Printing Members Patents (Class 101/368)
  • Patent number: 6820550
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Glendale Rubber Stamp & Printing Co.
    Inventors: Dale Lookholder, Christopher B. Caston, Joaquin G. Serrano, Theodore Lookholder
  • Patent number: 6796232
    Abstract: Novel printing surfaces for off-set printing blankets are provided having a resilience of less than about 40% and an average surface roughness of less than about 0.5 microns. Such low-resilience printing surfaces have been found to transfer up to greater than 90% of the ink applied thereto and can be used to transfer ink on a wide variety of substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Rodgers
  • Patent number: 6792856
    Abstract: Disclosed is a printing apparatus, having a print surface lying in a print plane defined by an imaginary x-axis and y-axis, the print surface having an outward normal pointing in the positive direction along an imaginary z-axis, such that the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are substantially orthogonal to one another, a lower stamp clamp disposed adjacent to the negative-x edge of the print surface, an upper stamp clamp, moveable in two dimensions in a trajectory plane defined by the x-axis and z-axis, a stamp comprising a flexible material, the stamp having a first end attached to the lower stamp clamp and a second end attached to the upper stamp clamp, such that a cross section of the stamp parallel to the trajectory plane forms an arc extending from an origin point Q on the lower stamp clamp having (x,z) coordinates (0,0) to point E on the upper stamp clamp, this arc being described by the mathematical function &thgr;(s), where s is the curvilinear distance along the arc measured from point Q, and &thgr; is the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn Anthony Hall, Ronald W. Nunes, Robert H. Fair, William J. Surovic, Istvan Lovas, Robert Scott Emmans
  • Patent number: 6776094
    Abstract: Improved methods of forming a patterned self-assembled monolayer on a surface and derivative articles are provided. According to one method, an elastomeric stamp is deformed during and/or prior to using the stamp to print a self-assembled molecular monolayer on a surface. According to another method, during monolayer printing the surface is contacted with a liquid that is immiscible with the molecular monolayer-forming species to effect controlled reactive spreading of the monolayer on the surface. Methods of printing self-assembled molecular monolayers on nonplanar surfaces and derivative articles are provided, as are methods of etching surfaces patterned with self-assembled monolayers, including methods of etching silicon. Optical elements including flexible diffraction gratings, mirrors, and lenses are provided, as are methods for forming optical devices and other articles using lithographic molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: President & Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: George M. Whitesides, Amit Kumar
  • Patent number: 6769360
    Abstract: An electronic stamp or method for performing stamps where one or several sets of phototransistors (8), with associated light emitting diodes (9), are mounted on a print head (3) that is hand-operated along beams (5) with the aid of a lever (4) coupled to an upper stamp housing (1). The phototransistors (8) generate signals used by a micro controller circuit (12) in order to in real time calculate positioning parameters about the print head (3), and thus be able to steer and control a stream of ink drops intended to form a predetermined printout pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Print Dreams Europe AB
    Inventor: Alex Walling
  • Patent number: 6767748
    Abstract: The present invention enables the accurate management of the total number of spotting counts for each spotting pin. An IC chip is installed on the spotting pin to allow the IC chip to accumulate spotting-count information, and during each spotting time the information is loaded up and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Yokokawa, Mitsuhiro Tachibana, Hiroshi Kishida
  • Patent number: 6762061
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for depositing a high density biological or chemical array onto a solid support. Specifically, the apparatus is made up of a plurality of open ended channels collectively forming a matrix. The matrix has been redrawn and cut such that the pitch of the channels on the loading end is larger than the pitch of the channels on the liquid delivery end. The upper portion of each channel serves as a reservoir, while the opposing end, which has been formed by the redrawing process, is diametrically sized such that liquid in the reservoir is retained by capillary pressure at the delivery end. At any point along the height of the capillary reservoir device, all cross-sectional dimensions and areas are uniformly reduced. In other words, the on-center orientation of any two channels, also referred to as the pitch between 2 channels, measured as a function of the diameter of any cross section, is constant throughout the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas F. Borrelli, Alain R. E. Carre, Thierry L. A. Dannoux, Bernard Eid, David Root, Raja Rao Wusirika
  • Patent number: 6726883
