MXPA96005555A - Apparatus and automated method of recording - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated engraving system for recording indications designated by the user on a workpiece selected by the user comprising: elements of interconnection with the user to ask him to select a workpiece from a group of possible pieces of work work, and to provide information about the indications to be recorded in the piece, and to identify a location of a piece of work selected by the user and to provide the user information of the signals provided, control elements that respond to the information of indications supplied and to the identified location of the selected workpiece to generate control signals for handling the workpiece and recording control signals; workpiece handling elements that respond to the control signals of handling the work piece to recover the selected work piece r the user and placing it in a position for an engraving operation, and engraving elements for engraving a work piece that is located in the engraving position, in accordance with the recording control signals

Description

APPARATUS AND AUTOMATED METHOD OF ENGRAVING Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of engraving methods and devices and, particularly, to an automated apparatus and method for performing engraving functions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION "Many unique engraving applications have been hampered by the need and the general lack of skilled operators of engraving machines.Before 1980 and the arrival of computerized engraving machines this was even more pronounced because many of the skills required for using a manual engraving machine involved manual dexterity. Computerized engraving machines, such as those described in United States of America Patents Nos. 4,437,150, 4,439,834 and 4,561,814, each to Dahlgren, Jr. and collaborators, and each incorporated herein by reference, eliminated or simplified many of the troubling processes associated with engraving. Many of these early machines also simplified many of the material handling aspects of the trade at the same time. 25 Since then, little has changed. For a wide variety of applications, computerized engraving machines are still by far the best solution. However, relatively skilled operators are still required to deal with many aspects of the engraving process, such as material selection, cutting tool selection, plotting details, workpiece fixation and cutting speeds and feeds. The current challenge is to limit or eliminate the high levels of experience usually associated with engraving, in such a way that the process becomes practical for more and more businesses or users. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention incorporates an automatic three-axis engraving system with an automatic material handling system and faces them with a simple front end software user system supplanting by the same the need for an expert operator to produce a piece of work recorded. The front-end software system receives selections supplied by the user of indications (ie, the text, designs, photographs, etc. that will be recorded on the work piece) and the type of work piece, and a controller uses the information provided by the user to control the physical operation of the engraving system. The controller performs three general functions: (1) handling of the workpiece, or movement of a workpiece of the selected type within a place of engraving and distribution of the workpiece to the user after engraving; (2) movement of the engraving tool on the X-, Y-, and Z- axes, which includes the movement of the engraving tool as needed to record the text or other indications on the workpiece (by movement on the X- and Y- axes) and adjusting the pressure of the engraving tool on the workpiece (adjustment on the Z- axis); and (3) distribution of the accessory, which is the selection and distribution of an accessory that corresponds to the selected work piece. The workpiece handling system is preferably a stagger motor driven system that moves the work piece from an autoactivated shipping location, transports it to an engraving location where it is automatically held in place, and then frees up the work piece within an output channel after the engraving is completed. The workpieces are stacked vertically and stored in a plurality of columns, with each column storing a different type of workpiece. Each column is equipped with a positive-feed spring-driven mechanism that pushes the stack of workpieces vertically upward, so that the top workpiece is pushed into the stack within a relief formed on the bottom surface of a stack. fastening plate / transport. The relief is formed, within restricted tolerances, to match the shape of the work piece. The uniform movement of the workpiece inside the columns is ensured by maintaining the spring within a substantially linear operating range and preventing the spring from locking. At the start of the engraving operation, the workpiece handling system engages the fastening / transport plate corresponding to the selected work piece and advances it until the workpiece captured in its relief is placed on top of the workpiece. Rollers biased upwards. The rollers positively hold the workpiece inside the relief and also facilitate the travel of the holding / transport plate. At the top