Location History:
- Marshall, MO (US) (2004 - 2005)
- Little Elm, TX (US) (2010)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2004-2010
Title: Innovator Spotlight: Dan Cunningham from Little Elm, TX
Introduction: Dan Cunningham is an accomplished inventor based in Little Elm, Texas, with a notable focus on innovations in the printing industry. With a total of three patents to his name, Cunningham has made significant contributions to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of UV curing processes in flexographic printing.
Latest Patents: Cunningham's latest patents exemplify his ingenuity and technical expertise. One of his prominent inventions is a "UV curing assembly having a sheet transfer unit with a heat sink vacuum plate." This innovative assembly is designed for use above an ultraviolet curing unit in a flexographic printing press for printing corrugated sheets. Featuring a vacuum plate with integrated heat sinks, the assembly effectively dissipates heat from the UV curing unit into the air, ensuring optimal adhesion and performance of printed substrates.
Another noteworthy patent is the "zoned ultraviolet curing system for printing presses." This system is engineered to dry UV inks and coatings efficiently. By utilizing a series of linear UV lamps arranged laterally across the substrate's travel path, this invention ensures that every point passes directly under at least one lamp, improving curing efficiency. The system also possesses a variable power supply and control mechanism that allows users to conserve energy by turning off unnecessary lamps and includes features such as an upstream IR heater to preheat materials for better curing results.
Career Highlights: Dan Cunningham's work at Printing Research, Inc. has been instrumental in fostering advancements in printing technologies. His patented inventions not only enhance operational capabilities but also address critical issues such as energy consumption and process efficiency within the industry.
Collaborations: Throughout his career, Cunningham has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Howard W. DeMoore and Howard C. Secor. These partnerships have enabled him to leverage diverse expertise in developing cutting-edge solutions in the printing sector.
Conclusion: With a clear focus on innovation and improvement, Dan Cunningham exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking inventor. His patented advancements in UV curing technology are set to make a lasting impact on the printing industry, further elevating the standards of quality and efficiency in the field. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, Cunningham remains a key figure in the evolution of printing technologies.