Abstract: A print board with a grid for receiving one or more rubber or silicone stamps of various shapes, sizes, and patterns. A base board is provided to receive the print board, and the base board allows the print board to be turned upside down and pressed to a piece of paper or other surface once all inserted stamps have been secured. Each stamp has an upper portion which includes a shape, a letter, or some other pattern which can be stamped to a surface. Each stamp also has a lower portion which wedges into a selected opening within the grid of the print board.

Abstract: To provide a half bearing which has excellent abrasion resistance and surely forms an oil film under boundary lubrication in which it is difficult to form any oil film. A half bearing 1 formed on a circular arc along a direction in which the member to be slid swings is provided with a porous layer 4 composed of Cu—Sn series alloy, which is formed on a surface of a metal substrate 3, and a sliding layer 2 in which the porous layer 4 is covered with resin material 5 including at least polytetrafluoroethylene and a carbon fiber. An uneven surface 6 having a height which maintains oil to form an oil film and maintains the oil so that the oil film is formed against abrasion when a member to be slid is sliding, is formed on a surface of the sliding layer 2 slidably bearing the member to be slid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cliché for offset printing and a method of manufacturing the same, and the cliché for offset printing according to the present invention comprises: a groove pattern, wherein a depth of at least a partial region of the groove pattern is different from a depth of a residual region. The present invention may comprise a double etching process when a cliché for offset printing is manufactured to control a bottom touch phenomenon that is a problem exhibited when a known wide line width is implemented, thus manufacturing the cliché for offset printing having various line widths and etching depths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cliché for offset printing and a method of manufacturing the same, and the cliché for offset printing according to the present invention comprises: a groove pattern, wherein a depth of at least a partial region of the groove pattern is different from a depth of a residual region. The present invention may comprise a double etching process when a cliché for offset printing is manufactured to control a bottom touch phenomenon that is a problem exhibited when a known wide line width is implemented, thus manufacturing the cliché for offset printing having various line widths and etching depths.

Abstract: A relief printing plate includes: a plate material; and a relief formed on the plate material. The relief includes: a cap part including the top face; and a frustum part configured to support the cap part. The cap part includes: the top face including a flat surface parallel to a horizontal plane orthogonal to a gravitational direction when the top face is oriented upward; a cap chamfered part including a flange part of the top face, the flange part at least partially chamfered to form a curved surface not perpendicular to the top face; and a cap steep part formed downward from the cap chamfered part in the gravitational direction at a steep angle nearly perpendicular to the top face. The frustum part has a shape thicker than the cap steep part, and a cross sectional area of the frustum part gradually increases toward a bottom of the relief.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anilox roll for a printing apparatus. The anilox roll comprises a cylinder having a surface. The surface comprises a fluid distribution structure for receiving, distributing and transferring a fluid such as an ink. The fluid distribution structure comprises a channel formed in the surface having channel walls. This channel is arranged for distributing the fluid over the fluid distribution structure. The channel comprises channel parts, wherein the courses of connected channel parts are at an angle with respect to each other for preventing a linear distribution of the fluids to be received in a course direction of the channel, allowing a meandering distribution of the fluid to be received in the channel. Side walls of the channel are arranged for allowing a meandering flow of the fluid throughout the fluid distribution surface.

Abstract: A satellite printing unit of a web-fed printing press with printing couples is disclosed. Each printing couple includes a plate cylinder and a transfer cylinder where the transfer cylinders of all the printing couples roll off a common impression cylinder. Each plate cylinder features a high lockup slot and a low lockup slot and each transfer cylinder has a lockup slot. The transfer cylinders of the printing couples are aligned relative to the plate cylinders of the printing couples such that, on a first group of printing couples, which includes at least one printing couple, the lockup slot of the respective transfer cylinder rolls over the high lockup slot of the respective plate cylinder and on a second group of printing couples, which includes at least one printing couple, the lockup slot of the respective transfer cylinder rolls over the low lockup slot of the respective plate cylinder.

