Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated loading, unloading and registration of a cylinder in an engraver. The method and apparatus permit the engraver to accommodate cylinders of differing geometries, including a range of lengths, diameters and mounting configurations. The engraver includes a headstock and a tailstock which cooperate to rotatably support a cylinder at an engraving station in the engraver. The engraver also includes a cylinder handling system having at least one cylinder support for supporting the cylinder between the headstock and tailstock during loading and unloading of the cylinder. The cylinder handling system is responsive to at least one parameter, such as a cylinder diameter, to automatically register the cylinder at the engraving station. In one form, the cylinder supports each include telescoping support member having a support nest for engaging and supporting the cylinder at the engraving station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated loading and unloading of a cylinder in an engraver. The method and apparatus permit the engraver to accommodate cylinders of differing geometries, including a range of lengths, diameters and mounting configurations. The engraver includes a headstock and a tailstock which cooperate to rotatably support a cylinder at an engraving station in the engraver. The engraver also comprises a cylinder handling system having at least one cylinder support for supporting the cylinder between the headstock and tailstock during loading and unloading of the cylinder. In one form, the cylinder supports each comprise a telescoping support member having a support nest for engaging and supporting the cylinder at the engraving station. In another form, the cylinder supports each include a support housing and a support structure mounted to the support housing. In this form, the support structure includes at least one cylinder receiving area.

Abstract: A system for locating a plurality of engraving heads on an engraver wherein a plurality of engraving heads are automatically positioned into a predetermined configuration. A mechanism for positioning the engraving heads preferably includes a leadscrew and a drive nut which is rotatable relative to the leadscrew. In addition, each of the engraving heads preferably includes a rotatable drive nut with a respective motor for rotating the nut whereby the heads may be selectively positioned into a predetermined configuration. In a further aspect of the invention, the engraving heads are mounted on a carriage which is movable in an axial direction relative to a cylinder to be engraved. The heads are selectively positionable on the carriage and the carriage includes a nut threadably engaged with a leadscrew whereby the carriage may be driven in an axial direction relative to the cylinder to be engraved.