of the holding / transporting device a cut-out is formed, which provides a window through which the engraving tool can engrave the work piece. After the workpiece is engraved, the workpiece handling system advances the clamping / transport plate to a distribution place, where the workpiece falls from the relief on the clamping / transport plate and within a distribution channel. A three-axis engraving unit, driven by a stepping motor, is movable between the engraving locations associated with each column. The engraving unit is preferably provided with a spring-loaded diamond tip for engraving by dragging (or scraping) materials. You can adjust the stroke width, which is determined by the geometry of the diamond, to vary the amount of pressure of the Z-axis exerted on the tool. The pressure at the tip of the diamond is variable and can be pre-programmed in the system, thus allowing uniform engraving results over a range of materials and thicknesses. The adjustments to the tip pressure are preferably carried out by raising or lowering the height of the tip using a Z-axis stepping motor. This engraving unit design is also compatible with air-driven rotary mandrels and direct-impulse rotary mandrels. The workpiece remains motionless during the engraving process while the cutting tool moves in combinations of linear step sequences along the X and Y axes, respectively, effectively producing a linear as well as a curved movement according to the same. is needed to record the different characters of the text. U.S. Patent No. 4,437,150 discloses computerized engraving using X- and Y-axis-driven staggering motion, and is incorporated herein by reference. In the present invention, movement on the Y-axis of the engraving tool is achieved by means of a stagger driven Y-axis carriage supporting the engraving tool. The Y-axis carriage is mounted the same to an X-axis carriage assembly that travels along a bridge that extends along the X-axis. This double carriage system facilitates the increased engraving speed, as compared to existing computerized engraving systems, by allowing the engraving tool to move in the Y direction. Existing devices require movement of the actual engraving part in the direction of the Y axis, therefore have slower engraving speeds due to the relatively high total mass in motion. A "pick-up" accessory dispenser is provided to which the controller instructs to distribute an accessory (eg, a bag tag tape, a pet tag hook, a medical tag bracelet) that corresponds to the chosen piece of work. The accessories are stored in a plurality of vertical columns, each of which stores a different type of accessory. A collector arm, which, when placed under the column that holds the appropriate accessory, it rotates through a slot in the column to eject an accessory package through a second slot in the side of the column and within a distribution channel, performs the distribution of the accessory. The distribution operation is carried out by two stepping motors: a "place" motor that moves the collector arm in alignment with the appropriate column; and a "pick-up" motor that rotates to the collector arm after the "put" motor places it in the proper reclining position. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure IA is a simplified schematic representation of an automated vending unit in accordance with the present invention, showing the components of the present invention mounted in a vending booth. Figure IB is a front view of the distributing unit of the workpiece of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an engraving unit and a positioning unit of the workpiece, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 3A is a side view of the positioning unit of the workpiece of the present invention meshed with a clamping plate, associated with a workpiece delivery column. Figure 3B is a partial side sectional view of an anvil, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 3C is a front view of a column of the workpiece. Figure 3D is an exploded view of an anvil, without showing the guides of the clamping plate. Figure 3E is a partial top view of the workpiece columns. Figure 3F is a perspective view of an extrusion from a column of the workpiece, as it appears when the walls and plates of the column are in place. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a portion of a carriage, the positioning unit of the work piece mounted thereon, and a pair of holding plates. Figure 5A is a top view of an anvil and a holding plate. Figures 5B-5E are cross-sectional side views of the anvil and the holding plate taken along the plane designated 5B-5B in Figure 5A. The alignment of the cut-out in the holding plate relative to the through hole in the anvil for sending the work piece, the engraving of the work piece and the receiving positions of the work piece, respectively. Figure 6 is a side view of the carriage, the "engraving unit, and the positioning unit of the workpiece, showing the bridge of the axis X- in cross section, Figure 7 is a front view of the unit of Embodiment of the present invention Figures 8A and 8B are top and bottom views, respectively, of the Y-axis carriage of the present invention Figure 9 is a side view of the engraving unit, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 10 is a perspective view of an accessory distribution unit, in