Abstract: In a printing machine with object-carrier supports mounted to rotate, rotation drive units are used at printing stations and at processing stations to drive rotation of the object-carrier supports. The drive systems of the rotation drive units corresponding to the printing stations are separate from the drive systems of the rotation drive units corresponding to the processing stations. Applications include multicolor printing of flexible tubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing digital graphic images directly onto a bottle. First, an electronically storable and retrievable digital image is generated. Next, the digital image is transferred to a printing site. Finally, the digital image is digitally printed directly onto bottle at the printing site. The step of digitally printing the digital image directly onto packaging material can include digitally printing the digital image directly onto a preformed bottle, such as a PET bottle. The ink can be provided as a UV-reactive ink, in which instance the UV-reactive ink, after the step of printing, can be cured by exposure to UV light. The present invention allows for full color digital graphic images to be printed directly onto the surface of a bottle.

Abstract: A method for customizing a book using a printer conveyor system which provide 100% non-contact print coverage on any portion of both covers of a book being conveyed thereon while maintaining custody and precisely registering each book prior to non-contact printing.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary label printer and methods for printing labels on optical media. According to one exemplary method, an optical medium is inserted into a printing device having a mechanism for rotating the optical medium. The optical medium is rotated with a rotation mechanism. Further, a print head is moved over the optical medium and ink is ejected onto the medium while the medium is rotating to create a label on the medium.

Abstract: The traveling motion imparted to bottles in an intermittent motion decorating machine is provided by a pair of workpiece feed cams rotatably supported in a side-by-side relation to rotate about spaced horizontal axes lying in a common horizontal plane, the workpiece feed cams have feed cam tracks extending along the decorator between loading and unloading stations for receiving cam followers of each of plurality of bottle carriers. The feed cam track defining a workpiece dwell period at each decorating station and workpiece advancement periods between each workpiece dwell period. A pair of carrier return cams is rotatably supported in a side-by-side relation to rotate about spaced horizontal axes lying in a common horizontal plane. The carrier return cams have carrier cam tracks extending along the decorator for returning bottle carriers received from the unloading station for delivery to the loading station.

Abstract: A balloon printing apparatus for printing an image on the outer surface of a number of inflatable elastic balloons of the type defining a main body and a neck opening allowing access into the main body. The apparatus comprises: a conveyor device movable in a closed path in an intermittent manner; a plurality of nozzles spacedly carried by the conveyor device, insertable into a balloon neck opening and for inflating a balloon; as many balloon supporting frames as air nozzles, carried by the conveyor device, each nozzle adjacent to a corresponding frame, each frame sized to partly surround and support the main body of an inflated balloon installed on the adjacent nozzle with a portion of the inflated balloon protruding from the frame. The body remains in a stable position relative to the conveyor device while the inflated balloon is transported by the nozzle and frame through the closed path.

Abstract: A compact disc transporter is described for transporting a compact disc between multiple process stations. These stations may include a printer, a recorder, a verifier, and a compact disc supply station. Methods have been described for pre-positioning a compact disc prior to printing so that an image located on the compact disc can be positioned for subsequent printing operations. A camera may be used in conjunction with a processor to rotatably position a compact disc into a preferred position prior to a printing operation. An optical sensor is also described for detecting a mark, index mark or other image for positioning a compact disc to a preferred rotational position.

Abstract: A process for coating and transfer printing sheet metal which is especially suited for manufacture into three-dimensional articles such as appliance panels and one-piece pictures and frames. The coatings may include a thin pigmented base coat and a clear, thin top coat. A decorative image is transfer printed in the clear top coat.

Abstract: A stenciling device for applying a multi-color design on a cylindrical object includes a registration assembly for synchronizing the rotational speed of the object to be stenciled with a silk screen assembly. The registration assembly includes a cable assembly that is interconnected between the silk screen assembly and a rotation member that is adjustable to increase or decrease the size of its circumference so that it conforms to the size of the object to be stenciled.

Abstract: Semi-automatic screen printing equipment for multi-color printing of cylindrical objects wherein precise color-to-color registration may be achieved. A programmable color sensor, photoelectric system using fiber optics is preferably employed for reading a color image reflection from a rotating object and feeding a resulting signal into a pre-programmed color selector for providing an electrical signal to an electric clutch. The electric clutch engages a mechanical interlock drive between the screen printing plate and the object for precise color to color registered printing. A fixture is used for rotatably supporting an object to be printed. A screen and a squeegee for contacting the screen are used to force printing material through openings in the screen for application to the object surface. A first rotatable shaft is connected to the fixture, and a second rotatable shaft is provided. Clutch means connect these shafts for engaging and disengaging driving action therebetween.

