Abstract: A composition comprising; a) at least one homopolymer or copolymer of vinyl acetate; and b) at least one softener.

Abstract: A workpiece is transported using a porous belt, which belt delivers a workpiece to a chuck, upon which the workpiece is held by vacuum. The belt can be porous PTFE. A flexible stamp is preheated, before it is applied to a workpiece, by drawing the stamp toward a heated plate, for instance by vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a flexographic printing plate having excellent ink uniformity in an image area, particularly, in a solid portion regardless of a printing speed, a method for manufacturing the flexographic printing plate, and a flexographic printing plate precursor used in the manufacturing of the flexographic printing plate.

Abstract: A marker and stamp system embodied in a double-end device is provided. The device includes a marker end and an opposing stamp end. The stamp end enables the creation of clear and concise group presentations/instructions through the uniform application of predetermined symbols via a stamp applicator portion and marking template, while the marker end facilitates the presentation of tailored, free-hand markings via application of a marker nib.

Abstract: Provided is a flexo printing plate which makes it possible to perform printing in which the discontinuity of density is not visually recognized by inhibiting the enlargement of halftone dots in the boundary between an image area having a low halftone dot rate and a non-image area. The flexo printing plate has a constitution in which the image area has a highlight halftone dot area having a halftone dot rate higher than 0% and equal to or lower than 10%, and within the highlight halftone dot area, among small dots constituting the highlight halftone dot area, at least one of the small dots adjacent to the non-image area that continues 10 mm or further from the edge of the highlight halftone dot area in a direction orthogonal to the edge has a distal end diameter smaller than the average of distal end diameters of the small dots in the highlight halftone dot area.

Abstract: A stamp die assembly for a self inking stamp in which the die plate having printing indicia thereon is easily removable from the die frame. There is a movable latch on the die plate that is received by a catch or slot in the die frame to lock the die plate to the die frame. By pushing on a push button the catch is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position in which the latch is released from the catch. A spring returns the latch to the original or locked position.

Abstract: A photopolymer plate manufacturing process utilizes a modified substrate and mask to generate pre-cut and interchangeable single and multi-part stamp dies. Using a modified substrate and mask, a conventional photopolymer plate can be manufactured with a plurality of independent pattern or stamp areas that are readily removable and replaceable on the substrate and do not require cutting. The resulting material is also securable to a plastic stamp or the like without an adhesive, thereby facilitating a stamp with exchangeable patterns. Additionally, with a further modified mask, the stamp dies can be manufactured in two or more separable pieces, which can then be selectively interchanged among multiple stamp dies. An alignment tool facilitates installation of the stamp dies on the stamp mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing is provided. The method includes preparing a hollow printing pad having a transfer surface, the printing pad being configured so that when the transfer surface is pushed, the gas in the hollow part is released to the outside of the printing pad; transferring ink or paint in recesses formed on the surface of a printing plate to the transfer surface of the printing pad by applying the ink or paint onto the surface of the printing plate and by pressing the transfer surface of the printing pad against the surface of the printing plate; and transferring the ink or paint to the object to be printed by pressing the transfer surface of the printing pad against the object to be printed until at least the hemispherical portion of the object to be printed is wrapped by the transfer surface of the printing pad.

Abstract: A sleeve segment for flexography has the shape of a sleeve with a first circular side containing a female registration element and a second circular side containing a male registration element. Also a method for manufacturing a flexographic sleeve segment, segmented sleeves and methods of flexographic printing.

Abstract: In a printing press a method is provided. The method comprises coupling an adjustment tool to a transfer cylinder substantially parallel to an axis of the transfer cylinder and coupling a first end of a flexible jacket to a first attachment structure coupled to the transfer cylinder, wherein the first attachment structure is proximate to a first edge of the transfer cylinder. The method further comprises placing the jacket around the transfer cylinder and over the adjustment tool and coupling the second end of the jacket to a second attachment structure coupled to the transfer cylinder, wherein the second attachment structure is proximate to a second edge of the transfer cylinder and the jacket is attached without free play to the transfer cylinder. The method further comprises withdrawing the adjustment tool from between the transfer cylinder and the jacket, whereby an amount of free play of the flexible jacket remains.

