Abstract: An embosser and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the embosser has a frame, a hammer and an anvil and includes: (1) a ram coupled to the frame and oriented to apply a force in a given direction and (2) force translators, coupled to the ram and the hammer, that reorient the force in a direction substantially normal to a plane of a face of the hammer and limit a cant of the hammer with respect to the anvil.

Abstract: A flat embossing machine for flat material (5) to be embossed has a flat press (2), an embossing table (3) and a tool plate (4). At least one foil web (6) passes through foil loop stores (10, 20) each with a differential pressure device (30) for shaping a foil loop (12) with an air pressure difference exerted on the foil web. A foil feed device (24) and a tensioning device (25) are on each side of the flat press and a foil feed control (52) operates in synchronism with the press cycle so that the foil web is stopped during the embossing phase (TP) on the embossing table (3) and is advanced to the next embossing position during the embossing-free phase. Speed differences between the feed speed (VV) at the embossing location and web speed (V7) at the unwinding roll or at the removal device (V8) are compensated for by corresponding increases and decreases in the size of the loops (L1, L2) in the foil stores. This allows high embossing speeds with optimum quality.

Abstract: A method for impression microengravings, which reproduce holograms, kinetic holograms, or diffraction patterns, directly on paper through an embossing process. Paper is subjected to a humidification step to give it a degree of humidity between 60 and 80% of relative humidity. The humidified paper is then passed through an embossing group, consisting of an embossing cylinder carrying the microengravings and a counterthrust cylinder, at a temperature and a pressure on the paper within the ranges of 90-220.degree. C. and 20-120 kg/mm.sup.2, respectively.

Abstract: A printing machine includes, like a gold blocking press, a printing plate mobile relative to an object support to apply to an object to be printed a foil appropriate to the required printing. The printing plate is curved when in contact with a support block mounted so that it can rock on an applicator head mobile transversely to the object support. Applications of the printing machine include printing on flat objects.

Abstract: The invention includes a self-aligning die platen assembly for use with a cooperating die platen assembly to form a die set. The self-aligning die platen assembly comprises a die shoe and a platen having a working face for operational cooperation with a corresponding working face of the cooperating die platen assembly. The platen is mounted in the die shoe and has a freely rockable condition therein which permits the platen to be moved into an aligned operational position in which its working face conforms to the corresponding working face of the cooperating die platen when the assemblies are closed. The die platen assembly also includes a locking element for securely maintaining the self-aligning platen in the operational position. A preferred locking device includes a low temperature melting alloy.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hot-stamped decal includes seven steps which are: step (a): to prepare a metalized polyester film comprising a metalized layer disposed on a top surface thereof, a clear polyester sheet disposed to an under side of the metalized layer, an adhesive layer disposed to an under side of the clear polyester sheet and a release sheet disposed to an under side of the adhesive layer; step (b): to prepare crystallized particles; step (c): to add the crystallized particles into a volatile solution to let the crystallized particles in the volatile solution be in an over-saturated status; step (d): to add ink into the over-saturated solution of step (c); step (e): to use the solution of step (d) to execute a printing process on the metalized layer to form a pattern thereon composed of a printed ink layer; step (f): to mop the printed ink layer with an alkaline corrosive solution to corrode the top surface of the metalized layer not covered by the printing ink layer; and step g): a neutralizatio

Abstract: A method of debossing character and indicia-forming pigmented tape onto a report or book cover workpiece positioned under a print engine having a character finger daisy wheel forcer and a logo die or other indicia die forcer is described. Steps of inserting a print wheel and a first tape cartridge into the engine, heating a character-containing portion of a character finger, forcing and printing a desired character in a character debossment operation are included. In another operation, the steps of removing the daisy wheel and the first tape cartridge, inserting an indicia-forming debossment die and a second tape cartridge, heating the die and forcing and thermally printing desired indicia on the workpiece, is set forth. In another aspect of the method, the steps of holding the tape on reels in the cartridges, striking the tape to deboss the pigmented media, stripping a struck portion of the tape from the workpiece and then advancing a tape take-up reel are set forth.

