Abstract: The invention comprises a printing device for printing markings directly onto insulated round wires, comprising a printing module (1, 2) for printing the marking onto a retransfer film (7) as transfer carrier and a transport device (9, 13, 24) for the retransfer film (7) for transporting into a transfer device for transfer printing of the marking onto the round wires (16). The transfer device comprises two die halves (4, 5) with a plurality of semicircular grooves (3) for wires (16) of different diameters, wherein the lower die half (5) is configured to receive the round wires (16), the upper die half (4) is equipped with a heating means (12), and to enclose the wire (16) with the retransfer film (7) bearing the marking is movable in the direction of the lower die half (5), so that as a result of this movement the two die halves (4, 5) are joined under pressure and heat around the wire (16) to be printed on.

Abstract: A device for printing products with significant variations between them by means of a pad (24, . . . , 84), in particular for confectionery, sugared almonds, chocolates and pharmaceutical tablets comprising at least one pad (24, . . . , 84) with a primary guide (25, . . . , 85) provided for the main movement of the pad (24, . . . , 84), which provides for a movement function, remarkable in that at least one secondary guide (26, . . . , 86; 27, . . . , 87) is provided as buffer element for buffering the differences in effective deposit depth between the individual products to be printed (23, . . . , 83).

Abstract: A shaft portion 2a of a platen roller 2 is inserted into a notch 7 of a frame 3. An escaping direction from the notch 7 is regulated by a pawl 8. A thermal head 2 is brought into press contact with the platen roller 2 by a spring member 4, and the shaft portion 2a is pressed at a predetermined retaining position in the notch 7 by an urging force applied from the spring member 4 to the platen roller 2 through a thermal head 1. When the thermal head 1 is moved against a spring force of the spring member 4, a spring member 10 allows the release arm 9 to follow the thermal head 1 to swing. An engagement portion 9b of the release arm 9 which swings by following the thermal head 1 is engaged with the shaft portion 2a, and is pressed out in a direction of escaping from an opening portion of the notch 7 (direction of A).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying printing of indicia and logo to golf balls held and indexed by magnetic indexing devices connected to a conveyor. The device includes a stationary base portion and a rotating cup portion which are magnetically coupled to each other. Each portion has recesses for housing magnets to create a magnetic field of attraction which firmly locks the two portions together. When rotation of the cup portion to the base portion is required, the rotation is substantially friction-free because of a thrust bearing ring set in the base portion. The cup portion is caused to rotate 45° or 90° upon being biasly urged by station locks located on the conveyor. The cup portion has an open bridge section wherein cam surfaces of the station locks can engage and cause the cup portion to rotate, which is necessary for each new procedure, whether it be inspection of the ball, pad printing of indicia and logo, or curing the printed ink with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A pad for use in pad printing includes an inner core including a first set of physical characteristics. In addition, the pad includes an outer contact pad disposed on the inner core, the outer contact pad including an ink contact surface, the outer contact pad including a second set of physical characteristics, wherein the first set of characteristics is different than the second set of characteristics.

Abstract: Provided are a method and system for imprinting a pattern formed on surfaces of an imprint mask onto a double-sided substrate. A method includes deforming the surfaces of the first and second imprint stamps to produce respective first and second deformed surfaces, each having an arc therein. A Pressure is applied to bring the deformed first and second surfaces into intimate contact with the first and second substrate surfaces, respectively. The applied pressure substantially flattens the deformed surfaces. And to separate the two surfaces, the applied pressure is released.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a cliché including: providing a transparent glass substrate; depositing a metal layer on the substrate; patterning the metal layer and thereby forming a first metal pattern; etching the glass substrate by using the first metal pattern as a mask and thereby forming a first convex pattern; patterning the first metal pattern and thereby forming a second metal pattern; and etching the first convex pattern by using the second metal pattern as a mask and thereby forming a second convex pattern.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to pad printing of video targets on a specimen for tensile or similar testing by a video extensometer. The pad printer may include various improvements such as pneumatic pistons to vary the pad spacing; pad supports which vary their spacing between ink pick-up and printing thereby allowing for a range of printing for a given cliché or printing plate; automatic proportional gauge length calculation; and a combination of a mechanical boss and a magnetic plate to secure the printing pad to the pad carrier.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to pad printing of video targets on a specimen for tensile or similar testing by a video extensometer. The pad printer may include various improvements such as pneumatic pistons to vary the pad spacing; pad supports which vary their spacing between ink pick-up and printing thereby allowing for a range of printing for a given cliche or printing plate; automatic proportional gauge length calculation; and a combination of a mechanical boss and a magnetic plate to secure the printing pad to the pad carrier.

