Abstract: An assembly for precise positioning of a stamping tool, such as a photopolymer stamp. The assembly having a flat base of preferably a square shape. A platform of a predetermined height runs along the periphery of the flat base. A grid film removably adhered to the top surface of the flat base. Four alignment tabs can be provided on the four corners of the platform. A flip plate dimensioned to fit over the platform, such as corners of the flip plate juxtapose to the alignment tabs. A portion of the flip plate extends sidewards from the periphery of the platform, such as the flip plate can be lifted. The clear flip plate having radial lines that extend from the center to the periphery of the flip plate.

Abstract: Devices include electrically conductive elements contacting a vacuum belt, and a voltage source connected to the electrically conductive elements. The electrically conductive elements form an electrical circuit from the voltage source, through the belt, and back to the voltage source. The electrically conductive elements are positioned so that they are separated from the belt when the belt moves the sheets of media between the electrically conductive elements and the belt. A processor is capable of identifying leading edges of the sheets of media on the belt (when voltage of the electrical circuit changes from a relatively higher voltage to a relatively lower voltage) and identifying trailing edges of the sheets of media on the belt (when the voltage of the electrical circuit changes from the relatively lower voltage back to the relatively higher voltage).

Abstract: A craftwork accessory may provide a portable and/or easy-to-use tool to help users accurately and repeatedly apply stamp impressions and the like to items such as cardstock. The accessory may include a base portion, one or more elevated side portions and cover portion. The side portions may define a workspace for arranging the item. The cover portion may be movably attached to the base portion or a side portion, for example, by one or more hinges. In operation, the item and stamp may be aligned in the workspace and the cover portion may be pressed onto the stamp to stick the stamp to the cover portion. The cover may then be opened, the stamp may be inked, and the cover portion may be closed and pressed onto the item to stamp the item. The accessory may include alignment indicia on the base portion, side portions and/or cover portion to facilitate placement of the item and/or stamp. The accessory may also include fastening mechanisms, such as magnetic elements, to facilitate placement of the item and/or stamp.

Abstract: A method of transferring a flexible layer to a substrate makes use of a partial bulge in the flexible layer, which does not make contact with the substrate. The partial bulge advances to the location of an alignment marker on the substrate. When alignment adjustments are needed, they are made with the partial bulge in place so that more reproducible positioning is possible when fully advancing the flexible layer against the substrate.

Abstract: According to the sewing system of the present embodiment, the sewing machine and the robot arm are fixedly supported at the fixed positions by the base. Therefore, when a target position of the robot arm for the sewing operation is set once, a relative positional relation between the robot arm and the sewing machine is kept by the base even though the sewing system is entirely moved. Therefore, it is not necessary to again perform a setting operation of the target position for the sewing operation, so that the burdens on the teaching operation and the other setting operations are reduced.

Abstract: A nanoimprint system and methods for separating imprinted substrates with nano-scale patterns from mold for manufacturing. Generally, the system includes means to create, monitor, and control relative movement between the mold and substrate for separation. It is capable of controlling where and when the separation happens and finishes. The relative movement may be generated by motion stages, springs, stage driven flexures, inflatable O-rings, gas flow, and other mechanical means. It may be monitored by separation force, overhead camera, and vacuum/pressures in different area of the system. The relative movement may be any combination of stages movements and movement sequences. The separation speed, direction, and force can be well controlled in the system to achieve fast and reliable separation between mold and substrate, and at the same time maintain the pattern shape and details on the consolidated imprint resist.

Abstract: Disk-backed array techniques can, in some implementations, help ensure that the arrays contain consistent data. An alert can be provided if it is determined that the data in the array is, or may be, corrupted.

Abstract: A system and method of increasing a dwell time in a foil stamping press is provided. The dwell time is readily adjusted on the fly by the user for a given operating rate. A timer is used to adjust the press to stop on top dead center with changes in images per hour. An air clutch and an original equipment air brake are used in tandem to provide the desired dwell time. A pair of timers governs a pneumatic switch for control of the air clutch and the air brake. The present system and method increase die image area capacity as compared to conventional foil stamping presses. The increased dwell time press yields a flawless foil stamped image for an impression pressure less than that required in a conventional machine for a given die, mounted at a given height upon a stationary platen, and at a given temperature.

