Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device for marking a surface, including a casing (2) having a front face (6) having a rectangular opening (6A) for the passage of a marking member, the front face (6) of the casing being provided with a stiffening frame (15) surrounding the passage opening (6A), this stiffening frame (15) being provided with an indexing system (18) adapted to cooperate with a complementary indexing system (19) equipping each of the tooling of a series of removable tooling (20A, 20B, . . . ) for positioning the device on the surface to be marked, each removable tooling (20A, 20B, . . . ) of the series and the stiffening frame (15) including at least one of the elements of a magnetic fastening system with two elements, namely a magnet (21A) and a ferromagnetic material (21B).

Abstract: A variable-color region (106) extends to an exposed surface (102) at a zone (112) and normally appears along it as a principal color. The region responds to an object (104) impacting the zone sufficiently hard at an object-contact area (116) by providing an impact signal identifying a criteria-meeting area (1626) where threshold impact criteria are met. Responsive to the impact signal and possibly to supplemental impact criteria being met, a controller (1622) produces a representation of a print area (118) from a representation of the criteria-meeting area by smoothening its perimeter and provides an initiation signal designating a location in the zone for the print area such that it closely matches the object-contact area. An impact-dependent portion (138) of the region responds to the initiation signal and possibly to a tracking condition being met by temporarily appearing along the print area as changed color materially different from the principal color.

Abstract: A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112) and normally appears along it as a principal color. An impact-dependent portion (138) of the variable-color region responds to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) by temporarily appearing along a closely matching print area (118) of the zone as changed color materially different from the principal color if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. Object-tracking apparatus (808) tracks movement of the object over the surface and provides an image-causing tracking impact signal when the object impacts the zone according to the tracking. An image-generating system (802, 842, 1152, or 1182) responds to at least the impact signal by generating a print-area vicinity image consisting of an image of the print area and adjacent area of the surface.

Abstract: A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112) and normally appears along it as a principal color. The region responds to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) by providing an impact signal if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. The impact signal identifies a threshold criteria-meeting area (1626 or 1626) where the criteria are met in the zone. Responsive to the impact signal, a controller (1622 or 1632) provides an initiation signal that designates a print area (118) in the zone such that the print area is larger than the criteria-meeting area and can closely match the object-contact area in size, shape, and location. An impact-dependent portion (138) of the region responds to the initiation signal by temporarily appearing along the print area as changed color materially different from the principal color.

Abstract: A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112), normally appears along it as a principal color, and includes impact-sensitive and color-change components 182 and (184). A segment (192) of the impact-sensitive component responds to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) by providing an impact effect if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. A segment (194) of the color-change component responds to the impact effect by causing an impact-dependent portion (138) of the variable-color region to temporarily appear along a print area (118) of the zone as changed color materially different from the principal color. The print area closely matches the object-contact area in size, shape, and location. The color-change capability helps, for instance, in making in/out calls in sports such as tennis.

Abstract: A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112) and normally appears along it as a principal color. An impact-dependent portion (138) of the variable-color region responds to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) by providing an impact signal if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. The impact signal identifies an expected location of a print area (118) in the zone and supplemental impact information for the impact. Responsive to the impact signal, a controller (702) determines whether the supplemental impact information meets supplemental impact criteria and, if so, provides an initiation signal. The impact-dependent portion responds to the initiation signal, if provided, by temporarily appearing along the print area as changed color materially different from the principal color. The print area closely matches the object-contact area in size, shape, and location.

Abstract: A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112), normally appears along it as a principal color, and includes pressure-sensitive color-change structure (132) and pressure-spreading structure (242) having an internal pressure-spreading surface (244). An object (104) impacts the zone at an object-contact area (116). The pressure-spreading structure spreads pressure of the impact along a distributed-pressure area (256) of the pressure-spreading surface. A segment (142) of the pressure-sensitive color-change structure responds to the excess internal pressure along the distributed-pressure area by causing an impact-dependent portion (138) of the variable-color region to temporarily appear along a print area (118) of the zone as changed color materially different from the principal color if the excess internal pressure meets excess internal pressure criteria.

Abstract: A system that allows a material to be marked while still on the CNC tooling table and allows an operator to input marking information just prior to, or even during, the tooling cycle. The present invention comprises a sequence controller associated with a computer readable medium and adapted for communication with the CNC controller. An HMI device and a marker controller are also connected with the sequence controller. A lifter assembly is connected with the sequence controller to raise and lower a marker assembly. The lifter assembly is connected to the gantry of the CNC tooling system with an adaptor block. The present invention provides the advantage of reduced time when compared to marking the part at a separate station remotely located from the CNC system, and allows the operator to input marking information just prior to or during the CNC tooling cycle.