Abstract: Method for printing objects (2) whereby printing ink (5) or the like is provided on a carrier (3) which consists of a flexible, mainly flat material layer on the one hand, and whereby the printing ink (5) is transferred to the object (2) to be printed by bringing the above-mentioned carrier (3) and the object (2) into contact with one another, characterized in that additional means are implemented which promote the reproducibility during printing.

Abstract: A system may include a static dissipative device to secure a semiconductor component, and a printer to print indicia on the semiconductor component while the semiconductor component is secured with the static dissipative device.

Abstract: The present invention involves an ink for transferring a printed image from a membrane to a substrate. The ink comprises a hydrocarbon solvent, a synthetic resin, and a thixotrope for forming a thixotropic network in the ink. The hydrocarbon solvent has a predetermined evaporation rate and the thixotropic network of the ink has a thixotropic network magnitude of between about 3×104 and 6×105 dynes/cm2-sec?1 and a thixotropic network strength of at least about 35.0 gm-cm.

Abstract: A pad printing system includes a pad printing machine and an object positioning device. The object positioning device is a multiple positioning device by means of which an object support may be consecutively positioned at a print station each time.

Abstract: Embodiments of a platen are shown and described.

Abstract: In an apparatus for decorating stiff articles using a screen printing process, an object carried by an object carrier and the stencil are advanced synchronously along a transport path during a printing operation. A doctor co-operable with the stencil is movable in an opposite relationship to the direction of movement of the stencil and the object. In the region of the at least one screen printing station is a transport screw with at least one screw flight as a drive for the object carrier, which is in engagement with the screw flight of the screw. During a printing operation the object carrier with object, on the one hand, and the stencil, on the other hand, pass synchronously through an acceleration phase and a deceleration phase. The printing stroke of the stencil is less than the total stroke thereof in the direction of movement of the object carrier.

Abstract: Holding arrangement for a chip which includes a support having a first end for supporting the chip. A vacuum chamber is arranged in the support. An annular seal is arranged at the first end. A vacuum source evacuates the chamber. A method of holding a chip in the holding arrangement includes placing the chip into the holding arrangement, pad printing the chip, and removing the chip from the holding arrangement.

Abstract: A molded product for an operation panel 1 is produced by injection molding or the like. A set of characters 7 indicative of the type of each operation switch 17 is formed, by a screen printing process, at a location near to the subject switch opening portions 6. Next, another screen printing process is executed to form a set of Braille dots 12 indicative of each set of characters 7 at a location overlapping the subject set of characters 7. Accordingly, sticking spaces which are required in the case of sticking seals of the Braille dots 12 are unnecessary any more. The Braille dots 12 can be arranged freely in a narrow space. Even though the surface 3 of the operation panel 1 is curved, it is ensured that the Braille dots 12 be arranged in a secured layout, unlike the case of sticking a Braille tape on the surface 3.

Abstract: Sublimable pad-printing ink and a method of marking an object with the ink, wherein the ink includes a hardening transparent pad-printing ink base and at least one sublimable colored pigment. The hardening transparent pad-printing ink base resists a sublimation temperature of the at least one sublimable colored pigment. The method includes pad-printing the object with a marking that includes a monochrome or polychrome marking composition having at least one monocolor pigmented component including fine particles of at least one sublimable monocolor colored pigment and heating at least one of the object and the pad-printed marking composition.

