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 tool for use in marking a golf ball includes a body having a curved portion configured to receive a golf ball and extend along a portion of an outer surface of the golf ball. The body includes at least one track extending along the curved portion. Each track includes an aperture adapted to receive a writing instrument to permit marking of the golf ball through the aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for labeling containers, especially specimen containers for medical specimens. The apparatus comprises a printing device; a supply and removal device for supplying and removing at least one container to and from the printing device. The printing device is designed such that it can be moved into at least one first position and into a second position. In the first position, the container is automatically supplied to and removed from the printing device with the aid of the supply and removal device. The container can be manually supplied and removed from the printing device when it is in the second position.

Abstract: A system and method which allows for a pre-constructed article of clothing to having printing on substantially all of its external surface area. Specifically, an image may be simultaneously printed across multiple components of a clothing article. The method generally provides for transfer of a digital image, such as a digital photograph, to be applied to an article of clothing in a manner that prints an entire two-dimensional surface of the clothing with a coherent image, that maintains coherency when the article of clothing is worn. There is also provided an article of clothing produced using the systems and methods.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure involves absorbent articles having customized graphics disposed inside packages labeled as containing customized articles. During the manufacturing process, customized absorbent articles are constructed with article identity graphics, and the packages to contain the customized articles are labeled with package identity graphics. A controller uses article and package identity graphics to track the manufacture of the customized articles and synchronize placement of the customized articles in the appropriately labeled packages. The methods disclosed herein provides for the manufacture of customized absorbent articles in series with the manufacture of absorbent articles having non-custom graphics. The substrates and/or components having the custom graphics in the manufacturing process are detected by a sensor that provides a feedback signal to a controller.

Abstract: A finger positioning device for a printer is provided, having a frame, a finger support supported by the frame, the finger support having a loading position and a printing position; and a release latch adjacent the finger support, wherein the finger support is biased to the printing position and the release latch is configured to releasably retain the finger support in the loading position. The finger positioning device may further be configured such that the release latch is triggered to release the finger support from the loading position to the printing position by the distal end of a finger fully introduced onto the finger support.

Abstract: According to the embodiment form, a label is equipped with a sheet-like base material, an adhesion layer, and an exfoliation base material. A sheet-like base material has a printable printing side. An adhesion layer is prepared in a field opposite to the printing side in a sheet-like base material. Through the above-mentioned sheet-like base material and the above-mentioned adhesion layer, an exfoliation base material is pasted up so that exfoliation is possible. In the printing side of the above-mentioned sheet-like base material, the identification information for identifying the above-mentioned object to two or more partial domains divided in the straight line made to correspond to the boundary of the field and field in an above-mentioned box-type object is printed, respectively.

