Abstract: A thermal transfer assembly that comprises a thermal transfer ribbon and a covercoated transfer sheet. The thermal transfer ribbon includes a support and a ceramic ink layer. The ceramic ink layer is present at a coating weight of from about 2 to about 15 grams per square meter, and it includes from about 15 to about 94.5 percent of a solid carbonaceous binder, and at least one of a film-forming glass frit, an opacifying agent and a colorant (at a combined level for the film forming glass frit, the opacifying agent and the colorant of at least 0.5 weight percent).

Abstract: Temperature control of the coating medium is performed to influence the processability of coating media in an applicator system. In order to operate without losing efficiency, devices acting directly from the inside or the outside for heat supply or dissipation are connected to the elements guiding the coating medium. The temperature of the coating medium is influenced by measuring the temperature within the coating medium and, if necessary, at the elements guiding the coating medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for sublimating at least one sublimation dye on at least one side of a web. The sublimation station includes a plurality of sensors which senses a web temperature and controls a plurality of heating elements, such as infrared lamps to control the web temperature so that it is maintained within a desired sublimation temperature range.

Abstract: The gel method of printing variable information of the present invention involves applying inks onto a substrate that is part of or attached to a cylinder of the printing machine. Imaging is by means of an energy source in the UV, visible or infrared regions, modulated to represent a digital image pattern that has been composed on a computer. The consequence of imaging is to gel the ink and increase its adhesion to the substrate of the printing cylinder. The non-gelled background ink with lower adhesion is then removed by a squeegee action and returned to an ink reservoir. The remaining image is transferred to an offset blanket or directly to print stock by pressure. The process does not use a master, but produces an image that is erased after printing with each cylinder rotation so that the next rotation producing the next print can have fresh information written upon it.

Abstract: Diamonds are marked by applying apertured tapes bearing identifying indicia to the girdles, applying a flammable layer over the apertured tapes, and then igniting the flammable layer to burn the indicia into the girdles. Preferably, the flammable layer is prepackaged within the apertured tapes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating the surface of substrates such as printed sheets, with improved surface quality. The apparatus includes a first roller (2, 7) rotatable in a first direction and forming a placement surface for traveling printed sheets, one or more second rollers (4, 5, 6) mounted parallel to the first roller (2, 7) for defining a roller nip with the first roller through which the sheets are directed and for exerting a predetermined radial pressing force against the sheets, the second rollers (4, 5, 6) being rotatable in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the first roller (2, 7) and at least some of the second rollers (4, 5, 6) having a heating device for heating the printed sheet in the area of the roller nip between the first and second rollers.

Abstract: A printable absorbent surface is disclosed. The printable absorbent surface includes a permanent image of colors having half tones. The surface also includes a disappearing image of disappearing inks. The disappearing image disappears from the surface during a heat application. The surface also includes a slurry mix having a color. The surface also includes an application mix having a portion of the slurry mix and a portion of clear base. The application mix is applied to the disappearing image and placed on the surface.

Abstract: In a printing machine processing printing material along a processing path, an atmospheric changing device for altering atmospheric conditions in surroundings of the printing material includes a connection module, and a slide-in unit having a module end. The slide-in unit is to be joined to the connection module to form a functional unit. The functional unit is to be slid in an insertion direction into a working position in a printing machine and, in the working position, the functional unit extending transversely with respect to a processing path over printing material running through the processing path. For easy handling of the functional unit, the module end, pointing in the insertion direction, couples with the connection module as the slide-in unit is slid into the working position.

Abstract: A combination printing method for IMD (In-Mold Decoration) hot press and injection molding application includes the steps of (1) offset printing; (2) color pattern offset printing; (3) primary screen printing; (4) primary baking; (5) secondary screen printing; (6) secondary baking; (7) hot pressing; (8) shape rolling; and (9) injection-molding.

