Abstract: Improved Braille printers and Braille printer components for embossing Braille characters onto a paper substrate are disclosed. Methods of making using Braille printers and Braille printer components to form Braille characters on a paper substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for coating and identifying workpieces which preferably consist at least to some extent of wood, wood materials or the like. For this purpose, a curable liquid is used, preferably comprising ink, which, when cured, contains readable information or can receive said readable information.

Abstract: A refreshable Braille display device comprising a rotatable shaft a plurality of pairs of polygonal discs that selectively rotate about the shaft. Each disc comprises a plurality of outer edge surfaces, each of which comprising a plurality of cell elements fixedly disposed thereon wherein, the cell elements comprise pins, depressions, or a combination of both. The cell elements of two aligned outer surfaces of a pair of discs form a character cell representative of a Braille character. An outer surface is rotatable between one readable position and a plurality of non-readable positions wherein, a Braille character is accessible when the aligned outer surfaces are in the readable position. The device further comprises a converter module for converting text to output Braille and an order module for assigning a target outer surface to each disc in accordance with the output Braille.

Abstract: Vacuum-integrated photoresist-less methods and apparatuses for forming metal hardmasks can provide sub-30 nm patterning resolution. A metal-containing (e.g., metal salt or organometallic compound) film that is sensitive to a patterning agent is deposited on a semiconductor substrate. The metal-containing film is then patterned directly (i.e., without the use of a photoresist) by exposure to the patterning agent in a vacuum ambient to form the metal mask. For example, the metal-containing film is photosensitive and the patterning is conducted using sub-30 nm wavelength optical lithography, such as EUV lithography.

Abstract: An imprinter for creating impressions of designs in media such as buttercream, fondant, gum paste, modeling dough, and cookie dough for decoration. The imprinter includes a retainer having a retainer body and at least one retaining portion and a lock configured to be received by the retainer. The lock has a lock retaining portion engageable with the retaining portion of the retainer to selectably secure the lock to the retainer.

Abstract: A guiding device 10 for guiding at least one stamping foil 410 at the inlet to a platen press 310. The guiding device 10 includes a diverting member 20 which is mounted with the ability to move between a work position in which the diverting member 20 is able to direct each stamping foil 410 into the platen press 310 in a given feed plane, and a maintenance position in which the diverting member 20 is placed in a space directly accessible to a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for personalizing data card are disclosed. One embodiment includes a card receiver configured to receive one or more data cards, a control system connected to the card receiver, the control system configured to receive personalization information, an encoder system connected to the control system, the encoder system configured to encode the one or more data cards with at least some portion of the personalization information, a card reader connected to the control system, the card reader configured to read magnetic fingerprint information from the one or more data cards, and the control system configured to store the magnetic fingerprint information.

Abstract: A system for securing a card or paper with a printing component to print an image and an embossing component to emboss a pattern to emboss an impression at a configurable place on the paper. An embossing die may include a pattern to make the impression. The impression is correlative with the image to indicate a likelihood of authenticity. Multiple cards are includable on paper to be securable by the system. The image may include a code corresponding with a value usable with a merchant. A method to secure a card or paper is disclosed.

Abstract: A portable apparatus to electromechanically emboss Braille patterns includes a user input, such as a six-key with spacebar keyboard, actuators that drive embossing pins via cam shafts coupled to servo or stepper motors, a tape advancing mechanism, and a cutting and scoring assembly. Three actuators, such as servo or stepper motors, may each be coupled to one shaft on which two or more cams drive two or more embossing pins for each row of two dots in the six dot Braille cell.

Abstract: A tattoo applicator for applying temporary tattoos to a subject, the tattoo applicator including a handheld housing and a sponge moveably supported by the housing to moisten the temporary tattoo and to apply pressure to the temporary tattoo. In some examples, the housing defines a retaining slot for receiving a tattoo-forming sheet. In some examples, the tattoo applicator includes a timer. In some examples, the tattoo applicator includes a push rod and a tattoo mount supported by the housing, the tattoo mount defining a port through which the push rod extends. In some examples, the tattoo applicator includes a fluid reservoir mounted to the housing.

