Settable Units Patents (Class 101/128)
  • Patent number: 11724273
    Abstract: A marking gun having a marker container, a propellant canister, a supply tube, an expulsion chamber, and an attachment coupled to the expulsion chamber. The marker container is coupled to the expulsion chamber by the supply tube, and the propellant canister is coupled to the expulsion chamber. The marking gun is configured to expel the marker from the expulsion chamber. The attachment comprises a stencil, an elastic pointed tip, a housing, a screen, a magnet, one or more entry holes, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventor: Edward Kukuruda
  • Patent number: 10493785
    Abstract: A stencil for use in stenciling complex symbols incorporates a stencil substrate employing a flexible material, having a plurality of symbols arranged thereon. A plurality of folding stiffeners are incorporated in the substrate, each stiffener being positioned to split symbols having stencil cutouts forming isolated elements within an interior of the symbol. The stiffeners are foldable about a vertex, to collapse into a raised position and bring together the split symbol, with the stiffeners supporting the isolated elements created by the cutouts and portions of the stencil cutouts forming the symbols that extend into coincident channels in the folding stiffeners, to bridge adjoining portions of said split characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William W. Kann, Minsu Kim, Niles Kinman
  • Patent number: 9802333
    Abstract: A kit for making a sign utilizing a router includes a plurality of interlocking templates that can be utilized to form the letters for a sign. The kit includes two or more templates that are positioned in the same location on a board in a sequence to form a single letter, number or symbol with an island with an uninterrupted perimeter. The kit also includes a guide bushing that is secured to the router bit to prevent the router bit from gouging into the templates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Rockler Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve D. Krohmer, Daniel P. Banasik
  • Patent number: 9517649
    Abstract: A device for imprinting a leather belt or other comparable accessory contains a structural body and a longitudinal cavity. The belt is held in place by a central panel, a first rail, and a second rail of the structural body. More specifically, the belt is held stationary in a belt receiving channel which is delineated by a surface of the central panel, the first rail, and the second rail. When the belt is held stationary, the longitudinal cavity is used to imprint a stamp on the belt. In doing so, a stamp body which contains a preferred stamp is positioned in the longitudinal cavity and struck with a mallet or similar device which can produce a considerable force. Since the belt receiving channel is accessible through the longitudinal cavity, the stamp is imprinted on the belt with minimum effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Dannie Decker
  • Patent number: 9433277
    Abstract: An adjustable eyebrow template has at least a first template and a second template. Each of the templates has a cut out that is shaped substantially like an eyebrow. By sliding the second template within at least one slot present on the first template, the shape of the cutout can be modified via overlaying of the templates. The modified eyebrow shape can then be colored, stenciled, etc. If desired, excess hair can then be removed from the eyebrow by a variety of common hair removal techniques. Additionally, there is a method for using the adjustable eyebrow template as to enable an individual to easily create symmetrical eyebrow shapes and colors on a recipient. This method can be performed by a sole individual or with the help of another. An eyebrow template kit may have a number of templates, a coloring agent, and a brush for application of the coloring agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ramy Cosmetics, LLC
    Inventor: Ramy Gafni
  • Patent number: 8448571
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignees: FuKui Precision Component (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Zhen Ding Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiao-Fei Zheng
  • Patent number: 8230783
    Abstract: A stencil printer for printing viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a stencil, and a print head to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. A substrate support supports a substrate in a print position. A substrate support movement assembly includes a first movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a first direction, a second movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a second direction, the second direction being generally perpendicular to the first direction, and a third movement mechanism, spaced from a first movement mechanism, configured to move the substrate in the first direction. The stencil printer further includes a controller coupled to the substrate support movement assembly to move the substrate support by the first, second and third movement mechanisms in an x-direction, a y-direction and a rotational direction to align the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Klauser, Ronald J. Forget
  • Patent number: 8220386
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Grass Graffiti, LLC
    Inventors: Riley C. Fields, Brian Cox, Daniel Lee Bizzell
  • Patent number: 8166875
