Abstract: A machine for silk-screen printing, in particular for multi-color printing, comprises a plurality of support tables for supporting an article to be printed, which are intermittently sliding and can be positioned in correspondence to fixed stations; the machine comprises furthermore a plurality of printing heads which can be associated with the framework of the machine in such a way as to be interchangeable at any one of the fixed stations.

Abstract: An apparatus for making multi-color silk screen prints on dimensionally unstable material such as T-shirts includes a platen, to which the shirt is adhesively affixed, that is removable from the remainder of the apparatus with a shirt attached to it without loss of registry between the shirt and silk screens carried by the apparatus when the platen is reinstalled on the apparatus. This permits moving the platen from one apparatus to another thereby printing more colors than would be possible with either apparatus alone. The apparatus also permits removing the shirt from the apparatus to perform a non-silk screen process between the printing of colors. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the removal of the platen is accomplished by dividing the platen into a bottom piece that is attached to the remainder of the apparatus and a top piece that is releasably attached to the bottom piece.

Abstract: A screen printer comprising a squeegee for applying a printing material to a work face when the squeegee moves on an upper side face of a screen while being kept in contact therewith, a doctor for uniforming a thickness of the printing material left on the upper side face of the screen, and a cleaner including a scraping bucket which moves on the underside face of the screen while being kept in contact therewith so as to scrape the printing material attached to the underside face of the screen upon applying operation of the squeegee. The scraping bucket comprises a bucket body formed into a concave shape with an open top in profile, and a scraping strip formed on an end of one side wall of the bucket body, which is inclined toward an advance direction of the scraping bucket.

Abstract: In each of the pressure transferring sections of the printing device, a pair of cylinders, a screen positioned to pass over the cylinders and an inking device for supplying ink to the original printing stencil on the screen are arranged. An original printing stencil supplying device and a used printing stencil collecting device are moved as an integral unit to the first pressure transferring section by means of a moving device. Then, the used printing stencil on the screen is collected by the used printing stencil collecting device and a new engraved original printing stencil is supplied from the original printing stencil supplying device and mounted on the screen. Ink for the first color is supplied to the original printing stencil by means of the inking device. Then, the original printing stencil supplying device and used printing stencil collecting device are moved to the second pressure transferring section, and the process is repeated.

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 silk screen printing machine having a track about which the printing screens and platens are free to be moved relative to one another in the course of a multi-step printing process. An embodiment is disclosed having the printing screens supported by spokes and platens manually rotatable about a circular supporting track without supporting spokes. The platens move on a common horizontal plane below the printing screens which are brought down onto the platens for screen printing.

Abstract: A screen printing machine with at least one screen printing unit having a flat screen which is inclined relative to the horizontal so as to reduce the floor space requirements and is reciprocable up and down by a rack and pinion drive. A drying arrangement for the webs or sheets which are treated in the machine is disposed at a level below the screen, and each unit has a platform which is adjacent a web- or sheet-supporting cylinder to facilitate immediate inspection of the web or sheets downstream of the printing station between the screen and the cylinder. The latter is indexible about a fixed axis.

Abstract: A multiple screen printing apparatus for multiple simultaneous printing in which the screen printing carrier head and the platen carrier head are indexed and locked together when the printing screens are down so as to provide precise registration. This indexing and locking arrangement resists degradation of the screen's registration during normal field use. Also, the apparatus has a precise microregistration adjustment system that permits adjustment of the printing screen attachment or screen clamping member relative to the screen carrier head by a controlled and guided adjustment movement in a single plane between a clamping plate and base member. This arrangement provides a coplanar locking so that no movement of the registration occurs during the clamping action.

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 method for use in multicolor silkscreen printing in which a plurality of printing stations are provided. A control unit is provided in which the position of the material is calculated in relation to a reference value, for example, the printing machine chassis. The position of the material is then determined along with a material feed position and a resultant measurement value is derived. The material is then moved to a second registration position in order to receive a further pattern thereon. After the second pattern has been applied, the print material is returned to the first registration position in order to reference the position of the pattern printed thereon at the second registration position. After a comparison of the first registration position and the second registration position, any established discrepancy between the actual position of the pattern during the transfer is then minimized with respect to subsequent printing operations.