Abstract: A self-inking stamp with a stamp housing, in which a type unit, which is coupled via a turning axle device to an actuating bow that is upwardly and downwardly displaceable relative to the stamp housing, is arranged such that it can be moved between an upper inking position when it is in contact with an ink pad and a lower printing position turned by 180° with the help of a turning mechanism, wherein the type unit includes two type unit parts arranged one within the other, namely an outer and an inner type unit part, wherein the inner type unit part thereof is accommodated in an inner receiving space in the outer type unit part and is releasably connected to the outer, bow-shaped type unit part, wherein the turning axle device includes two separate, outer axle elements, each extending through an opening in a leg of the actuating bow, through a slot in the stamp housing to and into the outer type unit part and being connected thereto.

Abstract: A printing device has a guide roller that guides a print medium in a conveyance direction; an intersect roller pair that holds the print medium guided by the guide roller between a first roller that rotates on an axis of rotation in the conveyance direction of the print medium and a second roller that rotates on an axis of rotation that intersects the axis of rotation of the first roller; a conveyance roller pair that conveys the print medium held by the intersect roller pair in the conveyance direction by a conveyance drive roller driven by a drive means and a conveyance follower roller that rotates with the conveyance drive roller; and a print unit that prints on the print medium conveyed by the conveyance roller pair.

Abstract: Printers, methods, and apparatus to filter imaging oil are disclosed. An example apparatus to filter imaging oil, includes adjacent electrodes and a switching circuit. The example switching circuit selectively generates an electrostatic field between the adjacent electrodes to cause particles suspended in the imaging oil between the adjacent electrodes to adhere to at least one of the adjacent electrodes, and generates an alternating electric field between the adjacent electrodes to cause the particles to be detached from the adjacent electrodes.

Abstract: The supply of a negative pressure to an opening P(+1) adjacent to an opening P(0) is stopped by switching a suction valve connected to the opening P(+1) from an open state to a closed state while keeping a positive pressure valve connected thereto closed. Then, near the opening P(+1), a force for holding a blanket becomes gradually weaker against a pressure force in a pressurized space. Associated with that, an air component in the pressurized space flows into a space between a portion of the blanket vertically above the opening P(+1) and an upper surface, whereby the blanket portion is lifted from the upper surface and brought into contact with the lower surface of a printing plate. In this way, a contact area is slowly and stably widened while a sudden change of a pressure in the pressurized space SP5 is suppressed.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal thin film on a substrate includes: a step of applying an ink to a flat blanket; a first transfer step of bringing the first blanket and a letterpress having a predetermined pattern of projections into contact by a pressure compression while the flat blanked and the letterpress being disposed opposite each other, to selectively transfer a portion of the ink on the flat blanket corresponding to the projections to the letterpress; a second transfer step of bringing the flat blanket obtained after the first transfer step and the substrate into contact by pressure compression while the flat blanket and the substrate being disposed opposite each other, to transfer the ink remaining on the flat blanket to the substrate; and a step of subjecting the substrate obtained after the second transfer step to electroless plating to deposit a metal thin film on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal thin film on a substrate includes: a step of applying an ink to a flat blanket; a first transfer step of bringing the first blanket and a letterpress having a predetermined pattern of projections into contact by a pressure compression while the flat blanked and the letterpress being disposed opposite each other, to selectively transfer a portion of the ink on the flat blanket corresponding to the projections to the letterpress; a second transfer step of bringing the flat blanket obtained after the first transfer step and the substrate into contact by pressure compression while the flat blanket and the substrate being disposed opposite each other, to transfer the ink remaining on the flat blanket to the substrate; and a step of subjecting the substrate obtained after the second transfer step to electroless plating to deposit a metal thin film on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermally applying and removing a graphic to and from seat-belt webbing, the apparatus comprising a housing with an engagement slot to receive the seat-belt webbing and a graphic thermal coupon. The apparatus and graphic coupon useable without removing the seat belt webbing from the vehicle. The apparatus further useable while an occupant is seated with the seat belt fully engaged to allow the graphic coupon to be optimally positioned on the seat belt. The thermal graphic coupon comprising three layers including a heat transfer layer, a graphic membrane layer and an adhesive protective layer. The graphic membrane layer includes a graphic image that is actively applied to the seat belt webbing at specified temperatures without compromising the integrity of the seat belt webbing. The graphic is removed by reversing the process using a release sheet that preferentially absorbs the graphic membrane when reheated.

