Abstract: A method and an apparatus to control the rotation of an object. In the method, first and second actual control variables which vary as the object rotates are measured. It is determined whether the first actual control variable is smaller than a predetermined control variable. It is determined whether a period of time has elapsed if it is determined that the first actual control variable is smaller than the predetermined control variable. A difference between a physical quantity that is generated corresponding to the first actual control variable and the second actual control variable is obtained, and a control amount to control the object is determined by using the difference, if it is determined that the predetermined period of time has elapsed or the first actual control variable is larger than the predetermined control variable. Here, the predetermined control variable corresponds to a position to which the object should be rotated to stop the object at a desired position.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier positioning structure used in an auto printing and drying machine for controlling positioning of a workpiece carrier fixedly carried on a carriage sliding in a track, for enabling the workpiece carrier to be positively maintained in a printing/drying position, in which the workpiece carrier is transversely slidably mounted on transverse axles at the carriage and supported between compression springs on the transverse axles, and a longitudinal slide is controlled by an air cylinder to move a notched stop block into engagement with a roller at the bottom side of the workpiece carrier to hold the workpiece carrier in the printing/drying position when the carriage approached.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an item of printed indicia is shown. A rubber band is provided which is stretchable between a relaxed state and an extended state and having a first exposed surface. The elastic substrate is stretched to the extended state and placed onto a form to maintain the substrate in the extended state. A primary indicia is then printed upon the first exposed surface of the elastic substrate. The primary indicia is readable to an observer when the substrate is in the extended state but is unreadable when the substrate is returned to the relaxed state. The elastic substrate can then be removed from the form and allowed to return to the relaxed state. The band can be worn about the limb of a user with the primary indicia forming a hidden message which is revealed to an observer when the substrate is stretched to the extended state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an afterglowing sign printed with afterglowing pigments. The sign is provided at least partially with a screen print using opaque or transparent ink.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer having a print head and a media support platform in the form of a removable tray that is displaced relative to the print head, the media support platform having a rigid support surface for a media item having a non-rectangular configuration such as a compact disk, the support platform having a mask with a cutout substantially in the shape of the non-rectangular disk, the mask and media item combining to form a contact surface for the print head to uniformly distribute a constant force of the print head in a uniform pressure across the mask and media item during printing, the mask providing, in addition, a holding apparatus for the media item which is contacted by a displaceable retainer urging the media item against the edge of the mask with the print head avoiding contact with the retainer on the printing area, the printer having a mechanism to displace the retainer and sense whether a media item is properly placed in the cutout and retained by the retaining apparatus, and the prin

Abstract: A device for holding a golf ball during printing of indicia thereon. The device includes a base, a stationary member attached to the base and having a surface for engaging a portion of the golf ball, a clamping member slidably mounted on the base and having a surface for engaging a portion of the golf ball, and positioning members having springs that urge the clamping member toward the stationary member.

Abstract: One or more beverage container labels and the method for creating a first static part and a second variable part including printing the image on the label using a single pass. The printing apparatus having a computer with memory to store a first static portion of an image and a second variable portion of an image so that a rasterizer connected to the memory and combining the first static portion and the second variable portion can form an image for printing. The apparatus also has a printer connected to the rasterizer for printing the image on a label in one step.

Abstract: A holder is provided for holding an article in a machine for decorating articles, the holder including a base member, a format plate arranged releasably above the base member with an opening in the format plate for receiving the article, and an intermediate plate between the base member and the format plate. On its side facing the format plate the intermediate plate has a layer of soft material, such as a plastic film, to support the article. The intermediate plate and the format plate are easily releasably mounted on the base member. To replace the film, the intermediate plate with film can be removed from the holder and replaced by another intermediate plate carrying a fresh film.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrier for use with a printer that can support irregularly shaped substrates having a top surface. The carrier includes first and second planar members. The first planar member has top and bottom surfaces, a thickness, and an inner edge that conforms to an irregularly shaped outer edge of a substrate. The second planar member has a top surface that is coupled to the bottom surface of the first planar member. A recess, defined by the inner edge of the first planar member and the top surface of the second planar member, is adapted to receive the substrate such that top surfaces of the substrate and the first planar member are coplanar.

