Abstract: A hand-operated stamp (1) includes an at least partially open-pored printing plate (27) which can be displaced counter to a spring force, from a resting position in which it is retracted into a housing (2), into a printing position by an actuation element (3). The printing plate rests against an ink storage body (25) in order to receive stamping ink therefrom, the ink storage body being mounted in a holder (24) which at least partially encloses it. The holder (24) is trough-shaped and is directly locked with a connecting part (6) which is locked with the actuation unit and which comprises at least one refill support (40, 41) which is oriented towards an ink refill opening (42, 43) in the base wall of the holder (24).

Abstract: Fiducials having substantially continuous portions made on a substrate allow the position of the substrate to be determined. An approach for making fiducials involves moving first and second fiducial devices together back and forth across the substrate along a trajectory having a component along the lateral axis of the substrate while the substrate and the first and second fiducial devices are in relative motion along the longitudinal axis of the substrate. The first fiducial device operates to make one fiducial on the substrate during the movement along the trajectory and the relative motion. The second fiducial device operates to make another fiducial on the substrate during the movement along the trajectory and the relative motion. The fiducials may be formed so that they have a constant spatial frequency with the first fiducial being out of phase with respect to the second fiducial.

Abstract: A device for preparing a liquid mixture that is to be applied to a printing material is provided. The device includes a first reservoir containing a first ingredient of the liquid mixture, a supply source for a second ingredient of the liquid mixture, a mixing tank for receiving the at least first and second ingredients and for mixing the ingredients to obtain the liquid mixture, and supply lines to convey the first ingredient and the second ingredient from the first reservoir and the supply source to the mixing tank. The first ingredient includes less than 60, preferably less than 50, and most preferably less than 25 weight % of water, and in particular is an essentially waterless ingredient. A method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for applying markings, particularly to springs, that are clean (ink in self contained storage units), allows quick color changes and reduces wasted ink or paint. An application means that does not dry out during short down time periods, keeps up with production rates, and is cost effective.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for applying ink to a target surface comprises a wheel member defining a support portion, at least one adhesive sheet, and at least one inking member. The at least one adhesive sheet is detachably attached to the support portion of the wheel member. The at least one adhesive sheet defines an outer adhesive surface. The at least one inking member is detachably attached to the outer adhesive surface of the at least one adhesive sheet. When the at least one inking member detachably attached to the adhesive surface is brought into contact with the target surface, ink on the at least one inking member is transferred to the target surface.

Abstract: A combined ink stamp and digital counter device includes a portable self-inking stamp that includes a housing provided with a print head. The device also includes a mechanical print head actuator that is coupled to the print head for urging the print head along a linear reciprocating path defined between an upper resting position and a lower stamping position. The device further includes a counting mechanism that is coupled to the print head actuator and is configured to conveniently count a number of stampings when the print head actuator is displaced to the lower stamping position. The device furthermore includes a display screen that is electrically coupled to the counting mechanism and is configured to display the number of stampings.

Abstract: A template is provided to stretch socks out slightly so the surface of the socks are smooth and flat for printing. In order to make the process cost effective, the templates are designed to print either 2 or 3 pairs of socks at one time, the template comprises: a planar registration portion configured to assist a user to align the printing template with a printer tray; and first and second receiving portions orthogonally extending from the registration portion, each receiving portion configured to receive a garment opening and having a width configured to flatten a portion of the received sock for printing, wherein the first and second receiving portions extend in opposite direction of the planar registration portion.

Abstract: A line-pattern formation apparatus includes: a pattern former with a display defining a pattern and a referential projection indicating a reference position of the pattern; a positioning plate including a line-pattern indicator indicating a plurality of patterns in a lateral condition and a reference-positioning indicator specifying the reference position of the patterns; and a positioner including a stand on which a sheet is placed and a fixing member for fixing the sheet placed on the stand. The fixing member is provided with fitting portions for making the positioning plate detachably attached to the fixing member.