    Abstract: In supply of feedback data to improve a positional deviation quantity and a deviation state of a soldering paste printed on individual substrates held on the carrier, a plurality of average values of individual positional deviation for each of the individual substrates are obtained, and then, if the deviation value ?M indicating a difference between the maximum value Mmax and the minimum value Mmin of the plurality of average values M of individual positional deviation is less than or equal to the tolerance value ?(t), an intermediate value of the maximum value Mmax and the minimum value Mmin is obtained, and the positioning parameters of the mask plate and the carrier are corrected based on the intermediate value (Mmax+Mmin)/2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masafumi Inoue, Fumio Kikutsugi, Masahiro Kihara
  • Patent number: 8115973
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus for fully automatic screen printer including two stacked light sources, two stacked beamsplitters, two stacked optical reflectors, two stacked imaging lens and two stacked image sensors, wherein the two stacked optical reflectors and the two stacked light sources are correspondingly disposed on two different sides of the two beamsplitters, the two stacked imaging lens are disposed on another side of the beamsplitters different from that of the optical reflectors and the light sources, the two stacked image sensors are disposed behind the imaging lens; the optical reflectors are provided with an upward reflection plane and a downward reflection plane, the optical axes of the imaging lenses are orthogonal to that of the light sources. The imaging apparatus is of two independent optical paths which capture the image of the printed circuit board and that of the screen respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: South China University of Technology
    Inventors: Xianmin Zhang, Yongcong Kuang, Yuequan Tang
  • Patent number: 7861650
    Abstract: A stencil printer for printing viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a stencil, and a print head to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. A substrate support supports a substrate in a print position. A substrate support movement assembly includes a first movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a first direction, a second movement mechanism configured to move the substrate support in a second direction, the second direction being generally perpendicular to the first direction, and a third movement mechanism, spaced from a first movement mechanism, configured to move the substrate in the first direction. The stencil printer further includes a controller coupled to the substrate support movement assembly to move the substrate support by the first, second and third movement mechanisms in an x-direction, a y-direction and a rotational direction to align the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Klauser, Ronald J. Forget
  • Publication number: 20100300313
    Abstract: Camouflage paint stencils for painting camouflage patterns on a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, include a plurality of flat paint stencil sheets with each sheet including a plurality of irregularly-spaced apertures and the apertures of one sheet differing in shape and spacing than the apertures of the other sheets, and each sheet having a rear side with a magnetic backing member disposed thereon for adhering the sheet to the surface of the vehicle, and a camouflage paint stencil kit also including a set of gloves, masking tape, and one set of thin size spray strips and one set of larger size over spray strips for placement along the edges of the sheets to reduce over-spray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Warren Joseph Disbrow
  • Patent number: 7806049
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Grass Graffiti, LLC
    Inventors: Riley C. Fields, Brian Cox, Daniel Lee Bizzell
  • Patent number: 7651048
    Abstract: In a receipt printer (10), suitable for printing on a paper ribbon of different widths, wound on a roll (14) arranged in a seat (15, 22, 23, 24) in the printer, a wall is provided for the lateral positioning (18, 30) of the roll of paper (14) in its seat, to keep the paper ribbons, or the respective rolls (14a, 14b) of at least two different widths in the proper printing position, independently of the width of the ribbon; the positioning wall (18) is arranged inside the seat (15) of the roll of paper, with a first surface (44) facing a side (26?) of the same roll (14a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Telecom Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Colombi, Marco Dellea
  • Patent number: 7520218
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: David L. Tebbe
  • Patent number: 7357076
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a stencil printer section and a non-stencil printer section and can form a stencil image and a non-stencil image on a single sheet. A first and a second adjusting section respectively adjusts the position of the stencil image and that of the non-stencil image relative to the sheet in the direction of sheet conveyance and the widthwise direction of the sheet perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance. A first shift display section displays an amount of shift of the position adjusted by the first adjusting section. A first moving mechanism shifts the position of the stencil image in accordance with the operation of the first adjusting section. A second shift display section displays an amount of shift of the position adjusted by the second adjusting section. A second moving mechanism shifts the position of the non-stencil image in accordance with the operation of the second adjusting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Tohoku Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Sato
  • Patent number: 7347142
