Abstract: A marking tool assembly includes a plurality of marking punches for stamping alpha/numeric indicia into a workpiece. The punches are adapted to be indexed selectively to an active punching position beneath a striker which causes one of the punches to stamp the workpiece during the downstroke of the tool, the remaining punches resting idly on the workpiece. A stripper ring holds the striker rotationally stationary and also prevents rotation of a retaining ring for permitting up and down sliding of the punches in a holder and for guiding the punches to the active punching position.

Abstract: Marking apparatus for moving a marking head to coordinate positions utilizing two fixed stepper motors performing in conjunction with a cable and pulley drive system. The dynamics of pneumatically driven marrker pins within marker heads are accommodated for by a topology which includes a marker support base which, in turn, is supported in force transfer relationship with an air bearing which rides over a fiat platen surface. Improved marker head structure is developed utilizing a polyetherimide material and a design providing the introduction of return air into a two-component piston chamber at a location above a seating surface.

Abstract: A doll includes a dress having at least a portion thereof formed of a multi-layered embossible fabric having a malleable layer such as metal foil or the like together with one or more soft flexible layers such as cloth fabric bonded together to form a readily formable and crimpable fabric. An embossing tool used in combination with the doll and the embossible fabric includes a pair of movable jaws hingedly coupled each defining a corresponding embossing raised portion and mating recess on the inwardly facing portions thereof. The embossing tool is applied to the embossible fabric and used to impart a plurality of raised or recessed embossed designs upon the fabric. The malleable character of the foil layer together with the softness and flexible of the fabric layer permit the embossed designs to be removed by simple smoothing of the fabric for repeated use.

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 process for printing a sheet with selected optical effects includes printing on the sheet by conventional printing a pattern or design, thereafter coating at least part of the design with a resin, thermoplastic lacquer or other transparent material which impregnates the surface of the sheet and then engraving the selected area by applying pressure and heat to produce optical effects; the resin that is applied is polymerizable by ultraviolet rays from within a transparent calendar used for the engraving and is polymerized at the same time as the engraving is effected.

Abstract: Marking apparatus and method is described wherein an array of marker pins are carried by translational assembly which, in turn, is driven from stepper motors which perform in conjunction with high helix lead angle lead screws. Solenoid actuated pneumatic valves are employed to actuate the marker pins within an array thereof and the entire assemblage of motors, valves, translational mechanism, and control features are retained within a compact housing structure. The control system and associated translational mechanism is capable of driving the marker head assembly in matrix, raster, and continuous modes of operation. Speed of marking is enhanced through the employment of a masking procedure wherein the translational mechanism drives the marker head assembly only to locations where active character forming pixels are present.

Abstract: A impact hand stamping tool 10 has an imprint member 14 with an elongated hand stamp element 16 slidably mounted in a supporting sleeve element 18. The hand stamp element extends from an anvil end 50 to an imprint end 46 having a symbol face 48. The hand impact tool 10 has a plunger member 70 with an elongated forward end 74 having an anvil surface 76 for engaging the anvil surface 52. An elongated coil spring 90 has reduced diameter spring ends 94 and 96 mounted in corresponding spring latching grooves 26 and 84, respectively. Each of the members 14 and 70 have finger gripping sections 26 and 84 that are formed with a series of annular grooves 100 forming finger rings 102 for enabling the user to easily grip and hold the tool member 14 during the operation of the tool and the expansion of the coil spring prior to the release of the plunger member 70.

Abstract: A machine combines metal rod chamfering and stamping operations into a single machining operation. Cutting the chamfer on the end of the rod is accomplished by a rotating cutting tool affixed to a chuck which rotates with a spindle about an axis co-linear with the axis of the workpiece. Both the chuck and the spindle contain a hollow bore along their rotational axes. This bore holds a stamping rod which is free to move axially within the spindle. A stamping impact unit is located at the opposite end of the spindle which acts upon the opposite end of the stamping rod. At the desired moment within the chamfering operation, the stamping rod is hammered into the end face of the workpiece by the impact unit. The imprint end of the stamping rod functions as a mechanical stop to locate the depth the workpiece is inserted into a clamping collet.