Abstract: A pattern (P) is transferred onto an optical article (1) in the form of one or more portions of a transferable material (3, 4b) retained by a layer of latex (2). The portion or portions of transferable material are applied with a stamp after the layer of latex has been formed on the article and before the latex is dry. By using latex as the adhesive material, the nature of the transferable material may vary widely. Such a method is particularly suitable for producing patterns such as holograms on optical lenses, especially ophthalmic lenses. The layer of latex may also protect the product against shocks which may subsequently be received.

Abstract: This invention provides a stamp which enables a print image combining a fixed print face with a changeable print face to be visibly recognized through a sample. A date stamp forms a print image by synthesizing a fixed print face with a movable print face arbitrarily selectable by operating an operation portion. The movable print faces are provided on the outer face of a belt body in a plurality of quantity. Samples of the print images of the movable print faces are printed on the outside face on an opposite side of the belt body. Each movable print face and sample are matched with each other so that the sample of the print image of the movable print face located at a side face of a holding body is located on other side face. A user can see a sample of the print image of the fixed print face and a sample seen through a sample window as an image of a stamp result through a sample face on an opposite side to the print face.

Abstract: In a fixed print portion 100, a cylindrical holding member 125 holds a fixed print member 112 and an ink storage body 113 from the side of the ink storage body 113 and a frame member 120 having an L-shaped section is set from the side of the fixed print member 112 so that it is fitted to the outer periphery of the holding member 125, thereby a print face 111 is held and exposed outside. A portion of the fixed print member 112 near the outer periphery is nipped between the frame member 120 and the holding member 125 in a compressed state because the frame member 120 is fitted to the holding member 125 and an exposed portion of the fixed print member 112 has a difference of height H between the end face of the frame member 120 and the print face 111. A damper member 300 is disposed between the frame member 120 and a flange 203 provided on a supporting case 201 of the movable print portion 200.

Abstract: A transfer sheet placed between a vacuum chuck and a stamp in a soft lithography aligner facilitates three dimensional manufacturing with elastomeric materials.

Abstract: The printing apparatus, presented herein, comprises a patterning device having a curved member that supports a stamp on its surface. The curved member is adapted to roll over a substrate to be printed on to transfer the pattern onto the substrate. An illumination system directs light onto the region of the substrate that is being printed in order to set a layer of resist, which has been sprayed onto the substrate. The light is directed via a pattern that is made on the surface of the stamp, thereby transferring the pattern to the substrate.

Abstract: The printing apparatus, presented herein, comprises a patterning device having a curved member that supports a stamp on its surface. The curved member is adapted to roll over a substrate to be printed on to transfer the pattern onto the substrate. An illumination system directs light onto the region of the substrate that is being printed in order to set a layer of resist, which has been sprayed onto the substrate. The light is directed via a pattern that is made on the surface of the stamp, thereby transferring the pattern to the substrate.

Abstract: A portable cable marking mechanism includes a gun-like housing with a pivotally mounted trigger assembly for moving a stamping unit along a predetermined inking path to engage in sequence an inking pad of a replaceable ink cartridge for inking the stamping unit and then a cable sleeve for providing the cable sleeve with customized indicia markings.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for laminating a sheet to a substrate in a stress free and distortion-less manner. The method comprises providing the sheet and substrate such that an attractive force between them exists that is capable of bringing the sheet and surface together at least when their distance is shorter than a critical distance. The method creates these conditions by locally making an initial contact between the sheet and substrate such that at a contact front, being the boundary between areas where the substrate and sheet are in contact and those where they are not in contact, these conditions exist. In a further step the sheet and substrate are allowed to gradually make contact such that the contact front advances along either of the substrate or sheet surface therewith increasing the contacting area between the substrate and the sheet.

Abstract: A type unit (3) for a self-inking stamp (1) with at least one type band (32) placed over a drive wheel (33-36), the drive wheel being rotatably mounted in two legs (30) of a bearing member (28) and provided with an adjustment wheel (38), and with a hood-shaped cover (48) which includes at least one slot (51) for the passage of a circumferential part of the adjustment wheel (38) of the drive wheel (33-36) as well as snap-in elements (47) in the region of its free ends and which covers the at least one type band (32) in the region of the drive wheel (33-36) in a position releasably fastened by snapping in on the bearing member (28), wherein the two legs (30) of the bearing member (28) each have two projecting snap-in noses (44) on their outer side that faces away from the type band (32), and the cover (48) includes two cantilevering extensions (50) on each one of its two front sides, as snap-in elements (47) for snapping engagement with the snap-in noses (44) of the bearing member (28).

