Abstract: A system for transferring an image to an article and includes a base for supporting the article, an article conveyor for sequentially moving articles onto and off of the base in a given direction between an entrance end and an exit end, a roller disposed adjacent to the base, an image conveyor for sequentially moving transferrable images into a position between the base and the roller, a transfer mechanism for producing relative movement between the base and the roller such that an image and an article are pressed together therebetween, a primary heater for transferring heat to a first surface portion of said roller located opposite to the base, and an auxiliary heater for transferring heat to a second surface portion of the roller end located between the first surface portion and the exit end of said base.

Abstract: A hydraulic clamping apparatus including a base, a first support means for supporting a first mold and retained by the base and a second support means for supporting a second mold and retained by the base means, the second support means being movable relative to the base means along a path so as to move the second mold into engagement with the first mold. A first hydraulic actuator comprises a first cylinder, a first piston retained thereby, and a rod coupled between the first piston and the second support means. The first actuator is operable to produce reciprocating first strokes of the rod along the path. A second hydraulic actuator comprises a second cylinder and a ram piston shaped and arranged so as to permit with respect thereto relative movement along the path of the second support means. The ram piston has a diameter substantially greater than the first piston and is movable along the path in reciprocating second strokes substantially shorter than the first strokes.