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.

Abstract: A high hat cymbals device is automatically actuated to hold the cymbals locked in place. The presence or absence of the drummer's foot on or above the foot pedal for actuating the high hat is sensed, and the cymbals held together if the drummer's foot is not sensed. Sensing is accomplished utilizing an infrared LED or other source of light, preferably one that is pulsed and frequency modulated, and a photodiode or other light sensing device. The signal from the photodiode is filtered and amplified and ultimately operates a solenoid to either allow normal operation of the high hat, or move the high hat cymbals together. The light source and sensor are mounted on the bottom of the foot pedal and cooperate with an opening in the foot pedal so that the light is reflected to the photodiode if the drummer's foot is present on or above the foot pedal, but passes through the opening if it is not.

Abstract: A self-contained alarm system for a boat outboard motor connected to a boat transom by clamps is easily retrofit onto an existing boat. A housing of tough non-conductive material (such as polycarbonate) contains a power source (such as a battery) and a signalling device (such as a horn or lights). The housing includes a hub and a pair of arms, which are pivotal with respect to each other about the hub, or the arms can be sliding members, sliding relative to each other. Electrical contacts are provided adjacent the end of one or both of the arms, the contacts engaging clamp pads. If the clamp pads are moved out of operative engagement with the contacts, the battery activates the signal device. A circuit for sensing an open circuit condition may interconnect the signal and battery may be provided, or the contacts may be designed so that a closed circuit actuates the signal.

Abstract: A self-contained alarm system mounted in a housing is adapted to be mounted between the clamps of an outboard motor and the transom of a boat. The clamps of the outboard motor are electrically coupled to circuit means in the housing of the alarm system through electrically conductive sensor members in the housing. The circuit means acts as a discontinuity or open circuit detector. When a clamp of the outboard motor is backed off, either intentionally or accidentally, the circuit means electrically detects the change of resistance and activates a sound device located in the housing.