Abstract: Provided is an endless printing belt which is capable of reducing ink leakage from a back surface, reducing a loss of ink due to volatilization in the case of applying volatile ink, ensuring a smooth feeding action of the printing belt to achieve accurate positioning of a printing portion, and enhancing belt strength so as to suppress deformation of the belt. In an endless printing belt mainly made of thermoplastic resin provided with interconnected cells, a surface of the belt constitutes a surface for a printing surface, a side surface is rendered ink-impermeable, and a back surface of the belt includes an ink-impermeable portion and an ink-permeable portion.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for applying ink to a target surface employs a wheel member, first and second adhesive sheets, and at least one inking member. Each adhesive sheet defines an inner adhesive surface and an outer adhesive surface. The inner adhesive surface of the first adhesive sheet secures the first adhesive sheet to the wheel member. In a first mode, the at least one inking member is detachably secured relative to the wheel member by an exposed outer adhesive surface of the second adhesive sheet. In a second mode, the at least one inking member is detachably secured relative to the wheel member by an exposed outer adhesive surface of the first adhesive sheet. The at least one inking member is brought into contact with the target surface to transfer ink on the at least one inking member to the target surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for contacting a flexible sheet to a first element with improved lateral alignment. The method includes a step of measuring a first lateral misalignment after establishing a first contact between the flexible sheet and either of the first element and a sheet parking surface called anchor in the first stage. If the 5 misalignment exceeds a predetermined threshold the flexible sheet is parked at the anchor such that it is not in contact with the first element, and the relative position of the first element and the anchor is altered during the second stage for correcting the mismatch during a contact between the flexible sheet and the first element to be established within the next step of the method. During the steps of shifting the contact point to obtain the second stage 10 the contacting process is more accurate and reproducible than the process for establishing the initial contact.

Abstract: Provided are a method of fabricating a stamp, a thin film transistor and a liquid crystal display device using the same. The stamp has an improved contact property with respect to a substrate. A charged zone is formed on the substrate using the stamp, and nano material charged with opposite charges to those of the charged zone is coated or plated to form a self-assembled monolayer (SAM). Therefore, the thin film transistor and the liquid crystal display device can have precise nano patterns, thereby improving the performance of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stamp for soft lithography. It also relates to a method of preparing a stamp for soft lithography, in particular micro contact printing, and to uses of such stamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printer which can facilitate temperature control of a machine-plate cylinder section, can allow simple setup, and can facilitate maintenance of printing quality in continuous printing. In the printer, a machine plate is mounted on the outer circumference of a machine-plate cylinder section 12 fixedly provided on a machine-plate drive shaft 1. A fluid whose temperature is regulated is circulated in the machine-plate cylinder section 12.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device with colored pattern which is made by a plateless transfer printing technology. The device includes a body, an adhesive layer, a white ink layer and a pattern layer. The adhesive layer is formed on the body. The white ink layer is formed on the adhesive layer. The pattern layer is on the white ink layer. In particular, the pattern layer is customized to be a color ink layer which is printed with colored picture, character, symbol or number. In the manufacturing method of the device, a plateless transfer printing film is prepared to cover the body. Next, the film is transferred to the surface of the body, especially by a roller-embossing process. A blowing-embossing process is then applied to the plateless transfer printing film. Therefore, a fast and uniform transfer printing is achieved.

Abstract: A printing mandrel (1) for receiving a substantially cylindrical hollow body comprises a coupling part (2) with which the printing mandrel is insertable in a printing machine. Attached to the coupling part (2) is a receiving part (3) comprising a substantially cylindrical surface (4), onto which receiving part the body is able to be pushed and from which receiving part the body is able to be removed. Made in the end region (5) of the mandrel (1) remote from the coupling part (2) are openings disposed in the surface (4) in a way distributed over the periphery, which openings are connected to an air supply disposed in the mandrel (1). By means of the compressed air exiting the openings (7) a body to be pushed onto the printing mandrel is expanded, which facilitates an easy pushing on; with a cutting off of the compressed air supply an optimal seating between the body and the printing mandrel (1) results, which facilitates an optimal processing of the body.

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 security element for a data carrier (1) includes a translucent substrate (3) which has a first partial area (4) with a first ink layer and a second partial area (5) with a second ink layer different from the first ink layer, wherein the first and second partial area, upon viewing in incident light, form a contiguous total area and produce a substantially identical visual impression, and wherein the first partial area, upon viewing in transmitted light, produces a brighter visual impression compared to the second partial area.

