US3868901A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for mechanical contact in printing on ceramic tableware
Assignee: Interspace Corp
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Filing: 1973-08-09
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Granted: 1975-03-04
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Expires: 1993-08-09
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for improving mechanical contact of a flexible transfer member with an item of ceramic tableware. A transfer surface (preferably silicon rubber) is on the transfer member and is provided with a relatively thick, partly dry skinlike film of a colorant thereon. The colorant film contacts the tableware and thereafter the transfer surface is withdrawn quickly from the colorant film whereby the colorant film is imparted in its entirety intact onto the tableware. An air inflatable, vacuum deflatable balloon biases the transfer member to move the transfer surface into and quickly out of contact with the tableware. An open mesh latex fabric is interposed between the balloon and the transfer member to obviate formation of gas pockets therebetween. A perforated metal plate restrains the balloon when it is moved out of contact with the tableware.
Inventors
- 👤 Jose Valiela
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 18:59
CPC Classifications
B; B44; B44C; B44C3/00; B44C3/08; B44C3/087; B41; B41F; B41F15/00; B41F15/08; B41F15/0895; B41F17/00; B41F17/006; B44C1/00; B44C1/16; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S428/00; Y10S428/909; Y10T; Y10T156/00; Y10T156/17; Y10T156/1702; Y10T156/1705
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
In an apparatus for applying a decorative colorant to an item of ceramic tableware; wherein the apparatus comprises in combination: a rigid planar ring defining a central opening, an elastic open mesh net secured to the ring and covering the opening, the net provided with a solid area having a total release transfer surface thereon within the area of the opening, the colorant printed on at least one area of the transfer surface, the net being resiliently displaceable out of the plane of the ring whereby to permit the colorant on the transfer surface to be engaged into contact with the tableware so that it is printed thereon, a gas inflatable and vacuum deflatable balloon operable against the net for biasing same iN a direction to move the transfer surface into a quickly out of contact with the tableware; an improvement comprising a permeable flexible fabric interposed between the balloon and the solid area to obviate formation of gas pockets therebetween.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
In an apparatus for applying a decorative colorant to an item of ceramic tableware; wherein the apparatus comprises in combination: a rigid planar ring defining a central opening, an elastic open mesh net secured to the ring and covering the opening, the net provided with a solid area having a total release transfer surface thereon within the area of the opening, the colorant printed on at least one area of the transfer surface, the net being resiliently displaceable out of the plane of the ring whereby to permit the colorant on the transfer surface to be engaged into contact with the tableware so that it is printed thereon, a gas inflatable and vacuum deflatable balloon operable against the net for biasing same iN a direction to move the transfer surface into a quickly out of contact with the tableware; an improvement comprising a permeable flexible fabric interposed between the balloon and the solid area to obviate formation of gas pockets therebetween.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination set forth in claim 1 with the permeable flexible fabric being open mesh latex.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The combination set forth in claim 2 with the permeable flexible latex fabric being connected to the balloon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The combination set forth in claim 3 and the balloon provided with conduit means in flow communication with a source of the vaccum, a rigid permeable member interposed between the balloon and the conduit means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination set forth in claim 4 and a housing defining the conduit means, the housing defining also an enlarged recess between the rigid permeable member and the conduit means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination set forth in claim 5 and the rigid permeable member a perforated plate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination set forth in claim 4 and the rigid permeable member a perforated plate.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-03 | 1978-09-02 | 1979-03-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-03 | 1982-09-02 | 1983-03-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-03 | 1986-09-02 | 1987-03-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |