Abstract: Apparatus for embossing media, the apparatus including cutter apparatus to cut a shape in a surface layer of a multi-layer substrate to form a die. The apparatus also includes an embosser to emboss the media using the die. The cutter apparatus is arranged to provide the die to the embosser.

Abstract: A device for heating at least one tool that is disposed on the circumference of a rotating cylinder, for example on the circumference of an embossing cylinder. The embossing tool is produced from a magnetizable material and it is fixed to a carrier sleeve that is produced from a non-magnetizable material.

Abstract: Methods and systems for thermal printing of thermally printable photonic crystal materials and assemblies. The photonic crystal materials and assemblies are responsive to thermal stimuli, wherein temperatures above a thermal threshold results in an optically detectable change in the appearance of the materials and assemblies. Heat is selectively applied to one or more portions of the materials and assemblies, in order to thermally print a graphic onto the materials and assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hot stamping at least part of at least one band-shaped stamping foil (10, 20) onto a band-shaped substrate (30), as well as a corresponding hot stamping device. The substrate (30) to be stamped is brought together with one stamping foil (10, 20) of the at least one stamping foils (10, 20). The substrate (30) and the stamping foil (10, 20) resting thereon are guided along the periphery of a first heated stamping roller wherein, in a first stamping, a first stamping layer is stamped onto the substrate (30). The once-stamped substrate (30) is guided away from the first stamping roller and again brought together with the same or a further stamping foil (10, 20) of the at least one stamping foils (10, 20) after the first stamping roller in the direction of travel (33) of the substrate (30).

Abstract: Apparatus for embossing media, the apparatus including cutter apparatus to cut a shape in a surface layer of a multi-layer substrate to form a die. The apparatus also includes an embosser to emboss the media using the die. The cutter apparatus is arranged to provide the die to the embosser.

Abstract: A diecutting device, in particular for cutting labels, includes a diecutting cylinder that rotates about an axis of rotation, a counterpressure cylinder that rotates about an axis of rotation essentially parallel to the axis of rotation of the diecutting cylinder and has a cylinder body, and bearer rings assigned to the cylinders and rolling off on each other. A spacing between the diecutting cylinder and the counterpressure cylinder is adjustable. A respective bearer ring assigned to the counterpressure cylinder is connected to a counterpressure cylinder shaft and each end of the cylinder body of the counterpressure cylinder is connected to the counterpressure cylinder shaft by a respective connecting link guide.

Abstract: A hot stamping machine including a stamping member which presses a stamping foil against a peripheral surface of articles which are successively positioned in a stamping position and wherein stamping foil is removed from an unwinding mechanism for each stamping sequence and passes in succession into a suction box, along a braking surface and opposite the stamping member that urges the foil against an article, and wherein a reserve of foil is available in the suction box between the unwinding means and the braking surface, while the foil is tensioned between the stamping member and the article, during stamping of the article, and between the braking surface and a rewinding mechanism.

Abstract: An indent printing apparatus that is capable of indent printing on both sides of a document. A desktop card printer that uses the indent printing apparatus, a method of personalizing a document in the printer, and a ribbon cartridge used with the indent printing apparatus are also disclosed. The indent printing apparatus has first and second indenting mechanisms and uses first and second indent printing ribbon cartridges to enable indent printing on both side surfaces of the document.

Abstract: A recording apparatus is advantageous in miniaturization even though a mechanism for adjusting a head gap is included. The recording apparatus includes a carriage for detachably holding a cartridge, a platen for supporting one surface of a recording medium, and a conveying roller and an eject roller for conveying the recording medium. The platen is constructed so that it is rockable with an axis of the eject roller as a rotation center and is switchable between at least two positions.

Abstract: Compression-resistant heating frame, comprising an upper plate and a lower plate which are secured to each other, and a heating layer interposed between the two plates. Force-absorption studs are disposed between the two plates in order to protect the heating layer against deformation by compression of the plates against each other. The studs are distributed to permit regular heating of each plate. The force-absorption studs are distributed at the nodes of a rectangular, hexagonal or centered square network. The force-absorption studs preferably include a flange to distribute the compression force on a metal base sheet which is interposed between the upper plate and the heating means. Thermal insulation material is interposed between the heating layer and the upper plate. The heating layer may comprise a film through which an electric circuit passes in order to produce heating by joule effect.