Abstract: A custom decoration for bags, cases, portfolios and other business accessories (the “item”) that can be printed at an appropriate location directly on the otherwise-finished item is provided. The decoration comprises a single or multi-colored ink image transferred from a lithographic plate using a transfer pad. The underlying tag or “substrate” for the decoration is a smooth-surfaced soft polyvinylchloride or rubberized material with appropriate ink-receptive or attractive characteristic—such as a matte or semi-gloss surface finish. The item is placed on a supporting surface in a pad printing device so that the substrate is restrained within a registration jig; an inked image on a plate is contacted with a printing pad and the pad is moved to contact the substrate, thereby applying the custom decoration thereto. In one embodiment, the substrate is secured by cords to a side of the item.

Abstract: The invention is of an improved method and process for printing plastic tag blanks for producing plastic identifier tags (such as cattle ear tags). By printing images on tag blanks using conventional ink jet printers and thereafter “welding” the image to be plastic of the printed tag blank, a durable image is provided all the tag without the need for undertaking conventional hot stamp printing with its associated costs, inconveniences, and even safety hazards as associated with the heated metallic print blocks of such conventional method.

Abstract: A printer machine for printing on articles, includes a plurality of article-carriers suitable for moving in indexed manner in a plane around a circular path. Each article-carrier is stationary in an indexed position and mobile between the indexed positions, and a plurality of print stations distributed around the path in register with indexed positions of the article-carriers. Each article-carrier is fitted with an inlet shaft turnable about its own axis by drive elements, and with at least one outlet shaft for carrying an article and adapted to turn when the inlet shaft is turned. The inlet shaft of each article-carrier is adapted to turn in register with an indexed position, and to conserve the same angular orientation between print stations.

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

Abstract: A rotary head pad printer includes a frame, a head mounted to the frame for rotational movement on the frame so as to define a plane and at least one pad assembly mounted to the head. The pad assembly reciprocates between an extended position and a retracted position. The pad assembly rotates about an axis between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. The assembly reciprocates between the extended and retracted positions at the first and second rotational positions. The first and second rotational positions are non-parallel to one another.

Abstract: Tamp printing of at least one picture (4) occurs by means of at least one tamp pad (1, 18, 24, 34) on a piece (3), which has boundary surfaces (5, 13) forming angles relative to each other, the tamp pad first printing in one direction (10) against a boundary surface (13, 43) and thereafter, after further compression of the tamp pad (1) against said boundary surface (13) due to its deformation, prints in another direction (45) than the direction (10) against another boundary surface or other boundary surfaces (5, 43), whereby the picture is transferred to said boundary surfaces.

Abstract: An improved table and ink wipe cartridge for a pad printer consists of a table mounted to a base by a pair of parallel, nylon bearings. The bearings enable the table to slide back and forth easily without requiring conventional ballbearings and guides. The cartridge automatically rolls and wipes ink on a print tray carried by the table.

Abstract: A system for color printing in an economical, simple, yet accurate manner comprises a computer (200) which causes an inkjet printer (210) to print a multi-color image of ink (215) on the surface (302) of a pad (300). The pad is made of silicone rubber and is supported in a frame (305). The rubber is either insulating or conductive, as required. Its surface can be smooth or textured. The pad is normally flat during application of the ink image. The pad can be used flat, or it can be deformed into a convex shape after the ink image is applied. The pad is then applied to a receiving object (400), transferring the ink image (216) to the object. Deformation of the pad is accomplished using a ram (410), or hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. Since the printed pad (300) contains all colors to be printed, a full-color image is transferred in a single operation of the pad.