    Abstract: Identically shaped spots can be formed sequentially and stably by a spotting pin comprising a bar-like plunger 20. Four projections each formed in the shape of a top portion of a quadrangular pyramid are formed on the head of the plunger 20. The apexes 21 of the quadrangular pyramids constituting the projections are located inside a virtual plane extending from the peripheral wall of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichiro Ito, Mitsuhiro Tachibana, Naoki Yokokawa
  • Patent number: 6705224
    Abstract: In a stamp apparatus, a paper-sheet object is conveyed in the arrow direction between a presser roller and an impress hub having a predetermined character/symbol string. Since a cam is rotated in the arrow direction by a rotary solenoid, it makes the presser roller approach the impress hub via a roller and an arm. A separating lever is rotated in the arrow direction by a rotary solenoid from an initial position (position shown in the drawing) to a siding position. When the paper-sheet object is conveyed to between the presser roller and the impress hub, a stamp bonded on the bottom surface of the paper-sheet object is canceled with a postmark. A presser mechanism suppresses a rebound produced when the presser roller starts to urge the paper-sheet object, and also maintains a predetermined urging pressure of the presser roller relative to the paper-sheet object having a predetermined thickness or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Hayato Kuroda, Yoshikazu Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6692604
    Abstract: A method for verifying an image (210) on a printing plate comprising the steps of: an overlay (310) forming the method consisting of: creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and a support layer; laminating an imageless receiver sheet (160) having a second thermal print layer (228) and a second support layer (170), which is preferably clear with the imaged receiver sheet (140), thereby encapsulating the image (210) between the first thermal print layer (224) and the second thermal print layer (228); removing the first support layer (150); removing the second support layer (170); adhering an overlay (310) to a printing plate having an image (210), using an electrostatic charge; and viewing the overlay (310) against the image (210) on the printing plate for image quality and content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Roger S. Kerr
  • Patent number: 6601507
    Abstract: A device for laterally aligning a sheet in a sheet-processing machine, includes a marking device for automatically identifying a sheet side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventor: Andreas Mallok
  • Patent number: 6596237
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for depositing a high density biological or chemical array onto a solid support. Specifically, the apparatus is made up of a plurality of open ended channels collectively forming a matrix. The matrix has been redrawn and cut such that the pitch of the channels on the loading end is larger than the pitch of the channels on the liquid delivery end. The upper portion of each channel serves as a reservoir, while the opposing end, which has been formed by the redrawing process, is diametrically sized such that liquid in the reservoir is retained by capillary pressure at the delivery end. At any point along the height of the capillary reservoir device, all cross-sectional dimensions and areas are uniformly reduced. In other words, the on-center orientation of any two channels, also referred to as the pitch between 2 channels, measured as a function of the diameter of any cross section, is constant throughout the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventors: Nicholas F. Borrelli, Alain R. E. Carre, Thierry L. A. Dannoux, Bernard Eid, David Root, Raja Rao Wusirika
  • Publication number: 20030104127
    Abstract: A system and method for painting decorative designs. According to a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an imprint applicator handle including a handle member and imprint applicator, the latter preferably comprising a generally rectangular, arcuate member formed from a clear or non-opaque material. The imprint applicator defines an arcuate application surface to which a rubber stamp design may be detachably fastened. The rubber stamp design is adapted to receive a pigment, which may be a paint, ink, or dye and when rocked across a substrate, such as a wall, paper and the like, via the imprint applicator handle, the pigment is caused to transfer from the rubber stamp design to the substrate. Advantageously, the present invention enables a wide variety of designs to be easily and neatly formed, as well as capable of being faithfully duplicated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Samuel E. Katzen, Ronald A. La Rosa
  • Patent number: 6539864
    Abstract: A hand stamp having an improved mechanism for accommodating an angular deviation between a stamp pad and a surface being stamped and a stamp and stamp rack set in which the stamp is easily engageable and disengageable with the stamp rack. A spring mechanism is provided between a stamp pad holder and a surrounding cover. The spring mechanism biases the stamp pad holder into a retracted position within the cover, and also helps to resiliently accommodate any alignment deviation between the stamp pad and the surface being stamped. The stamp rack is formed to easily receive and retain a stamp therein. Also, the stamp rack may include engagement structures whereby a plurality of stamp racks can be easily engaged to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Ove Berggren
