Abstract: A pad printing device for printing a window of a display device includes a pad to transfer ink to the window. The pad includes a printing portion to transfer the ink to the window by being pressed against the window and a body portion disposed on the printing portion and to apply a pressure to the printing portion. A hardness of the printing portion is less than a hardness of the body portion, and a sidewall of a portion of the pad where the printing portion contacts the body portion is substantially perpendicular to the window.

Abstract: A method of improving performance of a relief image printing plate on a printing cylinder which includes mounting a compressible cushion element on a surface of the printing cylinder. The surface of the cushion element that is contactable with the relief image printing plate is a low friction surface that allows a relief image printing plate to slide freely across its surface and settle into position on the printing cylinder. The use of a cushion element having a low friction surface reduces smut and improves registration of the printing plate on the printing cylinder.

Abstract: A method of decorating by pad printing for applying a decorative pattern (2) on the wall (3) of a previously-shaped part (4) to be decorated, such as a glass bottle, including a preparation step a) during which a liquid marker substance (5) of any viscosity is deposited in the imprint (11, 111) of a pad-die (10, 110) that is marked by an indentation of shape that is substantially complementary to the shape of the existing wall (3) of the part (4) to be decorated, which substance may be an ink or an enamel, and then a marking step b) during which the pad-die (10, 110) is moved towards the part (4) so as to bring the wall (3) of the part into contact with the bottom of the imprint (11, 111), so as to deposit the decorative pattern (2) on the wall (3) by transferring the marking substance (5) from the imprint onto the wall for decorating and marking objects.

Abstract: A roller pad printer for printing on an associated object includes a frame, a flat cliché operably mounted to the frame for receiving and a resilient roller pad operably mount to the frame for rolling contact, at a first location and in a first direction along the cliché, to receive ink transferred from the cliché. The roller pad is adapted for rolling contact with the object, at a second location and in a second direction, to transfer the ink from the roller pad to the object.

Abstract: A rubber sleeve for a printing press and a method for producing a rubber sleeve is disclosed. The rubber sleeve has a rigid support sleeve and a blanket that is wrapped around the support sleeve as well as is firmly connected to the support sleeve. The blanket has at least a two-layer structure with an inner layer embodied as a base layer and an outer layer serving as a functional layer for the printing process, where the butting edges of the blanket are connected to one another via a sealing material, which is introduced in a gap embodied between the butting edges. The sealing material is introduced in the gap embodied between the butting edges while forming a channel.

Abstract: A method of improving performance of a relief image printing plate on a printing cylinder which includes mounting a compressible cushion element on a surface of the printing cylinder. The surface of the cushion element that is contactable with the relief image printing plate is a low friction surface that allows a relief image printing plate to slide freely across its surface and settle into position on the printing cylinder. The use of a cushion element having a low friction surface reduces smut and improves registration of the printing plate on the printing cylinder.

Abstract: A ductile media for receiving an image thereon is disclosed and comprises a ductile mesh and an elastomeric membrane fixed to at least a top side of the mesh. The ductile mesh is preferably an expanded metal material. The elastomeric membrane has a substantially flat top surface that is adapted to receive the image thereon. A printable coating may be further applied to the top surface of the membrane. In one embodiment of the invention, a selectively removable liner is temporarily fixed with adhesive to a bottom surface of the mesh or to a bottom surface of the elastomeric membrane to prevent printer feeding rollers of a printing device, for example, from deforming or stretching the media as the media advances through the printing process. Alternately the image may be applied to the ductile media through a heat transfer or dye-sublimation process. Once the image is printed on the media, the user may form the media into a desired shape by applying pressure thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for patterning substrates by contact printing methods using tools that include continuous, flexible surfaces having variable surface areas and variable shapes.

Abstract: Images printed and transferred to plush fabric and a method for printing and transferring images to plush fabric are described. Through a dye-sublimation process, dye sublimation agents can be permanently embedded into the fibers of plush fabric. The dye-sublimation process allows for precise images, including images of photo quality or near-photo quality, to be transferred to the plush fabric. Pieces of the plush fabric can be combined and arranged to create, for example, a stuffed animal with an image that extends across the body and appendages of the animal.

