Abstract: Provided is a press-fitting die including two removable templates each having two opposing surfaces (front and back) with molds provided thereon, respectively. A first pattern is impressed with the templates pivoted into contact with each other under user-applied pressure in a front-to-front manner with respect to the templates. Likewise, after turning each of the removable templates over, a second pattern is impressed with the templates pivoted into contact with each other under user-applied pressure in a back-to-back manner with respect to the templates. Hence, two different patterns are impressed using a single press-fitting die, thereby reducing the number of press-fitting dies required to emboss a number of patterns, thus reducing costs incurred in impressing patterns.

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

Abstract: A flexible die is used in an embossing apparatus in which a pair of flexible bases (2a, 2b) are respectively wrapped around a pair of cylindrical rollers disposed opposing each other, and a sheet to be processed (S) is passed through between the pair of rollers, thereby performing embossing. The pair of flexible bases (2a, 2b) are constituted by a female flexible base (2a) and a male flexible base (2b) that are mated with each other, a line-shaped convex portion (3a) corresponding to the contour of an embossing processing pattern is formed in the female flexible base (2a), and the convex portion (3b) is formed in the male flexible base (2b), the convex portion (3b) being fitted within the area encompassed within the line-shaped convex portion (3a) of the female flexible base while leaving an interval from the inner circumferential surface of the line-shaped convex portion (3a). A concave portion (30) is formed in the convex portion (3b).

Abstract: An imprint template configured to imprint an imprintable medium by an imprint lithography process is disclosed, the imprint template having a pattern with a pattern density corresponding to a volume of imprintable medium used to substantially fill pattern features per unit area of a contact face of the imprint template, wherein adjacent regions of the pattern on the imprint template contact face, each of which will provide different functionality once imprinted onto a substrate, have substantially the same pattern density, have differences in pattern density which are minimized, or differences in pattern density which are maintained below a maximum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for embossing raised dots (B) on plate elements (A), at least partly plastically deformable. The apparatus comprises at least one punch (31) movable alternatively along a first direction (Z) to emboss a raised dot (B), on a plate element (A) which rests, on a work surface intercepted by said first, direction (Z). Advantageously, the apparatus also comprises a feed device (2) of the plate element (A) along a second direction (X), which can be operated to feed new sections of said plate element (A) to the punch (31). The punch (31) can be translated along a third direction (Y), orthogonal to said first direction (Z), to emboss at least another raised dot (B) along a same section of the plate element (A).

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a die with a metal backing layer that carries a polymer layer. The polymer layer has a female pattern formed through laser engraving. The metal backing layer of the die is capable of being magnetically attached to a magnetic cylinder. A counter die is also included and has a metal backing layer that carries a polymer layer. The polymer layer has a male pattern formed thereon through laser engraving. The metal backing layer of the counter die is capable of being magnetically attached to a magnetic cylinder. An alternative apparatus is provided that includes a male and female starting member to aid in aligning the patterns. Another apparatus is included that has male and female register tracts for keeping the die and counter die in register with one another. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: An enhanced optical interference pattern, such as a diffraction grating, is incorporated into a photodefineable surface by shining three or more beams of coherent light from a single source at a photodefinable surface, such as a photosensitive emulsion/photoresist covered glass or an ablatable substrate and mapping the diffraction grating pattern to the photodefinable surface. Mapping of the optical interference pattern is created by interference of three or more light beams, such as laser light or other light sources producing a suitable spectrum of light. The mapped photodefinable surface can be used to create embossing shims. The embossing shim can then be used to emboss film or paper. The embossed film/paper can be metalized and laminated onto a substrate to create a product that has shifting patterns at a variety of viewing angles when exposed to white light.

Abstract: A die for the micro contact printing includes a die body and a die surface that is fixedly connected to the die body. The die surface is divided into at least two different regions. Each of the at least two regions comprises a different material having a different absorption capacity for printing ink. At least one of the at least two regions has a lateral dimension of no more than 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: Described are imprint lithography templates, methods of forming and using the templates, and a template holder device. An imprint lithography template may include a body with a plurality of recesses on a surface of the body. The body may be of a material that is substantially transparent to activating light. At least a portion of the plurality of recesses may define features having a feature size less than about 250 nm. A template may be formed by obtaining a material that is substantially transparent to activating light and forming a plurality or recesses on a surface of the template. In some embodiments, a template may further include at least one alignment mark. In some embodiments, a template may further include a gap sensing area. An imprint lithography template may be used to form an imprinted layer in a light curable liquid disposed on a substrate. During use, the template may be disposed within a template holder.