Abstract: A printing plate is supported on a table slideably mounted on a frame for forward and back horizontal movement. A table lever has a handle moving in a vertical plane to slide the table for inking an image on the plate with an inverted ink cup or for moving the inked image under a printing pad. A printing pad shaft is supported by a mast for vertical sliding movement of the printing pad down onto the inked image or onto a work piece supported by a work holder bracket adjustably attached to the table. A printing pad lever has a handle moving in a second vertical plane to move the printing pad shaft. A printing cycle includes a minimum number of sequential movements of the two handles in parallel vertical planes located side by side.

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

Abstract: A stencil comprises an electret film, wherein the film has at least one perforation having a perimeter that defines an area, and wherein the area is greater than or equal to about one square centimeter. Methods of marking a substrate using stencils of the present invention are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A reduction to the traveling motion of bottles along a delivery conveyor in an intermittent motion decorating machine is provided by one of 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 for receiving cam followers of each of plurality of vertical bottle carriers. One of the feed cam tracks reduces the speed of the bottle carriers from a relatively high entry speed corresponding to the through put speed in the decorating machine to the speed of the deliver conveyor for more densely populating the delivery conveyor with workpieces. Carrier transfer members at each of opposite ends of the workpiece feed cams transfer the bottle carriers from one to the other of the workpiece feed cams. A drive rotates the workpiece feed cams, carrier return cams and carrier transfer members.

Abstract: A device for printing on paper or plate-shaped materials, such as plates made of glass, ceramic, glass-ceramic or plastic materials, having a transport device for the plates to be printed and an electrostatic, in particular an electrographic, printing device arranged above it. With the printing process of this invention, in an efficient manner, a conveying and centering unit of a screen-printing device is combined as a transport device with the electrostatic, in particular the electrographic, printing device, which is compatible with the upper unit of the screen-printing device.

Abstract: A printing plate is supported on a table slideably mounted on a frame for forward and back horizontal movement. A table lever has a handle moving in a vertical plane to slide the table for inking an image on the plate with an inverted ink cup or for moving the inked image under a printing pad. A printing pad shaft is supported by a mast for vertical sliding movement of the printing pad down onto the inked image or onto a work piece supported by a work holder bracket adjustably attached to the table. A printing pad lever has a handle moving in a second vertical plane to move the printing pad shaft. A printing cycle includes a minimum number of sequential movements of the two handles in parallel vertical planes located side by side.

Abstract: A printing method using at least one transfer roller, whose roller surface is charged with a coating material, for example a toner. The coating material is directly or indirectly transferred from the transfer roller to a support surface of a transfer element, before being transferred at least partially from the transfer element to a workpiece to be coated. According to this invention, the transfer element has a stretching element which forms the support surface and the support surface is stretched in the direction of the surface by a stretching device. This ensures that this method can also be used to easily coat 3-dimensional surfaces which are curved in space.

Abstract: A reduction to the traveling motion of bottles along a delivery conveyor in an intermittent motion decorating machine is provided by one of 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 for receiving cam followers of each of plurality of vertical bottle carriers. One of the feed cam tracks reduces the speed of the bottle carriers from a relatively high entry speed corresponding to the through put speed in the decorating machine to the speed of the deliver conveyor for more densely populating the delivery conveyor with workpieces. Carrier transfer members at each of opposite ends of the workpiece feed cams transfer the bottle carriers from one to the other of the workpiece feed cams. A drive rotates the workpiece feed cams, carrier return cams and carrier transfer members.

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

Abstract: A loader plate attaches to a cliche used in transfer pad printing to provide an extension surface from which a sealed paint pod may be introduced to the cliche allowing the cliche to remain in registered position while transferring paint pods. A magnet system allows simple clamping of the loader plate to the cliche to simplify operation by a single user.

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

Abstract: A device for providing incremental translation in multiple directions, having a base plate (3), a first plate (1), a second plate (2) and means for translation, such as differentially spaced holes (4,5). When the device includes an optional separate applicator (8) with pins (6) for delivering a specimen to a surface (3d), such as a slide, the device can be used in a method for making microarrays.

