaging. Thin tissue sections may be cut from tissue samples using a microtome-quality knife. In one example, tissue samples are mounted to a substrate that is rotated such that thin tissue sections are acquired via lathing. Collection of thin tissue sections may be facilitated by a conveyor belt. Thin tissue sections may be mounted to a thin substrate (e.g., by adhering thin tissue sections to a thin substrate via a roller mechanism) that may be imaged, for example, by an electron beam (e.g., in an electron microscope). This tissue sections may be strengthened before cutting via a blockface thinfilm deposition technique and/or a blockface taping technique. An automated reel-to-reel imaging technique may be employed for collected/mounted tissue sections to facilitate random-access imaging of tissue sections and maintaining a comprehensive library including a large volume of samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth Hayworth, Amy Au Hayworth
  • Patent number: 8361266
    Abstract: A fabrication method for producing a hollow three dimensional object is disclosed. The method includes disposing a layer of adhesive over a top surface of an elastic material, disposing a layer of fabric to the top surface of the elastic material, such that the layer of adhesive secures the layer of fabric to the elastic material, applying a silkscreen stencil to the outward facing side of the layer of fabric, applying printable material to the outward facing side of the layer of fabric via the silkscreen stencil, applying heat to set the printable material to the layer of fabric, pressing an inside surface of a mold against the top surface of the elastic material, so as to produce a first three-dimensional object having an open end and removing excess elastic material from a rim of the open end of the first three-dimensional object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Alexandre Viana Colchiesqui
  • Patent number: 8349114
    Abstract: A strelchable wrap for holding a sheet with sublimable ink against an object, such as a mug, for transferring an image from the sheet to the mug. The wrap has two layers of elastomeric, rubber material glued together. The inner layer has a greater sponginess to conform the sheet to the mug, while the outer layer has greater strength to stretch and hold the web over the sheet. Flexible rods, held at the ends of the rubber sheet by the outer layer glued to itself, attach the web with the sheet to the mug. The rods connect together above and below the mug and hold the rubber web in a stretched condition with the inked sheet in contact with the mug. The rods also extend above and below the rubber web which, in turn, is wider than the mug. Connecting together the ends of the connector rods permits their joinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Cary Green
  • Patent number: 8343301
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing interior material using transfer paper, the method comprising the steps of: processing release paper for coating a surface of the release paper with a release agent; coating an acryl resin layer for coating the surface of the release paper manufactured in the release paper processing with an acryl resin layer in order to improve a printing eligibility of the surface of the release paper for a convenient digital printing; printing images for printing various designs such as pictures, figures or patterns desired by a customer on the acryl resin layer of the release paper formed in the acryl resin coating process through a digital ink jet printer in order to manufacture transfer paper; bonding a master sheet for bonding the images of the transfer paper manufactured through the image printing process to a master sheet to be transferred; and post-treating master sheet for bonding a surface paper layer or surface reinforcement layer to the surface of the mast
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Doo Ho Chung
  • Patent number: 8336594
    Abstract: A labeling unit having a label holder for at least one first size or format of label, at least one transfer-plate shaft which is at least drivable in rotation and which carries at least one transfer plate for the first size or format of label, a gripper cylinder at least able to be driven in rotation which carries controlled grippers set at least to the first size or format of label, and having pressure-applying members on the gripper cylinder which are associated with the grippers. The label holder, the transfer plate and the gripper cylinder are three main sub-assemblies of the labeling unit which define a transfer path for labels, which co-operate with one another at positions for co-operation and which can be converted for a change of size or format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Horst Winter
  • Patent number: 8323439
    Abstract: To deposit carbon nanotubes onto a substrate, an at least partially porous film is prepared so that a surface of the film has a layer of carbon nanotubes thereon. The film is positioned in relation to a surface of the substrate such that the surface of the film having the layer of carbon nanotubes is brought into contact with the surface of the substrate. Pressure is applied to the film to attach the film, including the layer of carbon nanotubes, to the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin Dooley, Ratnesh Kumar Sharma, Lynn Sheehan, Sergio Escobar-Vargas, Anna Fenelon
  • Patent number: 8308890
