Apparatus for dry printing on contoured workpieces

Abstract

Means for dry printing from a foil onto a workpiece having a contoured (inclined) surface. As the workpiece is advanced linearly beneath a foil applicator roll, an inclined surface on the workpiece will shift the roll in a vertical direction relative to a carriage, from which the roll is biased downwardly. Such roll movement is sensed and causes a force to be applied to the carriage, to move the carriage in a vertical direction so that it "follows" the roll. The carriage movement is limited to an amount sufficient that a pre-established downward biasing force on the roll will be restored, so that the roll pressure on the foil is maintained within an effective printing range. Further, a driving force is applied to the roll and foil that tends to move them faster than the rate at which the workpiece is being advanced. This driving force is resisted by the frictional engagement of the roll against the workpiece, so that the actual foil speed will match the actual surface velocity of the workpiece at the point of roll contact.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.