Abstract: A marking tool holder (10) for a punch press, in which a plurality of marking tools (46) are mounted in an indexing carrier (38) for selective activation by the press ram (14). A non-positive connection effects driving of the preselected marking tool (46) to eliminate the need for precise adjustment of the marking tool position. In a first embodiment, a pair of very stiff springs (138) are interposed between a ram engaged plunger (124) and a striker (70), while in the second embodiment, a striker mass (158) attached to the striker (70) and carried in a body member (60) which is accelerated by the ram (14) to generate kinetic energy converted into a marking pressure when the marking tool (46) impacts the workpiece (W).

Abstract: A substrate, such as a banknote or travellers' check, carries a security device including in association at least one embossed transitory image, such as a latent or transient image and an embossed linear area. The arrangement is such that when the embossed region of the substrate is viewed from different angles each image and linear area can be visually discerned.

Abstract: A unitary paper impression device (10) that is small, light and safe and that can emboss impressions into paper (12) with ease and minimal effort is disclosed. The device (10) includes a male embossing section (20) which has a contacting face surface (22) and an opposite back surface (27), the face surface (22) being a face plane (28) and at least one outwardly extending projection (23) therefrom. The device (10) also includes a female embossing section (30) which has a contacting face surface (32) and an opposite back surface (37), the face surface (32) being a face plane (38) and at least one complimentary inwardly extending trough (33) therein for receiving each projection (23) of the male embossing section (20). An interconnecting, bendable web (40) contiguous with the back surfaces (27,37) is further provided for hingedly connecting the sections (20,30) so that their respective faces (22,32) can mate to impress an image in a piece of paper (12) disposed therebetween.

Abstract: An electrically operated steel seal printing device wherein the relative angle of the mold halves and the distance between the mold halves are adjustable.

Abstract: An electrically heated branding device for marking articles has an elongated type block with a base end removably secured in a cavity of a holder and a branding indicia on a forward end face which projects from the holder. The type block includes a metallic heat receiving portion having an elongated cavity open at the base end of the type block and in which as fitted a heat generating portion in the form of a ceramic rod. An electric resistance heat generating member having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance is embedded in the forward end portion of the rod and extends transversely of the longitudinal axis thereof for heating the indicia. Lead wires from heat generating member are connected to electrodes removably received in a socket in the cavity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a branding device for cattle and in particular to one including a rectangular frame divided into a plurality of chambers formed on an upper edge with two lugs, a spring mounted on the two lugs of each chamber, two belts connected with the rectangular frame and moulds adapted to be received in the chamber of the rectangular frame, thereby making it easier, quicker and safer to brand cattle.

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 thermal marking device for surfaces of binder-containing webs of mineral wool includes, mounted on a raisable and lowerable mounting frame, a roller which has on its periphery electrically heatable marking elements. The marking elements carry image panels, the marking sections of which take the form of letters, symbols, pictorial represenations etc. and project at least 5 mm beyond the surface of the image panel. Furthermore, the envelope curve of the surface of the marking sections corresponds substantially to the outer surface of an annular cylinder, the axis of which coincides with the axis with the axis of the roller. Furthermore, the marking device is equipped with heating elements, the heating output from which can be locally and variously adjusted. As a result, it is possible to produce homogeneous marked patterns by a suitably reduced or increased supply of energy at locations having need for heat output while creating non-homogeneous decomposition patterns.

Abstract: An impression tool has a marker head supported on one handle and an anvil supported on another anvil, the two handles being pivotally connected near the ends supporting the marker head and anvil. A pressure sensitive label is received on the anvil and is impressed by the marker head when the handles are manipulated to being the marker head and anvil together. The marker head is made of a plurality of rotatable disks, each of which has a plurality of print characters formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof.

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 branding device for marking articles which includes a holder having a socket cavity and an elongated ceramic type block having one end removably attached to the holder cavity and a branding indicia on a forward end face which projects from the cavity. A ceramic plate is embedded in the forward end of the type block and a heat generating member is printed as an electrically resistive pattern on a surface of the ceramic plate facing the forward, branding indicia end of the type block to heat the branding indicia. The heat generating member is provided as an electric resistance element having a positive temperature coefficient. Lead wires extend from the resistance element and are connected to electrodes received in plug portions of the socket cavity.

