Abstract: A rollerless idler module and a vehicle conveyor system having the same are provided. The vehicle conveyor system has an endless belt, a drive end at which the endless belt is driven to rotate, and an idler end opposite the drive end. The rollerless idler module includes a rollerless idler having a working surface positionable to contact the endless belt spanning between an upper transport portion of the endless belt and a lower return portion of the endless belt at the idler end, and a support structure adapted to secure the rollerless idler in a substantially stationary orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the display of small format beverage containers is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a front door that allows access to beverage containers; front panels; a left panel and a right panel; a loading opening; back panels; bottom panels; and an internal channel having a curved ramp that stores beverage containers.

Abstract: A wheel logo imprinting device includes a wheel feeding system, a position identification system, a wheel turning system, a logo imprinting system, a station switching system, a logo drying system and a wheel discharging system. The device can be used for continuous production of assembly lines, can realize multi-directional, multi-angle and multi-number imprinting of personalized logos, orderly connects feeding, imprinting, drying and discharging through a reasonable process layout, and integrates imprinting and drying by using double stations so as to greatly improve the production efficiency and shorten the production cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double-station printing device for printing a steel grade on rims, comprising a first station driving cylinder, a second station driving cylinder, a second moving platform, sensor supports, visual sensors, support frames, lifting cylinders, guide posts, lifting platforms, steel grade printers and the like. In the working process of the device, a wheel inlet roller bed continuously feeds wheels, and a first station and a second station alternatively receive the wheels, thereby avoiding long-time waiting of the wheels on the wheel inlet roller bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for printing textile surfaces, comprising a first printing device (10) which is movable in a longitudinal direction along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, wherein the printing device has a print head (51, 52) by means of which at least one textile can be printed with at least one printing ink, at least two pallets (21, 24) for receiving and holding the textile to be printed, a first set-up station (20) which is arranged on a first long side for feeding the textile and attaching the textile to the pallet (21, 24), at least one second set-up station (30) which is arranged on a second long side opposite the first long side, a first moving device (23) by which the at least one of the pallets is movable on a first track (41) transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis between a first lateral set-up position (20) on the first set-up station and a first printing position on the printing device, and at least one second moving device (26) by which at least one more of

Abstract: The invention relates to multilane printer for printing packaging material. The printer comprises a first lane for packaging material, a second lane for packaging material, and a printer head arranged in connection with the lanes. The lanes are arranged laterally offset in an overlapping manner, such that the printer head is able to simultaneously print on at least a portion of the packaging material travelling in each lane. The invention also relates to a multilane wrapping machine and a method for simultaneously printing a plurality of lanes for packaging material using one single printer head.

Abstract: A safety system with a number of component devices that may be used alone or in combination to substantially reduce the risk of injury to the operator of the power cutting tool. The devices are designed for use with table saws, miter saws, jointers, routers, shapers and similar equipment. The devices secure a work piece against unanticipated movement and kickback while simultaneously protecting the operator's hands. The devices further enhance the capabilities of power equipment to make precise cuts safer, faster and easier.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for a wide metal strip, wherein a plurality of through-holes are formed with predetermined gaps in a length direction and a width direction, into a cutter and pulls narrow metal strips formed by cutting the wide metal strip between the through-holes in the length direction so that through-holes are formed along only the length direction. The feeding apparatus includes a feeding-in apparatus that is provided on an entrance side of the cutter that feeds the wide metal strip into the cutter and a pulling-out apparatus that is provided on an exit side of the cutter that pulls out the narrow metal strips, which have been cut out by the cutter. A linking member drives the feeding-in apparatus and the pulling-out apparatus in concert so that the wide metal strip is fed into the cutter together with the narrow metal strips out being pulled out from the cutter.

Abstract: A printing table arrangement includes at least one printing device for printing of substrates, at least one printing table, a first transport device to transport the substrates being printed in a first plane, and a lifting device to move the first transport device with the first plane between a printing plane assigned to the printing device and a transport plane lying underneath. The printing table has a second transport device to transport substrates in a second plane beneath the first plane, in which the fixed spacing between the first plane and the second plane corresponds to the spacing between the printing plane and transport plane.

Abstract: A printing device 300 for printing elements in the form of sheets 10, includes a platen press 310 which hot stamps to affix to each sheet 10 with a colored or metallized film from at least one stamping strip 320. A transport device 340 introduces each sheet 10 one after the other into the platen press 310 by pulling the sheet 10 by its front edge. The printing device 300 further includes a device 360 able to partially restrain each sheet 10 by its rear portion during the phase of introducing the sheet 10 into the platen press 310.