Abstract: A photopolymer plate manufacturing process utilizes a modified substrate and mask to generate pre-cut and interchangeable single and multi-part stamp dies. Using a modified substrate and mask, a conventional photopolymer plate can be manufactured with a plurality of independent pattern or stamp areas that are readily removable and replaceable on the substrate and do not require cutting. The resulting material is also securable to a plastic stamp or the like without an adhesive, thereby facilitating a stamp with exchangeable patterns. Additionally, with a further modified mask, the stamp dies can be manufactured in two or more separable pieces, which can then be selectively interchanged among multiple stamp dies. An alignment tool facilitates installation of the stamp dies on the stamp mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed are a resin composition for laser engraving including a resin having two groups having specific structures and having a number average molecular weight of 5,000 or more and 500,000 or less, a relief printing plate precursor for laser engraving comprising a relief-forming layer formed from the resin composition on a support, a process for making the relief printing plate precursor, a process of making a relief printing plate using the relief printing plate precursor, and a relief printing plate having a relief layer which is manufactured by the process.

Abstract: There are provided a printing method in which at least approximately hemispherical portion of a spherical object to be printed can be printed by pressing a pad against the portion one time, and which can prevent an image printed on the spherical object to be printed from being elongated or distorted, and a printing pad used for this printing method.

Abstract: A sleeve segment for flexography has the shape of a sleeve with a first circular side containing a female registration element and a second circular side containing a male registration element. Also a method for manufacturing a flexographic sleeve segment, segmented sleeves and methods of flexographic printing.

Abstract: A print pad for printing on a hard surface has a tip portion made of a silicon rubber having a first durometer. Rearward of the tip portion is a central body portion made of a silicon rubber having a durometer that is different than the durometer of the tip portion. Rearward of the central body is a base suitable to attachment to a machine.

Abstract: A blanket is located on an outer surface of a roller, such as a printing unit roller. The blanket has an elastic and/or a compressive layer with a surface pressure that depends on the degree of the impression. The layer is selected so that a depending of the surface pressure on the impression has, at least in some areas, a slope of less than 700 (N/cm2)/mm.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for applying a decoration onto an object (50) use a chamber (22) that can be divided by a deformable foil (10) into a first space (24) and a second space (26). Said foil (10) comprises a carrier film (20), a decoration layer (16), and, at least, a varnish layer (18). The first and second spaces (24, 26) are evacuated simultaneously and, thereafter, a pressure gradient is generated to press the foil (10) against the object (50) to be decorated and to transfer at least the decoration layer (16) and the varnish layer (18) onto the object (50).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sleeve, particularly a rubber blanket sheath, for a printing machine. The sleeve (10) has a two-layer structure comprising an internal layer designed as support layer (11), and an external layer designed as cover layer (12) and used for the print transfer, with the external or cover layer (12) being connected directly to the internal or support layer (11). A three layer composite sheath also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a multilayer printing blanket whereof at least an outer layer is provided with embedded particles has the embedded in the surface of the outer layer by exerting pressure on said particles. Such a printing blanket is useful in the field of printing machines.

Abstract: A printing blanket is provided including a base layer, a print layer, and at least one barrier layer positioned against the print layer which functions to substantially reduce or eliminate the penetration of printing chemicals and other liquids below the print layer of the printing blanket. The barrier layer may comprise a variety of polymers or rubbers. The barrier layer may include fillers or absorbent materials therein to improve the barrier properties of the layer.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for the mounting and/or demounting of at least two printing sleeves outside a printing unit of a printing machine. The printing sleeves include an outer printing sleeve forming a printing surface and an inner printing sleeve providing diameter compensation between the outer printing sleeve and an impression cylinder of the printing machine. The apparatus having a reception device onto which an inner printing sleeve can be pushed for mounting the two printing sleeves. The apparatus having at least one compressed-air device for facilitating the fixing of the inner printing sleeve on the reception device and for conducting compressed air through orifices assigned to the inner printing sleeve in order thereby to make it possible for an outer printing sleeve to be pushed more easily onto the inner printing sleeve.

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 multi-layered image transfer blanket and a method of producing same, including a body portion and an image transfer portion, the image transfer portion having an image transfer surface and a back surface, comprising forming the image transfer portion on a carrier substrate and transferring the image transfer portion onto the body portion such that the back surface of the image transfer portion faces the body portion. Preferably, the image transfer portion is formed on the carrier substrate such that the back surface of the image transfer portion faces the carrier substrate.

