Abstract: A stencil comprising two or more layers is disclosed for applying surface mount materials onto printed circuit boards, flexible circuits, wafers or other substrates. The stencil can accommodate preexisting surface mount components and materials. The stencil utilizes material reservoirs, relief areas and delivery apertures and can be used for depositing surface mount materials such as adhesives, conductive glues, solder paste and solder balls.

Abstract: A golf ball marking guide for use in making alignment markings on a golf ball. The guide has peripheral guide edges which facilitate simple marking of perpendicular lines, equatorial lines, and non-equatorial lines on a golf ball.

Abstract: A stencil comprises an electret film, wherein the film has at least one perforation having a perimeter that defines an area, and wherein the area is greater than or equal to about one square centimeter. Methods of marking a substrate using stencils of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stencil clip is used to apply a pattern onto an extruded concrete curb having a curved cross-sectional profile. The stencil clip is made of stiff but resiliently flexible sheet material pre-formed to match the cross-sectional profile of an upper portion of the curb, and may have at least one cut-out portion to define a decorative pattern or indicia. Alternatively, the stencil clip may be solid to serve as a blanking or masking stencil. The stencil has handle portions at its edges permitting the stencil to be clipped on and off the curb.

Abstract: A screen printing machine including a stencil sheet assembly having a frame member having outer peripheral sides for partitioning an outer configuration and inner peripheral sides for partitioning an opening and stencil sheet adhered to one face of the frame member to cover the opening, a tension frame projected to inner sides of the inner peripheral sides of the frame member, having a raised portion toward the stencil sheet and arranged on other face of the frame member for applying tension to the stencil sheet, and holding means for holding the tension frame and the stencil sheet assembly which are put together such that a front face of the tension frame in a direction of raising the raised portion and the outer face of the frame member are brought into contact with each other.

Abstract: A thermosensitive stencil sheet including at least a thermoplastic resin film and an electromagnetic wave absorbing layer which includes an electromagnetic wave absorbing agent and a resin. The thermosensitive stencil sheet may also include a porous substrate and/or a protective layer. A thermal stencil printing method in which the thermosensitive stencil sheet is imagewise perforated with an electromagnetic wave to prepare a stencil plate and then the resultant stencil plate is subjected to a printing operation to form images is also provided. A multi-color thermal stencil printing method using the thermosensitive stencil sheet is also provided.

Abstract: A printing control apparatus for controlling a stencil printing machine (50, 100), wherein a stencil sheet, which is made on the basis of image data, is wound around a printing drum (25; 125, 126) with which a print sheet (34; 141) is held in pressured contact to perform a stencil printing operation, provides the stencil printing machine with image data representative of an image to be reproduced as an object, and printing order information representative of a page order in which the printing operation is performed using image data, an ink color for the printing drum to be used, and a timing in which one printing drum is replaced with another one. In accordance with the printing order information, the ink color contained in image data is detected and an order for each page to be printed is determined on the basis of a user's print request to execute the printing operation according to the page order and to reduce the number of times the printing drum is replaced with.

Abstract: A screening mask having a stress-relieving area including an inner functional area having a pattern which is replicated on an underlying substrate, the inner functional area pattern having an one open area through which a paste is extruded and at least one tab, and an outer nonfunctional area distinct from the inner functional area, the outer nonfunctional area having a stress-relieving area adjacent to an edge of the screening mask that protects the at least one tab in the inner functional area from breaking.

Abstract: A stencil design for solder paste printing, or other metal stencil printing, is disclosed. A stencil for stencil printing of solder onto a semiconductor wafer for semiconductor wafer bumping includes a substrate. The substrate has a hole defined therein substantially shaped to correspond to and receptive to the semiconductor wafer. An interior edge of the substrate surrounds the hole, and has an upper lip under which the semiconductor wafer is positioned. The upper lip of the interior edge of the substrate surrounding the hole substantially prevents the solder from flowing onto sides and a bottom of the semiconductor wafer during stencil printing of the solder. The cross-profile shape of the upper lip may in one embodiment be rectangular, whereas in another embodiment be triangular.