Abstract: A gel nail sticker includes a base film layer, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, wherein the base film layer is a PET release film or release paper, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is bonded to the bottom of a soft layer and connected with the base film layer; the soft layer is printed with at least one layer of screen printing color layer or shimmering powder layer by screen printing; a first crystal gel layer covers on the surface of the shimmering powder layer or the screen printing color layer, and a second crystal gel layer envelops the first crystal gel layer, the shimmering powder layer and the screen printing color layer, and is bonded to the soft layer and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. A manufacturing process for the gel nail sticker includes screen printing of the various layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for printing on balloons where the priming of the balloons to receive print is substantially free of bubbles, the system comprising locally applying to a balloon external surface or to a balloon precursor sheet in a defined, limited area one of: a) a pre-shaped self adhesive label comprising a layer of primer that is adhesive-backed; b) a coating of primer that will be formed into the external surface area of a balloon wherein the remaining external surface area of the balloon is coated with a primer repellent material; c) a coating of primer by a silk screen process wherein the applied primer is subjected to a partial vacuum to draw air out from the coating and/or is subjected to the action of a roller or scraper that is held or pressed lightly against the coating to squeeze air from the coating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nail print apparatus including a storage unit in which a plurality of sets of data relating to a plurality of design parts constituting each of a plurality of design images are stored, a photographing unit which obtains a finger image by photographing a finger, a nail region information detection unit which extracts a nail region from the finger image and detects an area, a length in horizontal direction and a length in vertical direction of the nail region, a design selection unit which selects one design image from the design images which are stored in the storage unit, a part layout calculation unit which reads out the one design image and calculates a print size and a print position of each of the design parts, and a print unit which performs a printing to the nail region according to printing data.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to an earplug that includes a cylindrical body having a pair of faces positioned on opposite sides of the cylindrical body, and indicia printed on at least one face of the pair of faces. Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and a system for producing the earplug having indicia thereon. The method includes forming the earplug with the cylindrical body and the pair of faces, and printing the at least one indicia on at least one face of the pair of faces. The system includes an extrusion machine configured to form the earplug, a smoothing roller configured to smooth the earplug, and a printing apparatus configured to print the indicia on the earplug. The earplug is formed silicone comprised of 60-90% vinyl stopped dimethypolysiloxane, 10-30% treated fumed silica and 0.5% or less of a fluoropolymer by weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for printing one multiple-pass print on each packaging container (2), on which the packaging containers are moved in a transport direction past printing stations or printing heads for applying the multiple-pass print. The device is constructed from a plurality of modules (4.1-4.8) in at least a partial area. Each module comprises at least one transport element having an associated drive. The transport elements of the module adjacent to each other form at least one part of the transport path.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a number printing machine is provided. The machine includes at least one pallet, and an input to input at least the height and width of, and spacing between, a plurality of numbers to be printed on a substrate. The machine also includes a controller responsive to the input to control movement of the at least one pallet to print the plurality of numbers on the substrate in registration. In another embodiment, a method for printing numbers in registration on a substrate is provided. The method includes the steps of inputting into an input the length, width, and spacing between numbers to be printed, and positioning the substrate in response to the input such that the numbers are printed in registration.

Abstract: An image application system includes an articulator assembly and an applicator device. The articulator assembly holds a target object on which one or more images are to be applied from a web containing the one or more images. The target object includes an exterior surface having planar surface(s) and non-planar surface(s). The applicator device is configured to contact the web to engage the web with the exterior surface of the target object at an application interface between the web and the exterior surface. The one or more images are applied to the exterior surface from the web at the application interface. The articulator assembly is configured to move the target object in one or more linear directions and one or more rotary directions relative to the applicator device to apply the images to at least one of the one or more planar surfaces or the one or more non-planar surfaces.

Abstract: A device (1) is provided for orientating a plurality of laboratory sample cassettes (2) each having a marking surface (3) disposed on a main body (4) of the cassette (2). A cassette (2) is held by a clamp so that a printer can print on the marking surface (3) of the cassette (2). When the cassette (2) is released from the clamp, it is moved via a belt (13) to an opening (20) of a rotatable structure (15) in a cassette receiving position. When the cassette (2) has been received in the opening (20), the rotatable structure (15) is rotated so that the opening (20) is moved to a cassette releasing position. A rack (23) is positioned beneath the rotatable structure (15) in order to receive the cassette (2) from the rotatable structure opening (20) when the opening (20) is in its cassette releasing position. The cassette (2) is received into a rack slot (24) so that the marking surface (3) of the cassette (2) is at the top of the cassette (2).

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 flexible manufacturing system includes a printing system, a projection system and a remote device. The projection system is calibrated with the printing system and helps with aligning graphics to be printed on an article. The remote device receives information from an optical device corresponding to a projection area of the projection system. The remote device can be used to control the alignment of a projected graphic on the article when the article is inside the projection area.

Abstract: A device for marking a ball includes a stencil ring and a housing. The housing includes a base and a top. The base includes a base quick connecting element. The top includes a top quick connecting element. The base and said top quick connecting elements are for connecting and disconnecting the base to the top. The housing encloses the stencil ring when the base and the top quick connecting elements are connected. The stencil ring includes stencil symbols. The base and the top are sized to hold the ball for marking with the stencil symbols when the base and top quick connecting elements are connected.

Abstract: Automated marking devices for self-administering hand markings and methods of use are provided. A device for self-administering hand markings includes a housing, a stamp driving assembly, a stamp assembly, and a planar surface for receiving a patron's hand. The stamp assembly is configured to substantially leave a full stamp impression on the patron's hand, regardless of varying topologies, sizes, and orientations of hands that are placed in the hand marking device.