Abstract: A system to imprint patterns on impressionable materials by generating a pressure differential within an imprinting chamber by creating a substantial vacuum in an imprinting area is provided. This system can be used to create conductive traces in a substrate onto which integrated circuit chips and dies can be mounted to create semiconductor packages. A low pressure line evacuates air from a material receiving area of a vessel creating a pressure differential across pistons in the vessel to thereby causing the pistons to press microtools into impressionable material layers. The low pressure line helps the microtools conform to any thickness variations in the imprinted material and prevents air pockets from developing between the microtool and the imprinted material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stamper used for an injection molding of a resin material and a manufacturing method thereof. It is provided with such stamper as being excellent in durability in use without causing corrosion at a portion contacting with the resin material, wherein an anti-corrosion film made of any one of alloy selected from a nickel alloy, a silver alloy or a copper alloy is formed on a surface of the stamper contacting with the resin material. Further, it is provided with a method comprising steps of: forming anti-corrosion film on the surface of a mold for manufacturing the stamper; forming the stamper on the anti-corrosion film; and separating the stamper and the anti-corrosion film in a body from the mold.

Abstract: A date storage master disk and method of making a data storage master disk. The data storage disk master is for use in a data storage disk replication process. The data storage disk molding processes produces replica disks having a surface relief pattern with replica lands and replica grooves. The method includes providing a master substrate. The master substrate is at least partially covered with a layer of photosensitive material. A surface relief pattern having master lands and master grooves is recorded in the data storage disk master, including the steps of exposing and developing the photosensitive material is controlled to form master grooves extending down to a substrate interface between the master substrate and the layer of photosensitive material, such that the width of the master grooves at the substrate interface corresponds to a desired width of the replica lands.

Abstract: A marking device comprises an outer shell in a cylindrical shape with a bottom surface attached to a molding device, a rotatable tube provided inside of the outer shell, an indicator connecting to the bottom of the outer shell and a support mechanism pushing up the rotatable tube from the internal space of the outer shell while the indicator and the outer shell are engaged with each other. The head of the indicator is formed in a frusto-conical shape tapered into the inside of the outer shell. The rotatable tube comprises an inner surface contacting to the outer surface of the head of the indicator, and an outer surface forming a frusto-conical head tapered into the inside of the outer shell from a second carved marks. The outer shell comprises an inner surface contacting to the outer surface of the head of the rotatable tube.

Abstract: A printing apparatus configured to print on the pages of a block of printable pages that are pre-bound by a binding along a binding-edge of each page. The pages of the block are arranged in two interconnected stacks that are joined by the flexible binding. Printing is performed on the top surfaces of each of the stacks, and then a top page is redeployed from one stack to the other. During the redeployment process, the page is turned, thereby revealing an unprinted side of the page. Since the height of each of the stacks changes each time a page is redeployed, the printing apparatus includes two height-adjustable stack support tables each associated with a corresponding one of the two stacks. The support tables are configured to adjust their height so as to maintain the planar relationship of the top surfaces of each of the stacks. After printing, the printed pages are removed separated from the unprinted pages. A book-cover is then attached to the printed pages to complete the book.

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

Abstract: It is proposed to provide a printing die clamp which can clamp a printing die by rotating the take-up shaft without rotating the printing cylinder. A printing die clamp is proposed for clamping a printing die 1 wrapped around an outer periphery of a printing cylinder 2 of a printing press against the outer periphery of the printing cylinder 2 by engaging one end of the printing die 1 with the printing cylinder 2 through an engaging means 18 provided on the printing cylinder 2, engaging the other end of the printing die 1 with a take-up shaft 3 rotatably mounted in a receiving groove 19 formed in the outer periphery of the printing cylinder 2, and rotating the take-up shaft 3. The printing cylinder 2 has a tubular printing cylinder shaft 9 in which a control shaft 5 is inserted so as to be rotatable relative to the printing cylinder shaft 9.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an embossed product including a first embossing member having a plurality of discrete embossing elements disposed in a first non-random pattern having at least one first single pattern unit. The total area of the distal ends of the discrete embossing elements in the first single pattern unit is less than about 5.0 cm2. The apparatus also includes a second embossing member having a plurality of linear embossing elements disposed in a second non-random pattern having at least one second single pattern unit. The total area of the second distal ends in the second single pattern unit is less than about 10 cm2. The second non-random pattern is coordinated with the first non-random pattern such that when engaged with each other the first single pattern unit and the second single pattern unit make up an embossing pattern single pattern unit.