Abstract: An embossing control method used in a braille-embossing apparatus includes an embossing head that embosses a braille string on a tape fed along a tape-conveying path, the braille string being embossed in an area biased to one of upper and lower sides of the tape along the width of the tape without changing the upper and lower direction of the braille string. The embossing control method includes the steps of designating the area biased to one of the upper and lower sides of the tape along the width of the tape as a braille-embossing area in which braille embossing is to be performed and embossing the braille string in the designated braille-embossing area.

Abstract: A marking device for encoding metallic workpieces with two-dimensional matrix codes includes a striking tool for forming the code recesses, driven by an electromagnetic device. The driving movement is performed against the force of a return device. A positioning device displaceable on two axes (x, y) of a plane perpendicular to the striking direction (z) is used for positioning the striking tool in the desired code positions. An electronic control device for controlling movement of the striking tool includes means for presetting a higher current for the electromagnet device during a first acceleration phase of the striking tool and a lower current during a subsequent moving phase until the workpiece is impinged. In this manner, the precision of the code recesses in the workpiece can be exactly set or maintained, so that readability of the coding is substantially improved.

Abstract: A mold assembly for embossing thin products includes a first carrier with a female mold connected to an inside thereof and a second carrier with a male mold connected to an inside thereof. The female mold faces the male mold, and the thin product is sandwiched between the male and female molds. A window is defined through the first carrier and located corresponding to the apertures of the female mold so that the user may color the thin products via the apertures of the female mold before the products are removed from the mold assembly.

Abstract: A method controls a tape processing apparatus which performs, on a tape to be sent from a tape inlet to a tape outlet along a tape travel passage through an embossing section, a series of tape processing operations of incoming-feed operation to feed the tape from the tape inlet to the embossing section, embossing operation in the embossing section, and of outgoing-feed operation to feed the tape from the embossing section to the tape outlet in an order as mentioned above, and which also indicates in an indicator that the apparatus is in the tape processing operations. The method indicates in the indicator a pre-embossing feed indication to indicate the incoming-feed operation and a post-embossing feed indication to indicate the outgoing-feed operation in an indicating mode which is different from an embossing indication to indicate that the apparatus is in the embossing operation.

Abstract: A stamping and die-cutting tool with quick mould change design comprises: a casing and a pushing member. The pushing member has a pushing portion to be fixed at an extended position and a retracted position alternatively after being pressed repeatedly. The pushing member is fixed in the casing. A mould have an attractive surface and is moveably disposed in the casing in such a manner that the attractive surface is attracted to the pushing portion of the pushing member; by pressing the mould, the pushing member will be moved out of and retracted into the casing, so that the mould can be changed easily.

Abstract: Before embossing raised letters on a target tape which is subjected to embossing of raised letters, written letters are printed based on inputted character information, and also an upside-and-downside identifying information for identifying the upside and the downside of the target tape as seen in the widthwise direction thereof is printed on the target tape. In the emboss-processing section, the upside and the downside of the target tape is detected based on the identifying information. If the target tape is found to have been inserted upside down, the raised letters are embossed in a state of turning the embossing data by 180 degrees.

Abstract: A sheet of embossed paper including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The invention may also include notebook including a plurality of sheets of paper, each sheet including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The notebook may include binding means binding the plurality of sheets together.

Abstract: Vehicle identification number (VIN) data acquisition and stamping center control, wherein a main computer supplies VIN data to a PLC disposed at the stamping center, and the PLC stores a quantity of VIN data, up to a predetermined maximum, in an input buffer memory of the PLC in order to permit the stamping center to continue operating even when the network connection with the main computer is broken. The PLC also includes an output buffer memory in which stamped VINs may be stored until the network connection is restored, at which point the stamped VINs are transmitted to the main computer. Alternative semi-automatic and manual modes of operation permit the stamping center to continue operating even when the supply of VIN data from the input buffer memory is exhausted.

Abstract: A method of providing printing and embossing data includes transmitting print image data defining an image to be printed and emboss image data defining an image to be embossed, where the data is transmitted over a single data path to a common recipient processor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hot-stamping device comprising a stamping arm with one end being a free end, a stamping section adapted to apply pressure to a hot-stamping foil positioned at the free end to a value-added medium such as ticket wherein the hot-stamping foil is transferred to the value-added medium. A first cam, in contact with said stamping arm, is used for moving a stamping section to close proximity of the value-added medium. A first drive section driving said first cam and a second cam for bringing pressure-exerting load to bear on the stamping section is used to move to close proximity a value-added medium. A second drive section is used for driving a second cam.

Abstract: A positive piece engagement indicator for marking tool is provided in which a metal workpiece is contacted with a workpiece contact probe for providing physical contact with, as well as electrical communication with the metal surface of a workpiece. A test voltage and indicator means are placed in series between the workpiece and marking tool. Upon physical contact of the marking tool engagement surface with the surface of the metal workpiece, a circuit is completed by the electrical communication there between, thereby engaging the indicator means. This allows positive verification of actual engagement of worktool to workpiece.

