Inscription positioning apparatuses, systems, and methods of making and using the same
AssigneeKwik Mark, Inc.
InventorEmil Cindric
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for defining positions where characters such as text, numbers, symbols, or the like are to be inscribed. Specifically, the positions may correspond with geometric shapes including, without limitation, arcs, circles, angles, lines, rectangles, or the like. Even more specifically, the apparatuses, systems, and methods define the positions using a plurality of points, such that information such as coordinates, angles, radiuses, perimeters, centers, heights, lengths, circumferences, or the like are not required. Further, measuring tools, prints, or operator skill/knowledge is not required.
Claims20
An engraving apparatus for engraving at least one character into an object comprising:
- a processor programmed to receive location information of at least one point on the object relating to a first pre-defined shape, the processor further programmed to modify the first pre-defined shape based on the at least one point to form a modified shape, the processor further programmed to calculate a shape equation based on the modified shape, and the processor further programmed to define an engraving path on the object for at least one character based on the shape equation;
- a mechanically controlled engraving tip electrically connected to the processor, the engraving tip configured to engrave an object with the at least one character along the engraving path.
A method of engraving an object with at least one character, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an engraving apparatus comprising a processor programmed to receive location information of at least one point on the object relating to a first pre-defined shape, the processor further programmed to modify the first pre-defined shape based on the at least one point to form a modified shape, the processor further programmed to calculate a shape equation based on the modified shape, and the processor further programmed to define an engraving path on the object for at least one character based on the shape equation,
- wherein the engraving apparatus further comprises a mechanically controlled engraving tip electrically connected to the processor, the engraving tip configured to engrave an object with the at least one character along the engraving path;
- inputting the location information of the at least one point into the processor relating to the first pre-defined shape;
- modifying the first pre-defined shape based on the at least one point to form a modified shape;
- calculating a shape equation based on the modified shape;
- defining an engraving path on the object for the at least one character based on the shape equation;
- and
- engraving at least one character on the object based on the engraving path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.