Abstract: The invention relates to an embossing apparatus for embossing cards, in particular plastic cards, comprising a feed unit for feeding a card into an embossing region, and an embossing device. The embossing device comprises a displaceable, actuatable embossing die which can be positioned above a position that is to be embossed in the embossing region; a plunger unit which has a displaceable plunger for moving forward the actuatable embossing die, and a striking mechanism for applying pressure to the plunger of the plunger unit in order to carry out an embossing on a card in the embossing region by means of the embossing die.

Abstract: Stamps and methods of making stamps for applications in anti-counterfeiting and authentication. The stamps are relatively small in size and feature nanoscale and microscale identification regions and features. High throughput manufacturing and high resolution methods are used to make the stamps including electron beam lithography and optical lithography. Anti-fouling coatings can be applied.

Abstract: A method for making an embossed article, tools used to make such articles and the resulting article are disclosed. The article includes a first composite element having a plurality of spaced apart subelements, which is created by mounting a first embossing tool to an embossing press wherein the first embossing tool includes first and second male dies, as well as mounting a second embossing tool in registered opposition to the first embossing tool, which includes first and second female dies complementary in number, type and position to the respective first and second male dies. After positioning a first deformable sheet material between the first and second embossing tools, the first male dies and the first female dies are compressed, the sheet is moved, and the second male dies and second female dies are compressed. Alternatively, at least some of the dies are moved or replaced prior to the second compressing actions, which may be to the same or different sheet material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an embossing apparatus for embossing cards, in particular plastic cards, comprising a feed unit for feeding a card into an embossing region, and an embossing device. The embossing device comprises a displaceable, actuatable embossing die which can be positioned above a position that is to be embossed in the embossing region; a plunger unit which has a displaceable plunger for moving forward the actuatable embossing die, and a striking mechanism for applying pressure to the plunger of the plunger unit in order to carry out an embossing on a card in the embossing region by means of the embossing die.

Abstract: A new and improved roller press for embellishing media includes a pair of spaced apart roller press members having convex shaped radially outer press surfaces. A handle having a ratchet mechanism is connected to a first roller for turning the roller during pressing. A gear set connects the rollers for turning a second roller in a rotational direction opposite of the first roller for moving the media between the rollers for pressing. A feed bed and exit bed slope away from the rollers to provide a stable base for supporting the press.

Abstract: A press system that reduces contamination of workpieces and/or compliant members used in die assemblies of the press from the pressing process. The die assemblies may utilize annular or hole-less stampers in which the compliant member is sealed in the die assembly. The compliant member may have be annular having a cavity at approximately its center. A gap may be generated at the cavity of the compliant member between a constraint member and the stamper. The gap, for example, may be filled with a plug to prevent significant distortion of the stamper over a hole of a disk shaped workpiece due to the pressure induced force generated by the press system. An outer diameter ring surrounding a workpiece may be used to prevent collapse of the stampers outside the diameter of the workpiece to insure uniform pressing out to the outer diameter of the workpiece.

Abstract: A die for a press system. The die may include a stamper and a housing, having a cavity disposed therein, coupled to the stamper. The die may also include a gasket disposed within the cavity. The gasket may be coupled to the stamper at a position above a workpiece to be imprinted by the stamper.

Abstract: A plurality of curved plates which are adapted to be mounted on an embossing roll are identically engraved with an embossing pattern that matches the plate dimensions, permitting them to be interchanged or replaced without disrupting pattern discontinuity. In one embodiment, the pattern is created to match a given plate by laying out a skew grid matching plate corners, and using grid parallelograms as pattern unit cells. In another embodiment, an existing doubly periodic pattern is minimally distorted to match the plate geometry.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for the adjustment of the position of a die in a printing press are disclosed. The apparatus and methods provide for the adjustment of a die frame within a chase. The chase defines a horizontal and a vertical axis. The die frame is slidably secured in a chase to permit movement and adjustment of the die frame in the horizontal and the vertical axis. The die frame may be slidably mounted to one or more vertical guides and one or more horizontal guides to facilitate movement and adjustment in the horizontal and vertical axis.

Abstract: An alternative stamp die is designed with tapered areas and non-tapered areas to provide for a longer lived stamp die while avoiding the problems associated with slug pulling.

Abstract: A process and device for forming a matrix cavity in the counter die of an embossing punch with an embossing device. The counter die is made of a tough, elastic to hard material such as a thermoplastic. The top die having a raised embossing pattern is pressed onto the counter die, which is heated, to form the matrix cavity.

Abstract: An embossing cylinder for embossing a foil comprising a plurality of stamping dies, where the stamping dies are mounted on the cylinder through adjustable means allowing each of the dies to be adjusted in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction of the embossing cylinder.

Abstract: A stamp-making apparatus is provided in which a transparent presser plate is arranged such that the presser plate is parallel with a stamp-making object material, an ink ribbon having a stamp image formed thereon is urged against the stamp-making object material via the presser plate, and exposure of the stamp-making object material to light is carried out via the ink ribbon as a mask. A ribbon feeder rolls out an ink ribbon wound around one end portion thereof to a position facing the stamp-making object material, and then rolls up the ink ribbon around another end portion thereof. A relative translation of the presser plate and the stamp-making object material is made toward each other by moving at least one of the presser plate and the stamp-making object material to thereby urge the ink ribbon against the stamp-making object material. A guide guides the ink ribbon when the ink ribbon is fed, to space between the presser plate and the stamp-making object material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for enhancing the security of mechanical postage meters through use of an encapsulated fluorescence quenching substance. An encapsulated quenching substance is blended with red fluorescent inks that are used to print postage indicia. The fluorescent quenching substance that is encapsulated has the characteristic of reacting with the fluorescent dye in the ink to cause a bathochromic shift of the wave length where reflectance occurs. By designing the printhead of the postage meter in an appropriate way, a portion of the encapsulated substance can be ruptured during printing of the postage indicia, thereby providing an area where the bathochromic shift has occurred. Thereafter, the indicia can be exposed to ultraviolet light and a determination can be made whether the postage indicia has been printed by a postage meter by inspecting the portion of the indicia where a bathochromic shift is expected.

Abstract: A low fiber, high filler content matrix board is provided. The matrix board is characterized by a total mold shrinkage of not more than 0.002 "/", wherein the shrinkage is substantially non-directional. In addition to the fibers and fillers, the board further comprises a resin binder. A matrix mold made from the board is provided together with a method for forming a flexographic printing plate from such a matrix mold and a printing plate made according to this method.

Abstract: A fabric printing implement has a U-shaped, flexible support which carries at the ends of the "U" a printing head and an anvil. The printing head is formed of a recessed printing surface, and the anvil is formed of a tapered surface. The combination of the tapered surface of the anvil and the recess of the printing head operates such that the cloth or fabric being imprinted is stretched to remove wrinkles and present a flat surface so that the printing can be clear and legible. The arms of the "U" are formed of such size that cloth can be gathered between the arms to present almost any desired location on the cloth for imprinting between the anvil and the printing head.

Abstract: A laminated thermosetting decorative sheet has on its surface glossy protruding parts and matted recessed parts, and the recessed parts are preferably colored. This laminated thermosetting decorative sheet is manufactured using a press plate with an enamel layer having protruding parts whose enamel surfaces are matted.