Abstract: The present invention relates to screen printing plate for a solar cell in which an electroconductive paste is used to simultaneously print a bus bar electrode and a finger electrode, the screen printing plate characterized in that the opening width of a finger electrode opening of the screen printing plate is less than 80 ?m and a bus bar electrode opening of the screen printing plate has a closed section. The use of this screen printing plate makes it possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing solar cells, prevent the connecting section between the bus bar electrode and the finger electrode from breaking without causing an increase in shadow loss or compromising the aesthetic quality of the solar cells, and manufacture highly reliable solar cells with good productivity.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a screen printing stencil including an amorphous carbon film, such as a DLC film, and a water-oil-repellent layer provided on at least part of the amorphous carbon film so as to exhibit high fixability. [Solution] A screen printing plate 10 of an embodiment of the present invention includes a mesh 16 fixed to a frame body 12; an emulsion layer 14 which fills up the mesh 16 and has a print pattern opening 18; an amorphous carbon film formed on at least part of the surface of an inner wall 22 of the print pattern opening 18 and composed of at least one element of silicon, oxygen, and nitrogen; and a thin film 20 of a fluorine-containing silane coupling agent formed on at least part of the amorphous carbon film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a screen print reflection transfer product and to reflection transfer systems produced by this method. According to said method, the reflecting color is provided with a multitude of reflecting particles, said reflecting particles protruding from the surface of the top color coat.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. In one embodiment, a kit may include a stencil with a low-slip bottom layer and a colorant composition. Useful compositions include a décor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. A décor product may be removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. Permanent or semi-permanent affixation of the décor product to the surface may be accomplished by applying heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical.

Abstract: A material applicator includes a printing device configured to deposit viscous material upon a circuit board, and a controller operatively coupled to the printing device. The controller is configured to control a plurality of system components, including an operating system component configured to operate the printing device, and a remote interface component configured to exchange printer operation data between the operating system component and at least one plug-in application. The plug-in application is configured to extend capabilities of the operating system component.

Abstract: A method for screen printing a printed circuit board substrate comprises the following steps. A printed circuit board substrate including a copper foil layer is provided. Pluralities of marks are formed on the copper foil layer. A plurality of printing screens are provided, each includes an screen pattern and an opening corresponding to a respective mark. Printing material is applied on the ith screen Si to form an ith printing pattern and cover the ith mark at the ith opening, the ith printing pattern conforms to the ith screen pattern; checking whether the ith mark is covered by the printing material when i is less than N. Printing material is applied on the (i+1)th screen Si+1 so as to form an (i+1)th printing pattern on the copper foil layer and covers the (i+1)th Mark Mi+1 at the (i+1)th opening, if the ith mark is covered by the printing material.

Abstract: The stencil kit comprises: a first stencil (1a) including a first support (2a) on which a first outer template (4a) is provided, the first outer template (4a) being formed by a plurality of cut out sections (6a) defining a cut out broken line which extends throughout the outer contour of the final decoration; and a second stencil (1b) including a second support (2b) on which a second outer template (4b) is provided, the second outer template (4b) being formed by a plurality of cut out sections (6b) defining a cut out broken line which extends throughout the outer contour of the final decoration. The broken line of the second stencil (1b) is complementary to that of the first stencil (1a).

Abstract: An ink sticker stamp unit to be affixed to a bottom of a shoe for reproducing an imprint of a design while walking comprising a bottom stencil layer, a stencil with one or more cutouts to reproduce the design; an ink applicator layer disposed above the stencil layer for retaining and supplying ink through the stencil cutouts when walking; securing means for securing the bottom stencil layer and the ink applicator together, and affixing means for removably affixing the ink applicator layer to a bottom of the shoe.

Abstract: A printing screen for and method of printing elongate structures on substrates (S), the printing screen comprising first and second layers (3, 5) of different material, the first layer (3) providing a surface over which a printing element is in use traversed and including a plurality of elongate first printing apertures (7) across which extend a plurality of bridges (9) at spaced intervals, and the second layer (5) in use overlying the substrate (S) and including a plurality of elongate second printing apertures (15) through which printing medium is in use printed onto the underlying substrate (S), each of the second printing (15) apertures being located in registration with respective ones of the first printing apertures (7) in the first layer (3).

