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 gravure plate assembly having an elastomer pad sandwiched between a more rigid base plate and a less rigid metal top plate bearing an engraving surface.

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: The invention relates to methods and apparatus useful for making color filters for liquid crystal display panels. A multicolored ink pattern is deposited to a substrate while in a deformable state, flattened during the deposition process, and the deformed, more uniform shape of the printed dot is thereafter retained, preferably by curing during deposition. The transfer layer is preferably formed on a collector roll. A plurality of colored ink patterns is then transferred to the collector roll, preferably from a single pattern roll having multiple patterns thereon, to form the multicolor image that will become the color filter. This multicolored image is then transferred to the substrate.

Abstract: A printer for printing graphic and alphanumeric information on plastic disks utilizing a printhead having a line array of print pixels. The printhead is pivotally mounted and has an adjustable force mechanism to urge the line array of print pixels into contact with a plastic disk; the plastic disk is mounted on a movable carriage which linearly passes beneath the printhead and the adjustable force mechanism exerts a variable force which is a function of the position of the disk beneath the printhead.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing a multi-color ink pattern on a substrate surface which comprises arranging a series of patterned surfaces with each patterned surface having a pattern that is unique to one of the colors and that corresponds to the pattern of that color in the multi-color pattern, supplying to each patterned surface a radiation-curable ink formulation, having an appropriate colorant to form an ink pattern thereon, transferring individually the color pattern from each patterned surface to a collector roll, increasing the cohesiveness of the ink sufficiently to permit complete transfer of the pattern, forming a composite of the color patterns on a collector roll, and transferring the composite pattern in its entirety to the substrate surface.

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: A pad printing machine is disclosed in which the downward pressure forces are transferred to a thrust collar on the ink cup by application through a divided bearing which applies the hold-down forces at points that are spaced forward and rearward of the transverse pivot axis of the ink cup, and only at such spaced points, to resist rocking moments such as may arise from the reciprocating movements of the cliche. Further, the thrust collar is a combination of a very rigid pressure ring and a hard but slightly resilient plastic pressure distribution ring which is accurately machined after subassembly with the rigid ring to assure full mating engagement with the upper surface of the annular flange around the entire circumference of the ink cup, to assure uniform pressure of the entire knife edge on the cliche. In a preferred embodiment, the ink cup also is formed of a hard plastic.

Abstract: A method for printing identity cards having blind hole-shaped recesses involves filling the recess at least partly with an element at the moment of printing so that the bottom of the recess is pressed against the printing surface. The elements are either firmly mounted on the back pressure surface of the apparatus or movably mounted in this surface. In the second case the elements can disappear into the back pressure surface if necessary.

Abstract: An ink ball printing machine has a slide 45 movable back and forth on a base plate 1 by a drive 25. The slide includes a U-shaped support 8, which is built like a box and made of sheet metal. A printing apparatus 37 and an inking system 18, which can be moved with the slide, are attached to two legs 9, 10 which project beyond the machine housing 2 and belong to the support. The sheet metal support enables a very inexpensive and yet stable fabrication of the ink ball printing machine.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for printing on flat individual articles such as CDs by means of offset printing, the surface to be printed upon and the offset printing cylinder which is rolled against the article are adjusted relative to each other to produce a pressure effect which is favorable to transfer of the print image on to the article in order to compensate for differences in thickness between the individual articles. When adjusting the printing cylinder and the surface to be printed upon relative to each other, the radial position of transfer surfaces at the periphery of the printing cylinder may, if necessary, be taken into account. In the absence of an article in the printing station, it is possible to provide a replacement article in the form of a web of material, on to which the print image intended for the missing article is transferred from the printing cylinder.

Abstract: A room temperature vulcanized silicone pad which is used in pad transfer printing on contact lenses with a special opaque ink which has been approved by the FDA and which results in a longer life span, better print quality, improved adhesion of the ink, more resistance to swelling from the ink, and is cheaper to manufacture. The silicone pad is manufactured from Dow Corning.RTM. HS III base resin, Dow Corning.RTM. HS III colored catalyst, Loctite.RTM. (Visilox.RTM.) V-50 silicone oil, and Loctite.RTM. (Visilox.RTM.) Vi-cure #2 stannous-tin-octuate in the approximate ratios of 100:10:17.5:0.1 at room temperature and then added to a suitable base for later attachment to a pad transfer printing machine.