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

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

Abstract: A printing device, a patterning method using the same and a method of fabricating an LCD device using the same are disclosed. The printing device includes a printing roll having a blanket adhered to an outer surface thereof; and an absorption nozzle to absorb solvent from the blanket. The absorption nozzle may include an absorber having a slit, a vacuum controller connected to the absorber, and a pipe connected to the vacuum controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing blanket assembly for a blanket cylinder of a rotary printing press. The printing blanket assembly comprises a dimensionally stable support plate (02, 18) with two ends, one of which is the forward end and the other one is the trailing end with respect to the rotation of the blanket cylinder, these ends being fastened to the blanket cylinder with folded, printing-blanket free limbs (21, 22). The assembly further comprises a printing blanket (03, 19), fastened to the outside of the support plate (02, 18) and having a forward end (12, 31) and a trailing end (11, 32). Said printing blanket assembly allows for perfect printing also in the area of a gap between the limbs (21, 22) and can be produced in a simple manner.

Abstract: A self-levelling under-packing for printing presses, in particular offset presses, includes at least one polyester-based layer and at least one polyurethane elastomer layer joined inseparably together. The polyester-based layer may be between 50 ?m and 350 ?m and the polyurethane elastomer layer may be between 20 ?m and 1000 ?m. The polyester-based layer may be adhesive-coated on one side, in which case the thickness, including the adhesive, may be between 40 and 100 ?m, with the adhesive thickness not exceeding about 5 ?m.

Abstract: A method of patterning soluble materials on a substrate is described. In the method, a stamp is applied to a liquid carrier solution. The raised areas of the stamp removes mainly a liquid carrier leaving behind a precipitate while the non-raised areas of the stamp lifts both the liquid carrier and the precipitate from the substrate. The result is a precipitate pattern residue that matches the raised area of the stamp. One use of the method is for patterning large areas of polymers used in large area electronics such as displays and sensors.

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

Abstract: A seamless printing sleeve comprising a hollow cylindrical base and a seamless imageable surface as its outermost layer is described. The imageable surface acts as an integral flexographic printing surface. Preferably the printing sleeve comprises an intermediate photopolymer or resilient polymer layer between the outer surface of the base and the imageable surface. Also, preferably the base is uniformly transparent or translucent to actinic radiation.

Abstract: A device for controlling delivery of an amount of fluid has a first rotating device having at least one peripheral first fluid transfer section, a second rotating device having at least one peripheral second fluid transfer section, and a device for setting a phase between the first and second fluid transfer sections. The device may be used for providing ink or dampening solution in a printing press.

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

Abstract: Sheets of rubber-coated fabric are mounted on the cylinders of offset printing presses. An under-packing formed from the combination of an optional flexible supporting sheet and a plurality of flexible packing sheets is interposed between the cylinder surface and the rubber-coated fabric to obtain a predetermined total thickness which varies for different types of printing presses. The thickness of the under-packing is equal to a predetermined maximum thickness. The thickness of the sheets of the under-packing is chosen such that by removing one or more packing sheets from the under-packing, the desired thickness for any specific case can be approximated. A face of each packing sheet which faces inwards, with the exception of the face of the innermost sheet or the supporting sheet if the supporting sheet is the innermost sheet, is treated with an adhesive which, while maintaining the sheets united, enables them to be separated from each other.

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

Abstract: A computer implemented gambling chip recognition system having the ability to capture an image of a stack of gambling chips and automatically processing the image to determine the number of chips within the stack and the value of each. The system processor determines the classification for each chip in a stack by way of processing performed in real time on the image of the stack of gambling chips. The system further includes the ability to communicate the information derived from the stack of gambling chips to a video monitor and the ability to communicate the information to a main database where information is being compiled and stored about an individual gambler.