Abstract: A multi-ink marking structure for a hand stamp is made. A unitary foam member is provided and has a front surface, a rear surface and peripheral edges extending between the front surface and the rear surface. Selected locations of the foam member are sealed to form a barrier which extends at least substantially between the front surface and the rear surface and which divides the foam member into first and second regions adapted to store first and second inks, respectively. The barrier remains permanently connected to the first and second regions of the foam member. The barrier is adapted to prevent migration of inks between the first and the second regions. Print patterns are defined at the front surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for inking an engraved printing plate from an ink tank and for scraping off the ink in dab printing, characterised in that a doctor blade (8) is used, of which at least the bottom edge, which comes into contact with the printing plate (9), is adjusted with respect to the printing plate (9) at a negative angle, measured with respect to the portion of the printing plate that is inked and to be scraped off.

Abstract: A printing band with human readable and printing characters is capable of printing on preprinted labels with seven color zones. The selected printing band can print the day of the week, such as Wednesday, plus obliterate all the color zones except for the color zone corresponding to the commercially accepted color for that selected day, such as Wednesday.

Abstract: A material processing system for continuously processing a material defining a destination surface. The material processing system comprises an inking wheel and a handle assembly or a roller press assembly and an auxiliary housing. The handle assembly rotatably supports a first print wheel. The roller press assembly comprises a housing assembly that rotatably supports a second print wheel. The auxiliary housing is adapted to be connected to the housing assembly. The inking wheel is adapted to be connected to the handle assembly and to the adapter assembly. The material processing system is used to apply ink to the image surface in either one of first or second modes. In the first mode, the inking wheel is supported by the handle assembly such that the inking wheel is in contact with the first print wheel. In the second mode, the inking wheel is supported by the auxiliary housing such that the inking wheel is in contact with the second print wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a print roll assembly. The print roll assembly includes a print roll which, in turn, includes an elongate former carrying a continuous sheet of print media. An ink supply for being received within the former is also provided, and defines a plurality of ink chambers for each receiving a respective type of ink. The assembly may further include a plurality of absorbent sponges for each being received within a respective ink chamber.

Abstract: A deformable stamp for patterning a surface. The stamp can be placed in contact with an entire 3-dimensional object, such as a rod, in a single step. The stamp can also be used to pattern the inside of a tube or rolled over a surface to form a continuous pattern. The stamp may also be used for fluidic patterning by flowing material through channels defined by raised and recessed portions in the surface of the stamp as it contacts the substrate. The stamp may be used to deposit self-assembled monolayers, biological materials, metals, polymers, ceramics, or a variety of other materials. The patterned substrates may be used in a variety of engineering and medical applications.

Abstract: A rubber stamp package includes a multiplicity of rubber stamps each having a body of circular cross section, a flexible stamp indicium on one surface thereof, and a handle on the other surface thereof, with a free end of the handle being of dome-shaped configuration. A synthetic resin container stores the stamps and has a base section with a multiplicity of spaced circular recesses seating the body of the stamps and a cooperatively dimensioned and configured cover section having a complementary pattern of generally spherical recesses for seating the free ends of the stamp handles. The container sections are releasably held in a closed relationship by interengaging elements.

Abstract: A marking system is provided that includes a marking device having a volume of marking fluid stored therein. The marking device further includes: a head assembly that includes: a housing having a base with at least one aperture passing therethough, a frame mounted within the housing, wherein the frame further includes at least one biasing member that acts against the housing to allow a portion of the frame to extend from the housing or to be compressed into the housing, and a flexible, porous applicator mounted within the frame; and a flexible reservoir that is adapted to be attached to the head assembly. The at least one aperture in the base provides fluid communication between the applicator and the volume of marking fluid.