Abstract: A stamp device for a seal plate is provided, which is configured so that the seal plate is easily attachable to and detachable from a supporter of the stamp device for removal or replacement and so that the seal plate does not detach or shift from the stamp device during a stamping or marking operation. The stamp device includes a supporter having a pair of longitudinally extending engaging claws for pinching opposite longitudinally extending edge faces of the seal plate; a recessed groove stopper portion for receiving and holding one end portion of the seal plate; and a pressure sensitive weak adhesive layer provided on a seal plate supporting face of the supporter.

Abstract: A container is carried by a timing screw while a transfer drum is rotated. Ink is transferred by a first imprint roll on a first fixed transfer surface member for printing a shoulder portion of the container and a second fixed transfer surface member for printing a barrel portion of the container. Ink is transferred by a second imprint roll on a movable transfer surface member, and after printing on the shoulder portion, the barrel portion and a constricted portion of the container, which is inserted between a guide member and a transfer roll and moved while rotating, residual inks on the fixed transfer surface member for the shoulder portion, the fixed transfer surface member for the barrel portion, and the movable transfer surface member are removed by a cleaning roll.

Abstract: The present invention is a printing head for a decorator cylinder assembly and comprises an interior member having a shaft bore and an outer side wall. The shaft bore has a tapered interior side wall. The printing head further comprises an exterior member having an inner side wall and a decorator side wall. The exterior member at least partially encompasses the interior member. The outer side wall of the interior member at least partially abuts the inner side wall of the exterior member, and the exterior member is adjustably connected about the interior member. The exterior member is at least partially axially adjustable about the interior cylinder, and is at least partially rotatably adjustable about the interior cylinder. The printing head further comprises a face plate/adjustment member adjustably connected to the interior member and the exterior member.

Abstract: A mandrel/spindle disc for a continuous motion can decorator includes a plurality of relatively lightweight mandrel assemblies mounted on a rotating carrier with equal angular spacings between adjacent assemblies. The assemblies reciprocate radially with respect to the carrier axis as a center. Each assembly includes a base and two guide rods that extend radially inward from the base and are received by sleeve bushings that are disposed in radial holes extending inward from the carrier periphery. A plurality of relatively small grease pools are formed by small transverse holes, each of which extend forward from the rear of the carrier disc to engage the inner ends of four bushing holes. Vacuum and air pressure are fed to each mandrel assembly through a flexible hose having a large loop therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing a decorative pattern of differing colors on the cylindrical outer surface of a can body wherein a pattern of one color is applied and dried on the outer surface and a pattern of a different color is applied to the cylindrical outer surface of the can body with only portions of the pattern of a different color superposed over portions of the pattern of one color and repeating the steps for a plurality of additional patterns and different colors.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for printing a decorative pattern of differing colors on the cylindrical outer surface of a can body wherein a pattern of one color is applied and dried on the outer surface and a pattern of a different color is applied to the cylindrical outer surface of the can body with only portions of the pattern of a different color superposed over portions of the pattern of one color and repeating the steps for a plurality of additional patterns and different colors.

Abstract: A system and method for imprinting an object including both irregularly shaped or non-round objects and regularly shaped round and/or rectangular objects and combinations thereof in which a plurality of positioning vectors are computed to control operation of the apparatus to effect imprinting of the object. The positioning vectors are generated by an electronic control unit and are used to control the position of at least one of a print screen of the printing apparatus, a squeegee of the printing apparatus, and an object to be imprinted. Servo-motors, or other suitable mechanical actuators, are connected to the electronic control unit and position the appropriate components of the printing apparatus to effect printing of the object in response to commands received therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying heat transfer labels, disposed on a web, to containers. In one embodiment, the apparatus is intended for round, non-tapered containers and comprises a continuously rotating turret, a container transport system for continuously delivering containers to and away from the turret and a web transport system for moving a web containing heat-transfer labels into position for label transferring. The turret includes a rotably driven shaft and a plurality of cup assemblies arranged in a circle around the shaft and coupled thereto. Each cup assembly includes a cup used to hold a container, the cup being rotably driven independently of the shaft and in a required direction. A nozzle assembly is associated with each cup assembly and is used to secure a container within its respective cup and, if necessary, to inflate the container to impart sufficient rigidity thereto for labelling. Each cup assembly and its associated nozzle assembly together define a container holding station.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on individual articles has at least two rotatably disposed holders, each of which carries an article. Each of the holders which can comprise first and second holder portions is provided with separate drives for transporting the respective holder and for producing rotational movement thereof so that an article carried by one of the holders can be moved and rotated independently of articles carried by other holders. When printing on articles whose region to be printed upon differs from the shape of a circle or a circular arc, it is also possible for the printing mechanism consisting of a screen printing stencil and a squeegee to be raised or lowered in the printing operation, in dependence on the cross-sectional shape of the region to be printed upon, so that there is no need to alter the position in respect of height of the article during a printing operation.