Abstract: A marking object having at least one object blank (3) and held by an object carrier (2), the object blank (3) being markable by a marking apparatus (7). To configure the marking objects such that the known drawbacks are eliminated, the object carrier (2) has at least one identification means (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) that contains at least one piece of information relating to the marking object (1) and/or the identification means (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) can be used to store at least one piece of information relating to the marking object (1).

Abstract: At least one printing unit which can be moved into a print-image pickup position and into a print-image transfer position fitted with a first printing pad support involving a first pad support system or first pad seat for a first printing pad and a printing plate carrier to receive a printing plate, said printing unit also including a second pad support fitted with a second support system or second pad seat for a second printing pad, the two pad supports are such that the first support system of the first pad support and the second seat or second support system of the first pad support and the second pickup or second support system of the second pad support face each other at least when in the print-image transfer position.

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: 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 shoe platen to securely hold a shoe so that graphics, including custom graphics, can be printed on the shoe automatically. The platen comprises a shoe plate 102 configured to receive shoes such as high-top shoes or low top shoes. Adjusters 104, 106 can also be used to accommodate shoes of various styles and sizes.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having an automatic printing sheet feeder integrated thereto to improve mass productivity. The printing apparatus includes a base, a moving stage, an automatic printing sheet feeder, and a printing roll. The moving stage is linearly movable along the base, and has a lithographic plate seated on the top surface thereof, the lithographic plate having a printing pattern thereon. The automatic printing sheet feeder is installed on the moving stage. The automatic printing sheet feeder includes an unwinding roll, which supplies the printing sheet, a rewinding roll, which collects the printing sheet, and a plurality of guide rolls, which guide the printing sheet to pass through the printing area of the moving stage. The printing roll is installed on the base, and performs printing by transferring ink from recesses of a printing pattern of the lithographic plate to the printing sheet on the moving stage.

Abstract: A conveying and marking apparatus is disclosed that can convey discrete pieces at high speeds, and in preferred embodiments permits marking on opposite sides of the pieces while the pieces remain in the same position on the conveyor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pad printing system configured to print a work piece having at least a first print area and a second print area distal from the first print area is provided. The pad printing system may include a first print station and a second print station, wherein each print station is independently operable and configured to transfer a fluid image from an ink tampon to a work piece at least once during a printing cycle. The pad printing system may further include a moveable platform and a work piece holder supported by the platform having a first orientation and a second orientation. The first orientation may be configured to align the first print area with an ink tampon in the first print station and the second orientation may be configured to align the second print area with an ink tampon in the second print station.

Abstract: A control method for a publisher that has a media drive for writing data to one side of a target disc, a label printer for printing on the other side of the target disc, media stacker for storing the target discs, and a media transportation mechanism for transporting the target disc at least any one of the media drive, the label printer, and the media stacker in response to a command from a host computer reports an error to a host computer when the target disc cannot be transported as instructed by the host computer.

Abstract: A printing machine includes a conveyor for at least one item to be printed, a print station and a transfer device including at least one bucket for conveying the item and an element for driving the conveyor bucket, which element is capable of displacing the conveyor bucket between a position for taking up or depositing the item on the conveyor and a position for taking up or depositing the item at the print station. The transfer device further includes an element for adjusting the path of displacement of the conveyor bucket, which element is capable of controlling the drive element in order to displace the position for taking up or depositing the item at the print station without displacing the position for taking up or depositing the item on the conveyor.

Abstract: A bag dispenser feeds a bag assembly for supplying bags to a work station for manual removal from the bag assembly as needed. Each bag is printed with information such as packing date or packing location prior to reaching the work station.

Abstract: A media processing device has a printer error detection unit 40 that detects ink supply errors, such as the ink end, in the label printer, and a media retraction stacker for removing written media from the media drive, the label printer, and the media transportation path.

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: Objects to be printed are loaded one-by-one onto a conveyor extending through and upstream from a printing station in a longitudinally extending row in groups each having a predetermined number n of longitudinally aligned objects and a longitudinal length equal to n times a predetermined step length and with the groups separated in the row from one another by an empty gap having a short length equal to n?1 times the predetermined step length. The thus oriented objects are moved by the conveyor through the printing station in alternating long steps having a long length equal to n times the predetermined step length and short steps equal to n?1 times the predetermined step length such that with each long step one of the groups is positioned in the printing station. In the printing station the objects are taken off the conveyor, printed, and returned to the conveyor between the long steps.