Abstract: The invention describes a base material for screen printing, which comprises a protective film, a screen and an intermediate resist layer comprising photosensitive material.

Abstract: A novel gauging device and associated stencils facilitate the shaping of eyebrows according to a Golden Ratio standard. The gauging device is adapted to be placed over a woman's face and maintained in a fixed position relative to her eyes and nose. A nosepiece and knobs are adjusted such that a lower end of a guide rod may be rotated about various points relative to the nose and held in predetermined angles relative to the nose and eyes, possibly supported magnetically on a lower track adjacent the nostrils and an upper track above the eyebrows. An eyebrow stencil is held in a desired position relative to the previously positioned guide rod, which facilitates convenient application and symmetrical shaping, preferably with frictional clamps for permitting the stencil to be shifted in place so that a particular portion of the stencil is properly aligned with the guide rod after the guide rod has been aligned with an appropriate Golden Ratio marking on the stencil.

Abstract: A printing screen unit (110), comprising: a printing screen (112), comprising a sheet, at least sections of at least one pair of opposite edges of which include one of engagement apertures (124) or engagement projections; and a supporting frame (114) including at least one pair of interface units (116, 117) which are attached to the at least one pair of opposite edges of the printing screen (112), wherein the interface units (116, 117) each comprise at least one coupling element (130) which includes the other of engagement apertures or engagement projections (158) for inter-engaging with the one of engagement apertures (124) or engagement projections at a respective one of the opposite edges of the printing screen (112), and an interface member (126) which includes a coupling slot (142) for captively receiving the at least one coupling element (130) therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plate made of a thermoplastic material including two planar outer sheets and one thermoformed central sheet having bosses on at least one surface, which is bonded to both planar sheets, the plate incorporating a dyeing agent in a sufficient quantity so as to render the plate opaque. The plate is characterized in that the dyeing agent is incorporated into 80 to 100% of both planar outer sheets, wherein both outer sheets are opaque, and at most, incorporated into 20% of the thermoformed central sheet, wherein the center sheet is translucent. The plate of the invention can be used as a printing substrate.

Abstract: The screen printing mask is used for printing paste simultaneously on circuit boards held by the carrier. The mask has a flat mask plate. On the lower surface of the mask plate, a flat-bottomed recess capable to accommodating at least one of the circuit boards is formed so as to correspond to the array of the circuit boards on the carrier. A pattern hole is formed only in the recess.

Abstract: A screen printing mesh including a plurality of octagonal first openings and a plurality of polygonal second openings, each of the second openings being disposed between the first openings, wherein an inner angle between a first line segment of each of the second openings and an adjacent second line segment is 90 degrees or greater.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an array of deposits on a substrate is disclosed. The apparatus may include a stencil capable of releasable attached to the substrate and having an array of openings and at least one alignment mark. The apparatus may further include a high throughput deposition printer aligned with the stencil to form an array of deposits on the substrate. The array of deposits may be aligned with the array of openings through the at least one alignment mark and an optional alignment device. Methods of manufacturing the stencil and using it to generate multiplexed or combinatorial arrays are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combination for creating artwork such as a sports logo on a lawn includes a lawn stencil having one or more openings configured to facilitate creation of a portion of the artwork. The combination further includes a container of spray paint and elongate members each having an elongate shaft with proximal and distal portions. The distal portion of each elongate shaft is pointed and includes a shape for accommodating insertion of the distal portion into the lawn. A container holds the lawn stencil, the container of paint, and the plurality of elongate members. The lawn stencil further comprises a connecting member that extends across a said opening of the lawn stencil for maintaining structural integrity of the lawn stencil and for distributing tension in the lawn stencil when the lawn stencil is laid upon the ground with the plurality of elongate members extending through the lawn stencil into the lawn.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a continuous feed variable depth die cut for use in cutting kinesiology tape. The die cut includes a housing, including a first opening configured to allow the kinesiology tape to enter the housing and a second opening configured to allow the kinesiology tape to exit the housing. The die cut also includes a roller inside the housing, wherein the roller is configured to rotate as the kinesiology tape passes over the roller and a die formed on the outer surface of the roller, wherein the die includes a cutting edge for cutting the kinesiology tape and wherein the cutting edge is formed in the shape of the strip of kinesiology tape to be cut. The die cut further includes a surface inside the housing, wherein the kinesiology tape passes over the surface when the kinesiology tape is being cut.