Abstract: A foam cushion tape comprising a compressible polyurethane foam layer having a first side and an opposite second side; a composite reinforcing film comprising an anchoring layer and a reinforcing layer, wherein the second aide of the polyurethane foam is disposed on the anchoring layer of the reinforcing film; a first adhesive disposed on the first side of the compressible polyurethane foam; and a second adhesive disposed an the reinforcing layer of the composite reinforcing film. The anchoring layer comprises at least one non-olefinio polymer, such as polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyurethane, nylon, or the like. A method for the manufacture of thin, foam cushion tapes for flexographic printing is provided, comprising casting a curable polyurethane foam composition directly onto the anchoring layer of a composite reinforcing film having a first anchoring layer and a second reinforcing layer, followed by curing the foam composition to form a compressible polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A mountable cylindrical printing blanket apparatus for use with an off-set printing press is provided. The printing blanket has an inner carrier sleeve layer; a printing blanket affixed to the sleeve with at least one compressible layer having a first porosity, at least one printing face layer, a gap extending axially along the mountable printing blanket and having between about 0.2 millimeters and about 2 millimeters in width and a depth substantially extending through at least one layer; and a compressible sealant therein in an amount sufficient to substantially fill the gap. The compressible sealant has a second porosity and a compressibility in both the radial and the tangential direction such that the compressible sealant has a compressibility greater than the compressibility of the compressible layer.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing rubber-covered cylinder sleeves for offset printing for rotary printing machines permits an identified rubber-covered cylinder sleeve to be found easily. The apparatus is equipped with an electronic memory device into which, for each rubber-covered cylinder sleeve, characteristic data can be entered and stored. As the rubber-covered cylinder sleeve is introduced into a storage, the characteristic data from the rubber-covered cylinder sleeve are read into the memory device, and the rubber-covered cylinder sleeve can be removed from the storage apparatus in accordance with predefined data.

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.

Abstract: A sheet of elastomeric material that serves as a shock absorber and cushion for use between a printing plate, such as but not limited to a flexographic printing plate, and a printing cylinder during printing for compensating for variations in thickness, height and centricity of the printing cylinder and printing plate to prevent distortions in the image being printed that includes providing an elastomeric material having a longitudinal direction in the direction of circumferential travel of the cylinder circumference that includes a plurality or array of protrusions formed of the elastomeric material of predetermined cross-sectional shape and area and the material having a durometer to cushion the printing plate in such a way to provide the necessary compensation to ensure a high quality printed image at high speed.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method for forming a tubular printing blanket includes the steps of applying a application layer to a base, applying a polymer over the application layer so as to form as flexible inner tubular sleeve, at least one of the application layer and the polymer being an innermost layer of the tubular sleeve, and applying a print layer over the tubular sleeve. The interior of the flexible tubular sleeve can collapse to permit better storage of the blankets.

Abstract: A pull band (34) is attached to a printing plate (22) in a flexographic printing operation to hold a flexible substrate (30) in a selected orientation for transfer of ink in a selected pattern. The pull band overcomes differences in friction between the printing plate and the substrate in areas of different amounts of ink to maintain the selected orientation. A specific length pull band may be selected and cut from a roll of pull band material. Pull bands may be attached parallel and perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the printing plate.

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.

Abstract: An ink refillable stamp has a cap (10), and a handle (20) mounted under the cap (10). The handle (20) has a passage (26) defined therein and a first resilient member (27) is received in the passage (26). A housing (30) has a tubular portion (31) formed on a top surface thereof and received in the passage (26). An upper seat (40) is received in the housing (30) and has a pole (41) formed on a top surface thereof and extending through the tubular portion (31) and the passage (26) and engaged in the handle (20). A lower seat (50) is detachably mounted beneath the upper seat (40) and has a plurality ink inlets (53) defined through a top surface thereof A chamber (54) is defined at a bottom portion of the lower seat (50) and in communication with the ink inlets (53). A sponge (55) is received in the chamber (54) and a stamping sheet (551) is provided under the sponge (55). A bottom cover (60) is provided on the lower seat (50).

Abstract: A sheet of elastomeric material that serves as a shock absorber and cushion for use between a flexographic printing plate and a printing cylinder during printing for compensating for variations in thickness, height and centricity of the printing cylinder and flexographic printing plate to prevent distortions in the image being printed that includes providing an elastomeric sheet having a longitudinal direction in the direction of circumferential travel of the cylinder circumference that includes a plurality or array of protrusions formed of the elastomeric material of predetermined cross-sectional shape and area and the material having a durometer to cushion the flexographic plate in such a way to provide the necessary compensation to ensure a high quality printed image at high speed.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermal printer for printing on thermoplastic foam to form a relief image which is comprised of open cells in the area that is the transfer ink enclosed or sealed cells which is to be impermeable to ink or other print medium. The present invention also includes the method of using the thermal head printer which preferably includes cooling the thermoplastic foam prior to forming the image thereon and using a lubricant to pass the thermoplastic form across the thermal printhead.