Abstract: A laser generator and a receiver are used to transmit and receive a laser beam for reflection by the leading edge of existing printing on ware to establish an indexing reference for printing to be newly applied to the ware. The receiver provides an electrical signal to disconnect drive motor from a drive train and engage a non-operating screen drive train to stop rotation of the ware. After indexing has been accomplished, the printing cycle is initiated causing silk screen to reciprocate in a synchronous speed with rotation of the ware while a squeegee establishes line contact with a screen to force printing medium through open spaces on the screen onto the ware.

Abstract: Bottles are decorated while advanced by intermittent motion to each of a plurality of decorating stations where a squeegee presses a decorating screen into line contact with a surface of the bottle which has a speed the same as the speed of which the decorating screen is advanced along the printing station. The bottles are decorated at a higher through put rate by initiating linear movement of the screen before the bottle arrives at the decorating station and continuing linear movement of the screen after the bottle moves from the decorating station. The degree of overlap allows the printing cycle to consume a major part of a machine cycle while the bottle indexing cycle consumes a minor part of the machine cycle. The bottles are received in a vertical orientation and intermittently re-orientated horizontally for entrance to the decorating machine.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for printing on objects using a screen printing procedure, the print image applied to a respective object is dried by UV-rays produced by at least one UV-radiating device. Drying of the applied print image is effected during a transportation movement which the object performs in order to be transported after the drying operation from one location to another. The radiating device which produces the UV-rays is moved with the object at least during a pert of the transportation movement in the direction of movement of the object, in such a way that in such movement the print image is dried.

Abstract: A curved item printing apparatus has a screen tensioning and printing frame. The frame has a plurality of tensioning devices coupled together by corner members which support the tensioning devices for rotation about their longitudinal axis. Each tensioning device has a screen retainer for retaining an edge portion of a screen fabric. At least one of the tensioning means is a thin edge retainer having a screen engagement edge, a screen engaging surface for directing the screen and a thin edge surface. The screen engaging surface and the thin edge surface converge at the screen engaging end. The perpendicular distance between the longitudinal axis of the thin edge retainer and the thin edge surface is less than the distance between the longitudinal axis and the screen engaging edge.

Abstract: Silk-screen printing apparatus is provided for the silk-screen printing of articles such as oval-shaped bottles and containers on the two major curved peripheral surfaces thereof, sequentially, with one printing pass. The apparatus utilizes, in this case, two squeegees positioned one behind the other and synchronized in such a manner as to force ink through a screen provided with two image patterns as each of the two image patterns on the screen moves sequentially over the two curved surfaces to be printed.

Abstract: For use in an apparatus wherein a container is supported for decorating, wherein the container has a neck and a finish with an opening formed at an angle to the axis of the container, a chuck for engaging the finish. The chuck includes a body having an axis of rotation. The body includes an annular axially facing surface having the same axis as the axis of the body. The annular surface is frustoconical and forms an angle with the axis of the body such that the finish is engaged by the surface for holding the end of the container with the neck and finish in position for decoration. The body is mounted for rotation about its axis.

Abstract: A spark plug printing machine has two silk screens with different color inks mounted side-by-side and facing down. Spark plug insulators are rotatably mounted in a vertical orientation on a turntable. A print transfer pad located beneath the screens is rotatable from a first position, where it is horizontal and contacts the screens, to a second vertical position. In the second position the pad contacts one of the insulators and is displaced along its length to roll the insulator along the pad through more than 360.degree. so that ink from both screens is transferred to the insulator one after the other.