  • Publication number: 20030056668
    Abstract: Print media, when rolled tightly often produces a high degree of curl when removed from a roll form. The stiffer the media, the more likely the tenancy to curl. On the other hand, media that is too thin will be too floppy for conventional handling. The media described is constructed from fine ribs of greater stiffness running along the axis of a roll. These ribs ideally have a pitch of approximately 200 microns and they can be either formed from embedded fibre of greater stiffness or through ridges of greater thickness. The ribs result in material of greater stiffness across the width of the media than along the length and maintain adequate stiffness for handling and viewing of the printed media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 6536342
    Abstract: Novel printing surfaces for off-set printing blankets are provided having a resilience of less than about 40% and an average surface roughness of less than about 0.5 microns. Such low-resilience printing surfaces have been found to transfer up to greater than 90% of the ink applied thereto and can be used to transfer ink on a wide variety of substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: MacDermid Graphic Arts, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Rodgers
  • Publication number: 20030047097
    Abstract: A printing blanket sleeve is provided having two separable sections including a carcass sleeve and a face sleeve. The face sleeve is mounted over the carcass sleeve such that, when the printing blanket sleeve is installed on a blanket cylinder, the carcass sleeve and the face sleeve form an integral unit in use. The printing blanket sleeve is provided in separable sections so that the printing surface may be replaced in a manner wherein the carcass sleeve, including preferably at least some portion of the inner layers, can be reused with new printing surfaces. Further, the printing blanket sleeve is arranged such that the user of the printing blanket sleeve can change the printing surface of the printing blanket sleeve on-site so that there is no longer a need to discard the entire printing blanket sleeve, or alternatively send the printing blanket sleeve back to the manufacturer to be reconditioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Edward P. Dzierzynski, Michael E. McLean, Melvin D. Pinkston, Philip K. Loyer, Dennis R. Wolters
  • Patent number: 6520223
    Abstract: A indicia carrying element for marking timber and more especially logs possessing a indicia carrying body bearing such indicia and having on one side thereof clips for attachment to the head of an applicator hammer in peripheral grooves therein for prior to driving said element into timber, whereas the other side of the element is provided with spurs to be driven into the timber. The clips are arranged in spring regions like lugs in the plate-like indicia carrying body, and such regions are for instance defined by slots in the indicia carrying body. This means that such indicia carrying elements may be reliably clipped onto the standard head of an applicator hammer without there being any danger of the clips breaking off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Latschbacher GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Latschbacher
  • Patent number: 6499398
    Abstract: A hand stamp that preferably includes a case, a platen secured for selective movement within the case, a stamp die retained adjacent to the platen for movement therewith between a non-marking position where the stamp die is remote from a surface to be marked and a marking position where the stamp die is pressed into contact with a surface to be marked; and a retaining member mounted on the platen in any one of a plurality of positions such that the stamp die is secured in an assembled position adjacent the platen is provided. A preferred method of assembling the hand stamp is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: M&R Marking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony D. MacNeil
  • Publication number: 20020124420
    Abstract: A punching tool includes a punching device, and a plier device coupled to the punching device for actuating the punching device with less force. The punching device includes a base detachably secured to one of the jaws with such as a channel-and-flange engagement, and includes a punching member movable relative to the base and operatable by the other jaw which may force the punching member relative to the base. A spring may bias the punching member away from the sheet materials to be cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Yu Hsun Hsuan
  • Publication number: 20020083856
