Abstract: A device for consecutively forming one or more notches in a first surface and one or more notches in second surface of a hollow workpiece. The notching device including a first die and a second die that is fixed relative to the first die; and a shiftable punch having opposing first and second cutting surfaces. The punch shiftable between a first punching position and a second punching position and aligned such that the first cutting surface and the first die cooperating to form a first notch when the punch proceeds towards the first position, and the second cutting surface and the second die cooperating to form a second notch when the punch proceeds towards a second position.

Abstract: To eliminate a drawback of the prior art that reduction of the thickness of a circular saw lowers the critical rotational speed of the circular saw, making the buckling phenomenon more likely to occur, there are provided a construction of a circular saw which makes it possible to prevent the critical rotational speed of the circular saw from being lowered due to reduction of the thickness of the circular saw, and increase the critical rotational speed to twice the speed of a conventional circular saw, and a method of fixing the same to a main rotary spindle. More than two slits are formed in a body formed with a central hole, such that the more than two slits extend directly from the central hole or from the vicinity of the central hole, at predetermined intervals of angles about a center of the circular saw, and terminate at respective locations within an annular range set to 60% to 75% of the tooth bottom radius of the circular saw.

Abstract: A sawdust-free wood cutting apparatus (10) comprises a guide (62, 72) for guiding a piece of wood (W) along a feed path having a cutting zone. At least one circular blade (18b) is mounted in the cutting zone and driven in rotation about an axis transversal to the feed path. The circular blade (18b) has a toothless circumferential cutting edge. A feeder (14, 16) advances the piece of wood (W) to be cut through the cutting zone at a linear speed substantially equal to a tangential speed at the toothless circumferential cutting edge of the circular blade (18b).

Abstract: An elevation adjusting device of a belt-form saw machine is disclosed. An elevation adjusting unit has two elevation adjusting rods. A lower end of each elevation adjusting rod is installed with a screw rod. The machine table has two oil pressure rotary units. A universal linkage of a universal connector is connected between the two oil pressure rotary units. The oil pressure rotary units are screwed to the screw rods of the elevation adjusting rods so that the elevation adjusting rods of the screw rod will rise upward or descend so as to adjust the elevation of the saw teeth of the saw unit to a desired value. A universal linkage of a universal connector is connected between the two oil pressure rotary units so that the screw rods rise and descend synchronously, and thus the two elevation adjusting rods rise and descend synchronously.

Abstract: A compound miter saw is described having a bevel lock and bevel index to facilitate setting and locking the blade of the miter saw at desired bevel angles. Also described is a compound miter saw having a miter lock and miter index to facilitate setting and locking of the blade of the miter saw at desired miter angles. An improved down stop is disclosed that facilitates the return of the miter saw to a desired depth of cut. The disclosed miter saw is described having an improved fence, improved dust collection system, and improved carry handles.

Abstract: A device for cutting pieces of material comprising a base, a bridge assembly and a lever arm. The bridge assembly includes a gear assembly operatively connected to the base. The lever arm is coupled to the gear assembly, and a linking member is coupled to the gear assembly; A material clamp is operatively connected to the linking member, and a cutting blade is operatively connected to the linking member. The movement of the lever arm of the first position towards the second position results in the gear assembly and the linking member cooperating to cause the material clamp to move towards the base and affix the position of pieces of material located between the base and the material clamp. The cutting blade comes into contact with and severs the pieces of material after the position of the pieces of material has been fixed by the material clamp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tape guide device for an automatic roll tape cutter, the tape guide device having a roll tape loaded therein for feeding out a required length of the roll tape and automatically cutting the fed out roll tape, the tape guide device comprising: a tape guiding portion disposed at the inside of in a main body of the tape cutter, and including a plurality of guide rolls which guide the roll tape with its upper and lower surfaces contacting with the rolls, each guide roll positioned at the lower portion of the tape guiding portion having uneven grooves formed on its outer circumferential surface at equal distances, guide rolls positioned at the upper portion of the tape guiding portion being respectively mounted in proximate close to the opposite guide rolls positioned at the lower portion of the tape guiding portion in at least an outlet and an inlet for the tape, and the plurality of guide rolls of the tape guiding portion having a gear ratio set in such a manner that the rotation speed of guide ro

Abstract: This tool is intendee, but not limited, to use in the stained glass arts. By utilizeing an arangement of wheels (with applyed pressure) some prviously “not possible” breaks, or cuts, can now be made. And, as a seondary benifit very difficult breaks become simple. This is accomplished by controlling the score line “run” as the glass is pushed through the wheel arrangement system.