    Abstract: A method for creating an artistic work on a lawn includes: anchoring a first stencil to a lawn; applying paint of a first color in a first desired pattern on the lawn by applying paint over a first pattern of one or more openings in the first lawn stencil; anchoring a second stencil to the lawn; and applying paint of a second color in a second desired pattern on the lawn by applying paint over a second pattern of one or more openings in the second awn stencil. The pattern of one or more openings in each lawn stencil corresponds to one or more design elements of the artwork to be created on the lawn. Additional lawn stencils and containers of paint also may be included. Proper orientation of each lawn stencil is insured by proper orientation and alignment of an indication of orientation and alignment locations, which each lawn stencil includes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Grass Graffiti, LLC
    Inventors: Riley C. Fields, Brian Cox, Daniel Lee Bizzell
  • Patent number: 7334518
    Abstract: A kit for creating an artistic work on a residential lawn includes: first and second lawn stencils; first and second containers of paint of first and second colors; and a plurality of stakes. The stakes are used to anchor the lawn stencils to the lawn, and the paint is used to apply layers of paint over the lawn stencils, which in turn applies layers of the paint in desired patterns on the lawn. Each lawn stencil includes a pattern of openings therein, which pattern corresponds to one or more design elements of the artwork to be applied to the lawn using the paint. Additional lawn stencils and containers of paint also may be included in this aspect. Proper orientation of each lawn stencil of the kit is insured by proper orientation and alignment of an indication of orientation and alignment locations, which each lawn stencil includes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Grass Graffiti, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Cox, Riley C. Fields, Daniel Lee Bizzell
  • Patent number: 7131373
    Abstract: A screen printing manual repetition system semi-automates use of a screen with a manual printing press. The screen has a screen frame and a screen mesh. The manual repetition system (MRS) has an MRS frame mountable to the screen frame, a track system, and a height adjustor configured to adjust the height of the track system relative to the MRS frame. A squeegee has a squeegee frame with a blade, guide members configured to guide the squeegee through the track system, and an angle adjustor configured to adjust the angle of the blade relative to the screen mesh during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Michael S. Edson
  • Patent number: 7127988
    Abstract: A screen printing manual repetition system semi-automates use of a screen with a manual printing press. The screen has a screen frame and a screen mesh. The manual repetition system (MRS) has an MRS frame mountable to the screen frame, a track system, and a height adjustor configured to adjust the height of the track system relative to the MRS frame. A squeegee has a squeegee frame with a blade, guide members configured to guide the squeegee through the track system, and an angle adjustor configured to adjust the angle of the blade relative to the screen mesh during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Michael S. Edson
  • Patent number: 7013801
    Abstract: A screen printing manual repetition system semi-automates use of a screen with a manual printing press. The screen has a screen frame and a screen mesh. The manual repetition system (MRS) has an MRS frame mountable to the screen frame, a track system, and a height adjustor configured to adjust the height of the track system relative to the MRS frame. A squeegee has a squeegee frame with a blade, guide members configured to guide the squeegee through the track system, and an angle adjustor configured to adjust the angle of the blade relative to the screen mesh during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Michael S. Edson
  • Patent number: 6968780
    Abstract: A hand accent stencil applicator system for positioning a design on a surface is provided. The applicator system comprises an applicator handle and a compression housing mounted to the applicator housing. A bladder is positioned within the compression housing for holding a texture material. A design template is mounted to the compression housing wherein the applicator handle exerts forces into the compression housing causing a texture flow from the bladder through the design template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: University of Wyoming
    Inventor: Shane D. Birch
  • Patent number: 6938547
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for prevention of overspray during coating of a pallet used in a screen printing operation. After being coated with an adhesive, the pallet is capable of removably retaining textile fabrics and the like thereon. The apparatus comprises a spray guard, preferably rectangular in shape, which captures overspray on its interior walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Donald R. Cecil
  • Patent number: 6910414
    Abstract: A method of making screen printing frames can include, in certain illustrative embodiments, affixing at least two frames to one another, applying a masking film to both frames, exposing the frames, removing the unhardened emulsion in the meshes, and separating the frames from one another for deployment in a screen printing apparatus. This exemplary process can be used to create images in substantially complete registration with one another on frames having different mesh counts. Stated another way, these embodiments permit the use of multiple frames to print different inks through different meshes in a single pass to form images in substantially complete registration with one another. In certain preferred embodiments, a screen printing apparatus can include two frames, each having a mesh with a different pitch, wherein the frames are adapted to receive different inks and held in fixed register during a screen printing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventors: Carrie L. Thomas, Catherine Wynkoop, Kevin Townsend