Abstract: A method for printing an image onto an object including applying printing ink to a carrier element constructed of a flexible layer-shaped material and in communication with a pressing device having an internal region which can be pressurized with a fluid, positioning the carrier element and the object in contact with one another without substantially increasing the internal pressure of the pressing device and then causing a substantial increase of pressure in the internal region of the pressing device whereby a portion of the carrier element is urged to further extend around the object. The carrier element is stretched at least during the step of applying the printing ink.

Abstract: A system for applying print information to a plurality of sides of a package includes a printing station including a printing platform to receive and support the package to facilitate application of the print information to the package. At least one print applicator is associated with the printing station, and is movable with respect to the package on the printing platform. The print applicator is configured to selectively apply print information to a plurality of sides of the package. A print application actuator is configured to move the print applicator and the package relative to each other to enable the print applicator to apply information to the plurality of sides of the package.

Abstract: Washing tablets of compacted particulate washing composition are marked with indicia on their surfaces, the indicia preferably being of a contrasting color. Processes for applying the markings are also described, as is a combination of the marked tablets with a packaging system.

Abstract: A golf ball marking guide has opposing first and second body portions. Each body portion has opposing front and back ends and opposing top and bottom edges. The body portions also have a drawing slot positioned between the opposing top and bottom edges and extending at least partially between the front and back ends. The body portions also have generally spherical concave inner surfaces. A tab extends from the front of the first body portion in a direction generally away from the body portion back. Another tab extends from the front of the second body portion in a direction generally away from the body portion back. A connector is provided at the back of the first body portion. A cooperating connector is also provided at the back of the second body portion. The two connectors are coupled, one with the other, whereby the two body portions are aligned with each other, their inner surfaces face each other and define a spherical frustum, and the two tabs are aligned with each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for distributing mass copies of text and/or images on a novel medium, namely eggs, by using the eggshell of the egg as an advertising or message-bearing medium. Mass quantities of eggs are imprinted with a promotional image prior to distributing said eggs to consumers. The promotional image can be, for indicative of a modification to the egg's content, or consist of warnings or instructions pertaining to security or emergency matters. The shells of the eggs are imprinted by a method comprising the steps of (1) repeatedly transferring one row of eggs at a time from a carton having M rows of N eggs to N empty egg-receiving cradles until all the eggs in the carton has been transferred, moving the cradles through a number of imprinting stations, imprinting N eggs at each such station with N tampons, and transferring N imprinted eggs at a time into each of the M rows in the cartons.

Abstract: Diamonds are marked by applying apertured tapes bearing identifying indicia to the girdles, applying a flammable layer over the apertured tapes, and then igniting the flammable layer to burn the indicia into the girdles. Preferably, the flammable layer is prepackaged within the apertured tapes.

Abstract: A stamp of liquid-exuding type has a multiple-seal-faced assembly adapted for stamping with selected one of these multiple faces, preferably for stamping with multiple colors.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for distributing mass copies of text and/or images on a novel medium, namely eggs, by using the eggshell of the egg as an advertising or message-bearing medium. Mass quantities of eggs are imprinted with a promotional image prior to distributing said eggs to consumers. The promotional image can be, for example, a corporate logo, a national flags, a charitable insignias, a messages or a trademark and can be multi-colored. A matrix of eggs are preferably imprinted by a like matrix of printing tampons. The eggs are preferably lifted and oriented by a like matrix of vacuum heads.

