Abstract: A manufacturing method of a staple-less binding unit that includes a first binding unit that has plural recesses and projections and a second binding unit that is arranged to face the first binding unit and has recesses and projections that fit to the recesses and the projections of the first binding unit and in which mediums are bound by being interposed between the first binding unit and the second binding unit in a thickness direction of the mediums includes forming the binding units with a die, adjusting center positions of projecting portions of the binding units formed by the die and removed from the die, and adjusting outer shapes of the projecting portions of which the center positions have been adjusted.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of tooth models each including computer code controlling its movement. The system also includes a tooth movement control system (TMCS) with a processor executing a dental manager module and with memory scoring a different tooth movement plan for each of the tooth models. In practice, the tooth movement plans are stored in the memory of each of the tooth models (e.g., a different tooth movement plan for each tooth model). Then, during tooth movement operation, each of the local control modules independently controls the tooth model to execute the tooth movement plan stored in the memory of the tooth model.

Abstract: Disclosed are an anisotropic mechanical expansion (anisotropic Poisson's ratio) substrate and a crack-based pressure sensor using the same. The substrate having an anisotropic Poisson's ratio includes a first layer having linear concave and convex patterns arranged in parallel to each other on a surface thereof; and a second layer having linear convex and concave patterns respectively engaged with the linear concave and convex patterns of the first layer on a surface thereof, wherein the first layer and the second layer are stacked with each other so that the linear convex and concave patterns of the second layer are respectively engaged with the linear concave and convex patterns of the first layer, wherein an elastic modulus of the first layer is different from an elastic modulus of the second layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus of a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes: an electrode film sheet unwinder for supplying upper and lower electrode film sheets having upper and lower electrode films with anode and cathode layers along a predetermined transfer path, an electrolyte membrane sheet unwinder that supplies an electrolyte membrane sheet, a driving bonding roll that has an engraved portion and an embossing portion, a driven bonding roll that is to be moved in the vertical direction toward the driving bonding roll, a film rewinder that recovers, by winding, the upper and lower electrode films, and a position aligning unit that aligns the positions of the anode layer and the cathode layer while switching the running directions of the upper and lower electrode film sheets and the upper and lower electrode films.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of the apparatus for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell. The method includes: (a) unwinding an electrolyte membrane sheet from an electrolyte membrane sheet roll, recovering a protect film attached on an electrolyte membrane, and supplying the electrolyte membrane along a set feed path; (b) unwinding a first electrode film sheet including a first electrode film continuously coated with an anode electrode layer and a second electrode film sheet including a second electrode film coated with a cathode electrode layer with a predetermined gap, and supplying the first electrode film sheet and the second electrode film sheet along the set feed path; (c) passing the electrolyte membrane and the first and second electrode film sheets through between a driving bonding roll and a driven bonding roll.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a security tag. The methods comprise: transitioning a pin head from an extended position to a collapsed position by causing at least one first telescoping segment to slidingly engage a second telescoping segment; locking a shaft, extending out and away from the pin head in the collapsed position, using a securement mechanism disposed inside a housing of the security tag; and preventing a transfer of pin head rotation to the shaft at least when the shaft is locked by the securement mechanism.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus of a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes: an electrode film sheet supply unit supplying a first electrode film sheet including a first electrode film coated with an anode layer and a second electrode film sheet including a second electrode film coated with a cathode layer; an electrolyte membrane sheet supply unit supplying the electrolyte membrane between the anode layer of the first electrode film sheet and the cathode layer of the second electrode film sheet; a drive bonding roll rotatable by an operation of a first driver; and a driven bonding roll movable closer to or farther apart from the drive bonding roll and pressing the electrolyte membrane and the first and second electrode film sheets with the drive bonding roll. In particular, an engraved portion and an embossing portion are alternately formed on a circumference of the drive bonding roll.

Abstract: A press forming method uses a press forming apparatus for forming a film formed product as a formed film of a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The method includes the step of trimming, in the state where a film material is held between a first die and a holder, by moving a second die closer to the first die to cut the film material using a trimming blade provided for the second die. A blade edge of the trimming blade includes two inclined blade edges inclined toward a proximal side of a blade part from the center to both ends of the blade part in the direction in which the blade part extends.

Abstract: A method based on a hot press technique is used to apply a permanent pattern onto a plush synthetic fabric having a pile. The method generally involves mounting one or more top plates and one or more bottom plates onto a hot press machine, where at least one of the top or bottom plates has a raised relief pattern on its surface. The temperature of the plates is set to at least 180° C. and the top and bottom plates are then pressed together against opposite sides of a plush synthetic fabric having a pile on at least one side, the raised relief pattern engaging the side of the fabric having the pile such that the pattern of the relief is imprinted into the pile.

