Abstract: A print processing method of a printing-and-embossing composite apparatus in which ink-characters printing and braille embossing are performed on the same object based on inputted character information, wherein, in cases where the ink-characters printing and the braille embossing are performed on the same object in a superposed state, and a character size for use in the ink-characters printing is set equal to or less than a given size, the ink-characters printing is barred.

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 method for personalizing flat supports by embossing, characterized by comprising the following stages: withdrawing a card to be personalized from a holder, transferring the card into an embossing station in which a bar code is embossed corresponding to data to be personalized, transferring the embossed card to a bar code reading station, and verifying that the bar code data read in the reading station corresponds to the bar code data memorized in a control unit. If the bar code and memorized data does not correspond then the card is eliminated, while if the data does correspond, the card is returned to the embossing station for completing the embossing cycle by embossing the card with alphanumeric characters corresponding to the bar code characters.

Abstract: A braille forming apparatus which can properly form a large pattern and a wide line. A large pattern can be formed by an initial closed loop pattern, followed by forming a further pattern within the original closed loop pattern. A wide line can be formed by repeating this operation, or by utilizing specialized patterns in which a pen tip of the braille forming apparatus is not required to be lifted off of the braille sheet.

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: A printer apparatus including a print head assembly and a transport belt for transporting a workpiece such as a plastic card through the printer apparatus. The transport belt includes a surface self-adhering to a surface of the plastic card. In a preferred embodiment, the printer apparatus includes a print head which is moved across a surface of the card while printing on the card. The printer apparatus includes a print head controller for interfacing between at least one microprocessor and at least one continuous tone print head, the number of print intensities either fixed or selected by the microprocessor.

Abstract: An embossing apparatus (22) includes an embossing wheel (28) having a punch side (30) and a die side (32). The embossing wheel (28) has punch blocks (50) and die blocks (52) spaced around its periphery. A card (20) is carried to an embossing position by card transport (24) and aligned by a guide plate (36). The embossing is done by pushing the punch blocks (50) and die blocks (52) against the card (20) by a hammer (42, 42a) driven by a solenoid (38, 38a). Character return plates (46, 46a), located on the outer sides of the embossing wheel (28) engaging the inside of character blocks (35), spring the character blocks (35) and solenoid shaft (40, 40a) back to a home at rest position when the embossing stroke is completed. The solenoids (38, 38a) have bumpers (54, 54a) mounted thereon for controlling the motion of the shaft (40, 40 a).

Abstract: A system for embossing a plurality of lines and recording encoded tracks of digitally encoded characters for credit cards is disclosed. The system has an improved recording station for recording digitally encoded characters, indent embossing unit, card transporting unit, process for verifying the accuracy of recording the tracks; and stacker.

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 lettering apparatus having an improved interface feature including a printer portion, a data input portion and an interface assembly for connecting the printer with the keyboard comprising an electrical interface, a font motor interface and an initial alignment interface. The interface assembly facilitates quick, uncomplicated and inexpensive conversion of a manual lettering system to an automated lettering system.

Abstract: A system for embossing a plurality of lines and recording encoded tracks of digitally encoded characters for credit cards is disclosed. The system has an improved recording station for recording digitally encoded characters, indent embossing unit, card transporting unit, process for verifying the accuracy of recording the tracks; and stacker.

Abstract: A method and system (20) for embossing characters on a card (44). A programmed host computer system (24) which interfaces with an embosser (22) includes logic (50) for computing character movement time and card movement time for each character to be embossed on the card (44), selecting the longest of the two values for each character as a character movement time, embossing the character having the shortest character movement time, and then iteratively performing the same process for the remaining characters such that the characters are embossed in a very time efficient manner.

Abstract: An electronic control system for apparatus of the type used for imprinting or marking nameplates and other similar workpieces. The control system of the present invention has particular application for use with electrically operated marking machines of the type which utilize a keyboard and a marking member which may be displaced to imprint or mark characters or symbols carried by the marking member on metal or plastic nameplates or other similar workpieces.

