Abstract: The present invention relates to a binding apparatus (10) for facilitating placement of a book block (44) in relation to a cover (16). The cover (16) has front and back panels (28 and 32) for subsequent attachment of the book block (44) to the cover (16). The apparatus (10) includes a first guiding means (46), a second guiding means (56), a first positioning element (54) and a second positioning element (62). The first guiding means (46) is adapted to guide a first edge (58) of the front panel (28). The second guiding means (58) is adapted to guide a second edge (37) of the front panel (28). The first positioning element (54) is movably attached to the first guiding means (46) and is adapted in use to abut at least part of a first peripheral surface (60) of the book block (44). The second positioning element (56) is movably attached to the second guiding means (56) and is adapted in use to abut at least part of a second peripheral surface (64) of the book block (44).

Abstract: A detecting member 35 has three substantially rectangular plate-shaped detecting plates 51a, 51b, and 51c formed integrally therewith which are arranged to face an arc-shaped portion 33a of a following member 33. The detecting plates 51a, 51b, and 51c are, at one end, supported on a main portion 50, and are composed of base-end portions R1, with which, at their reverse side, a prop 60 makes contact, and swing portions R2, which are located on the tip-end side of the base-end portions R1 and with which protrusions 43a and 43b on the arc-shaped portion 33a make contact. The base-end portions R1 have a wider elastically deformable range than the swing portions R2.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a planar member comprising a top side, a bottom side comprising a flat surface and at least one aperture comprising a defined shape. At least one alignment tab comprises a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion. The middle portion comprises the defined shape and is configured to move vertically within the aperture. The top portion comprises a hook structure being configured to engage the top side to limit a downward movement of the alignment tab. The bottom portion comprises a vertical facing side being configured to engage an edge of a flat material. The apparatus is operable to align the flat material relative to the planar member by engaging the edge of the flat material with the vertical facing side and a vertical movement of the alignment tab enables the planar member to rest flat on the first flat material.

Abstract: The register insertion apparatus for sheet-fed embossing machines with position sensors (S1, S2, S3) for detecting printing marks (P1, P2, P3) of a sheet (5), comprises a register plate (15) capable of being pivoted down as feeder table with ventilation openings (20) and vacuum feed lines (21) to a suction apparatus (22) and front stops (12), which are capable of being lowered and actuators (L1, L2, L3) for positioning the register plate in X-direction and in Y-direction. With a register controller (11) the register plate (15) is pivoted down, a gripper bar (8) is brought up to it, the register plate pivoted up again, then a sheet (5) is fed-in and stopped at the front stops (12). Thereupon the register plate is evacuated for sucking on and fixing the sheet on the register plate.

Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing the covers of a book using a surface material and cover pieces glued to it. In order to glue the cover pieces to the surface material, a device equipped with a work table is used, on top of which the surface material is positioned. The cover pieces are glued to the surface material by supporting one end of them, in the initial stage, free of the glue surface with the aid of a shelf-like support piece and commencing gluing from a point farthest from the said end.

Abstract: An improved reticle frame structure surrounds the perimeter of a reticle substrate and contacts it at the edge with precision guidance surfaces as the reticle is lowered onto the device. In an embodiment, the reticle contacts conical sections that correct its position and orientation along the plane of its mask surface, and spherical surfaces to position the reticle at its standardized datum reference areas. Near the intersection of the X and Y reference planes, a minimal area of the reticle face comes to rest on a spherical mounting surface as far away from the reticle mask as possible. This surface completes a tripod of vertical support in conjunction with the cones, which maintain contact with the reticle edges only. Secondary and tertiary spherical support surfaces can be provided for vertical support of the other two lateral corners of the reticle face to mitigate reticle tilt while it is being lowered onto the tripod contact points.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for registration and loading of ferromagnetic metal-based printing plates to a magnetic drum. The apparatus comprises a magnetic cylinder equipped with registration holes; a loading table, a non-magnetic material spacer tray and at least one pair of registration pegs.