accordance with the present invention, showing the distribution unit as seen from the front Figure 11 is a perspective view of the accessory distribution unit , of Figure 9, showing the distribution unit as viewed from the back Figure 12 is a side view of the placing and picking components of the accessory distribution unit Figure 13 is a front view such of the placing and picking components of the accessory distribution unit. Figure 14 is a rear view of the placing and picking components of the accessory distribution unit. Figure 15 is a simplified block diagram showing the system of the present invention. Figure 16 is a simplified flow diagram showing the functions of the front end computer of the present invention. Figure 17 is a simplified flow chart showing the functions of the controller in the selection and distribution of the work piece. Figure 18 is a simplified flow diagram showing the functions of the controller in the distribution of the accessory. Figure 19 is a simplified flow diagram showing the functions of the controller in the control of the engraving operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The engraving machine of the present invention generally comprises an interconnection device 10 with the user, which requests and receives engraving instructions from a user, and a controller (not shown) that controls the engraving functions and the distribution of the accessories. Controlled by the controller are an engraving unit 12, a positioning unit of the workpiece 14 (see Figures 3 and 4) that receives the work pieces from a workpiece delivery system 16, and a pair of accessory 18 distribution units. As will be discussed in detail, the controller provides impulse signals to stepping motors that drive the workpiece delivery, engraving, and accessory distribution functions. Conventional impellers (micro-stepped for the control of the X-axis and the Y-axis and intermediate step for the control of the handling of the work piece, the distribution of the accessory and the Z-axis) can be used in connection with the present invention. In U.S. Patent No. 4,437,150 one such controller is described, including its use in connection with stepping motors. In the preferred embodiment, the micro-stepped impeller is used with Part Number 39-89028 from Dahlgren Control Systems and the medium step impeller with Part Number R60-0001 from Dahlgren Control Systems. The interconnection device 10 with the user is preferably a personal computer ("CP") having a video monitor 24 which asks the user to select a type of work piece (eg, luggage tag, medical tag, key ring, or pet tag), and the text that will be printed on the desired work piece. A conventional video touch screen 26 extends over the video monitor 24 and interconnects with the personal computer. The personal computer asks for and receives the necessary information from the user to start a job, and can also receive and process payment information. For example, a credit card reader, a modem for use in the verification of credit information, and a receipt printer can be interconnected with and controlled by the personal computer. As will be described later, the user input is passed from the interconnection device 10 with the user to the controller 20, processed, and used by the controller to recover the relevant engraving format and the pressure of the engraving tool from its memory , controlling the recovery and engraving operations of the work piece, and distributing the appropriate accessory (ie, luggage tag tape, medical tag bracelet, etc.) to be distributed together with the recorded work piece after which the engraving is finished. To facilitate an understanding of these features, reference will be made to the axes X-, Y-, and Z-, each of which is designated in Figure 2. In the preferred embodiment, each component of the engraving system is incorporated within from an accommodation 22 style vending machine. Shipping and Handling Units of the Workpiece Referring to Figures 2-5, the shipping unit of the workpiece 16 of the present invention is configured to offer the user a variety of workpiece types from which to choose . The work piece shipping unit 16 provides a number of positive feed columns 28, which use spring pressure to feed work pieces in a position from which they can be retrieved by the work piece handling unit. 14 (Figure 4) and bring to an engraving place. A number of columns 28 of work pieces are provided, each corresponding to one of the types of work piece offered to the user. Referring to Figures 3A and 3C, each workpiece column 28 is preferably one or more elongated extrusions 29a, 29b of precision machined material, such as aluminum, each having a through hole 30a, 30b in the form of the work piece that is contained in the workpiece column. A workpiece stack 31 is stored in each column 28 (Figure 3A). Attached to each workpiece column 28, and adjacent to the through holes 30a, 30b in each column, is a hollow cylindrical tube 44 (Figures IA and 3A). In the preferred embodiment, the workpiece column 28 and the cylindrical tube 44 are provided in such a way that approximately 150 to 300 work pieces can be stored, depending on the mass of the workpiece, in each column. The large capacity of the columns allows many engraving operations to be carried out before it is necessary to restock the work pieces.

