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 sock identification kit includes a housing configured to secure a plurality of ink stamps, a stamp holding device, at least one ink well, and a cleaning member. The stamp holding device includes a handle, actuation assembly, and a pair of clamping members that may be selectively actuated to move the clamping members between open and closed configurations. Accordingly, a selected stamp may be securely removed from the housing, used to imprint ink upon a fabric, and then replaced without ever touching a potentially ink stained stamp with one's hand.

Abstract: A printing device is provided with a print die storage rack, a pickup head, a print head, and a printing surface. The print die storage rack is adapted to hold a multitude of print dies. The pickup head is provided to move one or more print dies to and from the storage rack and the print head. The print head is adapted to hold one or more print dies and move them between the pickup head and the printing surface. The printing surface is provided to hold and secure print media. The device is capable of any form of printing, embossing, debossing, foil stamping and the like. A method of printing is also provided.

Abstract: A method to impart physical enhancements to a sheet material having a printed image such that the physical enhancements are in alignment with the graphical features of the printed image as would be complimentary to the physical enhancements and thereby forming an enhanced image. One embodiment has a computer based design environment allowing a user to develop a scaled virtual representation of an enhanced image through a graphical user interface by assembling a plurality of virtual objects representing forms and dimensions of preexisting or preconceived enhancement components, forms and dimensions of preexisting or preconceived assembly components, forms and dimensions of physical enhancements imparted to sheet material by preexisting or preconceived enhancement components, forms and dimensions of graphical enhancements as would be printed to sheet material and complimentary to physical enhancements and forms of images.

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: Date can be printed on a business card in a business card case by realizing a business card case with a printing function. The business card case with a printing function includes an upper case (1) provided with a pressing rubber (12) and a pressing block (13) of a printing hammer, a lower case (2) connected to the upper case (1) so as to be freely opened and closed, a card containing section (3) formed in the case, a typing device in which a plurality of date printing type units coupled so as to move up and down among a plurality of type blocks each having a type formed on the upper surface are fixed to a type case (4), and a printing ribbon (5) for printing the date. The date is printed by pressing the print hammer and pressing the business card (34) against the type with the printing ribbon (5) interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A method for making an embossed article, tools used to make such articles and the resulting article are disclosed. The article includes a first composite element having a plurality of spaced apart subelements, which is created by mounting a first embossing tool to an embossing press wherein the first embossing tool includes first and second male dies, as well as mounting a second embossing tool in registered opposition to the first embossing tool, which includes first and second female dies complementary in number, type and position to the respective first and second male dies. After positioning a first deformable sheet material between the first and second embossing tools, the first male dies and the first female dies are compressed, the sheet is moved, and the second male dies and second female dies are compressed. Alternatively, at least some of the dies are moved or replaced prior to the second compressing actions, which may be to the same or different sheet material.

Abstract: Provided is a pair of plates for a rotary processing machine having the following configuration and a method of mounting the same by which the pair of plates can be mounted on the respective outer circumferential surfaces of a pair of cylinders with high precision. When a female recessed plate and a male raised plate are overlapped with each other so as to make processing portions of the female plate correspond to those of the male plate, fitting protrusions are fitted into respective fitting portions. Accordingly, the movement of the fitting protrusions is restricted both in the width direction of the plates and in the mount direction of the plates. Concurrently, guiding protrusions are respectively inserted between corresponding pairs of guide protrusions in the guiding portions. Accordingly, the guiding protrusions are guided so that relative movement of the guiding protrusions is allowed only in the mount direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transferring a pattern from a stamping surface (31) of a stamp (30) to a receiving surface (21) of a substrate (20). The pattern is transferred to the receiving surface (21) by successively bringing portions of the pattern within such a range of the receiving surface (21) during a certain period, that the pattern is locally transferred from the stamping surface (31) to the receiving surface (21). The individual portions can be moved by means of individual actuators (50). By applying the method, the transfer of the pattern can be performed according to a wave, which is for example ring-shaped, moving from the center of the receiving surface (21) to the circumference, or linear, moving from side of the receiving surface (21) to an opposite side.

Abstract: A personalized branding iron with interchangeable symbols, including: a handle arrangement having a first end and a second end; a mounting arrangement mechanically connected to the first end; and at least one unitary substantial symbol configured for branding. The mounting arrangement and the symbol are configured for convenient mechanical connection of the symbol to the mounting arrangement.

