Abstract: A stamping device has: a die seat that a metal sheet, as a workpiece, abuts; and a stamping punch configured to stamp a character to be stamped onto a front surface of the metal sheet by pressing the stamping punch onto a stamped region of the metal sheet from the front surface side of the metal sheet. A stamp-receiving region that corresponds to the stamped region is provided on a front surface of the die seat, and, in this stamp-receiving region, plural dents are provided in such a manner as to correspond to the stamped region of the single character to be stamped.

Abstract: An automatic teller machine includes a guide, shafts and rollers. The guide extends in a conveyance direction along which papers are conveyed and includes a conveyance surface on which the papers are conveyed. The shafts are retained in the guide, and the rollers are turnably supported by the shafts. The guide includes a roller slot in which the rollers are disposed, and pairs of shaft slots that are opposingly formed to sandwich the roller slot. Each pair of shaft slots retains two ends of one of the shafts. The guide may include protrusion portions in the shaft slots that protrude in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance surface, and the shafts may include holes through which the protrusion portions are inserted when the shafts are retained in the shaft slots. Projection portions may be formed at the guide, projecting from predetermined positions of inner faces of the shaft slots, and the projection portions may abut against the shafts when the shafts are retained in the shaft slots.

Abstract: A print media preheating system and method of preheating print media that includes an upper heating plate that is arranged to heat a pre-printed side of the print media with a pressure of the upper heating plate on the print media being relieved by lifting the upper heating plate away from the print media so as to reduce smudging of ink printed on the pre-printed side of the print media.

Abstract: A handheld pattern creating device and method of use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rotational member is rotatably positioned within a housing under the power of a first drive mechanism to angularly traverse an x-y plane. A rail track is disposed on the surface of the rotational member in order to provide a radial path for a carriage that houses a tool tip. A guide track disposed on a surface of the rotational member includes a curved portion that provides a non-linear path. A second drive mechanism drives the carriage transversely along the radial path of the rail track such that a flexible rack gear travels the non-linear path of the guide track.

Abstract: An indent printing apparatus that is capable of indent printing on both sides of a document. A desktop card printer that uses the indent printing apparatus, a method of personalizing a document in the printer, and a ribbon cartridge used with the indent printing apparatus are also disclosed. The indent printing apparatus has first and second indenting mechanisms and uses first and second indent printing ribbon cartridges to enable indent printing on both side surfaces of the document.

Abstract: A safety mechanism includes multiple positioning recesses defined in a bottom face of the head of the adjusting sleeve, a stop received in one of the positioning recesses, a slot defined in a top face of the body, an urging spring received in the slot, and a urging ball partially received in the slot and urged by the urging spring. Therefore, rotation of the adjusting sleeve relative to the body is limited due to engagement between the urging ball and the stop which is received in one of the positioning recesses and separation between the adjusting sleeve and the body is avoided.

Abstract: A safety mechanism includes multiple positioning recesses defined in a bottom face of the head of the adjusting sleeve, a stop received in one of the positioning recesses, a slot defined in a top face of the body, an urging spring received in the slot, and a urging ball partially received in the slot and urged by the urging spring. Therefore, rotation of the adjusting sleeve relative to the body is limited due to engagement between the urging ball and the stop which is received in one of the positioning recesses and separation between the adjusting sleeve and the body is avoided.

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: A self-aligning multi-tool for use in a punch press having a ram. The multi-tool includes a housing carrying a striker and a magazine bearing a plurality of circumferentially spaced tools and rotatable with respect to the housing so as to bring a single desired tool into alignment with the striker. The housing has a striking surface adapted to be engaged by the ram of a punch press and configured to rotationally lock to the ram when correctly rotationally aligned therewith to prevent the housing from rotating as the magazine is rotated. The housing is provided with at least one alignment pin having a tapered cam surface and positioned such that the ram will contact and cam against the tapered cam surface of the pin as the ram approaches the striking surface if the machine ram and the striking surface are rotationally mis-aligned so as to urge the housing to rotate into correct alignment with the ram to enable rotational locking therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing elevations which can be detected in a tactile manner on a flat recording medium, with the following components: at least one stamp with several printing areas which are provided with one or several elevations; at least one printing plate with several recesses; a drive device to move the stamp in a recording direction along the recording medium; an adjusting device to adjust the stamp so as to bring a printing area to a printing position in which the elevations of the respective printing area are opposite of the recesses of the printing plate and a printing device to press the stamp against the printing plate in order to form one or several recesses on the interposed recording medium which correspond to elevations on the opposite side.