Referring to Figure 3A, disposed inside each tube 44 is a spring 42 which provides the feeding force for pushing the stack 31 of work pieces upwardly through the extrusions 29a, 29b and, therefore, pushes the most superior workpiece (not shown) of each column within a relief formed in a corresponding fixing plate 46 (Figure 3B). Preferably, the fixing plate 46 is precision machined and, as detailed below, this is the structure that holds the workpiece in place during engraving. Each spring 42 must be individually measured to accommodate the shape, mass and quantity of the work pieces in their respective column. Proper operation of the shipping unit 16 of the workpiece involves the use of a matured spring that operates within ± 30 percent of its overall operating length. In other words, the length of the spring is chosen in such a way that the spring is compressed to not less than 30 percent of its length when the column is full of workpieces, and in such a way that the spring is no more 70 percent of its length matures when the column is empty. Maintaining this operating range ensures a substantially linear spring force, within the limits of the spring. Consequently, a proportionally greater spring force is obtained when the column is full compared to when it is almost empty. This maintains the upward pressure of the workpiece in the holding plate 46 within an acceptable range over the total shipping range of the column 28. A mature spring is obtained by placing a new spring under compression for about 10 seconds. -12 hours. The springs 42 are controlled inside the columns 28 to ensure that they do not lock. This is achieved by guiding the springs and by rotating them as they expand and compress. Without this, there is a tendency to lock up and affect the feeding pressure. In the preferred embodiment, two steps are taken to prevent the springs 42 from locking. First, a rod 15 (Figure 3A) is disposed within each spring 42 and held in place by a lid 17 that rests on the upper end 19 of the spring. The rod 15 helps prevent the spring 42 from curving, which in turn prevents the spring from locking against the inner walls of the extrusions 29a, 29b. Secondly, the spring is left unlocked inside the tube 44 and therefore can rotate freely. At the top of each column 28 is an anvil 32 (Figures 2, 3C and 3D) that is preferably machined to precision. Each anvil is connected to its neighboring anvils through the junction plates 34, which helps to optimize the rigidity of the entire system. Each anvil has a hole 36 in the shape of the related workpiece (Figure 5B). The hole 36 is bevelled on the upper side 38 of the anvil to facilitate movement and greater tolerance of the workpiece. On the underside of the anvil, the hole 36 coincides with the through hole 30a of its respective upper extruded column 29a. The holes 36 in the anvils 32 are machined for tighter tolerances than the through holes 30 in their corresponding extrusions, in order to guide the work pieces within the corresponding clamping plates 46. Preferably, the internal diameter of the extrusion through holes 30a, 30b is nominally .0508 centimeters larger than its respective anvil hole 36. In addition to beveling, the anvil hole has an angle of relief from the top to the bottom of 5o in its inner diameter. Consequently, the extruded column and the anvil provide an economical but accurate feeding mechanism. Four stationary guides 48 are fixed to the top of each anvil. The guides 48 are preferably made of nylon, turcite, or Teflon and each can be individually adjusted. Each guide 48 has a slot 52 along its circumference to accommodate the holding plate 46 as it moves from the receiving position to the engraving and distribution positions (See Figure 7).

Embedded in each anvil 32, at the engraving position of the workpiece, there is one or more elongated rollers 56 (see Figure 3D). Each roller 56 is mounted for rotation towards its elongated axis. The rollers are spring biased in a direction normal to the upper surface 38 of the anvil. As illustrated in Figures 2, 3C and 4, 5A-5E, corresponding to each anvil 32 is a holding plate 46, which can be slid into the slots 52 in the guides 48. Since each guide 48 is adjustable , the centering and positioning of the holding plate 46 can be finely adjusted in relation to the column 28 and the engraving position. The holding plate 46 is an elongated rectangular member having a relief 54 formed in its lower side, near its distal end (See Figure 3B). Preferably, the relief 54 is in the form of the corresponding workpiece. The relief is made of an exaggerated size to the work piece preferably by .00889 nominal centimeters all around the side walls of the relief facing the bottom of the fasteners, preferably having themselves relief angles of 7o down to a Depth of .08128 centimeters (based on the nominal work piece of .1016 centimeters). The depth of the relief is nominally adjusted to the thickness of the workpiece, in this case .1016 centimeters. The design allows tolerances of up to ± .00635 centimeters during the use of guide edge bevels and laggards on the anvil. Centered around the relief is a cutout 55 in the shape of the workpiece. During engraving, the cutout 55 provides access to the workpiece by the engraving tool, while the relief 54 holds the workpiece securely below the fastening plate 46. In Figure 5E the relative diameters of the workpiece are shown. cutout 55 and relief 54. The outer diameter of the relief tapers from a first diameter, designated d3, to a second diameter designated d2. The inner diameter di of the cutout 55 is smaller than the second diameter d2 of the relief in such a way that a ridge is formed between them. The workpiece abuts this flange when it is captured inside the relief 54. The holding plate 46 is preferably veneered to minimize wear and contamination in the landslide and support areas. Attached to the proximal end 60 of the holding plate is a receiving component 62 having a beveled groove 64 formed in its lower side. (See Figure 3A). In the material receiving step (5D) the spring force upwardly from the workpiece delivery system 16 causes the uppermost workpiece in each workpiece stack 31 to pass through the through hole 36 on the anvil and resting on the relief 54 on the corresponding holding plate 46. During the positioning phase of the material (Figure 5C), the clamping plate 46 (and the work piece located inside its relief) is slidably advanced on the upper surface of the anvil, between the guides 48, until the The workpiece rests on the rollers 56, as shown in Figure 3B. This is the engraving place, where the rollers are immediately below the work piece (designated 500 in Figure 3A, and 55B in Figure 5A) and thereby provide upward pressure that keeps the work piece in place during engraving.

