Method and apparatus for marking parts

Apparatus for marking objects comprising:

• (a) means for forming a spray of marking liquid;
• (b) a rotatable stencil member positioned adjacent said spraying means for receiving said spray of marking fluid, said stencil member having at least one opening therein forming at least one stencil character;
• (c) means for positioning an object to be marked adjacent said stencil member;
• (d) means for positioning said stencil member such that a stencil character is interposed between said spraying means and said object;
• (e) means for spraying said marking liquid to form said spray to mark the object with a mark corresponding to said stencil character;
• and
• (f) means for periodically rotating said stencil member sufficiently rapidly to effect removal of marking fluid therefrom by centrifugal force.

A method of marking an object comprising

• (a) providing means for forming a spray of marking liquid;
• (b) providing a stencil member adjacent said spraying means for receiving said spray of marking liquid, said stencil member having at least one opening therein forming at least one stencil character;
• (c) positioning an object to be marked adjacent said stencil member;
• (d) positioning said stencil member such that a stencil character is interposed between said spraying means and said object;
• (e) spraying said marking liquid to form said spray to mark the object with a mark corresponding to said stencil character;
• (f) periodically moving said stencil member for removal of marking liquid therefrom;
• and
• (g) applying a cleaning liquid to said periodically moved stencil member to remove marking liquid therefrom, said cleaning fluid comprising said marking liquid.

Apparatus for marking objects comprising:

• (a) means for forming a spray of marking liquid;
• (b) a stencil member positioned adjacent said spraying means for receiving said spray of marking lfuid, said stencil member having at least one opening therein forming at least one stencil character;
• (c) means for positioning an object to be marked adjacent said stencil member;
• (d) means for positioning said stencil member such that a stencil character is interposed between said spraying means and said object;
• (e) means for spraying said marking liquid to form said spray to mark the object with a mark corresponding to said stencil character;
• (f) means for periodically moving said stencil member for removal of marking fluid therefrom;
• (g) means for applying a cleaning liquid to said periodically moved stencil member for removing marking liquid therefrom, said cleaning liquid comprising said marking liquid;
• and
• (h) means for supplying marking fluid from a common supply to said spray forming means and to said cleaning liquid applying means.

A method of marking an object comprising:

• (a) providing means for forming a spray of marking liquid;
• (b) providing a rotatable stencil member adjacent said spraying means for receiving said spray of marking liquid, said stencil member having at least one opening therein forming at least one stencil character;
• (c) positioning an object to be marked adjacent said stencil member;
• (d) automatically rotating said stencil member such that a stencil character is interposed between said spraying means and said object;
• (e) spraying said marking liquid substantially horizontally to form said spray to mark the object with a mark corresponding to said stencil character;
• (f) periodically rotating said stencil member such that a portion thereof bearing marking liquid is moved through a body of cleaning liquid at a marking liquid removal location for removal of marking liquid therefrom;
• and
• (g) minimizing relative motion of said object and stencil member during step (e).

Apparatus for marking objects comprising:

• (a) means for forming a spray of marking liquid;
• (b) a rotatable stencil member positioned adjacent said spraying means for receiving said spray of marking fluid, said stencil member having at least one opening therein forming at least one stencil character;
• (c) means for positioning an object to be marked adjacent said stencil member;
• (d) means for automatically rotating said stencil member such that a stencil character is interposed between said spraying means and said object;
• (e) means for spraying said marking liquid substantially horizontally to form said spray to mark the object with a mark corresponding to said stencil character;
• (f) means for periodically rotating said stencil member such that a portion thereof bearing marking liquid is moved through a body of cleaning liquid at a marking liquid removal location for removal of marking liquid therefrom;
• and
• (g) means for minimizing relative motion of said object and stencil member during step (e).