Abstract: A portable apparatus to electromechanically emboss Braille patterns includes a user input, such as a six-key with spacebar keyboard, actuators that drive embossing pins via cam shafts coupled to servo or stepper motors, a tape advancing mechanism, and a cutting and scoring assembly. Three actuators, such as servo or stepper motors, may each be coupled to one shaft on which two or more cams drive two or more embossing pins for each row of two dots in the six dot Braille cell.

Abstract: A marking press device having a pair of type arms that face each other to interpose a workpiece to be marked therebetween, a type fixed on each of said type arms for making a mark thereof, a circular type assembling member around which a plurality of said type arms are attached radially, a device for rotatably supporting said type assembling member around a rotary shaft and for pressing a selected type from said type assembling member onto said workpiece, a driver for rotating said type assembling member, a ribbon guiding mechanism that guides an inked ribbon for coloring marked characters, a ribbon supplying spool for supplying said inked ribbon, a ribbon winding spool for winding said inked ribbon, a ribbon frame to which said ribbon guiding mechanism, said ribbon supplying spool and said ribbon winding spool are mounted, and ribbon frame turning device for rotatably supporting said ribbon frame and turning said ribbon frame to a horizontal position above said type arms when said inked ribbon is replaced.

Abstract: Lightweight, programmable marking apparatus for moving a marking head to coordinate positions utilizing two fixed stepper motors performing in conjunction with a belt and pulley drive and cam drive systems. The dynamics of pneumatically driven marking pins within marking heads are accommodated for by dual guide rods mounted on marking base frame and material contacting standoffs. Improved marking head structure is provided utilizing a polyetherimide material and the use of an internal spring, rather than air pressure, to retract the marking pin to its top position. The lightweight design of the marking apparatus permits it to be adapted for hand held use.

Abstract: An engraving head that includes a movement mechanism for moving an engraving stylus within the body housing of the engraving apparatus is provided. The movement of the engraving stylus causes the tip of the engraving stylus to approach and recede from an engraving surface. The movement mechanism contains a movable body and a first energizing means. The movable body moves in association with a movement space member's inner circumference. The movement space member is positioned inside the body housing. The first energizing means is employed to energize the movable body in a direction away from the engraving surface. Additionally, a second energizing means serves to energize the movable body in a direction towards the engraving surface against the opposing energizing force of the first energizing means. The second energizing means may be, for example, compressed gas. As the movable body travels downward towards the engraving surface, the tip portion of the engraving stylus also approaches the engraving surface.

Abstract: A marking device includes a plurality of individual marking pin assemblies. Each marking pin assembly is spaced an angular distance from each adjacent marking pin assembly in the marking device to form a generally fan-shaped array. An arcuate object to be marked by the marking device is placed on an object support plate. As the arcuate object is rotated on the object support plate, the plurality of marking pin assemblies in the marking device operate to selectively imprint a plurality of preselected characters in the circumference of the arcuate object.