Abstract: A textile printing apparatus for multicolor printing has a plurality of upper and lower arms radiating from a central hub and axle and which are rotatable with respect to one another. The lower arms have platforms for receiving textile workpieces, and the upper arms have clamping means for holding a stencil on top of a workpiece. The upper arms may be raised and lowered to facilitate sequential printing of colors onto a workpiece. Adjustment means are provided for the upper arms so that precise alignment of the stencils can be readily achieved when setting up the apparatus.

Abstract: A screen printing machine has a plurality of stationary printing head frames each with a bell crank linkage suspending a framed screen mounting assembly for parallel movement of the screen into and out of engagement with a pallet supported article to be printed. The head frames are integrated into the machine structural frame in both a rotatable pallet embodiment and a linear web embodiment. Separate actuators are carried by a carriage, the latter being moveable along the head frame from one end to the other, the actuators being arranged to lower and raise separate flood bars and squeegee blades, correlating the up-and-down movement of the flood bars and squeegee blades with the raising and lowering of the screens.

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).

Abstract: A printing machine for simultaneously performing multiple printing operations in a continuous manner includes: a number of platens supporting thereon articles to be printed; a plurality of printing heads designed to print a desired pattern onto the article; and an oval track about which the platens are moved. The track includes first and second portions, wherein the first portion is at a higher elevation than the second portion. The first portion is positioned to orient the platen horizontally for ease in mounting the article thereon. The second portion underlies the printing heads and orients the platens in a downward inclination to thereby clear the printing heads as they are moved along the track. A lifting assembly lifts each platen into engagement with a printing head for printing a pattern onto the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying a plurality of color prints onto print material. The method utilizes a silkscreen printer arrangement which includes a plurality of printing tables positioned in a travel path of the print material. A print material transporting arrangement is provided so as to move the print material through the plurality of printing tables. Various colors are applied to the print material in a predetermined order. Activation of gripping devices for gripping the print material and vertical movements of the printing tables are coordinated dependent upon positioning of the print materials with respect to the printing step being performed. Similarly, the gripping devices are released and the printing tables likewise move to a non-printing position subsequent to the movement of the print material from the print table associated with the given silkscreen printing machine.

Abstract: A multi-color printing apparatus for screen printing workpieces in diverse colors. The apparatus has a plurality of printing units, each located at a work station, and spaced about a central support. A number of radially extending support arms cantilevered from a rotatable central support carry the workpieces between printing stations. After being indexed to its approximate final position at a particular work station, the support arms engage a brake pad to absorb rotational energy and to control motion of the support arm during a final, precise alignment step wherein a fork member is advanced toward a roller mounted on the support arm to precisely align and lock the support arm during the screen printing operation. Also disclosed is a collar for rotatably mounting the central support at its bottom end. The collar has two portions, one mounted to the central support and the other mounted to a desired location in the printing apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustment device for a screen printing machine wherein the tension on pivotally mounted screen holding arms may be adjusted to accommodate screens of various sizes and weights. The adjustment device includes a vertically adjustable connector to which one end of a coil spring associated with a screen holding arm is connected. The adjustment device includes at least one bolt which mounts the connector for up or down movement upon rotation of the bolt, so that the connector, and spring, are moved relative to a horizontal plane containing the pivot axis of the screen holding arm. By suitably adjusting the spring connector via rotation of the bolt, the spring rate may be altered and leverage is created for moving the spring to up and down positions. An adjustment device for accomplishing similar results in used for gas compression cylinders extending between screen holding arms and the machine head.

Abstract: A multicolor rotary screen printing machine comprising a number of parallel cylinder stencils which are located in a common plane and which are each provided, on the inside, with a squeegee consisting of a hollow tube with a squeegee blade, has a novel squeegee suspension. The ends of each squeegee, which project outside the stencil, are suspended from one end of each of a pair of arms, the arms each being guidably bearing-mounted along an individual screw spindle located parallel to the common plane and the screw spindles each being provided with individual driving means, such as individually controlled electric motors and gears. It is thus possible to alter the position of the squeegee within the stencil and to automate the adjustment of the squeegee during operation with the use of suitable control means acting on said individual drive means.

Abstract: A silkscreen printing system for multicolor printing by the application of separate colors in a predetermined order is provided in which a plurality of printing tables are positioned in the path travelled by the print material through the printer arrangement. Each of the print tables cooperates with the respective stencil which is intended to transfer to the print material a single color of the multicolor print. The system also includes a material transporting arrangement for advancing print material to a first of the plurality of print tables so that a first color is applied to the material by the stencil located above the first table. Subsequently, a second printing table receives the print material by the transport of the material transporting means so as to apply a second color print to the print material. The material transporting arrangement extends along all of the plurality of printing tables in the arrangement and is non-electrically conductive.