Abstract: A modular/configurable rotary die and a rotary die cutter (4) incorporating the die for making a corrugated carton blank (2) are disclosed. The rotary die comprises a plurality of die components (6,7,8) each having at least one blade (43-48) thereon for at least one of scoring, creasing and cutting a corrugated sheet (13) to cooperatively form a corrugated carton blank. With reference to the three dimensions of a carton (1) to be erected from the corrugated carton blank, the die components include at least one length die component (6), at least one height die component (7) and at least one width die component (8). By replacing at least some of the die components with different sizes/types of die components different sizes/types of carton blanks can be produced without requiring the use of dedicated rotary dies for each size/type of carton blank.

Abstract: A computer interaction system of an electronic percussion music instrument mainly connects a set of electronic percussion music instruments with a computer preloaded with execution programs. After the computer reads audio-visual data saved in an audio-visual storage media via a multimedia play device and after the execution program verifies the audio-visual data in the audio-visual storage media as an original edition, the execution program commands a computer peripheral audio-visual device to generate relative sound and image thereby allowing a user to play the set of electronic percussion music instruments by following the correct beats. The system transmits the percussion signals back to the computer such that the execution program commands the computer to compare and record the beat or check if the sound quality is correct so as to achieve the objective of interactive teaching and game playing as well as the function of protecting the legalized copyright.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, particularly systems and methods employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play). The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples.

Abstract: A method of playing music using a computing system in which MIDI events are synchronized with samples is disclosed. A sequence of MIDI events is provided. At least one of the MIDI events includes delta time parameter data, and the MIDI events are provided to a digital signal processing resource. Audio stream events are processed, and one or more of the audio stream events has associated therewith audio sample data, and the audio sample data is provided to the digital signal processing resource; the audio sample data is not provided from a MIDI sound bank. A first MIDI event is provided that is configured to include delta time parameter data associated with the intended playback timing of at least one audio stream event. The audio stream event is rhythmically synchronized with the sequence of MIDI events using the first MIDI event. The first MIDI event may be an NRPN MIDI command.

Abstract: A method for providing radio and virtual radio audio information is disclosed. A radio tuner is provided that tunes in and provides as sound output audio information from one or a plurality of radio stations. Program instructions are executed, and one or more music composition algorithms are applied to song data in accordance with a song data structure to generate music output for the song. A plurality of predetermined musical styles are determined, and values of parameters in accordance with the song data structure are provided to correspond to each of the predetermined musical styles. Music in accordance with one or more of the plurality of predetermined styles is automatically generated.

Abstract: A method for playing a song of a particular musical style is disclosed. Program instructions are executed, and one or more music composition algorithms are applied to song data in accordance with a song data structure to generate music output for the song. A plurality of levels of predetermined musical styles are determined, and values of one or more parameters in accordance with the song data structure are limited to predetermined ranges corresponding to the particular musical style. A first user input is received for selecting a particular musical style. A second user input is received for one or more musical components, and music characteristics in accordance with the song data structure corresponding to the musical components are modified in accordance with the user input, and the user input modifies the values of one or more parameters within the predetermined ranges. In response to the user input a modified song may be created based on user modifications to the music characteristics.

Abstract: A method for playing a song employing a song data structure is disclosed. Program instructions are executed, and one or more music composition algorithms are applied to song data in accordance with a song data structure to generate music output for the song, and variables are defined during the execution of one or more of the program instructions. A song data structure is provided, and a plurality of parameter locations are provided in the song data structure, and data contained in the plurality of parameter locations are made available to the program instructions. At least a first one of the parameter locations is used by one or more of the program instructions to store parameter data associated with one or more seed values, and the seed values are used to initialize one or more of the variables. At least a second one of the parameter locations may be used by one or more of the program instructions to store parameter data associated with a version identification of the song data structure.