Abstract: A portable branding device which uses a high current/low voltage power source such as a twelve volt tractor battery, for heat branding of livestock. The device includes a hollow body having first and second ends and a handle portion. A plurality of brand elements are detachable mounted to the second end and spaced from the second end. The branding device has an insulating panel. A plurality of legs is connected to the insulating panel for supporting the brand element. A series of terminals extend through the insulating panel and the brand element is attached to the terminals. Electrical connecting devices connect the brand element in spaced relation to the second end of the main body and a high current relay switching means, such as a solenoid switch is mounted within the main body for transmitting electricity to the brand element. A low current finger actuated switch is connected to the handle for actuating the high current relay switching means.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simultaneously hot stamping and embossing a work sheet, such as for instance a paper work sheet, utilizing a die with a relief design thereon, and a complementary counter, and operable to cause embossment of the work sheet together with transfer of heat transferable material from an intermediate substrate, at raised areas on the die design onto the work sheet, while preventing or selectively localizing transfer of the heat transferable material on the flexible substrate to identified simultaneously formed embossed areas of the work sheet, upon closing of the die and counter against the intermediate substrate and work sheet, with predetermined pressure and temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved serial impact printer which both prints and serrates a document. The printer includes a print wheel which is rotated to position a selected character in front of an anvil. The print wheel includes a wheel-like circular member having print characters at the end of fingers which extend from the top of the print wheel's perimeter. An impact mechanism pressures the selected print character against the anvil, the document being positioned between the selected print character and impact mechanism. The impact mechanism includes a d.c. motor which turns a threaded shaft which is engaged with a threaded hole in the end of a hammer. Counterclockwise motion of the d.c. motor advances the hammer's head to pressure the back of the print character against the anvil, thereby printing and serrating the document with the selected character. Thereafter, clockwise motion of the d.c. motor restores the impact mechanism to its original position.

Abstract: A plurality of individual marks are imprinted in the surface of an object to form a plurality of substantially linear, rectangular arrays of preselected width in the surface of the object. Each imprinted substantially linear, rectangular array is spaced a preselected distance from each adjacent imprinted, substantially linear, rectangular array to provide a space of preselected width. The preselected width substantially linear, rectangular arrays and preselected width spaces are combined in alternating fashion to provide a bar code message in the surface of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming multi-character messages on the surface of solid materials which employs an array of marker pins moved by a carriage in a manner defining an undulating locus of movement. This locus traces the matrix with which character fonts are defined by pixels formed by the marker pins as discrete indentations. The carriage and head containing the marker pin are pivotally driven by a cam to provide vertical movement and by a Geneva mechanism to provide horizontal movement. Pixel positions for the matrices are established by a timing disk and control over the pins is provided employing an interrupt approach. Each marking pin within the head assembly is capable of marking more than one complete character for a given transverse of the head between home and away limits.

Abstract: An anti-slip wooden handle for a hand-held striking tool, and a method of making the same, embody the provision in the handle of grooves formed in a gripping surface by die-pressing at high temperature, so as to minimize slipping of the handle when in use, while also minimizing hand irritation.

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: The invention relates to a thermal engraving press for hot stamping, especially--although not exclusively--a plastic material which simulates engraved metal. A hot die and a movable platen are horizontally displaced from each other to support a work piece in a position opposing the die. The position of the work piece may be adjusted in three dimensions relative to the die. The hot stamping foil also provides a guard which prevents the operator from accidently touching the hot die. A feature of the inventive press is that it has an extremely low cost and is practically foolproof.

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: An apparatus is provided for affixing a brand on the surface of a plurality of meat products. A first conveyor moves the meat products through a branding zone where they are contacted by heated brands affixed to a second conveyor which travels at the same rate as the first conveyor.