Abstract: Method for pad-printing a substantially cylindrical chip having opposing faces and a side, the method comprising forming a first decoration, including a section for at least a portion of the side of the chip, radially deforming the section to form a second decoration, providing an ink plate with the second decoration, moving a pad coaxially into contact with the ink plate such that the second decoration transfers to the pad and moving the pad coaxially into contact with the chip such that the second decoration transfers to the side to print the section on the side, wherein a contraction coefficient of the radially deforming is determined, for a given straight-sided chip and a given pad, by marking a chip model using a positioning ink plate centered on an axis of the chip, the positioning ink plate bearing a pattern comprising closely-spaced concentric circles.

Abstract: A printing press cylinder for a rotary printing press is light in weight and has vibration dampening properties. A metal foam filling is placed inside the cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photo-curable polymer composition comprising:

Abstract: There are provided a guide plate assembly in which at least a portion of a surface of the guide plate assembly opposite to an image forming surface of an image recording medium comprises a matrix layer, a cushion layer formed on the matrix layer to absorb impact and a resin layer made of a low frictional resin that is formed on the cushion layer, as well as an image recording medium transporting device to transport the image recording medium through a specified transport pathway, which comprises the guide plate assembly and transport roller pairs to transport the image recording medium through the transport pathway. A recording medium having an image forming surface can be guided and transported without flaw, in an image recording apparatus, an image reader and a developing device performing various image reproduction processing including exposure, recording, development and reading. Consequently, high-quality images without flaw can be obtained.

Abstract: Freshly printed sheets are transferred from one printing unit to another by transfer cylinders each having an ink repellent, electrically conductive, striped flexible jacket covering that is movable relative to the sheet support surface of the transfer cylinder. The jacket covering is made of a flexible fabric material that is pre-stretched, pressed flat, cut to size and treated with an ink repellent compound and is also treated with an anti-static ionic compound or is otherwise rendered electrically conductive by one or more conductive strands. Electrostatic charges carried by the freshly printed sheets are discharged through the ink repellent, electrically conductive, flexible jacket covering into the grounded transfer cylinder. A low friction, electrically conductive cylinder base covering that includes center alignment marks is secured to the transfer cylinder for engaging the flexible jacket covering.

Abstract: A method for marking a side of a straight-sided chip with a decoration by pad printing. The method comprises providing an ink plate with an image defined by radially deformed representation of the decoration of the straight side of the chip in a ring-shaped zone, moving a pad coaxially into contact with the ink plate such that the image transfers to the pad, and moving the pad coaxially into contact with the chip such that the image transfers to the side of the chip.

Abstract: A flexible jacket covering is pre-stretched, pre-flattened and pre-cut to predetermined length and width dimensions for attachment onto a transfer cylinder. The flexible jacket covering is marked with alignment stripes and centering marks for faster, simpler and precise attachment of the flexible jacket covering onto the transfer cylinder in an operative position. A predetermined precise amount of movement or looseness of the pre-fabricated flexible jacket covering relative to the transfer cylinder support surface is established in the operative position. Reinforcement strips are stitched onto the gripper, the tail and the operator/gear side edges of the flexible jacket covering for stabilizing the flexible jacket covering and preventing detachment from the transfer cylinder during high speed press operation. At least one side of each reinforcement strip has pressure sensitive adhesive for securing the flexible jacket covering onto the transfer cylinder.

Abstract: A doctoring cup particularly suited for inking non-flat plates includes a plate contacting edge with an "Ease of Flex" parameter greater than about 0.020 lb.sup.-1. Ease of Flex is defined as 1/(Mt.sup.2), where t is the thickness of the plate contacting edge and M is the flexural modulus of the material from which the cup wall defining the edge is formed. By non-flat plates is meant plates out of flat by greater than 0.0002 inches/inch. The doctoring cup can be used to ink both flat and non-flat printing plates using a doctoring pressure of less than about 300 psi.