Abstract: A method of adjusting an externally supplied audio signal as part of internally generated music data using a computing system is disclosed. At least one music generation algorithm is provided, which consists of at least one music rule associated with a set of acceptable pitch values. The music generation algorithm generates music data. An audio signal is received with at least one pitch characteristic. One or more portions of the audio signal is analyzed to discern the pitch characteristic. A determination is made whether the pitch characteristic is musically compatible with the set of acceptable pitch values. In the event that the pitch characteristic is not musically compatible with the set of acceptable pitch values, the portion of the audio signal is pitch adjusted to generate a pitch-corrected audio signal. The music data and the pitch-corrected audio signal is provided to a digital signal processing resource. The digital signal processing resource may be a hardware digital signal processor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, particularly systems and methods employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play). The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples.

Abstract: A method for playing a song employing a musical controller is disclosed. Program instructions are executed, and one or more music composition algorithms are applied to song data in accordance with a song data structure to generate music output for the song. User input is received for one or more musical components, and musical data in accordance with the song data structure corresponding to the musical components are generated or modified in accordance with the user input. The user input is provided via a controller, and the controller provides musical information via descriptors. The descriptors contain data that represent musical information, and the descriptors include data that does not represent sampled audio information. Music rules are applied to the modified musical data, and the music output for the song is modified in accordance with the modified musical data.

Abstract: A method for playing a song in a handheld device is disclosed. A visual representation for a plurality of musical components is provided. The visual representation includes a plurality of lanes, with each lane corresponding to one of the musical components. User input is received for one or more musical components, and musical characteristics corresponding to the musical components are modified in accordance with the user input. In order to modify musical characteristics corresponding to a particular musical component, the user selects the particular lane corresponding to the particular musical component. A first user input may be received to modify musical characteristics corresponding to a particular musical component, and the user enters a first level of the visual representation beneath the particular lane and provides user input to modify the musical characteristics corresponding to the particular musical component.

Abstract: A method for embedding algorithmic musical data into MIDI format using pitch is disclosed. Program instructions are executed and one or more music composition algorithms are applied to song data in accordance with a song data structure to generate music output for the song. User input is received for one or more musical components, and musical data in accordance with the song data structure corresponding to the musical components are modified in accordance with the user input. Musical rules are applied to the modified musical data, and the music output for the song is modified in accordance with the modified musical data. In response to the user input a modified song is created based on user modifications to the song, and a modified MIDI representation of music is employed in which musical rule information is embedded in MIDI pitch data. User input may be received, and the user input may be used to modify music output corresponding to one or a plurality of instruments, audio samples or microphone input.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, particularly systems and methods employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play). The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating, modifying, interacting with and playing music are provided, particularly systems and methods employing a top-down process, where the user is provided with a musical composition that may be modified and interacted with and played and/or stored (for later play). The system preferably is provided in a handheld form factor, and a graphical display is provided to display status information, graphical representations of musical lanes or components which preferably vary in shape as musical parameters and the like are changed for particular instruments or musical components such as a microphone input or audio samples.

Abstract: The invention provides an array of blast-resistant partitions arranged to subdivide a predetermined space into a multiplicity of interconnected subspaces and thereby to substantially confine an explosive blast to one or more of the subspaces while protecting the remaining subspaces in the predetermined space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electro-hydraulic actuator (1) having mechanical feedback provide closed loop control with a high degree of accuracy. The electro-hydraulic actuator (1) includes a current versus load generator (10), a single-stage servomechanism (20, 21, 22, 23), and a device (24, 25, 40, 41) for providing a mechanical feedback force for offsetting an input force (Fsol) of the current versus load generator (10).