Because the cutout 55 is slightly smaller than the workpiece, the workpiece can not pass through the cutout but rather remains captured below the holding plate 46. From Figures 3A and 4 it can be to see that the workpiece handling unit 14 includes a stepper motor 66 mounted to a carriage 80 and coupled to a lead screw 68. A limit switch 76 is mounted to the carriage 80 near the proximal end of the feed screw 68. Securing the feed screw is a self-adjusting nut 70 of the feed screw. The nut 70 of the feed screw is attached to a workpiece selection block 72 having a beveled groove 74. A pair of through holes 75 (Figure 4) pass through the workpiece selection block 72. The rods 77 are slidably received in each through hole 75. A trigger plate 78 (FIG. 3A) is fixed to the work piece selecting block 72 for the purpose of closing the limit switch when the part selector block 72 work reaches the near end of your trip. The activation of the stepping motor 66 results in the rotational movement of the advancing screw 68 and the corresponding linear movement of the nut 70 of the advancing screw and of the selecting block 72 of workpiece attached thereto. The selector block 72 slides on the rods 77, which helps to maintain the stability of the positioning unit of the work piece during the movement of the selecting block 72. When the selecting block 72 is meshed with a receiving component 62, as shown in Figure 3A, the movement The linearity of the selection block 72 of the workpiece along the lead screw 68 results in the linear movement of the receiving component 62 and its associated holding plate 46. In this style, the workpiece handling unit 14 moves the clamping plate between three positions. Each of the three positions is predetermined and reached by staggering the stepping motor through a predetermined number of incremental steps in the desired direction. The first position is the position of. recovery of the workpiece (Figure 2 and Figure 5D), in which the clamping plate 46 is positioned in such a way that the relief 54 in the holding plate is aligned with the hole 36 in the anvil 32. When the holding plate is in the recovery position of the workpiece, the upper workpiece is captured in the associated column in the relief 54 due to the force upwards of the spring 42. The second position of the clamping plate is the engraving position (Figures 3A, 3B and 5C), in which the clamping plate of the carriage 80 moves away, in such a way that the piece of work captured by the holding plate 46 rests on the rollers 56 of the anvil. The third position is the distribution position (Figure 5B), in which the clamping plate 46 of the carriage 80 is further advanced (not shown in Figure 3C), in such a way that the relief 54 is far from the anvil and in such a way that the work piece can fall from the relief inside a distribution channel (designated 230 in Figure 11). For comparison purposes, Figure 5A shows the location of the spring 55 and the relief 54 in the material receiving position (designated 55a) and the engraving position of the material (designated 55b) in dotted lines. After an engraving operation is completed, the clamping plate 46 returns to the material receiving position, such that its receiving component 62 is aligned with the receiving components 62 of all the other clamping plates. The proper operation of the engraving unit requires that the extruded columns 28 and the anvils 32 are precisely aligned together with each other and with the holding plate 46. The alignment rigidity of these components is achieved using a number of supports. Referring to Figures 3C through 3E, it can be seen that each anvil 32 is secured to its adjacent anvils by tie plates 34. The tie plates 34 are placed in the notches 33 formed in the adjacent sides of the anvils, such as so that each junction plate 34 is placed inside two notches, one in each of the two adjacent anvils 32. Each junction plate 34 is provided with a pair of holes 35 (Figure 3D). The holes 35 are aligned with second holes 37 formed in elongated vertical supports 41. A bolt 39 is passed through each attachment plate 34 in the hole 35 and the through hole 37 in the corresponding vertical support member 41. As the bolt 39 is tightened, the attachment plate 34 holds its anvils 32 associated with the elongated vertical support.