Abstract: An adjustable stamp for stamping characters on a workpiece, including a base plate with a platen, a plurality of stamps each having a raised character on one side, a stamp holder, and a support securing the stamps to the holder in an array while allowing limited free motion of the stamps relative to each other in the stamping and retract directions. The support is mounted to the base plate for movement in a plane substantially perpendicular to the stamping direction to selectively position one of the stamps over the platen. The base plate and the workpiece may be pressed together, whereby the raised character of the one stamp is stamped into the workpiece by the platen pressing against the opposite side of the one stamp, with the free motion of the other stamps preventing their raised characters from being stamped into the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to an embossing apparatus for embossing cards, in particular plastic cards, comprising a feed unit for feeding a card into an embossing region, and an embossing device. The embossing device comprises a displaceable, actuatable embossing die which can be positioned above a position that is to be embossed in the embossing region; a plunger unit which has a displaceable plunger for moving forward the actuatable embossing die, and a striking mechanism for applying pressure to the plunger of the plunger unit in order to carry out an embossing on a card in the embossing region by means of the embossing die.

Abstract: A combination embosser and printing system. The combination embosser and printing system creates a raised seal or image having one or more areas of inked image in and/or around the raised image. The combination embossing and printing system is adapted to emboss and print a substrate in a single actuation of the system. The system generally includes an embossing assembly adapted to form at least one raised image area on a substrate and a printing assembly adapted to form at least one inked image area on the substrate.

Abstract: A hand-held device and a method for affixing a seal impression on a paper document are provided. The hand-held device includes a processor, a memory unit, an input unit, and a seal impression generation unit for generating a seal impression. The processor generates a file code in response to a file code generation request and generates a control signal. The seal impression generation unit generates a seal impression according to the control signal of the processor. After the seal impression is affixed on a paper document, the processor generates a log file in response to a log file generation request.

Abstract: An adjustable stamp for stamping characters on a workpiece, including a base plate with a platen, a plurality of stamps each having a raised character on one side, a stamp holder, and a support securing the stamps to the holder in an array while allowing limited free motion of the stamps relative to each other in the stamping and retract directions. The support is mounted to the base plate for movement in a plane substantially perpendicular to the stamping direction to selectively position one of the stamps over the platen. The base plate and the workpiece may be pressed together, whereby the raised character of the one stamp is stamped into the workpiece by the platen pressing against the opposite side of the one stamp, with the free motion of the other stamps preventing their raised characters from being stamped into the workpiece.

Abstract: A punch press tool for stamping successive multicharacter impressions into a workpiece such as a piece of steel, sheet metal, or other workpiece, includes a guide body in which a stamp driver is slidably mounted for being driven downwardly toward the workpiece by a punch press ram which is a standard part of a high speed commercial punch press. A multicharacter marking stamp is supported at the lower end of the stamp driver for reciprocal movement therewith. The marking stamp includes multicharacter wheels that are rotated automatically during operation for advancing characters in sequence responsive to the movement of a character advancing arm. At least one character stamp operating lever is operatively associated with the punch press tool for articulation responsive to motion imparted to the tool by the ram.

Abstract: An indent printing apparatus that is capable of indent printing on both sides of a document. A desktop card printer that uses the indent printing apparatus, a method of personalizing a document in the printer, and a ribbon cartridge used with the indent printing apparatus are also disclosed. The indent printing apparatus has first and second indenting mechanisms and uses first and second indent printing ribbon cartridges to enable indent printing on both side surfaces of the document.

Abstract: A portable apparatus to electromechanically emboss Braille patterns includes a user input, such as a six-key with spacebar keyboard, actuators that drive embossing pins via cam shafts coupled to servo or stepper motors, a tape advancing mechanism, and a cutter and scoring assembly. Three actuators, such as servo or stepper motors, may each be coupled to one shaft on which two or more cams drive two or more embossing pins for each row of two dots in the six dot Braille cell.