Abstract: The invention describes a printing machine with at least one central impression cylinder, to which several inking units are allocated, in which a printing material sheet can be fed along a feed path to the impression cylinder in the area between the first inking unit and the last inking unit, and an unwinding station, from which the printing material sheet can be unwound, in which a passable area is provided between the impression cylinder and the unwinding station, at which the printing material sheet can be passed. Sound-absorbing elements are arranged above and/or beneath the feed path.

Abstract: An endless print belt for rotary stamp in which a plurality of print sections are disposed and spaced-out between each other on a surface of a print belt main body, with at least the print surface of the print section being formed of porous material, wherein a groove in the width direction is formed at an intermediate position of each spaced-out part. Preferably, the spaced-out part is formed such that the surface thereof is in a non-porous state and both ends of the groove are formed into a bund part, for preventing ink from running out.

Abstract: An image transfer blanket for use in a printing apparatus. In one embodiment, the blanket includes an inner layer and an outer layer that overlies the inner layer and that defines an outer surface from which an ink image can be transferred to a print medium, the outer layer not bonded to the inner layer to enable removal and replacement of the outer layer independent of the inner layer.

Abstract: Provided are reinforced composite stamps, devices and methods of making the reinforced composite stamps disclosed herein. Reinforced composite stamps of certain aspects of the present invention have a composition and architecture optimized for use in printing systems for dry transfer printing of semiconductor structures, and impart excellent control over relative spatial placement accuracy of the semiconductor structures being transferred. In some embodiments, for example, reinforced composite stamps of the present invention allow for precise and repeatable vertical motion of the patterned surface of the printing apparatus with self-leveling of the stamp to the surface of a contacted substrate. Reinforced composite stamps of certain aspect of the present invention achieve a uniform distribution of contact forces between the printing apparatus patterned surface and the top surface of a substrate being contacted by the reinforced composite stamp of the printing apparatus.

Abstract: A printing plate and method for fabricating the same is disclosed. A metal layer is first formed on a glass substrate. The metal layer is then patterned in a predetermined shape. The glass substrate is next etched to a predetermined depth using the patterned metal layer as a mask and the metal layer removed. If necessary, additional metal layers have the same or different patterns may be formed on the glass substrate and the glass substrate etched after each metal layer is formed thereon until a desired etching depth in the glass is achieved.

Abstract: An offset printing press is provided. The offset printing press includes an image cylinder, a blanket cylinder having an axially convex outer surface, and a printing blanket disposed over the axially convex outer surface, the printing blanket including a carrier sleeve layer having at least one axially convex surface. An axially profiled shim is also provided.

Abstract: A method for transferring a pattern from an elastic stamp to a substrate in the presence of a third medium is described. A proximity contact is achieved between the stamp and the substrate. A layer of the third medium between the stamp and the substrate is controlled to a predetermined thickness. Stamps for carrying out this method are also described.

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: A cylinder for an offset printing press comprising a steel core and a heat-conducting layer arranged on the steel core in order to uniformly distribute localized steel core heating. The heat can consist of copper and can be arranged in or underneath a functional layer on the cylinder.

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

Abstract: A marking object having at least one object blank (3) and held by an object carrier (2), the object blank (3) being markable by a marking apparatus (7). To configure the marking objects such that the known drawbacks are eliminated, the object carrier (2) has at least one identification means (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) that contains at least one piece of information relating to the marking object (1) and/or the identification means (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) can be used to store at least one piece of information relating to the marking object (1).

Abstract: A reimageable printing member such as for use in flexography, includes a layer having a multiplicity of holes, wherein the holes include therein a dimension change material and a printing material upon the dimension change material. Thus, the holes house vertically expandable units, the top portion of which is capable of protruding out of an opening of the hole at a top surface of the layer. Each of the holes may be individually addressed to provide a stimulus that initiates a change in dimension in the dimension change material. In this manner, selected ones of the units may be made to print a corresponding portion of an image on an image receiving substrate brought into contact with the printing member.

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

Abstract: A system and method of identifying the match of a printing cylinder and sleeve when the combination thereof has been dressed by laser ablation to achieve a degree of cylindricity. It is desirable to retain the identification of this match for reuse purposes and thereby avoid unnecessary redressing. The identification convention of the invention represents simple encoding, conventional marking means, and readability on sight.

