Abstract: An ink density closed loop control system for an ink ribbon of an impact printer having a reservoir roller formed of an ink absorbent material with at least one or more channels within the reservoir roller fluidly connected to a pump and ink supply. A transfer roller can contact the reservoir roller for imparting ink to the ink ribbon. A sensor senses the relative amount of ink on the print ribbon and an electrical drive responsive to the sensor drives the pump for a flow of ink to the one or more channels. The sensor can sense ink on different segments of the ribbon and, with two or more channels in the reservoir roller can distribute ink to two or more segments of the reservoir roller depending upon the ink sensed at a particular segment of the ribbon. A further enhancement of this invention provides a multi-viscosity ink to compensate for changes in ambient temperature conditions.

Abstract: There is shown an inking apparatus for stamping on a localized area, and with a speedy application, a selected reproduction to a travelling or advanced product. This inking roller is free-turning with a light brake to prevent free wheeling. A four-bar linkage is used with two eccentrics. One eccentric is preferably rotated with at least twice the revolutions of the other eccentric. The four-bar linkage carries on an extending end of a first bar the stamp which is moved into peripheral engagement of the inking roller and then to the surface of the product. The movement of the stamp is in a path prescribed by the eccentrics and the four-bar linkage. The stamp in its peripheral engagement with the inking roller causes said roller to be inched forward rotationally to present a fresh surface to the stamp when next brought to the inking roller.