Abstract: An embossing machine includes a frame, a top magnet, die disk, and a bottom magnet. The top magnet has a top die cavity, a fixed hook, a handle and a bracket on the upper portion, and a bottom die cavity in the lower portion, wherein the top die cavity has a step circular surface which has a plurality of sliced screw holes formed in the top circumference and has a first elastic element disposed therein. The top magnet attracts a top die engaged with the top die cavity through a key and a key way formed thereof, wherein the top magnet has a bolt fixed therein and a second elastic element disposed inside. The die disk is engaged with the bolt on the top magnet, wherein the die disk has a gear fixed thereon and a plurality of sliced screw holes formed on the circumference for engaging with the top die cavity. The die disk further has an adjusting bolt which has a thorough opening therein to engage with the bolt on the top magnet, wherein the adjusting bolt has a bushing, a washer and a screw disposed at one end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a hot stamp imprinter which imprints ink from an inked print ribbon onto a substrate. The imprinter includes multiple printhead assemblies, with one or more heater elements, mounted on a frame. An actuatable backup assembly, also mounted on the frame, corresponds to each printhead assembly, wherein the backup assemblies are actuatable in series or parallel, to move, from a rest position, toward the printhead assembly, to an imprint position, to transfer ink from the print ribbon onto the substrate. A temperature probe disposed in each printhead is coupled to the control unit, which individually and sequentially energizes the heater elements of the respective printheads so that only one printhead assembly is energized at any one time. A spring biased dancer assembly having a idler roller maintains a tension on the inked print ribbon as the inked print ribbon is transferred from a supply reel to a rewind reel.

Abstract: A self-leveling die platen assembly (32) is provided which includes a shiftable platen (78) which can rock as necessary to accommodate the configuration of a cooperating platen assembly (30). Preferably, the assembly (32) includes a stationary die shoe (46) provided with a fluid reservoir (50); a piston (68) is rockably received within reservoir (50) and supports the platen (78). During stamping or cutting operations, the platen (78) can thus move and self-adjust as necessary to accommodate the configuration of cooperating platen assembly (30). The self-adjusting assembly (32) greatly facilitates makeready operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imprinting plastic frustro-conically shaped container with a die containing a printing element or elements compresses and flattens the container sidewall during printing. The design is arcuately arranged to correct for distortion which would occur if the flattened side wall were printed with orthogonally arranged letters or design.

Abstract: A dual station hot debossing stamper for a report or book cover includes a print engine having a character finger daisy wheel forcer and a logo die forcer which are actuatable independently by a common servo motor through respective gear trains. The print engine moves line-by-line and a platen moves character-by-character. A print wheel is inserted and locked into the engine in a character debossment operation with a motor driving the print wheel. When using a logo die, the print wheel and casing is removed and using a loader-unloader tool the die is articulated under the logo die forcer. Insertion of a logo transfer tape cartridge shifts the gears in the print engine. A second character tape cartridge is used with the print wheel. A dedicated personal computer and associated software and firmware programs control the stamping apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for enhancing the security of mechanical postage meters through use of an encapsulated fluorescence quenching substance. An encapsulated quenching substance is blended with red fluorescent inks that are used to print postage indicia. The fluorescent quenching substance that is encapsulated has the characteristic of reacting with the fluorescent dye in the ink to cause a bathochromic shift of the wave length where reflectance occurs. By designing the printhead of the postage meter in an appropriate way, a portion of the encapsulated substance can be ruptured during printing of the postage indicia, thereby providing an area where the bathochromic shift has occurred. Thereafter, the indicia can be exposed to ultraviolet light and a determination can be made whether the postage indicia has been printed by a postage meter by inspecting the portion of the indicia where a bathochromic shift is expected.

Abstract: A cylinder press converted to printing foil embossed images onto a printing stock. A supply roll of foil bearing ribbon is mounted forward on the reciprocating chase and the ribbon is extended over the chase through a pair of adjusting guide rollers to a stationary take-up mechanism. In the take-up mechanism, the ribbon is wrapped around a puller roller and onto a rewind roller. One of the guide rollers is stationary and the other reciprocates in a parallel path in at least half the speed of the reciprocating chase. The ribbon is wound in a serpentine configuration around the reciprocating guide roller forward to the stationary guide roller and back to the take-up mechanism to thereby retain a fixed pathway length regardless of the position of the chase. The ribbon is wrapped around the puller roller having a friction gripping surface for non-slip pulling of the ribbon.