Abstract: A method of printing an image on an object comprises the steps of: providing an object having an exterior surface having a planar portion and a channel recessed from the planar portion; applying a first ground coat on the exterior surface; drying the first ground coat; and spraying droplets of ink on the dried ground coat to form an image, wherein the droplets are sprayed from an ink jet printhead that is maintained at a constant distance from the plane of the planar portion of the object.

Abstract: A printable absorbent surface is disclosed. The printable absorbent surface includes a permanent image of colors having half tones. The surface also includes a disappearing image of disappearing inks. The disappearing image disappears from the surface during a heat application. The surface also includes a slurry mix having a color. The surface also includes an application mix having a portion of the slurry mix and a portion of clear base. The application mix is applied to the disappearing image and placed on the surface.

Abstract: A method of producing cone diaphragm having color patterns includes steps of using a fiber-made thin sheet as a base material; printing the base material with a high molecular ink; soaking the printed base material in a high molecular resin material; or alternatively, first soaking the base material in the high molecular resin material and drying the base material, and then printing the base material wish the high molecular ink; so that the base material is coated with a layer of the high molecular resin to maintain a desired brilliance of the color patterns; drying the base material and positioning it in a high-temperature mold, so that the base material is molded into a cone having a predetermined shape; painting outer surfaces of the molded cone with a paint; and trimming the molded and painted cone to produce a finished cone diaphragm having color patterns.

Abstract: A combined insert feeder and printer is employed such that blank inserts are stored in its hopper. The blank inserts are then fed by a transporter to a printer. The printer prints onto the insert to create a printed insert which is transported into a moving pocket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing indicia onto a candlewick to provide identification of the wick following its removal from a supply spool. The candlewick is coated prior to the printing process and a printer is used to print the indicia onto the coated wick. A registration mechanism is provided to align the coated wick relative to the printer during the printing process.

Abstract: A universal ink cup for a pad printing machine. The universal ink cup includes a first cup having walls defining a reservoir for holding liquid. An engageable coupling is removably coupled to the first cup, for affixing the ink cup to the pad printing machine. The engageable coupling may include a second cup, with the first cup including walls defining a hole such that the engageable coupling can be inserted in the hole and affixed to the first cup.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on golf tees or other conical objects. The apparatus includes a singler from which the objects are discharged one-by-one. From the singler, the objects are deposited onto a rack. In some versions of the invention, the singler vibrates. The rack is mechanically separate from the singler so that the vibrations of the singler are not transmitted to the rack. A conveyor adjacent the rack individually picks up each object. More particularly, the object is held between a pair of opposed entraining pins on the conveyor. As the object moves horizontally along the conveyor, it is passed underneath a printer that prints on the object.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a goods-wrapping apparatus for wrapping a particular article of a plurality of articles, includes: a goods storing section operable to store the plurality of articles; a goods carrying in/out section operable to carry in the articles into the goods storing section and carry out the article from the goods storing section; a printer operable to print a printing content associated with the particular article onto a printing medium based on the particular article; and a wrapping section operable to wrap the particular article carried out from the goods carrying in/out section with the printing medium onto which the printing content associated with the particular article has been printed.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an economical printer which is simple in structure and uses a common tray but is capable of adapting itself to various recording media of different shapes. Adapters in which recording media can be firmly held can be selectively mounted in the tray. An adapter 24 has an oval opening 24a in which a recording medium 30 can be placed. The contour of the adapter 24 can fit into a recessed portion 23a formed in the tray 23. The recording medium 30 is firmly held in the adapter 24. When the adapter 24 is mounted in the recessed portion 23a in the tray 23, a keyway 23b and a protrusion 24b engaging the keyway 23b prevent the adapter 24 from shifting out of position; the adapter is held in the tray 23. Prints can be made in accurate positions on the recording medium 30.