Abstract: A print section patterns a coating layer to form a pattern layer on a carrier and then transfers the pattern layer to a substrate. A controller obtains a first carrier thickness by measuring the thickness of the carrier carrying the coating layer and adjusts a gap between the carrier carrying the coating layer and the printing plate based on the first carrier thickness immediately before the coating layer is patterned. The controller also obtains a second carrier thickness by measuring the thickness of the carrier carrying the pattern layer and adjusts a gap between the carrier carrying the pattern layer and the substrate based on the second carrier thickness immediately before the pattern layer is transferred.

Abstract: A rotary pad printing system comprises a compressible pad wheel (105), one or more inkjet or other image applicator heads (400), optional treatment stations (500), a shaft encoder (535), a control unit (540), and an image source (565). The image applicator heads apply an image to the wheel and the treatment stations can supply treatments such as heat, gas, light, overcoats, and undercoats. The image is then transferred to a receiving surface (532). An optional cleaning station (510) cleans the rotary pad prior to application of the next or a continuous image. Each image can be different and can be applied to a moving surface. Since the rotary pad can continuously receive updated image information, the area printed can range from a single pixel to an image of indefinite length. In an alternative embodiment, a domed pad is used. In another alternative embodiment, a flexible belt (1000) is used instead of a rotary wheel. In another alternative embodiment, a segmented pad (2205) is used.

Abstract: A shoe platen to securely hold a shoe so that graphics, including custom graphics, can be printed on the shoe automatically. The platen comprises a shoe plate 102 configured to receive shoes such as high-top shoes or low top shoes. Adjusters 104, 106 can also be used to accommodate shoes of various styles and sizes.

Abstract: A label peeling unit having an installation body: a movable body movable while engaging with the installation body and stopping in a closed state or an open state in which the movable body is closed or open relative to the installation body; a label peeling body installed on the movable body and allowing backing paper of a continuous label body, which is conveyed by the paper sheet conveyance device, to be in contact with the label peeling body to bend the backing paper for peeling a part of a label off the backing paper; and a backing paper conveyance roller rotatably installed on the movable body and rotating while being in contact with a platen roller of the paper sheet conveyance device with the backing paper in between to thereby convey the backing paper and discharge it to the outside. The label peeling unit facilitates loading of paper sheets.

Abstract: A method of encoding data in printed halftone image features on a receiver includes providing a relief printing member; encoding first embedded data in the relief printing member by modifying surfaces of a first plurality of halftone dots; and printing the halftone image on the receiver.

Abstract: A pad printing machine comprising at least one inverted planetary roller threaded drive (12; 24; 36; 48; 60; 62) and application of latter to a pad printing machine.

Abstract: A cap platen to securely hold headwear, such as caps, hats, and the like, so that graphics, including custom graphics, can be printed on the cap automatically. The platen has a vise plate to support the bill of a cap and a face plate attached to the vise plate to hold the crown of cap. Arms can be attached to the vise plate or the face plate to apply a biasing force against the sides of the cap pushed the sides of the cap outwardly away from the face plate.

Abstract: A guiding device 10 for guiding at least one stamping foil 410 at the inlet to a platen press 310. The guiding device 10 includes a diverting member 20 which is mounted with the ability to move between a work position in which the diverting member 20 is able to direct each stamping foil 410 into the platen press 310 in a given feed plane, and a maintenance position in which the diverting member 20 is placed in a space directly accessible to a user.