Abstract: An application device for marking wires and cables. The application device includes a foil storage for a printing foil ribbon and a protective foil ribbon. The device also has a printer for imprinting the printing foil ribbon. The printing foil ribbon and the protective foil ribbon which is pressed against the printing foil ribbon after the printing foil ribbon has been imprinted are cut to a marked length in a foil and cutting receiving member and, after the wire to be marked has been sheated with the ribbon to form a closed sleeve, the printing foil ribbon and the protective foil ribbon are welded together.This makes possible a subsequent marking of wire without having to disconnect already connected wires. The marking is protected against ambient influences by the protective foil and can be made at the location where the wire is installed.

Abstract: A device for sealing folders, parcels, and the like. The device comprises a handle which carries at its free end a metal plate containing an image to be printed, a thermoelectric element for heating the plate, and a heat accumulator for maintaining the temperature of the plate. An adhesive thermolabile tape comprises a semi-transparent film of cellulose acetate carrying on one of its faces a layer of colored adhesive material. The film is "scorched" by the action of the seal so as to display in an indelible way, the image of the latter.

Abstract: A wire marking apparatus for marking selected codes onto any of a plurality of wires. The marking apparatus may be disposed between a source of a plurality of wires and an apparatus for processing the wires. The marking apparatus includes a support and marking assembly that is movable in directions extending parallel to the wires and a marking head that is movable in directions orthogonal to the wire. These orthogonal movements are carried out to properly position the marker with the appropriate wire to be marked and at a selected location along the wire.

Abstract: A foil loading apparatus (12) includes a foil lift mechanism (14) and a guide plate (20) for advancing foil material (16) along a winding foil flow path. Foil material (16) is raised on lift arm (24) from a lower position up through a confined space between a heated platen (40) and a pressing block (42) to an upper position where the foil material (16) may be accessed and fed through a remaining portion of the foil flow path.

Abstract: A peripheral or stand-alone computerized stamp printer is provided particularly for office use in which a print assembly including a pressure cam and leaf spring arrangement is associated with a heated print head which contacts and impresses a daisy wheel character against an imprinting tape in a confined cartridge to serially print computer-selected letters or characters on a binder, binder spine, or other workpiece. The printer assembly may move on an X or Y axis along a fixed or movable gantry upper arm. If the gantry is fixed, means are provided for moving paper stock, binders or other workpieces into proper position for clamping on a work surface on the top surfaces of the printer chassis. A spine-holding drawer may be provided in the chassis for supporting the spine of a binder for printing letters, logos, or the like, on the binder spine. The print assembly is a discrete unit and includes a replaceable tape cartridge fitted into drive mechanisms within the printer assembly.

Abstract: A system of printing information on opposite sides of paper board envelopes using heat sensitive films or foils fed between transfer die members and envelopes passing therebetween. The system includes a supply magazine or the like, a conveying system for conveying the envelopes from the supply source to and through the several printers. The printers are longitudinally spaced along the conveyor path and are so located such that information can be printed on both sides of the envelope. At the end or the last printing station a second conveyor or transfer device is provided to transfer the just printed envelopes to a work station wherein delicate articles, such as hosiery, panty hose, etc., are placed therein. The system includes common and well known automatic control means to intermittently feed the envelopes to the several printing stations and subsequently to the envelope filling station.

Abstract: A tape-ribbon supply cartridge for supplying tape and ribbon to a lettering apparatus having a mechanism for creating a lettering force and a mechanism for positioning a character to be lettered into lettering position. The cartridge includes an improved ribbon rewind feature driven by movement of the tape advancement means and positioned in a common plane with the ribbon supply spool.