Abstract: A method of printing indicia on a golf ball having a dimpled surface including the steps of providing a color image having a plurality of colors; saving the color image into computer memory as a digital image; creating at least six digital copies of the digital image and assigning at least one digital copy to each of at least six color channels; filtering the plurality of colors into the at least six color channels by removing all but an assigned color of that color channel from each corresponding digital copy resulting in at least six color separations; creating a film positive for each of the at least six color separations; placing the film positive on a pad-printing cliché; etching the film positive into the pad-printing cliché creating a transfer image; distributing a layer of ink over the pad-printing cliché; and printing the transfer image from the surface of the pad-printing cliché to the dimpled surface of the golf ball.

Abstract: A method is provided for marking items by orienting the items so that ink may be printed on the desired area of the items. The items are fed to a printing station and ink of a first color is printed on the items and then dried. The ink is then cured by providing heat to the ink. Also provided is an apparatus for marking differently-shaped items comprising a printing station having an ink printer and a dryer. The apparatus also has a curing tunnel for curing the ink onto the items.

Abstract: A method and device for labeling or printing stackable flowerpots (2), wherein the flowerpots (2) are fed to a magazine feed device (3) so that a stack (4a) of flowerpots (2) to be labeled or printed is formed in the magazine feed device (3), wherein the stack (4a) of flowerpots to be labeled or printed is at least partially separated into individual flowerpots (2) and the flowerpot (2) located in the at least partially unstacked position is labeled or printed, after which, the labeled or printed flowerpot (2) is fed to a stack (4b) of labeled or printed flowerpots (2). The direction of conveyance (F) and the direction (S) of the stack of the flowerpots (2) are substantially identical immediately before and after labeling or printing and wherein the stack (4b) of labeled or printed flowerpots (2) are moved out in a substantially continuous manner by means of an evacuation device (8), thereby enabling a simple, fast method for rapidly labeling or printing flowerpots (2).

Abstract: A work surface is subjected to a corona discharge treatment and then to printing or coating. A container surface is subjected to a corona discharge treatment and preheating and then to printing or coating. The printed or coated container is heated to dry the ink or coating material and the filled materials in the container are also heat-treated. The printing or coating used is of the non-spray type. The preheating device and heating device used are of the high frequency heating type. A direction change mechanism is provided to make it possible to apply printing or coating to one container at two or more places therein and to subject containers in general to preheating and a corona discharge treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus for marking a contoured surface having complex topography and preferably with multiple color marking. The apparatus comprises a movable marker for marking the surface and a sensor disposed in sensing relationship to the surface for sensing contour of the surface. A controller interconnecting the marker and the sensor is also provided for actuating the marker and for controllably moving the marker relative to the surface in response to the contour sensed by the sensor, so that the marker follows the contour of the surface at a predetermined distance therefrom and marks the surface.

Abstract: A method for forming indicia on a three-dimensional surface, in particular golf ball components, such as dimpled covers, cores, intermediate layers, and half shells, using dye sublimation, wherein the indicia is offered an improved level of protection from degradation during normal ball use due to diffusion of the sublimating ink into the surface of the component. The indicia can be applied to painted, unpainted, or coated surfaces.

Abstract: A garment loader for a screen printing machine includes a carriage 37 which reciprocates between an extended position where a garment is fed into the jaws of grippers 42 attached to the carriage 37. The grippers are raised above the pallet 22 and the carriage retracts to the other end of the pallet 22 where the grippers 42 are lowered and release the garment which is now fitted on the pallet. While the pallet is rotated to the first print station the carriage is extended and the grippers lowered to be ready for loading the next garment.

Abstract: A tire, for example, is nipped by a pair of bead portion support members and filled with an internal pressure. Logo marks printed on a transfer film are positioned in front of the tire at a transfer position at which the logo marks are to be transferred or printed to the tire. The transfer film is pressed by thermal plates onto the side portions of the tire so that the logo marks are transferred onto the side portions thereof. In short, the present invention provides a printing device and a printing method capable of effectively printing clear indications on the side portions of a toroidal-shaped body such as a tire.