Abstract: A breach apparatus is provided for breaching a closure or other obstacle. The breach apparatus includes a body forming a cavity, an end cap attached adjacent a first end of the body and a manifold attached adjacent a second end of the body and in fluid communication with the cavity, a ram assembly including a ram head attached to a first end of a battering shaft, a battering piston attached to a second end of the battering shaft within the cavity of the body, a mass piston movable within the cavity of the body between the manifold and the battering piston, a trigger mechanism in communication with the manifold, and a supply tank in fluid communication with the manifold.

Abstract: A heated indenter is provided for indenting a personalized document to create a security impression thereon. The personalized document includes but is not limited to, identification cards, driver's licenses, credit and debit cards, and the like. The security impression can provide a visible or tactile security feature that can be recognized by one with little or no training. The security impression causes a laminate layer of the document to tear or disfigure when attempting to remove the laminate layer from a substrate of the document.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imprint apparatus which forms a pattern in an imprint material on a shot region of a substrate by using a mold, the apparatus comprising a stage that can move while holding the substrate, and a control unit configured to control relative positions of the mold and the shot region so as to reduce a shift in the relative positions caused by tilting the stage when bringing the mold and the imprint material into contact with each other, based on a contacting force of bringing the mold and the imprint material into contact with each other, and a distance from a reference position of the substrate to the shot region.

Abstract: A manual device comprising a body, comprising at least one reversible tip mounted on the body, the reversible tip comprising a first head and a second head opposite to the first head, the tip being configured to be mounted on the body in a first position in which the first head projects from the body while the second head is stored inside the body or in a second position in which the second head projects from the body while the first head is stored inside the body, the first head comprising a first pad for a capacitive screen.

Abstract: A manual device comprising a body, and at least one reversible tip mounted on the body, the reversible tip comprising a first head, a second head opposite to the first head, a conductive outer casing, an internal part arranged inside the casing, the first head comprising a first pad for a capacitive screen, the first head and the second head being blocked between the internal part and the casing while the internal part is assembled by snap-fitting to the casing, the first head and the second head projecting from the casing.

Abstract: A squeeze film damper bearing device includes an inner race that is fitted around an outer periphery of a rotating shaft, an outer race that is supported via an annular space on an inner periphery of a bearing sleeve provided on a bearing retaining member, the annular space forming a squeeze film, and a plurality of rolling bodies that are disposed between the inner race and the outer race. The bearing sleeve is formed from a plurality of sleeve elements that are divided in a peripheral direction, and the plurality of sleeve elements move in a radial direction so as to be capable of changing a height in the radial direction of the annular space.

Abstract: A transmission device for a power-driven cutting tool includes a base, a transmission component, a linking component, a shaft component and a link component. The base has a through cavity, a sleeve and a receiving portion. The transmission component is penetratingly disposed in the through cavity, so as to couple the transmission component and the base together. The linking component is penetratingly disposed in the sleeve, so as to couple the linking component and the base together. The shaft component and the link component are disposed in the base. A power source drives the linking component and thereby sequentially drives the shaft component, link component, and transmission component, allowing a cutter of the power-driven cutting tool to undergo reciprocating displacements along a linear path for performing a cutting operation. The transmission device features enhanced structural rigidity, allowing the cutter to move back and forth along a linear track.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical blade comprises a solid blade body defining an axis. The solid blade body comprises a first length, a proximal end, and a distal end. The solid blade body is configured to acoustically couple to an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic surgical blade further comprises a treatment region and a first edge at the distal end of the solid blade body. The ultrasonic surgical blade comprises an inner concave surface. The inner concave surface comprises a cavity extending proximally from the distal end of the solid blade body along the axis. The cavity terminates at a proximal end of the inner concave surface. The inner concave surface is configured to cause fluid droplets to converge along the axis when the fluid droplets collide with the inner concave surface to enhance visibility of a surgical site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a security document and method of production thereof. The security document (10) comprises: a polymer substrate (12) having first (14) and second (22) surfaces; a security feature (16) formed in a region of at least one of said first and second surfaces of said polymer substrate; an opacifying layer (18, 24) formed on at least a portion of at least one of said first and second surfaces of said polymer substrate; a printed design formed on at least a portion of said opacifying layer; and wherein said security feature is formed at least prior to said printed design being formed.

