Abstract: An apparatus for inking or printing on the surface of an item, such as a badge or emblem, is described. The apparatus incorporates a number of sub-systems including: an apparatus for holding and positioning blank screen material; a laser ablation system for producing the desired hole pattern in the blank screen material to form screens; a print/ink station; a table assembly for supporting a plurality of labels or emblems and moving such labels or emblems sequentially to the print station; and an apparatus for moving the screens to the print/ink station. The apparatus also includes heater for drying the ink after the printing/inking step is completed. The apparatus for producing the patterns includes a laser, mirrors for moving the beam in the x and y directions, and optics for focusing the beam on the blank screen material. The inking station includes an ink tray, a reciprocating squeegee and blades for wiping ink from the leading edges of the squeegee after the squeegee passes over the pattern.

Abstract: A two-part frame and a pre-tensioning device useful for installing a taut sheet of material within a frame are disclosed. These devices are useful for preparing silk screens used by the printing industry. Since the subject devices can automate the preparation of silk screens, lower production costs and improved quality result.

Abstract: An apparatus for inking or printing on the surface of an item, such as a badge or emblem, is described. The apparatus incorporates a number of sub-systems including: an apparatus for holding and positioning blank screen material; a laser ablation system for producing the desired hole pattern in the blank screen material to form screens; a print/ink station; a table assembly for supporting a plurality of labels or emblems and moving such labels or emblems sequentially to the print station; and an apparatus for moving the screens to the print/ink station. The apparatus also includes heater for drying the ink after the printing/inking step is completed. The apparatus for producing the patterns includes a laser, mirrors for moving the beam in the x and y directions, and optics for focusing the beam on the blank screen material. The inking station includes an ink tray, a reciprocating squeegee and blades for wiping ink from the leading edges of the squeegee after the squeegee passes over the pattern.

Abstract: An emulsion coater apparatus for filling a screen with emulsion is described. A head delivers pressurized emulsion onto and through holes in a screen. Squeegees located on either side of the screen are then drawn across the screen's surface so as to remove excess emulsion and fill any holes not filled by the high pressure head. The emulsion coater apparatus coats a screen in a single pass, thus making the coating process more efficient. Moreover, dispersing emulsion under pressure alleviates the need to degrease the screen, saving costs and minimizing environmental damage.