GB884906A - Marking of articles - Google Patents

Abstract

884,906. Number-printing; typewriters. POLYMARK Ltd. June 15, 1959 [June 23, 1958], No. 20010/58. Classes 100(2) and 100(4) Printing mechanism for printing identification characters comprises a plurality of selectively adjustable printing wheels 110 arranged to print a predetermined number of identical identification markings on successive operations of the mechanism, a further printing wheel 18 adapted to print a character representing the predetermined number on each operation, and stop means to prevent further operation of associated mechanism on completion of the predetermined number of operations. As applied to a machine for printing successive identification numbers on the tabs intended for successive batches of articles, e.g. articles to be laundered or dry-cleaned, together with a character representing the number of articles in each batch, number wheels 110 and a batch number printing wheel 18 print the information on the tabs for each batch of articles. The wheels 110 are initially set by selector wheels 158 retained in position by detent balls, not shown, engaging depressions in rims 160. The wheels 158 and 110 are provided with numerals 0 to 9. The selector wheels 158 may be enclosed by a casing having a window for observing the numerals on the wheels. The printing wheel 18, set manually by a selector wheel according to the number of articles in each batch, carries a ratchet wheel 26 for advancing the wheel 18 one step on each operation of a pawl 169 pivotally mounted on a rocker plate 166, the pawl 169 being rocked by a slotted arm 28 engaging a pin 29 on a rod 9 actuated by the tabapplying machine, not shown. The ratchet wheel 26 has four deep depressions 261 arranged for engagement with the pawl 169 following the printing of the last number in each batch. The depressions 261 then permit the pawl 169 to engage one or more of the wheels 110 so that they are advanced one digit ready for printing the next batch of tabs. The ratchet wheel 26 also has shallow depressions 262, arranged according to the batch numbers to be printed which effect the advance of the wheel 18 after printing each label of the batch apart from the last label. The tabapplying machine is prevented from further operation at the completion of each batch by a cam 24 having lobes which displace a follower 25. However, should the machine continue to operate the wheel 18 is not rotated, since the pawl 169 engages a smooth portion 263 of the wheel 26; the wheel 18 then prints the numeral zero to give an indication of incorrect operation. A fixed printing member 39 prints recurring information, e.g. the depot concerned. Ink-ribbon mechanism. An ink ribbon 178 is fed intermittently from one of a pair of spools 179 mounted on spool holders 180. Each spool holder 179 has a ratchet wheel 188 actuated by pawls 187 on a spring retracted slide bar 38. The bar 38 is advanced by a pin 35 on the plate 166. One pawl 187 is held inoperative by one of a pair of masking flanges 190 on a change over slide 189 actuated upon exhaustion of one the spools when a lever 195, Fig. 3 (not shown) moves radially outwards as a result. The lever 195 rocks one of a pair of arms 42, Fig. 1, which rocks a pin 44 on a lever 45 having a slotted end engaging a pin 47 on a lever 48 carrying a pin 50 engaging the changeover slide 189. Specifications 836,417 and 842,708 are referred to.