Abstract: A screen printing plate having at least an opening portion that discharges a printing material for forming a target printing pattern on a matter to be printed is provided in screen printing, and the screen printing plate is characterized in that the size of the opening portion is reduced from the target printing pattern and an opening end portion of the opening portion has a projection and recess pattern shaped differently from the target printing pattern shape. By this arrangement, bleeding of the printing material of the screen printing can be controlled and a high-quality and low-cost screen printing plate is provided which can print a target printing pattern accurately and with high transfer performance even for a fine design.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screenprinting device having a fabric and a template situated on the fabric. The fabric and/or the template each have a coating which reduces the adhesion of a screenprinting paste or a screenprinting ink to the fabric and/or to the template. In this way, finer structures may be generated, in particular in regard to electronic elements during the production of circuits using multilayer technology. Furthermore, the present invention describes a method for producing a corresponding screenprinting device.

Abstract: A golf ball alignment tool has a retaining strip having a retaining strip end. Retaining strip diagonal slots are arranged along a centerline of the retaining strip. The retaining strip has a left side edge and right side edge. A center slot formed as an opening oriented along a centerline of the retaining strip. A securing screw having securing screw thread engaging with the plurality of retaining strip diagonal slots. A golf ball is engaged within the retaining strip. The golf ball receives a right line mark on the right side edge. The golf ball receives a left line mark on the left side edge, wherein the golf ball receives a middle line mark along the center slot. The golf ball alignment tool has a tee head a tee tip and a tee shaft.

Abstract: A coloring book for method is provided creating a detailed master picture in a hinged stencil book with the steps of: folding the master page in between each stencil then coloring each stencil page color onto the master page. When all colors or pages are colored the master page will have a completed detailed picture.

Abstract: An photosensitive stencil includes a porous stencil carrier that can be a sheet of woven material with crisscrossing filaments. The stencil carrier is coated with a photopolymer emulsion that is water based to form a stencil blank. A pressure sensitive adhesive may disposed on one surface of the emulsion either as a continuous film, in which case the adhesive also is photosensitive, or in the form of spaced and unconnected microdots, in which case the adhesive need not be photosensitive. Alternatively, no adhesive need be applied. In use, a light mask is disposed atop the stencil blank. The light mask can be contained on a sheet of paper or a transparent film. Alternatively the stencil blank is fed through an inkjet printer and the light mask is printed directly onto the stencil blank using common inks. The stencil blank is then exposed to light for a few minutes, which cross-links the photopolymer emulsion in unmasked regions. After exposure, the stencil blank is developed by being washed out with water.

Abstract: A screen is formed from a two-dimensional screen material and used in rotary screen printing. The screen material is formed from webs, for instance threads, forming a screen structure and arranged at an angle relative to each other and forming the screen structure with longitudinal openings such as longitudinal meshes.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. In one embodiment, a stencil is provided that has an embossed top layer and a low-slip bottom layer that has a static coefficient of friction between about 0.2 to about 1.2 and/or a kinetic coefficient of friction that is between about 0.1 to about 1.1 as measured against another surface having the same bottom surface as the stencil. Compositions useful in the present disclosure include a décor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the décor product may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If a user desires to remove the décor product, the décor product is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like.

Abstract: A screen printing screen, having: a screen printing stencil carrier which is configured as a film which is provided with first recesses which are configured in such a way that they reach from one upper side to the underside of the film, and a screen printing stencil which is configured as a nonmetallic masking layer which is connected fixedly to the underside of the screen printing stencil carrier, the masking layer being provided with second recesses which lie in congruence at least partially with the first recesses of the screen printing stencil carrier in such a way that a printing medium can pass through the first recesses of the screen printing stencil carrier from its upper side in the direction of the underside and through the second recesses of the masking layer to a substrate which can be placed underneath.

