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: 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 linear array of solenoid actuated marker valve assemblies is contained in a housing configured as a manifold which carries marker fluid as well as nebulizing air supplies and a solvent distributing valve for use in clearing the air passages. All valve assemblies are accessible from the front surface of the device for ease of maintenance and are assembled in a manner assuring uniform and consistent valve stem travel advantageously eliminating the need for valve stem travel adjustment. The control system utilized with the valve assemblies provides both for an enhanced current input rate to the windings of the solenoid driven components, as well as an efficient and effective turn-off clamping procedure. This form of actuation of the solenoids achieves dynamically efficient and rapid turn-off and turn-on to the extent that the size of dots formed by the assembly can be provided having a broader range of diameters and these diameters can be adjusted remotely by a simple impedance variation.

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.