Abstract: A temperature control method of the heat developing apparatus to develop the heated developing sheet on which a latent image by the exposure is formed while the sheet is conveyed in the heat processing section 13, wherein the temperature detection is conducted by the first sensor 71 which is provided on the opening and closing cover, and exposed toward the outside of the apparatus when the opening and closing cover is opened. Simultaneously, the temperature detection is conducted by the second sensor 73 provided at a portion of the heat processing section 13 which is not exposed toward the outside of the apparatus even when the opening and closing cover is opened. Then, according to the optimum control variable corresponding to respective combinations of the temperature lowering amount detected by the previously stored first sensor 71 and second sensor 73, the temperature control of the heat processing section 13 is conducted at the time of the start of apparatus operation.

Abstract: A coating system for supplying a coating medium to sheet material in a printing press. The coating system includes a tempering system operable for influencing the temperature of both a coating medium processed through the applicator system and rinsing mediums supplied to the applicator system for cleaning the system. The tempering system includes and intermediate container connected to the metering system of the applicator system, a first storage container connected to the intermediate container for containing a stored quantity of coating medium, and a second storage or discharge container connected to the intermediate container for a rinsing medium. The intermediate container includes a heat exchanger such that upon selected connection of either the first or second storage containers to the intermediate container, the cleaning medium or the rinsing medium can be individually tempered for optimum processing.

Abstract: A powder apparatus for a sheet-fed rotary printing press includes a nozzle, valve, state detection unit, arithmetic operation unit, and controller. The nozzle sprays powder onto a printed surface of a sheet delivered after printing. The valve adjusts a quantity of powder sprayed from the nozzle. The state detection unit detects a quantity of powder attaching to the sheet. The arithmetic operation unit and controller control the valve on the basis of data output from the state detection unit and indicating a powder quantity.

Abstract: A work surface is subjected to a corona discharge treatment and then to printing or coating. A container surface is subjected to a corona discharge treatment and preheating and then to printing or coating. The printed or coated container is heated to dry the ink or coating material and the filled materials in the container are also heat-treated. The printing or coating used is of the non-spray type. The preheating device and heating device used are of the high frequency heating type. A direction change mechanism is provided to make it possible to apply printing or coating to one container at two or more places therein and to subject containers in general to preheating and a corona discharge treatment.

Abstract: A system and process for placing printed color images on a series of objects including: generating digital data representing a plurality of different color images; providing a print medium composed of a substrate carrying a releasable coating which is formulated to retain printing inks; supplying the generated digital data to a digitally controlled color printer having a plurality of print heads; feeding the print medium through the printer while operating the print heads under control of the generated data; and placing a portion of the printed coating in contact with an objects and transferring the image to the object. The printed medium may be incorporated into a mold. Alternatively, this may be accomplished by: providing a digitally controlled color printer having a plurality of print heads; feeding the objects to be printed upon past the printer; and operating the print heads under control of the generated digital data to print the color images on the objects.

Abstract: A method of printing on composite substrates particularly composite substrates of the type having a matrix impregnated with a resin such as an epoxy. The method is particularly applicable to carbon fiber substrates known as “pregs” or “pre-pregs.” The substrate is maintained in a cooled condition, is sheeted and provided with a carrier. The surface is top coated with a UV curing ink. After curing, an image is applied using UV curable inks. After printing, the substrates are maintained in a cold condition for subsequent processing into items such as tubes, rods or the like.

Abstract: When a movement of a film-like printing body is stopped for a longer time than the normal time because of generation of trouble or the like, heat of hot plates for full heating is prevented from being transmitted to the film-like printing body. All of the hot plates (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) for preheating and full heating are moved downward, and a warp inhibiting body (27) is moved upward. Further, a shutter (34) for shutting off heat is inserted between the film-like printing body (2) and the full heating hot plates (6, 7). Further, at this time, a cold blast is blown to the shutter (34) for shutting off the heat.

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 dryer for a material web having a surface to which ink is applied, including a housing subdivided into sections, through which a web travel plane extends wherein the material web is transportable, and a cooling and conditioning unit integrated in the housing, the cooling and conditioning unit having an inlet for admitting therethrough fresh air to the housing, includes at least one chill roll in the cooling and conditioning unit, over which the material web is guidable, the at least one chill roll being disposed and the fresh air being conductable through the cooling and conditioning unit in a manner for promoting post-evaporation of solvent inside the cooling and conditioning unit, and for preventing solvent vapors harmful to operating personnel from escaping to the outside from the housing; and a method of operating the dryer.