Abstract: A card embossing system for embossing information onto a sheet of material prior to cutting individual cards from the sheet is disclosed. Information is embossed onto the sheet in a pattern of rows and columns. Information on adjacent columns is offset relative to one another. When individual cards are cut from the sheet, they are collected in a receiving tray having a plurality of cells arranged in a pattern of rows and columns such that adjacently stacked cards have embossing which is offset from one another. This prevents nesting of cards and allows for improved feeding from a hopper into a machine for further processing, such as printing or embossing individualized information on each card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imprinting text on items such as tools. The imprinting process involving employing a roll forging assembly including a large-sized roller plate and a multi-angle vise.

Abstract: Provided is a pair of plates for a rotary processing machine having the following configuration and a method of mounting the same by which the pair of plates can be mounted on the respective outer circumferential surfaces of a pair of cylinders with high precision. When a female recessed plate and a male raised plate are overlapped with each other so as to make processing portions of the female plate correspond to those of the male plate, fitting protrusions are fitted into respective fitting portions. Accordingly, the movement of the fitting protrusions is restricted both in the width direction of the plates and in the mount direction of the plates. Concurrently, guiding protrusions are respectively inserted between corresponding pairs of guide protrusions in the guiding portions. Accordingly, the guiding protrusions are guided so that relative movement of the guiding protrusions is allowed only in the mount direction.

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 system to imprint patterns on impressionable materials by generating a pressure differential within an imprinting chamber by creating a substantial vacuum in an imprinting area is provided. This system can be used to create conductive traces in a substrate onto which integrated circuit chips and dies can be mounted to create semiconductor packages. A low pressure line evacuates air from a material receiving area of a vessel creating a pressure differential across pistons in the vessel thereby causing the pistons to press microtools into impressionable material layers. The low pressure line helps the microtools conform to any thickness variations in the imprinted material and prevents air pockets from developing between the microtool and the imprinted material.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for imprint lithography involves using direct fluid pressure to press a mold into a substrate-supported film. Advantageously the mold and/or substrate are sufficiently flexible to provide wide area contact under the fluid pressure. Fluid pressing can be accomplished by sealing the mold against the film and disposing the resulting assembly in a pressurized chamber. The result of this fluid pressing is enhanced resolution and high uniformity over an enlarged area.

Abstract: A mold assembly for embossing thin products includes a first carrier with a female mold connected to an inside thereof and a second carrier with a male mold connected to an inside thereof. The female mold faces the male mold, and the thin product is sandwiched between the male and female molds. A window is defined through the first carrier and located corresponding to the apertures of the female mold so that the user may color the thin products via the apertures of the female mold before the products are removed from the mold assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for embossing the sidewalls of heavy gauge sheet metal containers involves clamping over a top edge of an opening into the container using a press carrying complementary embossing dies. The clamping apparatus can be a portable punch press having opposite members on a solid C-shaped frame, one being movable by a hydraulic drive cylinder to bear against the other. The die set coupled to the clamping apparatus has opposite protrusions and depressions representing an indicia to be embossed on the container, such as a trademark, symbol, owner's name or other indicia. In one embodiment the container is a dumping refuse container with an opening edge reinforced by a frame. The press has an opening throat that spaces the dies sufficiently that the clamping apparatus can be clamped over the reinforced edge to space the point of deformation of the sheet metal from the edge of the opening.

Abstract: A two-piece die for simultaneously embossing a pattern into a web of material and cutting out that pattern from the web includes a flexible die member having male embossing patterns surrounded by a male die cutting edge. A base die member has female patterns into which the male patterns on the base die fit, but no corresponding groove for the male die cutting edge. The two members of the die set are held in a register by upper and lower outwardly projecting register tabs on the base die that are received into corresponding register slots in the flexible die and a register bar raised above the surface of the flexible die along side the register slots are on. An edge of the base die lying between the register tabs butts against the register bar. The die members, with a paper between them, are run through a flat bed press to produce embossed cut out patterns.