Abstract: A transfer device (26) intended to move an object (8) between a support zone (28) and a cap (12), includes: a frame (30); at least one holding arm (32) which is able to carry the object (8) to be moved; and drive elements (36) which are carried by the frame (30), and able to move the holding arm (32). The drive elements (36) are able to move the holding arm (32) so that the opening (19) of the object is moved firstly along an initial trajectory portion which includes a component in accordance with a direction perpendicular to the support zone (28), then along a curve which extends through a point (119) of the trajectory (118) of the base (17) of the object, after the base (17) of the object has passed through that point.

Abstract: An electrostatic printing apparatus according to the present invention rubs powdery ink into a screen having a predetermined printed pattern formed therein, and applies a voltage between the screen and an object so as to attach the powdery ink to the object. A plurality of screens (34a-34d) are provided so that the plurality of screens are movable to a position located above the object (1). The plurality of screens (34a-34d) are provided so as to be rotatable about a shaft (46). The screens (34a-34d) are rotated about the shaft (46) to move the screens (34a-34d) to the position located above the object (1).

Abstract: A printing station for producing a layer of coloring for a contact lens, comprising a transport system to carry and transport a molding tool which comprises at least one contact lens forming mold, a pad unit comprising at least one pad, and a blade unit suitable to carry and ink a cliché with an ink. When in use the pad transfers an inked image from the cliché to the contact lens forming mold. The printing station further at least partially cures the inked image after it has been transferred to the mold and cleans the pad.

Abstract: A magazine for printing and converting heads for printing machines, comprising at least one containment body which is adapted to be arranged in close proximity to a printing machine and is adapted to accommodate a plurality of printing and converting heads, a carriage being provided for conveying the printing and converting heads from the at least one containment body to the printing machine and from the printing machine to the at least one containment body.

Abstract: A printing device for printing markings directly onto insulated round wires is presented. The printing device includes a printing module (1, 2) that prints the markings onto a retransfer film (7) as transfer carrier and a transport device (9, 13, 24) transports the retransfer film (7) into the transfer device (9, 13, 24) for transfer printing of the marking onto the round wires (16). The transfer device (9, 13, 24) includes two die halves (4, 5) with a plurality of semicircular grooves (3) for wires (16) of different diameters. A lower die half (5) is configured to receive the wires (16) while an upper die half (4) is configured with heater (12) to heat and enclose the wire (16) with the retransfer film (7) bearing the marking. The two die halves (4, 5) are joined under pressure and heat around the wire (16) to be printed on.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing an image on an object includes electronic image storage for storing the image and a print head positioned in spaced-apart relation to the object for receiving electronic data representing the image. The image is printed onto the object using an ink that is applied with a predetermined electrical charge polarity. A voltage generator generates an electrical charge having opposite polarity charge in relation to the predetermined charge polarity of the ink proximate the object and at a position to accelerate the ink being applied from the print head onto the object. A tray is provided for holding a plurality of the objects in a fixed orientation while the image is printed. The tray includes a plurality of cradles for receiving respective objects and a rotation assembly for rotating the cradles in unison to position a desired surface of the objects in proper orientation for printing.

Abstract: A device for dry-decorating comprising a mobile plane (2), predisposed for transporting ceramic bases (40) along a longitudinal direction (x); a silk screen (3), slidable in a transversal or longitudinal direction (y or x) along a tortuous trajectory in which at least an active tract (3a) of the screen (3) is arranged in a parallel position to the mobile plane (2), the silk screen (3) and the mobile plane (2) being perpendicular to a vertical plane; a hopper (6), predisposed to deposit powder material on the active plane (3a), which hopper (6) is slidable contactingly with the active tract (3a) of the silk screen (3) in a longitudinal or transversal direction (x or y).

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved printer and recording device having an improved design for providing efficient operation and improved print and recording speed to one or more storage devices. In one aspect, the present invention meets the above needs by providing a printer having printing means adapted to operate independently from a transportation mechanism of a storage device. In another aspect, the present invention provides a printer having one or more removable cartridges for the supply and/or removal of completed storage devices from the print device. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a new and improved engaging feature, of the transportation mechanism, for the selection and transportation of the storage device through the recording and/or printing process of the storage device.

Abstract: A transfer device (26) intended to move an object (8) between a support zone (28) and a cap (12), includes: a frame (30); at least one holding arm (32) which is able to carry the object (8) to be moved; and drive elements (36) which are carried by the frame (30), and able to move the holding arm (32). The drive elements (36) are able to move the holding arm (32) so that the opening (19) of the object is moved firstly along an initial trajectory portion which includes a component in accordance with a direction perpendicular to the support zone (28), then along a curve which extends through a point (119) of the trajectory (118) of the base (17) of the object, after the base (17) of the object has passed through that point.

Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.

Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.

Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.

