Sequence numbering code marking device

Apparatus for forming successive code marks on successive mark receiving surfaces such that the marks are positioned a predetermined distance from the leading edge of each successive mark receiving surface as the mark receiving surfaces move along a predetermined path in spaced apart relationship, said apparatus comprising

• a. a support spindle;
• b. a housing rotatably supported on said support spindle adjacent the predetermined path;
• c. surface engaging means mounted on said housing for successively engaging each mark receiving surface as the surface moves along the path and for rotating said housing when in engagement with each mark receiving surface;
• d. biasing means for continuously angularly biasing said rotatable housing toward a null position having a predetermined angular relationship with said support spindle to cause return of said housing to said null position between disengagement of said surface engaging means with one mark receiving surface and engagement of said surface engaging means with the next succeeding mark receiving surface;
• e. advanceable code forming means mounted to rotate with said housing and positioned to form a successive code mark on each successive mark receiving surface when said surface engaging means is engaged therewith;
• f. advance means for causing said code forming means to advance to form the next successive code mark upon rotation of said housing in excess of 180.degree. beyond said predetermined null position, said advance means including
• 1. a cam surface eccentrically mounted with respect to the longitudinal axis of said support spindle,
• 2. an actuating lever means extending between said cam surface and said advanceable code forming means and movable between a fully retracted position and a fully advanced position, said cam being positioned eccentrically to move said actuating lever means into said fully retracted position when said housing is in the null position and to move said lever means to said fully advanced position when said housing is rotated to a position 180.degree. from said null position, and
• 3. ratchet means for preventing said actuating lever from initiating advance of said advanceable code forming means when said activating lever means moves from its fully retracted position to its fully advanced position and for initiating and completing one advance of said advanceable code forming means each time said actuating lever means moves back from said fully advanced position to said fully retracted position.