Abstract: An improved reticle frame structure surrounds the perimeter of a reticle substrate and contacts it at the edge with precision guidance surfaces as the reticle is lowered onto the device. In an embodiment, the reticle contacts conical sections that correct its position and orientation along the plane of its mask surface, and spherical surfaces to position the reticle at its standardized datum reference areas. Near the intersection of the X and Y reference planes, a minimal area of the reticle face comes to rest on a spherical mounting surface as far away from the reticle mask as possible. This surface completes a tripod of vertical support in conjunction with the cones, which maintain contact with the reticle edges only. Secondary and tertiary spherical support surfaces can be provided for vertical support of the other two lateral corners of the reticle face to mitigate reticle tilt while it is being lowered onto the tripod contact points.

Abstract: A method of aligning the edge of an elongated printable media on the web handling assembly of a printer is disclosed. The method includes the steps of projecting an alignment marker onto at least a portion of the web handling assembly, passing the elongated printable media through the web handling assembly, and aligning the edge of the elongated printable media with the alignment marker such that the edge is substantially co-linear with the alignment marker. An apparatus for aligning an elongated printable media on the web handling assembly of a printer is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of alignment between sheet materials, a method of alignment, a substrate assembling method, and an aligning apparatus, which are capable of easily and surely performing highly accurate alignment and suppressing a reduction in material yield. After alignment performed based on a band-like light as a reference, alignment is performed based on a joint of a condenser lens portion of a lenticular lens as a reference. More specifically, the deviation of a liquid crystal display cell in a rotational direction is corrected by using a light emitted from a light source and condensed to be band-like at the lenticular lens as a reference. Subsequently, by changing a depth of focus of a microscope, measurement is performed for positions of a black matrix of the liquid crystal display cell and the joint of the condenser lens portion of the lenticular lens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging an overlying conductive pattern over an underlying conductive pattern on a substrate, by determining deviations between the actual locations and the nominal locations of predetermined reference targets in the underlying conductive pattern on the substrate; and utilizing the determined deviations for modifying the scanning control data used for imaging the image data of the overlying conductive pattern in order to reduce misregistration thereof with respect to the underlying conductive pattern. Preferably, the reference targets are predetermined connection sites in the underlying conductive pattern to be precisely located with respect to connection sites in the overlying conductive pattern. The reference features may be assigned different weights according to their registration importance, and the deviations may be determined according to a threshold which varies with the weight assigned to the respective reference feature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of alignment between sheet materials, a method of alignment, a substrate assembling method, and an aligning apparatus, which are capable of easily and surely performing highly accurate alignment and suppressing a reduction in material yield.

Abstract: A cartoon drawing apparatus for 16 F size drawing paper, includes an auxiliary positioning plate which can reconfigure the apparatus for 12 F size drawing paper. The cartoon drawing apparatus for 16 F size drawing papers includes a round drawing disk, a frosted glass, an upper and lower positioning rulers. The frosted glass is embedded in the drawing round disk for an artist to draw thereon. The upper and the lower positioning rulers have positioning protuberances for fixing 16 F drawing papers. The auxiliary positioning plate includes some insertion holes on the upper edge of a plane body. The plane body includes some protuberances on the lower edge of the plane body, so that when the insertion holes are slipped over the positioning protuberances on the upper positioning ruler, the distance between the protuberances on the lower edge of the plane body and their corresponding positioning protuberances on the lower positioning ruler exactly matches the fitting of 12 F drawing papers on the apparatus.