Abstract: A foil stamping device for printing material such as gold foil onto paper, cardboard or similar materials having a moving bed to hold the paper cardboard or the like. Mounting means to hold a quantity of foil, the mounting means being on and moving with the bed. A pressure member applies pressure to the foil to effect printing.

Abstract: Apparatus attached to the reciprocating chase of a cylinder press for carrying one or more supply spools of a web of foil-carrying material, together with an adjustable computerized controller and web-pulling rollers associated with the cylinder press and responsive to the controller, for holding a portion of the foil-carrying web suspended above the chase and moving the foil-carrying web a predetermined distance after each impression from the foil onto print stock. An articulated support rack extends from the chase to a structure supporting the web-pulling rollers, to maintain tension in the web as the chase moves. The controller is adjustable to pull a preselectable incremental length of the web a preselectable number of times and to pull a different preselectable length of the web automatically after each group of such selectable number of pulls each having that incremental length.

Abstract: A method for producing ink embossed grooves on design paper by means of an upper surface textured pressure plate or an endless belt, whereby the pressure plate along with the design paper, that has been previously impregnated, forms a pressure package when pressed together in a plate-heat press. According to the invention unprinted paper is used as the design paper and the pressure plate is printed on raised portions. After pressing in the heat press the ink color is seated in exact orientation with the embossed grooves in the impregnating layer.

Abstract: The present hot printing machine aims to be easier to use and comprises a printing platten for carrying the item to be printed which is reciprocatable between a forward loading and unloading position and a rearward printing position, a downwardly movable printing head including means for heating a printing die, means for linking the downward movement of the printing head with the rearward movement of the reciprocatable platten so that, before contact of the die with the item to be printed, the reciprocatable platten has been moved to its rearward printing position and means for supporting a length of printing foil beneath the heated die so that when the die is pressed against the item to be printed, the foil is sandwiched therebetween to give the printing effect required. Preferably, the heated platten carrying the printing die is pivotally mounted so that it can be turned outwardly to expose the underside of the heated platten for the ready attachment of the printing die.

Abstract: Apparatus attached to the reciprocating chase of a cylinder press for carrying one or more supply spools of a web of foil-carrying material, together with an adjustable computerized controller and web-pulling rollers associated with the cylinder press and responsive to the controller, for holding a portion of the foil-carrying web suspended above the chase and moving the foil-carrying web a predetermined distance after each impression from the foil onto print stock. An articulated support rack extends from the chase to a structure supporting the web-pulling rollers, to maintain tension in the web as the chase moves. The controller is adjustable to pull a preselectable incremental length of the web a preselectable number of times and to pull a different preselectable length of the web automatically after each group of such selectable number of pulls each having that incremental length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decorative imitation set jewels. A process for producing these imitation jewels is also disclosed.The imitation jewels are formed by causing a narrow margin of metal foil to adhere to the edges of a piece of a plastic film. The film may be cut by a heated die to any desired shape and may be of any color. The foil adhering to the edges of the plastic film gives the product an image of depth which is aesthetically pleasing. The rounding of the plastic film edge caused by the heated die enhances this effect.An adhesive backing is provided so that the imitation set jewels may be placed where desired. One envisioned utilization of the invention is for ornamenting one's fingernails.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming labels from paper that has a label forming layer and a transfer carbon layer. The label layer has marks thereon having a known relationship to the intended edges of the label. A photoelectric detector activates a label cutting mechanism in response to the marks. The apparatus further includes a winding means for collecting the transfer carbon paper as well as paper trimming subsystems for facilitating the separation of the label layer from the transfer carbon layer.

Abstract: A printing machine for printing labels, for example, comprises an indexing mechanism for use in indexing predetermined lengths of label stock or web through a printing mechanism. The indexing mechanism comprises an indexing roller, a motor for driving the roller, a transmission operatively connecting the motor and the indexing roller and including a driven shaft coupled to the indexing roller and mounting a fast clutch, a slow clutch and a brake.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive printing machine is disclosed. The printing machine includes a platen upon which a heat-sensitive printing medium may be placed. A printing head has raised portions defining the indicia to be printed. A heater is provided for heating the printing head. A reciprocator moves the printing head between a first position remote from the platen and a printing position wherein the raised portions contact a heat-sensitive printing medium located on the platen. The printing head is connected to the reciprocator by a pair of leaf springs whose cross-section is sufficiently small that no more than about 20% of the heat in the printing head is conducted to the reciprocator through the leaf springs.