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: The present invention provides a method for applying an application liquid between a template and a substrate, and transferring the transfer pattern onto the application liquid. The template is inclinedly arranged with respect to the substrate in a manner that a first distance between a first end portion of the template and the substrate is a distance that causes a capillary action of the application liquid to occur, and a second distance between a second end portion of the template that opposes the first end portion and the substrate is a distance that does not cause the capillary action of the application liquid to occur. Thereafter, the application liquid is supplied from an outer side of the first end portion to the first end portion. Thereafter, the second end portion and the substrate are relatively moved so that the second distance becomes equal to the first distance.

Abstract: The supply of a negative pressure to an opening P(+1) adjacent to an opening P(0) is stopped by switching a suction valve connected to the opening P(+1) from an open state to a closed state while keeping a positive pressure valve connected thereto closed. Then, near the opening P(+1), a force for holding a blanket becomes gradually weaker against a pressure force in a pressurized space. Associated with that, an air component in the pressurized space flows into a space between a portion of the blanket vertically above the opening P(+1) and an upper surface, whereby the blanket portion is lifted from the upper surface and brought into contact with the lower surface of a printing plate. In this way, a contact area is slowly and stably widened while a sudden change of a pressure in the pressurized space SP5 is suppressed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a process for applying a design to a sheet metal for use in a portion of a container, for example a cap or an end of a food container. Embodiments provide for applying a multi-color design in a single printing step to a sheet of metal to create a printed metal sheet that can then be rolled into a printed coil or cut to length. The printed metal sheet can then be cut pressed into can ends or caps. The ends or caps with the multi-color design can then be used to manufacture containers, such as a beverage container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for applying a design on a medium. In some embodiments, the system includes a letterpress assembly having a base and platen that may be configured in an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the base receives the medium and the platen receives a printing plate. The printing plate may include the design to be applied to the medium. A roller assembly may then receive the letterpress assembly in the closed configuration and may exert a compressive force on the letterpress assembly. The compressive force brings the medium into contact with the printing plate and applies the design on the medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for applying an application liquid between a template and a substrate, and transferring the transfer pattern onto the application liquid. The template is inclinedly arranged with respect to the substrate in a manner that a first distance between a first end portion of the template and the substrate is a distance that causes a capillary action of the application liquid to occur, and a second distance between a second end portion of the template that opposes the first end portion and the substrate is a distance that does not cause the capillary action of the application liquid to occur. Thereafter, the application liquid is supplied from an outer side of the first end portion to the first end portion. Thereafter, the second end portion and the substrate are relatively moved so that the second distance becomes equal to the first distance.

Abstract: Devices and methods for printmaking on canvas are described herein. The devices and methods provide advantages that include permanent printmaking on canvas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for contacting a flexible sheet to a first element with improved lateral alignment. The method includes a step of measuring a first lateral misalignment after establishing a first contact between the flexible sheet and either of the first element and a sheet parking surface called anchor in the first stage. If the 5 misalignment exceeds a predetermined threshold the flexible sheet is parked at the anchor such that it is not in contact with the first element, and the relative position of the first element and the anchor is altered during the second stage for correcting the mismatch during a contact between the flexible sheet and the first element to be established within the next step of the method. During the steps of shifting the contact point to obtain the second stage 10 the contacting process is more accurate and reproducible than the process for establishing the initial contact.

Abstract: A device (1) for transferring a pattern (12) from a stamp (10) to a substrate (20) comprises a table (22) for supporting a substrate (20), a flexible stamp (10) and a movably arranged body (25) having a pressure chamber (27) for exerting pressure on a portion of the stamp (10), so that the portion is pushed toward the substrate (20) and contacts the substrate (20). During a pattern transferring process, the body (25) is moved. As a result, adjacent portions of the stamp (10) successively go through a process of being pushed toward the substrate (20), getting in contact with the substrate (20), and being allowed to move back in place again. In this way, it is achieved that the pattern (12) of the stamp (10) is transferred to the substrate (20), without the introduction of vibrations, so that the transfer of the pattern (12) takes place in a highly accurate fashion.