Abstract: A stamp die (10) having a surface structure (14, 16) for hot or cold stamping is described, said stamp die (10) being flexible such that it is no longer necessary during stamping to make the hitherto necessary adjustments for tolerance compensation by placing suitable materials under the substrate to be stamped or under the stamp die (10). Said flexibility is obtained in that the stamp die (10) has a use layer (12) with the surface structure (14, 16), a base layer (18) and at least one intermediate layer (20) between the use layer and the base layer (12 and 18), the layers (12, 20, 18) each being connected to one another by means of a heat-resistant flexible connecting film (22). Said connecting films (22) are preferably adhesive films.

Abstract: A printing plate has a substrate and a heat decomposable polymer layer arranged adjacent to the substrate, the decomposable polymer having defined regions within the polymer layer to form a printing pattern. The printing plate may be used in a printing system. The printing plate is formed in a process by providing a substrate, coating the substrate with a heat decomposable polymer to form a plate, and forming a printing pattern in the heat decomposable polymer by selectively decomposing regions of the heat decomposable polymer.

Abstract: An automated process for microcontact printing is provided, comprising the steps of providing a substrate and a stamp; automatically aligning the substrate and stamp so that the stamp is aligned relative to the substrate to impart a pattern to the substrate at a desired location and with a desired orientation on the substrate; applying an ink to the stamp, the ink including a molecular species adapted to form a self-assembling monolayer (SAM) on the substrate; contacting the stamp and the substrate; and separating the stamp from the substrate.

Abstract: A hand stamp includes a unitary marking structure having a plurality of ink-storing regions. The unitary marking structure has front and rear surfaces and substantially porous portions between the front and rear surfaces. The unitary marking structure has a first region adapted to store a first ink and a second region adapted to store a second ink. The first and second inks may be different, such as different colors. A substantially non-porous barrier is provided between the first and second regions of the marking structure to prevent the inks from migrating between the first and second regions.

Abstract: A marking device is disclosed to enable the placement of an indicator mark on one side of a sheet of material to mark the approximate periphery of a stationary object. The device is affixed to the stationary object with channels that allow for an element to be mounted within the object. A removable contact pad, portions of which extend above the base surface, is connected to the base through the use of a pair of flanges.

Abstract: Patterns of nanometer and micrometer dimensions are printed on a substrate by first forming a solution or suspension of a liquid and a printing material and then applying a layer of the solution or suspension to the substrate. Then, without applying pressure, a stamp provided with relief patterns is positioned at a distance of 0 nm to 500 ?m from the substrate with the relief patterns in contact with the layer of the solution or suspension. The liquid is then evaporated from the solution or suspension from between the substrate and the stamp so as to draw the suspension or solution by capillarity to the relief patterns and deposit the material on the substrate in accordance with the relief patterns of the stamp. Thereafter the stamp is separated from the substrate.

Abstract: A stamp housing that defines an interior channel and a window, with a carrier received within the channel and movable from a first position to a second position, and a stamp body attached to the carrier and configured with a stamp image that receives an ink for transferring the stamp image to an article upon pressing application against the article with the carrier in the second position aligning the stamp image with the window of the housing, with the first position enclosing the stamp image remotely within the housing and non-aligned with the window.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transferring a pattern from a stamping surface (31) of a stamp (30) to a receiving surface (21) of a substrate (20). The pattern is transferred to the receiving surface (21) by successively bringing portions of the pattern within such a range of the receiving surface (21) during a certain period, that the pattern is locally transferred from the stamping surface (31) to the receiving surface (21). The individual portions can be moved by means of individual actuators (50). By applying the method, the transfer of the pattern can be performed according to a wave, which is for example ring-shaped, moving from the center of the receiving surface (21) to the circumference, or linear, moving from side of the receiving surface (21) to an opposite side.

Abstract: A hand stamp includes a first marking structure having a front surface adapted to print a first ink onto an object, a rear surface and peripheral edges extending between the front and rear surfaces. The hand stamp includes a second marking structure having a front surface adapted to print a second ink onto an object, a rear surface and peripheral edges extending between the front and rear surfaces of the second marking structure. The first and second marking structures are permanently assembled together so that at least one of the edges of the first marking structure opposes at least one of the edges of the second marking structure, whereby at least one of the opposing edges has a non-porous surface for preventing migration of the first ink of the first marking structure with the second ink of the second marking structure.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a telescopic multi-color inkpad assembly with easy-demountable-and-assembling inkpad bases. The inkpad base can be freely demounted from and assembled to the base so that it is convenient for the user to grasp the inkpad. Color-staining problem between two neighboring inkpads is prevented and the base can freely extend to open and contract to close causing variant configurations and shapes.