Abstract: An actuator device self-contained within a housing and adapted to move an object. The actuator device includes a movable piston positioned in a cylinder portion of the housing. The cylinder portion defines a longitudinal axis, whereby the piston is movable along the longitudinal axis in response to an accumulation of air pressure within the cylinder portion. The actuator device also includes a rod coupled to the piston for movement with the piston. The rod at least partially extends outside of the housing to couple to the object. Further, the actuator device includes an air compressor located within the housing. The air compressor transfers air from a location in the housing outside the cylinder portion to a location inside the cylinder portion.

Abstract: A pump element (1) and a piston pump for generating high fuel pressure are proposed, in which tilting of the piston base (15) relative to a drive shaft (5) is effectively suppressed, so that the service life of the high-pressure fuel pump is increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dry-running piston compressor, in particular for rail vehicles. Said compressor comprises a crankcase (3) for a crankshaft (15) that is rotatably mounted in said crankcase, the latter being provided with at least one pot-type cylinder (4a-4c) comprising a corresponding internal piston (12a, 12e). According to the invention, the crankshaft (15) is connected to one end of a connecting rod (14a, 14c) by means of a connecting rod hearing (16), which forms the first hearing point, in order to convert the rotational displacement into a linear displacement for the piston (12a, 12c) that is mounted at the other end of the connecting rod (14a, 14c) by means of a piston pin bearing (17), which forms the second bearing point. At least one lubricating nipple (18a, 18c) is mounted on the exterior of each connecting rod (14a, 14c) for relubricating the bearing point(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement in an energy-accumulating piston-cylinder arrangement (A) having a piston/piston rod part (2), guide/end (3) and tubular casing (1).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for adjusting the axial distance between the front and rear walls of a vacuum booster, from outside of the booster, after the booster has been assembled. The booster includes a housing having a front housing and a rear housing joined together and defining a longitudinal axis of the booster. The front housing defines a front wall of the housing and an inner surface of the front wall. The rear housing defines a rear wall of the housing and includes a captive nut having threads adapted for threaded engagement with a threaded end of a tie rod. The front and rear walls are spaced an axial distance from one another along the longitudinal axis. A tie rod extends axially through the housing and has a first end engaging the rear wall of the housing and a second end engaging the front wall of the housing. The first end of the tie rod has threads for engaging the threads of the captive nut in the rear wall of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston comprising a shaft or supporting ring which rests directly on the hubs. The aim of the invention is to fix the latter on the hubs as simply as possible. To this end, the supporting ring is fixed on the hubs with a bayonet-type joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid storage and delivery system utilizing a porous metal matrix that comprises at least one Group VIII metal or Group IB metal therein. In one aspect of the invention, such porous metal matrix forms a solid-phase metal adsorbent medium, characterized by an average pore diameter of from about 0.5 nm to about 2.0 nm and a porosity of from about 10% to about 30%. Such solid-phase metal adsorbent medium is particularly useful for sorptively storing and desoprotively dispensing a low vapor pressure fluid, e.g., ClF3, HF, GeF4, Br2, etc. In another aspect of the invention, such porous metal matrix forms a solid-phase metal sorbent, characterized by an average pore diameter of from about 0.25 &mgr;m to about 500 &mgr;m and a porosity of from about 15% to about 95%, which can effectively immobilize low vapor pressure liquefied gas and prevent the same from entering the fluid regulator as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,027.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of high-purity chemicals with an extremely low particle count, such as ammonia gas, hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen chloride, which are also used as aqueous solutions in semiconductor technology the corrosive gas is enriched with an absorbent which is miscible with the gas and in which impurities present in the gas are soluble, and the gas is subsequently subjected to membrane filtration.

Abstract: A filtration vessel is shown for use with a rotary screw compressor which receives a compressed liquid/gas mixture from the compressor. The vessel utilizes a first stage vortex knockout region to remove bulk liquids through a circular motion which imposes centrifugal forces on the gas and liquid mixture. A coalescer region located above the vortex knockout region receives the relatively lighter fluids and separates any remaining entrained liquids from the fluids. The discharge from the filtration unit is an essentially liquid free compressed gas. The liquid discharge, in the case of lube oil can be recirculated to the compressor for another cycle.

