Abstract: A hot foil stamping press has a pressing system for pressing a foil onto a sheet, a blow unit which is positioned at a distance to the pressing system for directing a stream of gas between the sheet and the foil. The stream of gas to detaches the foil from the sheet after each stamping cycle. A gripper bar is arranged between the blow unit and the pressing system for gripping the sheet. A flow guiding element is arranged between the blow unit and the pressing system, preferably on the gripper bar, for directing the gas from the blow unit between the sheet and the foil. Said element avoids the losses in the stream of gas due to the aperture that exist between the grippers in a typical gripper bar.

Abstract: A device for micro-embossing paper includes at least one micro-embossing unit to micro-emboss a wet paper ply. The micro-embossing unit includes a micro-embossing cylinder and a counter cylinder facing the micro-embossing cylinder at an embossing area where the wet paper ply is subjected to micro-embossing, and a heater to dry the wet paper ply. The micro-embossing cylinder includes a side surface partially wrapped by the wet paper ply. The heater heats at least one portion of the side surface partially wrapped by the wet paper ply to dry the wet paper ply.

Abstract: A device for driving a stamping foil over a path through a stamping machine is disclosed herein. The driving device comprises two foil-introduction chain-like elements and a drive member coupled to the foil-introduction chain-like elements for driving the foil-introduction chain-like elements notably through a platen press of a stamping machine. The driving device further comprises at least one first load-measurement device comprising a first detector configured to measure a parameter indicative of the load applied by the drive member for driving the foil-introduction chain-like elements in a first direction, the at least one first load-measurement device being connected to a stamping-machine control unit configured to stop the driving by the drive member when the parameter indicative of the load applied by the drive member and measured by the first detector crosses a threshold.

Abstract: A stamp for micro-transfer printing comprises a rigid support having a support coefficient of thermal expansion (support CTE). Pedestals are disposed on (e.g., directly on and in contact with) the rigid support. Each of the pedestals is spatially separated from any other of the pedestals. The pedestals have a pedestal coefficient of thermal expansion (pedestal CTE) and the pedestal CTE is greater than the support CTE. Posts are disposed on (e.g., directly on and in contact with) each of the pedestals. Each post has a post coefficient of thermal expansion (post CTE) that is greater than the support CTE.

Abstract: Various embodiments process semiconductor devices. In one embodiment, a release layer is applied to a handler. The release layer comprises at least one additive that adjusts a frequency of electro-magnetic radiation absorption property of the release layer. The additive comprises, for example, a 355 nm chemical absorber and/or chemical absorber for one of more wavelengths in a range comprising 600 nm to 740 nm. The at least one singulated semiconductor device is bonded to the handler. The at least one singulated semiconductor device is packaged while it is bonded to the handler. The release layer is ablated by irradiating the release layer through the handler with a laser. The at least one singulated semiconductor device is removed from the transparent handler after the release layer has been ablated.

Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system having small local protrusions which reduce displacement along the joint when the panels are laying flat on the sub floor and locked vertically and horizontally. A method to install a floor comprising a plurality of rectangular floor panels laying in parallel rows on a sub floor with long and short edges which are connectable to each other along one pair of adjacent long edges and one pair of adjacent short edges.

Abstract: A sock-liner assembly includes a sock-liner defining an opening, a message element container coupled to the sock-liner in proximity to the opening, and a message element disposed within the message element container. The message element is configured to display a user-defined message through the opening of the sock-liner.

Abstract: An assembly of a large format media handling system comprises a planar cross structure, and a support structure, the support structure including two side supports, wherein the two side supports extend perpendicularly to the cross structure and are connected to the cross structure at respective side edges of the side supports. A tensioning component is associated with each of the side supports, wherein the tensioning component transmits a tensioning force between the cross structure and the side edges of the side supports in a direction parallel to the side supports.

Abstract: A mold structure has a first mold, a second mold relatively connectable to and disconnectable from the first mold, a heater on at least one of the first and second molds, a transfer member on at least one of the first and second molds, that is relatively movable and separable from the at least one of the first and second molds on which the transfer member is disposed, a transfer surface formed on the transfer member that is placed in contact with a resin sheet fed between the first and second molds to perform transfer molding onto the resin sheet, and a moving mechanism that moves the at least one of the first and second molds on which the transfer member is disposed and the transfer member relative to each other.