Abstract: In a method of stamping by means of hot stamping presses decorations on articles of various types, there is placed in contact with the surface of the article to be decorated a matrix comprising a plate with perforations producing the decorative design to be made on the surface of the article to be decorated. On the surface of the matrix opposite that in contact with the article there is disposed a hot stamping foil. A patrix preferably consisting of a plate of resilient deformable material is used to bring by means of the operation of the hot stamping press, the hot stamping foil into contact with the surface of the article to be decorated through the perforations of the matrix. The patrix can also comprise of a plate of any material having raised areas, either of the same material as the plate or of a different material, adapted to penetrate the perforations of the matrix.

Abstract: An exchangeable print head hot ink roll marker providing for adjustment of an inking roll and a backing roller relative to print heads of different diameters. Additionally there are provided a novel arrangement for releasably securing the print head to its driving shaft, an improved arrangement for adjusting the backing roll relative to the print head, novel type holder arrangements, and novel type holder latching or magnetic retaining structures.

Abstract: An intermittent motion imprinter of the type having a reciprocal marker head suspended from a shaft, an opposed anvil, tape supply and take-up reels, a tape advance mechanism and a reciprocal shuttle driving the head and tape advance mechanism, has a common holder for the head shaft and shuttle with intersecting closed periphery slots respectively receiving and guiding the shuttle and the head shaft. The holder is a two-piece split block defining, when assembled, a transverse slot for the shuttle and an upright slot for the head shaft. A cam follower on the head shaft projects into an inclined slot of the shuttle so that, as the shuttle is reciprocated, the shaft is raised and lowered. A second cam follower is also driven by the shuttle to actuate the tape advance mechanism. In one form, the second cam follower is directly attached to the shuttle. In another form, the second cam follower rides in a second shuttle slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for serially imprinting and cutting a tape such as an award ribbon includes a pneumatically actuated, heated imprinter and sequentially operated, pneumatically actuated cutter and trimmer. A stepping motor provides incremental movement of the ribbon and a ratchet drive mechanism coupled to the imprinter provides advancement of the foil or printing tape. The entire operation of the apparatus is under the control of a microprocessor which accepts information from the operator regarding ribbon length, imprint position and quantity and sequentially activates the various elements of the imprinting apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for simultaneously printing on plastic and embedding the printing in the plastic, and cutting or tear sealing out an area of the plastic within which the printing and embossing is effected. The apparatus includes a base with a printing and embossing arrangement relatively displaceable on the base. A first spring arrangement is provided between the printing and embossing arrangement and the base and a power source is provided to supply high-frequency heating power to the base. The first spring arrangement forms a path for the power to pass from the base into the printing and embossing arrangement. A second spring arrangement is coupled to the printing and embossing arrangement and insures the inking, registration and penetration of the same into the plastic when the plastic is softened due to the application of the power.

Abstract: A type holder for imprinters having a heated type receiving print head utilizes a permanent magnet to hold the type in place. The magnet is mounted in a frame which is easily removed from and installed on the print head of the imprinter and is interposed between the heated print head and the type with the type directly seated or bottomed thereon to accommodate very short type blocks and provide good heat transfer from the print head to the type face. The holders are useful in both reciprocating and rotating imprinter print heads.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for controlling a ribbon spool wherein a brake member is disposed in braking relationship with the spool for retarding rotation thereof. The brake member has a brake actuator projecting therefrom. An elongated follower pivotally bears against the spool to follow any decrease in the diameter thereof. The follower has an adjustment member which creates a cammed relationship with the brake actuator for progressively moving same and decreasing the brake torque as the follower pivotally moves in response to a decrease in spool diameter. This adjustment member is positioned to impose either a zero or a minimum torque on the brake member when the spool is empty. When in this empty-spool position, the adjustment member can be initially adjusted in a direction substantially parallel to the radial direction of the brake actuator so as to not affect this zero or minimum brake torque.