Abstract: An inline air filter for fuel injected engines that provides for the installation of the air filter into the air intake line of an air intake system of a fuel injected engine. The inline air includes a foam filter, a foam filter mesh, and a mesh filter. The foam filter is made from a flexible reticulated polyurethane foam material that allows proper air flow while maintaining good filtering capability. The inline air filter is installed onto an air intake assembly of the fuel injected engine by splicing the inline air filter into an air intake tube.

Abstract: A liquid separator for a respiratory gas sample analyzer includes a closed container having a liquid trap filter chamber integral with the container. The liquid trap filter chamber includes an inlet compartment and an outlet compartment. The inlet compartment is interposed between a sample inlet port and a sample outlet port and includes a gas permeable, liquid impermeable filter element for separating liquid from a gas sample, the liquid separated from the gas sample passing to a collection chamber. The outlet compartment includes a further gas permeable, liquid impermeable trap filter element which is interposed between the collection chamber and a low pressure port, for preventing the flow of liquid through the output compartment to the low pressure port.

Abstract: A dynamic electrostatic aerosol filter and collection system is provided that collects airborne particulate matter, including biological materials. Once collected, the particles can be directed to sensing stations for real-time detection of dangerous materials, and this can be achieved in a continuous re-circulation system. As an option, the collection fluid can be diverted to a station where a detailed analysis is performed, in a batch operation. The filter/collection system is also useable as a concentration “concentrator” to more quickly detect dangerous materials, such as smallpox germs.

Abstract: A universal drum lid for vacuum systems comprises an inlet port configured to intercept downwardly flowing influent at a baffle and engage a direction plate which redirects the flow laterally against an adjacent side wall of the receptacle. An outlet port is shielded by the direction plate. Maximum liquid removal and minimal liquid carryover is achieved through the use of the drum lid. Preferably, a disengagement chamber precedes the baffle for disengaging suspended particles, including liquid, and permitting debris to pass the baffle without blockage. A single float ball-valve is sensitive to flow and will seal the outlet on high liquid entrainment and on high liquid levels.

Abstract: A machine readable identification on a single-serving unit containing coffee powder for espresso machines, designed so that it can be read easily and accurately, is structured in a rotation-symmetrical manner and is applied to an essentially level surface of the single-serving unit, whereby the single-serving unit preferably consists of a single-serving capsule (1) having an essentially circular base (2) whereupon the identification is applied in a coaxial manner.

Abstract: A method for producing a surgical knife of a very small size for use in ophthalmic surgery under a microscopic environment having a sharp edge without causing reflection of lights. The surgical knife comprises a handle, and a blade attached to the handle. The blade has a sharp polished cutting edge, a rough machined surface provided inside of the cutting edge having a relatively rough surface area, and an inner flat area. An anti-reflection treatment is provided on an upper and lower surfaces of the blade except for the cutting edge, thereby prohibiting reflection or emission of lights from the knife.

Abstract: The invention relates to a utensil having a rigid section 2, covered with a foil, such as aluminum foil for cooking, then to be stored away clean without the need of washing by simply pilling off and discarding the foil. The foil is applied over the surface of section 2, acting as a female molding section, as a section 1, acting as a male molding section and having a surface complementary to that of section 2, presses the foil against its surface. Additional means are disclosed for providing ridges and grooves to the shape of the foil so that meat, held on top of the ridges, can be cooked outside its fat, which would drain into the grooves.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus having a body, one or more heating units, a grill unit, and a heat reflecting unit. The heating units are arranged between the grill unit and the heat reflecting unit. The heat reflecting unit has front and rear plates, side plates, and a pair of inner reflecting plates and a pair of outer reflecting plates. The inner reflecting plates are upwardly projected to be higher than the outer reflecting plates. The front plate includes an upper surface and inner and outer surfaces, and is provided in the upper surface thereof with a water inlet, and in the inner surface thereof with an overflow hole. The front plate has a water level window to ascertain a level of water. The front plate is positioned outside the body so that oil and sauce are prevented from entering the inner space of the heat reflecting unit through the water inlet.

Abstract: A pan for baking a batter or dough to provide a baked good, such as muffins or cupcakes. The pan includes a raised perimeter wall that acts as a shield or baffle to provide consistent air flow over the batter or dough during baking. The resulting baked goods have improved baked properties. A preferred muffin pan is disclosed.