Abstract: An improved dry lettering printing machine of the type having a printing station, a rotatable disc or type font having embossed characters on the disc and a means for causing the machine to execute a print cycle which includes providing a color carrying ribbon and image carrying tape at the print station, precisely aligning a selected raised character on the disc for printing, exerting a printing force at the printing station, and reciprocating the tape cartridge to advance the tape and ribbon to print the next character at the printing station. The improvement includes an input keyboard for typing the information which is to appear on the tape interfaced with the printing machine with a programmed microcomputer which stores the input data and, with control signals, sequentially causes the printing machine to print a tape according to the information typed on the keyboard.

Abstract: A system for applying indicia to container closure stock wherein a reciprocating press is programmed to control the odds for the application of a plurality of indicia to be used for promotional material of the game type. The press anvil strokes are detected and counted and the die carrier is moved to a selected die in accordance with the program. Each die of the plurality of dies available is selected a predetermined number of times but the odds are accurately controlled.

Abstract: A computer-controlled mechanism in which the setting of a computer indexes a marking dial to the proper setting. The marking dial is formed as part of a unitary assembly including a character orienting motor and marking cylinder, which assembly is moved relative to the main frame support by a rack and pinion arrangement. The car frame is secured to the main frame member by a clamping mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding cards to an embossing apparatus in an automatic embossing system includes an adjustable input hopper and a card picking mechanism. The input hopper can be adjusted to receive cards of varying height, width and thickness. The card picking mechanism includes a card shelf for supporting a card substantially along the length of its bottom edge, a carriage upon which the card shelf is mounted and a cam and rocker arm drive arrangement for reciprocating the card shelf and carriage. The card feeding apparatus provides a large feeding force and is particularly suitable for feeding metal cards.

Abstract: Automatic card embossing apparatus includes a rotatable embossing wheel carrying about its periphery punch and die pairs for all characters available for embossing. Each character position of the wheel defines an address and the wheel is controlled for rotation to a desired address for embossing the character there-located. Data identifying all embossable characters is processed to derive three control numbers for each character, the first control number identifying the corresponding wheel address for the corresponding punch and die pair, the second number identifying the horizontal position on the card where the character is to be embossed, and the third control number identifying the line number on the card. The data is sorted into ascending order of wheel addresses. In operation, a card is transported to a reference position relative to the embossing wheel and the embossing wheel is rotated to the address of the first control number.

Abstract: An electronically controlled token engraving apparatus, wherein a slide moves blank tokens from a blank token receiving station to an engraving station and, after engraving, to an ejection station, under the control of a digital logic system is disclosed. The slide includes a token receiving aperture that receives a blank token at the blank token receiving station. At the engraving station, a typehead comprising a plurality of radial type bars is manually rotated by an operator until the desired character type is located above the upper peripheral edge of the token. Thereafter, actuation of a switch causes a toggle press to press the end of the type bar and, thus, the type downwardly against the token causing a character to be engraved therein. Just prior to a character being engraved, the token is indexed a predetermined distance. After a character is engraved, the typehead is manually rotated until the next desired character type is located above the upper peripheral edge of the token.

Abstract: Automatic card embossing apparatus includes a rotatable embossing wheel carrying about its periphery punch and die pairs for all characters available for embossing. Each character position of the wheel defines an address and the wheel is controlled for rotation to a desired address for embossing the character there-located. Data identifying all embossable characters is processed to derive three control numbers for each character, the first control number identifying the corresponding wheel address for the corresponding punch and die pair, the second number identifying the horizontal position on the card where the character is to be embossed, and the third control number identifying the line number on the card. The data is sorted into ascending order of wheel addresses. In operation, a card is transported to a reference position relative to the embossing wheel and the embossing wheel is rotated to the address of the first control number.