Abstract: An embossing hand tool includes a first handle that can be operatively supported by a flat surface. The first handle includes a first embossing die and may also include a changeable indicia supported by a heated axle. A second embossing die may include a resilient pad opposite the changeable indicia. A second handle is coupled to the first handle and to the second embossing die with one of the couplings being a pivotal coupling and the other coupling being a sliding coupling. A link is coupled to the first handle and to the second embossing die with one of the couplings being a pivotal coupling and the other coupling being a sliding coupling. The link is further coupled to the second handle at a pivot point equidistant from the other couplings such that the first embossing die and the second embossing die remain substantially parallel throughout their range of motion.

Abstract: Instruments for modifying flat substrates to emboss, imprint or cut one or more patterns thereon includes an operative unit for modifying the substrate and structure which positions the substrate relative to the operative unit to enable the unit to interact with the substrate and modify it. Several different combinations of operative units and positioning structure are envisioned with each providing a different form of the substrate. The different combinations may be used together to create a piece of art from individually modified substrates.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making e.g. boardlike objects (11) arranged in a pile (12), in which method the objects are marked with a marking printed by a print head (26) and containing e.g. information about the object. To improve the marking quality, the objects are pressed together to reduce or eliminate gaps between them in the direction of compression, and the marking is made on an edge of the object that is parallel to the direction of compression of the objects.

Abstract: A gear stage assembly having a gear stage with two meshing gearwheels for mechanically transmitting a torque includes individual magnets arranged in the form of a ring on each of the gearwheels in a manner corresponding to that of the teeth of the gearwheels, for producing magnetic forces in the gear stage, individual magnets of respective ones of the magnets formed in a ring being arranged with alternating polarity in the direction of rotation and forming a stage of magnets in a ring disposed parallel to the gear stage, for producing a preload torque in the gear stage; and a varnishing unit including the gear stage assembly.

Abstract: A marking press device having a pair of type arms that face each other to interpose a workpiece to be marked therebetween, a type fixed on each of said type arms for making a mark thereof, a circular type assembling member around which a plurality of said type arms are attached radially, a device for rotatably supporting said type assembling member around a rotary shaft and for pressing a selected type from said type assembling member onto said workpiece, a driver for rotating said type assembling member, a ribbon guiding mechanism that guides an inked ribbon for coloring marked characters, a ribbon supplying spool for supplying said inked ribbon, a ribbon winding spool for winding said inked ribbon, a ribbon frame to which said ribbon guiding mechanism, said ribbon supplying spool and said ribbon winding spool are mounted, and ribbon frame turning device for rotatably supporting said ribbon frame and turning said ribbon frame to a horizontal position above said type arms when said inked ribbon is replaced.