Abstract: An automatic welding machine for lap welding the edges of plastic webs, comprising a movable supporting frame, a heating device for partially melting the plastic webs, at least two opposing, counter-rotating pressing rollers and/or advancing rollers, at least one of which being driven, and at least one driving device comprising a drive motor and at least one gearbox for driving the pressing and/or advancing rollers, wherein the pressing rollers and/or advancing rollers are driven by the driving device by way of at least one flexible shaft. Furthermore, the gearbox can be implemented as a worm gear mechanism comprising a worm that is seated directly on a motor shaft of the drive motor and two counter-rotating worm gears driven by the worm.

Abstract: An automatic welding machine, comprising a supporting frame and a tensioning device for reversibly joining at least two opposing booms to one another and applying a tension force between these, having an open position in which the opposing booms are separated from one another by a gap and a closed position in which the opposing booms are joined to one another and braced with respect to one another. One boom is mounted in a torsion-proof manner on the tensioning device and is pivotable in relation to the other boom and can be moved out of the open position into the closed position by the pivoting of the tensioning device.

Abstract: A device 300 for printing a succession of sheets, includes a platen press 310 for depositing colored or metalized film on each sheet by stamping between a stationary platen 320 and a movable platen 330. A heating element 340 brings a stamping tool integral with the stationary platen 320 to a given temperature for a stamping operation. The heating element 340 is displaced between an operating position between the stationary platen 320 and each stamping tool associated with that platen 320, and a maintenance position in which the heating element is outside the platen press 310.

Abstract: A stamping machine is configured for stamping with a stamping head onto an article, The stamping machine includes a camera and a computer system. The computer system includes a display. The computer system is configured to capture from the camera an image of the article prior to the stamping and presents the image on the display. A user selects a symbol using the computer system prior to the stamping onto the article. The user using the computer system, positions the selected symbol as a displayed symbol superimposed on the image of the article.

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: A printing device 300 for printing elements in the form of sheets 10, includes a platen press 310 which hot stamps to affix to each sheet 10 with a colored or metallized film from at least one stamping strip 320. A transport device 340 introduces each sheet 10 one after the other into the platen press 310 by pulling the sheet 10 by its front edge. The printing device 300 further includes a device 360 able to partially restrain each sheet 10 by its rear portion during the phase of introducing the sheet 10 into the platen press 310.

Abstract: A printing device for printing elements in sheet fond: a platen press 310 for depositing onto each sheet 10, by stamping, colored or metalized film from at least one stamping foil; a conveyor using a succession of gripper bars for moving each sheet 10 individually through the platen press 310; a blower member separates each stamping foil from each sheet as it leaves the platen press, the blower member being movable between a work position, in which it is able to operate from the transfer region in which the gripper bars 610 run to the exit of the platen press 310, and a withdrawn position, in which it keeps away from said transfer region.

Abstract: A method and system for card printing and protection provides for single step construction of a card having an image and a protective overlay. A blank card is fed into a hot stamp module, through which is also fed a supply of overlay or patch film. A thermal transfer printer prints an image onto the overlay or patch before it enters the hot stamp module. The blank card is registered with the printed overlay or patch and then hot stamped together to create the finished card construction. A security printing/application module can also selectively apply a security feature or element to the overlay or patch before it enters the hot stamp module.

Abstract: A stamping die for hot stamping a material includes a profiled stamping surface, wherein the stamping die includes at least one thermally insulating substrate, on which an electrically conductive structure having a heating resistor is arranged, and wherein the electrically conductive structure is covered by an electrically insulating film. The surface of the electrically insulating film includes the profiled stamping surface and the electrically insulating film covers at least the heating resistor such that the electrically insulating film with the stamping surface can be electrically heated by the heating resistor. A method for hot stamping a material using such a stamping die includes heating the resistor to a temperature between 100° C. and 800° C.

Abstract: A device 300 for printing a succession of sheets, includes a platen press 310 for depositing colored or metalized film on each sheet by stamping between a stationary platen 320 and a movable platen 330. A heating element 340 brings a stamping tool integral with the stationary platen 320 to a given temperature for a stamping operation. The heating element 340 is displaced between an operating position between the stationary platen 320 and each stamping tool associated with that platen 320, and a maintenance position in which the heating element is outside the platen press 310.