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: This invention discloses a magnet for use as a printing plate or printing head that is used for aligning flakes or particles in a paint or ink. A composite sheet or block of magnetizable material is selectively magnetized so that a magnet is formed within the sheet or block that has a shape of a predetermined image, logo, or indica. Dies are used to magnetize the magnetizable material and preferably the does contact the material to be magnetized. A pre-magnetized sheet such as a refrigerator magnet may be re-magnetized differently so that a magnetic image is encoded therein for use as a printing plate. Preferably the printing plate is flexible so that it can be formed to a curved surface of a cylinder or drum for printing. Conveniently these flexible magnets can be changed for other designs and placed on the same drum for use in printing.

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 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 coplanarly joined print carrier composed of at least two laminar partial print carriers. One of the partial print carriers contains a paper layer. The paper layer of one partial print carrier is attenuated in thickness along an edge strip by removing a partial layer. The other partial print carrier has a lesser thickness along one edge strip than elsewhere. The two partial print carriers are bonded together along their two edge strips. A method suitable for making such a print carrier is also provided.

Abstract: A printing blanket or dressing includes a dimensionally stable carrier plate which has ends that can be secured to a transfer cylinder. A coating is applied to the carrier plate and forms the lateral surface of the transfer cylinder. A recess is located in the printing blanket or dressing intermediate the ends of the blanket or dressing.

Abstract: Easter bunny tracks may be laid onto the ground using a track-laying device to dispense flour or another material contrasting with the ground. Other desired track shapes (such as tracks of Santa's reindeer) may be laid using a track-laying device and suitable dispensed material. A handle with a ground-contacting rubber tip makes the device especially convenient to operate.

Abstract: A guide system comprising a plurality of guide members, where each guide member comprises an exposed surface and an intermediate portion between first and second end portions. The first end portion comprises a deformable detent member defining a detent projection. The second end portion defines at least first, second, and third detent edges defining a detent opening. The guide system operates in storage configuration and a plurality of use configurations. In the storage configuration, detent members of two guide members extend through detent opening of the two guide members. In the use configurations, a detent member extends through one of the detent openings such that longitudinal axes of the first and second guide members are substantially co-linear or perpendicular and the exposed faces of the first and second guide members are substantially coplanar.

Abstract: A method for transferring a pattern from an elastic stamp to a substrate in the presence of a third medium is described. A proximity contact is achieved between the stamp and the substrate. A layer of the third medium between the stamp and the substrate is controlled to a predetermined thickness. Stamps for carrying out this method are also described.

Abstract: It is possible to perform even pattern transfer with a high throughput.

Abstract: A note dispenser attached to an article with a wall for holding a note pad between the dispenser and the article wall. The dispenser has a front wall spaced from the article wall and defines a hole for providing access to notes from the note pad through the front wall. The dispenser has at least one sidewall extending from the front wall and toward the article wall. The sidewalls have an edge opposing the article wall so that the note pad is surrounded by the front wall, the article wall and the sidewalls. At least one sidewall is configured for engaging the article wall which connects the note dispenser to the article wall.

Abstract: An offset printing apparatus for transferring a phase change ink onto a print medium, which includes a) a phase change ink component for applying a phase change ink in a phase change ink image; b) an imaging member for accepting the phase change ink image from the phase change ink component, and transferring the phase change ink image from the imaging member to the print medium, the imaging member having i) an imaging substrate, and thereover ii) an optional outer layer; and iii) iii) a release agent material coating, wherein the release agent material coating includes a perfluorinated polyether having a skeleton selected from the group consisting of Formulas I and II and mixtures thereof: CF3—(CF2CF2)m—O—(R1R2O)—(R3R3O)n—(R3O)p—(CF2)q—CF3Formula I wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of CF2, CF—CF3 and —NR4R5; R2 is selected from the group consisting of CF2, CF—CF3, and —NR4R5; R3 is selected from the group consisting of CF2 and CF3; R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are provided that account for surface variations of a wafer by adjusting grating features of an imprint lithography mask. Such adjustment employs piezoelectric elements as part of the mask, which can change dimensions (e.g., a height change) and/or move when subjected to an electric voltage. Accordingly, by regulating the amount of electric voltage applied to the piezoelectric elements a controlled expansion for such elements can be obtained, to accommodate for topography variations of the wafer surface.

Abstract: A stamp for use in transferring a pattern in nano-scale has a monomolecular antisticking layer. The anti-sticking layer comprises molecular chains, which are covalently bound to the surface of the stamp and which each comprise at least one fluorine-containing group. Each molecular chain contains a group Q, which comprises a bond which is weaker than the other bonds in the molecular chain as well as the covalent bond that binds the molecular chain to the surface of the stamp. Splitting of said bond in the group Q creates a group Q1, which is attached to the part of the molecular chain being left on the surface of the stamp and which is capable of reacting with a fluorine-containing compound to restore the antisticking layer. In a method of manufacturing a stamp for use in transferring a pattern in nanoscale, the stamp is provided with the above-mentioned molecular chain.

