Abstract: A probe system for facilitating the inspection of a device under test. System incorporates a storage rack; a probe bar gantry assembly; a probe assembly configured to electrically mate the device under test; and a robot system for picking the probe assembly from the storage rack and deliver the probe assembly to the probe bar gantry. The robot system is also enabled to pick a probe assembly from the probe bar gantry and deliver the probe assembly to the storage rack. The probe assembly includes a clamping assembly for attaching the probe assembly to the probe bar gantry or the storage rack. The probe assembly may include an array of contact pins configured to mate with conductive pads on the device under test when the probe assembly is installed on the probe bar gantry assembly.

Abstract: A sock identification kit includes a housing configured to secure a plurality of ink stamps, a stamp holding device, at least one ink well, and a cleaning member. The stamp holding device includes a handle, actuation assembly, and a pair of clamping members that may be selectively actuated to move the clamping members between open and closed configurations. Accordingly, a selected stamp may be securely removed from the housing, used to imprint ink upon a fabric, and then replaced without ever touching a potentially ink stained stamp with one's hand.

Abstract: A downsized recording apparatus capable of housing inside a holding member that holds a disc recording medium so as to convey the disc recording medium. The recording apparatus includes a conveyance unit that conveys a sheet; a recording unit that performs recording on the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit; a duplex conveyance path that guides the sheet having recording performed on a first side thereof by the recording unit and reverses the sheet before guiding the sheet to the conveyance unit so that recording is performed on a second side of the sheet having recording performed on the first side thereof, the second side being opposite the first side; a holding-member-housing portion provided at a position enclosed by the duplex conveyance path, the portion housing a holding member that holds a disc recording medium; and a moving unit that moves the holding member to the conveyance unit so that the holding member is conveyed by the conveyance unit.

Abstract: A method of printing foil images upon textiles is provided. Advantageously, a digital inkjet printer can be utilized to apply an adhesive for affixing a foil embellishment. The method of printing foil images upon textiles includes applying a pretreatment solution upon a textile. After the pretreatment solution has dried, a white underbase in the form of a fanciful design is printed upon the textile using a digital inkjet printer. A heavy color layer of color ink is then digitally inkjet printed upon the white underbase. Thereafter, the textile is removed from the inkjet printer and positioned upon a heat press table. Foil transfer paper is positioned upon the textile so as to cover the white underbase and heavy color layer. The heat press is activated so as to adhere the foil, but only to those regions where the white underbase and color ink has been printed. Once cool to the touch, the foil is slowly peeled from the textile so as to leave a fanciful foil design.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for labeling containers, especially specimen containers for medical specimens. The apparatus comprises a printing device; a supply and removal device for supplying and removing at least one container to and from the printing device. The printing device is designed such that it can be moved into at least one first position and into a second position. In the first position, the container is automatically supplied to and removed from the printing device with the aid of the supply and removal device. The container can be manually supplied and removed from the printing device when it is in the second position.

Abstract: A rotating cliché pad printer includes a frame, a flat cliché operably mounted to the frame, an ink cup configured to reside on the cliché and a pad applicator. The cliché includes at least one etched region and is adapted to receive ink thereon in the etched region. The ink cup is configured to reside on the cliché and to deposit ink into the at least one etched region. The cliché and ink cup are rotatably movable relative to one another. The pad applicator includes at least one pad adapted to move into and out of contact with the at least one etched region to receive ink from the etched region. The pad is further configured to contact an associated object to transfer the received ink to the associated object.

Abstract: An auto alignment pad printer for transferring print to an associated object includes a frame, a fixture for supporting the associated object and a cliché operably mounted to the frame. The cliché includes at least one etched region and is adapted to receive ink in the etched region. An ink cup is configured to deposit ink into the etched region. A pad applicator includes a pad support having at least one pad thereon. The pad is adapted to move into and out of contact with the etched region to receive ink from the etched region and to contact an object to transfer the received ink to the object. A pad applicator alignment assembly includes a first set of cooperating projections and receivers mounted to the pad applicator and to the cliché and/or the frame near to the cliché, and a second set of cooperating projections and receivers mounted to the pad applicator and to the fixture for supporting the object.