Referring to Figure 3E, each vertical support member 41 has a first slot 43 that receives a partition wall 45 separating each column 28. Second slots 47, also formed in the vertical support members 41, receive the panels 49 comprising the rear wall of the work piece distribution unit. The slots 47a receive the panels 49a to form a front wall in the distribution unit of the workpiece. Therefore, the partition walls 45 and the panels 49, 49a surround the extrusion 29a, 29b on four sides and are in abutment with the four corresponding sides of the plates 57a, 57b attached to the ends of the extrusions 29a, 29b . In this way these panels hold the extrusion 29a, 29b in place by virtue of the precision machined relationship between the plates 57a, 57b and the walls 45 and the panels 49, 49a. Referring to Figure IB the rigidity of the shipping unit 16 of the total workpiece is provided by a pair of precision machined steel side supports 51, which are held together by a back support and an alignment bar 53, which it is also preferably machined to precision. The base support 67 of the column, which is also connected between the steel side supports 51, supports the aluminum extrusions 29a, 29b and the vertical support members 41. Referring to Figure 3C, each column can be provided with more than an aluminum extrusion 29, in order to facilitate the loading of the work pieces during the maintenance of the engraving unit. Each aluminum extrusion 29 has end plates 57a, 57b screwed to each end. Each end plate 57a, 57b has a cutout (not shown) in the form of the associated workpiece and aligned with the through hole 30a, 30b. The notches 59 (see Figure 3A) on each end plate provide a port through which an L-shaped tool 61 can be inserted during maintenance to maintain the holding spring 44 in a particular compressed condition. When a column 28 runs down the workpieces, the spring 44 will expand on the end plates 57 of the lower aluminum extrusion 29 shown in Figure 3A. To restock the workpieces, a rod (not shown) can be inserted through the hole in the anvil 32, and through the through hole 30a in the upper aluminum extrusion 29a until the spring 44 and any other parts of the former The remaining work is lowered below the end plate 57a at the lower end of the upper aluminum extrusion 29a. Then the L-shaped tool 61 can be inserted between the plates 57a, 57b and remove the rod from the through hole 30a. Once the spring 44 is contained in this manner, workpieces can be added to the upper aluminum extrusion 29a. After loading, the L-shaped tool 61 is removed from the column 28 and the spring is allowed to expand. The columns 28 are designed to be easily interchangeable. You can change the type of workpiece stored in any column simply by replacing extrusions and anvils. On the other hand, a single large extrusion with two standard-sized extrusions can be easily replaced in order to accommodate a large type of workpiece. Consequently, those service personnel with little experience can reconfigure the machines in the field. Travel on the X axis The handling unit 14 of the workpiece is fixed to the carriage 80, which also supports the engraving unit 12, and which transports the handling unit 14 of the workpiece and the engraving unit 12 along the X axis. Referring to Figures 2 and 6, the trip on the X axis occurs along a bridge 82, which is preferably machined to precision from extruded aluminum. The bridge 82 has a substantially symmetrical cross section, including a pair of upper flanges 84 and a pair of shorter lower flanges 86. A connecting network 88 connects the upper and lower flanges on one side of the bridge to those on the opposite side. Connected to each lower flange 86 is an elongated rail in v 90 which extends along the lower flange 86, parallel to the X axis. These v-rails, which are preferably precision machined, increase the stability of the bridge and these they also provide a path that facilitates travel on the X axis. A feed screw 92 on the X axis extends along the X axis, just below the connection network 88 of the bridge 82. A stepping motor 94 on the shaft X (Figure 2) is coupled to one end of the feed screw 92 on the X axis, such that the activation of the motor 94 causes the rotation of the feed screw 92 on the X axis. The carriage 80 is formed in two rows , one of which extends over bridge 82 and one of which extends below it. The carriage 80 comprises a pair of columns 96 having a plate 98 extending between them. Extending normally from the plate 98, below the bridge 82, is a shelf member 100. The shelf member 100 is a rectangular plate having a distal end, designated 102, and a proximal end, designated 104. Mounted on the end member shelf 100 is the assembly 120 that supports the nut 122 of the feed screw on the X axis. The nut of the feed screw on the X axis is preferably a spring loaded feed screw nut., adjustable, with auto-adjustment. Also mounted on the shelf member 100 are a pair of v-shaped wheels 124 mounted for rotation towards their respective axes. Each v-shaped wheel 124 has a "V" shaped groove 126 along its perimeter. The slots are provided to allow the v-wheels 124 to roll along the v-90 rails mounted on the bridge 82. When the stepper motor 94 is activated on the X-axis to rotate the feed screw 92 on the X-axis , the nut 122 of the feed screw on the X axis causes the carriage 80 to travel along the feed screw 92, with the v-shaped wheels 124 rolling along the rails in v 90. The travel on the X axis It has two functions. Its first function is to position the carriage 80 in alignment with the column 28 that contains the type of workpiece selected by the user. Before an engraving operation, all clamping plates 46 are in their first position, with each receiving component 62 of each clamping plate 46 aligned along an axis parallel to the X axis with all other receiving components 62. As the carriage 80 carries the selecting block 72 of the workpiece in the X direction, the notch 74 of the selecting block 72 of the workpiece passes over the tab 63 of each receiving component 62. The rotation of the motor stepper 94 on the X axis through a predetermined number of incremental steps in the desired direction, positions the notch 74 of the selecting block 72 of the workpiece in engagement with the tab 63 of the receiving component 62 associated with the column of the selected work piece. The activation of the staggering motor 62 for positioning the workpiece at this point causes the movement of the fastener 46 and, consequently, the movement of the workpiece within the engraving and dispensing positions, as described above. The second function of the trip on the X axis is to move the engraving tool in the X direction as needed to record the desired text. This movement on the X axis is also controlled by steps and, because a fine movement of the engraving tool is needed, a micro-stepping impeller is used in connection with the motor on the X axis. The engraving requires movement of the engraving tool in both the X and Y directions. Next, the components that are used to make the movement in the Y axis will be described. Travel in the Ene Y In Figure 6, the row of the car 80 located on the bridge 82 facilitates travel on the Y axis of the engraving unit. Extending normally from the distal end 102 of the shelf member 100 are a pair of vertical support members 106 (see also Figure 7), and extending normally from the proximal end 104 of the shelf member 100 is a second pair of vertical support members. 108. As shown in Figure 2, each support member 108 is secured to one of the columns 96. Extending to the cantilever style from each of the vertical supports 108, on the bridge 82, is a beam member 110. Rod members are parallel to each other in the X-axis direction and are also parallel to the shelf member 100 in the Z direction. The vertical support members 106 support the beam members 110, but the beam members 110 extend further. beyond the support members 106 in the Y direction. The member 114 forms a bridge at the distal ends of the beam members 110, such that the plate 98, the beam members 11 0 and member 114 form a rectangular frame. The elongated v-rails 116 align the beam members 110 within the rectangular frame. A carriage 118 on the Y axis travels along these rails during the movement of the engraving tool on the Y axis. A feed screw 130 on the Y axis extends through the plate 98 of the carriage 80 and engages with the stepping motor 132 on the Y axis. The carriage 118 on the Y axis is coupled to the lead screw 130 by means of a nut 136 of the adjustable feed screw, of self-adjustment (Figure 8B) that is preferably made of turcite. Referring to Figures 2 and 6-8, the carriage 118 on the Y axis is a rectangular carriage having a pair of long sides 138, a proximal end 140 which is coupled to the nut 136 of the lead screw, and a distal end 142. On the long sides 138 of the carriage 118 there are V-shaped grooves 144 (Figure 7). As shown in Figure 8B, on the underside of the carriage 118 on the Y-axis are four v-146 wheels. As with the v-wheels 124 on the X-axis, each v-wheel 146 on the Y-axis has a groove formed along its perimeter. These v-shaped wheels 146 are mounted to the carriage 118, such that their grooves are substantially contiguous with the grooves v 144 in the carriage 134. The wheels 146 roll along the rails in v 116 (Figure 2) during the movement. of the carriage 118 on the Y-axis, with the v-rails 116 extending into the grooves in the v-wheels and also into the grooves v 144 in the carriage 118. The design of the v-rail and v-wheel is preferred over a design of rounded or flat rail, because this optimizes the contact between the wheel and the rail. The trip on the Y axis is controlled in steps using a micro-stepping impeller. The carriage on the Y axis preferably returns to a housing location and re-adjusts the counting sequence by means of a limit switch (not shown), in order to avoid errors due to a cumulative loss of steps. In the preferred embodiment step errors are also avoided by the construction of carriage 80 and carriage 118 using precision machined components. Control on the Z-axis As shown in Figure 8B, a hole 148 passes through the carriage 118 on the Y axis in the Z direction. Secured inside the hole 148 is an engraving tool shaft 150 (Figures 7 and 9) which itself has a through hole (not shown) that extends its longitudinal length. An engraving tool 152, which holds the diamond tip 154 that is used for the engraving, is slidably received in the through hole in the shaft 150. The work tool holder is vertically skewed with respect