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Puzzle machine and method of operating same

  • US 7,486,841 B2
  • Filed: 04/14/2005
  • Issued: 02/03/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/14/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for producing a customized jigsaw puzzle, comprising:

  • an image capturing mechanism that captures one or more images of one or more individuals, animals, or objects or combinations of these posed against a background;

    a printer;

    a supply of flexible sheets having a printable surface;

    a computer linked to the image capturing mechanism and printer, and programmed to print an image on a flexible sheet;

    a supply of foam sheets thicker and more rigid than the flexible sheets;

    a pressure responsive adhesive material; and

    a press having a platen that carries a jigsaw puzzle cutting die, the press when activated using pressure to laminate the flexible sheet bearing the printed image and the foam sheet together and to set the adhesive material used as a binder to form a laminated product, and substantially simultaneously to cut the laminated product into jigsaw puzzle pieces which further comprises an external housing to cover the printer and press, the housing having an exit and a puzzle conveyor which can convey a customized jigsaw puzzle from inside the housing to the outside.

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