Abstract: A method, an arrangement and computer program product for manufacturing micro-optic surface design with complex, variable three-dimensional forms. A step embossing, step imprinting, a chip bonding or a corresponding device capable of patterning the surface of a target substrate is obtained. The target substrate whereto the micro-optic structures shall be patterned is obtained. A plurality of different stamping tools operable with the device is obtained. Each stamping tool includes one or more surface relief forms defining one or more micro-optic structures. A stamping tool is selected from the plurality of stamping tools by the device. The target substrate is embossed with the selected stamping tool as controlled by the device. The selected stamping tool is optionally heated or assisted by at least one ultraviolet light so as to cure the target substrate during or after the embossing. The selecting and embossing steps are repeated until the micro-optic surface design has been completed on the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus a digital ink-jet printer are presented. A radiation-curable ink is continuously applies to successive locations on a substrate along a print line extending across the substrate. Concurrently with the continuous application of the radiation-curable ink along the print line, first curing radiation of a predetermined first intensity is continuously applied to the applied ink on the successive locations on the substrate along said print line, with a certain time delay, constant for all the locations on the substrate, between the applications of ink and to the first curing radiation. Second curing radiation of a predetermined second intensity is applied to the locations on the substrate a certain time period, constant for all the locations on the substrate, after the application of the first curing radiation to said locations.

Abstract: A printing device 300 for printing elements in the form of sheets 10, includes a platen press 310 which hot stamps to affix to each sheet 10 with a colored or metallized film from at least one stamping strip 320. A transport device 340 introduces each sheet 10 one after the other into the platen press 310 by pulling the sheet 10 by its front edge. The printing device 300 further includes a device 360 able to partially restrain each sheet 10 by its rear portion during the phase of introducing the sheet 10 into the platen press 310.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hologram forming apparatus, including: an embossed hologram sheet; a roller which forms a nip portion between the embossed hologram sheet and the roller, wherein a recording medium bearing a toner image is conveyed to the nip portion so that the toner image is brought into contact with the embossed hologram sheet, and the recording medium and the embossed hologram sheet are heated while being nipped and conveyed in the nip portion; a cooling portion for cooling the recording medium that has passed through the nip portion and is in a contact state with the embossed hologram sheet; and a separating portion for separating the recording medium from the embossed hologram sheet, the recording medium having passed through the cooling portion and bearing the toner image on which an embossed shape of the embossed hologram sheet is transferred.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a stamp for hot embossing (HE). The stamp can be constructed from any photo-resist epoxy that is stable at temperatures equal to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the material to be stamped. The stamp can be used repeatedly without significant distortion of features. The stamp benefits from low relative cost, high fidelity of features in all three-dimensions and fast construction.

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: A system and accompanying method for creating a securely printed document using curable toners. The system includes a first radiation source configured to expose a first radiation to a printing substrate having an applied amount of toner, thereby liquefying the toner into a molten state, a curing station, a first feeder configured to feed the printing substrate into the curing station, and a second feeder configured to feed the embossing substrate into the curing station, wherein the embossing substrate comprises a pattern to be imprinted into the toner. The curing station includes a combiner configured to press the printing substrate and an embossing substrate together, a second radiation source configured to expose a second radiation to the combined substrates, and a divider configured to separate the printing substrate from the embossing substrate.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for embossing a decorative layer of an embossing film (12) which is of a strip form, on to a small-radiused corner of a surface element, wherein a high cycle speed and high cycle rates are achieved in that the embossing apparatus (10) has a revolver head (16) which is rotatable stepwise about an axis (18) and which at its periphery (26) has a number of elastic pressing members (28) with which a heating device (30) is associated, wherein the revolver head (16) is reciprocatingly movable on a linear drive device (20) between an embossing position and an inactive position.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for imprinting a pattern formed on surfaces of an imprint mask onto a double-sided substrate. The method includes deforming the surfaces of the first and second imprint stamps to produce respective first and second deformed surfaces, each having an arc therein. A pressure is applied to bring the deformed first and second surfaces into intimate contact with the first and second substrate surfaces, respectively. The applied pressure substantially flattens the deformed surfaces. To separate the two surfaces, the applied pressure is released. The method also includes transporting a substrate having first and second patterning surfaces and a shaped edge using a carrier having a holding portion that holds the shaped edge of the substrate, the holding surface having a shape that is complementary to the shaped edge of the substrate, such that the patterning surfaces remain untouched by the carrier.