Abstract: A multicolor imprinter employs a plurality of heat transferable tape of different colors wound upon one another in continuous convolutions on a supply reel which has its axis of rotation parallel to the direction of travel of the tapes through a marking zone. A guide structure is provided between the supply reel and the marking zone to turn the tapes so that they are parallel and coplanar as they traverse the marking zone. A separate takeup reel is provided for each tape and has an axis of rotation perpendicular to the direction of tape travel.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermographically printing a succession of labels or the like is disclosed. A continuous strip of labels is stepwisely fed by a label feed assembly to a printing pad at a printing station, while a conventional thermographic strip is simultaneously stepwisely fed thereto so that the strip overlies a label at the station. A heated print head having various type elements engages the thermographic strip for urging it against the label at the station to effect printing. The print head is part of a printing assembly and is operated through parallel linkage arms which maintain it substantially parallel to the pad and thereby provide even pressure over the printing surface during the printing apparatus. The printing assembly, the label feed assembly and the thermographic strip feed assembly are all mechanically driven through a drive assembly to provide positive coordination in their operation.

Abstract: An intermittent motion imprinter particularly adapted for use with quick change cassette carried transfer tape to imprint spaced indicia by means of a reciprocating print head, the indicia being printed on a film strip, strip of labels, or product container passing the print head. Movement of the print head and advancement of the transfer tape is by means of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder driving a reciprocating shuttle. The print head has a centrally aligned axially extending shaft with a diametical slot therethrough. The shuttle passes through the slot and engages a cam roller affixed to the shaft within the slot, the cam contacting walls of a camming surface of the shuttle. The print head shaft is radially restrained in a bearing member and the shuttle is restrained against movement transverse to the reciprocal movement direction. The shuttle terminates in a projecting portion which engages a one-way drive for advancing the transfer tape.

Abstract: A principal object of the invention is to provide an improved marking apparatus capable of clearly marking desired information at the same relative location on a succession of rapidly-moving, heat-sensitive articles. Prior art marking devices employing heated printing heads presented problems when employed to mark in this manner. These problems became accute where the printing extended over any significant distance in the direction of travel.The apparatus, shown generally as 10 in FIG. 1 is of the type comprising an electrically-heated marking head 12, a backup means 14 positioned opposite the marking head, and means 16 for reciprocating the marking head between a withdrawn position and a marking position adjacent to said backup means. A specific improvement according to the invention is the imparting elliptical motion of the printing head which enables contact times sufficient for clear marking at linear rates of greater than 1500 inches per minute.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the length of vee belts, particularly so that vee belts of closely similar length can be identified and thereby used together in multi-belt drives, comprises a fixed drivably rotatable pulley, a further pulley on a tensioning carriage, a belt to be measured being engaged on the pulleys, a drag chain to couple the carriage to a travel drive or to a tensioning station with tensioning weights, an absolute length measuring device to supply an electronic control and arithmetic unit and recording means to mark the vee belt with a symbol denoting a length tolerance part-range.

Abstract: A continuous motion ribbon imprinter moves with and marks a moving web on a packaging machine and has an easily set control adjusting step-by-step advance of the ribbon across the type block to accommodate wide variations in the size of the printed indicia so as to always present just enough length of fresh ribbon to cover the type for the next imprint. A frame mounting the type block and ribbon reels swings in either a clockwise or counterclockwise orbital path having a dwell stroke on the moving web, and a lift stroke spacing the ribbon from the web. The ribbon remains stationary on the type block during the dwell stroke and is advanced across the type block on the lift stroke. A single input shaft drives the frame through its orbital path and also drives the mechanism for unwinding the fresh ribbon from one reel and winding the spent ribbon on a second reel.