Abstract: A fast and economical thermal inkjet printer prints on elongate print media, such as on a strip of paper from a roll, by moving a fluid jet print cartridge a determined dimension longitudinally of the length dimension of the paper strip while printing. In order to print a document that is wider than the width the print cartridge can print in a single scan of the paper, the cartridge is dithered among selected lateral positions within the width of the paper strip, and successively is scanned lengthwise of the paper strip to print in each successive longitudinal printing “swath.” A capstan of the printer advances the paper strip in steps of unit dimension along the length of the paper strip, which unit dimension may be substantially equal to the determined dimension of print cartridge movement while printing, so that documents having a length greater than the determined dimension can be printed in successive parts each of a length equal to this unit dimension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printer and an inexpensive method for producing a printed circuit board using a printer configured to facilitate printing at least directly on a copper-clad substrate. The method includes the steps of feeding a copper-clad substrate into the printer, printing an inverse circuit image on the copper-clad substrate, allowing the inverse circuit image to dry, metalizing the copper-clad substrate to adhere a resist mask to exposed, uninked copper to form a metalized circuit image, and etching the copper-clad substrate that has been metalized to remove copper that forms the inverse circuit image.

Abstract: A printing machine for printing an integral design on the leaves of a blind includes a material distributing device, a material delivering device, a printing device, a heat-drying device and a material tidying device combined together. Leaves preset in number are orderly separated and placed in the material distributing device to be pushed to the material delivering device and then each leaf is orderly pushed into the printing device for printing designs. After the leaves are printed with designs, they are heat-dried one by one orderly by the heat-drying device and subsequently carried to the material tidying device to be collected into units and tied up, thus possible to produce by a large number, to lower processing cost and greatly beautify the leaves of a blind.

Abstract: A printing machine including a plate adapted to rotate about its axis and carrying at its periphery a plurality of object supports having a top face which receives an object to be printed and workstations distributed circumferentially around the plate in line with the trajectory of the object supports, some of which are printing stations and others of which are treatment stations. At least one of the object supports includes a lifting system which raises the object relative to the top face of the object support. The lifting system is connected to a suction head which preserves the projecting position of the object corresponding to that it initially occupied on the object support. The lifting system preferably includes at least two tubes which slide through holes through the object support and the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on dimensionally stable individual articles has a conveyor for conveying the articles, along which printing stations and other treatment stations are arranged. CDs are fed in a magazine in the form of a stack to a separating station, individually separated, and then each fitted into a respective receiver of the conveyor. The printed articles are removed in a removal station from the respective receivers and fed to a magazine in a collecting station. A conveyor belt conveys the magazines both through the separating stations and also through the collecting station, the conveyor belt conveying the empty magazines from the separating station into the collecting station. At least one stepwise circulating transfer arrangement forms a second conveyor path along which are arranged the separating station, the respective receivers disposed in the receiving station for the printed article, and the collecting station.

Abstract: A printing machine for printing an integral design on the leaves of a blind includes a material distributing device, a material delivering device, a printing device, a heat-drying device and a material tidying device combined together. Leaves preset in number are orderly separated and placed in the material distributing device to be pushed to the material delivering device and then each leaf is orderly pushed into the printing device for printing designs. After the leaves are printed with designs, they are heat-dried one by one orderly by the heat-drying device and subsequently carried to the material tidying device to be collected into units and tied up, thus possible to produce by a large number, to lower processing cost and greatly beautify the leaves of a blind.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an identification card printer that can be used with a card cartridge that protects a stack of cards stored therein from environmental contamination and establishes a card transport plane, from which other components of the identification card printer can be aligned, independent of the card cartridge. The identification card printer includes a cartridge receiver adapted to receive the card cartridge and a card transport mechanism. The card transport mechanism includes a pair of feed rollers, portions of which extend to the cartridge receiver and define the card transport plane.