Abstract: Predetermined geometric constructs reduce heat loss in a vacuum platen and assist in the reduction of paper cockle in ink-jet printing. A vacuum platen for supporting media during printing is provided with a plurality of heating elements and surfaces interspersed with vacuum ports. The heater elements are laid into surface channels of the platen such that an insulative gap separates the heaters from the main platen support structure. In an alternative embodiment, an insulative gasket is provided for the gap.

Abstract: An image is printed on a substrate by means of a computer driven printer using heat activated dyes, without activating the dyes during the process of printing onto the substrate. The dyes are subsequently activated by applying sufficient heat and pressure to the substrate to activate the dyes.

Abstract: There are provided a method of forming an image on a card and an apparatus therefor, which are capable of properly carrying out printing of an image on a card and protection of the printed image in a simplified manner without changing the size of the card. A card is used which has an ink-fixing layer laminated on a surface of a substrate layer and an ink image-receiving layer peelably laminated on a surface of the ink-fixing layer. An image is printed on the card, while feeding the card, by an ink jet printing method using a sublimable dye ink. The card printed with the image is conveyed to a heating source, and subjected to heat treatment by the heating source to cause diffusion of the sublimable dye ink held in the ink image-receiving layer in the ink-fixing layer, and color development to form an image. The ink image-receiving layer is peeled off the card after the heat treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a web of material by applying a liquid material to the web, heating the web, cooling the web and moistening the web is provided with an applicator that applies the liquid material to the web, a drying apparatus that heats the web to an initial temperature of greater than about 250° F. and causes the web to have a moisture content of no greater than about 1.5%, a first cooling apparatus that causes the initial temperature of the web to be reduced to a second temperature no greater than about 210° F. and no less than about 100° F., a moistening apparatus that causes the moisture content of the web to be increased to at least about 2.5%, and a second cooling apparatus that causes the web to be cooled to a temperature not greater than about 100° F.

Abstract: An infra-red dryer utilizes high velocity air jets which scrub and break up the moist air layer which clings to the surface of a freshly printed and/or coated sheet. The high velocity air jets are directed through multiple air flow apertures across an array of infra-red lamps onto the freshly printed and/or coated sheets. An extractor exhausts the moisture-laden air from an exposure zone while short wave infra-red radiation heats the ink and/or protective coating. The effective exposure to pressurized air is increased by the air jets which produce a balanced pressure air blanket along the sheet travel path. The moist air layer is displaced from the printed and/or coated sheet and is extracted from the press as the sheet moves through the exposure zone.

Abstract: Methods of decorating a plastic part by either using sublimation dye(s) and thermal transfer of a printed image, or by using an antistatic treated plastic film. Either one of the methods provides that a business model is possible. The business model is directed at allowing a customer to design a “one-of-a-kind” graphic, and order a plastic part decorated with the “one-of-a-kind” graphic. Specifically, a web site may be provided which provides that the customer can design (and order) a “one-of-a-kind” plastic cell phone cover.

Abstract: An image is printed on a substrate by means of a computer driven printer using heat activated dyes, without activating the dyes during the process of printing onto the substrate. The dyes are susequently activated by applying sufficient heat and pressure to the substrate to activate the dyes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved electronic image printing method, which uses a fourfold-laminated sheet B comprising a substrate, a mold-release layer, an adhesive layer and a milk white layer joined on top of each other in the order named, and a triple-laminated sheet A comprising a substrate, a mold-release layer and a resin layer joined on top of each other in the order named, thereby permitting a white letter or pattern to be printed on a piece of colored cloth. The adhesive layer may be selected to be appropriate for sticking fast to the material of which an article to be printed is made.

Abstract: A turning bar arrangement for paper webs in a web-fed printing machine provides a compact and space-saving construction. A pair of turning bars are connected to each other while forming an acute angle and are mounted so that they can be displaced in a first plane of the turning device. A second similar arrangement of turning bars is provided in a second plane of the turning device.