    Abstract: A method of applying a durable process mark to a glass article using a laser. A transfer sheet is applied to the glass substrate, the transfer sheet includes a carrier layer with a first adhesive layer, adhered partially to a bottom side of the carrier layer. On the face of the carrier layer there are a first and a second pigment layer. The transfer sheet is lased, forming a durable process mark in the glass article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: tesa SE
    Inventors: Arne Koops, Sven Reiter, Bernd Bunde, Olaf Postel
  • Patent number: 8308891
    Abstract: A method for forming a dye sublimation image in a plastic substrate with a sheet having an image formed thereon of a sublimatic dyestuff is provided. The image on the sheet with a treatment that deposits a silicon compound is placed against a first surface of the substrate. The sheet is heated to a sublimation temperature, which causes the image of the sheet to sublimate into the substrate. The sheet is cooled to a release temperature. The sheet is removed from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Fresco Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Drake, John Moalli
  • Patent number: 8297328
    Abstract: To provide a coating film transfer tool in which a transfer head is loaded within a case in such a manner as to come out of and go back into the case, and in which the excessive pressure on the transfer head which is projected outside the case is absorbed so as to improve the operability of the coating film transfer tool, the coating film transfer tool includes a coating film transfer section which is disposed in an interior of an accommodation case, and the coating film transfer section includes a supply bobbin, a take-up bobbin and a rotation transmitting device for transmitting the rotation of the supply bobbin to the take-up bobbin, and the coating film transfer section also includes a transfer head in such a state that the transfer head is projected from the coating film transfer section around which an unwound transfer tape from the supply bobbin is made to be suspended, a knocking member projected from the rear end of the accommodation case, a rotary member and a rotary support member disposed between
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Plus Stationery Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Ushijima
  • Patent number: 8276640
    Abstract: Provided is a cartridge type coating film transfer tool, in which a cartridge can be simply dismounted and is readily exchanged. A case body comprises a slide member on an upper wall of an upper case. A tapered portion provided on the slide member is extended downward beyond a lower cartridge case of a tape cartridge in a height direction. When the slide member is slid toward a leading end side, a trailing end of the tape cartridge is lifted up until it abuts against a step portion in a state of riding over a tapered portion of the slide member. Thereby, it is possible to release engagement between engagement pawls and engagement holes, which are used in mounting the case body and the tape cartridge to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Tombow Pencil Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Fukazawa, Kenji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8262842
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filling a prescription order with plurality of products each containing a pharmaceutical. The apparatus and method verifying a barcode on each of the products and printing and applying a patient label with a verified barcode to each of the products. After the patient label is applied, the barcodes are independently verified before the products are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Omnicare, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Szesko, Bradley Carson, Kevin R. Fearon, Robert A. Smith, Thomas P. Bonkenburg, Jonathan M. Herring
  • Patent number: 8262829
    Abstract: An adhesive layer is formed on a substrate by printing such that the adhesive layer has a predetermined pattern. A film having a phase-difference characteristic is bonded thereon to form a divided waveplate material layer. The divided waveplate material layer is divided all at once with cutter blades disposed in a row such that the divided waveplate material layer has the predetermined pattern. Then the divided waveplate material layer remaining on portions to be removed is removed, thereby forming divided waveplates on the substrate such that the divided waveplates have the predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Sato, Hidehiko Sekizawa
  • Patent number: 8252138
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thermosensitive multiple recording sheet characterized in that a second base material having light transmission properties is attached to the side of a first thermosensitive recording layer of a first thermosensitive recording sheet comprising a first base material and the first thermosensitive recording layer formed on one surface of the first base material, through a temporary adhesive layer, the second base material is composed of an information disclosing portion and an information non-disclosing portion, a shielding layer is formed at the position corresponding to the information non-disclosing portion on the second base material, and an ultraviolet curable resin layer are formed as an outermost layer of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Oji Paper Co., Ltd., Oji Specialty Paper Co., Ltd., Oji Packaging Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Moronuki, Kenji Ikegami, Hiroaki Mikamo, Natsuki Terashima