    Abstract: This invention relates to a relatively thin cladded graphic arts impression graphic arts impression die plate (20) having a steel layer (22) which is integral throughout the extent thereof with a layer of copper (24) or bronze. A relieved design-defining surface may be formed in the copper or bronze layer by a chemical etching process or by chemical milling. In the case of chemical etching of the graphic arts impression die plate (20), a design-defining layer of photo-resist is applied to the outer surface of the copper layer (24) or the bronze layer and the relieved design is formed in the copper or bronze layer using a conventional ferric chloride etching solution. The etched graphic arts impression die plate may be mounted on an etchant-resistant backing or magnetic support member (28) to present an assembly which increases the thickness of the die assembly sufficiently to permit use thereof on standard stamping and embossing equipment without modification of the die-supporting chase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Glenn E. Hutchison, Todd E. Scholtz
  • Publication number: 20020059874
    Abstract: An automated date insert is provided that imprints the date on a molded product. The automatic date insert includes a front face with attached indicators that mark a date pattern onto the surface of the molded product. Each indicator is operatively connected to an indicating means that imprints a date on the molded product that corresponds to the date pattern of the indicator. The indicating means is operatively connected to an electric motor that is activated and controlled by a processing means such that the electric motor causes the indicator means to move a pre-selected amount corresponding to a pre-determined time or date interval transmitted by the processing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Martin Schuurman, Michael Munger
  • Publication number: 20020056386
    Abstract: A pallet for stacking planographic printing plates thereon. The pallet includes a top panel having a mounting surface at which a protruding member is disposed. A mount for mounting the planographic printing plates includes an engaging hole that corresponds to the protruding member. By inserting the protruding member of the pallet into the engaging hole of the mount, the mount is mounted at the mounting surface of the top panel of the pallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wataru Sekino
  • Publication number: 20020050220
    Abstract: A deformable stamp for patterning a surface. The stamp can be placed in contact with an entire 3-dimensional object, such as a rod, in a single step. The stamp can also be used to pattern the inside of a tube or rolled over a surface to form a continuous pattern. The stamp may also be used for fluidic patterning by flowing material through channels defined by raised and recessed portions in the surface of the stamp as it contacts the substrate. The stamp may be used to deposit self-assembled monolayers, biological materials, metals, polymers, ceramics, or a variety of other materials. The patterned substrates may be used in a variety of engineering and medical applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Olivier Schueller, Enoch Kim, George Whitesides
  • Publication number: 20020040650
    Abstract: A stamper system includes a support and a pattern-forming member. The pattern forming member includes an expanse and a plurality of distinct design portions coupled to the expanse at spaced locations. The expanse is movable relative to the support to enable simultaneous repositioning of the plurality of distinct design portions relative to the support by movement of the expanse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: Newell Operating Company
    Inventor: Darryl L. Kaminski
  • Patent number: 6360658
    Abstract: A stamp playset includes a book-like case supporting a plurality of symbol pads together with an elongated inking pad and a generally cylindrical roller stamp. The roller stamp includes a cylindrical housing within which a cylindrical roller is supported. The cylindrical roller defines a plurality of attachment slots which receive attachment flanges of selected symbol pads. The symbol pads are arrangeable in a variety of sequences as desired. The roller further supports a symbol cube having a plurality of symbol elements. The symbol cube is rotatably supported to facilitate alignment of a selected one of the plurality of symbol elements thereon within the sequence of symbols to be roller stamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Terry Benson
  • Publication number: 20020002920
    Abstract: Variable-format web-fed offset printing machine having printing-unit cylinders comprising core cylinders to which compressed air can be applied and onto which intermediate sleeves can be pushed axially and shrunk on radially. Each intermediate sleeve includes a carrier layer whose inner face rests on the core cylinder, a compressible intermediate layer, a transition layer, and a variable-thickness bridging layer, which ends with a covering layer to which a further surface like a printing plate or a rubber blanket can be fitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Applicant: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Peer Dilling, Horst Dauer, Martin Weinberger
  • Patent number: 6318260
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining ink key control settings for a plurality of ink keys in a printing press. Each of the ink keys controls the amount of ink supplied to a roller and then to a respective ink key zone on a substrate to print an image. A press model relates image requirements to ink key control settings. The press model includes a gain and a respective offset associated with each ink key. The offset represents the amount a value represented by the ink key control setting varies from the actual ink key opening. The drift in the respective offsets of the ink keys is tracked by comparing control settings predicted by the press model with final control settings after a press job has been satisfactorily completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Quad/Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Lin Chu, Amit Sharma, John C. Seymour