Abstract: A keyboard thermal transfer printer is provided under the working platform of the keyboard thermal transfer printer with a translation drive having an electrically driven ball screw to precisely control the locating point of the lower working die seat on the working platform in a stepless driving manner. The longitudinal supports and load board of the working platform are constructed as a primary and an auxiliary work area, and respectively provided with a spindle system and an impression system. An infrared thermal sensor is disposed in the auxiliary work area to irradiate infrared rays on the press plate impression element and reflects the operating temperature of the impression element. The parameters of each function of the control box are corrected to obtain the optimum operating temperature for keyboard thermal transfer printing, thereby maintaining the consistency of the quality of images produced by keyboard surface thermal transfer printing.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a foil of a printing machine with tension is disclosed, in which vacuum pressure is only applied to a part of a shaft through which a foil passes, and an outer surface in contact with the foil is rotated. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical shaft body provided with a plurality of holes on the outer surface; a sun roller provided based on the center of the shaft body, having a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the shaft body; a plurality of pinion rollers closely adhered to one another between the sun roller and the inner surface of the shaft body; and a bearing stopper provided to seal both ends of the shaft body and connected with a pump to supply vacuum pressure to only a space formed by the shaft body, the sun roller and two of the pinion rollers.

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: This hot stamping machine comprises a stamping member, which is intended to press a stamping foil against the peripheral surface of individual articles in order to stamp said articles, the individual articles being positioned successively into a stamping position and stamped by a stamping sequence which is repeated far each article. The machine comprises stamping foil unwinding means, intended to sequentially unwind a length of stamping foil at the end of each stamping sequence for the next stamping sequence, and stamping foil rewinding means. The stamping machine further comprises a stamping foil suction box and a stamping foil braking surface, the braking surface having a fixed orientation relative to the frame of the machine during each stamping sequence.

Abstract: A thin-walled hot foil stamping cylinder of predetermined diameter is formed from an extruded cylindrical tube having a wall of initially uniform cross-sectional thickness. Portions of the outer cylindrical surface of the wall are relieved to define raised, outwardly-projecting hot foil stamping indicia. End caps close opposed ends of the cylindrical tube. One of the end caps is provided with a passage therethrough for introduction of hot oil into the cylindrical interior space of the tube. A passage in at least one of the end caps that communicates with the interior of the tube permits selective draining of oil from the tube. The overall outer surface of the tube may be machined to reduce the tube to a predetermined diameter, prior to relieving the surface thereof to form the indicia. In this manner, a single extruded tube may be used to produce hot foil stamping cylinders of individual diameters corresponding to standard image repeats.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing a diffractive microstructured area on the surface layer of a substrate by embossing. The device includes a die-cutting press that includes a press member and a backing member and at least one die-cutting tool arranged for die-cutting the substrate placed between the press member and the backing member. The press member and/or the backing member is provided with at least embossing pattern corresponding to the microstructured area, against which pattern the substrate is pressed during the embossing, when the substrate is introduced between the press member and the backing member for the embossing. A method for converting a die-cutting press to a die-cutting and embossing device for producing a diffractive microstructured area on the surface layer of a substrate by embossing, wherein the press member and/or the backing member of the die-cutting press is provided with at least one embossing pattern corresponding to the microstructured area for embossing.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a process for producing a marking on a substrate. Substrates marked in that way are applied to documents such as for example credit cards, personal identity cards or banknotes as security features to provide protection from forgery. Embodiments of those security features have diffractive or holographic structures. The production of the markings was hitherto effected by shaping from a mold. A change in the marking is possible by changing the mole, which is time-consuming. The new apparatus and the new process are intended to permit the production of individualized markings on a substrate, at a low level of apparatus expenditure.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a process for producing a marking on a substrate. Substrates marked in that way are applied to documents such as for example credit cards, personal identity cards or banknotes as security features for affording protection from forgery. Embodiments of these security features have diffractive or holographic structures. Production of the markings is produced by shaping from a mold. A change in the configuration of the marking is possible by changing the mold, which is time-consuming. The new apparatus and the new process are intended to permit the production of individualised markings on a substrate at a low level of apparatus expenditure.

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: 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: This invention relates to a hot-stamping device comprising a stamping arm with one end being a free end, a stamping section adapted to apply pressure to a hot-stamping foil positioned at the free end to a value-added medium such as ticket wherein the hot-stamping foil is transferred to the value-added medium. A first cam, in contact with said stamping arm, is used for moving a stamping section to close proximity of the value-added medium. A first drive section driving said first cam and a second cam for bringing pressure-exerting load to bear on the stamping section is used to move to close proximity a value-added medium. A second drive section is used for driving a second cam.