Abstract: A method for making a reusable printing plate in which a hydrophobic image area is formed on a hydrophilic plate surface containing a photocatalyst. The method includes the steps of carrying out a hydrophobic agent application process in which a solution containing an organic compound having a property of reacting with the plate surface by a heating process and a property of being decomposed by the action of the photocatalyst when irradiated by light having a higher energy than a band gap energy of the photocatalyst is applied on the plate surface; carrying out an image area formation process in which a part of the plate surface is subjected to a heating process to form a hydrophobic image area; and carrying out a non-image area formation process in which the organic compound applied to an area other than the hydrophobic image area on the plate surface is removed.

Abstract: An image is printed on a substrate by means of a computer driven printer using heat activated dyes, without activating the dyes during the process of printing onto the substrate. The dyes are susequently activated by applying sufficient heat and pressure to the substrate to activate the dyes.

Abstract: A method of printing on a substrate is disclosed. The method includes depositing an ink on a membrane, placing the membrane in juxtaposition to the surface of the substrate and applying heat and pressure to produce a high quality color control image on the substrate. The ink preferably comprises a thermal transfer dye, a thermal transfer pigment, a protective polymer and a carrier.

Abstract: Four impression cylinders of first and second face-side coating units and first and second back-side coating units, and two transfer cylinders of a face-side drying unit and a back-side drying unit are arranged adjacently and nearly linearly in a paper flow direction. Above circumferential surfaces of the odd-numbered cylinders of these cylinders, the first face-side coating unit, the second face-side coating unit, and the face-side drying unit are arranged. Below circumferential surfaces of the even-numbered cylinders, the first back-side coating unit, the second back-side coating unit, and the back-side drying unit are arranged. Above the circumferential surfaces of the odd-numbered cylinders, a first face-side drying device and a second face-side drying device, each of which has one dryer, are disposed downstream of the first face-side coating unit and the second face-side coating unit, respectively.

Abstract: A heater, particularly useful for an imaging device, comprises a substrate primarily made of aluminum nitride (AlN) having an electrical insulating property. A heat generating member, formed on one surface of the substrate, contains silver (Ag) and palladium (Pd) having a weight ratio (Ag/Pd) in the range of 40/60˜50/50. Conductive electrodes are connected to respective ends of the heat-generating member.

Abstract: The combination of a cooling and conditioning unit for a material web to which ink is applied on at least one side thereof, having a multiplicity of chill rolls arranged in a housing at least approximately vertically above one another, utilizing the height of the housing, the material web being guidable around the chill rolls along a web path extending at least approximately vertically, and a dryer disposed upline from the cooling and conditioning unit for drying the material web, includes a material web outlet formed in the dryer, and a material web inlet formed in the cooling and conditioning unit, the cooling and conditioning unit being disposed immediately downline of the dryer in a manner that the material web leaving the dryer outlet immediately enters the inlet formed in the cooling and conditioning unit.

Abstract: Predetermined geometric constructs reduce heat loss in a vacuum platen and assist in the reduction of paper cockle in ink-jet printing. A vacuum platen for supporting media during printing is provided with a plurality of heating elements and surfaces interspersed with vacuum ports. The heater elements are laid into surface channels of the platen such that an insulative gap separates the heaters from the main platen support structure. In an alternative embodiment, an insulative gasket is provided for the gap.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention increases the operating envelope for large format thermal ink jet printing via a directed fluid flow from specially-designed orifices which promote fluid flow on a printed surface adjacent a printing zone in a large format ink jet printer where in addition to the optimized fluid flow one or more heating elements are inserted directly into the fluid flow to thereby promote drying of said printed surface. In one embodiment, a single dual-duct plennum spans the width of a roll-fed large format ink jet print engine and a first duct distributes heated air downward (in the direction of media web movement) and a second duct evacuates a printing space so that any potentially harmful ink vapors or other air-borne contaminant is appropriately fluidly coupled to either a remote exhaust vent or vapor capture vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a web of material by applying a liquid material to the web, heating the web, cooling the web and moistening the web is provided with an applicator that applies the liquid material to the web, a drying apparatus that heats the web to an initial temperature of greater than about 250° F. and causes the web to have a moisture content of no greater than about 1.5%, a first cooling apparatus that causes the initial temperature of the web to be reduced to a second temperature no greater than about 210° F. and no less than about 100° F., a moistening apparatus that causes the moisture content of the web to be increased to at least about 2.5%, and a second cooling apparatus that causes the web to be cooled to a temperature not greater than about 100° F.