  • Patent number: 6874413
    Abstract: Disclosed is a top part of a screen printing machine, wherein the bearing elements (4,4a) for the screen printing stencil (2) are respectively and directly guided and held on lateral longitudinal guide elements (10,11) by means of carriages (9), enabling said bearing elements (4, 4a) to be adjusted in relation to each other and to be fixed. Said configuration makes it possible for the screen printing stencil (2) to be held in a stable and exact manner, irrespective of the size thereof. According to the invention, one of the bearing elements (4a) can also be raised in order to lift the screen printing stencil (2) when pressed against the other bearing element (4). The bearing elements (4, 4a) are thus respectively held on the carriers thereof (7,8) by means of pivoting hinges (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Thieme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Harry Goetz
  • Patent number: 6776091
    Abstract: An inner frame (38) is provided with a printing screen that includes a stencil of a numeral. An object to be printed (e.g. a shirt) is placed on a platen (P), in a substantially centered position with respect to an outer frame (10) having an open center (28). The inner frame (38) is positioned within the inner space (28) of the outer frame (10) and is fixed in position relative to the outer frame (10) so as to properly position the stencil with the object to be printed on the platen (P). Locator pins (82,84,86,88,90) and locator pin openings (92,94,96,98,100,102,104) are provided and arranged for establishing five possible positions of the inner frame (38) within the inner space (28) of the outer frame (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Duke W. Goss
  • Patent number: 6759175
    Abstract: An method is disclosed for on-site preparation of a relief image comprising the following steps: (a) laminating a material comprising, in the order given, a first peelable support (1), an image recording layer (2) and an adhesive layer (3) onto a UV-sensitive material comprising a support (7), an UV-sensitive layer (6) wherein the adhesive layer (3) is laminated to the UV-sensitive layer (6); (b) image-wise exposing the image recording layer (2) to form a mask; (c) flood exposing the UV-sensitive material through the mask; (d) developing the UV-sensitive material; wherein the peelable support (1) is removed either before step (b), (c) or (d). Steps (a) to (d) are performed within a period of less than 2 months. As a result the extent of monomer diffusion from the UV-sensitive layer to the image recording layer is reduced. Additionally the adhesion between the image recording layer and the UV-sensitive material is optimised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert
    Inventors: Eddie Daems, Luc Leenders
  • Patent number: 6742450
    Abstract: A stencil printer of the present invention includes a master making section for perforating a master, which includes a porous support and a thermoplastic resin film, in accordance with image data to thereby make a master and wraps the master around a print drum to thereby effect printing. The stencil printer includes a cavity sensor for sensing the condition of cavities existing in the porous support of the stencil. A controller identifies the kind of the stencil by determining the condition of the cavities in accordance with information output from the cavity sensor, so that stable print quality is insured without regard to a difference in cavity ratio between the lots of stencils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Tohoku Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomiya Mori
  • Patent number: 6722274
    Abstract: A gripper for screen printing applications comprises a gripper body supporting a tensioning assembly comprising a gripping element designed for gripping the edge of a fabric to be tensioned on a frame, and a bottom abutment cam providing a variable lowering stroke based on a withdrawal tensioning stroke of the tensioning assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Marco Mietta
  • Patent number: 6711997
    Abstract: Device to produce electronic circuits of the type comprising at least a base support (12) on which electrically conductive material is deposited able to embody the conductor tracks, said device comprising at least a printing station (13) able to deposit said electrically conductive material on said base support (12), a drying oven (14) and first feed means (35, 60) to feed each base support (12) from said printing station (13) to said drying oven (14), stacking means (52) being provided to stack the base supports (12) one on top of the other so that said base supports (12) can be introduced in vertical piles into said drying oven (14), spacer means (18, 20) being provided to keep said base supports (12) separate from each other when stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Gisulfo Baccini
  • Publication number: 20040025722
    Abstract: An inner frame (38) is provided with a printing screen that includes a stencil of a numeral. An object to be printed (e.g. a shirt) is placed on a platen (P), in a substantially centered position with respect to an outer frame (10) having an open center (28). The inner frame (38) is positioned within the inner space (28) of the outer frame (10) and is fixed in position relative to the outer frame (10) so as to properly position the stencil with the object to be printed on the platen (P). Locator pins (82,84,86,88,90) and locator pin openings (92,94,96,98,100,102,104) are provided and arranged for establishing five possible positions of the inner frame (38) within the inner space (28) of the outer frame (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Duke W. Goss