Abstract: For the purpose of marking an article, e.g. the fibrous surface coat of a tennis ball, by branding, there is provided a casing (1) resembling the casing of a portable lighter, said casing having disposed at one open end face (2) a symbol (5) projecting beyond two opposed casing edges (9) by an amount corresponding to the desired branding depth. Spaced from said end face (2) there is provided in said casing (1) a transverse wall (10) provided with at least one nozzle aperture (8) which is directed towards the symbol (5). Provided within said casing (1) are a liquid-gas tank (6) and an igniting mechanism (13) adapted to be actuated from the exterior of the device.

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: 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: The present disclosure is directed to a hot stamping machine with a rotatable head for imprinting information on each individual frame of a roll of negatives or transparencies used in aerial photography whereby the printing head may be rotated to imprint on either side of individual negatives. The hot stamping machine has a static member and a movable member which is pivotally connected thereto for horizontal rotation about a vertical pivot. This rotatable head makes it possible to imprint on either the top or bottom of individual frames of a negative or transparency being fed through a machine and have the imprint read correctly. In addition, individual type holder blocks can be arranged in any desired position, and can be rotated so that the information contained on each type holder block will be imprinted or not, as may be desired. Finally, a provision is made for easily adjusting the pressure on either side of the imprinting head so as to ensure optimum imprinting with a minimum embossing of the film.

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.

Abstract: A process for highspeed branding of an intricate pattern, usually a wood grain pattern, into materials such as particle board, hard board or various lumbers having poor grain characteristics is disclosed. The material to be branded is passed under a heated rotary die having the desired pattern thereon to emboss by heat shrinking and to char the pattern into the material; and the improvement of the process of the present invention, which effects an increased die life, is comprised of maintaining the die at about a temperature between about 800.degree. and about 900.degree. F. This temperature range is high enough to achieve high quality branding and high quantity production, while minimizing degradation of the die pattern from oxidation and contact with the material being branded. The die pattern is preferably relatively deep, in excess of 0.040 inch, and is urged into the material to a depth of about one-half the pattern depth.

Abstract: A punch press is utilized for rapidly embossing ceiling tile. The embossing plate in the press is backed up with a high output heater to assist in the embossing operation.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a back plate integrally connected to a ram capable of reciprocating or being stationary. The back plate has a surface that corresponds to the printing surface. A die carrying indicia is made to adjust to the contour of the printing surface automatically by use of spring bias means or resilient padding. Insert heaters are connected to each die. They allow flexibility of design and provide each die and/or decoration with a constant differing heat. Therefore, printing and decorating can be done on various sizes and shapes of plastic surfaces in a variety of colors.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a thermal printing head by printing a circuit pattern of resistive elements and electric conductors on one surface of a flat paper sheet, covering the circuit pattern and surface of the flat paper sheet with a carrier layer of a substantially transparent methacrylic acid resin, peeling off the flat paper sheet, placing the remaining carrier layer carrying the circuit pattern over a surface of a pre-shaped insulating substrate with the circuit pattern being laid downward, and heating the carrier layer placed on the substrate to cause the carrier layer to be burned off and cause the circuit pattern to adhere to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A tennis ball marker which has no moving parts in operation and in which a plurality of removable and interchangeable heating imprint modules are mounted in a housing containing an electric circuit for controlling the supply of power from a source to heat the imprint modules. The imprint modules comprise a ceramic body having an electric heating element embedded therein. The top surface of the ceramic body provides raised portions in the shape of letters or other identifying indicia which are seared onto the surface of a tennis ball placed in contact therewith. The imprint modules are readily interchangeable and are removably plugged into electrical receptacles in the housing to permit the identifying indicia to be readily changed. The housing includes window means through which the imprint modules are exposed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cold branding of vulcanized tires wherein an endless conveyor is suspended from a support frame having a plurality of stations located along the closed path of the conveyor. A plurality of branding machines are mounted on the conveyor for movement therewith along the endless path of the conveyor. The conveyor means and branding machines are moved intermittently along the closed path stopping at the stations for a predetermined time interval to provide unloading and loading of tires therefrom with the cold branding being done during the movement of the tires between the stations. Heating is provided to the branding machines for heating the branding heads for branding the sidewalls of a tire carried by the branding machines.