  • Patent number: 6311618
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is a stamp unit that includes a holder member having an end. A stamp material is made of a porous material retained by the holder member. The stamp material has a front surface projected form the end of the holder member and a circumference portion. The front surface includes an effective stamp surface that includes a stamping portion and a non-stamping portion. The circumference portion is defined at least by an area existing between positions corresponding to the end of the holder member and the effective stamp surface, within an exposed area of the stamp material from the holder member, the area being entirely covered by a sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Okumura, Hiroshi Takami, Teruo Imamaki, Minoru Yamamoto, Mitsunobu Suda, Keiji Seo, Hiroshi Taira
  • Patent number: 6309088
    Abstract: The invention discloses a combined pencil sharpener and an ink stamp being able to give off light. The invention includes a pencil sharpener and a stamp which are slidably engaged together. When a pencil is inserted into an opening of the pencil sharpener, it will move the sharpener towards the stamp and then conduct a circuit contained in a housing of the stamp to allow an LED to give off light. The invention will not only increase the attractiveness of the sharpener but also be very helpful to teach a young user to sharpen a pencil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Taiwan Stamp Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 6253673
    Abstract: The structure of an ink stamp emitting light and sounds has an LED and a speaker contained in a housing and electrically connected to a circuit board. When the ink stamp is pressed downward, the LED and the speaker will respectively give off light and sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Taiwan Stamp Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 6180239
    Abstract: Improved method of forming a patterned self-assembled monolayer on a surface and derivative articles are provided. According to one method, an elastomeric stamp is deformed during and/or prior to using the stamp to print a self-assembled molecular monolayer on a surface. According to another method, during monolayer printing the surface is contacted with a liquid that is immiscible with the molecular monolayer-forming species to effect controlled reactive spreading of the monolayer on the surface. Methods of printing self-assembled molecular monolayers on nonplanar surfaces and derivative articles are provided, as are methods of etching surfaces patterned with self-assembled monolayers, including methods of etching silicon. Optical elements including flexible diffraction gratings, mirrors, and lenses are provided, as are methods for forming optical devices and other articles using lithographic molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: George M. Whitesides, Younan Xia, James L. Wilbur, Rebecca J. Jackman, Enoch Kim, Mara G. Prentiss, Milan Mrksich, Amit Kumar, Christopher B. Gorman, Hans Biebuyck, Karl K. Berggren
  • Patent number: 6161478
    Abstract: A printing cylinder assembly adapted to be removably supported on a hydraulically operable mandrel having means to hydraulically apply radially outward forces is disclosed. The printing cylinder assembly has a generally cylindrical coated printing cylinder having two open end portions, and a generally annular sleeve positioned within each end portion and in shrink fit relation therewith. Each annular sleeve has a generally annular groove therein and at a location which corresponds to the general location of application of the radially outward forces when the cylinder is positioned on the mandrel. Radially outward forces are hydraulically developed by the mandrels and are transmitted to the cylinder through the annular sleeves to retain the cylinder and the mandrel as an integral unit. The grooved portion of each annular sleeve defines two adjacent annular stepped portions wherein the grooved portion has a greater flexibility in the radial direction than the adjacent stepped portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: The Holdrite Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Sidney Katz
  • Patent number: 6131512
    Abstract: A printing master 12 is described which includes a printing element and a base 33, characterized in that base 33 is provided with one or more strain gauges 31 and electric connections for measuring electric resistance. In a preferred embodiment, the printing element is a plate having a printing surface 35, of which the back side 37 is laminated to base 33. The printing master 12 may have an optional adhesive layer 36 and/or protective layer 32. The registration of the printing master can be adjusted conveniently and accurately by measuring the resistance of the strain gauges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert, N.V.