Abstract: An operator separates pressure rollers 14, 16 from the corresponding drive rollers 12 for a predetermined distance prior to his drawing work on the paper and allows the paper 18 to be inserted between the drive rollers 12 and the pressure rollers 14, 16 from the front of the platen 2. An optical sensor 28 detects the paper 18. A controller drives a fan after a lapse of a predetermined time to operate a vacuum power in a vacuum chamber 4. Thereafter, the paper 18 on the platen 2 continues to be held on the platen 2 by the vacuum power. In this condition, the operator sets the paper to a mark 20 drawn on the platen 2 which indicates a set position of the paper to adjust the position of the paper 18. When the operator completes the positioning of the paper 18, he manipulates the lever to lift down the pressure rollers.

Abstract: A measurement device such as a sheet dimension gauge and a method of constructing a gauge which does not require recalibration. The preferred embodiment includes a frame having a transparent top wall with overlaid measurement lines thereon, a measurement guide, a light source, a heater, a thermostat, and a fan. The frame and the transparent top wall are constructed of a material whose dimensions are not susceptible to changes in humidity, but are susceptible to changes in temperature. Therefore, a temperature control system is used during manufacture and operation of the gauge to ensure that the sheet dimension gauge is properly calibrated. A fan, a thermostat, and a heater are mounted within the frame to maintain a uniform temperature inside of the frame slightly above the highest anticipated ambient temperature created by the lights. A one piece measurement guide, which is used to hold the sheet of paper being measured, is rigidly attached to either the frame or the transparent wall.

Abstract: A step and repeat apparatus including an image registration board and a compressible spacer. The image registration board preferably comprises a metal primary base layer such as aluminum, a filler layer such as an amorphous polyester including a Kodar.RTM. PETG copolyester film extrusion, two lower intermediate layers of polyester film such as Mylar.RTM., two upper intermediate layers of a low molecular weight melanin polymer such as Melanex-T.RTM., an intermediate spacing layer of a closed cell polyethylene or polyurethane foam, and a single top bed layer of an acrylic/PVC thermoplastic sheet such as Uniroyal.RTM.DKE400 extrusion grade vinyl, preferably having a top surface defining a level hair-line cell structure. The image registration board preferably defines a plurality of index holes uniformly positioned along and associated with the major divisions of a ruler or scale.

Abstract: An image board comprising a base layer of aluminum, a filler layer of an amorphous polyester film such as Kodar.RTM. PETG copolyester film extrusion, two intermediate layers of polyester film such as Mylar.RTM., two intermediate layers of a low molecular weight polymer such as Melanex-T.RTM., and a bed layer of a rigid acrylic/PVC thermoplastic sheet having a top surface defining a level hair-line cell structure. The thickness of the image board is decreased compared with prior art image boards, to within a range of approximately 0.126"-0.131" at a minimum to approximately 0.171" at a maximum. The image board exhibits enhanced characteristics of stability, flexibility, and resistance to differential thermal expansion. A compressible register pin is selectively mounted on and removed from the reverse side of the image board, being slidably inserted and frictionally engaged in an aperture and contacting the base and intermediate layers.

Abstract: An image board comprising a base layer, two lower and two upper intermediate layers, and a single top bed layer. When used with compressible registration pins or spacers, the image board may optionally include either a filler layer or a spacer layer or both disposed in predetermined positions. The top bed layer of the image board defines an image layout area having at least one border region including a plurality of index holes uniformly positioned in a line equidistantly spaced along and associated with the major divisions of a ruler or scale. The newspaper registration board embodiment has a pair of rulers and lines of indexing holes disposed on opposing parallel peripheral edges of the rectangular image layout area. A predetermined number of circular or elongated registration pins are aligned parallel with and proximate to one of the rulers, and a tail pin is disposed proximate to the opposing ruler.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a movable upright registration pin extending above a horizontal work surface for locating workpieces on the tooling plate of a computer controlled drilling machine. A straight edge member, disposed in a channel in the surface of the tooling plate, provides two vertical reference surfaces which are precisely located to define a line of position for the registration pin. The registration pin is maintained upright in a carrier that is slidably disposed in a channel in the straight edge member between the two reference surfaces. The rotation of a cam bar disposed adjacent the carrier applies force to the carrier which causes the registration pin to bear against the two vertical reference surfaces to precisely and securely locate the pin on the line of position. The registration pin may be pushed by the spindle of the drilling machine along the line of position and then locked in the registration position under the automatic control of the drilling machine.