Abstract: A process for producing designs on canvas and/or other articles which are adapted to be printed by a silk-screen process. The process involves printing inscriptions around a framed design, with the inscriptions having a color different from the color of the frame on which the inscribed characters are printed. The process involves producing a first composite of a first film sheet which has a border having a predetermined plurality of offset opaque portions and a second film sheet which has a design of a color corresponding to the colors of the plurality of predetermined portions. Another film sheet composite includes a border having a different opaque color and a plurality of transparent portions on the border; the transparent portions being positioned so as to correspond in position to the opaque portions on the border of the first composite.

Abstract: A screen printing and curing apparatus has a shiftable printing head that carries a plurality of screen printing units that are each adapted to print an inked image of a color or texture different than the images printed by the other printing units. After the printing head has been lowered toward a web and each printing unit produces an inked image on respective, successively oriented defined areas of the web, the printing head is raised and a curing device such as an ultraviolet lamp is moved across all of the inked images on the web. Once each image has cured, the web advances one step to bring each of the defined areas of the web into registration with the next adjacent, downstream printing unit and the cycle is then repeated to build up a multicolor or multi-textured composite image. The speed of the curing device moving across the web may be varied in order to accommodate variations in the type, color or quantity of the ink or characteristics of the printing unit, screen or web.

Abstract: A numbering machine for use in the printing of numbers, wherein the machine includes a base, a carriage reciprocally mounted to the base, a platent pivotally mounted to the carriage for supporting material upon which the number will be printed, and a scale member provided with indicia which cooperates with the carriage for effecting proper positioning thereof. The scale member also provides indicia for indicating to the operator the proper pivotal orientation of the platen for its particular reciprocal positioning.

Abstract: A multi-color printing apparatus for automatically screen printing workpieces in diverse colors. The apparatus has a plurality of printing units spaced about a central support. A number of radially extending support arms cantilevered from the central support carry the workpiece at their free end for movement between printing units. After being indexed to its approximate final position at a particular station, a brake is engaged to prevent rotation of the support arm and a lock engages the support arm bring the arm into a registered position for the duration of the printing operation, after which the brake and locking bar are disengaged, allowing the support arm to rotate to another printing unit.

Abstract: In order to hold the frontal area of visored headgear against a platen of approximately the size and shape of the area during the printing thereon of data in two or more colors, at least one first member and a second member are employed. The members are movable relative to the platen between inoperative and operative positions. In the operative position of the first member or members, portions of headgear are held under one end of the platen after the central portion of the sweat band has been caught by the other platen end and headgear material manually pulled under said one end to pull the frontal area against the platen. In the operative position of the second member, it seats the area to be printed against the platen and holds said area against moving vertically during successive screen contacts.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus having a rotatable turret with a plurality of work supports is indexed by a curved geneva mechanism to each of a plurality of index positions. The curved geneva mechanism includes a plurality of curved slots having surfaces engaged by the driver with the curved slots designed to minimize the maximum amount of inertia and to maximize the available time for deceleration of the turret to provide a smoother and slower stopping of the turret and registration without banging and jarring of the apparatus. The preferred curved slots have a modified sine wave characteristic to provide slower changes in velocity during the stopping. The amount of inertia change during the indexing motion is analyzed and the curved slots are generated to eliminate abrupt changes in inertia that would result in a rough movement.

Abstract: Multi-colored designs are applied on a plurality of textile fabric or sheet materials with a silk screen printer having several platens arranged in two horizontal rows below a longitudinal heater which is movable across either row. The textiles, such as articles of clothing, are placed over respective platens and secured in pivotable hold down frames. A silk screen with a desired design is secured in a screen frame having a corner registration guide and is positioned against a main registration guide affixed to the hold down frame to align the design on the article. The color ink material is applied with a squeegee through the screen onto the article, and this is repeated manually with the same screen frame and design successively at each platen for several like articles.