Abstract: A method for the hot-stamping a plurality of parts for stamping comprises operatively engaging a surface of at least one printing plate and a surface of a part for stamping in a stamping plane. The method further comprises providing a material which is to be stamped on between the printing plate and the part for stamping in such a manner that, during the operative engagement, the material which is to be stamped on is stamped onto the part for stamping. A stamping force for the stamping acts in a stamping direction approximately perpendicular to the stamping plane. The method further comprises simultaneously moving the surface of the printing plate and surfaces of the parts for stamping relative to each other into and out again from the stamping plane on defined, uniform paths of movement, said paths of movement intersecting a stamping axis during the stamping operation.

Abstract: A personalized branding iron with interchangeable symbols, including: a handle arrangement having a first end and a second end; a mounting arrangement mechanically connected to the first end; and at least one unitary substantial symbol configured for branding. The mounting arrangement and the symbol are configured for convenient mechanical connection of the symbol to the mounting arrangement.

Abstract: The hot stamping cylinder (1) is provided with a heating system which consists of a heating foil (3) which is arranged on the inner wall of the cylinder (1), enabling extraordinarily quick heating and cooling times. In addition to actually heating the surface of the cylinder and the annular or sleeve-type stamping tools (10) placed thereon, the latter are clamped by thermal expansion in said adjusted position.

Abstract: A method for tightening an embossing plate ring on a chuck of a rotary embossing press, wherein the chuck is intended to be connected to a heater for leading the embossing plate ring to a working temperature. Between the chuck and the embossing plate ring is a split transmission ring made of a material having an expansion coefficient which is higher than that of materials used for the chuck and the embossing plate ring to cause the blocking of the embossing plate ring onto the chuck at the working temperature of the embossing plate ring.

Abstract: Tools supporting and heating device for tools like printing plates, used for diecutting and hot pressure transfer of portions of metallic films on a substrate. This device comprises a base plate applied against one of the sides of the honeycomb chase. This base plate is made of a sequence of at least one insulating surface and of at least one conducting surface enabling to feed at least one heating device intended to be inserted inside each one of said apertures in order to heat a printing plate fastened against a second side of the honeycomb chase.

Abstract: A rotary embossing machine applies an embossing sheet section on a web of material. The rotary embossing machine comprises an embossing device and a counter-pressure cylinder. The embossing device is provided with an embossing element and the embossing element with a supply roll for the embossing sheet, a transport device and an embossing tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a die stamping method and to a device for performing the method.

Abstract: A rotary hot foil stamping machine is provided for repeatedly stamping a foil image onto a continuous product web at a consistent interval along the length of the product web. The rotary hot foil stamping machine includes first and second die stations, each die station comprising a servo driven rotary die holder with at least one removable die attached thereto. Counter rolls are mounted adjacent each die holder such that the outer surfaces of the dies engage the counter rolls as the dies are rotated past the counter rolls. The die holders are driven at a constant speed such that said die surfaces engage the counter rolls simultaneously at regular timed intervals.

Abstract: Holographic labels are used on a variety of articles of manufacture for security, authenticity, or aesthetic appeal. Manufacturing a holographic label or sticker typically entails microembossing, that is, imprinting or cutting, microscopic grooves into a clear plastic sheet with a shiny aluminum coating. The grooves diffract light and form a three-dimensional image, such as the dove commonly found on Visa™ brand credit cards. Unfortunately, conventional microembossing machines, or microembossers, suffer from a number of problems. For example, these microembossers include two large base rollers that move back and forth in sequence to contact a shimroller. The clumsy back and forth movement not only limits how fast embossing can occur but also causes misalignment of embossed images. To address this and other problems, the inventors devised an exemplary microembosser which includes a single base roller and a shimroller which one or more unique features.