Abstract: A wall corner stencil design system and application method that resolves design impasses unique to the corners of rooms by converting wall corners into focal points for visual and aesthetic design continuity with the incorporation of “stop-gap stencils” and/or a “corner stencil” (consisting of “left” and “right” sides) designed for independent use and to compliment existing and/or underlying running border stencil patterns.

Abstract: A screening mask for screening an article, the screening mask including a screening mask body having a screening side and a nonscreening side, an one opening through the mask for screening at least one feature from the screening side to the nonscreening side, and a blind opening for protecting a previously screened feature. The blind opening is blocked on the screening side and open on the nonscreening side. The screening mask is used in double pass screening so that a second feature may be formed on the article without damaging a previously formed feature.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing media deposition in predetermined locations comprising at least one blocking cap connected to a pressurized squeegee head is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for partially printing a circuit board is disclosed. The method comprises inserting one or more blocking caps inside a pressurized squeegee head and printing with the pressurized squeegee head. In this way, defined areas on the surface of a stencil or screen, over which the blocking caps travel, are skipped. In another embodiment, a new method for manufacturing printed circuit boards is described, comprising placing a component on a circuit board, performing burn-in or testing of the component, partially printing attachment media on the circuit board with a pressurized squeegee head containing one or more blocking caps, and placing additional components on the circuit board. In one embodiment, the circuit board is sold or returned to the circuit board designer before performing the partial printing step.

Abstract: A microporous stencil sheet for use in stencil printing and methods for making stencil master using this microporous stencil sheet are disclosed herein. The microporous stencil sheet is for use in stencil printing using a low-viscosity ink with a viscosity ranging from 0.001 to 1 Pa•s, comprises an inelastic resin film and has an air permeability ranging from 1 to 600 seconds and a thickness ranging from 1 to 100 &mgr;m. The methods for making stencil master using this microporous stencil sheet comprise the step of closing the micropores of the stencil sheet in a non-printing portion of a desired printed image.

Abstract: A device is provided for imprinting a solid or dashed straight line on the surface of a golf ball. The device consists of a semi-rigid stencil that may be snapped securely around the surface of a golf ball. While the golf ball is allowed to rotated freely within the stencil so as to allow a user to rotate the ball to the correct position, a pair of finger grips are provided which, when compressed, clamp the ball in position so as to prevent the ball from rotating while the ball is being marked. The stencil also includes a linear groove adapted to receive a pen, indelible marker or other writing implement for marking the ball with a linear indicia. This indicia can be used for identification purposes, as a putting trainer, and an alignment aid during play. Beveled edges or bumpers may also be included along the inner surface of the groove to assist the user in imprinting the ball and prevent smudging or pooling of the ink or paint used to mark the ball.

Abstract: An improved screen printing frame connector is presented, the connector possessing flanges for easy insertion of frame side members and also providing large drainage holes to permit easy drying of the frame after washing.

Abstract: A stencil for use in fabricating semiconductor devices is disclosed that has an aperture having a first portion extending from a first side thereof and a second portion extending from a second side thereof to minimize the shear stress between the material extruded therethrough and the stencil. The stencil allows for material to be extruded through the top of the stencil to the surface of the substrate and not contact the wall of the second portion of the aperture of the stencil. Since the material only contacts a small area of the first portion of the aperture near the top of the stencil, the material remains on the substrate and not in the aperture of the stencil.

Abstract: A printing sheet which prevents setoff while transferring a sufficient quantity of ink and maintains necessary dot uniformity can be obtained by ensuring characteristics that the centerline average roughness showing the larger value is 1.0-3.5 &mgr;m and the ratio of centerline average obtained by dividing the larger value by the smaller value is less than 1.15 where said values are chosen at the point where the difference between the centerline average roughness in a certain direction and the centerline average roughness at right angles to said direction is maximal. Further, the abovementioned quality is further improved by appropriately ensuring that the oil absorbability is more than 4 mg/cm2 and less than 7 mg/cm2 when the contact time between the oil component having a surface tension of 27-30 mN/m at 20° C. and the printing sheet is 5 seconds and/or that the median pore diameter is 1.7-3.5 &mgr;m, in addition to the abovementioned characteristics.

