Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a squeegee blade holder is provided. The holder includes a first side member, a second side member, and a pivot portion between the first and second side members. The holder also includes a separator between the first and second side members for maintaining compression of the side members against the squeegee blade.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a squeegee blade holder has a first side member, a second side member, and a pivot portion between the first and second side members. The holder also includes a separator between the first and second side members for maintaining compression of the side members against the squeegee blade.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a squeegee blade holder is provided. The holder includes a first side member, a second side member, and a pivot portion between the first and second side members. The holder also includes a separator between the first and second side members for maintaining compression of the side members against the squeegee blade. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of holding a squeegee blade in a holder is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first holder side, and providing a second holder side. The method further includes compressing the first and second holder sides against the squeegee blade, and maintaining compression of the first and second holder sides against the squeegee blade.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a squeegee blade holder is provided. The holder includes a first side member, a second side member, and a pivot portion between the first and second side members. The holder also includes a separator between the first and second side members for maintaining compression of the side members against the squeegee blade. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of holding a squeegee blade in a holder is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first holder side, and providing a second holder side. The method further includes compressing the first and second holder sides against the squeegee blade, and maintaining compression of the first and second holder sides against the squeegee blade.

Abstract: A vacuum bed (110,210,310,410,510) for holding an article on and to the top sheet (25) of the bed is disclosed. The top sheet (25) includes a plurality of holes (34) therein. The bed further has a bottom sheet (21) spaced apart from and below the top sheet (25). A vacuum chamber (30) is formed between the bottom and top sheets (21,25). A vacuum source (8) in communications with the vacuum chamber (30) draws air through the holes (34) in the top sheet (25) forming a vacuum zone (120,220,320,420,520). Means are disclosed within the vacuum chamber (30) to control and adjust the size of the vacuum zone created on the top sheet (25) to hold articles of different widths and heights.

Abstract: A new ink deflector for a squeegee assembly for use in a printing operation having a screening surface is disclosed. The squeegee has a first and second surface, and a pair of opposite ends, and an attachment for holding the squeegee at a suitable operating angle relative to the screening surface. A pair of ink deflectors are provided which are each detachably positioned at an operating angle relative to the screening surface along an end of the squeegee. The operating angle of each ink deflector in the present invention is independent of the operating angle of the squeegee. Each ink deflector, which has a first surface, is designed to direct ink towards the center of the first squeegee surface. Additionally, the ink deflector has a second surface which directs ink toward the center of the second squeegee surface.