Abstract: A storage device for receiving a loop section of a flexible material web (8) moved in a conveying direction (18) between a feed area upstream of the storage device and a discharge area downstream thereof is described, the material web speeds at least periodically differing from one another in the feed area and the discharge area. The speed differences are compensated by a length change of the loop section stored in the storage device. On the feed side the storage device has a first pulling device formed by a suction belt (35, 55) and on the discharge side a separate, second pulling device formed by a parallel suction belt (35, 56). As a result of the parallel suction belts the drawn-in loop section is securely held by vacuum over most of its length, whereas between the pulling devices a tensile force-free loop partial section (4a) is moved to and fro in the store longitudinal direction with substantially no shape change in accordance with the store filling.

Abstract: A hot stamping cylinder for webs includes a mounting cylinder, a longitudinal channel extending running along the substantial entirety of the length thereof. A flexible substrate plate includes a leading edge flange substantially parallel to the flexible substrate plate and offset a distance substantially equal to the depth of the channel. A trailing edge flange is also provided which is substantially parallel to the flexible substrate plate and offset a distance substantially equal to the depth of the channel. A layer of silicone material is positioned on the flexible substrate plate where the layer of silicone material has a relief pattern thereon which corresponds to a desired stamping pattern. A longitudinal clamp resides in the channel and retains the leading edge flange and the trailing edge flange within the channel thereby securing the substrate plate, with silicone relief pattern thereon, to the mounting cylinder in preparation for use in a web hot stamp operation.

Abstract: A device for conveying sheets in a sheet-processing machine uses a processing cylinder having a circumferential speed. Conveyor belts cooperate with the cylinder for transporting sheets with the belts arranged between the processing cylinder and a chain conveyor with a gripper system. A ratio between the transportation speed of the processing cylinder can be changed by use of a drive of the conveyor belts in order to vary the distance between successive sheets.

Abstract: A foil-stamping machine for applying patterns to sheets that can exchangeably accept stamping cylinders of different diameters. The stamping cylinder is exchanged by moving it in its axial direction. Sheet conveying means interact with the stamping cylinder and adapt to the diameter of the stamping cylinder. The stamping cylinder has at least one narrow suction strip extending in the axial direction and front marks arranged directly ahead of the suction strips for aligning the sheets on the stamping cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing panels used in building utilises low wattage blowers to heat a zone upstream of the embossing site. Embossing is carried out by feeding a panel through the nip of an embossing wheel and an anvil roller. A track is rolled into the hard panel surface and various decorative effects are achieved by using side by side arrangements of wheels. The tendency to panel splitting is reduced by the provision of hot localised zones. The apparatus is sufficiently wide to receive the panel in both axes.

Abstract: A method for impression microengravings, which reproduce holograms, kinetic holograms, or diffraction patterns, directly on paper through an embossing process. Paper is subjected to a humidification step to give it a degree of humidity between 60 and 80% of relative humidity. The humidified paper is then passed through an embossing group, consisting of an embossing cylinder carrying the microengravings and a counterthrust cylinder, at a temperature and a pressure on the paper within the ranges of 90-220.degree. C. and 20-120 kg/mm.sup.2, respectively.

Abstract: A hot press mechanism for a printing machine includes a roller having a longitudinal channel and a peripheral chamber formed in the peripheral portion. A mold piece is secured on the peripheral portion of the roller for engaging with a sheet material to be printed. A heating plate is engaged in the peripheral chamber of the roller for heating the mold piece, and a heat insulating layer is engaged between the roller and the heating plate for preventing the roller from being heated. Only the mold piece is heated for allowing much electric energy to be saved.

Abstract: According to the present invention there are provided method and apparatus for producing a simple printing plate having open cells, which method and apparatus area simple in construction and permit accurate and continuous production of the printing plate. More specifically, as the method there is provided a method of producing a simple printing plate having open cells by pressing both an embossing member having a relief image and a to-be-embossed member which is a sheet having open cells, in a heated state of the embossing member, allowing the relief image to be transferred to the to-be-embossed member, characterized in that the embossing member is attached to an embossing cylinder, the to-be-embossed member is attached to a to-be-embossed cylinder, one or both of the embossing cylinder and the to-be-embossed cylinder being in an arcuate form, and both cylinders are rotated in synchronism with each other, thereby pressing the embossing member and the to-be-embossed member in a rolling fashion.