Abstract: A method for pad printing a pattern on a textile substrate with a pad printing machine, and fabric and apparel so formed from the textile substrate. The method includes the steps of positioning the textile substrate on the printing area of the pad printing machine, transferring a pattern having at least one color from the cliché of the pad printing machine to a printing pad, and transferring the pattern from the printing pad to the textile substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying information onto a surface of an aircraft, wherein the information is applicable in variable locations and is modifiable. The device can include a pad unit having at least one pad, at least one hand grip, a press-on mechanism, a hand lever, at least one support, and a housing. By applying varying printing patterns to the pads, any combination of characters can be stamped on. Moreover, the device configured as a hand-held tool can be operated by a user in variable locations. The printing process is effected by operating the hand lever, causing the pads to be brought into contact with the surface, and the information or, as the case may be, the technical coding to be applied onto said surface.

Abstract: A rotary pad for pad printing comprises a cylinder (100?) or a belt (1105). The pad can be either flat or crowned in its relaxed condition. An ink applicator (405, etc.) applies an ink image (701) to the pad for subsequent transfer to a receiving object (425, etc.). If not initially flat, the pad can be flattened during application of the ink image, then forced to bulge for transfer to a receiving object. The pad can be flattened or caused to bulge by rollers (400, etc.) or by vacuum or pneumatic pressure. In one embodiment, an ink image is temporarily applied to the outer surface (510) of a flat cylindrical pad, then as the pad rotates, the sides of the pad are squeezed by rollers (520, 525), forcing the pad to bulge during transfer of the ink image to a receiving object (600). In another embodiment, a crowned pad (100?) is flattened while accepting an ink image, then allowed to resume its original crowned shape for transfer to a receiving object (425).

Abstract: A portable cable marking mechanism includes a gun-like housing with a pivotally mounted trigger assembly for moving a stamping unit along a predetermined inking path to engage in sequence an inking pad of a replaceable ink cartridge for inking the stamping unit and then a cable sleeve for providing the cable sleeve with customized indicia markings.

Abstract: A golf ball stamper which securely holds a golf ball while the golf ball is stamped. The golf ball stamper comprises a handle, a stamping element coupled to the handle, and a golf ball receptacle sized to hold a golf ball. When the handle is pushed, the stamping element applies a stamp to the golf ball. The golf ball receptacle stabilizes and holds the golf ball while it is stamped to ensure a legible stamp is applied.

Abstract: A portable cable marking mechanism includes a gun-like housing with a pivotally mounted trigger assembly for moving a stamping unit along a predetermined inking path to engage in sequence an inking pad of a replaceable ink cartridge for inking the stamping unit and then a cable sleeve for providing the cable sleeve with customized indicia markings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a healing enhancement apparatus formed from a curtain bearing a calming image such as an outdoor scene or other image of nature. The healing enhancement apparatus, an alternative to the sterile environment found in most hospitals, has therapeutic benefits. In particular, the calming image, occupying all or most of the curtain assists in calming the patient, reducing blood pressure, reducing required medications, and assists in quicker recoveries. The calming image may be applied to first and second panels of cloth that are stitched together, in registration, at a seam. The calming image may extend from edge-to-edge, or may occupy a framed portion of the curtain. The calming image may consists of an outdoor scene as viewed through one or more windows and, where the image contains two or more windows, the seam may be conveniently located within the image of the wall surface between adjacent windows.

Abstract: In a case (101) with the shorter side at the top, a tray (121) is placed substantially vertically, an optical disk (170) is substantially vertically supported on the tray (121), and a printer section (135) is provided to be opposite to the tray (121). In the printer section (135), a carriage (141) equipped with a thermal head (142) is structured to be movable vertically along the tray (121). When the carriage (141) moved vertically downward, the thermal head (142) is driven to provide thermal transfer printing of a title and the like, which indicate the contents of data recorded on the optical disk (170), to the surface thereof through an ink ribbon (162).