Abstract: Printers, methods, and apparatus to filter imaging oil are disclosed. An example apparatus to filter imaging oil, includes adjacent electrodes and a switching circuit. The example switching circuit selectively generates an electrostatic field between the adjacent electrodes to cause particles suspended in the imaging oil between the adjacent electrodes to adhere to at least one of the adjacent electrodes, and generates an alternating electric field between the adjacent electrodes to cause the particles to be detached from the adjacent electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to minimize carbonization of developer liquid within a printing plate developer device (100). The apparatus includes, at least one open tank (204, 220) containing developer waste (148) positioned in proximity to plate developer tank (104) inside the developer device, and a replenishment element (212). The replenishment element is configured to replenish the at least one open tank with a developer waste. The developer waste and the air trapped (132) in proximity to the printing plate developer tank will generate a carbonization reaction.

Abstract: A printing machine includes: a frame a tower which is driven in rotation relative to the frame in order to move an object to be printed between at least a printing station, an introduction station and/or discharge station; a conveyor which is capable of introducing or discharging the object to be printed to/from the introduction station and/or discharge station; a transfer device including a conveyor web portion which is capable of moving the object to be printed between the conveyor and the tower. The machine includes an element for driving the conveyor web portion of the transfer device, the drive element being carried by the frame, each transfer device including a transmission element which can be disengaged from the drive element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imprint apparatus for forming a transfer pattern on a substrate. The imprint apparatus includes a container comprising a pattern forming material and a mold member comprising an imprint pattern formed on a surface.

Abstract: A method of patterning a bibulous substrate is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the bibulous substrate with a first surface being coated by a barrier compound, using a second surface having a predetermined pattern engraved thereon, and applying heat and pressure onto the first surface such as to pattern the bibulous substrate in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: In a printing press abnormal state display method, the current states of a plurality of elements of a printing press are detected. The detected current state of each element is compared with a normal state predetermined for the element. It is determined on the basis of the comparison result whether the current state of the element is abnormal. The abnormal state of only an element determined to be abnormal is displayed on the basis of the determination result. A printing press abnormal state display apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device (1) for transferring a pattern (12) from a stamp (10) to a substrate (20) comprises a table (22) for supporting a substrate (20), a flexible stamp (10) and a movably arranged body (25) having a pressure chamber (27) for exerting pressure on a portion of the stamp (10), so that the portion is pushed toward the substrate (20) and contacts the substrate (20). During a pattern transferring process, the body (25) is moved. As a result, adjacent portions of the stamp (10) successively go through a process of being pushed toward the substrate (20), getting in contact with the substrate (20), and being allowed to move back in place again. In this way, it is achieved that the pattern (12) of the stamp (10) is transferred to the substrate (20), without the introduction of vibrations, so that the transfer of the pattern (12) takes place in a highly accurate fashion.

Abstract: A transfer heat press which is intended for use with a rotary screen printing machine, incorporates a C shaped frame mounted on a support and moveable vertically relative to said support. A heater platen is mounted to the top of the C frame. A lower platen adapted to support the pallet of the rotary screen printing machine is mounted on the lower part of the C frame. The lower platen is moveable toward the upper platen. The lower platen applies a force to the underside of the pallet arm of a screen printing machine which results in the platen frame being allowed to move downwardly. This downward movement is guided and cushioned by a pneumatic or hydraulic spring. This arrangement means that the force on the pallet arm is equal to the weight of the platen frame less the upthrust of the pneumatic hydraulic ram. This reduces the risk of damage to the pallet arm.

Abstract: A transfer heat press which is intended for use with a rotary screen printing machine, incorporates a C shaped frame mounted on a support and moveable vertically relative to said support. A heater platen is mounted to the top of the C frame. A lower platen adapted to support the pallet of the rotary screen printing machine is mounted on the lower part of the C frame. The lower platen is moveable toward the upper platen. The lower platen applies a force to the underside of the pallet arm of a screen printing machine which results in the platen frame being allowed to move downwardly. This downward movement is guided and cushioned by a pneumatic or hydraulic spring. This arrangement means that the force on the pallet arm is equal to the weight of the platen frame less the upthrust of the pneumatic hydraulic ram. This reduces the risk of damage to the pallet arm.