Abstract: The invention provides a tool which can be used with a punch press. On such tool includes a marking punch which has a recess; a marking punch magazine having a channel in which the marking punch is received and an external surface having a transverse groove therein which is in communication with the channel; a striker which strikes the marking punch to move the marking punch from its rest position to its marking position; and a resiliently compressible body received in the transverse groove of the magazine and in the recess in the marking punch. This compressible body desirably is compressed between the magazine and the marking punch when the marking punch is in its marking position, but resiliently biases the marking punch towards its rest position. The invention also provides a method of marking a workpiece, which method can employ such a tool.

Abstract: A hot debossing stamper for a report or book cover workpiece includes a print engine having a logo die forcer. In printing with a logo die, the logo die is mounted in a die holder and a loader-unloader tool articulates the holder and mounted die into the print engine under the logo die forcer. The die holder includes a die-supporting rectangular frame with a first locking projection extending from one end of the frame and a second locking projection extending from an opposite end. Upon insertion into the print engine, the first locking projection locks into a hook on the bottom end of the die forcer and the second locking projection seats on bail spring extending from an opposite end of the forcer bottom end.

Abstract: A marking tool assembly includes a plurality of marking punches for stamping alpha/numeric indicia into a workpiece. The punches are adapted to be indexed selectively to an active punching position beneath a striker which causes one of the punches to stamp the workpiece during the downstroke of the tool, the remaining punches resting idly on the workpiece. A stripper ring holds the striker rotationally stationary and also prevents rotation of a retaining ring for permitting up and down sliding of the punches in a holder and for guiding the punches to the active punching position.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing sheet material by applying pressure to punch and die members positioned on both sides of the sheet material using force developed by one or more solenoids to force the punch and die members together to apply an imprinting force. In order to reduce the impact force, noise and wear on the mechanical parts, the solenoid may be energized in two separate steps, the first to move the punch and die members into contact with the surface of the card and the second to apply the embossing force to the punch and die members. Both rotary and linear solenoids may be used with differing coupling linkages in various embodiments of the embossing mechanism.

Abstract: A marking tool holder (10) for a punch press, in which a plurality of marking tools (46) are mounted in an indexing carrier (38) for selective activation by the press ram (14). A non-positive connection effects driving of the preselected marking tool (46) to eliminate the need for precise adjustment of the marking tool position. In a first embodiment, a pair of very stiff springs (138) are interposed between a ram engaged plunger (124) and a striker (70), while in the second embodiment, a striker mass (158) attached to the striker (70) and carried in a body member (60) which is accelerated by the ram (14) to generate kinetic energy converted into a marking pressure when the marking tool (46) impacts the workpiece (W).

Abstract: A rotor supports a plurality of marking devices in spaced relation around the arcuate surface of an object to be marked which is fixed relative to the rotor. The rotor is mounted for rotation about an axis which is coaxial with an axis of the object to be marked. The rotor is also linearly movable on the axis. Each marking device includes a single impact pin positioned to extend and retract relative to the object to impress an identification mark, such as a dot, on the arcuate surface of the object. The impact pins are remotely controlled by a computer to inscribe on the object an array of dots in parallel rows to form desired programmed characters on the object. The impact pins are moved in a raster pattern by rotational and linear movement of the rotor in a preselected direction relative to the object. The impact pins are actuated to impress dots on the surface of the object in a first arcuate row.