Abstract: An end-effector precisely marks location lines (or dispense fluids) on surfaces as part of an automated part marking system. The automated part marking system that includes a multi-axis gantry robot, a calibration stand, vision or location system(s), and a series of fluid dispensing (inkjet) end-effectors to accomplish the marking task. The end-effector use a pick shaped stylus coupled to a fluid supply and metered by a high-speed pulsed valve to precisely deliver fluids provides within geometrically confined spaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, apparatus, and method for printing oversized print media which allow for the printing of a preassembled substrate or a single piece substrate without compromising the integrity of the print quality. Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise a series of stations, wherein a specific task is performed at each station. Prior to printing an image, in preferred embodiments, print substrate segments are preassembled into image size substrates such that upon the completion of printing, the product is complete. A preassembled print substrate is loaded onto the platform at the loading station. Once the print substrate is loaded onto the platform, the platform is linearly translated to the printing station, whereby the platform is incrementally moved under a print head. During printing, the portion of the print substrate being printed is elevated such that the substrate is taut.

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: Disclosed is a healing enhancement apparatus formed from a hospital bed cubicle curtain bearing a patient calming image such as an outdoor scene or other image of nature. The healing enhancement apparatus, an alternative to the sterile environment found in most hospitals, has therapeutic benefits. In particular, the patient calming scene, occupying all or most of the cubicle curtain assists in calming the patient, reducing blood pressure, reducing required medications, and assists in quicker recoveries. The image is preferably applied to first and second panels of cloth that are stitched together, in registration, at a seam. The image may extend from edge-to-edge, or may occupy a framed portion of the curtain.

Abstract: A shampooing tool has a “clam-shell” design for trapping the components of the tool between the complementary mating halves of the housing. The components include a barrel disposed in the upper portion of the housing and connected to a pressurized water source, a trigger depending from an enclosed hand grip, a normally-closed spring-loaded valve disposed in the front portion of the housing and connected to the trigger for movement in unison, and a cylinder within the lower part of the housing, the cylinder having a pressurized liquid detergent and further having a discharge port leading to a valve seat. When the trigger is depressed, the valve is unseated; and the liquid detergent, under pressure, flows into a tube running substantially parallel to the barrel.

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 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 producing precise, complex patterns on a glass or plastic substrate using a writing system capable of dispensing high viscosity materials at a volume rate synchronous with the rate of movement of a flexural member relative to said substrate, is disclosed.

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 and a method for printing an image on an edible substrate is described. The apparatus comprises a printer head assemble having a container or containers for liquid food colorant. A support for holding an edible substrate adjacent a print head assembly is provided, which support is adjustable such that the surface thereof upon which an edible substrate is placed may be moved in a direction vertically towards and away from the print head assembly. The support and print head assembly are movable laterally relative to one another. A controller is provided for controlling the print head assembly with printing instructions and for controlling relative movement of the support and print head assembly such that an image to be printed on the edible substrate may be printed. The support comprises upper and lower plates, the upper plate being supported in the lower by a scissors mechanism enabling the height of the upper plate relative to the lower to be adjusted.

Abstract: A method for producing precise, complex patterns on a glass or plastic substrate using a writing system capable of dispensing high viscosity materials at a volume rate synchronous with the rate of movement of a flexural member relative to said substrate, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of coding a high-speed object having a lateral travel path with a multi-digit production series number is disclosed. A first marking member and a second marking member are provided, with the second marking member positioned vertically adjacent the first marking member. A plurality of marking locations are defined and a group of marks are applied along each of the plurality of marking locations. The quantity of marks in each group represents a respective digit of the multi-digit series number.