Abstract: An improved silk screen frame for tensioning a panel of screen material via the rotation of a pair of screen-tensioning members adapted to grip a flexible strip secured to the edge of the screen material in an off-center position with respect to the axis of rotation of the tensioning member. Rotation of the screen-tensioning members imparts a force which thereby stretches the screen panel material to a taut condition, and places each tensioning member in position to be engaged by a pair of adjacent rotatable finger locks which maintain the screen-tensioning members in their rotated state.

Abstract: The machine comprises: a mobile rest plane for tiles on which the tiles transit in a predetermined advancement direction; a decorating apparatus which comprises a plurality of cylinders, located above the mobile rest plane; means for setting the plurality of cylinders in rotation each about an axis thereof, and with a predetermined stagger of one of the plurality of cylinders with respect to others of the plurality of cylinders. The means for setting the plurality of cylinders in rotation employ a mechanical transmission of drive to the plurality of cylinders which comprises a driven gear coaxially and solidly associated to each of the plurality of cylinders. The driven gears are drawn in rotation, with couplings allowing no relative dragging, by a chain and have diameters which are different from diameters of the plurality of cylinders to which they are solidly constrained.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive stencil including a thermoplastic resin film on which a porous resin layer, a water soluble resin layer and a fibrous porous layer are formed in succession. A thin resin layer may be disposed between the thermoplastic resin film and the porous resin layer.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to micro-stencil devices and methods. A micro-stencil, in accordance with this invention, comprises a patterned stencil membrane formed from a polymeric layer patterned with stencil features preferably having lateral dimensions in a range of 10 micron to 100 nanometers or less. The micro-stencil preferably includes a porous backing membrane coupled to the stencil membrane to control the flow of print fluids, to allow for two-way flow of print fluids and/or curing gases during a printing operation. The stencil membrane is preferably configured to directly print the stencil features onto a suitable print medium surface. The micro-stencil of the instant invention, is preferably utilized for printing structures comprising interconnected layers, such as micro-circuits, and/or structures comprising polymer arrays.

Abstract: The invention greatly improves an efficiency of a whole parts mounting process. In a method of applying a corrosion inhibitor to a parts mounted circuit board, a recess portion surrounding a part of a circuit board in which the parts are already mounted is provided on a back surface, and a mask provided with a through hole for applying the corrosion inhibitor formed in a mesh shape is used in a portion corresponding to a position of parts on the circuit board to which the corrosion inhibitor is applied in the recess portion. Then, the mask is mounted on the circuit board and the corrosion inhibitor is pressed out from the through hole formed in a mesh shape by a squeegee in a screen printing apparatus so as to be applied.

Abstract: A stencil comprising two or more layers is disclosed for applying surface mount materials onto printed circuit boards, flexible circuits, wafers or other substrates. The stencil can accommodate preexisting surface mount components and materials. The stencil utilizes material reservoirs, relief areas and delivery apertures and can be used for depositing surface mount materials such as adhesives, conductive glues, solder paste and solder balls.

Abstract: In a method of coating substrates, especially printed circuit boards, on both sides, one side of the substrate, which is provided with holes, is coated by a coating process, especially by screen printing, wherein the holes that are not required for the circuit layout are lastingly covered over and the holes that are required are covered over only slightly or are left clear, whereupon the other side of the substrate is coated by a coating process, especially by curtain pouring or spraying, wherein the entire surface of the substrate is provided uniformly with a coating that gives only a light covering over the holes.

Abstract: A stencil foil assembly includes a stencil foil, having a stencil pattern thereon, of a planar configuration secured to a rigid frame with an upstanding wall and a support flange emanating inwardly from the upstanding wall. The stencil foil resides on the support flange with the bottom surface of the periphery of the stencil foil being in communication with the top surface of said support flange. The outer edge of the stencil foil is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of said upstanding wall. The periphery of the stencil foil is secured to the rigid frame. The stencil foil assembly protects a user from injury by preventing contact with the sharp outer edges of the stencil foil. The assembly protects the stencil foil portion from damage and greatly facilitates handling thereof.