Abstract: Method for applying spacing material to a sheet printed by a printing press includes providing spacing material which is solid at least at ambient temperature, spotwise applying individual spacing material particles formed from the spacing material onto a surface of the sheet, and fixing the applied spacing material particles to the sheet; and a printing-press device for performing the method.

Abstract: A gambling chip includes a decorative pattern provided on at least one side thereof and on an edge thereof. The pattern is formed by pressure pad marking, i.e., applying an ink pattern to a deformable head and stamping the pattern on the chip. Repeated stamping of different color inks can create different patterns. A layer of varnish is also applied to the chip, either between ink layers or above or below all of the ink layers.

Abstract: A printing press blanket underliner is provided which allows for high quality printing on varying width items, such as envelopes, without the need for excess pressure on printing press blankets. The printing press blanket underliner is made of synthetic rubber of surgical quality and provides a resilient cushion underliner for printing press blankets.

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 present invention provides an apparatus and method of embossing a sheet of material with a background pattern together with additional selectable indicia, wherein the method comprises the steps of removably securing an indicia-bearing element to a first one of embossing rollers and removably securing a yieldable element to a second one of embossing rollers, passing the sheet material through the nip of rigid embossing rollers while synchronously moving the embossing rollers so as to impart a background, embossed pattern to a first portion of the sheet material and secondly imparting additional indicia to second portions of the sheet material by repetitively bringing into opposing relationship at the nip the indicia-bearing element and the yieldable element.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mobile rest plane for tiles on which operates a matrix cylinder provided with an elastically deformable peripheral part having a smooth external skin made of an elastomer material, on which a matrix, in the form of microscopic cavities, is cut. A doctor, arranged in order to be in contact with the skin, has the task of scraping away excess glaze and any impurities deposited on the skin as well as the task of remixing the glaze such as at least partially to replenish the cavities with freshened glaze. The matrix cylinder is positioned on the rest plane such as to roll thereon without dragging on a tile upper surface as the tile transits on the rest plane.

Abstract: A printed sheet transfer assembly for supporting and carrying sheets from one station in a printer apparatus to another station includes a transfer structure including a sheet conveying surface, and a flexible resilient material secured tightly over the conveying surface and having several ridges for engaging and conveying the sheets and for cushioning the sheets to prevent marring of printing ink. The material may include an ultra-soft cotton fabric. The conveying surface includes a matte finish. The transfer structure is optionally a transfer cylinder. The material may be secured over the conveying surface with hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: Release of a resin mold from a photopolymeric mold is enhanced by using an unsaturated fatty acid ester release agent in the photopolymeric composition. In addition to providing quick release of the resin mold, the incorporation of the unsaturated fatty acid ester improves the flexibility of the photopolymeric mold without sacrificing tensile strength or hardness. The resin mold is used to fabricate rubber plates for ink printing.

Abstract: A flexographic printing machine, especially for flexographic web printing, has at least one printing unit. Such a printing unit comprises an endless printing band drawn on round a back-up cylinder and a tension roller, an impression cylinder, an engraved roller transferring the ink to the printing cylinder or to the printing belt, and an ink drier. A paper web runs through all the printing units.In each printing unit, the bearings of the impression cylinder are fastened rigidly to the machine frame, whereas the bearings of the back-up cylinder and those of the tension roller are arranged displaceably on it, a tension rod keeping a distance (a) between the back-up cylinder and the tension roller constant.

Abstract: Freshly printed sheets are transferred from one printing unit to another by transfer cylinders each having an ink repellent, electrically conductive, striped flexible jacket covering that is movable relative to the sheet support surface of the transfer cylinder. The jacket covering is made of a flexible fabric material that is pre-stretched, pressed flat, cut to size and treated with an ink repellent compound and is also treated with an anti-static ionic compound or is otherwise rendered electrically conductive by one or more conductive strands. Electrostatic charges carried by the freshly printed sheets are discharged through the ink repellent, electrically conductive, flexible jacket covering into the grounded transfer cylinder. A low friction, electrically conductive cylinder base covering that includes center alignment marks is secured to the transfer cylinder for engaging the flexible jacket covering.