Abstract: A hinged cover for a cutting and embossing die set by which a sheet material can be simultaneously cut and embossed. The cutting and embossing die set includes a die and a counter-die. A hinged cover includes first and second adjacent backing members that are hingedly coupled to one another and rotatable from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Each of the first and second backing members has a cavity formed therein. The die and the counter-die are fixedly retained within respective ones of the cavities formed in the first and second backing members of the hinged cover. With the cover rotated to the closed configuration, a compressive force is applied to the first and second backing members thereof. A sheet material that is sandwiched between the die and counter-die of the die set is embossed and cut when first and second raised male portions which project from the die are pressed against the counter-die.

Abstract: A patterned element for use in an embossing and adhesive application process. The patterened element comprises a material having an pattern disposed thereon, wherein the material comprises a polymer and has a Shore A hardness of greater than about 70, and has a critical surface energy of less than about 30 dynes/cm.

Abstract: A micro-casted silicon carbide nano-imprinting stamp and method of making a micro-casted silicon carbide nano-imprinting stamp are disclosed. A micro-casting technique is used to form a foundation layer and a plurality of nano-sized features connected with the foundation layer. The foundation layer and the nano-sized features are unitary whole that is made entirely from a material comprising silicon carbide (SiC) which is harder than silicon (Si) alone. As a result, the micro-casted silicon carbide nano-imprinting stamp has a longer service lifetime because it can endure several imprinting cycles without wearing out or breaking. The longer service lifetime makes the micro-casted silicon carbide nano-imprinting stamp economically feasible to manufacture as the manufacturing cost can be recouped over the service lifetime.

Abstract: A new and improved embellishing die and system and method for embellishing media is provided. The embellishing die includes a first side having a first embellishing surface and a second side having a second embellishing surface. The first and second sides can be on opposite sides of the die. The first and second embellishing surfaces can each include a cutter for cutting the media, or an embossing surface for embossing the media. The first embellishing surface can include an embossing surface for embossing the media and the second embellishing surface can include a cutter for cutting the media. The system can include the embellishing die and a press for pressing media against the media embellishing die to embellish the media.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is an embossing system to be used with a die press. The embossing system includes a force transfer assembly, which comprises a first cover and an opposite second cover with the first and second covers being connected by a hinge. The force transfer assembly further includes a stencil and an opposing form positioned internal of the force transfer assembly. The stencil and the form are adapted to sandwich an embossing material, such as paper, between the stencil and the form. The embossing system further includes a layer of static vinyl that is located internally of one of the covers to secure the form to the internal side of one of the covers. The embossing system also utilizes an adhesive located on the cover opposite the cover with the vinyl to secure the stencil to the internal side of the opposite cover.

Abstract: A method of using an overlay (310) to verify or form folding, embossing, or rule die (320) comprising the steps of: forming an overlay consisting of the steps of: creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and a support layer (145); laminating a plastic sheet (260) with the imaged receiver sheet thereby encapsulating the image; removing the support layer forming an overlay with an electrostatic charge; and using the overlay to verify or form a folding, embossing, or rule die.

Abstract: A method of and device for controlled printing using liquid embossing techniques is disclosed. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention a stamp comprises a differentiated embossing surface with protruding and recessed surfaces to enhance the ability of the stamp to selectively displace liquid ink from a print surface and/or remove solvent from the liquid in a soft curing process. A stamp with differentiated surfaces is fabricated by selectively coating, or otherwise treating the protruding features, the recessed features, or a combination thereof, such that the surface energies and/or wettability of the protruding surfaces and the recessed surfaces are differentiated.

Abstract: A method of forming an overlay (310) to form a rule die (320) comprising the steps of: forming an overlay using a method consisting of the steps of: creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and first support layer (150); laminating an imageless receiver sheet (160) having a second thermal print layer (228) and a second support layer (170) with the imaged receiver sheet, thereby encapsulating the image; removing the first support layer; and removing the second support layer. The overlay has an electrostatic charge to verify or form the rule die.