Abstract: A process for modifying the surface of a solid substrate includes modifying the surface with at least one oxidizing flame and modifying the surface with at least one silicatising flame. The process is particularly beneficial in preparing glass and other surfaces for printing thereon.

Abstract: A system for transferring supports for objects which can be stacked and unstacked between a conveyor and a machine for printing the objects, characterized in that it includes:

Abstract: A printing machine includes a circular contour printing table which has a plurality of object-stations regularly distributed around its periphery each adapted to receive an object to be printed and which, rotatable stepwise about an axis, moves the object-stations successively to a loading station, to a plurality of workstations each including a printing system, and to an offloading station. A system for turning over the objects includes a first transfer arm which picks up an object on the printing table and puts it down on an overturning shovel, turns it over and puts it down at a receiving station. A second transfer arm picks up the turned-over object at the receiving station and puts it back down on the printing table.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing and labeling an object such as a container is provided. The apparatus includes a printer and a label applicator. The object is presented to both the printer and the label applicator during processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for marking golf balls that allows for the placement of a putting directional indicator (PDI) along the dynamic axis of a ball. While golfers could use the device to mark individual balls after they have been purchased (i.e. after they already have marks on them from the manufacturer), in preferred embodiments, the PDI is applied at the manufacturing stage and/or before the ball has other markings placed upon it. While the PDI could simply consist of one or more lines, in a preferred embodiment, the putting directional indicator may serve as an identifying mark for a manufacturer, distributor or consumer and may be designed to incorporate letters, words, symbols, short sentences, names, initials, numbers, images and photographs.

Abstract: A method for finishing a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a golf ball having a three-dimensional dimpled surface; preparing the surface for receiving at least one indicia; providing a digital image having at least one color; providing a multi-layered pad-printing substrate having at least one layer; etching the image into the at least one layer of the substrate with a laser; distributing a layer of ink over the etched substrate; providing at least one pad for transferring the ink from the substrate to the three-dimensional surface; and transferring the image from the substrate to the dimpled surface of the golf ball.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is provided for precisely applying identifying indicia to wires connected with connectors without causing any displacement of position and orientation. The printing apparatus is provided with a palette 1 which is moved while being guided by slide rails 6, a wire receiving portion 2 on which wires 21 drawn from a connector 20 are placed, a wire correcting device 3, and a holder 4. The wire 21 fed to a marking section is pressed from above and is straightened in its longitudinal direction by the correcting device 3. The holder 4 holds the straightened wire 21 in the center of the marking section. In this state, printing is applied to the wire 21 by a laser marker 5.

Abstract: A method and apparatus orient, position and spin print indicia on pellet shaped articles, such as pharmaceutical capsules and the like. More specifically, the method and apparatus use a rotating pick-up drum that receives and transports the pellet shaped articles to a rotating positioning drum that is synchronized with the pick-up drum. The positioning drum receives the pellet shaped articles from the pick-up drum and properly aligns the pellet shaped articles so that they may be transferred to a rotating printing drum which is also synchronized with the positioning drum. The printing drum contains a vacuum source that maintains the pellet shaped articles within pockets as the pellet shaped articles are passed through a printing station. The printing station contains a movable printing roller capable of being moved toward and away from the printing drum such that the printing roller accurately spin prints indicia onto the pellet shaped articles.

Abstract: A quilting machine (10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) is provided with a printing station (20, 125, 225, 325, 425, 525, 611, 626, 631) and a quilting station (44, 127, 227, 327, 427, 527, 627, 632). The printing station is located either in line and preferably upstream of the quilting station, with a conveyor (520) extending through each of the stations to convey a web of quilting material through the machine, or is off of the quilting line such that the material with a pre-applied pattern thereon is transferred, preferably in web form, to the line of the second station for the application of a pattern in registration with the first applied pattern. At the quilting station, registration longitudinal and transverse registration is measured and skewing or rotation of the material is determined. Opposite transverse sides of the material are differently adjusted to orient and register the material.