Abstract: A sheet-fed printing machine having a feed system for feeding sheets from a sheet feeder to the sheet-fed printing machine, and an imaging device for setting an image on a printing plate disposed on the plate cylinder are provided. The feed system includes at least one oscillatingly moving pregripper and a drive device for the feed system, the pregripper being uncoupled from the drive device.

Abstract: The problem regarding volatileness of a solvent in an EL forming material, which occurs in adopting printing, are solved. An EL layer is formed in a pixel portion of a light emitting device by printing. Upon formation of the EL layer, a printing chamber is pressurized to reach a pressure equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the printing chamber is filled with inert gas or set to a solvent atmosphere. Thus the difficulty in forming an EL layer by printing is eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tipper apparatus for pigmenting the embossed section (raised characters for copying) of a card used to perform transactions by a customer at financial institutions or the like. The tipper apparatus comprises a card feeder for feeding a card; a pusher for pressing a color ribbon against the embossed section of the card fed by the card feeder; a ribbon driver for advancing and winding the color ribbon; and a controller for controlling the card feeder and the ribbon driver on the basis of tipping signals received from a host apparatus, transporting the card and the effective section of the ribbon to the pusher, and actuating the pusher.

Abstract: A printing device wherein top frontal positioning of motor and drive train is avoided so that the size of the top portion can be reduced thereby improving the ability of the operator to view the alignment of a printable article in relation to the printer. The device includes a printer rack having a vertical support member and a base; a moving clamping piece movably mounted on the printer rack permitting the clamping piece to move towards and away from the base; a printer movably mounted on the clamping piece; a cam shaft rotatably mounted on the printer rack and provided thereon with a cylindrical cam for moving the printer towards and away from the vertical support member and further provided thereon with means for raising and lowering the clamping piece so that the clamping piece clamps the article during printing and releases the article upon completion of printing; and a motor mounted on the printer rack for turning the cam shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printer (1) for printing labels (10) detachably affixed to a carrier strip (5a, 5b, 5c), in particular goods labels, with a label feed unit (12a, 12b, 12c) comprising a wiping head (6a, 6b, 6c) with a support surface by which the label to be printed is supported, as well as a printing device (13) with a print head (8) for printing the label supported by the support surface, as well as with means (9) for conveying the label which has been separated from the carrier strip and printed, away to the goods. To be able to use different label styles with a single printer and a single printing device, it is provided that at least two separate label feed units (12a, 12b) are allocated to the printer (1), with the support surfaces, of which there are at least two, on the one hand, and the print head (8) on the other hand being movable relative to each other in such a way that one of the support surfaces is in the print position.

Abstract: A simplified printer comprises: a base plate having a pedestal on which an object to be printed is placed; and a pressure plate, one end of which is pivotably connected with one end portion of the base plate; and adhesive members respectively arranged on the pedestal and a portion of the pressure plate opposed to the pedestal.

Abstract: A transaction printer includes the MICR encoding of indicia. A diagnostic test procedure reads a printed test document and determines whether the MICR indicia are within a certain specification. A test document found to be out of specification prompts the adjustment of the print parameters of the printing system of the transaction printer. The machine establishes and maintains a data base of each print transaction, and compares the printing parameters to determine the degree to which each parameter complies with the specification.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand-held labeler which can feed and apply a relatively long label or tape to merchandise or packaging. In one embodiment the feeding of the label web is accomplished by using a feed wheel that is driven both during the feeding stroke of a manual actuator and during its return stroke. The print head is driven toward and away from a platen during each cycle and the advance of the feed wheel is interrupted as the print head nears printing cooperation with the platen and the intervening label. In another embodiment some of the advance of the feed wheel is through a one way clutch.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a low cost postage value generating apparatus wherein the number of postage imprints are determined rather than an accounting of the postage value. The apparatus has two movable print heads each having a single value font. This device is able to print multi-values by using multiple impressions of the two print heads. Because of this, the number of imprints gives a representation of the total postage value dispensed.