Abstract: A marking device for marking designs on golf balls includes a housing in which an ink pad is disposed. At least one marking plug is removably mounted in the housing by a screw thread connection. One end of the marking plug includes a design projection. If more than one marking plug is provided, they have mutually different design projections. The housing has a door for exposing the ink pad. A marking plug can be unscrewed from the housing, and its design projection can be pressed against the exposed ink pad. The design projection can then be pressed against a golf ball to imprint the design upon the golf ball. The marking surface of the design projection can be concavely curved with the same radius of curvature as the outer periphery of the golf ball. The marking device can be dimensioned for being connected to a chain.

Abstract: A carriage (22.28) is slidably mounted on a pair of shafts (22.20,22.22) and moves between protracted and retracted positions. A pusher element (22.32) extends downwardly from the the carriage and has a free distal end portion (22.34) attached to a rod (22.36) of a pneumatic cylinder (22.38) which extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axes of the shafts. A print head support body (22.44) is pivotably attached to the pusher element adjacent the distal end portion (22.34) and has a pair of followers (22.50) extending laterally from the support body and which are received in track means (22.14) formed in side walls (22.12). The print head support body assumes a first angular orientation at a printing station (22.52) when the carriage is in the protracted position and a second, different angular orientation at an ink replenishing station (22.54) when the carriage is in the retracted position. The track has a path portion (22.

Abstract: Registration of compact discs for the silk-screen printing thereof is accomplished by a single registration pin located below the transport member at the loading point for a disc. The registration pin is raised upwardly and intrudes into the center hole of the disc as the disc is placed into the disc fixture. The registration pin is retracted with application of vacuum.

Abstract: A multiple-color tampon printing machine with a tampon carrier member is rotatable in a step-by-step movement about a first axis. A stereotype plate carrier member is rotatably mounted about a second axis which extends parallel to the first axis. The stereotype plate carrier member carries out a step-by-step rotating movement synchronously with the tampon carrier member. The tampon carrier member additionally carries out an up-and-down movement at predetermined fixed positions of rotation. A surface of a stereotype plate, a printing material holding device, and a tampon cleaning device are arranged in a common plane and in a circle around the tampon carrier member, such that, when the printing material is held stationary, a first tampon picks up a printing image from the respective stereotype plate surface, a second tampon preceding the first tampon prints the printing image onto the printing material, and a third tampon following the first tampon is cleaned by the tampon cleaning device.

Abstract: A device to permit the individual striping and indication by means of color coding wires is provided, such that a guide tube receives a wire therethrough, with a guide housing mounted to the guide tube and the guide housing having a first end arranged in surrounding relationship relative to an opening in the guide tube to permit a felt tip marker tip portion to project through the opening and permit striping of a wire directed through the guide tube.

Abstract: A printer device has a print body on one end of which a print head is mounted, the print body being longitudinally movable along an inking stroke and a printing stroke, with the printing stroke being angularly offset by approximately 90.degree. from the inking stroke, and with the print body being pivotally movable through an intermediate pivot stroke between the inking stroke and the printing stroke. A piston and cylinder assembly is connected to the print body for operatively causing advance movement of the print body along the inking stroke, the pivot stroke and the printing stroke, and return movement of the print body along the printing stroke, the pivot stroke and the inking stroke. The print body has a longitudinally elongated slot, and a fixed pivot pin is disposed in the elongated slot in the print body for guiding the print body, a first freely rotatable roller restraining the print body against pivotal movement during advance movement of the print body along the inking stroke.