Abstract: A machine screen-prints the surface of flat objects or objects with a convex, curvilinear transverse section, such as bottles or cans. It is formed to be adapted rapidly for the printing of containers with any radius of curvature, however small, without having to go through the laborious replacement of mechanical parts and without causing harmful mechanical vibrations, even during heavy duty use. The machine includes a printing station in which the container (2) oscillates around a longitudinal axis passing through the center of the mouth of the container, with the top surface of the container, tangent to a screen (3) which moves in a longitudinal direction. The upper surface of the screen is scraped by a squeegee fitted above it which presses the ink through the mesh of the screen and is synchronized to operate alternately with it (in opposite directions). The bottom edge of the squeegee follows an arcuate oscillating trajectory.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for applying printing or decoration to the conical surface of an article using screen printing, the screen printing stencil performs a pivotal movement during the printing operation in a plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the article to be printed upon. The stencil moves on a path of movement which substantially corresponds at least over a part of its periphery to the peripheral surface of a truncated cone whose cone angle is the same as that of the conical surface.

Abstract: A continuous motion decorator for cylindrical containers is provided with a direct printing unit for printing an auxiliary image on the cylindrical surface of a container that has been imprinted with a main image by an offset blanket segment of the decorator. The direct printing unit includes a plurality of direct printing plates disposed in tandem on a closed loop belt means with each of these plates bearing a different auxiliary image. The offset blanket segments are mounted on the periphery of a continuously rotating blanket wheel. An individual direct printing unit, mounted to the blanket wheel, is provided for each blanket segment and includes an anvil disposed at the upstream end of the blanket segment to support one printing plate at a time in its printing position. For each revolution of the blanket wheel the belt means is advanced by an incremental length to bring a new printing plate to printing position.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for printing on articles which are at least in part of non-round cross-sectional shape, by means of screen printing, the article is received by a holding arrangement for supporting it during the printing operation, when the holding arrangement is in an intermediate position between first and second limit positions defining a range of pivotal movement of the holding arrangement, during which the printing is applied to the article. The movements of the article during the printing operation are for the purposes of that operation and not for transportation purposes, the article being transported by at least one transportation arrangement provided specifically therefor.

Abstract: A method of printing with at least two printing plates, or their equivalent, characterized in that associated halftone dots belonging to two distinct pluralities, each of which is printed with one of said two printing plates, and each of which are interleaved with the other and printed in a color different from the other, are separated by a gap when printed in perfect register.

Abstract: In the decoration of an article having a conical surface by means of a decoration applied from an embossing foil, the embossing foil strip is unwound from a supply roll and passed around a deflection roller to feed it in the proper orientation to an embossing station in which a decoration is transferred from the embossing foil on to the surface of the article. The deflection roller and the embossing foil supply roll perform a linear movement parallel to the axis of the deflection roller and at the same time a pivotal movement about a pivot axis which is normal to that roller axis. The deflection roller is continuously linearly displaced by a distance corresponding to the deviation between the linear configuration of the embossing foil strip and the arcuate configuration defined by the development of the conical surface of the article to be decorated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for thermally transferring an image from a thin flexible backing containing the image onto an outer cylindrical surface of a cylindrical resilient material. The device comprises a rotatable mount for rotatably holding the cylindrical resilient material. A roller assembly comprising a plurality of rotatable rollers linearly moves the thin flexible backing in accordance with the rotation of the rollers. A positioning device positions the thin flexible backing into contact with the cylindrical resilient material. A heater device applies heat to the thin flexible backing. A motive device moves the thin flexible backing linearly on the roller assembly and rotates the cylindrical resilient material about the axis of the rotatable mount, thereby transferring the image from the thin flexible backing to the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical resilient material.

Abstract: The squeegee arm and screen frame portions of a tilt screen type screen printing machine are pivotally connected to specially designed rocker housings slidably movable along horizontal support rods. The rocker housings have portions which are not rotated by pivoting of the squeegee arm and screen frame, thus permitting such rocker housing portions to be horizontally driven along the support rods by rodless air cylinders mounted on the machine. Additionally, the nonrotatable portion of the screen frame rocker housing carries a horizontally disposed gear rack which can be operatively mated with a pinion drive gear portion of a rotatable fixture supporting a round item to be printed so that horizontal translation of the rack rotationally drives the fixture during the screen printing process. Because of the rocker housing design, upward tilting and horizontal movement of the screen frame does not disrupt the rack and pinion registry.