Abstract: A removable stylus tip for use with an active stylus. The tip is capable of exchanging electrical communications with the touchscreen of a computing device. The tip includes a conductive core to transmit signals between the stylus body and a cone-shaped end of the stylus core. The cone-shaped end is covered with a coating to protect the tip and the touchscreen device. The coating is a composite material configured to allow electrical signals to pass through the material as well as to provide mechanical protection to components of the tip and touchscreen.

Abstract: A multi-face part is provided on a half-finished product which eventually becomes a metal decorative button. The multi-face part includes a plurality of small sectional faces and ridges obtusely joining between two adjacent small sectional faces. An outside of the half-finished product including the multi-face part is plated. Then, the half-finished product is barrel-polished. Thereby, the plating on portions corresponding to the small sectional faces remains and the plating on portions corresponding to the ridges is removed, exposing the ground color of the half-finished product. Then, the multi-face part is partially compressed to form the metal decorative button having a compressed decorative surface. The compressed decorative surface is given a pattern composed of a plurality of small sectional parts corresponding to the small sectional faces with the plating left and boundaries corresponding to the ridges with the plating removed.

Abstract: An embossing/debossing system and method for embossing or debossing an impressionable material, such as paper. The system may comprise a laser cutting apparatus and a stamping apparatus. The laser cutting apparatus may comprise a laser configured for cutting and/or ablating one or more patterns into a stencil material. The stamping apparatus may be configured to receive the stencil material from the laser cutting apparatus and may have an actuatable elastomeric press pad configured to press the impressionable material into the patterns formed in the stencil material by the laser cutting apparatus. The system may also comprise various feeding devices configured to feed the stencil material from the laser cutting apparatus to the stamping apparatus and/or configured to feed the impressionable material through the stamping apparatus.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an apparatus for integrating an indicator flag into an item. The apparatus includes an upper portion and a base. The upper portion includes a cutting blade and a first attachment. The cutting blade is operable to cut the indicator flag into the item. The base includes a second attachment and one or more cutting grooves. The second attachment is operable to couple with the first attachment such that upper portion is movable towards the base. The one or more cutting grooves are operable to mate with the cutting blade when the upper portion is depressed and the upper portion moves towards the base.

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: The present invention relates to a process for the production of three-dimensional patterns in coatings which comprise flake-form effect pigments, to patterned coatings produced thereby and to the use thereof in decoration and security products.

Abstract: Drive device for unwinding a reel of foil in an unwinding module of a stamping machine, having an inactive position, and an active position in engagement with the reel, and comprising: a belt, having an inactive configuration, and an active configuration for contacting a portion of the reel and driven by a driver of the module so as to unwind the reel, rollers, maintaining the belt in the inactive and the active configuration, a translatable roller, which engages the belt and compensates for variations in length when the belt moves from the inactive to the active configuration, and a biasing arrangement, attached to the roller and thereby keeping the belt tensioned in both the inactive and the active configuration, and the biasing arrangement is actuated and disengaged from the belt, to move the belt from the inactive to the active configuration and vice versa.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an imprint method is disclosed. The method can include forming a liquid droplet of a transfer material with a volume greater than a predetermined reference volume by dropping the transfer material onto a major surface of a processing substrate. The method can include reducing the volume of the liquid droplet to be less than the reference volume by volatilizing the liquid droplet. In addition, the method can include filling the transfer material into a recess provided in a transfer surface of a template by bringing the liquid droplet having the volume reduced to be less than the reference volume into contact with the transfer surface of the template.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing an absorbent article are provided. Graphics are printed on a substrate, where consecutive graphics are separated in the machine direction by a first repeat pitch length. The substrate is activated, or incrementally stretched, in a first direction to define a second repeat pitch distance. The second repeat pitch distance is substantially equal to the pitch length of the absorbent article pitch length. The substrate is activated, or incrementally stretched, in the machine direction subsequent to printing to increase the repeat pitch distance. The substrate may be activated in the cross direction to increase the width of the substrate. Only portions of the substrate may undergo activation. The activation may be performed with rollers and/or stamping.

Abstract: Techniques are described for the production of tactile dots, tactile dot groups, and tactile identifier marks on substrates that are tactilely recognizable by visually impaired individuals. Each tactile dot can be formed individually in the substrate, for example by separately embossing each tactile dot using a single punch and die pair. By using a single punch and die pair, the size, complexity and cost of the tactile dot embossing mechanism can be reduced, and the spacing between the tactile dots can be varied.