Abstract: A printing mask has protrusions having through holes defined therein for printing a solder paste on lands on a printed circuit board. The protrusions serve to increase the amount of solder paste filled in the through holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patterning mask comprising a substantially planar patterned printing layer. The printing layer comprises a substantially inelastic stencil layer and a substantially elastic seal layer that is fixed at the stencil layer. The seal layer when being in contact with a substrate serves as a seal for a liquid or viscous or gaseous material that is fillable through the patterned printing layer onto the substrate. Additionally the mask may comprise a mesh layer. The mesh layer has a two-dimensional regular pattern of openings separated by solid elements such as wires and can provide a rigidity in its mesh plane.

Abstract: A method for producing a printing forme with printing openings which define an image which is to be printed comprises the steps of determining the contours of the image which is to be printed, positioning contour printing openings in accordance with the determined contours on the contour lines or at a predetermined, fixed distance therefrom, in a preform of the printing forme. If desired, additional printing openings may be provided within the area which is delimited by the contour printing openings. When a printing forme which has been produced in this way is used, a very sharply defined image is printed.

Abstract: A stencil for use in fabricating semiconductor devices is disclosed that has an aperture having a first portion extending from a first side thereof and a second portion extending from a second side thereof to minimize the shear stress between the material extruded therethrough and the stencil. The stencil allows for material to be extruded through the top of the stencil to the surface of the substrate and not contact the wall of the second portion of the aperture of the stencil. Since the material only contacts a small area of the first portion of the aperture near the top of the stencil, the material remains on the substrate and not in the aperture of the stencil.

Abstract: A thermal stencil sheet for use in a laser stencil printing system comprising a stencil sheet comprising a base layer, a radiation absorbing layer, and a thermal film overlying the radiation absorbing layer. The base layer comprises a porous fibrous material which is saturatable with liquid.

Abstract: A screen printing machine including a stencil sheet assembly having a frame member having outer peripheral sides for partitioning an outer configuration and inner peripheral sides for partitioning an opening and stencil sheet adhered to one face of the frame member to cover the opening, a tension frame projected to inner sides of the inner peripheral sides of the frame member, having a raised portion raised toward the stencil sheet and arranged on other face of the frame member for applying tension to the stencil sheet, and holding means for holding the tension frame and the stencil sheet assembly which are put together such that a front face of the tension frame in a direction of raising the raised portion and the other face of the frame member are brought into contact with each other.

Abstract: A regenerable stencil printing plate is provided, which can be repeatedly used in master making and printing. The stencil printing plate comprises a film made of a polymeric material that shrinks in response to a stimulus selected from heat and light, and numerous fine apertures are formed in the film in cross sectional direction thereof. Preferably, the polymeric material is mainly composed of a polymer selected from acrylamide based polymers, vinyl ether based polymers, and oxide based polymers. Stencil printing is performed by providing the film, giving the above stimulus to the film in such a manner that a desired image is traced on the film to expand said apertures selectively at sites to which said stimulus is given, and allowing an image forming material to pass through the thus expanded apertures to transfer the image forming material to a recording medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for framing a printing screen comprising a clamping element having a shape to conform to the mug frame with four threaded posts for attaching to a steel baseplate by fasteners. The screen is attached to the mug frame by adhesive and trimmed for screen printing.

Abstract: A stencil for use in fabricating semiconductor devices is disclosed that has an aperture having a first portion extending from a first side thereof and a second portion extending from a second side thereof to minimize the shear stress between the material extruded therethrough and the stencil. The stencil allows for material to be extruded through the top of the stencil to the surface of the substrate and not contact the wall of the second portion of the aperture of the stencil. Since the material only contacts a small area of the first portion of the aperture near the top of the stencil, the material remains on the substrate and not in the aperture of the stencil.