Abstract: A flexible die is provided which incorporates a base die and a superimposed interchangeable cutting or embossing die. The base die is generally planar and is adapted to securely receiving the superimposed interchangeable die thereon. Protruding upwardly from the outer face of the base die is a raised cutting portion, a raised embossing portion, or both, which raised portion is adapted to cut, form, or emboss the outer periphery of a blank or substrate. The superimposed interchangeable die is generally planar, and includes a raised cutting or embossing portion protruding upwardly from the outer face thereof, which raised portion is adapted to cut, form or emboss a portion of the blank or substrate. At least a portion of the superimposed interchangeable die is adapted to be received onto at least a portion of the base die.

Abstract: The emboss module of the present invention provides for automatic die and bolster conversion. The emboss module includes a frame, a die changer sub-assembly and a bolster sub-assembly. The die changer sub-assembly includes rotatable die changers for automatically registering dies therein, and the bolster sub-assembly includes counters and panels for receiving the sheet of material and the die. Both the die changer and bolster sub-assemblies are adapted for use with emboss and foil dies and counters. Accordingly, a more efficient and scalable emboss system and method for automatically changing dies and bolsters is described herein.

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: A printer and method of printing on a substrate such a binder strip used for binding a stack of sheets. A platen provides support for the strip, with the strip being supported on the platen at opposite ends by strip supports. A print head mechanism is mounted adjacent the platen so that the mechanism can move relative to the platen. A ribbon having ink is disposed intermediate the print head mechanism and the platen, with a print head controller being provided which causes the print head mechanism to print the desired matter on the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a tool which can be used with a punch press. On such tool includes a marking punch which has a recess; a marking punch magazine having a channel in which the marking punch is received and an external surface having a transverse groove therein which is in communication with the channel; a striker which strikes the marking punch to move the marking punch from its rest position to its marking position; and a resiliently compressible body received in the transverse groove of the magazine and in the recess in the marking punch. This compressible body desirably is compressed between the magazine and the marking punch when the marking punch is in its marking position, but resiliently biases the marking punch towards its rest position. The invention also provides a method of marking a workpiece, which method can employ such a tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guide device for one or more character punches wherein one or more punch guide blocks are slidably mounted on a rod mounted on a base, wherein each block has a surface which slidably contacts the base and each has a punch guide slot or aperture, and wherein a series of position or ruler markings are provided on a portion of the base, and a cooperating alignment edge is provided on each block or on each punch mounted therethrough and lies contiguous the series of ruler markings, whereby each block can be precisely positioned on the base with respectively to any particular one of the markings.

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: A device is described for generating operating states characterized by dirences in height in actuators arranged in a matrix. In order to enable operating states which are characterized by differences in height to be produced in mechanical actuators in close matrix-type arrangement which are controllable selectively and independently from one another in a simple manner in a suitable device a reservoir filled with electroviscous liquid has an over-pressure chamber and a negative-pressure chamber and these chambers are connected via separate control ducts with hydraulic cylinders of the actuators, the connection to the two chambers of the reservoir being opened or blocked alternatively by the two control ducts of an actuator via a first electrode and a second electrode and a controllable center electrode common to both. The pressure variation formed in this way changes the vertical adjustment of a mechanical pin via an elastomer diaphragm.

Abstract: The marking device for marking indicia onto manufactured parts includes a body portion having a recess. Into the recess and the body portion fits a stamp retainer block which also has a recess. Into the recess on the stamp retainer block fits type members which create the indicia on the manufactured part. Such indicia might be the part number or date of manufacture, or other such information useful in the manufacturing process. A second stamp retainer block may be advantageously utilized, by loading a second set of type members into the second stamp retainer block so that the first stamp retainer block can be quickly removed and the second stamp retainer block quickly inserted into the body portion of the marking device. Such insertion may be done by inserting a rod into a channel and depressing a spring loaded ball.

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: A marking device is provided so as to be movably mounted upon the mouth or open end of the barrel (1) of an explosive or propulsive driving apparatus. It comprises a flexible case (11) fixed upon an anvil (10) which is intended to transmit the energy of the piston (4) of the apparatus to a series of punches (14) disposed within the case and whose stroke is controlled by means of a damping pad (19) which is resiliently deformed during marking.

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: Hot foil printing apparatus (10) for printing letters, etc. on a surface of a plastics substrate in which the surface of the plastics substrate is presented to a heated die (16) and a printing tape (24) is compressed between the surface of the plastics substrate and the heated die to print the letters on the plastics substrate, and in which the surface of the plastics substrate is heated by heating apparatus (42) before it is presented to the heated die. Provides improved print quality and quicker throughput.

Abstract: A coding box suitable for a hot foil printing machine comprises a frame, a number of print wheels rotatable about a shaft with respect to the frame, each print wheel having a number of outward-facing peripheral flats bearing indicia, a through-hole parallel to the shaft and corresponding to each flat, a rod passable through the holes for setting the wheels in desired orientations with respect to the frame and a magnet in a cup for locking the rod in a set position. A second rod is provided, fast with respect to and parallel to the first rod and having an enlarged distal end for engagement with a hole in the frame to prevent complete removal of the first rod from the frame. The first and second rods are both fast in a handle by which they may be withdrawn from the wheels to permit rotation of the wheels, and thus variation of the indicia to be stamped.