Abstract: A device consisting of a housing, an electrical motor and an activation switch. The housing is cylindrical and basically hollow, with a battery compartment located at its lower end and an arched cover at its upper end. The arched cover has a semi-circular marking slot on it. The arched cover fits frictionally on the upper part of the housing. The electric motor has a driving shaft on its upper end which drives a rotor dish to rotate. The activation switch is electrically connected to the electric motor to activate or deactivate the rotor dish.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for decorating a surface of a tubular container with a decorating medium applied by a decorating device, at an area of transfer at the decorating surface of the decorating device, utilizing a single drive motor coupled with the container for registering the container for decoration and then effecting relative rotation and translation between the container and the decorating device, the drive motor being operated in a first mode of operation for accomplishing registration of the container relative to the decorating device, and then being operated in a second mode of operation in which the container is rotated at a rate related ratiometrically to the rate of translation to effect essentially rolling contact between the container and the decorating surface of the decorating device so that the relative velocity between the surface of the container and the decorating surface of the decorating device is maintained at zero at the area of transfer of the decorating medium.

Abstract: A rotary indirect printing assembly for printing objects to be sequentially cycled past the assembly including a printing drum presenting a printing surface and a platform with the printing drum rotatably supported upon the platform. The assembly also includes a transfer roller presenting a transfer surface with the transfer roller rotatably supported upon the platform and rotating in time with the printing drum. The printing surface of the printing drum and the transfer surface of the transfer roller are in tangential rotational contact with respect to each other to transfer an ink image from the printing surface to the transfer surface to transfer the image to an object as an object is sequentially cycled past the assembly. The printing drum and the transfer roller are disposed vertically with respect to the platform.

Abstract: A method for printing quasi-random number tables on cylindrical objects. A quasi random number printing unit is inserted in a blanket cylinder of an object decorator press. A printing plate cylinder disposed within the printing unit is advanced by a cam drive, thereby advancing a plurality of belts entrained about the cylinder and exposing a series of printing plates to an inking unit. Ink is applied from the inking unit to a series of numerical segements on the plates, and from the segments to a cylindrical object surface.

Abstract: A forensic sample and tracking system includes a computer system which operates a data base and a read/write station. The assignment of an identifier in the data base and an identification code to be printed on a sample bottle label are coordinated by the computer. An identification code can then be read for verification after it is written. This permits automated verifying of identification codes in a heretofore unavailable manner. The read/write station makes use of an inexpensive, reliable and compact thermal ink jet print head so that a field computer and read/write station can be taken to sample collection sites. The effective linear resolution of the identification code is enhanced using a two-track bar code.

Abstract: A typeholding chase which positively clamps rubber type elements, and firmly engages the elements during high speed machine operation. The chase provides secure engagement of type elements, while facilitating interchange of such elements without a need for separate tools. The chase houses a plurality of resilient support members including mounting surfaces as well as spacer blocks and a bias plate for inducing a type clamping force.

Abstract: A base-lock type font holder for imprinting apparatus of the impacting type, the holder comprising selectively spreadable aligned parallel rows of base lock segments which are clamped together within the outwardly opening cavity of a carrier body with the type font seated therein. An internally spring biased ratchet like arrangement facilitates both clamping and retention of the type font therein immovably during as many as several million impacts effected by the imprinting apparatus. The ratchet-like arrangement includes a pair of free-mounted miniature puck members seated at opposite ends of a coil spring, together seated in bearing relation to clamping screws employed to secure the segments within the cavity, and said screws being capable of manual manipulation against the spring bias selectively to spread or clamp said segments.

Abstract: A golf ball marker embodying type-pieces which are so shaped that the ball engaging portions of the printing characters to be impressed into the ball conform to the curvature of the outer surface of the portion of the ball to be marked, and wherein the force applied to the type-pieces, during a marking operation, are such that all portions of the printing characters are pressed into the ball in a direction substantially normal to the ball surfaces engaged by such portions.

Abstract: Combination stamp comrpises a plurality of independent stamp elements joined together for use in combination. The stamp element includes a stamp frame having a stamp plate at its lower end and a top wall and four side walls. A dovetail-like vertical projection is formed on one of the opposing side walls and a dovetail-like vertical groove in the other side wall. Engagement of the projection in the groove joins adjacent stamp elements together against horizontal displacement. Each of the other opposing side walls has a horizontal groove in its upper portion. The joined stamp elements are so adjusted that the horizontal grooves therein are in alignment with each other, and a cover having inward projections along the opposite side edges thereof is fitted over the stamp elements, with the inward projections engaged in the aligned horizontal grooves, whereby the stamp elements are prevented from vertical displacement.