Abstract: A frame assembly for use in supporting a silk screen. The assembly uses four corner brackets in forming the frame. The corner brackets each contain two perpendicular arms. The corner brackets engage four framing elements, thereby forming the rectangular structure of the frame. Each of the framing elements has two ends, wherein each end of a framing element receives one of the corner bracket arms. As such, each of the four corner brackets engages two of the framing elements and orients those elements at a perpendicular. An adjustment mechanism is disposed between each end of the framing elements and each of the corner brackets. The adjustment mechanism adjusts how deep an arm from a corner bracket is received within an end of a framing element. By utilizing the adjustment mechanism, the effective length of each of the sides of the frame can be selectively adjusted.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive stencil having a thermoplastic resin film, and a porous resin layer formed thereon. The stencil has an air permeability in the range of 1.0 cm3/cm2·sec to 157 cm3/cm2·sec in a portion thereof when the thermoplastic resin film of the portion is perforated to form perforations providing an open ratio SO/SP of at least 0.2, wherein SO represents a total area of the perforations and SP represents the area of the portion. The heat-sensitive stencil is prepared by applying a coating liquid containing the resin of the porous resin layer to the thermoplastic resin film and drying the coating. The coating liquid contains a mixture of a good solvent and a poor solvent less vaporizable than the good solvent so that the porous resin layer is formed after drying.

Abstract: A thick film thermal head includes an electrical insulating substrate. A pair of heat-resistant electrical insulating plates fixed to a surface of the substrate with their side faces opposed to each other with a gap between. An elongated resistance heater is embedded in the gap, and a plurality of electrodes are formed on the surface of the heat-resistant electrical insulating plates in contact with the resistance heater and arranged in the longitudinal direction of the resistance heater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved stencil/screen print quality is disclosed. The stencil or screen assists in application of a printable material onto a substrate, such as an adhesive to a semiconductor die of a semiconductor wafer during a lead-on-chip (LOC) packaging process. In one embodiment, the stencil includes a coating applied to at least one surface of a pattern of the stencil or screen to retard running of the printable material onto the surface. In another embodiment, the stencil or screen includes a second coating applied to at least one other surface of the pattern to promote spreading of the printable material onto the substrate.

Abstract: The invention greatly improves an efficiency of a whole of aparts mounting process. In a method of applying an adhesive material to a parts mounted circuit board, a recess portion surrounding a part of a circuit board in which the parts are already mounted is provided on a back surface, a portion corresponding to a position at which the parts of the circuit board should be mounted is protruded in the recess portion, and a mask having a through hole for applying the adhesive material in the protruding portion is used. Then, the mask is mounted on the circuit board and the adhesive material is pressed out from a through hole by a squeegee in a screen printing apparatus so as to be applied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a screen mask for screen printing including a positive pattern section and a negative pattern section with a mask material (emulsion film) formed on the negative pattern section, for transferring a printing ink to a substrate via openings of a mesh disposed at the positive pattern section, wherein a plating layer is selectively formed on the mesh of the negative pattern section so that the negative pattern section has a mesh opening ratio which is smaller than an opening ratio of the positive pattern section, and a width of a gap, which is formed on the substrate by the negative pattern section, is made to be not more than 40 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus for applying a printing agent in different thicknesses to a plate. A mask of the apparatus has a width corresponding to or matching the widths of two plates to be printed. A first portion of the mask, for applying a first printing to the plate, is reduced by recessing an upper surface of the mask portion, with screen holes being provided therein pursuant to a desired pattern. A second portion of the mask, for applying a second printing to the plate, is provided with screen holes in a different pattern. Recesses are provided in the lower surface of the second portion of the mask for receiving the printing agent applied via the first portion of the mask, thereby preventing the printing agent from attaching to the second portion of the mask. A single printing operation, on two plates disposed side by side, is performed by moving a squeegee having two portions with different thicknesses or heights. The plate to be printed can be shifted under the lower surface of the mask.

Abstract: A stencil capable of accurately transferring a picture with a plurality of colors by a person without skill. This stencil includes a plurality of die seal papers from which parts of a picture are die-cut at different positions from each other as cutting die portions which are associated with each other to form a completed picture. The bottom faces of the die seal papers are adhesive faces. The die seal papers are bonded and fixed to each other in the required ranges of the base portions thereof. After the lower die seal paper is put on an object to color the object via the cutting die portion, the lower die seal paper is peeled from the object and cut away from the base portion thereof to form a polychrome picture.