Abstract: An apparatus performing cutting or printing on an object includes a moving device, a detection device detecting ultrasonic waves and a control device configured to cause the apparatus to specify, as a designated position, a position of an ultrasonic source on the object, based on the detected ultrasonic waves, when the object is located at a predetermined position, to determine at least one of an edit pattern to be applied to the object and a cutting position or a printing position, based on the specified designated position, to generate data to perform cutting or printing on the object based on the determined one of the edit pattern and the cutting or printing position, and to control the moving device based on the generated data to move the object and the cutting or printing head relative to each other, performing cutting or printing on the object.

Abstract: A method for in-line integrated raised printing. The method includes performing a plurality of separations, and generating an embossing effect based on the performing said plurality of separations, wherein the embossing effect comprises a three-dimensional effect.

Abstract: A security element includes an optically variable structure having a multiplicity of first embossed structures each including at least two flanks which converge at at least one certain angle. In at least one first partial region of the optically variable structure, at least one flank of the first embossed structures respectively has at least one additional embossed structure which is mounted on the flank of the first embossed structures or inserted into the flank of the first embossed structures. The geometry of the at least one additional embossed structure is executed to be at least near-inverse to the geometry of that flank of the first embossed structure on which the at least one additional embossed structure is mounted or inserted.

Abstract: A cutting data generator includes a control device configured to obtain arrangement information including arrangement positions for arranging a plurality of types of decorative pieces with at least different colors and the types of the decorative pieces, to generate print data for printing identification marks at respective positions, based on the obtained arrangement information, the positions where the identification marks are to be printed corresponding to the arrangement positions respectively, the identification marks being indicative of the types of the decorative pieces respectively, and to generate cutting data for cutting a plurality of holes in a sheet material, based on the obtained arrangement information, the holes being usable to arrange the decorative pieces on the sheet material.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having an automatic printing sheet feeder integrated thereto to improve mass productivity. The printing apparatus includes a base, a moving stage, an automatic printing sheet feeder, and a printing roll. The moving stage is linearly movable along the base, and has a lithographic plate seated on the top surface thereof, the lithographic plate having a printing pattern thereon. The automatic printing sheet feeder is installed on the moving stage. The automatic printing sheet feeder includes an unwinding roll, which supplies the printing sheet, a rewinding roll, which collects the printing sheet, and a plurality of guide rolls, which guide the printing sheet to pass through the printing area of the moving stage. The printing roll is installed on the base, and performs printing by transferring ink from recesses of a printing pattern of the lithographic plate to the printing sheet on the moving stage.

Abstract: A depth-changing pattern for simulating a wood grain appearance is debossed on strip material, such as a metal or steel sheet, by longitudinally feeding the strip material past a debossing drum having upraised protrusions with transversely-varying depths that impact the surface of the strip material, forming depressions in the surface as the sheet is pulled past the debossing drum. As the sheet material is pulled through the debossing drum assembly, it is moved in a direction parallel with the rotational axis of the debossing drum and transverse to the direction of material feed, thereby creating a random or non-repeating and depth-changing pattern. The strip material may then be subjected to further processing steps such as forming, coloring and staining to produce an article having a realistic wood grain appearance.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable media relating to automatically adjusting a graphics feature to compensate for a predetermined resolution limit. The method generally relates to automatically identifying, within a selected area of a graphics file, one or more portions of at least one graphics feature meeting predetermined criteria for adjustment, including criteria for defining a thin portion having a thickness less than the resolution limit. The method then automatically modifies only the identified one or more portions to have an adjusted thickness greater than the initial thickness. Additional criteria may be used to restrict which thin portions of the feature are actually modified.

Abstract: A device 100 for unwinding foil to accumulate at least one stamping foil 20 upstream of an advance shaft 50. The device 100 includes two series 110, 120 of diverting elements 111, 121. One series is mobile relative to the other to define a foil circulation path of variable length. The mobile series moves between a close together position and a far apart position as the foil advances. A movement device 130 moves the mobile elements 110 as a function of a variable rotation speed difference between an advance shaft 50 of the foil that turns at variable speed and a rotary drive member 131 that turns at a constant speed substantially at the average rotation speed of the advance shaft 50. A transmission between the shaft 50 and the member 131 enables them to rotate at variable and constant speeds.

Abstract: An embossing device includes an electric drive system to provide for high quality embossing. The device may be used with any conventional die. In a preferred embodiment, an embossing folder is provided that allows for embossing and debossing of a material in a single pass through the embossing device.