Abstract: A microporous marking structure, a hand stamp and methods of manufacturing a hand stamp is disclosed. The microporous marking structure includes a noncontinuous pattern of sealed portions on the rear surface thereof. The microporous marking structure may be mounted for use in a pre-inked hand stamp which can be used to create numerous impressions without reinking.

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.

Abstract: A dual purpose transfer printing and laminating blanket (18) has an endless woven base fabric (28) having at least one layer of fluoropolymer coating material (32, 33) applied thereto. A bonding layer is applied to each side of the base fabric, to bond the at least one layer to the base fabric.

Abstract: A cushioning or damping layer is disposed between a flexographic printing plate and a printing cylinder or sleeve. The cushion layer is composed of an elastomeric material which has an open-cell relief surface which is sufficiently compressible to compensate for variations in printing materials and press conditions used during printing.

Abstract: A printing blanket according to the present invention is formed by laminating a non-stretchable layer obtained by winding a thread in helical fashion in the circumferential direction, a compressible layer comprising an elastomer and in a porous and a seamless cylindrical shape, and a surface printing layer similarly comprising an elastomer and in a seamless cylindrical shape in this order, whereby high-quality prints can be obtained in a wide range, and the degree of the degradation of printing properties due to the reduction in reaction force is low.

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.

Abstract: A unique two piece, hand held, device having an ergonomic and ambidextral hand holder with a detachable, and/or interchangeable, sponge-like, image imprinting element is disclosed. The imprinting element is preferably made of a unitary piece of a sponge body having an ornamental design embossed into the printing face. The embossed printing face is dipped into a paint and the paint is transferred to the desired surface by pressing the printing surface of the sponge body against the surface to be decorated.

Abstract: A stamping machine including a rubber stamping head angular position adjustment mechanism, which can be adjusted to the desired angular position for stamping different workpieces, a horizontal slide adjustment mechanism, which can be adjusted to move the rubber stamping head to the desired horizontal position, an automatic ink feeder, which can be adjusted to supply metered quantity of ink, a scraper carrier, which keeps the scraper blade and the ink application roller unit operated at the same elevation, an ink tray assembly, which is detachable, and a workpiece conveying mechanism, which uses a driving wheel driven by an air cylinder through a rack and a gear to turn a conveying chain in carrying a series of workpiece table plates for a continuous stamping operation.

Abstract: A hand stamp has a holder means which includes an ink storing space and a stamping member connected each other, the stamping member is made of an open-cell foam material partially heat sealed to form an ink impermeable area with a remained area for ink permeation to effect a printing, the ink impermeable area defining intaglio portions is formed by press in the heat sealing process and the ink permeable portions defining relief portions effect the printing, wherein The printing member is made immobile and attached to an opening of the holder, otherwise the printing member is made mobile and encompasses a cylindrical holder circumference, and the holder means is allowed to roll.

Abstract: A stamping machine including a rubber stamping head angular position adjustment mechanism, which can be adjusted to the desired angular position for stamping different workpieces, a horizontal slide adjustment mechanism, which can be adjusted to move the rubber stamping head to the desired horizontal position, an automatic ink feeder, which can be adjusted to supply metered quantity of ink, a scraper carrier, which keeps the scraper blade and the ink application roller unit operated at the same elevation, an ink tray assembly, which is detachable, and a workpiece conveying mechanism, which uses a driving wheel driven by an air cylinder through a rack and a gear to turn a conveying chain in carrying a series of workpiece table plates for a continuous stamping operation.

Abstract: A composite fabric structure comprising a plurality of warp and fill fibers or yarns forming a fabric substrate which is impregnated with a matrix material which contains a plurality of cells which impart compressibility to the fabric substrate. This fabric may be used, for example, in a composite structure for use with one or more additional layers or coatings. Articles which may be formed from the composite structure include gaskets, packing materials, flexible diaphragms or printing blankets. In the printing blankets, one or more of a vulcanized rubber layer, a fabric layer and a compressible layer may be included.