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. The problem of the invention is to reduce the production of waste during die stamping. This is brought about in that on supplying the foil web to the stamping station a sensor means monitors whether there is a defect therein. If a defect is detected, the foil web supply to the stamping station is controlled in such a way that the defect is conveyed through the stamping station between two stamping operations. Thus, the defect does not arrive in the stamping or printing area of the stamping station, so that no waste is produced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for embossing plastic web materials, for instance, low density polyethylene film, have a movable, first embossing element having a plurality of male dies associated with a heat transferable member and a stationary, second embossing element having a plurality of female dies. The temperature of the heat transferable member is controllable so that the male dies can deform a range of deformable plastic materials. The stationary, second embossing element is alignable relative to the first embossing element and unheated so that the female dies are maintained at about ambient temperature during embossing.

Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed. A housing has an interior chamber and a door. A press has a base fabricated of a rigid material and with an upper surface. The press has a raisable platen with a lower surface fabricated of a resilient material. A support plate is positionable on the upper surface of the base for the receipt of an object. A transfer sheet has printing material positioned upon the object. Drive mechanisms urge the platen downwardly into contact with the transfer sheet with the object, plate and base there beneath. Heating components located within the platen generate heat. Cooling components located within the base lower the temperature of the object after the transfer of images.

Abstract: The invention is of an improved hot stamp machine for custom imprinting plastic tag blanks with selectable indicia. The machine, because of its mechanical configuration, facilitates stamping operations which are virtually devoid of any risk of injury to the user. The hot stamp machine of the present invention is configured such that a plastic tag blank is inserted through a small aperture (not substantially larger than is necessary to admit the plastic tag blank there through), and with the tag blank fully in position for stamping, the stamping operation automatically occurs within the machine, with the dangerous stamping mechanism being safely out of reach of the user.

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

Abstract: The dry printing apparatus comprises a housing defining a handle portion, a dry printing unit mounted to an open lower end of the housing, an air convection passage, and a guide member. The air convection passage extends through a space between the dry printing unit and side walls of the housing as well as through openings in a top wall of this housing. Convection air flows through the air convection passage to prevent the handle portion from being heated by the dry printing unit. The guide member is telescopically mounted in the open lower end of the housing between extended and retracted positions and is spring-biased toward the extended position. In operation, the guide member is applied to the surface to be dry printed and pressure is manually applied to the handle portion to telescopically move the housing and dry printing unit about the guide member until the dry printing unit reaches the surface to be dry printed.

Abstract: The present invention is a ball marking template comprising first and second portions attached to each other at first ends respectively by a hinge mechanism, the first and second portions each further having two inwardly curving arms separated by a gap on second ends thereof, whereby when a golf ball is placed within the template, it may be marked by tracing along a peripheral edge of the gap. In an alternate embodiment, the ball marking template comprises first and second portions attached to each other by a curved portion, each of the first and second portions having a shaped aperture located at a distal end, respectively, whereby when a golf ball is placed within the template, it may be marked by tracing along a peripheral edge of the apertures.

Abstract: Described are a process and an apparatus for transferring prints (18, 20) from a support (16) on to a substrate (10), wherein the support (16) is transported together with the substrate (10) through a station in which the substrate (10) having print portions (12) in succession in the direction of transportation movement is provided with the prints (18, 20) in accurate register relationship. This procedure uses on the one hand a substrate (10) having at least two rows of print portions (112) side-by-side transversely to the direction of transportation movement and on the other hand a support (16) which in the direction of transportation movement has between the prints (18) for print portions (12) disposed in a row one after the other in the direction of transportation movement at least one respective additional print (20).

Abstract: A tape cartridge for a debossing stamper includes a casing, a tape-containing supply spool and a tape take-up spool in the casing, the supply spool having at least one reflector pad visually accessible from the exterior of the casing by an optical reflective sensor for detecting and indicating an amount of tape remaining on the supply spool. In one embodiment the at least one reflector pad is a series of equally spaced reflector pads on an outer periphery of the supply spool. The sensor provides a feedback on each 1/4 revolution of said supply reel, the feedback being received by firmware to track the number of motor steps to drive the take-up spool and to rotate the supply spool a 1/4 turn, and wherein a computer calculates the amount of tape remaining on the supply spool based on supply spool core diameter, take-up spool core diameter and total tape length.

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.