Abstract: A metal mold for use in a nano-imprinting process comprises a firmly adhering monomolecular non-sticking layer. The layer was obtained by subjecting the mold to a reaction with a fluoroalkyl compound having a mercapto group. As a result of said reaction, the layer comprises an organic sulfide of said metal.

Abstract: A flexible die is provided which incorporates a base die and a superimposed interchangeable cutting or embossing die. The base die is generally planar and is adapted to securely receiving the superimposed interchangeable die thereon. Protruding upwardly from the outer face of the base die is a raised cutting portion, a raised embossing portion, or both, which raised portion is adapted to cut, form, or emboss the outer periphery of a blank or substrate. The superimposed interchangeable die is generally planar, and includes a raised cutting or embossing portion protruding upwardly from the outer face thereof, which raised portion is adapted to cut, form or emboss a portion of the blank or substrate. At least a portion of the superimposed interchangeable die is adapted to be received onto at least a portion of the base die.

Abstract: Disclosed is an embossing system to be used with a die press. The embossing system includes a force transfer assembly, which comprises a first cover and an opposite second cover with the first and second covers being connected by a hinge. The force transfer assembly further includes a stencil and an opposing form positioned internal of the force transfer assembly. The stencil and the form are adapted to sandwich an embossing material, such as paper, between the stencil and the form. The embossing system further includes a layer of static vinyl that is located internally of one of the covers to secure the form to the internal side of one of the covers. The embossing system also utilizes an adhesive located on the cover opposite the cover with the vinyl to secure the stencil to the internal side of the opposite cover.

Abstract: A main drive and convert mechanism in a platen press with a flat auto-die for cutting and gilding including a machine mount, a power platen as well as four sets of upper shaft seats and toggle rod upper shafts connected with the power platen is characterized that four sets of conjugate cams and four sets of lower toggle rod drive gears are installed between the four sets of toggle rod upper shafts and the machine mount. The advantages of the present invention are that, first, converting the rotary movement of the conjugate cams to an up-and-down linear movement of the power platen thereby accelerating the ascending and descending speed of the power platen as well as having special pressing time for continuously pressing convexes and gilding. Second, enhancing the process quality and quantity as well as the production effect. Third, being excellent practicality, economies and potential developing prospects.

Abstract: A punch/emboss tool is provided that accepts interchangeable insert sets. A punch insert set consists of one punch and one die that cooperate to punch out a particular design in sheet material, such as paper. Similarly, an emboss insert set consists of one emboss die and one emboss die counter that cooperate to emboss a particular design. Once loaded in the tool, one half of the insert set is fixed relative to the tool. The other half is slidably aligned to the first half by a non-circular bore. The sheet material is inserted into a slit in the tool, between the two cooperating inserts. An actuating lever presses on the sliding half of the insert set with some mechanical advantage to the user. When a user presses the actuating lever, the two halves of the aligned insert set cooperate to form a punched or embossed design on the sheet material.

Abstract: The device for embossing and/or calendering foils comprises at least one first and one second embossing roll between the flat material is passed under pressure in order to produce a pattern. The second embossing roll is followed by at least another embossing roll which cooperates with the first or the preceding embossing roll and between which the patterned flat material is passed in order to receive essentially the same pattern in a re-embossing procedure. In the case of complex treatments, it is advantageous to synchronize the embossing rolls. Particularly in the case of paper having a thin metallization, the following additional embossing roll which re-embosses the pattern allows to avoid higher contact pressures causing increased wear, and a substantially improved folding behavior is obtained.

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: Conventional methods of making holographic labels use separate, stand-alone machines for embossing, laminating, printing, and diecutting. This means that embossed material must be transferred and loaded into the laminator, that laminated material must be transferred and loaded into the printer, and that printed material must be transferred and loaded into the diecutter. Unfortunately, transferring and loading material into the separate machines is not only time consuming but also introduces errors, particularly in achieving accurate registration, or alignment, of embossed, printed, and diecut patterns. Accordingly, the inventors devised an in-line rotary microembosser for use with a rotary laminator, printer, and/or diecutter. One embodiment, or implementation, of the invention includes a rotary microembosser operatively coupled in line with a rotary laminator, a rotary printer, a rotary diecutter, or another web processing device to concurrently process a continuous web.