Abstract: A piston with piston skirt dry film lubricant coat applied by the transfer pad process to lessen the stresses associated with reciprocating engine parts and method for applying such a coat to the skirt of a piston. Wetted dry film lubricants are diluted with volatile solvents to create a wetted dry film lubricant of liquid consistency in order to make the dry film lubricants adaptable to the transfer pad coating process. Application of the wetted dry film lubricant to the piston by the transfer pad coating process provides for the precise and discriminant application of dry film lubricants to piston skirts thereby providing a less costly coated piston by avoiding the time-consuming task of masking the pistons prior to application of a wetted dry film lubricant by the currently used spray method and eliminating the waste and pollution problems associated with the spray method.

Abstract: A sublimation press for providing the necessary heat and pressure to sublimate graphic prints onto an article such as a drinking mug. The press includes a base and an insulating member resting on the base. A press assembly is mounted on the insulating member which includes first and second heads, both having die surfaces conforming to opposite surfaces of the article to be sublimated. The first and second heads also have bottom surfaces which are in sliding contact with the insulating member. A first translating assembly is coupled to the first head for producing horizontal translation in the first head while the head is in sliding contact with the insulating member. A second translating assembly is coupled to the second head for producing horizontal translation in the second head.

Abstract: An interior lower wall surface (S) of a container (C) can be marked in accordance with the present invention by insertion of a slidably mounted, elongated rod (14) having a marking device (88) arranged at a lower end (14) into the container (C) through an access opening (O) against which a handle (12) slidably supporting the rod (14) is abutted and giving a downward force to the elongated rod (14). When not in use, the printing apparatus (10) according to the invention can be kept in an inked and ready-to-use mode by insertion into a holder (20) provided with an inked-pad (106) containing receptacle (104).

Abstract: Machine for printing uncooked poultry eggs wherein a decorative motif is affixed to the shell. The motif comprises continuous parts printed by tampography and extending at least over two arcs of ellipse which are perpendicular to one another, each being more than 2 cm in length.

Abstract: A pad printer device includes a base member (2), a table member mounted on the base member, a slide member (3) slidably mounted on the table member for movement between at least two positions, and a printing pad (17) supported on printing arm (16) mounted on a support block (15) slidably mounted in a box-like column (9) extending upwardly from base (1). Printing pad (17) is reciprocated vertically by lever-type arm (25) pivotally engaged (27, 28) with support block (15) so that operation of the arm reciprocates the printing pad vertically. An adjustable limit gauge device is mounted on slide block (15) and includes two separately operable set screws (30, 31) which separately engage with rotatable stop member (47) rotatably mounted on base member (1) for positioning thereof for engagement with the lower ends of the set screws.

Abstract: The process for applying print matter to a flexible portion of a shoe, the process comprising providing a mandrel having a contact element provided with a substantially flat surface adapted to underlie and support the flexible portion under tension, positioning the shoe on the mandrel with the portion contacting under tension the surface and lying substantially flat thereon, and applying printing ink to the outer surface of the tensioned portion to leave printed matter thereon.

Abstract: In the marking method and apparatus, a printing plate which is mounted to a plate holder is moved horizontally and vertically and set above a workpiece. The printing plate is then lowered quickly until it comes into contact with the workpiece upon which printing is performed and then, based upon a signal from a detector which detects such a contact of the printing plate to the workpiece, the printing plate is further lowered slowly a predetermined fixed distance. Thus, even if the thickness of the workpiece is different from workpiece to workpiece, the pressing-in amount of the printing plate into the workpiece can be constant for different workpieces.

Abstract: An ink design is silk screened onto an intermediate surface and is then transferred to an article by a deformable pad. In order to provide a large difference in the ink affinities of the intermediate surface and pad, these are made of silicone rubbers in which different catalysts are used in the curing of the rubbers. Dibutyltindilaurate as catalyst provides an intermediate surface of low ink affinity which can enable 100% transfer of ink from the intermediate surface to the pad when a stannous octoate catalyzed, condensation cured rubber, or a suitable addition cured rubber, is used for the pad. The screen is heated to a greater temperature than that of the intermediate surface.