Abstract: A card-flipping device for a card printing apparatus is provided. The card-flipping device comprises a card-carrier unit for transporting the card in a vertical direction, a motor drive means for moving the unit in the vertical direction, and an actuator assembly including a rotatable cam arm for flipping the card over. The card-flipping device is particularly suitable for use in thermal dye printers that print images on card substrates such as driver's licenses, employee badges, student cards, and the like. After one surface of the card has been printed, the card is conveyed to the card-flipping device, where the card is flipped over so that the reverse, unprinted side of the card can be printed thereon.

Abstract: In an apparatus for decorating stiff objects, the objects are transported stepwise along an arcuate conveyor path. Printing stations and drying stations are arranged alternately along the conveyor path with the printing stations at a level above the conveyor path and the drying stations at a level below the conveyor path. Holders for the objects are reciprocatable upwardly and downwardly to permit vertical movements of the objects during the printing operation and/or for setting the objects in different heightwise positions in different stations. The holders for the objects are subdivided into first and second groups, wherein the holders of each group are adjustable in respect of height independently of the holders of the respective other group. The printing stations are screened from view in relation to the drying stations by screening members.

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: The present invention features various systems and methods for providing an image on an organic product to provide a communication to the recipient or otherwise individualize the organic product. Notably, the present invention features an organic product printing system comprising at least one organic product; a support structure that secures one or more organic products therein for printing upon them, wherein the support structure comprises a stabilizer bar for supporting one or more printing assemblies; and at least one printing assembly supported within the support structure, wherein the printing assembly comprises a printing device that prints an image onto the organic product.

Abstract: A system for transferring supports for objects which can be stacked and unstacked between a conveyor and a machine for printing the objects, characterized in that it includes: a mobile transfer table which has two locations each adapted to receive an object support and which is adapted to occupy a plurality of positions, first drive elements adapted to drive the transfer table vertically up and down, and second drive elements adapted to advance or withdraw the transfer table horizontally and simultaneously to transfer a support containing objects and an empty support or to withdraw the empty transfer table to a position awaiting a new support.

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 bagger feeds shingled open-ended bags to a workstation. Each bag is printed with information, typically date and product source information. The print area on each underlying bag is located by flipping up a trailing portion of an overlying bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and processing a plurality of articles includes a transport loop including a plurality of carrier bars and a plurality of pockets formed between adjacent ones of the carrier bars. The articles are laterally, longitudinally and rotationally positioned within the pockets at a predetermined position. The articles may be pharmaceutical tablets or capsules. The carrier bars may follow a curvilinear path including a non-linear path portion and a substantially linear path portion. The pockets between adjacent carrier bars are open and able to receive the articles when the adjacent carrier bars are at the non-linear path portion, and are closed and tightly grasp the articles when the adjacent carrier bars are at the substantially linear path portion. The apparatus can be used to manufacture shaped edible articles having a non-planar portion that receive serially registered component images from first and second printers.

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: 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: Disclosed is a method of inkjet printing of tone and/or color images at a high efficiency production of hygienic articles. The method provides a reliable system of combining inkjet-printing operations with converting operations on a converting line producing hygienic articles having tone and/or color print images. The method utilizes at least two-inkjet print heads capable of switching between the print heads during malfunctions or maintenance procedures of one of the print heads to provide production continuity at a minimum production loss of hygienic articles.

Abstract: A peel assembly for separating a label from a liner is provided. The assembly includes a structure for mounting the assembly to a printer, a structure for driving the liner and labels through the assembly, a stripper for bending the liner therearound, a plurality of deflector rollers proximate to the stripper for deflecting the liner away from the label and towards the stripper, a pinch roller and a spring. The pinch roller has a diameter of at least 0.385 inches and is formed from a material for creating tension in the liner allowing for better peel performance. The spring places force on the pinch roller and presses the pinch roller against a platen roller. Slots in the structure for mounting the assembly to the printer allow the pinch roller to float in the direction of spring force.

Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism. The first camera unit is configured to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes, of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed by the first camera unit. A laser unit may be provided to create unique holes in the pellet-shaped articles, e.g., those by a larger exposed surface to improve time-release characteristics of the pellet-shaped articles.

Abstract: A dual track stencil system includes a first set of rails and a second set of rails, each of the rails being independently controlled for allowing for independent movement of circuit boards through the stencil system for processing. A stencil, having two patterns, each aligned with a respective working area of each track is suspended above the dual track system. In one embodiment, the solder dispensing unit includes a squeegee arm with a solder gathering head. During operation using the squeegee arm with the solder gathering head, two circuit boards are fed to the working area, and both of the circuit boards are serially processed, with excess solder being removed from the board after the processing of each of the boards.