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 attachment for an offset press defining a frame (20) having a connection to the press with a series of gears interconnecting with a revolving member on the press. A reservoir (48) and three ink rollers provide a transferable ink surface with adjustable numbering heads (84) or imprinting heads (86) that rotate on a main shaft (38) receiving the ink and transferring it to the paper, as it is discharged from the press. A control system and a method of disconnecting the imprinting is provided utilizing a series of gears and roller mounted lever arms.

Abstract: A low-cost, completely self-contained numbering unit for in-line web collators is provided which includes fully mechanical throw-off apparatus for selectively activating and deactivating the unit in a manner ensuring proper sequential numbering of forms or the like, notwithstanding intermittent temporary interruptions of web flow through the unit. The numbering unit hereof preferably includes a plurality of rotatable numbering machines each having an indexing arm, a pivotal cam engageable with the respective arms and shiftable between indexing and non-indexing positions, and control means for allowing such cam shifting only under circumstances ensuring maintenance of proper numbered sequence between forms or the like as they are produced.