Abstract: A multiple screen printing apparatus includes a fixed shaft extending upwardly from a base, and a lower rotatable shaft secured concentrically about a lower portion of the fixed shaft. A plurality of platen supporting assemblies extend radially outwardly from the lower rotatable shaft and are spaced at equal angles thereabout. An upper rotatable shaft is secured concentrically about an upper portion of the fixed shaft, and a disc-like table is secured thereto for rotation therewith. A spindle shaft extends upwardly from the top end of the fixed shaft, and a plurality of screen support arm assemblies extend radially outwardly therefrom for independent rotation thereabout. Each of the screen support arm assemblies includes an arm mounting bracket resting on the rotatable table, and clamping means secures the bracket to the table in an angularly adjustable fashion.

Abstract: In a multi-color, multi-station screen printer, a first assembly comprising a plurality of screens is mounted coaxially with a second assembly comprising a plurality of workpiece supporting pallets. In one embodiment, of the method of the present invention, where only a single operator is required, the plurality of pallets do not rotate but the plurality of screens are selectively displaced in unison and in one angular direction. In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, where three operators are utilized, the plurality of screens and the plurality of pallets rotate, each in unison, about a common, vertical axis in both angular directions. A combination of four screens and three pallets are described but other combinations are possible. Large and small articles may be printed in a single cycle.

Abstract: A direct printing method and apparatus includes one or a plurality of machines for printing indicia in single or multiple colors on a substrate, such as a cap or a T-shirt. The method involves forcing ink in the form of a viscous composition under pressure through a pattern in a screen in contact with the substrate. The apparatus includes means for holding the substrate, means for providing the contact between the screen and the substrate, and means for supplying air to the ink for a time and at a pressure appropriate to force the ink through the screen pattern to form a non-distorted detailed design on the substrate.

Abstract: Stencil printing machine including one or more printing tables, a number of movably arranged material gripping and displacement arrangements, a stencil tensioned in a frame located above each printing table and doctor blade arrangement which can interact with the stencil. At least one material gripping and displacement arrangement has imparted to it a reciprocating motion between two predetermined positions. One position for gripping and fetching material intended for printing and a second position for placing the fetched material on the printing table. The position of the arrangement is registered in both the first and the second position.

Abstract: A silk screen printing system (10) is provided which allows the user to print indicia (12) on articles (14). The printing system (10) includes a longitudinally extending printing frame (20) which is mounted on a base surface (22). A plurality of work stations (88) are mounted to the printing system frame (20) and rotatable about a vertical axis (40) to allow displacement of printing stations (88) from a first position to various subsequent printing positions. Articles (14) are mounted on the printing stations (88) and are contacted by an indicia printing carriage mechanism (32) which carries a stencil member (18) for imprinting pigmentation of particular indicia (12) on various articles (14). The indicia printing carriage mechanism (32) is displaceable in a longitudinal direction (16) to allow indexing and registration of indicia (12) on various articles (14) at the discretion of the user.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus utilizes a number of screen printing heads disposed along a transport path for the fabric; each of the heads moves upwardly on a respective carrier so as to be tiltable by a pneumatic cylinder with respect to the carrier which is vertically displaceable in common with the other carriers by the displacement of a common element connecting wedges together. The carriers each have extensions provided with rollers which ride upon ramp surfaces of the respective wedges. The vertical displacement compensates for changes in diameter of the screen printing patterns and for changes in thicknesses of the webs processed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing directly onto a surface employs a printing plate through which pigmented fluid passes directly onto such surface and a reservoir for supplying a highly uniform distribution of pigmented fluid preferably at a relatively accurately controlled pressure to the printing plate. A plurality of minute openings through the printing plate forming a printing image thereon controllably pass the pigmented fluid directly onto such surface. These openings may be tapered to reduce misting and to facilitate breaking surface tension as pigmented fluid is transferred directly to the surface. The reservoir may be a porous, permeable sintered titanium cylinder about which the printing plate is mounted. Moreover, the invention includes a method of forming such a printing plate employing optical, and preferably laser, scanning techniques so that the printing image on the printing plate accurately represents the original image.

Abstract: A screen printing machine has a carousel rotatable about a central support and carrying a circular arrangement of work-receiving tables. A framework interconnected with the central support carries corresponding screen printing units. Rotation of the carousel causes the work-receiving tables to come into registry with corresponding printing units for screen printing of work carried by the work-receiving tables. Each such unit includes a squeegee support frame pivotal relative to the framework for movement between raised and lowered positions. A screen frame is carried by the squeegee support frame. A squeegee and a scraper blade are supported by a carriage traveling over the squeegee support frame for reciprocal movement over the stencil frame for screen printing of work pieces carried by a corresponding work-receiving table. A cam carried by the framework includes first and second planar surfaces forming an angle <180.degree. between them.