Abstract: A marking press device having a pair of type arms that face each other to interpose a workpiece to be marked therebetween, a type fixed on each of said type arms for making a mark thereof, a circular type assembling member around which a plurality of said type arms are attached radially, a device for rotatably supporting said type assembling member around a rotary shaft and for pressing a selected type from said type assembling member onto said workpiece, a driver for rotating said type assembling member, a ribbon guiding mechanism that guides an inked ribbon for coloring marked characters, a ribbon supplying spool for supplying said inked ribbon, a ribbon winding spool for winding said inked ribbon, a ribbon frame to which said ribbon guiding mechanism, said ribbon supplying spool and said ribbon winding spool are mounted, and ribbon frame turning device for rotatably supporting said ribbon frame and turning said ribbon frame to a horizontal position above said type arms when said inked ribbon is replaced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stamping distinguishing marks on parts moving in the feed direction of a roll line, comprising at least one mark-holder for holding a mark, the mark-holder being placed on the circumference of a stamping wheel. The inventive device comprises an eccentric stamping wheel which is mounted so as to rotate in a stamping unit and which can be accelerated in rotation by means of driving mechanism in synchronism with the speed of the parts to be stamped with a distinguishing mark. The stamping wheel applies a force on the parts to be stamped with a distinguishing mark which can be adjusted continuously and constantly. It is possible to adjust the horizontal, vertical and possibly oblique orientation of the stamping position of the stamping wheel. The inventive device is also characterized in that it comprises a range measuring device for the moving parts, which is used to control a horizontal driving mechanism for tracking the stamping unit carrying the stamping wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing elevations which can be detected in a tactile manner on a flat recording medium, with the following components: at least one stamp with several printing areas which are provided with one or several elevations; at least one printing plate with several recesses; a drive device to move the stamp in a recording direction along the recording medium; an adjusting device to adjust the stamp so as to bring a printing area to a printing position in which the elevations of the respective printing area are opposite of the recesses of the printing plate and a printing device to press the stamp against the printing plate in order to form one or several recesses on the interposed recording medium which correspond to elevations on the opposite side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stamping distinguishing marks on the parts moving in the feed direction of a transport device, e.g. a roll line, comprising at least one mark-holder for holding a mark, the mark-holder being removably placed on the circumference of a stamping wheel. The inventive device comprises at least one hopper for the mark-holders. The hopper for the mark-holders and the stamping wheel can be placed relatively to one another, in a position where the mark-holders of the stamping wheel can pass through cavities of the mark-holder hopper, and the mark-holders of the mark-holder hopper can pass directly through cavities of the stamping wheel. A revolver hopper comprising mark-holder pins which can move axially with it is rotatably mounted and has the same axis as the stamping wheel.

Abstract: Lightweight, programmable marking apparatus for moving a marking head to coordinate positions utilizing two fixed stepper motors performing in conjunction with a belt and pulley drive and cam drive systems. The dynamics of pneumatically driven marking pins within marking heads are accommodated for by dual guide rods mounted on marking base frame and material contacting standoffs. Improved marking head structure is provided utilizing a polyetherimide material and the use of an internal spring, rather than air pressure, to retract the marking pin to its top position. The lightweight design of the marking apparatus permits it to be adapted for hand held use.

Abstract: A press for the stamping of plates, in combination with a cutting apparatus, provided with two magazines that are formed on the press table, while the magazines accommodate registers that are positioned horizontally with respect to one another, whereby each register encompasses a series of holders for stamping tools that have the same or differing width. The holders are positioned vertically with respect to one another. The stamping tools are combined in pairs and, by computer control, can be positioned at the height of the press table by vertical drives and horizontal drives and into correspondence with the plate design that is to be stamped into a sheet metal strip. The stamping tool pairs can also be slid into the press, and be removable therefrom, by additional horizontal drives using the press, it is possible to stamp out plates, particularly vehicle license plates, having a design in which the individual symbols are either in registered layout or in a free (or non-registered) layout.

Abstract: An improvement is provided for an embossing machine of the type having a rotating dual die character wheel assembly. The die character wheels are mounted independently from their outer surfaces within the embossing machine so that a completely unobstructed region exists between the character wheels. This allows a workpiece to be marked to pass unimpeded through the region so that the entire workpiece is capable of being marked. Pinion gears are provided at the outer periphery of the character wheels which engage ring gears mounted on the character wheels whereby the character wheels are rotated simultaneously.

Abstract: A multi-hopper embosser comprising a card processing apparatus (13, 14, 15) for performing encoding, embossing and tipping processings on a card, plural hoppers (11) which are connected to the card processing apparatus via a loader unit (12) and adapted to stock cards therein, and a control apparatus (18) for controlling the card processing apparatus and the loader unit (12) to take out the card from a selected one of the plural hoppers (11) and perform the encoding, embossing and tipping processings on the card taken out.

Abstract: An embossing device, which can produce traditional braille cells and crisp, well-defined, raised images of graphical subjects is disclosed. Embossing of sheet material is accomplished using punches which have embossing faces shaped to mate with recessed areas on the surface of a platen.

Abstract: A trigger gun to impart a stamp member in engagement with a face to permit identification of an associated workpiece is provided, wherein a trigger safety mechanism is arranged to provide for selective release of a first trigger upon pivoting of a second trigger to displace a second trigger link from a first trigger receiving slot permitting actuation of the first trigger to effect actuation of an associated impact mechanism within the gun.