  • Patent number: 6484630
    Abstract: A stencil printing machine 1 is provided with a stencil drum 16 and a opposite 17 which are a pair of cylindrical parts located with their external peripheral surfaces being close to each other, a stencil sheet 15 being detachably wound on the external peripheral surface of the stencil drum 16, and serves to perform stencil printing process by rotating the stencil drum 16 and the opposite 17 in order that the external peripheral surfaces thereof are located close to each other and moved in the same direction while the stencil sheet 15 is pressed against the opposite 17, and by making the stencil sheet 15 in contact under pressure with a sheet of paper 22 passing between the stencil drum 16 and the opposite 17 by the pressing force of the stencil drum 16. The stencil drum 16 is detachably mounted on the stencil printing machine and provided with storage units 201 to 203 for storing information about the pressing force of the stencil drum 16 against the opposite 17.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Riso Kagaku Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Nakayama, Hideharu Yoneoka
  • Patent number: 6244180
    Abstract: A system for forming artistic ink impressions. A case stores ink stamping accessories and/or allows large surface area stamps to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Winston
  • Patent number: 6189448
    Abstract: A stencil for a printer used to print a substance onto a substrate using a blade that passes over the stencil during printing. In embodiments of the invention, the stencil includes a first section having a first printing pattern formed thereon, a second section having a second printing pattern formed thereon, a seam between the first section and the second section, and a strip that covers at least a portion of the seam to allow the blade to pass smoothly over the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Dennis O'Neal, Dennis G. Doyle
  • Patent number: 6142071
    Abstract: A re-useable stencil kit made of a semi-rigid panel material for the application of painted address characters and a decorative painted background on a street curb. A base decorative background stencil (10) having an elongated opening featuring a decorative shape (12, 28) at the right and left sides of the opening. Address characters formed in separate, character stencil cards (18) featuring one address character (20) each, are arranged within the cavity of the opening in the background stencil along with blank spacer cards (22, 24, 26) to form the desired address. The spacer cards fill in void space on either side of, and center the character stencil cards, simultaneously masking the painted background. The stencils and spacers fit closely together to prevent paint over spray and to provide accurate character alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Don P. Fexer
  • Patent number: 5983790
    Abstract: A foil screen is held in registration with a printed circuit board during the application of solder paste on the printed circuit board, within a frame assembly with a prescribed tension by providing a rigid frame for juxtaposition with the foil screen, engaging the foil screen with at least one coupler, engaging the one coupler with a tensioner for resiliently biasing the one coupler to exert a tensioning force of prescribed magnitude upon the foil screen to tension the foil screen with the prescribed tension, and selectively applying an actuating force to the one coupler, the actuating force being opposite to the tensioning force, and selectively releasing the actuating force from the one coupler, such that upon actuation of the actuator to apply the actuating force, the tensioning force is overcome for release of the foil screen from the one coupler, and upon actuation of the actuator to release the actuating force, the one tensioner resiliently biases the one coupler to exert the tensioning force of prescr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: PNC2, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin J. Switzer, Popatlal D. Patel
  • Patent number: 5802971
    Abstract: A screen frame assembly for mounting a printing screen includes a rectangular screen frame proper having a rectangular opening, and screen anchor members removably secured to frame anchor members along the four sides of the frame opening and having bonding surfaces to be adhesively or otherwise bonded to the screen edges for securing the screen to the frame. The screen anchor members are separable from the frame anchor members to clean the screen anchor members for reuse and to replace screen anchor members which are damaged or otherwise unusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Kaino J. Hamu
    Inventors: Alan J. Hamu, Kaino J. Hamu
  • Patent number: 5797317
    Abstract: This invention discloses an universal chuck for holding plates, including a base having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, a lower carriage movable on the base along said longitudinal axis, an upper carriage movable on the lower carriage along the longitudinal axis, a plate mounting carried by the lower carriage at one side thereof for mounting one edge of a plate to be held by the universal chuck, and a plate mounting carried by the upper carriage at the side thereof opposite to the one side of the lower carriage, for mounting the opposite edge of the plate to be held by the universal chuck, such that moving the lower carriage and the upper carriage with respect to each other and with respect to the base along said longitudinal axis, changes the distance between the lower carriage and upper carriage plate mountings to thereby enable the chuck to hold plates of different longitudinal dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Orbot Instruments Ltd.