Abstract: A silk-screen printing machine, preferably of the kind which uses an endless conveyor belt as a material conveying means, said conveyor belt being driven by a drive source in a manner such that the belt can be stopped in a first position for registering or aligning the material to be printed upon, and then to convey the material to a printing position where a print corresponding to a stencil pattern is applied to the material. A sensing device for sensing the movement of the material from the registering position to the printing position with an accuracy less than 0.5 millimeters is connected to a counter. The counter includes an arrangement which at a predetermined setting substantially corresponding to the conveyed distance between the first and second positions generates a signal adapted to actuate a drive for stopping the conveyor when the material is in the second position.

Abstract: T-shirt printing apparatus of this invention for printing a desired pattern on a T-shirt comprises a support frame, upper and lower turntables rotatably mounted on the support frame, the upper and lower turntables being rotatable relative to each other on a horizontal plane coaxially, at least one print screen attached to the periphery of the upper turntable in a radial direction, a plurality of T-shirt mounting plates attached to the periphery of the lower turntable in a radial direction, the print screen and the T-shirt mounting plates being able to come in alignment with each other along with the relative rotation therebetween, wherein the improvement is characterized in that the printing apparatus further includes a drying device which is capable of drying and heat-treating T-shirts mounted on the T-shirt mounting plates during rotation of the T-shirt mounting plates along with the rotation of said lower turntable.

Abstract: In a known rotary type tapered part dichromatic printer having a first screen printer for a first printing at a first stop position of bottles which are clamped by pairs of clamping members equidistantly arranged on outer circumferences of a pair of rotary tables for synchronous intermittent rotation about the same axis and having a second screen printer for a second printing at a second stop position, a rotary type tapered part trichromatic printer is provided in which a third screen printer for a third printing to the tapered parts of bottles is disposed at a third stop position sequentially following said second stop position.

Abstract: A method is described for the continuous manufacture of inlaid vinyl sheeting using different colored plastisols and rotary screen printing equipment. The printing equipment comprises an unwind stand, an accumulator, a plurality of printing stations, a coating station, an oven, a second accumulator, and a wind up stand. Optionally an embossing station may also be used. Each printing station comprises (i) a rotary screen through which a different colored plastisol is squeezed to form a colored pattern on a base layer and (ii) a hot air dryer for partially drying the plastisol deposited on the base layer. In accordance with the invention, the viscosity of the plastisol and the rate of drying is such that plugs of plastisol are deposited on the base layer by each screen to form discrete portions of the total pattern created. Several different rotary screens are used to deposit these plugs of colored plastisols on the base layer so as to build up a pattern from the different colored plastisols.

Abstract: A dye printing system for multi-color patterning or pile face sheet materials, such as tufted carpet, includes a stencil, in which the pattern elements are formed by divider walls extending perpendicularly to the plane of the sheet material. The stencil is lowered into contact with the pile face of the sheet material and its divider walls penetrate between the face pilings and rest on the base of the material, and isolate neighboring areas of pile face material from one another, so that print paste can be applied to the pilings within a pattern element without bleeding into neighboring pattern elements. Mechanical means raise and lower the stencil on to the pile face sheet material, and a dye liquor drip catching canopy is passed between the sheet material and the stencil whenever the stencil is raised to protect the sheet material from possible drip contamination.

Abstract: The specification discloses a screen printing machine comprising a platen connected with a frame, and a printing head rotatably mounted on the frame and having at least two printing screens pivotally connected therewith for pivoting the same between a printing position, and a raised storage position. The printing head is slideably and removably connected with the frame for selectively locating a pattern on the article to be printed, and/or bodily removing the printing head for replacement with an alternate printing head assembly having a different pattern therein, without disturbing the registry between the mating designs in the printing screens.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an in-line, multi-station screen printer which has a first track for receiving a plurality of platen carriers. A series of printing heads are disposed above the first track and adapted to register with the carriers at pre-selected locations. Means are associated with each of the platens to hold the workpiece in a taut position on the platen. A drying station is located at the end of the printing stations and includes a silicone rubber heater which can be brought into direct contact or close proximity with the platen surface to dry the screening ink or dye. Once the drying cycle is completed, the carriers are discharged on a second, return track to be returned to the loading and unloading end of the machine where the operator can unload the carrier and replace the completed workpiece with a new workpiece.