Abstract: In a method of drying inks which are printed on to a paper web in the printing mechanisms of a rotary intaglio printing machine and which are diluted by means of a solvent. the paper web, downstream of each printing mechanism, passes through a drier having a substantially closed housing through which flows a gas which serves to pick up and carry away the solvent. To achieve a reduction in the residual solvent concentration in the finished printed product in spite of an increased speed of the paper web, the drying gas used in at least one of the driers is an inert gas, the through-put thereof through the drier being so selected that a solvent concentration which is very high in comparison with drying with air occurs in the drier.

Abstract: A vacuum printing apparatus and process method whereby the application of a decorative imprint in either a single or multi-color rendition to the felt cover playing surface of a pool or billiard table is accomplished without there being any resultant dimensional or thickness irregularity in the playing surface which would otherwise interfere with the course of a ball during play.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of eliminating wrinkling, tearing and web-breaks of a web in an offset printing press as the web contacts the chill rollers on start-up. The system operates to eliminate the wrinkling that generates the tearing. During startup, a spreader roller impinges the web, stretching out wrinkles. During acceleration of the press, when thermal contraction of the paper also achieves the desired stretching, the spreader roller is retracted to prevent smearing of ink on the web. Uneven pressure of the spreader is utilized to implement steering of the web to enhance web centering.

Abstract: A printing unit of a rotary printing press for using various ink types, particularly water-based inks, is provided. The printing unit includes an inking mechanism, a print cylinder, and a blanket cylinder. The inking mechanism and the cylinders are mounted in side walls of the printing unit. A housing at least partially surrounds the inking mechanism and the cylinders to maintain a surrounding atmosphere within an at least semi-enclosed area of the printing unit. A chemical agent may be selectively added to the atmosphere in the semi-enclosed area to reduce the rate of evaporation of a substance in the ink. The printing unit also includes a cooling unit for maintaining an ink carrying surface of one or more of the print form, the printing blanket, and the inking unit at a predetermined temperature which is suitable for printing with water-based inks. The printing unit may be a sheet-fed printing press.

Abstract: Before print is made by letting hot melt ink gush out from the nozzle head, paper is heated rapidly to its required temperature, thus enhancing the ink fixing performance of the print. Relative to paper carrying rollers, a preheat platen with preheater on its back side is located upstream in the carriage passage and a main platen with main heater on its back side is located downstream in the carriage passage. Downstream of the main platen are installed a cooling platen, which is cooled by first and second air intake openings to allow air to pass into the printer, and paper ejecting rollers. The surface temperature of the preheat platen is set higher than that of the main platen so that the temperature required for unprinted paper will be reached rapidly.

Abstract: A method of printing electrode and electronic circuit patterns. A metal frit containing part is transferred from an intaglio recessed imaging pattern to a suitable substrate. The frit pattern is preferrably cured during deposition to the substrate.

Abstract: An intermediate media having a transferable UV stabilizer receives a printed image. A transferable UV absorber and/or free radical scavenger is present. The image, or dye layer, and UV stabilizer are transferred to a final substrate during subsequent heat transfer and activation. Alternatively, the UV stabilizer may be heat transferred from the intermediate transfer media onto a previously transferred image. The UV stabilizer is resistant to laundering at elevated temperatures after transfer and imparts no hand to the final substrate. The intermediate transfer media may comprise multiple layers including a layer containing one or more UV stabilizers. A release layer may be applied beneath the UV stabilizer layer. The release and UV stabilizer layers may sit beneath a dye screening layer. One layer may be a liquid permeable, gas impermeable membrane.