Abstract: A stencil for applying indicia to a substrate, such as a lawn. The stencil is in the form of a flexible membrane having a plurality of openings for releaseably seeming the flexible membrane to the substrate or lawn. The flexible membrane is provided with a plurality of image regions corresponding to the indicia to be applied to the substrate or lawn. Each image legion has a bridging segment connecting the image region to the flexible membrane, the bridging segment being in the form of a flexible hinge to enable the image region to selectively cover and to selectively expose the substrate or lawn through the flexible membrane by selectively folding the image regions onto the substrate and onto the flexible membrane.

Abstract: A novel gauging device and associated stencils facilitate the shaping of eyebrows according to a Golden Ratio standard. The gauging device is adapted to be placed over a woman's face and maintained in a fixed position relative to her eyes and nose. A nosepiece and knobs are adjusted such that a lower end of a guide rod may be rotated about various points relative to the nose and held in predetermined angles relative to the nose and eyes, possibly supported magnetically on a lower track adjacent the nostrils and an upper track above the eyebrows. An eyebrow stencil is held in a desired position relative to the previously positioned guide rod, which facilitates convenient application and symmetrical shaping, preferably with frictional clamps for permitting the stencil to be shifted in place so that a particular portion of the stencil is properly aligned with the guide rod after the guide rod has been aligned with an appropriate Golden Ratio marking on the stencil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-aligning stencil device for producing a multi-color composite image on a target surface. The self-aligning stencil device includes a central panel and a plurality of stencil panels foldably connected to the central panel. The central panel includes a solid region and a cut-out region. The solid region of the central panel includes a front surface and a back surface, and is defined by an outer border of the central panel and an inner border of the central panel. The cut-out region is vacant space that is defined by the inner border of the central panel. Each stencil panel has its own distinct stencil pattern and is foldably connected to a different corresponding portion of the outer border of the central panel, thereby forming a connection fold between each stencil panel and its corresponding portion of the outer border of the central panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a screen plate for printing two-dimensionally arranged opening patterns by screen printing. The screen plate includes a dummy printing region in which a predetermined pattern is singly or plurally arranged along an edge part of one side or edge parts of two sides parallel to a printing direction of the screen plate; a full-surface printing region for performing full-surface printing, the full-surface printing region being formed into a belt shape at a position closer to a central side of the screen plate than the dummy printing region; and a printing region that is formed at a position closer to the central side than the full-surface printing region and in which the opening patterns are two-dimensionally arranged.

Abstract: A plurality of through holes having an equal size are formed in an underlay substrate. Positions of the plurality of through holes are suitably set according to the shape of a substrate sheet. Specifically, an equal number of through holes are formed in each of end blank corresponding regions that, when the substrate sheet and the underlay substrate are overlapped with each other, overlap with end blank regions of the substrate sheet, of the underlay substrate. In addition, the through holes are formed at equal spacing in portions excluding the end blank corresponding regions in a blank corresponding region, which overlaps with a blank region of the substrate sheet, of the underlay substrate.

Abstract: The stencil kit comprises: a first stencil (1a) including a first support (2a) on which a first outer template (4a) is provided, the first outer template (4a) being formed by a plurality of cut out sections (6a) defining a cut out broken line which extends throughout the outer contour of the final decoration; and a second stencil (1b) including a second support (2b) on which a second outer template (4b) is provided, the second outer template (4b) being formed by a plurality of cut out sections (6b) defining a cut out broken line which extends throughout the outer contour of the final decoration. The broken line of the second stencil (1b) is complementary to that of the first stencil (1a).

Abstract: An exemplary legend printing stencil for printing a circuit substrate for manufacturing a number of printed circuit board is provided. The stencil includes at least a first printing portion, at least a second printing portion and a junction portion between the first printing portion and the second printing portion. The first printing portion and the second printing portion each define a number of legend holes therein. The first printing portion and the second portion are configured for attaching on and covering the corresponding circuit board unit of the circuit substrate to print legends on the circuit board unit. The junction portion defines a slot therein and is configured for attaching on and covering the corresponding connection portion of the circuit substrate to print a legend ink layer on the connection portion. A method for manufacturing a number of printed circuit boards using the stencil is also provided.