Abstract: A rotary embossing machine includes an embossing mechanism in which an embossing gap is formed between an embossing cylinder and a counter pressure cylinder. For conveying an embossing film web through the embossing gap, the rotary embossing machine includes a conveying mechanism for producing a movement of the web at the same speed as a material layer to be embossed, during an embossing interval. The film conveying mechanism includes a pulling device downstream of the embossing gap which is provided with a slip drive for the embossing film web and a controllable film supply device upstream of the embossing gap which cooperates with the pulling device. This arrangement avoids the risk of the embossing films or foils tearing and improves the embossing quality.

Abstract: In the decoration of an article having a conical surface by means of a decoration applied from an embossing foil, the embossing foil strip is unwound from a supply roll and passed around a deflection roller to feed it in the proper orientation to an embossing station in which a decoration is transferred from the embossing foil on to the surface of the article. The deflection roller and the embossing foil supply roll perform a linear movement parallel to the axis of the deflection roller and at the same time a pivotal movement about a pivot axis which is normal to that roller axis. The deflection roller is continuously linearly displaced by a distance corresponding to the deviation between the linear configuration of the embossing foil strip and the arcuate configuration defined by the development of the conical surface of the article to be decorated.

Abstract: A continuous sheet of metal leaf advanced at a constant rate is moved at variable velocity through a rotary die stamper such that between stamps the metal leaf moves at a velocity which is slower than the velocity of a substrate web; but just prior to stamping the metal leaf is accelerated by contact between the metal leaf and a raised die rotating at the velocity of the substrate web so that when the stamp occurs the metal leaf is traveling at a velocity substantially equal to the velocity of the substrate web. Varying the velocity of the metal leaf has the effect of minimizing the distance the metal leaf travels between stamps which conserves consumption of the metal leaf. Separate means for accelerating the leaf prior to stamping and decelerating the leaf after stamping also may be provided.

Abstract: A thermal marking device for surfaces of binder-containing webs of mineral wool includes, mounted on a raisable and lowerable mounting frame, a roller which has on its periphery electrically heatable marking elements. The marking elements carry image panels, the marking sections of which take the form of letters, symbols, pictorial represenations etc. and project at least 5 mm beyond the surface of the image panel. Furthermore, the envelope curve of the surface of the marking sections corresponds substantially to the outer surface of an annular cylinder, the axis of which coincides with the axis with the axis of the roller. Furthermore, the marking device is equipped with heating elements, the heating output from which can be locally and variously adjusted. As a result, it is possible to produce homogeneous marked patterns by a suitably reduced or increased supply of energy at locations having need for heat output while creating non-homogeneous decomposition patterns.

Abstract: An apparatus for dry printing onto a workpiece (12) using a hot embossing film (10) and an emobssing die (1) is shown, whereby the hot embossing film (10) adheres onto the workpiece (12) corresponding to the embossing die (1) and after a cooling period the film, except for the impression itself, is released from the workpiece. The walls of the die body (2) are so thin that, as it is placed onto the workpiece (12) to be printed onto, it forms locally and elastically onto the workpiece surface (11). The side of the die body (2) facing away from the die face (3) displays a positive force transfer relief (7), which corresponds to or which is similar to the die face (3). On the side of the die body (2) facing away from the die face (3) there is an elastic pressure pad (8) for the die body (2) to form locally and elastically.

Abstract: A printer which comprises a printing roll mounted upon a main shaft for rotation, an ink roll presented in axial parallel relationship to said printing roll and having heat-soluble ink, a clutch brake unit operatively connected to said printing roll and ink roll for controlling rotation thereof consonant with the printing interval of material to be printed responsive to a feeding mechanism, an encoder for translating the rate of speed of said material into a pulse of unit length. A heat sleeve is concentrically disposed upon said main shaft for rotation therewith; there being a heater element provided within said heat sleeve. A printing type holder is removably mounted on the outer periphery of said heat sleeve for receiving ink from said ink roller. A power supply shaft cooperates with said feed mechanism, and a quill shaft is provided for operative connection to said power supply shaft to transmit rotation to said printing roll and ink roll.