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

Abstract: A holder for embossing a card which permits manipulation of the card and shields the user's hand from heat employed during the process of embossing. A heat-resistant clip has a first side with a straight tip and a second side with the tip curving away from the straight tip to facilitate the introduction, manipulation, and extraction of a paper card without damaging such card. A spring force retains the card in the clip and permits the clip to adjust to cards of different thicknesses. The base of the clip is attached to a handle which, to protect the hand of the user from heat applied near the clip during the process of embossing, has a low thermal conductivity and is of sufficient length to preclude the user's hand from being in the flow of heat that is applied near the clip. And, to facilitate manipulating the handle with a single hand, the handle has a circular cross section.

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

Abstract: A charge card is described which is made from a rubber or plastic laminate with precious metal forming the upper surface and preferably lower surface. The precious metal layers are adhered to the rubber material by means of a suitable adhesive formulation or the plastic materially a latex adhesive. The laminated card has uniquely flexible properties which render it suitable as a credit card.

Abstract: Method for optimizing the print path of an articulated marking head during the application of a data string of segmented characters. The controlling program which implements the optimized marking head sequence provides for skipping unused line segments within a given data string, thus eliminating unnecessary marking head travel and lessening print cycle time.

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

Abstract: Marking of a generally planar object at a first surface thereof with one or more indentation-defined pixels. For generating the marking, an anvil member is provided as having an impact surface. A marking head is positioned at a fixed relationship with respect to the anvil member. The head includes a confronting portion opposing the impact surface, and a marker pin having a distal impacting tip issuing from the confronting portion which is reciprocatably actuable along a marking axis from a retracted position to an extended position. With the object disposed intermediate the marking head and the anvil member, and with at least a portion of the second surface of the object being supported on the impact surface of the anvil member, the object may be positioned at a predefined pixel location within a marking locus.

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: 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: Apparatus and method are described for developing indentation defined characters formed within pixel matrices having a generally arcuate configuration. The row and column matrices which are formed by the method are characterized in having arcuate rows which are regularly spaced radially from a marker axis. The column components of the pixel matrices are regularly angularly spaced radii emanating from the same marking axis. A rotational marker head is provided carrying marker pin assemblies which are oriented at regular radial angular spacings and in progressively incrementing regular radial distances from the marker axis. As the marker head assembly is rotated, the marker pin assemblies are actuated to form the arcuate character string. The apparatus and method permits the marking of significant character string information on restricted surfaces such as the face of gears and the like.

Abstract: A stamping device (28) having a stationary base assembly (76), a carriage assembly (52) mounted on the base assembly for stepwise horizontal movement in a first direction relative to the base assembly, and a marker assembly (34) mounted on the carriage assembly for stepwise horizontal movement in a second, perpendicular direction. The marker assembly includes a marking pin (30) vertically actuable by an air cylinder (42) for impacting the tube sheet (14) adjacent a preselected tube (16). A control system (124) sequentially activates stepping motors (60,66) and the air cylinder to produce a dot matrix character (114) on the tube sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously forming one or more lines of multi-character messages on the surface of solid material which employs an array of marker pins which are moved by a carriage along a singular plane locus of movement defining a sequence of rows corresponding with a pixel matrix. The locus includes a retrace feature for each row or transverse movement which enhances the quality of character formation. An actuator assembly develops the locus of movement and, in turn, is driven by facing cam wheels which, in turn, are powered from an electric motor. A manifold which receives pneumatic pulses from arrays of conduits is coupled to the carriage and a marker head assembly, in turn, is removably coupled to the manifold. An array of solenoid actuated valves is coupled to the tubing arrays and to a pneumatic source which may be remotely positioned from the manifold.

Abstract: A thin sheet of metal foil is inserted in a typewriter and conventional typing strokes produce indentations therein. The ribbon of the typewriter contains material of a high degree of visibility which is deposited at the bottom of the indentations. A fixative ensures that the material is properly disposed in place. The sheet is mounted on a base and a layer of clear plastic is provided around the plaque. The plaque is removably mounted on a coffin by a pair of pins or brackets each of which includes portions disposed at an angle of about 45.degree. to one another. Attaching means including a bracelet secures the plaque to the remains within the coffin.

Abstract: A device for marking objects by micro-percussion pneumatic tools including a vibrating tip wherein the tools are mounted on a carriage which is slidably mounted with respect to two support shafts and which is moved along an axis of translation by a first drive member and wherein the carriage is pivotally mounted to swing the tip of the tool in a direction perpendicular to the direction of translation by a second drive member.