Abstract: A pattern formation board structure is disclosed. The board structure comprises a main board having hollow stripes with a specific main pattern; a secondary board being an extension from the edge of the main board having hollow stripes with a secondary pattern corresponding to the main pattern of the main board at a different position such that the respective shape and size of the secondary pattern and the main pattern are similar; thereby the main board and the secondary board form into a pattern formation board, by spraying or coating the hollow stripes, a plurality of patterns of multiple colors can be obtained.

Abstract: A composite stencil for applying designs to walls and other surfaces is disclosed. The stencil includes a porous textile support layer to which a flexible stencil mask is bonded by an adhesion layer. The support layer supports unconnected parts of the stencil mask without bridges common with traditional stencils. Further, the textile support layer in the open areas of the stencil can be colored with a sublimation dye to suggest to a user the colors that should be applied in the various areas of the stencil. A pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to the back of the stencil. In use, the stencil is removably adhered to a surface by the pressure sensitive adhesive, whereupon paint or other pigment is applied through the textile support layer to the surface. The lack of bridges permits the entire design to be applied with a single stencil in a single session. The stencil is cleanable and reusable to apply additional designs.

Abstract: Components of a kit for creating an artistic work on a lawn include: a container of aerosol paint; a plurality of stakes for anchoring a lawn stencil to a lawn; and a sheet of flexible material in which is defined one or more openings used to apply one or more design elements of the artistic work to the lawn by spraying the aerosol paint through the one or more openings in the lawn stencil when the lawn stencil is anchored to the lawn with the stakes. The components are held in a container having a relatively small form factor that readily accommodates point-of-sale display and purchase at retail stores by consumers.

Abstract: A portable airbrush with improved mechanisms for aerosolizing paint and for facilitating stenciling. The device utilizes an air compressor that is compact, portable and relatively lightweight. The air compressor is housed in a base that has projections to hold stencils in positions that make it easier for a person to spray his or her own nails. The stencils are removably attached to the projections with stencil fasteners. The mechanism for aerosolizing the paint arranges an air-emitting nozzle, a paint-emitting needle, and its attached paint reservoir in such a way that when the nozzle and paint reservoir are removed from the wand, substantially no residual paint remains in the wand. The air compressor may be battery-powered or powered by house current, and the device may be packaged in a case with numerous stencils and refillable bottles of paint.

Abstract: An electrostatic printing apparatus according to the present invention rubs powdery ink into a screen having a predetermined printed pattern formed therein, and applies a voltage between the screen and an object so as to attach the powdery ink to the object. A plurality of screens (34a-34d) are provided so that the plurality of screens are movable to a position located above the object (1). The plurality of screens (34a-34d) are provided so as to be rotatable about a shaft (46). The screens (34a-34d) are rotated about the shaft (46) to move the screens (34a-34d) to the position located above the object (1).

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus and a screen printing method facilitating to adjust a state of filling a paste. By adjusting a pneumatic pressure of pressing a squeezee 9a formed with a flexible region at at least a portion thereof to a surface of a mask 2, the squeezee 9a is moved up and down to follow recesses and projections of a surface of the mask 2 substantially in real time and an attack angle ? in sliding is maintained substantially constant. Thereby, a state of filling a paste can be stabilized without being influenced by recesses and projections of the surface of the mask 2 and promotion of a print quality can be expected. Further, bending is produced at the squeezee 9a by only adjusting the pneumatic pressure, and therefore, an attack angle ? in correspondence with a change in a print condition of a kind or a property of the paste, a thickness of the mask and the like can easily be changed.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a décor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the décor product may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If a user desires to remove the décor product, the décor product is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the décor product to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the décor product may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical.

Abstract: A printing stage includes a stage surface having a plurality of suction holes, and fixes an object to be printed on the stage surface by vacuum contact. A printing mask is employed for forming a predetermined electrode pattern on the object to be printed fixed to the printing stage. A squeegee applies a predetermined amount of pressure to a metal paste spread on the printing mask, to print the electrode pattern on the object to be printed. A porous body is provided between the object to be printed and the printing stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented squeegee for depositing a medium onto a surface, such as depositing solder paste onto a printed wiring board. The segmented squeegee may include a plurality of independent squeegee segments or elements, a support structure and a plurality of independent connections or linkages connecting the squeegee segments to the support structure. The segmented squeegee may be used in connection with a conventional stencil such that the independent linkages and the squeegee segments may be structured and arranged to maintain substantial contact between the stencil and the printed wiring board.