Abstract: A card transport apparatus (12) carries cards along a card transport path through card processing stations (14, 74, 76). The transport apparatus (14) includes a vertically adjustable card carriage (16) for retaining cards along a card transport path throughout the entire card processing operation through the card processing stations (14, 74, 76). The card carriage (16) grips the cards with independently pivoting gripping arms (52, 54), actuated open by push solenoids (18, 20, 22) for picking up and releasing cards.

Abstract: A stamping tool for use in an auto-indexable tool station having a number of character inserts that can be rotatably moved below a striker area so that a thin metal plate or sheet of metal may be marked. The stamping tool allows for automatic adjustment of tool length for any variation in material thickness. A pneumatic cylinder actuates a mechanism that engages the key way in the head nut. The tool length is changed by the rotary motion of the auto-indexable tool station. The character housing is rotated by the indexable tool station through the punch key which moves the selected character insert to the striker area within the tool. The striker area causes the character insert which is spring biased to protrude lower than the character inserts that are not in the striker area. When the stamping tool is struck by the ram, only the character insert in the striker area will contact the material to be marked.

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: An impression tool has a marker head supported on one handle and an anvil supported on another anvil, the two handles being pivotally connected near the ends supporting the marker head and anvil. A pressure sensitive label is received on the anvil and is impressed by the marker head when the handles are manipulated to being the marker head and anvil together. The marker head is made of a plurality of rotatable disks, each of which has a plurality of print characters formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof.

Abstract: A card transport apparatus (12) carries cards along a card transport path through card processing stations (14, 74, 76). The transport apparatus (14) includes a vertically adjustable card carriage (16) for retaining cards along a card transport path throughout the entire card processing operation through the card processing stations (14, 74, 76). The card carriage (16) grips the cards with independently pivoting gripping arms (52, 54), actuated open by push solenoids (18, 20, 22) for picking up and releasing cards.

Abstract: An embossing machine and method is provided in which the mass of the carriage assembly carrying the card to and from various operations in the machine is significantly reduced by the utilization of a card carrying carriage mounted for movement in one direction from side to side on the machine via a stationary motor. The carriage is mounted on a guide bar which, together with the carriage, moves from the front to the back of the machine via a stationary motor. A new card supply hopper is arranged to stack cards vertically and feed them to the carriage one-by-one as the carriage approaches the hopper. An embossing assembly is operated by a single interposer arranged in a crank drive or two interposers arranged between actuating levers and the rams of associated male and female embossing wheels. A topper assembly minimizes foil usage by winding up only that foil which has been used during the topping of the previous card.

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: A lettering apparatus adapted for receiving a replaceable tape supply cartridge comprising a pair of spaced apart, parallel frame members defining a cartridge receiving cavity and a print bar pivotally supported between the frame members. The apparatus also includes an improved linkage for generating the lettering force, an improved tape cut-off mechanism and improved means for driving the tape advancement mechanism in the cartridge. The cartridge also includes a device for sensing the amount of tape remaining and means for aligning the tape and characters to be lettered.

Abstract: A marking machine having a printing wheel with printing characters on the periphery of the wheel. Adjustment means are provided for adjusting the rotational position of the wheel with respect to a drive shaft comprising a drive train connecting the printing wheel to the drive shaft. The printing wheel is rotatable with respect to the drive shaft but may be fixed by an intermediate backing plate member which is keyed to the drive shaft. An adjustable eccentric rotatably connected to the printing wheel has an eccentric shaft element fitting in a slot in the backing member to provide rotable adjustment of the printing wheel with respect to the drive shaft. The printing wheel may be slipped on and off the shaft and is secured to the drive shaft by a hub-like handle member having a spring radially biased ball detent receivable within a groove on the end of the drive shaft to facilitate ready connection and removal of the printing wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing an imprint in a workpiece has a rigid frame having a front end to one side of the workpiece to be embossed and a rear end to the other side thereof. At least the front end of the frame can move relative to the workpiece in a longitudinal direction across the workpiece and between the front and rear frame ends. An anvil on the front frame end is engageable with the one side of the workpiece. A tool support on the rear end of the frame can move longitudinally relative to same and to the workpiece. A tool wheel rotatable on the tool support about a transverse tool axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction has a periphery carrying a plurality of different embossing tools spaced angularly about the tool axis. This wheel is angularly displaceable through a plurality of respective positions in each of which a respective one of the tools longitudinally forwardly confronts the other side of the workpiece in line longitudinally with the anvil.