Abstract: An automatic contact ink stamping assembly characterized by repetitive movement of the die stamping surface between inverted positions defining an ink supply and a printing position. The apparatus is characterized by a stamping die assembly pivotally mounted to a carrier block reciprocally driven by a piston and cylinder assembly between the ink supply and printing position. The die assembly is provided with an upstanding ear having a cam surface which engages a rotatably mounted wheel in a manner to cause the die assembly to pivot 180 degrees responsive to the stroke of the piston and to align the die stamping surface in an accurate position perpendicular to the axis of said piston in both the ink supply and printing position.

Abstract: A diffusion printer for creating indicia in the top of the keys (67) of a keyboard, such as a computer keyboard (69), is disclosed. The diffusion printer includes a hot stamp press (11) that has a heated, vertically movable platen (15) positioned above a table (13). Mounted on the table is a double tray shuttle (23) whose trays (27) are alternately shuttled between loading positions and a print position located between the platen and the table. Each tray (27) supports a plurality of fixtures (51) each formed to receive a keyboard (69) that includes a plurality of keys (67) to receive indicia. Each fixture (51) includes a fixture base (53) having a plurality of spring loaded pedestals (65). The pedestals are positioned such that a pedestal (65) lies beneath each of the keys (67) to receive indicia. The keys (67) are maintained in a fixed position by a key cap locator plate (55) mounted atop the fixture base (53). The key cap locator plate (55) also functions as a heat shield.

Abstract: A bowling ball, rather than being engraved with a decoration, is printed with the decoration, relying on graft polymerization chemistry by which the printing fluid, offset to the ball in decoration form, is effectively bonded to the ball which may be rubber or other polymer capable of participating in graft polymerization.

Abstract: A process for printing in which a layer of ink on an ink transfer pad is cured at the interface between the ink layer and the pad and left substantially uncured at the outer surface to provide a tacky surface for contact of the ink layer with a printable substrate. The partially cured ink layer is thus easily transferred from the ink transfer pad to the printable substrate by bringing the tacky surface into contact with the substrate. Inks which contain an oxygen-inhibited resin such as acrylates and unsaturated polyesters, and which are treated with long wavelength ultraviolet light, selectively cure at the interface of the ink layer and the transfer pad.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for printing a pattern on articles employing a printing plate having a grooved pattern therein in which ink is applied to such plate and a scraper blade passes thereover to remove the excess ink from the plate surface while leaving such ink in the grooves. An apertured shield can be placed over the scraped plate, the aperture positioned to expose the grooved pattern. A transfer printing pad is then contacted with the so-shielded grooved plate and picks up the ink pattern. The so-inked transfer pad is then contacted with an article to print the inked pattern thereon. In some embodiments, the apertured shield is omitted.

Abstract: Simultaneous multisurface diffusion printing of indicia into the top and front surfaces of the assembled keys (39) of a keyboard (41) is disclosed. The bottom (29) of a fixture (23) supports a plurality of spring-loaded pedestals (37) for the keys (39) to be imprinted. A locator plate (27) maintains the keys (39) in a fixed position and functions as a heat shield. Positioned above the locator plate (27) is a sheet of transfer paper (61) having an array of reverse image indicia (63) which are located at positions in alignment with the top and front surfaces of the keys (39) to be imprinted. U-shaped incisions (65) allow the portion of the indicia to be imprinted on the front surface of a key to be bent away from the plane of the transfer sheet. Positioned above the locator plate (27) is a printing plate (73) having different shape protrusions (75a and 75b) to impinge on at least the two surfaces of the keys ( 39) to be imprinted.

Abstract: Printing apparatus including a flexible support for a patch to be printed on and a vertical ram carrying type at its lower end. An inking roller is positioned to pass over the type with the type held up away from the patch to be printed on, and, after the inking roller has left the area of the type, the ram drives the inked type onto the patch. The ram is then raised, and the inking roller returns from being inked to a position where it can again ink the raised type to begin and repeat the printing operation.