Abstract: A stamping system for forming a continuous image on an image surface. The stamping system comprises a handle assembly, a stamp wheel, and an inking system. The stamp wheel defines a stamp surface and is rotatably attached to the handle assembly. The inking system comprises a cartridge assembly comprising an inking member, an axle, and a housing member. The inking member defines a through-hole and first and second side surfaces. The axle comprises a center portion and first and second flange portions. The axle supports the inking member such that the center portion lies within the through-hole and the first and second flange portions extend at least partly along the first and second side surfaces. The housing member supports the axle for movement relative to the handle assembly. The inking system further comprises a biasing assembly supported by the handle assembly for applying a force on the housing member such that the inking member comes into contact with the stamp surface.

Abstract: A picture hanging tool is provided for facilitated marking of a selected point on a wall or the like for subsequent installation of a fastener used for hanging a picture or other object from the wall. The tool includes an upper handle section adapted for manual grasping, and a lower support or base section having a hook or the like for temporarily supporting the object for movement over the wall surface to a selected precision mounting location. When the desired mounting location is obtained, an actuator mechanism including an actuator pin exposed on the upper handle section is operable to displace a spring-loaded marking element into engagement with the wall surface at the desired point for subsequent fastener installation. The tool is then removed from the wall, the fastener installed at the marked point, and the object hung from the installed fastener.

Abstract: A thin-film transistor for an active matrix display is fabricated using printing means, such as a gravure offset printer. First and second pattern layers (251, 252; 30) are formed on a layer structure (4) wherein at least one of the layers is printed. The printed layers (251, 252; 30) mask regions (271, 272, 28) for defining source a and drain terminals. The second pattern layer (28) can be removed so as to allow etching of the second region (28) for defining a channel.

Abstract: A microcontact printing tool having a print unit including a stamp head with a stamp and a wafer chuck for retaining a substrate. The stamp contained by the stamped head movable relative to the substrate by an actuator and a stage. A plurality of sensors detect the position of the stamp relative to substrate. A method of using the printing tool that includes a real-time feedback for consistent and accurate application of force during the printing of the substrate. The stamp head includes a pressure chamber carrying the stamp. The stamp backing is deflected prior to contact of the stamp with the substrate to form a minimum point and the stamp backing and the stamp is returned to a plane to create a printing propagation contact. An apparatus and method of producing the stamp on a stamp backing. The apparatus has a master backing and a stamping backing in close proximity and the stamp material drawn in through a vacuum. The stamp is separated from the master by use of a parting fluid.

Abstract: A handwriting instrument with a stamp carrier (40) with stamp pad (41) introduced from the side into the stock (10). The stamp carrier is releasably connected to a lid (20). The lid (20) is a segment of the stock (10). For this writing instrument a flexible standard refill (50) is provided, with which the aide of a guide bar (53) and further stock elements is bent and held against the inner wall of the stock (10) in such a manner, that it's central area is eccentrically displaced for providing greater space for the stamp carrier (40).

Abstract: A stamp pad holder for use in a self-inking hand stamp. The stamp pad holder has a stamp die box that holds a stamp forming material, ink cartridge and plastic within the die box. The stamp forming material is placed at the bottom of the die box. An ink cartridge having a layer of soft, compressible, ink permeable material applied to its bottom surface is placed above the stamp forming material but separated by an impermeable film. The film prohibits ink from flowing from the ink cartridge to the stamp forming material until the film is pulled from the die box prior to use. This permits the ink from the ink cartridge to impregnate the stamp forming material. The soft, compressible, ink permeable material increases the rate of ink flow from the ink cartridge to the stamp forming material.

