Abstract: A drying rack with multiple wire framed shelves with at least one spacer support shaft and a spacer for each wire framed shelf, wherein the spacer comprises (a) a member having a perimeter, preferably a substantially cylindrical member having a substantially circular perimeter, opposing faces, and a central longitudinal axis, (b) a slot extending inwardly or outwardly from the perimeter between the opposing faces along a line substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis, and (c) a hole extending inwardly from one face, such that the slot is capable of receiving the wire framed shelf and the hole is capable of receiving the spacer support shaft of the wire framed shelf.

Abstract: A curing unit and method for curing ink and the like on a substrate wherein the curing unit comprises a dual-chambered cover assembly in which is disposed a reflector assembly containing a curing lamp, and means for exhausting air from the chambers of the cover. The reflector assembly includes primary and secondary reflectors that reflect substantially all the radiation emitted along the upper portion of the lamp downward onto the substrate. The lamp is supported within the reflector assembly on upwardly opening supports that do not restrict the expansion or contraction of the lamp, and may be adjusted to adjust the focus of the lamp. The cover assembly includes inner and outer covers that create an outer cooling chamber therebetween, and an inner cooling chamber between the inner cooling chamber and the reflector assembly. The ends of the cover assembly form ducts which communicate with the means for exhausting air from the chambers of the cover.

Abstract: A printing cylinder composed of extruded equally curved cylindric sections joined at the axial edges thereof, one of said sections having a channel recess to provide for a stock gripper assembly, the other sections having axial channels in the outer periphery closed at both ends by end members, with one end member providing a means of communication between groups of these axial channels for evacuation air flow, these sections and end members being surrounded by a perforate cylindrical jacket covering said channels, and journal support shafts on the ends.

Abstract: An apparatus for curing ink screen print on articles, particularly large articles such as pails or barrels, includes a rotatable turntable having a plurality of spin table compartments each of which is to receive a pail and carry the same in a circular path past a radiation source covered by a housing at a curing station. Each article is spun as it reaches the curing station to assure complete irradiation about the circumference of each article. The housing is provided with a large opening to facilitate loading of articles onto the spin tables and removal of articles with cured ink from the spin tables. An ejector mechanism is mounted on the apparatus to automatically eject cured articles from the turntable to reduce the labor needed to operate the apparatus. The preferred ejecter mechanism includes a fluid cylinder having a pusher mounted centrally of the turntable, and operable to extend into a compartment to push an article therefrom onto a takeaway conveyor.

Abstract: An improved scoop coater for manual application of emulsions to screens in the screen printing industry is formed inexpensively from metal extrusions and is configured to provide good handling characteristics when applying an emulsion coating. The scoop coater includes a one-piece extruded metal body having a trough-shaped portion for holding liquids and two upstanding extruded metal end walls which are attached to opposite ends of the trough-shaped portion of the body. Two legs and a handle projecting from the trough-shaped portion of the body have beads which provide improved fingerholds along their edges. Guide surfaces formed on the end walls function to keep the scoop coater at an optimal inclination toward a screen during use. An extruded metal cover is provided to cover emulsion in the trough between usages of the scoop coater.

Abstract: A screen printing frame is formed with hollow extruded metal frame members joined at their ends by extruded metal interfitting connectors which are retained within the ends of their associated frame members by frictional engagement supplemented by a bonding agent. The force required to establish the frictional engagement is maintained in the preferred embodiment by elastic flexure of a bowed side wall on each connector arm. The structural members may have prefinished surfaces such as anodized surfaces and are joined together without welding as would mar such surfaces during the welding operation. The amount of metal used for the extrusions has been minimized for cost reduction and to obtain a lightweight structure.Grooves on the interfacing surfaces of the connector arms and the frame members cooperate to form an interstitial lattice which receives a bonding agent. Miter joints at the corners of the structure are sealed by corner webs on the connectors in combination with a bonding agent.

Abstract: A cantilevered takeoff apparatus is provided by the present invention which is particularly adapted to automatically remove printed stock from the bed of a screen printing press and transfer the stock to a wicket dryer, having a plurality of rows of wickets movable along the upper and lower surfaces of the dryer frame, where the stock is released face up on a row of wickets for drying. The cantilevered takeoff apparatus herein enables the wicket dryer to be positioned directly beneath the printed work to receive the work as it is transferred thereto, without obstructing the path of the rows of wickets during operation.

Abstract: An improved low cost screen printing apparatus for printing on both flat and curvilinear objects. Two vertically aligned shafts support the printing head and, by following the pivotal motion of an arm, raise and lower the printing head relative to the object being printed with a straight vertical displacement, resulting from the controlled movement of the upper shaft cooperating with arcuate channels formed in the end supports. The squeegee assembly operates in a timed relationship with the raising and lowering of the screen head to alternately lower the squeegee and raise the flood bar for forcing ink through the screen in the print cycle and raise the squeegee and lower the flood bar to flood the screen on the return cycle. When the screen is in the raised position, the squeegee assembly and screen frame are selectively connectable to a reciprocating carriage, for printing either curvilinear or flat objects.