    Inventors: Bart Verlinden, Johan Van Hunsel
  • Patent number: 6112662
    Abstract: A stamp unit 1 is formed so that the circumference of the stamp material 3 is made as a slant surface 83 by heat-pressing both the lower end 4a of the holder 4 and the circumference of the stamp material 3. The lower end 4a of the holder 4 is formed in a wedge 82 so as to hook the circumference of the stamp material 3. Thereby the stamp material 3 can be surely retained to the holder 4, and the stamp material 3 and the holder 4 can be firmly sealed. As a result, stamping durability is remarkably improved when many stamping operations are repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Okumura, Hiroshi Takami, Teruo Imamaki, Minoru Yamamoto, Mitsunobu Suda, Keiji Seo, Hiroshi Taira
  • Patent number: 6095046
    Abstract: A hand-held stamping device that includes a substantially transparent acrylic mounting block to which a substantially transparent printing element is removably affixed. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Glendale Rubber Stamp & Printing, Co.
    Inventors: Dale Lookholder, Christopher B. Caston, Joaquin G. Serrano, Theodore Lookholder
  • Patent number: 6032580
    Abstract: A stamping toy with sound and lighting effect which comprises an ornamental seat, a main body mounted at the bottom of the ornamental seat, a bottom cap mounted at the bottom of the main body, a spring within the ornamental seat, a circuit board mounted at the bottom of the spring, a light emitting body, a plurality of batteries and a conductive spring being provided on the top of the circuit board, an isolation annular rim mounted at the bottom of the circuit board, a voice emitter (buzzer) mounted at the bottom of the isolation annular rim, a stamping seat mounted at he bottom of the voice emitter, and a rubber stamping design provided at the bottom of the stamping seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Tsu-Lin Lee
  • Patent number: 5992319
    Abstract: A seal includes a transparent decoration, a hollow body having a bottom formed with an upwardly extending neck, a seat having a raised top fitted in a bottom of the transparent decoration and a lower portion fitted in the cylindrical body, a circuit board fitted in a lower portion of the seat and having a top on which are mounted an music integrated circuit, a light emitting means and a buzzer and a bottom on which are mounted at least a battery mounting and a switch, the light emitting means, the buzzer and the switch being electrically connected to the integrated circuit, a spring arranged within the body and having a lower end bearing against the neck and an upper end bearing against the circuit board, a rubber pad fixedly fitted in a bottom of the body, and a bottom cover engageable with the bottom of the body to cover the rubber pad, whereby the seal will give light and send out music when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Hsiang Yuan L.T.D.