Abstract: A forming station for can end closures which includes a pair of opposed die structures. Apparatus for forming code markings in the can ends as they are processed includes a plurality of arrays of incising pins retained in matrix configurations in the face of one of the opposed die pieces. The ends of predetermined pins in each array are supported above the die surface to form recognizable patterns in the can ends. The indicia being formed can be quickly changed by substituting a new pin support surface configuration.

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 petri dish imprinting apparatus comprises an imprinting block of characters disposed along one side of a support surface for a covered petri dish and having heated characters adapted to imprint the petri dish by thermal embossment. An endless belt on the other side of the path presses the petri dish against the heated characters.

Abstract: A holder (10) for stamps (20) used to imprint identifying characters into the surface of a material which can be magnetized. The holder includes a frame (12) having a channel (18) formed therein to receive the stamps, which are held in place therein by means of a rod (28) which is received through holes (34, 36) formed in end plates (30, 32) attached to the frame, and through groves (24) formed in the stamps. A punch (66) held by a cylindrical holder (60) is inserted in holes (58) formed in the frame above the stamps and is struck by a hammer or the like to imprint the characters formed on the stamps into the surface. The holder is held in position on the surface by means of magnets (46, 48) which are adjustably attached to support assemblies (14, 16) attached to the end plates.

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: An apparatus for and method of marking an elongate article are provided wherein the apparatus comprises a device having electrically heated character means adapted to be imprinted on the article and the character means comprises a plurality of pins which have heated working ends normally disposed in a retracted position and the device has means for positioning selected ones of the pins to position the associated working ends thereof from the retracted position to a working position where the working ends of the selected ones of the pins cooperate and imprint a particular character on the article upon movement thereof in operative association with the article using moving means associated therewith.

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.

Abstract: A numbering head particularly adaptable to a portable gun including a frame having flat surfaces for seating against a flat workpiece. A shaft is positioned parallel to the seating surfaces and is supported within elongated apertures which allow the shaft, and marking wheels disposed on the shaft, to move through a limited length of travel toward, and away from, the workpiece. Each marking wheel includes, about its periphery, marking characters separated by grooves, each groove being disposed directly across from a corresponding character. A generally T-shaped yoke is supported within the frame and is matingly shaped to the grooves in the wheels. Biasing springs acting between the yoke and frame force the yoke into contact with the marking wheel grooves. A portion of the yoke extends into, or through, an opening in the frame. The opening is threaded to provide attachment of the numbering head to a portable gun, or a fixed or portable press, and to align the hammer of the gun or press with the yoke.

Abstract: A machine for impressing a data on calling cards, business cards or the like, having a plurality of data elements mounted to a base plate for independent movement relative thereto between conditions of aligment corresponding to individual calendar dates. The elements carry projections corresponding to the days, months and years of the calendar dates, and means are provided for pressing a card against the elements when they are in one of the conditions of alignment to form indentations indicating the corresponding calendar date.

Abstract: A cable and hose marking machine for imprinting identifying markings on plastic covered cable or hose, which is fed through the machine by a continuously rotating pulley. At timed intervals a cam mechanism disengages the drive and actuates a printing head carrying heated dies, which are pressed against the momentarily stationary cable or hose supported in a rigid guide. The machine is readily adjustable for various sizes of cable and hose.

Abstract: A casting-marking apparatus is adapted for incorporation in a permanent foundry pattern of the type used to produce sand molds for metal casting. The apparatus carries a marking that is impressed in the sand old and subsequently reproduced on a casting. The apparatus is designed and constructed so that the marking that it carries can be altered from a station remote from the pattern. In the apparatus, the alterable marking is carried by a marking body that is rotated by an air actuated piston.

Abstract: A marking device in the form of a branding iron having a plurality of sets of marking elements in the form of line segments mutually positioned and oriented to comprise line elements common to a plurality of recognizably different characters, together with a releasable latching arrangement for positioning selected ones of said elements in a working plane for application to an animal to be identified.

Abstract: Hot printing of hard copy i.e., human readable, characters to meet the strict, high quality dimensional and other standards required for automatic optical or other means of reading such characters. The printing is effected by a heat responsive ink means. In the present embodiment, the ink means is heated by the printing members.Documents, especially tags or labels, marked with such hot printed automatically readable characters. The documents may also contain punched encoded information; and may further have printed thereon conventional, human but not automatically readable characters.