Abstract: An automatic screen printing process comprising the steps of continuously driving an endless belt to apply and stick a material to be printed onto the endless belt along a predetermined length smaller than one travelling circle of the endless belt, then driving the endless belt intermittently to feed the material to be printed to a printing operation zone and a drying operation zone, while repeating the cycle of the printing operation during stoppage of the endless belt and the operation of travelling the endless belt along a repeat length during stoppage of the printing operation, thereby to print the entire surface of the material applied to the endless belt and dry the printed material, and repeating said printing step until a pattern of a predetermined number of colors is obtained is disclosed.

Abstract: A cap painting apparatus for printing on the curved surfaces of baseball caps and like pre-formed caps comprises a curved hat platform for supporting the cap with a panel of the cap positioned on a curved printing area of the platform. A clamping device holds the cap stretched tightly in place and a curved screen frame including a printing screen curved to conform to the curvature of the hat platform printing area fits over the hat platform with the screen in alignment with the platform printing area for contacting the convex surface of the baseball cap on the platform. A support structure adjustably supports the hat platform and the screen frame relative to one another.

Abstract: A versatile system for printing on flexible sheets of material includes a center roller driving at least two backing rollers with an endless flexible blanket sleeve enveloping the backing rollers and urging the backing rollers inwardly against the center roller. The backing rollers are independently adjustable in selective positions about the circumference of the center roller and have selective diameter sizes independent of the other backing rollers. Feed and take up means provide a sheet of material around the rollers and blanket sleeve and printing devices are mounted against the sheet for printing thereon. The printing devices may be mounted at flexible web portions of the sheet and sleeve spaced from the backing rollers for printing on the flexible portion stretched between the rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for the intermittent printing of material has at least one printing cylinder and an endless band for supporting the material to be printed. A portion of the band which is in printing engagement with the printing cylinder is supported on one side by supporting members and each supporting member is positioned opposite a printing cylinder. Each supporting member is movable transversely away from its respective printing cylinder. The pressure on the side of the band supported by the supporting member is less than the atmospheric pressure on the other side of the band so that when the supporting member is moved away from the printing cylinder the endless band will remain in contact with the supporting member and thus be spaced away from the printing cylinder.

Abstract: A stencil printing apparatus for printing a workpiece web at a printing station has a support on which the workpiece web is to be located so that a pattern can be printed on it in a plurality of successive printing operations. A magazine is located above the support at the printing station and accommodates a plurality of vertically stacked flat-screen stencils, and an arrangement is provided for serially withdrawing some or all of the stencils from the magazine, moving them to printing position above the workpiece web, and then returning them serially back to the magazine.

Abstract: A conveying system adapted for use with a screen printing machine having an endless printing blanket for supporting and indexing a work piece during a screen printing operation. The system includes transfer apparatus disposed adjacent the discharge end of the indexing printing blanket which includes removing apparatus in the form of belt strips having gripping pins to peelingly remove the work piece from the printing blanket. Elevating apparatus for first lifting the leading edge of the work piece away from the printing blanket so as to suspend the leading edge until the work piece is advanced in a position for engagement by the gripping pins is provided such that the leading edge bridges any spacing between the discharge end of the printing blanket and the removing apparatus.

Abstract: A method of printing a multicolor design on a long, continuous web or carpet in a machine having uniformly spaced printing stations and apparatus for longitudinally advancing the carpet in steps between printing operations. Two or more stations adjacent each other are used for each color to appear in the design being printed. The carpet movement increment distances are selected as a function of total number of colors n, total number of stations P and the number of stations per color N to increase production. In the preferred embodiment a repeated sequence of distances D.sub.1 and D.sub.2 are selected so that D.sub.1 +D.sub.2 =2N, D.sub.1 and D.sub.2 each being odd integral numbers of pattern repeat lengths.

Abstract: Full color dry transfers are prepared economically and in a semiautomated manner using a mimeograph duplicator in which a full color original is used to prepare one each of yellow, magenta and cyan stencils in an electronic facsimile scanning device, then each stencil together with the correspondingly colored mimeograph ink is used in a mimeograph duplicator to produce in seriatum a full color dry transfer according to the disclosed process.