Embossing System
AssigneePanduit Corp.
InventorsJames R. Ward, Mark B. Richardson, Anthony G. Smith, SR.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A marker plate embossing system is provided having an improved loading device, and improved chute and hopper systems. The loading device reduces the likelihood of marker plate misfeed. The chute and hopper systems allow the embossing of varying sized embossing plates, while reducing the likelihood of embossed marker plates being delivered in an incorrect stacked-order. A marker plate removal system is also provided for removing embossed marker plates from the hopper system without the marker plates falling out of the stacked-order.
Claims20
A loading device for a marker plate embossing system comprising:
- a base surface;
- gate members;
- and
- rollers attached to the gate members, the rollers disposed adjacent to the base surface.
A chute system for a marker plate embossing system comprising:
- a chute comprising opposed side-walls forming a first trough-like opening between the opposed side-walls with the first trough-like opening extending from an entrance side at which a marker plate is received to an exit side at which a received marker plate is ejected;
- and
- a plurality of varying sized members configured to be separately attached within the first trough-like opening of the chute, to extend from the entrance side to the exit side, to provide varying width second trough-like openings within the chute for accommodating varying width marker plates.
A hopper system for a marker plate embossing system comprising:
- a hopper comprising at least one side-wall attached to a bottom surface forming a cavity within the hopper;
- and
- a divider configured to be adjustably attached within the cavity of the hopper in varying positions relative to the at least one side-wall to accommodate varying width marker plates between the divider and the at least one side-wall.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.