Abstract: A quick release pallet for a screen printing machine in which the pallet has locating recesses at either ends which locate the pallet on the pallet arm of the screen printing machine by engaging locating lugs on the pallet arm. A toggle clip secures the pallet in position. The advantages are that the pallet has no attachments and can be very quickly positioned and released. Because there are no screw holes in the top surface of the pallet it has a larger print area. The pallet can be modified to a vacuum pallet with a perforated or porous top plate and a vacuum manifold connected to the base plate and air spaces being provided by machined channels in the base plate or a mesh interposed between the base plate and the top plate.

Abstract: A quick release pallet for a screen printing machine in which the pallet has locating recesses at either ends which locate the pallet on the pallet arm of the screen printing machine by engaging locating lugs on the pallet arm. A toggle clip secures the pallet in position. The advantages are that the pallet has no attachments and can be very quickly positioned and released. Because there are no screw holes in the top surface of the pallet it has a larger print area. The pallet can be modified to a vacuum pallet with a perforated or porous top plate and a vacuum manifold connected to the base plate and air spaces being provided by machined channels in the base plate or a mesh interposed between the base plate and the top plate.

Abstract: Screen printing machines of the carousel type and apparatus for use in those machines. One of the features relates to a print head assembly having a carriage mounted for reciprocating movement, the carriage comprising two spaced apart bearing sections arranged relative to three support members. Another feature relates to an improved air manifold for the print head assembly. Yet another feature is concerned with an improved screen holding device utilizing inflatable bags. Yet another feature relates to an improved vacuum supply mechanism. A further feature is concerned with an improved frame structure.

Abstract: A rotary indexing mechanism for a screen printing machine including a carousel which includes a multiple armed fixed frame and a multiple armed movable frame mounted to rotate relative thereto, a plurality of print heads mounted to one of the frame and a plurality of screen platens mounted to the other of the frame. The rotary indexing mechanism includes a coupling member mounted for reciprocatory rotary motion, and including an actuator operable to operate the movable frame during a selected portion of the reciprocatory rotary motion, a drive including a linear actuator for effecting the reciprocatory rotary motion, a transmission mechanism operatively connecting the drive to the coupling member and, a damper mounted so as to oppose the reciprocatory rotary motion of the coupling member.

Abstract: A screen printing machine of the type comprising a multiple armed fixed frame and a multiple armed movable frame mounted to rotate above or below the fixed frame through a series of operative positions or operating stations. Print heads may be operatively connected to the fixed frame and screen platens operatively connected to the movable frame or vice versa. The movable frame can be axially moved towards or away from the fixed frame between a non-print position and a print position so that a printing operation can be effected. In one aspect there is provided a centrally disposed drive for causing axial movement of the movable frame. This drive may include a counter balancing mechanism and a preliminary locating device.

Abstract: A print head assembly for use with a screen printing machine of the carousel type having a multiple armed fixed frame and a multiple armed movable frame mounted for rotation relative thereto. The print head assembly (40) comprises: a mounting frame (45) operatively connected to an arm of the carousel. A carriage (44) is operatively connected to the mounting frame (45) and arranged for reciprocating movement relative thereto along a path of travel. Drive means is provided for causing the reciprocating movement, the drive means comprising a piston/cylinder assembly (41) including a cylinder (43) having a longitudinal axis, and opposed ends with a piston rod (42) extending from one of those ends there being a region defined between the lateral axes at respective ends of the cylinder (43) these lateral axes extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the assembly.

Abstract: A rotary indexing mechanism for a screen printing machine of the type comprising a carousel (10) which includes a multiple armed fixed frame (12) and a multiple armed movable frame (20) mounted to rotate relative thereto, a plurality of print heads mounted to one of the frames and a plurality of screen platens mounted to the other of the frames. The rotary indexing mechanism includes a coupling member (37) mounted for reciprocatory rotary motion, and including an engagement device (36) operable to engage the movable frame (20) during a selected portion of the reciprocatory rotary motion, a drive (40) including a linear actuator (40a, 40b, 40c) for effecting the reciprocatory rotary motion, a transmission mechanism (55) operatively connecting the drive (40) to the coupling member (37) and, a fluid damper (42) mounted so as to oppose the reciprocatory rotary motion of the coupling member (37).