Abstract: An automatic ink feeding mechanism for tape cartridge printing machines. The mechanism is positioned over the a print inking system. On a timed basis, ink is dispensed from ink barrel reservoirs onto the driver roller. A reversing roller abutting the driver roller spreads the ink evenly across the driver roller. The driver roller then transfers ink evenly to the form roller which in turn transfers the ink to the inking roller for inking of the printing die.

Abstract: A printing system for directly printing on tape cassettes. A cassette feed assembly passes tape cassettes by means of a rail conveyancer to a printing assembly which has a back pressure plate subassembly on one side of the conveyancer for stiffening the cassette and a print head subassembly for direct printing on the cassette. A print inking system mounted over the print head subassembly inks the print head between cassette imprints. In an alternative embodiment, the back pressure plate assembly is replaced with a second print head subassembly and print inking system. An optional dryer station is provided after cassette printing.

Abstract: A programmable pad printer which responds to an input signal by selecting one of a plurality of marks for transfer to a semiconductor. The input signal is provided to the printer from an external source, such as a semiconductor tester. The appropriate mark is then presented to an opening in a housing by rotating a disc containing the plurality of marks. A print head picks up the mark from the disc and transfers it to the semiconductor.

Abstract: A truncated cone shaped guide extends downwardly from the imprinter of a conventional price marking stamp for guiding and locating the imprinter upon the top surface of a bottle cap.

Abstract: A punch for punching markings into rolled material such as bars, ingots, billots or slabs, relative to which the rolled material that is to be punched is guided, comprises a toolholder movable by means of a controlled piston-cylinder arrangement and punch types settable automatically. A punch plate is firmly arranged on a vertical shaft mounted in the toolholder. The drive of this shaft is effected via bevel gears of which one bevel gear supported in an arm of the toolholder is mounted on and driven by a horizontally supported drive shaft driven by means of a step motor and is axially shiftable along the horizontally supported drive shaft with the toolholder. The toolholder together with the cylinder of the piston-cylinder arrangement as well as the step motor is secured to a transverse slide movable transversely of the path of the toolholder.

Abstract: The system is used for imprinting indentification code on individuals of articles such as automobiles produced in quantity, particularly on an assembly line, and comprises an instruction unit to provide a data signal representing an identification code to be imprinted, a stamping machine in which setting of imprinting types is performed automatically according to the data signal, a sensor which provides a signal representing an actual state of the type setting, and a comparator which provides an operation signal to the stamping machine only when the signal from the sensor agrees with the data signal and otherwise provides an alarm signal. For further accuracy of imprinting operation, the system may include a sensor to detect the type of the individual article to be imprinted and another comprator to prevent the action of the stamping machine also when the type of the article differs from one implied by the data signal.

Abstract: An automatic date-stamping system for vehicles entering a parking area for a relatively long period of time, i.e., for more than one day rather than several hours, so that the accumulated charges of the parking costs at the time of leaving, are easily and reliably determinable. The date is stamped automatically on the side-wall of a tire of the vehicle in invisible ink, so as not to mar the appearance of the vehicle, before the blocking and/or signalling means are operated to permit entry of the vehicle into the parking area. Exposure of the date-imprint to ultra-violet light or other rays to which the printing ink is responsive, renders it visible for reading at the time of leaving the parking area, or before that time, if such is necessary.

Abstract: A price marker for simultaneously price stamping all containers in a case or carton of containers is provided. The marker includes a frame having four sets of price stamp assemblies supported therefrom and each set of assemblies includes at least three assemblies spaced apart in a row. The sets of assemblies are supported from the frame with the rows thereof disposed in generally parallel side-by-side relation and each price stamp assembly includes a plurality of price stamp wheels supported for independent angular adjustment to bring selected portions of the wheels into price stamping position. At least one set of the price stamp assemblies is stationarily supported from the frame and at least two sets of the price stamping assemblies are supported from the frame for adjustable shifting relative to the latter for varying the spacing between at least two pairs of adjacent sets of assemblies.