Abstract: A drying/curing apparatus for a rotary screen printing machine includes a carriage supporting a flash curing unit. The curing unit has a height or thickness that is less than the gap between the workpiece platen of the printing machine and the printing screen. The drying apparatus includes a structure attached to a print station of the printing machine that is configured to permit reciprocation of the curing unit across a substrate supported on the workpiece platen after an ink layer has been applied to the substrate and the platen has been retracted from the print screen. The curing unit includes a plurality of heat generating elements, such as high power quartz lamps, that are directed toward the ink layer on the substrate. The curing unit includes an insulator plate disposed between the curing lamps and the printing screen of the printing machine when the curing unit travels across the workpiece platen.

Abstract: A device for conveying sheets in a sheet-processing machine uses a processing cylinder having a circumferential speed. Conveyor belts cooperate with the cylinder for transporting sheets with the belts arranged between the processing cylinder and a chain conveyor with a gripper system. A ratio between the transportation speed of the processing cylinder can be changed by use of a drive of the conveyor belts in order to vary the distance between successive sheets.

Abstract: A thermographic printing apparatus, and method for thermographic printing, including a header assembly having at least two rollers for transporting a substrate having first and second sides, two edges, and powder adhering liquid on the first side thereof through the apparatus, wherein the rollers contact the substrate on the second side thereof, at least two disks each having an edge for transferring the substrate between each roller and the disks, wherein the disks position the substrate adjacent the edge thereof to provide at least one substantially contained area within the disks and substrate, and a powder supply for providing powder particles into the at least one contained area for application to the first side of the substrate, whereby an amount of the particles provided into the contained areas adheres to the powder adhering liquid on the substrate.

Abstract: A web-offset printing press is provided with a first rotatable printing cylinder adapted to print a first image on a web by applying a heat-settable ink to the web, a second rotatable printing cylinder adapted to print a second image on the web, the second image being printed on the web subsequent to the first image being printed on the web by applying a heat-settable ink to the web, a drying station for drying the heat-settable ink applied to the web by the first and second rotatable printing cylinders by heating the web to an initial temperature, and a cooling station disposed adjacent the drying station, the cooling station receiving the web after the web has been heated by the drying station, the cooling station causing the initial temperature of the web to be reduced by at least about 20.degree. F.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for minimizing the problem of "fluting" or "corrugating" occuring in printed webs of light weight coated paper printed on both sides with thermosetting ink on heat-set web-offset printing presses resides in spreading the web in its width-wise direction as the printed web exits from the ink drying and heat setting oven of the press and passes over the web cooling chill rolls downstream from the oven, thereby to hold the printed web in a flat and smooth condition until it is cooled and the ink has taken a permanent set. Spreading the web prior to and during cooling allows the inks to thermoset in a flat state because the web is kept flat and free of flutes during thermosetting of the inks. The method and apparatus facilitate operation of the press at higher speeds and with lighter grades of paper than conventional, and provide for increased production efficiencies, lower costs, enhanced print quality, and access to new markets for web-offset printing.

Abstract: This invention relates to UV dryers and provides an ultraviolet dryer wherein a UV lamp (2) is supported in a reflector housing (1), said housing including a reflector body member (10) having a reflective surface adjacent the lamp (2) and other surfaces spaced therefrom and cooling means (11) for passing a cooling medium over said other surfaces to cool said body member, wherein the reflective surface comprises a thin, flexible strip of heat-conductive sheet material (12) bearing dichroic film, said film exhibiting a high degree of transmission towards infrared radiation and high degreee of reflection toward UV radiation.

Abstract: A process for printing an image (IC) on a lenticular lens material (12) with a printing press (10). A separate film negative (B, C, Y, M) is prepared for each color used in printing the image. One of the negatives (B) is selected and each of the other negatives, and the lens material, is registered with the selected negative. Each of negatives is adjusted to the selected negative so all of the negatives and the lens material are in registry with each other. Separate printing plates (18) are prepared from each of the negatives. The plates are mounted on the press at respective printing stations and the lens material is run through the press with each of the plates being used to print on the material. The plates are adjusted, as necessary, to align the plates and register the color dot patterns printed by each plate to the color printed by the plate made from the selected negative.