Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved and economical system and method for viewing proposed texture designs for textured decorative laminates without having to make a press plate and a sample laminate. Embodiments of the present invention further provide systems and methods for making sample laminates and for registering a sample press plate with the laminate's decorative design when manufacturing a sample laminate. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention utilize transparent sheets, such as acetate films, in novel ways during the design of textured laminate press plates and during the registration of the press plate and the laminate's decorative layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for creating textured laminate press plates that account for growth of the press plate and growth of the laminate's decorative layer. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention involve printing a two-dimensional representation of the three-dimensional surface of the proposed press plate, assuming a certain amount of expansion, onto a transparent overlay, such as a cellulose acetate sheet or a plate of glass. Embodiments of the present invention further involve positioning the overlay over an un-textured sample decorative laminate to examine the alignment of the press plate's proposed texture design with the sample laminate's decorative design.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an encoder containing the intended integer number of registration markings (and spaces) per unit distance, over the correct length of that entire encoder. The method is practiced by producing a template having the desired number of registration indices at reasonably exact tolerances--but at widths and spacing less than or greater than intended for the registration markings, and therefore having an overall length less than or greater than that of the encoder--and using the template to project an image onto a substrate at a suitable scaling factor to form the encoder having the correct widths and spacing of the registration markings on that substrate. The template may be a wholly computer-generated and memory-resident virtual image, or may be imprinted upon a tangible intermediate medium and transferred to the substrate using a projection technique. The scaling process may be accomplished using mechanical, optical, or photochemical techniques, as well as combinations thereof.

Abstract: The accurate registering and mounting of flexible printing plates on a forme cylinder is accomplished by mounting a printing plate to be brought into proper registration on a support which is adjustable in three degrees of freedom and by then superimposing the supported printing plate with a properly registered transparent proof. The plate is brought into proper registration by adjustment of the support using the proof as a reference. The now registered plate is carried by the support to a position where it can be applied to the forme cylinder. A computer may be used to aid in effecting proper register of the plate with reference to the transparent proof.

Abstract: A portable hand held photo copy reproduction holding device for use with black/white or color photography or photo reproduction and which has transparent copy window panel which is attached to a layout board structure. Layout board structure has non-photogenic natured alignment grid allowing freehand alignment of subject matter and non-photo reproduction of layout board alignment grid. The layout board structure also has a transparent copy window panel adjoined to layout board structure at a pivot point that allows opening and closing in a book like or tablet like manner. Layout board structure and copy window panel work synergistically to create a static electrical energy field that holds subject matter in position without the need for any glues, tapes or other adhesive materials. Allows user to rapidly and easily arrange and rearrange subject matter. Protects reproduction equipment from paper clips staples, and other holding devices.

Abstract: In a press type stencil printing device in which a press plate holding a stencil printing plate is pivotably mounted to a base carrying a print sheet receiver placed thereon so that the stencil printing plate is pressed onto a print sheet placed on the print sheet receiver, a transparent or semi-transparent positioning print sheet is pivotably mounted to be selectively overlapped on the print sheet receiver, and the print sheet receiver is fastened to the base by a fastener which allows minute adjustment of the printing sheet receiver in two dimensions on the base relative thereto.

Abstract: This system consists of two fundamental devices based on a holder frame in which the screen to be insulated is embedded and remains fixed to the first frame by means of applying a third frame equipped with embedding elements. Once the silk screen has been insulated, it passes to a screen holder frame situated on the silk screen printing machine, in which the screen is embedded by means of fixed adjustable screws that are self-centering and the whole unit is attached to the screen holder frame, by means of a conventional pin adjuster. The entire process of the system should be followed in order to obtain maximum results.