Abstract: A golf or other ball initialing device including a molded ball holder, that incorporates an arcuate slot into which one or more initialing or numbering stencils may be applied, and when pressure fitted upon the ball, allows for the application of a marking pen to trace and imprint letters or numbers onto the surface of the ball, as desired. In addition, a stencil cap may be applied, of the same construction as that as previously defined, but held in position by means of a fastening strap, about the ball, as initialing is performed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mask for screen printing, which includes a mask body composed of a plurality of pattern areas having holes for screen printing and a peripheral area surrounding the outside of the pattern areas; and a protrusion portion formed in the peripheral area of a back surface of the mask body, and to a screen printing method using the same.

Abstract: A structure. The structure includes a layered configuration including a copper layer, a first layer, and a second layer. The first and second layers are disposed on opposite sides of the copper layer and are in direct mechanical contact with the copper layer. The first and second layers each include a same alloy of nickel and a metal consisting of cobalt, iron, copper, manganese, or molybdenum. A first region in the first layer extends completely through the first layer. A second region in the second layer extends completely through the second layer. A third region in the first layer extends completely through the first layer. The third region does not extend into any portion of the second layer. The first, second region, and third regions each include a photoresist or an opening such that photoresist or opening extends completely through the first, second, and first layer, respectively.

Abstract: An exemplary legend printing stencil for printing a circuit substrate for manufacturing a number of printed circuit board is provided. The stencil includes at least a first printing portion, at least a second printing portion and a junction portion between the first printing portion and the second printing portion. The first printing portion and the second printing portion each define a number of legend holes therein. The first printing portion and the second portion are configured for attaching on and covering the corresponding circuit board unit of the circuit substrate to print legends on the circuit board unit. The junction portion defines a slot therein and is configured for attaching on and covering the corresponding connection portion of the circuit substrate to print a legend ink layer on the connection portion. A method for manufacturing a number of printed circuit boards using the stencil is also provided.

Abstract: A fabric-printing stencil system includes a first stencil plate with a continuous incision that defines a first stencil image dividing said first stencil plate into a positive image plate and a negative image plate. The negative and positive image plates are complementary to form the entire plate, except for the relatively narrow incision. The positive and negative image plates clamp a piece of fabric such that the positive image plate lies underneath and the fabric is stretched across the positive image plate, while the negative image plate lies above the fabric and covers the fabric, or vice versa. A second stencil plate has a second stencil image matched to the first stencil image and the first and second stencil images together define a completed image when printed on the fabric. The stencils are preferably cut by way of a laser from corresponding stencil plates and the images are printed by roller, brush, and spray application.

Abstract: In a thermal head control system for controlling heating energy to a thermal head perforating stencil material unrolled from a stencil material roll, the heating energy to a thermal head is controlled according to the surface condition of the stencil material. The residue of stencil material M in a stencil material roll (21b) is calculated by a residue calculating means (65) and the elapsed time of the stencil material roll from production thereof is obtained on the basis of date data on the date of production of the stencil material roll stored in a storage portion (70) of the stencil material roll (21b). Further, kind data on the kind of the stencil material stored in the storage portion (70) is obtained and the heating energy is obtained on the basis of the residue, the elapsed time and the kind data. On the basis of this heating energy, the heating action of the thermal head (22) is controlled.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive stencil master comprises a heat-sensitive polymeric film having a thickness of less than 10 ?m and, coated thereon, a solid resinous foam comprising a foaming agent. The stencil master is of particular use in a digital duplicating printing process.

Abstract: Creating an artistic work of art on a lawn includes: unfolding and stretching taut a stencil; driving stakes into the lawn, each stake extending through a corner of the stencil; spraying paint over openings in the stencil; removing the stencil while leaving stakes in place; unfolding and stretching taut a second stencil; anchoring the second stencil by extending corners of the second stencil over stakes driven in the ground; spraying paint over openings in the second stencil. An indication of orientation located on the second stencil is oriented in the same position as that of an indication of orientation of the first stencil. Each stencil includes a planar sheet of flexible film and a gate that extends across an opening of the respective stencil and maintains structural integrity of the stencil and distributes tension in the stencil when the stencil is stretched taut.