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

Abstract: An engraving device that forms a desired image via a plurality of engraved marks in a surface of an object via a working tool is presented. The engraving device includes a base comprising a retainer configured to retain the object, a X-direction displacement means located above the base, configured to displace the working tool along a X-axis along the surface of the object, a Y-direction displacement means located above the base, configured to displace the working tool along a Y-axis perpendicular to the X-axis along the surface of the object, and a Z-direction displacement means located above the base, configured to displace the working tool along a Z-axis toward and away from the object.

Abstract: A sandwich structure is provided that includes a corrugated layer with at least one core layer (structure) made of a periodic array of adjacent truncated upward facing peaks and truncated downward facing valleys. Each truncated peak has a bonding land of an area A1. Each truncated valley has a bonding land of an area A2. A ratio of A1/A2 is less than 2. A distance D is between neighboring peaks, and a distance D is also between neighboring valleys. The corrugated layer is made from an initially flat sheet thickness of t. A first sheet layer is physically coupled to bonding lands of the truncated peaks. A second sheet layer is physically coupled to bonding lands of the truncated valleys.

Abstract: An imprinter includes a printing base for mounting a card and a print paper to be imprinted on a predetermined area thereof, a carriage that is movable above the printing base, a roller shaft arranged at a position of a predetermined height from the card mounting surface of the printing base, a roller including an outer periphery of hard material a center boss that is in rotational engagement with the roller shaft and elastic members provided between the outer periphery and the center boss of the roller. The elastic members are radially deformed during imprinting operation to cause the outer periphery of the roller to radially move relative to the center axis of the roller shaft into a state of eccentric circle in vertical section, so that the embossed information of the card may be transcribed onto the print paper.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bank structure, includes: (a) forming a multi-layer structure on an underlying surface thereof, the multi-layer structure having at least a first layer and a second layer, (b) embossing the second layer so as to define a bank pattern in the second layer, (c) transferring the bank pattern to the first layer so as to form a bank structure defining an indented region; and (d) removing the second layer after the step (c) so as to expose a surface of the first layer as a top surface of the bank structure.

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 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 security element for a security paper, value document or the like, having a carrier which has a reflective areal region which is divided into a multiplicity of reflective pixels. The area of each pixel is smaller than the area of the reflective areal region by at least one order of magnitude. Each pixel has at least one reflective facet which is formed in a surface of the carrier, and the at least one reflective facet reflects light incident along a predetermined direction on the areal region directionally in a reflection direction predefined by the orientation of the facet. The orientations of the facets of different pixels have a substantially random variation over the reflective areal region.

Abstract: An adjustable stamp for stamping characters on a workpiece, including a base plate with a platen, a plurality of stamps each having a raised character on one side, a stamp holder, and a support securing the stamps to the holder in an array while allowing limited free motion of the stamps relative to each other in the stamping and retract directions. The support is mounted to the base plate for movement in a plane substantially perpendicular to the stamping direction to selectively position one of the stamps over the platen. The base plate and the workpiece may be pressed together, whereby the raised character of the one stamp is stamped into the workpiece by the platen pressing against the opposite side of the one stamp, with the free motion of the other stamps preventing their raised characters from being stamped into the workpiece.

Abstract: According to example embodiments, a printing apparatus includes a wafer delivery unit configured to move and support a wafer, an optical microscope configured to inspect the wafer, a pattern transfer unit configured to display a position of a defect on the wafer detected using the optical microscope.

Abstract: A new and improved roller press for embellishing media includes a pair of spaced apart roller press members supported for rotation by bearing blocks. 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 are disposed between the bearing blocks to provide a stable base for supporting the press.

Abstract: An emboss pattern, tissue product and method of manufacturing tissue product having improved bulk and softness with minimal roll ridging. The pattern combines a plurality of aligned signature bosses with a grouping of signature bosses offset from the machine direction in a clockwise manner and another grouping of signature bosses being offset in a counter-clockwise manner.

Abstract: A method of patterning a substrate comprising a plurality of fields, including, inter alia, positioning a first volume of fluid on a first subset of the plurality of fields of the substrate, with the first volume of fluid being subjected to a first evaporation time; positioning a second volume of fluid on a second subset of the plurality of fields of the substrate, differing from the first subset, with the second volume of fluid being subjected to a second evaporation time, differing from the first evaporation time; and patterning the first and second subsets of the plurality of fields, with the first subset of the plurality of fields being patterned prior to the second subset of the plurality of fields being patterned, with a volume associated with the second subset of the plurality of fields being greater than a volume associated with the first subset of the plurality of fields to compensate for the second evaporation time being greater than the first evaporation time.