    Inventors: Eitan Lahat, Nissim Zafrani
  • Patent number: 5775220
    Abstract: A method for screen printing is provided where multiple screen frames used to facilitate multiple images are carried in fixed registration for an entire screen printing process. The method includes positioning and registering at least two screen frames in fixed registration inside a master frame with the screen frames disposed adjacent to one another and lying in a common plane with the master frame. The steps of coating the screens with emulsion, drying the coated screens, and producing an image on the screens are provided. The master frame is loaded in a printing press and the screens are inked. Printing occurs by repeatably positioning an object in adjacency to each screen for transferring ink through each screen onto the object to produce multiple images on the object where the screens are maintained in fixed registration relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Robert M. Thatcher
  • Patent number: 5669970
    Abstract: A stencil for applying solder paste in a desired pattern for mounting electronic components on a surface of a circuit board, said stencil including a sheet having holes therethrough in a pattern corresponding to the desired pattern, a smooth upper surface for receiving the solder paste thereon, and a smooth lower surface for contacting the surface of the circuit board, the upper surface having relieved portions so as to increase the friction between the upper surface and the solder paste being squeegeed thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: MPM Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Balog, David P. Prince
  • Patent number: 5483882
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device, a system and a method for locating a printing screen at a selected starting position for printing operations and for resetting the screen to the starting position for its adjustment relative to an article. The device includes first and second centering plates disposed in overlapping relationship to one another. The plates are mounted to respective first and second moveable screen support members. At least one micro-adjuster is associated with each support member for effecting precise adjustment of the respective centering plates and, hence, the screen. A first micro-adjuster effects longitudinal movement of the first member and a second effects movement of the second member laterally. Thereby, planar movement of the screen and the associated centering plates is effected. The device also has an arm with an aperture for receiving and engaging a screen centering member. The member passes through the aperture and into engagement with a corresponding receptacle in the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Precision Screen Machines, Inc.
    Inventor: David Jaffa
  • Patent number: 5476039
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a screen printing apparatus comprising a support mechanism for supporting the material to undergo printing; a printing plate in which an ink penetrating portion is formed possessing the shape of the print; a printing plate housing for housing the printing plate at a position in contact with the material to undergo printing; a slider which is capable of bi-directional horizontal movement with respect to the printing plate; a slider driving mechanism for driving the slider bi-directionally; a first squeegee and a second squeegee for spreading over the printing plate ink supplied to the printing plate; and a squeegee switch mechanism installed in the slider for supporting the first squeegee and the second squeegee, and for selecting one of these first squeegee and second squeegee, and placing the selected squeegee in contact with the printing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventors: Kengo Hiruta, Young S. Kim
  • Patent number: 5456173
    Abstract: A device for fixing end rings in the ends of a rotary screen printing stencil wherein a layer of adhesive, which has been applied between the end rings and the ends of said stencil, is hardened by using infra-red radiation producing means such as infra-red radiators. Such radiators each have a reflector which is insulated at their back-sides. During the treatment with infra-red radiation, the assembly of end rings and printing stencil may be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the stencil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Stork Screens B.V.