Abstract: A screen-printing plate is provided with a plurality of printing patterns disposed in a single plate frame. Each printing pattern is formed with a plurality of mesh holes. At least two different aperture ratios of the mesh holes forming the printing patterns are provided according to the positions of regions on the screen-printing plate in which the printing patterns are disposed. The aperture ratio of the mesh holes forming the printing patterns positioned in a region close to the periphery of the plate frame is set higher than the aperture ratio of the mesh holes forming the printing patterns positioned in a central region of the plate frame.

Abstract: A method for minimizing formation of cracks at junctions between conductive vias and conductive lines in line-to-via connections on a substrate. The method comprises providing a transition zone connected between a base section of the line and a cap, the transition zone providing a volume of conductive paste during a conductive paste screen printing operation that is greater than the volume provided by the base section being directly connected to the cap. In particular, the transition zone volume is an effective amount to prevent necking of the conductive line into the via when the mask is misaligned to the substrate within an expected alignment tolerance. The transition zone may comprise a jogged end extending from the base section to the cap at an angle to the line, or a flared end extending from the base section. Line-to-via connection structures, patterns on a mask for making such structures, and masks having such patterns are also disclosed.

Abstract: A screen printing plate made to carry out printing along a peripheral portion of a plate substrate, which screen printing plate has a fine pattern at a region corresponding to a desired width ranging from slightly outside of a flat surface end of the plate substrate to a flat surface inside of the flat surface end, wherein an emulsion layer at the fine pattern is formed to have a higher oil repellency against ink on the surface on the plate substrate side than the oil repellency against ink on the surface on the squeegee side.

Abstract: A device is provided for imprinting a solid or dashed straight line on the surface of a golf ball. The device consists of a semi-rigid stencil that may be snapped securely around the surface of a golf ball. While the golf ball is allowed to rotated freely within the stencil so as to allow a user to rotate the ball to the correct position, a pair of finger grips are provided which, when compressed, clamp the ball in position so as to prevent the ball from rotating while the ball is being marked. The stencil also includes a linear groove adapted to receive a pen, indelible marker or other writing implement for marking the ball with a linear indicia. This indicia can be used for identification purposes, as a putting trainer, and an alignment aid during play. Beveled edges or bumpers may also be included along the inner surface of the groove to assist the user in imprinting the ball and prevent smudging or pooling of the ink or paint used to mark the ball.

Abstract: Disclosed is a screen mask for screen printing including a positive pattern section and a negative pattern section with a mask material (emulsion film) formed on the negative pattern section, for transferring a printing ink to a substrate via openings of a mesh disposed at the positive pattern section, wherein a plating layer is selectively formed on the mesh of the negative pattern section so that the negative pattern section has a mesh opening ratio which is smaller than an opening ratio of the positive pattern section, and a width of a gap, which is formed on the substrate by the negative pattern section, is made to be not more than 40 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A stencil printing apparatus prevented from being irregular in printing density between the central portion and the marginal portions of the printing area of a printing drum is provided. The stencil printing apparatus comprises a cylindrical printing drum having an ink-passable circumferential wall, an inner roller disposed inside the printing drum for supplying ink to an inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall, and an outer roller disposed outside the printing drum in opposite to the inner roller. The inner roller is disposed at a gap of 0.9 mm or less, preferably 0.3 mm or less from the inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall, and the outer roller is larger in diameter than the inner roller.

Abstract: A printer of the present invention includes a timing belt passed over drive pulleys, each of which is mounted on a particular print drum, via phase adjusting means and deflection pulleys or rotary members. The deflection pulleys are rotatable in contact with the rear surface of the timing belt. The timing belt has its rear surface ground to have uniform thickness. The printer is free from the deviation of relative phase between the rotary members and offset ghosts ascribable to the irregular thickness of the timing belt, while preserving the low-cost configuration of timing belt connection.

Abstract: A new face painting stencils for helping paint images, logos and other designs on the face of a user. The inventive device includes a card having substantially planar first and second surfaces, a pair of end edges and a pair of side edges extending between the end edges of the card. The card has at least one hole therethrough extending between the first and second surfaces of the card.