Abstract: A method of decorating by pad printing for applying a decorative pattern (2) on the wall (3) of a previously-shaped part (4) to be decorated, such as a glass bottle, including a preparation step a) during which a liquid marker substance (5) of any viscosity is deposited in the imprint (11, 111) of a pad-die (10, 110) that is marked by an indentation of shape that is substantially complementary to the shape of the existing wall (3) of the part (4) to be decorated, which substance may be an ink or an enamel, and then a marking step b) during which the pad-die (10, 110) is moved towards the part (4) so as to bring the wall (3) of the part into contact with the bottom of the imprint (11, 111), so as to deposit the decorative pattern (2) on the wall (3) by transferring the marking substance (5) from the imprint onto the wall for decorating and marking objects.

Abstract: A method for printing combined jobs having different blanks on a printed sheet includes obtaining area coverage values or inking zone presetting values for printing presses, with which the blanks are printed, from image data of the printed sheet. The area coverage values from an earlier job are compared with those from a subsequent job, in which the number, the configuration or the type of at least one blank differs from the corresponding value from the earlier job. The configuration of the blanks on the sheet is changed if the difference in the area coverages exceeds predefined values. An installation for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A decorating apparatus comprises an advancing arrangement for advancing an elongated element in an advancing direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated element and a plurality of decorating devices positioned downstream one another along the advancing arrangement for decorating distinct surfaces of said elongated element, each decorating device comprising a decorating unit for decorating a respective surface of the elongated element, the decorating unit comprising: a transferring device for transferring a flowable material on the elongated element, including a transferring roller rotatable around a rotation axis and arranged for interacting with the elongated element, the transferring roller being made of deformable material so that non-flat surfaces can be decorated; a kiln arrangement arranged downstream of the transferring device for heating said flowable material applied to said elongated element.

Abstract: A method and system for including a double layer security mark in digital document data defining an image of a document to be printed and in the printed document. A fluorescence mark region including a fluorescence mark is defined using first and second metameric colorant mixtures. Variation in colorant spatial coverage between the first and second metameric colorant mixtures results in colorant-free areas that define the fluorescence mark due to substrate fluorescence under UV illumination. The fluorescence mark region is modified to define a double layer fluorescence mark region including the fluorescence mark and also including at least one visible light object defined by a third colorant mixture. The third colorant mixture is added to the fluorescence mark region by masking the colorant-free areas of the fluorescence mark region to prevent writing of the third colorant mixture data to the colorant-free areas to avoid disturbing the colorant-free areas.

Abstract: An improved cam mandrel guidance system for use with decorating machines or other equipment utilizing multiple mandrels mounted on a rotating drum or disk plate. The mandrels being adapted to temporarily receive and retain work pieces, such as blank cans.

Abstract: Provided is a printer for printing stamps on boards and a method of printing stamps on boards. The printer is capable of printing multiple types of stamps simultaneously on boards.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the application of customizable indicia to the outer surface of a smoking article such as a cigar. The device employs thermal means to apply indicia in a controlled and customized manner that allows easy branding of cigars. The device includes a thermal branding head, a cradle for holding the smoking article, a heating element, a control circuit to control the temperature of the heating element and branding head, an actuator to move the branding heat into contact with a cigar contained within the cradle and a timing circuit to determine how long the branding head shall be in contact with the cigar.

Abstract: A re-printable RFID hard tag for transferring stored data and which includes a RFID tag and a re-printable surface layer. The re-printable surface layer is adapted for reprinting by erasable ink.

Abstract: A display includes: a first light emitting layer to be transferred to a first region on a substrate; a second light emitting layer to be transferred to a second region on the substrate; and a level-difference forming member forming a first level difference between the first region and the second region, the first level difference suppressing attachment of the first light emitting layer to the second region when the first light emitting layer is transferred to the first region.