    Inventor: Anthonius M. van der Meulen
  • Patent number: 5452655
    Abstract: An apparatus for printing a viscous material onto a surface of a board through the medium of a screen having openings therein. The apparatus comprises a viscous material dispenser (S) of the type having a box-like housing (A) in which a chamber (5) for containing the material and a slit-like bottom aperture (3) communicating therewith are provided. A pair of blades (2A, 2B) depend from the housing (A) on opposite sides of the bottom aperture (3). A rear wall (8) of the housing (A) comprises a fixed upper wall section (8A) and a lower flap wall section (8B) swingably and slidably connected thereto and depending therefrom. The lower flap wall section (8B) defines the rear side of the bottom aperture (3). One of said blades which serves as a squeegee blade is fixed to the flap wall section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Tani Denkikogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Okie Tani
  • Patent number: 5243905
    Abstract: A stencil system and process for applying a decorative coating atop a substrate surface. The stencil system includes a plurality of stencils connectable in an array used in the process and structured to lay interconnected atop the substrate without relative movement and to uniformly and completely shield a decorative or geometric pattern defined on the substrate from being coated by the array of stencils. Thus, a liquid cement-like coating, preferably sprayed over the substrate to a thickness generally equal to that of the stencils, will cure and harden after removal of the stencils, to create a decorative simulated stone, brick, tile or the like surface appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Ronald E. Webber
  • Patent number: 5111743
    Abstract: A screen process printing plate includes a screen holding plate provided with an opening and having flexibility and restoring capability. A screen is fixed to the screen holding plate and covers at least a part of the opening. A fixed member is provided for fixedly holding one end of the screen holding plate and a movable member is provided for holding an opposite end of the screen holding plate. The movable member is movable in a direction parallel to a plane defined by the screen. A biasing device is provided for biasing the movable member in a predetermined first direction away from the fixed member and in the direction of movement of the movable member. When a squeegee presses the screen holding plate and the screen, the screen holding plate and the screen are flexibly curved easily into contact with an object to be printed. Since the tension is supported by the screen holding plate, excessive tension does not occur in the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Umaba, Jiro Ono, Syunsuke Takagi, Makoto Sawada, Hideki Adachi, Hirofumi Shimizu, Mokuhei Hashimoto, Tetsu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5063842
    Abstract: A screen tensioning and framing device comprising two opposing pairs of bars, the opposing bars being generally parallel to each other, means for attaching an edge portion of the screen to each of the bars, and means for pulling each of the bars to create tension in the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: M & R Printing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Clarke
  • Patent number: 5018441
    Abstract: A portable screen printing apparatus useful for printing designs, lettering, and numerals on garments and other articles containing novel screen holder assemblies which allow variable positioning of the thermal printing screen over the surface of the garment. The screen printing apparatus consists generally of a support base, four positionable screen holder assemblies hingedly affixed to a pivoting plate, an elevating plate, and a platform supporting the article to be printed on. Each screen holder assembly consists basically of a two panel telescoping frame endwardly affixed with a U-shaped channel. The channel is affixed with two thumb screws for securing the thermal frame portion of a thermal printing screen. The top telescoping panel with the U-shaped channel endwardly attached, can be extended longitudinally over the surface of the garment on the article platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Humbert G. Miraglia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4852483
    Abstract: A kit for singular screen printing on T-shirts, including a carrier loaded with a row of overlapping stencils and a mask for shielding around a printing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Inventor: Janice W. Bussard
  • Patent number: 4843963
    Abstract: A silk screen printing frame that consists of a frame that can accommodate two smaller screens that fit into the larger frame. A set of the smaller screens range from 0-9, thus a total of 20 screens will accommodate all numbers from 0-99. Alignment and centering of the numbers on the work product is accomplished by a centering and alignment indices and a uniquely configurated numeral "1" screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventors: Harry E. Hoeflein, Paul A. Varrato, K. J. Maderas