Abstract: A hand-held ink stamper has a base, an actuator slidably disposed on the base, and a die mount movably mounted within the base. The die mount is connected to the actuator and movable to at least a printing position upon movement of the actuator. A die is mounted on the die mount. A first, removable ink supply is mounted within the base at a first position and provides ink to the die. At least one second, spare, removable ink supply is stored within the base at a second position. The second ink supply is removable for replacing the first ink supply by moving the second ink supply to the first position.

Abstract: An automatic re-inked stamp has a stamp base an ink pad, a character unit, a housing and a bottom cover that attaches to the stamp base without having to press the character unit down. The stamp base has a bottom, an opening at the bottom and a lip formed on and protruding out from the bottom. The ink pad is mounted slidably in the stamp base, and the character unit is rotatably mounted below the ink pad and abuts the ink pad when it moves into the stamp base. The housing has a biasing member and is mounted slidably over the stamp base. The bottom cover has two latches that hook the lip on the stamp base to hold the bottom cover securely on the stamp base.

Abstract: A stencil printing ink container includes an ink container body. An ink charge port is provided in an end wall of the ink container body and an inner plug is mounted on the ink charge port. The inner plug is provided with an ink discharge port smaller in the outer diameter than the inner diameter of the ink charge port and gives an ink suction nozzle of an ink pump access to the ink discharge port.

Abstract: Kit for labeling an object for identification thereof includes an inkpad containing an ink bearing an ultra-violet (UV) radiation sensitive dye, a binder, a first biologic mark, and being invisible in the absence of UV light. The kit also includes an integral writing instrument housing a UV light and an ink pen bearing ink that bearings a UV dye and a second biologic marker. The kit further contains an ink pen housing an ink bearing a UV dye and a third biologic marker, and being invisible in the absence of UV light. An inventory list to record objects labeled with said kit is included in the kit additionally.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing patterns on a surface of a substrate. The apparatus includes a rigid support such as a rigid tubular structure having first and second opposed ends and a fluid flow passageway extending therethrough. A printing stamp is attached at one of the opposed ends of the rigid support. The printing stamp has a flexible diaphragm portion which has an outer surface which is coated with one or more materials in a pre-selected pattern. A pneumatic pressurizing mechanism communicating with an inner surface of the flexible diaphragm portion through the fluid flow passageway is used to bias the flexible diaphragm portion outwardly into intimate and uniform contact with the surface of the substrate for transferring the pre-selected pattern onto the substrate surface. The rigid tubular supports are attached to a robotic positioning mechanism for providing control of positioning of the stamp relative to the substrate surface.

Abstract: A stamp device for printing a pattern on a surface of a substrate having a two-sided rigid carrier layer providing on its first side a patterned layer made of a first material and being combined on its second side with a soft layer made of a softer material than that of the first material.

Abstract: An ink cartridge or inkpad for use in a hand stamp in which the cartridge is made up of two parts. There is a frame portion and a central removed portion or well. Ink is deposited into the well and absorbed by the foam stamping member and the frame portion. In a first embodiment the central removed portion is reinserted back into the cartridge to provide additional ink storage medium and to impart structural strength to the stamping member. A trim ring supports the stamping member and locks the stamping member and ink cartridge into the stamp mount. This minimizes the mess associates with inking inkpads and also minimizes ink loss due to evaporation and drying. It also reduces the inventory of ink cartridges required by a stamp manufacturer as the cartridges are stored dry and the desired color ink is only placed in the ink cartridge when the stamp is manufactured for the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microarray printing system and methods of printing probe microarrays. The system has a print-head formed of one or more capillary bundle, such as light-guiding capillaries. The bundles may especially be bundles of capillaries that provide a large number of probes on the surface of a substrate. Methods of registering or correlating the distal and proximal ends of the capillaries are also provided. Further, the invention provides methods and equipment for identifying defective microarrays that are missing one or more probes from the surface of the microarray.

Abstract: A marking device is disclosed to enable the placement of an indicator mark on one side of a sheet of material to mark the approximate periphery of a stationary object. The device consists of a base containing multiple marking members with a marking surface raised above the base surface. A contact plate, portions of which extend above the base surface, is connected to the base through the use of a pair of opposing connectors. The contact plate extends from the base a distance sufficient to prevent the sheet material from contacting the marking members without the application of sufficient pressure to compress the contact plate.