Abstract: A method of specifying and verifying tight toleranced positional accuracies of external conductive patterns on electronic substrates relative to non-plated tooling hole patterns in the same substrate comprising the addition of round plated or otherwise deposited disks incorporated into the conventional plated art work of the substrate. These disks are positioned at the exact ideal location of each tooling hole. When the substrate manufacturing process is complete and the tooling holes have been drilled through at a correct location, the tooling hole will be positioned within the area of each disk on the substrate. If the tooling hole or holes is/are drilled at an unacceptable location, i.e. outside of the area of the disk, then the component receiving non-plated tooling holes, plated through holes and plated lands will also be miss-positioned and the substrate is discarded.

Abstract: A portable table assembly for facilitating initial alignment in mounting of a metallic printing plate to a magnetic plate cylinder includes a table having a top surface for supporting the metallic printing plate. A roller is mounted in the table and is exposed on the top surface for guiding the metallic printing plate along the top surface. The roller has an axis perpendicular to a line defined by a direction the metallic printing plate moves when mounting the metallic printing plate from the top surface onto the magnetic plate cylinder. An arcuate bracket is mounted to a bottom side of the table and supports the top surface at a tangent to the plate cylinder with an upper edge of the table resting on the plate cylinder. The bracket engages a locating cylinder having an axis substantially parallel to the magnetic plate cylinder and lying adjacent to the magnetic plate cylinder.

Abstract: In system and method for registering a flexographic printing plate on a printing cylinder, the printing plate is provided with two alignment holes. A first registration pin is moved with a precision adjustment device to a predetermined location adjacent the cylinder. One of the alignment holes is aligned with the first pin, and the first pin is moved into that hole. The printing plate is then adjusted to move the other hole into alignment with a second registration pin, and the second pin is moved into the other hole. The plate is then adhered to the printing cylinder, and the registration pins withdrawn.

Abstract: A sheet to be clamped includes registration holes at its edges. The leading and trailing ends of the sheet are superimposed, then positioned and clamped with respect to a cylinder by means of a clamping bar. The sheet is tensioned by use of an adjustable tensioner rod. Vernier-type scales on the sheet and cylinder aid in measuring and setting the desired tension. A longitudinal edge of the sheet is located by pins suitably located on the cylinder. In alternative embodiments, the clamping bar and tensioner rod are combined in a unit, or the clamping bar is formed in split sections to receive the sheet therebetween.

Abstract: The invention comprises a step and repeat board having an upper surface with oriented peaks and valleys, the valleys intersecting one another to form a texture or finish constituting a level hair-line cell structure wherein the valleys preferably have an average depth on the order of 0.003 to 0.004 inches.

Abstract: The invention comprises a step and repeat board having an upper surface with oriented peaks and valleys.

Abstract: A reticle frame for precisely holding a reticle or mask used in photolithography with a minimum of distortion. A plurality of adjusting screws are used to accurately position the reticle within the frame. Transversely compliant axial loading springs opposing the adjusting screws reduce the bending forces acting on the reticle. Precision balls are used to establish a plane for the reticle further reducing bending forces thereon causing less distortion and thereby proving greater resolution when the reticle image is reproduced on a semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A board for precise and repeatable alignment and registration of plural workpieces includes a planar board member (10) with a plurality of registration pins (28,30,32) mounted thereon. The workpieces have holes in which the registration pins are received. At least one of the pins is mounted so that it can move multidirectionally within the plane of the board to maintain registration of the multiple workpieces.

Abstract: A printing press is provided having an improved register cam incorporated therein, the printing press also including a transverse alignment mechanism for aligning the printing medium prior to printing thereon. The improved register cam includes adjustment means associated therewith for selectively adjusting the linear position of the alignment member responsible for engaging and the aligning the printing medium.