Abstract: A stencil printing machine has a rotatable printing drum including an outer peripheral wall of ink impermeable material. A stencil paper is mounted on the surface of the outer peripheral wall. An ink supplying mechanism includes an ink supplying unit in the outer peripheral wall of the printing drum and supplies ink to the surface of the outer peripheral wall. A pressure roller presses a fed print sheet against the outer peripheral wall. When an initial printing operation is performed after a stencil paper is mounted on the printing drum, the ink supplying mechanism is caused to supply the surface of the outer peripheral wall, in advance, with an amount of ink which is larger than an amount of ink which is supplied for second and proceeding printing operations.

Abstract: A hand printing stamp having multiple printing surfaces disposed angularly to each other at the bottom portion of a body further including an upper portion adapted to ergonomically fit into the palm of the user when his/her thumb and fingers of the grasping hand are disposed in a generally parallel spaced extending relationship to each other.

Abstract: A system and method for processing large area substrates. In one embodiment, a system for processing large area substrates includes prep station, a stamping station and a stamp that is automatically moved between the stamping station and the prep station. The stamping station is adapted to retain a large area substrate thereon. The stamp has a patterned bottom surface that is adapted for microcontact printing. The prep station is for applying a precursor to the patterned bottom surface of the stamp. In one embodiment, a method for processing large area substrates includes the steps of disposing a large area substrate on a platen, inking a stamp adapted for microcontact printing, and automatically contacting a bottom of the stamp to the large area substrate supported on a platen.

Abstract: A stamp housing assembly has a shell and a cover. The cover selectively attaches to the shell of the stamp to cover a stamp face assembly. With the shell oriented 180° relative to the cover, the cover does not attach to the shell, but can be used as a stand so the stamp will not inadvertently stain objects in the workplace and the stamp can be freely removed from the cover.

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 method for recording multi-event athletic meet information on skin comprises the steps of printing an array on an athlete's skin and then populating the array with competition information, which may include such information categories as event description, heat number and lane number.

Abstract: A printing unit cylinder is subject to only low deformation in the event of operationally induced increases in the temperature of the printing unit. At least the barrel of the body of the printing unit cylinder is produced from a metallic material with a linear coefficient of expansion of ?<5×10?6K?1 in a temperature range of from about 20° to about 60°.

Abstract: A sleeve-shaped printing element for mounting on a carrying cylinder in a printing unit of a web-processing rotary printing machine. The element includes a structure formed of material permitting radial expansion of the sleeve-shaped printing element, the carrying cylinder has an elongated axial extent and being formed with ducts for discharging an expansion medium. The ducts open on a circumferential surface of the carrying cylinder, and the expansion medium is pressurizable by a pressure source. The sleeve-shaped printing element is formed with an inner diameter increasing from one end to the other end of the printing element, and is formed with an at least approximately constant wall thickness; and a combination of the printing element and the carrying cylinder.

Abstract: There is disclosed a lightweight portable printer having a frame or housing with a print head and a cooperable platen roll mounted in the housing. The housing pivotally mounts a subassembly. The subassembly mounts an electric motor and gearing driven by the motor for driving the platen roll. The subassembly is resiliently urged to press the print head against the platen roll. The printer has a front door which provides access to the inside of the housing. The front door mounts the platen roll, a label delaminator, a pressure roll, a holder for mounting a supply roll of labels or tags, and a latch for latching the door to the housing and for camming the pressure roll into and out of cooperation with the platen roll.

Abstract: A kit or system having means for mounting, using and storing rubber stamps with an elastomeric image on one surface, a foam backing and a static cling second surface for temporary securement to a handle or to a storage medium, such as a board, sheet or folder. The kit may selectively include a storage sheet, board or folder or a number of each having inside and outside surfaces with a thermal polyester film on at least the inside surfaces, held in an easily opened and closed transparent bag. The kit may also include one or more acrylic handles.

Abstract: A hand-held stamping device and the method of making same that includes a substantially transparent acrylic mounting block to which a substantially transparent printing element is removably affixed without the use of adhesives. When the device of the invention is used, the indicia formed on the printing element can be clearly viewed through the mounting block, and the printing surface can be clearly viewed through the printing element. This enables precise positioning of the indicia on the surface to be printed. The device includes both a convex surface and a planar surface to which the printing element can be removably affixed. When the printing element is affixed to the planar surface, the indicia on the printing element, when viewed through the convex surface, is magnified.