Abstract: A method for forming an overlay (310); to be used to verify or form a folding die (300), embossing die (330), or rule die (320) comprising the steps of; creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and a support layer, laminating an imageless receiver sheet (160) having a second thermal print layer (228) and a second support layer (170), which is preferably clear with the imaged receiver sheet (140), thereby encapsulating the image (210) between the first thermal print layer (224) and the second thermal print layer (228); removing the first support layer (150); removing the second support layer (170); forming an overlay (310) having an electrostatic charge; to be used to verify or form a folding die (300), embossing die (330), or rule die (320).

Abstract: An engraving element of an electronic engraving machine for engraving printing cylinders as a shaft oscillating with small rotational angles around the longitudinal axis, a restoring element, a shaft bearing, a damping mechanism, a drive for the shaft, a lever-shaped stylus holder attached to the shaft, and an engraving stylus as a cutting tool. For engraving cups, the engraving stylus executes a stroke motion in the direction of a rotating printing cylinder. The engraving element is arranged with respect to the printing cylinder rotating around the rotational axis such that the shaft of the engraving element proceeds substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the printing cylinder, and the stroke motion of the engraving stylus occurs in a plane oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis of the printing cylinder. As a result, a better geometry of the cups is achieved in the engraving.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the embossing of a sheet of flexible graphite material between a pair of embossing rollers. The embossing rollers include a primary embossing roller and a backup roller. The primary embossing roller has an embossing pattern defined thereon. One or both of the rollers include a raised stabilization area adjacent a periphery of the embossing pattern. The raised stabilization area preferably has a roughened outer surface for better gripping the sheet of flexible graphite material. The raised stabilization areas apply a stabilizing force to the sheet adjacent the periphery of the embossing pattern, thereby limiting egress of the material laterally away from the embossing pattern. The roughened surfaces increase the grip of the raised areas upon the sheet, thus aiding in pulling the sheet between the rollers and also aiding in the application of lateral stabilization forces to the sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a relatively thin cladded graphic arts impression graphic arts impression die plate (20) having a steel layer (22) which is integral throughout the extent thereof with a layer of copper (24) or bronze. A relieved design-defining surface may be formed in the copper or bronze layer by a chemical etching process or by chemical milling. The graphic arts impression die plate may be mounted on a magnetic support member (28) to present an assembly which increases the thickness of the die assembly sufficiently to permit use thereof on standard stamping and embossing equipment without modification of the die-supporting chase. The magnetic support member (28) has a plurality of pairs of permanent magnets (33, 35) each pair of which is embedded within a respective cavity (32) and that are magnetically bridged by a steel plate 36.

Abstract: A processing station (10) for high speed printing, handling and die cutting of blanks or blanks (26) is provided which includes a clamshell-type die cutter (12), as well as a feeding device (14) including a transfer mechanism (16) and pickup member (18). The station (10) may also include a printing assembly (20) and a cut blank removal assembly (22). In operation, individual blanks (26) from a stack (28) are successively fed by the transfer mechanism (16) and are picked up by the member (18); the blanks are delivered to the die cutter (12) when the latter is open and after die cutting the removal assembly (22) is employed to lift the cut blank (26) from the cutter (12) and shift the blank (26) to a slide plate (116). A pusher bar (122) then operates to move the cut blank (26) to an outfeed conveyer (146). The station (10) is capable of handling relatively thick corrugated blanks (26) at high speed and without constant operator attendance.

Abstract: Elastomeric stamps facilitate direct patterning of electrical, biological, chemical, and mechanical materials. A thin film of material is deposited on a substrate. The deposited material, either originally present as a liquid or subsequently liquefied, is patterned by embossing at low pressure using an elastomeric stamp having a raised pattern. The patterned liquid is then cured to form a functional layer. The deposition, embossing, and curing steps may be repeated numerous times with the same or different liquids, and in two or three dimensions. The various deposited layers may, for example, have varying electrical characteristics, interacting so as to produce an integrated electronic component.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an embossing press, including an embossing roller and a counter cylinder, for producing embossed seams by joining at least two paper layers or fleece layers, arranged one above the other and conveyed in a straight line. For this, the embossed seams extend at a slant or at a right angle relative to the conveying direction of the paper layers or fleece layers. The embossing roller is provided with at least two rows of embossing teeth, arranged at a distance to each other, and the counter cylinder is designed as fluted roller, at least in the area effective for the embossing operation.