Abstract: A thin sheet of metal foil is inserted in a typewriter and conventional typing strokes produce indentations therein. The ribbon of the typewriter contains material of a high degree of visibility which is deposited at the bottom of the indentations. A fixative ensures that the material is properly disposed in place. The sheet is mounted on a base and a layer of clear plastic is provided around the plaque. The plaque is removably mounted on a coffin by a pair of pins or brackets each of which includes portions disposed at an angle of about 45.degree. to one another. Attaching means including a bracelet secures the plaque to the remains within the coffin.

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: A stamping device (28) having a stationary base assembly (76), a carriage assembly (52) mounted on the base assembly for stepwise horizontal movement in a first direction relative to the base assembly, and a marker assembly (34) mounted on the carriage assembly for stepwise horizontal movement in a second, perpendicular direction. The marker assembly includes a marking pin (30) vertically actuable by an air cylinder (42) for impacting the tube sheet (14) adjacent a preselected tube (16). A control system (124) sequentially activates stepping motors (60,66) and the air cylinder to produce a dot matrix character (114) on the tube sheet.

Abstract: In a marking system for stamping materials such as aluminum strip, a pulse of determined energy is supplied to a solenoid, to impart a determined kinetic energy to a die. The die is guided to dissipate substantially all of this kinetic energy in the deformation of the material being stamped. The pulse of energy applied to the solenoid may be controlled by a programmable computer, programmed to control the duration of time that a current is applied to the solenoid. The computer may control a plurality of such solenoids, controlling the times and relative numbers of operation of each of the solenoids.

Abstract: A portable frame is supported for vertical movement on a pair of posts adjacent the surface of a table for receiving an object to be marked. A traveling plate is supported for movement on the frame in the horizontal plane above the surface of the object on the table. A ball screw drive connects the traveling plate to the frame for imparting longitudinal movement of the traveling plate in the horizontal plane. A marking head assembly is pivotally mounted on the plate and carries a plurality of impact pins which are reciprocated into and out of contact with the object by operation of programmable solenoid valves. An indexing wheel adjusts the angular position of the marking head assembly to control the size of characters formed by the pins impacting the object. The pins are activated as the traveling table is moved in the horizontal plane to inscribe a desired mark of a preselected character size on the plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for stamping different embossed marks into metallurgical or rolled products comprises a plurality of juxtaposed punches, which are axially slidably mounted in a punch holder, and a punch actuator for actuating said punches. To permit a stamping of different embossed marks at a high stamping rate, each punch carries a pattern segment of a set of pattern segments, which are adapted to be assembled to form different patterns corresponding to respective embossed marks. In the punch actuator, a separate punch-actuating cylinder which is fluid-operable is associated with each punch. The punch actuator comprises a controller for controlling the supply of pressure fluid to each of the punch-actuating cylinders or to groups of said cylinders.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming multi-character messages on the surfaces of solid materials wherein an array of marker pins (88-94) are selectively pneumatically actuated from a corresponding array of solenoid actuated valves (102-104, 106). The marker pins are returned to their operational ready position by a select pneumatic input (96) which performs in conjunction with a pressure limiting valve (126). Continuous monitoring of marker pin performance is carried out by a transducer (166) operating in conjunction with a monitoring duct (168) and selectively located monitoring openings (168a-168g). The marker pins readily are accessed for maintenance in consequence of their positioning within a head structure (12) having access openings at one end (78) and which is retained in position by ball lock pins (64, 65).

Abstract: A marking device is configured to retain a preprinted card normally printed with inventory or reminder list items. The body of the device has a support and a face piece with correspondingly mating embossing elements for so marking the related item on the list. The embossing elements are a number of manually movable keys that leave an impression on the card when depressed into engagement with the protrusions aligned with the support piece below. The body may be made of plastic with the face piece of clear plastic for item visibility. The keys may also contain a manification property.

Abstract: A printing or reproducing or pressure-detecting process comprising producing on a substrate a surface consisting essentially of a colored acetylenic composition of partially polymerized monomer which has at least two triple bonds which are conjugated, and having certain substituents in the molecule; preferably 5,7-dodecadiyn-1,12-bis(p-bromophenyl urethane) monomer. When subjected to impact or pressure, these surfaces change color sharply; e.g. an orange surface comprising the above bromophenyl urethane monomer, partially polymerized, changes sharply and instantly to blue in those precise areas where struck by a typewriter letter-face.

Abstract: A method of operating a hardware system, including a computer, for use in registering attendees at large gatherings, such as trade shows or conventions, and producing embossed identification and inquiry cards for each attendee. A plurality of data input terminals are used to supply information concerning each attendee to the programmed computer. Entered data is edited under software control before being stored by the computer. Appropriate portions of the entered data are transmitted to one of a plurality of card embossers where an identification and inquiry card is prepared. The entered data is retrieved from storage as desired to provide statistical information concerning attendance at the trade show or convention.