Abstract: A platform for supporting an engraving head in a manner accommodating translational movement without any associated rotation. The platform has a deck which is supported by a pair of flexible support columns. In operation the platform is situated alongside a rotating printing cylinder. The engraving head is mounted on the deck of the platform and is provided with a guide shoe which rides against the surface of the printing cylinder. As the cylinder rotates to angular positions having different radii, the engraving head responds with a purely linear reaction. Consequently the engraving head is able to engrave uniform-depth cavities in the surface of the printing cylinder. In two alternative embodiments the deck is driven by a resilient link arrangement which is coupled to a leadscrew and carriage assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 12, 1993
Date of Patent:
October 3, 1995
Assignee:
Ohio Electric Engravers, Inc.
Inventors:
John W. Fraser, Kenneth F. Bornhorst, Jr., Thomas J. Eichhorn, Robert D. Likins