Abstract: A machine for stamping characters in multiple rows on a workpiece is disclosed. The machine includes an impact head assembly mounted on a transversely slidable carriage, the impact head assembly being adapted for reciprocating movement perpendicular to the path of that sliding movement. A rotating stamping wheel is mounted in the impact head assembly and has a plurality of character stamps mounted on its periphery. Means are disposed in the impact head assembly for moving the stamping wheel to a plurality of selected positions along its axis of rotation.

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 improved machine for heating and die cutting plastic tape to form letters, numerals and other characters is disclosed which includes a rotatable disc-shaped print plate which defines a plurality of raised characters spaced in a circle on and around one broad surface thereof. The print plate includes a central hub, a thermally conductive backing plate attached to the hub but thermally isolated from the hub by thermally insulating washers disposed therebetween, and a thermally conductive print ring, containing the raised characters thereon, which is attached to the backing plate, and a heating ring including electrical resistance wire zig-zagging between a pair of sheets of electrically insulating rubber material, the heating ring being disposed between the backing plate and print ring.

Abstract: Making characters on the periphery of a rotatable marking wheel are selectively rotated into marking position relative to the surface of a billet, ingot, bar, slab or the like by an indexing motor drivingly connected to the marking wheel. The marking wheel is rotatably mounted in a housing that is pivoted toward and away from the billet by an arm structure suspended from a frame. The frame is movable on a support transversely of the pivotal path of the marking wheel housing. The frame is laterally advanced incrementally by an indexing ratchet to move the marking wheel from one marking position to the next marking position to permit the marking wheels to stamp the billet with a series of characters. After the billet is marked with a selected character, the stepping motor rotates the marking wheel until the next desired character is in a position for marking. The frame is then laterally advanced to position the desired character opposite the billet.

Abstract: A marking machine for marking metal nameplates, tags or the like. The marking machine employs a work table supported on a carriage which is moveable into contact with a marking wheel to perform a printing operation. Improved advancing means are provided for the work table utilizing a feed pawl link having a pair of pivot points. One pivot point is connected to a feed link while the second pivot point is connected to a drag link moveable between upper and lower stops in a carriage casting. A bottom pivot point of the drag link is provided with a friction clutch on a pivot connected otherwise to a stationery portion of the machine. An improved feed rack is further provided which is polygonal in cross-section and may have different spaced teeth on each side for selective spacing. Half-spacing adjustment means are provided whereby the feed rack may be moved axially a half-space to change the spacing on the work table.

Abstract: A dry lettering printing apparatus comprising a printing station, a means for providing a color carrying ribbon and image carrying tape at the printing station, a means for providing a raised character in printing alignment at the printing station, an improved force generating means for exerting a printing force at the printing station and an improved means for advancing the tape and ribbon into printing alignment at the printing station. The improved advancement means includes a cartridge carrier movable reciprocally toward and away from the printing station for advancing the tape into printing alignment.

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: A method and apparatus are disclosed for permanently marking a metal workpiece. The apparatus comprises a support for supporting the apparatus in contact with the workpiece. A stamp holding means adapted to receive a predetermined number of stamps engages the support and carries the stamps.The method comprises the steps of engaging the stamp holder with the support. Placing the support on the workpiece. Striking the stamps until the characters are at the desired depth and then removing the stamp holder from the workpiece.

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.