Abstract: A printing or drawing mold for stocking includes a main mold having a pair of outer jacket plates, a pair of extendible side plates pivotedly formed on the main mold, a width adjuster formed on the upper portion of the mold operatively expanding the extendible side plates for the expansion of the stocking held on the mold and several printing beds formed on the main mold. When a stocking is placed over the main mold, decorative figures can be printed by the printing beds on the stocking or drawn directly thereon.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a molded article from a ceramic material, such as a porcelain substance, in which a design or decorative substance is applied to at least one of the surfaces of the article, a certain amount of the ceramic material is introduced into a mold cavity formed between mold parts. The material is distributed in the cavity and then is pressed. The decorative substance is applied to the surface of at least one of the mold parts before the parts are closed to form the mold cavity. The decorative substance is then transferred to the molded article during the pressing operation.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus using a collector membrane, certain formulations of room temperature vulcanizing silicone materials form membranes with superior performance. The preferred release characteristic of the material is set forth in terms of the time it takes a test element to roll along an inclined plane having an adhesive material thereon.

Abstract: A cup marking attachment for beverage dispensing machine having a plurality of nozzles for dispensing different flavors or brands of drinks. The attachment comprises a plurality of stamp members containing marking material and indicia mounted adjacent each of the nozzles for identifying the beverage being dispensed by that nozzle. As a drink cup is placed beneath the selected nozzle, the indicia of the stamp member engages the side of the cup and imprints the flavor or brand of the beverage thereon.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a gravure press, in particular for indirect gravure printing using a silicon rubber pad, which is first pressed upon the inked and wiped gravure plate to absorb ink and then pressed upon the material to be printed, comprising a mounting plate for a gravure plate, an inking device, a doctor blade and a drive mechanism for the silicon rubber pad, the inking device and the doctor blade. To permit the use of a low-priced plastic plate, the coat thickness of the light-sensitive top coat is equal to the engraving depths; the mounting plate has a microfinished surface, and the doctor blade is rigid and resistant to bending and designed in the form of a straight-edge.

Abstract: Electret transducers, for example microphones, have a backplate which is metallized on one surface, the metallized surface forming one side of a capacitor. A frame sits on the metallized tape to hold the tape taut over the backplate. Metal connections are made to the backplate and frame to complete the circuit. The metallization is conventionally formed by vapor deposition of aluminum. This is a lengthy and relatively expensive process. Also the metallization can give rise to galvanic problems. The invention prints a pattern of conductive ink on the various parts. Good contact is obtained, galvanic action avoided and a reduction in manufacturing costs occurs. Simplified assembly is also obtained.

Abstract: A flexible membrane pickup surface for receiving thereon one or more color portions of a design. A backing member is provided in opposition to a design receiving side of the membrane to rigidly locate it in a plane while receiving the color. The backing member has pore openings therein coupled to a source of reduced atmosphere for drawing the membrane thereagainst. In a printing mode the membrane is pressed against a ware surface by means of a pressing head having a shape causing a selected contact angle across the ware surface.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a molded article from a ceramic material, such as a porcelain substance, in which a design or decorative substance is applied to at least one of the surfaces of the article, a certain amount of the ceramic material is introduced into a mold cavity formed between mold parts. The material is distributed in the cavity and then is pressed. The decorative substance is applied to the surface of at least one of the mold parts before the parts are closed to form the mold cavity. The decorative substance is then transferred to the molded article during the pressing operation.

Abstract: The swab printing machine is provided with an inking device having a carriage. A spreader support with a spreader head is tippably arranged on the frontal side of the carriage and can reciprocate over a printing plate. The spreader which is inclined backward by about 20.degree., takes ink from the ink container during its forward motion and distributes it over the printing plate, whereby the two rounded slide feet achieve the uniform distribution of the ink. During the return motion the excess ink is wiped off by a doctor blade. A laterally running recess is arranged in the lower portion of the spreader and the lower edge of this recess forms a narrow dipping edge. An adjustable central closure is provided on the spreader support and on the spreader head. After the initial positioning of the spreader head it is possible to remove same, clean it and remount it, without making readjustments.