Abstract: A method for promoting individual support, affiliation or allegiance, including printing a message on an elastic loop, wherein the message is decompressed and fully legible when the elastic loop is stretched and wherein the message is compressed and not fully legible when the elastic loop is unstretched, and distributing the elastic loop to a wearer. The elastic loop is sized to be stretched when worn on the wearer's wrist, such that the message is expanded into an uncompressed and legible configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of printing panel material (2) with a printed image, whereby the panel material (2) is moved from a feeding station (5) into a printing station (3), in which an image is applied and out of which it is fed onwards in the transport direction (4) by means of a conveyor system (18). The panel materials (2) to be printed are disposed immediately one after the other in rows (36-38) in the transport direction (4) at least in an inlet region (32) to the printing station (3) and are fed jointly through the printing station (3) during the printing operation, and the printed image is applied by means of an inkjet printing device (13).

Abstract: A method for processing a package of eggs is disclosed which comprises adjusting a position of one or more of the eggs, after the eggs have been placed in the package, so that each of the eggs assumes a particular orientation within the package. In some embodiments, the method may also comprise marking information on a surface of one or more of the eggs after the position of the one or more of the eggs has been adjusted. Additionally, in some embodiments, the position of the one or more eggs may be adjusted using an egg orienter positioned above a conveyor of an egg packing station.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for printing, activating and applying a flow of linerless activatable labels to a flow of items to be labeled. An activatable adhesive is formulated to readily absorb energy from a given radiation source, an activatable adhesive linerless label incorporates such the activatable adhesive. Related methods and uses are described. The activatable adhesive includes a plasticizer, a tackifier, and an adhesive base polymer that includes butyl acrylate, styrene, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, and acrylic acid.

Abstract: Provided is a printer for printing stamps on boards and a method of printing stamps on boards. The printer is capable of printing multiple types of stamps simultaneously on boards.

Abstract: A printing device for containers, such as bottles, cans or cups, with a screen to apply a screen print onto the containers, where a squeegee holding device that is guided by a continuous track holds an squeegee in such a way that while the printed image is being applied to the container, one end of the squeegee scrapes across the screen and forces ink through the screen onto one of the containers, and where the distance between the end of the squeegee and the squeegee holding device varies. Also, a container handling device, in the manner of a bottling plant, with such a printing device and a mechanical turret designed to guide the containers to a surface of the container contact device facing away from the squeegee. Also, a method for applying ink to containers in accordance with a screen printing principle.

Abstract: A tool for use in marking a golf ball includes a body having a curved portion configured to receive a golf ball and extend along a portion of an outer surface of the golf ball. The body includes at least one track extending along the curved portion. Each track includes an aperture adapted to receive a writing instrument to permit marking of the golf ball through the aperture.

Abstract: A rotary printing machine for printing on containers, comprising a chuck-bearing carousel exhibiting an intermittent circular motion, being rotatably supported by a base element or casing, and being powered by an electric motor and integrated encoder, in which the electric motor comprises a stator coil supported by the casing and a rotor supported directly by the carousel.

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

Abstract: A transfer printing machine for hockey sticks include a base, a transmission unit connected to the lower portion of the base and five stations located on the top of the base. The five stations are located along the transmission direction of the transmission unit. The first station prints patterns on a top surface of a straight handle of the hockey sticks which are moved by the transmission unit. The second station prints patterns on a left side and a right side of the straight handle. The third station and the fourth station print patterns on a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface of the straight handle respectively. The fifth station prints patterns on a bottom surface of the straight handle of the hockey sticks.

Abstract: To provide a printing blanket that enables good and rapid printing on a nonlinear printing surface (e.g., a doughnut-shaped outer surface). A printing blanket 10 is ring-shaped in plan view and includes an attachment surface 1, an inward facing surface 2, an outward facing surface 3, the inward and outward facing surfaces 2 and 3 being protruding surfaces, and ridge lines 4 which smoothly connect the inward facing surface 2 and the outward facing surface and which are substantially arc-shaped in section. A circle connecting the ridge lines 4 serves as a pitch circle 5 having a curvature radius P5. The printing blanket is suitable for printing on a steering wheel 20 having a pitch circle 8 having a curvature radius P8 which substantially coincides with the curvature radius P5.