Abstract: An alignment and transfer device for transferring selected indicia from a backing sheet to a substrate which includes a slide movable along a track. A protector sheet with a release agent is secured to the track. A grid transfer sheet is attached to the slide and has a low-tack adhesive on its underside. Indicia are temporarily transferred to the underside of the grid sheet by applying manual pressure through the grid transfer sheet as by a burnishing operation. As composition proceeds, the slide is progressively moved to place transferred indicia in registry with the protector sheet to prevent damage or inadvertent adherence of the indicia. Once the composition is completed, the slide and grid sheet are desengaged from the track and moved so that the indicia may be permanently transferred to the substrate at the substrate location.

Abstract: A printed circuit carrier which is deposited on a mobile table and has two spaced-apart holes is aligned with reference to the printing unit by two locating members one of which is fixed to the table and the other of which is movable relative to the table toward and away from the one locating member. The locating members are expandible and contractible and are introduced into the holes of a carrier on the table in contracted condition to be thereupon caused or permitted to expand and to thereby center the carrier on the table. If the distance x between the axes of the holes in the carrier on the table exceeds or is less than an optimum distance x', the table, the locating members and the carrier on the table are shifted in the longitudinal direction of a line connecting the axes of the holes in a direction counter to the direction of movement of the other locating member relative to the one locating member through half the difference between x and x'.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the production and editing of microfiche masters in which there is established on a transparent adhesive backing sheet (16) a plurality of reduced size exposed film frames each located in a particular location and orientation, and where one of the film frames on the adhesive backing (16) has to be replaced with an edited substitute film frame (62), removing the film frame (62) to be replaced from the adhesive backing sheet (16), and placing an apertured device (36) over the place from which the film frame (62) was removed so as to provide a guide aperture (40) for placement of the substitute film frame (62) in the same location as the removed film frame (62).

Abstract: Artwork often involves the placement of lettering along the arc of a circle. Practice is to use a compass to lay out the arc and then place the lettering along the arc. The arc is then erased. The present invention provides a lightbox whose platen is fitted with a vertical centerline and a pivot. Basemarks are positioned along the centerline, each at a distance from the pivot equal to the radius of a desired arc. The art sheet is placed on the platen so that the center of the desired arc falls over the pivot. The sheet is rotated about the pivot as successive letters are applied. The desired basemark is used as a position indicator for the base of each letter. The letter is oriented so that the centerline bisects it vertically. In one embodiment the pivot is adapted for use in punching a hole in the art paper.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a relief plate for letterpress printing on a carrier sheet includes a flat table for tautly fixing the carrier sheet, a holding stand extended across the flat table in the X-direction of a coordinate system, a first cursor connected to the holding stand for indicating a position in the Y-direction, and a second cursor connected to the holding stand for indicating a position in the X-direction. The apparatus further includes a first driving device for causing the holding stand to move in the Y-direction, a second driving device for causing the second cursor to move in the X-direction, a third driving device for causing the first and second cursors to move in a vertical direction, and a control unit which is computer-programmed to control the movements of the first and second cursors in the X-, Y- and vertical directions.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a movable upright registration pin extending above a horizontal work surface for locating workpieces on the tooling plate of a computer controlled drilling machine. A straight edge member, disposed in a channel in the surface of the tooling plate, provides two vertical reference surfaces which are precisely located to define a line of position for the registration pin. The registration pin is maintained upright in a carrier that is slidably disposed in a channel in the straight edge member between the two reference surfaces. The rotation of a cam bar disposed adjacent the carrier applies force to the carrier which causes the registration pin to bear against the two vertical reference surfaces to precisely and securely locate the pin on the line of position. The registration pin may be pushed by the spindle of the drilling machine along the line of position and then locked in the registration position under the automatic control of the drilling machine.