Abstract: An indoor barbecue is provided for indoor cooking of food. The barbecue has a body defining a cavity and a lid for engaging with the body to define a cooking chamber. A cooking rack is supported by the body within the cooking chamber and a container is disposed within the cooking chamber for receiving charcoal.

Abstract: A microprocessor (220), disposed in an irrigation controller (200), is programmed to automatically derive an irrigation schedule based at least in part on a rolling-average of required watering amounts. The rolling-average is preferably an average of four consecutive required watering amounts but may be more or less than four. Preferably the irrigation schedule and required watering amount are at least partly derived from ETo data. The ETo data may include potential ETo data, estimated ETo data, or historical ETo data.

Abstract: The guarantee closure consists of a closure body (1) with a guarantee foil (4) and with a pour-out spout (2) as well as a closure cap (3) fitting onto the closure body (1). The pour-out spout (2) is arranged on the closure body (1) such that it may be pivoted up. The guarantee foil (4) by way of pivoting-up the pour-out spout (2) into the pour-out position is cut open and thus frees the passage to the pour-out spout. The closure body (1) comprises a relief (11) for receiving tile guarantee foil (4) and forms above this relief (11) by way of two shoulders (12, 13) arranged over one another and distanced from one another a free space (14) for receiving the lying pour-out spout (2). This is enclosed and held by a film-hinge-like material bridge (5) which in the lying condition connects the two shoulders (12, 13) with a surface which seen from the outside is concave and on the upper side of the lying pour-out spout (2) runs together to a point which defines the pivoting axis of the pour-out spout (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine used for the industrial peeling of citrus fruits and specifically oranges. The only manual operation to be performed corresponds to the loading, since the orange must be oriented. The machine has a high productivity, and does not lead to production reject, since even the peel is recoverable. The machine can be realized in a form that includes a single production line, or in one which includes several simultaneously operating production lines.

Abstract: A wrapping implement is mounted to a rear location of a large round baler with connections permitting its quick attachment to, and detachment from, the baler. The wrapping implement includes a guidance ring that is essentially oriented vertically for guiding at least one wrapping material carrier about its periphery. The baler is equipped with a bale conveyor that receives a bale discharged from the baling chamber and transfers the bale to a bale carrier mounted to the guidance ring. The carrier supports and effects or permits the rotation of the supported cylindrical bale, where during the wrapping process the axis of rotation of the cylindrical bale extends perpendicular to the central axis of the circle of movement of the wrapping material carrier. The bale carrier is mounted for moving between a raised wrapping position, and a lowered discharge position, wherein in different embodiments, it respectively deposits the bale on its circumference or on its end.

Abstract: A unitary membrane for use in a pressing apparatus includes a pair of longitudinal edge portions and a semipermeable portion having a plurality of intercommunicating pores. The semipermeable portion is positioned between the pair of longitudinal edge portions. Wherein the unitary membrane includes a formed fabric and has a thickness less than about 0.1 inches. The semipermeable portion has a permeability greater than zero and less than about five CFM per square foot as measured by TAPPI test method TIP 0404-20. A method of making the unitary membrane includes the steps of providing a carrier fabric which is very permeable and forming a plurality of intercommunicating pores in the carrier fabric.

Abstract: A screen-printing apparatus having pneumatically operated clamping devices for clamping one edge of a print screen frame to the print head of the apparatus. In a screen-printing operation where multiple print screens must be quickly interchanged, efficiency of time and energy may be achieved by a manually activated pneumatic clamping device that quickly secures and releases one edge of the screen frame to the print head. The screen-printing apparatus is not limited to a single print head, and multiple pneumatic clamping devices are envisioned for as many screen print heads as are mounted on the screen-printing apparatus.

Abstract: When thermally perforating a thermoplastic resin film of heat-sensitive stencil material by the use of a thermal head, supply of energy to the thermal head is cut at a time the diameter of the perforations becomes not smaller than 65% and not larger than 95% of a target diameter of the perforations.