    Inventor: Ming-Tai Hsu
  • Patent number: 5878668
    Abstract: On the surface of an ink-permeable sponge material having open cells, a melted portion and an unmelted portion are formed by a thermal head printer controlled by a memory processor for desired imprint data to prepare a stamp having the unmelted portion as an ink oozing imprint surface. Furthermore, a stamp material plate comprising the tape-like sponge material is wound up in the form of a roll and then received in a cassette case, and a stamp material cartridge comprising this cassette case is mounted in a cartridge receiving section of the thermal printer capable of printing in a tape form. A print image set by input from a keyboard or external input is printed on the stamp material comprising the sponge material fed from the cartridge by the thermal head, while the stamp material is pressed, to form a concave having a depth of 0.01 mm or more, thereby preparing a print plate for a stamp having a suitable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoichi Ando, Hajime Toda, Koichi Hirano, Hisami Tamano
  • Patent number: 5771806
    Abstract: A stamp has a stencil paper at a central portion of which a stamp pattern is formed including an ink permeable portion and an ink impermeable portion. A frame member holds an outer peripheral portion of the stencil paper, and an ink impregnated body is arranged with the frame member in contact with the central portion of the perforated stencil paper. The frame member and ink impregnated body are secured to a supporting member. A groove is formed in the supporting member between the frame member and the ink impregnated body. The stamp assembly is capable of stamping with no leakage of ink outside the device and with no peeling off of the stencil paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Teruo Imamaki
  • Patent number: 5738011
    Abstract: Disclosed is an amusement stamp for children which includes a light-pervious ornament removably but tightly fitted on an ornament seat, an outer ring member, a retractable stamp seat having a design-bearing lower head and being supported in the outer ring member, a spring disposed in the outer ring member around the stamp seat, and a bottom cover for protectively closing the design-bearing lower head of the retractable stamp in a bottom opening of the outer ring member. The ornament seat is connected to a top edge of the outer ring member and compresses the spring between it and the retractable stamp seat. A small bulb is mounted on a top of the ornament seat and can be turned on or off via a pushbutton sideward projected from a side wall of the ornament seat. When a child uses the amusement stamp to imprint a pattern on something, the design-bearing lower head of the retractable stamp seat is pushed upward and depresses the pushbutton to lighten the small bulb, creating more funs for the stamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Hsu Ming Tay
  • Patent number: 5655451
    Abstract: A interfitting stamp set for faux finishing includes a number of differently shaped stamps, wherein each stamp comprises, in a preferred form, a rigid backing, a handle applied to one surface of the backing, a layer of resilient foam material adhered to an opposite surface of the backing, and a rubbery ink transfer element adhered to the foam layer, the ink transfer element having an irregular pattern cut in relief on its surface away from the foam layer. The set is characterized in that the various stamps are all different, and have irregular peripheries comprising crests and valleys which nest at least partially within the crests and valleys of neighboring stamps when the stamps are placed together, whereby patterns with overlapping envelopes can be applied, without overlapping the stamps themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventors: Carolyn C. Wasylczuk, Nick G. Wasylczuk
  • Patent number: 5647278
    Abstract: A printing/cutting device includes a base member including a lower plate and an upper plate which have a receiving compartment defined therebetween for receiving a sheet of paper. A retaining member is slidably received in a receiving hole in the upper plate for retaining the sheet of paper. A printing unit includes a printing block with a desired figure formed thereon for printing the desired figure on the sheet of paper. A cutting unit includes a cylindrical hollow cutter to cut the printed figure from the sheet of paper. An actuator member is mounted on top of the cutting unit for effecting movements of the retaining member, the printing unit, and the cutting unit to perform the required functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Ke-Teng Wu
  • Patent number: 5636568
    Abstract: A plate-type printing device and a method of using same are disclosed, wherein the device is composed of a plurality of plates stacked in a front-to-back facial configuration, the plurality of plates containing: at least one inlet port for at least one colorant; at least one colorant-supply plate having formed on a front facial surface thereof at least one colorant-supply cavity disposed in fluid communication with the at least one inlet port; and at least one colorant-transfer plate having formed on a front facial surface thereof at least one colorant-transfer cavity shaped to form a first design pattern, the at least one colorant-transfer plate further containing at least one cavity-port formed in the at least one colorant-transfer cavity, the at least one cavity-port being disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with the at least one colorant-supply cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Dugan