Abstract: A device for forming Braille characters for tactile sensation or impression onto an embossable substrate includes a substantially block-like main body. At least one array of six Braille printing pins is contained in the block in a 2.times.3 Braille cell configuration. Each said pin is contained in a first cylindrical bore and is movable between a retracted position whereby it does not protrude from the block, and an extended position whereby the tip of the pin protrudes from the block. Means are associated with each said pin for maintaining each pin in an extended position.

Abstract: An embossing apparatus (22) includes an embossing wheel (28) having a punch side (30) and a die side (32). The embossing wheel (28) has punch blocks (50) and die blocks (52) spaced around its periphery. A card (20) is carried to an embossing position by card transport (24) and aligned by a guide plate (36). The embossing is done by pushing the punch blocks (50) and die blocks (52) against the card (20) by a hammer (42, 42a) driven by a solenoid (38, 38a). Character return plates (46, 46a), located on the outer sides of the embossing wheel (28) engaging the inside of character blocks (35), spring the character blocks (35) and solenoid shaft (40, 40a) back to a home at rest position when the embossing stroke is completed. The solenoids (38, 38a) have bumpers (54, 54a) mounted thereon for controlling the motion of the shaft (40, 40 a).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting a plurality of print wheels, in an automated cable making machine for imprinting a desired set of characters onto a connector housing. The method includes a unique way of homing each of the print wheels to a known position prior to setting the print wheels to their desired print positions. This is a done by rotating each print wheel until a rod, which is constrained to move only along its longitudinal axis, can be inserted into an opening in the print wheel. This prevents further rotation of the print wheel thereby indicating that the wheel is in its home position.

Abstract: An imprinter for imprinting a document with two lines of information forming two rows of alphanumeric characters wherein the two rows of imprinted characters have corresponding characters and corresponding relative character positions such that each line contains the same informational content, one of the lines of rows being substantially tamperproof and the other being machine readable.

Abstract: An embossing system is disclosed for embossing cards with characters of at least two pitches. A number of embossers equal to the number of lines of characters to be embossed on the card are positioned in line. Each embosser is dedicated to the embossing of a particular line of characters with a particular pitch. A common transport belt conveys the cards from an input hopper past the embossing stations of each of the line embossers to a wait station. During embossing, the transport belt is moved from the current longitudinal position to the longitudinal position where the closest next character(s) are to be embossed by any one of the embossers. The embossed cards are conveyed from the wait station to a topper which applies topping to the embossed characters.

Abstract: A system for embossing a plurality of lines and recording encoded tracks of digitally encoded characters for credit cards is disclosed. The system has an improved recording station for recording digitally encoded characters, indent embossing unit, card transporting unit, process for verifying the accuracy of recording the tracks; and stacker.

Abstract: A device for embossing braille characters on an embossable substrate includes the combination of a feed device advancing the substrate and embossing head for embossing dots on the substrate. The embossing head is movable relative to the feed device to emboss horizontal lines of dots on the substrate in predetermined patterns. One horizontal line of Braille characters can be printed on a substrate by the embossing of three horizontal lines of dots on the substrate, the substrate being advanced between the horizontal lines of dots by the feed device.

Abstract: An embossing system is disclosed for embossing cards with characters of at least two pitches. A number of embossers equal to the number of lines of characters to be embossed on the card are positioned in line. Each embosser is dedicated to the embossing of a particular line of characters with a particular pitch. A common transport belt conveys the cards from an input hopper past the embossing stations of each of the in line embossers to a wait station. During embossing, the transport belt is moved from the current longitudinal position to the longitudinal position where the closest next character(s) are to be embossed by any one of the embossers. The embossed cards are conveyed from the wait station to a topper which applies topping to the embossed characters.