Abstract: A conveying and marking apparatus is disclosed that can convey discrete pieces at high speeds, and in preferred embodiments permits marking on opposite sides of the pieces while the pieces remain in the same position on the conveyor.

Abstract: Provided is a printer for printing stamps on boards and a method of printing stamps on boards. The printer is capable of printing multiple types of stamps simultaneously on boards.

Abstract: In one aspect of a first embodiment, a rotary pad printing system comprises a controller (400), an image source (498) that provides an image to the controller, a rotary pad (200) that is urged to rotate by a first motive source, a monochrome or color ink source or applicator such as an inkjet (215), and an actuator (235, 730). The system has the ability to print onto a flat or uneven surface (410). The controller actuates the ink source, causing it to deposit an ink image (202) onto a rotating pad wheel (200). As the surface moves, the wheel is held in contact with the surface by an actuator (235) or arm (705). As the wheel turns in contact with the surface, the ink image comes into contact with the surface and transfers to it, thereby printing the ink image onto a flat or uneven surface.

Abstract: A marking apparatus for spectacle lenses includes a printing data generation device which generates printing data of a layout mark to be printed on the optical surface of a spectacle lens. The apparatus also includes a printing device implemented by an inkjet printer which prints the layout mark on the spectacle lens in cooperation with a conveyance device based on the printing data. The apparatus moreover includes a UV curing device which cures the ink printed on the spectacle lens. The printing data generation device includes a storage unit which stores image data of the layout mark, and printing condition data including a plurality of printing conditions each corresponding to the surface state of the spectacle lens, and a process unit which generates the printing data based on the image data and a printing condition selected from the plurality of printing conditions.

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 marker carrier device has carrier elements for carrying respective markers, the device being re-configurable between a compact configuration and a selection configuration in which the markers are accessibly presented for selection. Carrier devices loaded with markers are received at a receiving station of a marking unit. The markers are selected from the carrier individually while in the marking unit and marked by a marking device with a predetermined indicium.

Abstract: A machine for marking or labeling circularly symmetrical work pieces includes a marking or labeling member, elements for moving the member and a workpiece relative to each other in a first direction, and a cradle for holding a workpiece while it is being marked or while a label is being applied to it. The cradle includes components for moving the workpiece in rotation around an axis of revolution thereof. A drive carriage drives the cradle in translation in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. There are components that drive the carriage in translation in a third direction that is perpendicular to the first and second directions. Other components make it possible to drive the cradle relative to the carriage in rotation about a first axis that is parallel to the first direction.

Abstract: The device disclosed aids the application of a wider and longer line on top of the small line printed on a golf ball by the balls manufacturer. The device disclosed is a cylinder with an open top and partially closed bottom, into which a ball is inserted. The disclosed device differs from existing art in that the inside diameter of the cylinder is larger than the golf ball and there is a low friction peg supporting the ball. Unlike existing art in which the ball is secured by the frame or supported by the walls of a cylinder, the features of the device disclosed allow the ball to spin freely inside the cylinder. A method of loading, positioning and unloading the ball is disclosed.

Abstract: A marker carrier device has carrier elements for carrying respective markers, the device being re-configurable between a compact configuration and a selection configuration in which the markers are accessibly presented for selection. Carrier devices loaded with markers are received at a receiving station of a marking unit. The markers are selected from the carrier individually whilst in the marking unit and marked by a marking device with a predetermined indicium.

Abstract: A pallet assembly for use in simultaneously printing multiple articles of manufacture. The assembly includes a pallet having a support surface, a carrier mountable onto the pallet and conforming with the pallet surface features (e.g., individual article of manufacture platforms) such that individual articles of manufacture may be place on the support surface(s) of the pallet yet the carrier substantially covers the remaining areas of the top surface of the pallet to protect the pallet from unintentional application of ink by the printer. The carrier also includes supports which allow a carrier loaded with articles of manufacture to be lifted off of the pallet and carried away for further processing. The assembly may also include a positioner which is mountable over the carrier on the pallet. The positioner operates as a jig for aligning each of the articles of manufacture in proper position on the support surface of the pallet.