  • Patent number: 5579692
    Abstract: A rubber stamp is disclosed which produces a special effect when the stamp is pressed against a medium to be imprinted therewith. The stamp is comprised of a handle and a plurality of die mounts with images thereon which are interchangeable upon the handle. The special effect which is generated by operation of the rubber stamp is determined by the image mounted thereon. A plurality of special effects are provided within the rubber stamp which correlate with a plurality of images attachable thereto. The special effects generated by the stamp can include audible (sounds and/or voice and/or music), light (patterns and/or sequences), and/or aromas. A cavity in the plastic handle of the rubber stamp contains the electronic circuitry necessary to provide the special effects messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Harry B. Collier
  • Patent number: 5572929
    Abstract: A card holder jacket holds an identification card that has raised indicia. The card holder jacket has an indicia portion on which raised indicia are formed for imprinting at the same time that an imprint is made of the indicia on the card. The card holder jacket extends beyond the edges of the card and have dome shaped slit forms that engage three edges of the card. A raised lip and raised edge at the indicia portion engage the fourth edge of the card. The card holder jacket has openings that are placed over a universal card holder in the imprinter apparatus, and stabilizer flaps that extend downward to engage the outer side of the universal card holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Rodney G. Lacy
    Inventor: Rodney G. Lacy
  • Patent number: 5505133
    Abstract: A rotary stamp including a casing having an opening, an impression wheel revolvably mounted within the casing and partially projected out of the opening of the casing and having an annular groove around the periphery, and an ink-absorbed absorptive belt stamp mounted around the annular groove of the impression wheel a slip joint and turned by the impression wheel over something to mark it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Chen Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 5448950
    Abstract: Two stamping components are centrally and axially aligned to insure an exact repeatable register between a stamping head and a compact disc. A rigid D-shaped post protruding from one stamping component engages a mating D-shaped opening recessed in another stamping component to align a stamping head with a compact disc. A recess in a casing retains and positions the compact disc. Movable rubber type positioned in an annular groove in the stamping head impart identifying inked insignia to the compact disc around the central opening of the disc. The stamping head may have a central D-shaped opening to receive a rigid D-shaped post from the compact disc positioner. Alternatively, the stamping head may have a central rigid D-shaped post to engage a mating central D-shaped opening alternately in the compact disc positioner. A circular stamp pad admits the stamping head. For a stamping head with a protruding post, the stamp pad has a mating recessed opening to receive the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventors: Ernest E. Lowder, Donald W. Meeker
  • Patent number: 5438929
    Abstract: A printing stamp comprises a housing 9, a stamp mounting member 12 slidably mounted within the housing for movement between an inoperative position and a printing position, an operating member 11 for moving the stamp mounting member from its inoperative position to its printing position against the urging force of a spring 19 and a handle 10 connected to the operating member. The handle is releasably connected to the operating member such as by a slidable friction fit in order that the handle can be removed to allow the stamp to be more easily transported to points-of-need.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignees: Kin-Sung Wong, Kam-Hung Wan
    Inventors: Kin-Sun Wong, Kam-Hung Wan
  • Patent number: 5435240
    Abstract: An educational device in the form of a children's pad printing kit (10) which kit includes a smooth, preferably transparent, transfer sheet (32) upon which images may be drawn or traced, one or more water based felt tip ink pens 22, and a deformable rubber-like transfer pad (36) which is capable of lifting off an image from the surface of the transfer sheet when the rubber-like transfer pad is placed into contact with the ink image on the surface, the transfer pad being capable of depositing the lifted-off image upon another surface, such as the surface of a sheet of drawing surface. The kit may additionally include artwork (26) which has images to be traced, and stencils (24) which may be used for forming images on the surface of the transfer sheet. The ink pens use washable ink permitting the images drawn on the transfer sheet 12 to be changed as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: Wayne G. Fromm