The Hillman Group, Inc.

Kroy LLC

Mark Leslie Tarter

James Francis Huss

Kenneth C Booth

Gary Edward Will

George Lynn Hagen

Bryan Keith Solace

Carl T Ito

Scott Basham

Ryan Hamblin

Michael A Mueller

Mike Mueller

Jordan D Shoenhair

Ryan J Bruce

Yani A Deros

Matthew J Ibarra

Dennis V Baumann

David Musil

John A Spencer

A process and apparatus for sublimating images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images according to the spatial arrangement. The apparatus is configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.

Automated simultaneous multiple article sublimation printing process and apparatus

A safe, integrated dye sublimation printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto a selected product using one or more heating platens to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured to sublimate one or more opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.

Integrated sublimation printing apparatus

A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more sides of a product simultaneously using a single heating platen are disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the transfer media onto a substrate. A product to receive the sublimated image is positioned on top of the transfer media, and the apparatus manipulates the transfer media to substantially surround the product and place at least one image onto each side of the product to be sublimated. A single heating platen then engages the transfer media to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured, using a control, to sublimate opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.

Single heating platen double-sided sublimation printing process and apparatus

An automated key duplication system that includes a system housing, a key identification system, a key cutting system, a key blank storage system, a key blank transfer assembly, and a duplicated key retrieval opening is disclosed. The key identification system may be housed at least partially within the system housing and is configured to identify a master key. The key blank storage system comprises a plurality of rods configured to removably couple to a plurality of key carriers. The key blank transfer assembly is housed within the housing is configured to remove one key carrier of the plurality of key carriers from the key blank storage system with the key retrieving apparatus and transport the one key carrier and the key blank coupled thereto from the key blank storage to the key cutting system. The duplicated key retrieval opening is positioned on the housing to receive the one key blank after the one key blank has been cut.

Automated key duplication system and method

Implementations of key blank carriers or key blanks with a standard reference features may include alignment features on a key blank head, key blank tip, a key blank carrier coupled to a key blank sleeve and/or a key blank sleeve, and any feature directly attached to any portion of the key that may be used for referencing in the key duplication system, or any combination of these. The standard reference features may allow any key blank brand model to interface with the machine so as to consistently align each key, regardless of its make and model, for cutting in a universally configured key blank clamp that is clamped to reduce the movement of the key blank during duplication cutting.

Key blank and carrier adapted for positioning a key blank in a cutter during bit cutting

A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images on transfer media to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images onto the media according to the spatial arrangement, then position the media onto a substrate. The products are automatically placed on the media proximate to their corresponding printed images. The apparatus manipulates the media to substantially surround the products and places at least one image onto each side of each product to be sublimated. One or more heating platens engage the media to sublimate the images. The heating platens are configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.

An automatic product sublimation process is disclosed allowing for point-of-sale customization of sublimation parameters in a retail environment. A dye sublimation transfer printing system is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the media onto a substrate. A selected product is positioned on top of the media. The system is configured to automatically determine, by a processor, one or more of a temperature and duration of a single thermal cycle to sublimate the one or more images onto the selected product. The determination may be based on properties of the product, characteristics of the images, or both. One or more heating platens engage the transfer media to sublimate the product in a single thermal cycle, wherein at least one of the cycle's temperature and duration match the determined values. The disclosed process improves the quality of the sublimation technique, yet requires no substantive operator training.

Automatic sublimated product customization system and process

A safe, integrated dye sublimation transfer printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then align the transfer media onto a substrate. A selected product to receive the sublimated image is positioned on top of the transfer media, and one or more heating platens then engage the transfer media to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured to sublimate one or more opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.

Integrated sublimation transfer printing apparatus

A key duplication system may include a housing, a key blank receiving aperture, a cutter and a clamp adjacent to the receiving aperture, wherein the key blank is guided to a predetermined position in relation to the cutter through engagement of a carrier with the housing. A method of aligning a key blank blade with a key blank carrier in relation to a cutter may include guiding a key blade into a cutting position through contact with a key blade receiving aperture, securing at least a portion of the carrier with a clamp, cutting a key bit pattern into the key blank blade and releasing the key blank.

Interaction between a key duplication housing and a key blank carrier

A key duplication system comprising a key duplication housing wherein at least one key receiving aperture on a first side of the housing sized to receive a key blade and at least one key clamp adjacent to the at least one key receiving aperture, the clamp comprising a first clamp arm with a surface topography corresponding to a first key blade surface topography and a second clamp arm with a surface topography corresponding to a second key blade different from the first key blade.

Growing community of inventors

Mesa, AZ, United States of America

Mark Leslie Tarter