Patent ID: 7121198

Claim:
A screen-printing machine ( 10 ) comprising: a print station ( 12 ) comprising a squeegee ( 28 ) and a screen support ( 24 ) for supporting a screen-printing screen ( 26 ), and an object holder ( 30 ) for holding an object to be printed, the screen support ( 24 ) and the squeegee ( 28 ) being mounted to move relative to each other; at least one support surface ( 40 A, 40 B) for supporting the objects away from the print station ( 12 ); and at least one transfer device ( 18 , 20 ) for transferring an object between a support surface ( 40 A, 40 B) and the object holder ( 30 ), which transfer device ( 18 , 20 ) comprises: a manipulator arm ( 54 ) equipped with an end clamp ( 56 ), the arm ( 54 ) being hinged relative to the support surface ( 40 A, 40 B) about a pivot axis (Z 1 -Z 1 ) and the clamp ( 56 ) being hinged relative,to the arm ( 54 ) about a tilt axis (R 1 -R 1 ) that is offset angularly from the pivot axis (Z 1 -Z 1 ); and synchronization means for synchronizing the movement of the arm ( 54 ) and the movement of the clamp ( 56 ) for moving the transfer device between a position opposite to the support surface ( 40 A, 40 B) and a position opposite to the print station ( 12 ); wherein the pivot axis (Z 1 -Z 1 ) of the arm ( 54 ) defines with the normal to the support surface ( 40 A, 40 B) a non-zero angle of inclination that is less than 45°.