Abstract: An imprinter having a single driving device for controlling both the movement of the heated printing head and the intermittent advancing movement of the pigmented ribbon. The single driving device, which preferably comprises a reciprocal fluid pressure cylinder, causes the advancing and retracting movement of the printing head. A motion-transfer mechanism drivingly joins the printing head to the take-up reel for the pigmented ribbon. This mechanism is of the one-way type so as to effect rotation of the take-up reel, and advancement of the pigmented ribbon, only when the printing head is being retracted. This mechanism also employs a lost-motion connection therein so that the rotation of the take-up reel is delayed relative to the initial retraction of the printing head, whereby the printing head is initially moved out of engagement with the ribbon prior to the intermittent advancing thereof.

Abstract: An improved machine for automatically applying transfers such as tax stamps to multiple packages contained in a carton is disclosed. The machine comprises a conveyor for advancing a carton through an opening station, where it is opened to expose the packages therein, through a stamping station, where tax stamps in the form of heat or water transfers or ink printing are applied to each of the packages by a movable platen, and through a closing station where the carton is closed and resealed. The machine is adjustable to accommodate a variety of carton and package sizes and to apply the transfers to a selected part of each package in the carton accurately, while using stock transfer sheets on which the transfers are mounted with a predetermined spacing that does not necessarily correspond to the spacing of packages within the carton.

Abstract: A bun marking machine is disclosed in which a formed heating member is brought into contact with a baked bun for marking the top of the baked bun with a distinctive pattern. The heated member in the disclosed bun marking machine is an electrically heated element supported in a detachable head. The heating element is formed into a selected shape and sheet metal bun branding patterns are attached thereto. During operation the element gets very hot and also heats the marking pattern hot enough to mark a baked bun when brought in contact therewith. Various detachable heads are provided having different marking patterns formed thereon. A bun holding slide is provided for holding and positioning the bun beneath the heated pattern. The detachable heating element head is attached to a support arm assembly which extends from the vertical portion of a support frame.

Abstract: A hot leaf imprinter is provided with first and second hot leaf supply rolls and a guide arrangement for guiding the hot leaf from said first and second supply rolls along first and second paths to a printing station. The respective portions of said first and second paths adjacent said printing station correspond with each other, the first and second paths being aligned in spaced relation at a portion thereof immediately in advance of the corresponding portion with the respective hot leaf from said first and second supply rolls in facing spaced relation. A selectively actuable plunger is provided for normally holding the beginning of the hot leaf of one of said first and second supply rolls in spaced relation to the hot leaf of the other of said first and second supply rolls and for selectively displacing said beginning of the hot leaf of said one of said first and second supply rolls into secured engagement with the hot leaf of the other of said first and second supply rolls.

Abstract: In a printing press comprising a type-bearing heating block, means adapted alternately to apply the block under pressure along a printing surface onto a sheet to be printed located on the surface and to release the block therefrom, and means to interpose a stamping foil between the type-bearing block and a sheet to be printed located on the printing surface, the improvement wherein the printing surface is inclined sufficiently for a printed sheet to slide from the surface under the influence of gravity, and means are provided to hold a sheet in position on the surface which means are releasable by movement of the type-bearing block away from the printing surface after a printing operation to allow the sheet to slide from the printing surface.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical marking device for use with various types of apparatus, having a stack sheet feed assembly, includes an open-ended housing adapted to loosely receive and hold interchangeable marking heads in a self-leveling position. The interchangeable marking heads include a resiliently mounted food device which engages the stacked sheets prior to the marking actuated position. The housing includes a solenoid which selectively energizes a drive element to move the element between an at rest position, and an actuated position. The interchangeable marking heads, such as bar-coders, imprinters, marginal word imprinters, daters and numberers, hot die stampers, foil stampers and label affixers, are held in engagement with the drive element to permit the operative movement of the selected interchangeable marking head between the inward at rest position and an outward actuated position.

Abstract: An imprint marking device utilizing transfer tape moved from a tape supply reel to a take-up reel across an imprint station with a moving marker head having raised indicia movable against the tape to press the tape against an article to be marked. A tape drive system includes a drive roller and an opposed idler roller. Both the tape drive system and the marker head are actuated by a single power cylinder which has power rods extending from opposite ends connected to a single common internal piston, one of the rods operating the marker head and the other of the rods operating the tape drive system.