Method for thermally printing a dye image onto a three dimensional object using flexible heating elements
US7563341B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 21, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB44C1/1712
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method for thermally printing a pre-selected dye image (45) onto a three dimensional object (16). The method involves placing an image carrier sheet (24) containing a pre-selected dye image (45) over the object (16). A flexible membrane (26) is lowered over the object (16) and the image carrier sheet (24). A vacuum is established under the membrane (26) causing the image carrier sheet (24) to conform to the shape of the object (16). The membrane (26) or image carrier sheet (24) carry flexible heating elements (36), which are heated, to thermally transfer the dye image (45) onto the object (16). The flexible heating elements (36) can be made by etching an electrical circuit in a metal foil (34) which is bonded to a film substrate (30).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.