Abstract: A rotational register system comprising a mandrel and a roll transfer design mechanism, with a female keyway disposed on one end of the mandrel and configured to engage a male keyway on the inner surface of a pen cap to rotationally register said pen cap relative to the starting and ending point of the transfer mechanism is disclosed. There is further provided a clip attaching mechanism with a second mandrel also having a female keyway such that the seam of a design on the pen cap will be directly covered by the clip.

Abstract: A marking machine of the type having a powered rotary marking head provided with heated raised indicia brought sequentially and repeatedly into contact with a pigment source and a linearly moving workpiece to be imprinted by the indicia. The device is provided with a rotary drive train which may be geared to the workpiece drive and is equipped with adjustment mechanisms within the train providing for both rotary angle adjustment of the head with respect to the drive input and rotational speed adjustment varying the rate of rotation during each rotation of the head to adjust to different spacing between imprints while maintaining proper imprint speed.

Abstract: A coating apparatus in which a coating film is transferred from a film carrying roll leaf, onto the surface of a product. A positioning platform, together with a pressure member which acts against the platform, define a transfer station at which the roll leaf and product are concurrently aligned. A continuously moving and guided thermal belt preheats the foil sufficiently to effect separation of the roll leaf decorative layer from the carrier, and assure its transfer to the product surface.

Abstract: A device for heating and transferring a film to the surface of an object having a variable transfer width wherein the object is mounted on a rotary jig and a thermal transfer roll contacts the object so that the film is fed between the transfer roll and the object as the jig rotates. In order to prevent excessive transfer pressures, the contact pressure exerted by the transfer roll on the surface of the object can be varied with reference to changes in the width of the surface to which the film is actually applied. In lieu of varying the pressure, the speed at which the transfer rolls traverses the surface can be adjusted with respect to variations in the width of the surface to which the film is transferred.

Abstract: A special-purpose clutch incorporated in a drive mechanism of hot stamping apparatus wherein heated type on a rotary type carrier is periodically pressed against a printing ribbon in superposition on a continuous strip of plastics or other material being fed at constant speed over a platen, thereby imprinting characters on the strip at constant spacings. The clutch comprises a drive disk mounted on a motor output shaft, a driven disk mounted on a type carrier shaft, and a spring through which rotation is normally imparted from the drive to driven disk. The spring is yieldable to permit the driven disk to be rotated, while the heated type is being pressed each time against the printing ribbon, by the strip of material at lower speed than the drive disk. The angular speed of the type being pressed against the ribbon can thus be precisely synchronized with the linear speed of the strip traveling over the platen.

Abstract: For imprinting characters on a continuous strip of plastics or other material by pressing heated type against a printing ribbon thereon, the strip is fed at constant speed over a platen in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the printing ribbon from payoff reel to takeup reel. The type is mounted on a rotary type carrier over the platen, for revolution in a direction in conformity with the traveling direction of the strip. While the heated type is being pressed against the superposed ribbon and strip over the platen, the ribbon is thereby transported a predetermined distance toward the payoff reel with the strip relative to the platen and, when subsequently released by the type, is pulled back the same distance toward the takeup reel by a spring-energized pullback lever. The ribbon is then wound up onto the takeup reel via a pair of drawoff rollers just by a length corresponding to the width of the character or characters on the typeface.

Abstract: A process for highspeed branding of an intricate pattern, usually a wood grain pattern, into materials such as particle board, hard board or various lumbers having poor grain characteristics is disclosed. The material to be branded is passed under a heated rotary die having the desired pattern thereon to emboss by heat shrinking and to char the pattern into the material; and the improvement of the process of the present invention, which effects an increased die life, is comprised of maintaining the die at about a temperature between about 800.degree. and about 900.degree. F. This temperature range is high enough to achieve high quality branding and high quantity production, while minimizing degradation of the die pattern from oxidation and contact with the material being branded. The die pattern is preferably relatively deep, in excess of 0.040 inch, and is urged into the material to a depth of about one-half the pattern depth.