Back to results
US 4,506,999 AGranted
Program controlled pin matrix embossing apparatus
AssigneeTelesis Controls Corporation
InventorJohn A. Robertson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus for forming multi-character messages on the surfaces of solid materials wherein an array of marker pins (88-94) are selectively pneumatically actuated from a corresponding array of solenoid actuated valves (102-104, 106). The marker pins are returned to their operational ready position by a select pneumatic input (96) which performs in conjunction with a pressure limiting valve (126). Continuous monitoring of marker pin performance is carried out by a transducer (166) operating in conjunction with a monitoring duct (168) and selectively located monitoring openings (168a-168g). The marker pins readily are accessed for maintenance in consequence of their positioning within a head structure (12) having access openings at one end (78) and which is retained in position by ball lock pins (64, 65).
Claims20
Apparatus for marking solid material objects at a surface thereof with a predetermined character sequence, comprising:
- a support structure situable in proximity to said material surface;
- head means coupled with said support structure having a confronting surface positionable a predetermined distance from said material surface, an array of discrete chambers within said head means each being configured having a piston receiving portion extending from an abutting position toward a seating surface and communicating with a shaft receiving portion extending from said seating surface toward an opening at said confronting surface, marker pin means within each said chamber, each having a piston portion pneumatically, drivably movable between a first position adjacent said abutting position and said seating surface within said receiving portion and having a shaft portion depending from said piston portion extending to a character component forming surface and slidable within said shaft receiving portion;
- drive conduit means in pneumatic communication with said chamber at a location adjacent said abutting surface for selectively driving a select said marker pin means piston defining portion with a drive force toward said seating surface to effect an impacting of said character component forming surface with said material surface;
- first valve means actuable for selectively effecting the application and release of gas under select drive pressure to said drive conduit means;
- return conduit means in communication with said pin chambers substantially adjacent said seating surface for continuously pneumatically biasing each said piston portion toward said abutting surface at a return force selected having a value less than said drive force for effecting the rapid return of said piston portion towards said first position when said first valve means is actuated to selectively release gas under drive pressure to said drive conduit means;
- pressure relief means connected with said return conduit means for limiting sudden pressure build-up at said return conduit means to substantially continuously maintain said return pressure value at said return conduit means;
- and
- control means for actuating said first valve means to effect the rapid drive of select said marker pin means piston portions pneumatically from said drive conduit means while simultaneously compressing gas provided from said return conduit means in the region of said chamber substantially situate intermediate said piston portion and said seating surface to derive a selected character formed by the said impacting of said character component forming surface of said marker pin means with said material surface.
5 more elements
Apparatus for marking a surface of solid materials with predetermined character defined information comprising:
- a support structure situable in proximity to said material surface;
- head means coupled with said support structure including:
- a confronting surface positionable a predetermined distance from said material surface,
- an array of discrete chambers within said head means, each being configured having a piston receiving portion extending from a first chamber position toward a seating surface and having a shaft receiving portion extending to an opening at said confronting surface,
- marker pin means within each said chamber, each having a piston defining portion of predetermined length extending from a top surface, a travel limiting surface and a shaft portion depending from said piston portion extending to a character component forming surface, said marker pin means being pneumatically drivably movable from a first position wherein said top surface is adjacent said first chamber position to a second position wherein said travel limiting surface abuts said seating surface and movable to a third position intermediate said first and second positions for effecting indenting contact with said material surface;
- drive conduit means in pneumatic communication with said chambers at a location adjacent said first position for selectively driving a said marker pin means toward said second position;
- valve means actuable for selectively effecting the application and release of gas under select drive pressure to said drive conduit means;
- monitoring conduit means in pneumatic communication with each said chamber at outlets positioned adjacent to and blocked by said piston defining portion when said marker pin means is moved between said first and third positions, said outlets being unblocked by said piston defining portion when said marker pin means is in said second position;
- sensor means coupled in pneumatic communication with said monitoring conduit means and having a predetermined output condition when a said outlet is unblocked;
- return means for moving said marker pin means toward said first position;
- and
- control means for actuating said valve means to derive a selected character formed by the impacting of said character component forming surfaces with said material surface and responsive to said sensor means output condition for deriving a position signal representing a movement of said marker pin means to said second position.
9 more elements
Apparatus for marking solid material objects at a surface thereof with a predetermined character sequence, comprising:
- a support structure suitable in proximity to said material surface;
- head means coupled with said supporting structure and including:
- a confronting surface positionable a predetermined distance from said material surface,
- an array of selectively spaced discrete chambers within said head means, each being configured having a piston receiving portion extending from a first chamber position toward a seating surface and communicating with a shaft receiving portion extending substantially from said seating surface to an opening at said confronting surface;
- and
- marker pin means within each said chamber, each having a piston portion of first diametric extent and predetermined length extending from a top surfce, a travel limiting surface and a shaft portion of second diametric extent less than said first diametric extent depending from said piston portion, extending to a character component forming surface and slidable within said shaft receiving portion, said marker pin means being pneumatically drivably movable from a first position wherein said top surface is adjacent said first chamber position to a second position wherein said travel limiting surface abuts said seating surface and movable to a third position intermediate said first and second positions for effecting indenting contact with said material surface;
- drive conduit means in pneumatic communication with said chamber at a location adjacent said first position for selectively driving said marker pin means toward said second position;
- first valve means actuable for selectively effecting the application and release of gas under select drive pressure into said drive conduit means;
- return means for moving said marker pin means toward said first position;
- monitoring means for monitoring the extent of movement of each said marker pin means and having a predetermined output condition when said marker pin means is in said second position;
- and
- control means for actuating said first valve means to derive a selected character formed by the impacting of said character component forming surfaces with said material surface and responsive to said monitoring means output condition for deriving a position signal representing a movement of said marker pin means to said second position.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.