Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing a graphic design on a hard plastic workpiece such as a credit card blank includes a thermal printing element which is supported by a head assembly that has been designed a single link, to have low mechanical compliance in a horizontal plane and yet to allow the print head to align with a print roller. A cleaning assembly is further provided which includes a pair of cleaning rollers having an adhesive coating; and a novel arrangement for stripping particulate matter away from the cleaning rollers after a predetermined number of cards have been cleaned. A number of stepper motors are provided to perform the cleaning and printing functions. The stepper motors are controlled by a local control system which monitors a number of sensors provided on the cleaning and printing stations and is subservient to an overall system controller. The invention further includes a novel method of operation, a cassette for use with the printing station and a novel thermal printing foil.

Abstract: An input hopper apparatus (40) including input hopper receptacle (42) for receiving a stack of cards (44). A pick mechanism (60) is disposed proximate a second end of the input hopper receptacle (42) for individually picking a card from the stack of cards (44) by use of a suction cup assembly (62). A transfer mechanism (70) is included for transferring the picked card to a card transfer path (59).

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer for printing on the face of a plastic card such as a credit card. The apparatus employs a spring loaded support and capstan roller for bending the card to conform to the surface of a printer roller and for forcing thermal elements of a print head into pressure applying contact with a thermal transfer foil sheet and the surface of the card at a printing station. The printing is applied by selectively heating individual thermal elements to transfer thermally transferable printing material from the carrier sheet to the surface of the card. The apparatus also employs a structure for stripping the thermal transfer foil from the surface of the card.

Abstract: An embossing module for an automatic embossing machine utilizes a pair of opposed embossing element carrying wheels driven by oscillating bail arms which directly engage the embossing punch and die elements. An electromechanical interrupter mechanically decouples motion of the bail arm from the embossing elements in the event of a failure. The printwheels are driven by separate motors utilizing separate position encoders and common servo command circuits.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding cards from a storage magazine to an automatic embossing system including an input hopper and card picking mechanism for engaging a card after it is stripped from a supply stack in the input hopper. The card is positioned by a transfer mechanism to receive embossed data from rotating embossing wheels. An output hopper receives good cards and rejected cards are deposited into a reject box.

Abstract: A flow divider valve assembly is provided which divides a flow of fluid between a priority flow device, such as a power steering system, and an excess flow device, such as an auxiliary mechanism. A valve spool is axially movable within the main valve bore and defines an axial bore having one end in fluid communication with the priority flow outlet port. The valve spool is movable within the main bore in response to variations in the pressure differential between the outlet ports. A first aperture communicates between the inlet port and the axial bore and the valve spool defines a spool land defining a second aperture communicating between the inlet port and the axial bore.