Abstract: An automatic contact ink stamping apparatus for printing predetermined indicia particularly adapted for marking assembly lines parts or other objects which is characterized by a dual acting piston stroke assembly which is operatively attached to a stamp platen to move the platen between an inking position adjacent to an ink supply and a stamping position adjacent to the work piece. The stamp platen is mounted to a horizontal slide assembly which includes an opening having a pair of inclined walls. A vertically extending stem connected to the stamp platen is provided with bearing surfaces which cooperate with the inclined walls of the slide assembly and a cooperating carriage member to transfer a terminal portion of the horizontal stroke length of the piston into vertical displacement of the stamp platen at the respective ink supply and ink stamping stations.

Abstract: A holder (10) for stamps (20) used to imprint identifying characters into the surface of a material which can be magnetized. The holder includes a frame (12) having a channel (18) formed therein to receive the stamps, which are held in place therein by means of a rod (28) which is received through holes (34, 36) formed in end plates (30, 32) attached to the frame, and through groves (24) formed in the stamps. A punch (66) held by a cylindrical holder (60) is inserted in holes (58) formed in the frame above the stamps and is struck by a hammer or the like to imprint the characters formed on the stamps into the surface. The holder is held in position on the surface by means of magnets (46, 48) which are adjustably attached to support assemblies (14, 16) attached to the end plates.

Abstract: A printing apparatus including a circular turret for carrying a plurality of flexible membrane collectors thereon. The collectors are hingeably mounted near a peripheral edge of the turret and sequentially engage printing stations for receiving a design portion on one side thereof. The collectors are indexably rotated into a transfer station whereupon they are deployed outboard of the turret. A flexible plunger engages a backside of the collector for stretching the same into engagement with ware for transferring the design from the collector to said ware.

Abstract: The raised edge part of a deep-drawn plastic cover is printed by pressing a carrier of a resilient deformable material, carrying a coloring composition, against the raised edge part.An apparatus for manufacturing the plastic cover comprises a deformable carrier for carrying a coloring composition. The carrier is integral with a cylindrical part connected with a first cylinder. Two concentric cylinders, positioned around the first cylinder at either side thereof, deform annular parts of resilient material and press these annular parts against the raised edge part when, on the one hand, the first cylinder and, on the other hand, the two concentric cylinders are moved with respect to each other.The coloring composition may also be carried by a layer-shaped carrier material.

Abstract: A shallow depression in a printing plate is filled with a viscous printing medium. Then, a transfer surface having the desired geometric pattern contacts the printing medium and thereby coats the surface with the medium. The coated transfer surface is then contacted with a receiving surface whereby medium in the desired pattern is transferred to the receiving surface. This method can be practiced with the same plate and at the same time as another, different transfer printing method.

Abstract: A portable marking tool having a cylindrical housing and a concentric cylinder slidably supporting the hammer member for delivering an impact to a marking die. A charge of air is built up in the housing which is suddenly imposed on the piston-like hammer member when the charge of air is built up to overcome a predetermined opposing load. In one embodiment, the opposing load is afforded by a pressure regulated chamber and in another embodiment by an adjustable spring load.

Abstract: A continuous motion ribbon imprinter moves with and marks a moving web on a packaging machine and has an easily set control adjusting step-by-step advance of the ribbon across the type block to accommodate wide variations in the size of the printed indicia so as to always present just enough length of fresh ribbon to cover the type for the next imprint. A frame mounting the type block and ribbon reels swings in either a clockwise or counterclockwise orbital path having a dwell stroke on the moving web, and a lift stroke spacing the ribbon from the web. The ribbon remains stationary on the type block during the dwell stroke and is advanced across the type block on the lift stroke. A single input shaft drives the frame through its orbital path and also drives the mechanism for unwinding the fresh ribbon from one reel and winding the spent ribbon on a second reel.

Abstract: Stencil printing apparatus especially useful for printing on a curved or irregular underlying surface is described. It features a peripheral, elastically compressible and deformable stencil supporting wall and a flexible stencil screen having its outer peripheral edge sealingly mounted on the supporting wall, the stencil screen being deformable into continuous contact with the underlying surface with the supporting wall elastically compressed thereby for extrusion of printing fluid through the stencil screen onto the underlying surface to be printed.