Abstract: A stamping tool used for cold marking comprising a container and at least one marking element. Each of the marking elements is a rotatable wheel mounted to rotate individually whereby the character stamped may be changed. The marking elements are mounted in the container in a manner such that the rotatable wheels may be manually rotated without dismantling the tool. Each wheel extends beyond the container in a lateral direction to permit manual adjustment of the wheel and downwardly below the container to facilitate marking with the wheel. A plunger is supported on the marking elements, and is adapted to be hit by a piston.

Abstract: A head with rotatable marking wheels indexable to select any one of a plurality of die symbols for marking a workpiece with a selected series of symbols. Each marking wheel is indexed by an associated cogwheel and a drive pawl which also prevents the marking wheel from overshooting the desired position when indexed. A centering pawl and the cogwheel also cooperate to yieldably center a die symbol in its desired position when its marking wheel is indexed and if it is shifted from such position by engagement with a workpiece.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an embossing machine having an indexing mechanism including an indexing wheel carrying a plurality of embossing stamps which are individually rotated into association with an opposing anvil during relative opening motion between a pair of die elements thereby indexing a different embossing stamp to its embossing position and applying different codes to the material passing through the embossing machine, the indexing mechanism further including a spring-biased arm carrying an indexing detent for yieldably holding the indexing wheel in one of a plurality of desired positions, and a pivotally mounted pawl acting against pins of the indexing wheel to rotate the latter and release the indexing detent between successive embossing operations.

Abstract: A stamping device includes a baseplate, a slide mounted on the baseplate, a carriage movably mounted on the slide, and a punch holder coupled to the carriage for movement therewith. The carriage is movable in an adjustable, predetermined indexical manner to allow for precise aligning and positioning of the punch or die imprints.

Abstract: A system for applying indicia to container closure stock wherein a reciprocating press is programmed to control the odds for the application of a plurality of indicia to be used for promotional material of the game type. The press anvil strokes are detected and counted and the die carrier is moved to a selected die in accordance with the program. Each die of the plurality of dies available is selected a predetermined number of times but the odds are accurately controlled.

Abstract: The device for embossing Braille code characters on a movable paper web includes a set of plungers supported for reciprocating movement against a stationary matrix for embossing dots in respective lines; a continuously reciprocating beam is arranged below the lower ends of all plungers and each plunger cooperates with an actuation device such as a solenoid which selectively deviates the lower end of the plunger out of engagement or into engagement with the impact surface of the reciprocating beam.

Abstract: An automatic embossing system, having punch and die wheels respectively carrying axially aligned associated punches and dies disposed about their perimeters, is provided with an improved drive mechanism for actuation of a desired punch and die pair to emboss a card disposed therebetween. The drive mechanism includes a pair of bail arms driven in continuous oscillation by a uniquely shaped cam, each bail arm carrying an adjustably mounted solenoid actuated interposer. By firing the solenoid, the interposers are disposed between driving surfaces of the respectively associated bail arms so as to engage the driving ends of the punch and die pair. The interposer structures are independently adjustable, thereby permitting ease of adjustment of the height of embossed characters formed in the card.

Abstract: A marking apparatus is provided having a wheel with a plurality of radial slots for receipt of stamps having marking indicia thereon. An internal axially rotatable disc has a cam engageable with the stamp ends causing selected ones to protrude from the wheel periphery. A slot in the disc receives a lateral extension from each stamp for retaining them in retracted position. A segment of the slot adjacent the cam curves radially outward to allow the stamp contacted by the cam to slide outward and protrude from the wheel.

Abstract: In a marking head having one or more marking wheels each rotated step-wise by a reciprocating actuating pawl engaged in successive circumferentially arranged recesses on the wheel and secured in marking position by a retainer pawl engaged under a spring bias successively in the recesses, improved structure wherein the recesses and retainer pawl have circumferentially spaced apart interengaged cam surfaces which permit circumferential shifting of the wheel induced by surface irregularities in a workpiece being marked and facilitate spring return of the wheel to centered position after the marking, each recess having a flat bottom engaged by a blunt flat end face of the actuating pawl, each recess having a flat rearwardly facing shoulder adjacent its forward cam surface engaged by a blunt forward face of the actuating pawl.