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

Abstract: A microcontact printing tool having a print unit including a stamp head with a stamp and a wafer chuck for retaining a substrate. The stamp contained by the stamped head movable relative to the substrate by an actuator and a stage. A plurality of sensors detect the position of the stamp relative to substrate. A method of using the printing tool that includes a real-time feedback for consistent and accurate application of force during the printing of the substrate. The stamp head includes a pressure chamber carrying the stamp. The stamp backing is deflected prior to contact of the stamp with the substrate to form a minimum point and the stamp backing and the stamp is returned to a plane to create a printing propagation contact. An apparatus and method of producing the stamp on a stamp backing. The apparatus has a master backing and a stamping backing in close proximity and the stamp material drawn in through a vacuum. The stamp is separated from the master by use of a parting fluid.

Abstract: Printing apparatus for printing relatively small light objects having a certain fragility and/or porosity, in particular of the tablet type, more particularly medical tablets (6), comprising a movable print head (25), a printing liquid tank (30), and a conveyor unit (32) supplying and discharging the objects to be printed (6) to, respectively from the print head (25), remarkable in that the print head (25) is arranged in a linear pad printing system a closed ink system with wherein said printing liquid tank (30) is arranged, wherein said conveyor unit (32) is comprised of a rotating table (14, 17) having predetermined locations, (24; respectively 24′, 24″) which are intended for receiving temporarily the objects (6) during the printing stage and process therefor.

Abstract: A device for providing incremental translation in multiple directions, having a base plate (3), a first plate (1), a second plate (2) and means for translation, such as differentially spaced holes (4,5). When the device includes an optional separate applicator (8) with pins (6) for delivering a specimen to a surface (3d), such as a slide, the device can be used in a method for making microarrays.

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

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for printing three-dimensional objects, particularly objects having a substantially spherical shape. A pad is provided for printing by means of pad printing. The pad has a silicon shape with a determined thickness, and is mounted on a hollow pad holder made of an undeformable material which constitutes an isolated space together with the silicon shape. The pad is supplied with compressed air and is connected to a pressure vessel by means of a main element provided therefor through an opening. The apparatus is arranged in open loop, wherein there is provided an additional separate aperture for a separate inlet and outlet of air, with a pressure regulating unit enabling the pressure in the pad to be maintained greater than or at a preset level P. The pressure regulating unit regulates the compressed air which enters the regulator through a supply main.

Abstract: A system for color printing in an economical, simple, yet accurate manner comprises a computer (200) which causes an inkjet printer (210) to print a multi-color image of ink (215) on the surface (302) of a pad (300). The pad is made of silicone rubber and is supported in a frame (305). The rubber is either insulating or conductive, as required. Its surface can be smooth or textured. The pad is normally flat during application of the ink image. The pad can be used flat, or it can be deformed into a convex shape after the ink image is applied. The pad is then applied to a receiving object (400), transferring the ink image (216) to the object. Deformation of the pad is accomplished using a ram (410), or hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. Since the printed pad (300) contains all colors to be printed, a full-color image is transferred in a single operation of the pad.

Abstract: A method for patterning includes filling ink in a recess of a cliché corresponding to a position of a pattern which will be formed, transferring the ink onto a surface of a transfer roll by rotating the transfer roll while the transfer roll is contacted to the cliché, detecting variation of the substrate by calculating the area of the substrate on which the ink is transferred, calculating moving speed of the substrate on a basis of the detected variation, and re-transferring the ink on the surface of the transfer roll onto the substrate by rotating the transfer roll when the transfer roll is contacted to the substrate while moving the substrate at the calculated moving speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and a method of, transferring an image to a substrate. At least one printed, flexible membrane is located adjacent at least one forming fixture having a complementary shape to the substrate surface. The membrane is urged into image transferring contact with the substrate.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming a pattern of a LCD device using a printing process, in which additive for detachment corresponding to detachment accelerant is coated in a groove of a cliché filled with ink, thereby easily transferring ink to a layer to be processed. A surface of the layer to be processed is processed chemically or physically to enhance an adhesive force with the ink.