to the shaft 150 by a spring (not shown). Mounted to the carriage 118 on the Y-axis is a mounting device 162 that supports the stepping motor on the Z-axis 164. The mounting device 162 comprises a plate 166 that normally extends from the carriage 118 of the Y-axis and a motor platform 168. which is substantially perpendicular to the plate 166 and parallel to the carriage 134 on the Y axis. From the motor platform 168 in the Z direction a pair of rods 163 (FIG. 7) extend, and are slidably received in a pair of rods. holes 165 formed in a brass holder 158. Plate 166 has a notch 170 to receive a proximal portion of brass holder 158. The nearest portion 172 of brass holder 158 passes through notch 170 and serves as a path for the limit switch 174 on the Z axis, which is connected to the mounting device 162. To the stepper 164 on the Z axis an advancing screw 176 is coupled on the Z axis extending through the platform 168. The end of the feed screw 176 opposite the stepper 164 is not secured to eliminate vibration and wear. The nut 178 of the feed screw on the Z-axis, which can preferably be non-adjustable and which is preferably made of turcite, is mounted to the brass holder 158 and receives the feed screw 176 on the Z-axis. Advance 176 is solidly coupled by coupling 180 to stepper motor 164 on the Z axis. Activation of stepping motor 164 on the Z axis results in a linear upward or downward movement (depending on the direction of rotation produced by the motor) of the brass holder 158, by virtue of the nut 178 of the lead screw. As the bronze holder moves, it slides along the rods 163 that are placed inside their holes 165.

These rods 163 help maintain the stability of the engraving tool. The upward or downward movement of the brass holder 158 causes a resultant upward or downward movement of the holder 152 of the diamond tip against the bias spring and corresponding to the movement in the Z-axis of the diamond tip 154. The The distance by which the diamond tip moves is determined by the number of step increments traveled by the stepping motor, which is driven by a medium stepping impeller (not shown). After an engraving job is completed, the engraving tool is returned to a housing position on the Z axis, thus triggering the limit switch 174 to reset the step counter. Movement on the Z axis has two purposes: it moves the diamond point on and off the workpiece during the engraving process (for example, to start the engraving or to lift the diamond tip when moving from a character in one word to the next); it also provides a means for adjusting the width of the blows made on the workpiece during engraving. Thicker strokes are formed when relatively high pressure is applied to the diamond tip, while thin strokes require relatively light pressure at the diamond tip. The amount of pressure at the diamond tip within the limits of the selected spring can be varied by spring loading the diamond tip and using a stagger driven Z-axis positioning system. The selection of the spring becomes a function of the selected material for the work pieces to be engraved by this machine. It is generally envisioned that any material that is receptive to diamond engraving can be recorded, using the initial spring selection and some combination of pre-adjusted spring compression (affecting the lightest adjustment) and the Z-axis stroke (affecting the adjustment). stronger) . In this case the spring is 5.08 centimeters in total length with a spring index of 3.67 kilograms and a diameter > of wire of .107 centimeters. The external diameter of the spring is 1.07 centimeters and the solid height is 1.42 centimeters. These features provide an operating movement within an acceptable spring range, allowing a linear change in force with compression as close as possible. The design described above, coupled with the system software and diamond tip selection, allows each job to be programmed for specific output characteristics. In particular, the geometry of the diamond tip, the spring pressure and the hardness of the material are combined to affect the actual engraved stroke width. Consequently, when the works are deployed and the material and geometry of the diamond tip are selected, the width of the particular stroke within the work can be adjusted by varying the position on the Z axis. The significant thing of this is that each column can have a different piece of work, each having its own font styles and striking widths and, therefore, its own style or appearance. Accessory Distribution Unit As shown in Figure 1, the preferred embodiment has two identical distribution units of the accessory 18 mounted in the engraving booth. These units operate using combined concepts of gravity feed and positive distribution using a pair of stepping motors. Referring to the distribution unit shown in Figures 10 and 11, each accessory distribution unit comprises a plurality of accessory storage columns 180 positioned adjacent to each other. The accessories are held in small packages, preferably rectangular boxes (not shown) and are stacked vertically inside the storage columns 180. The preferred unit holds approximately 100 units per column, for a total weight per column of approximately 2.27 kilograms. The unit is designed in such a way that each column can hold a different type of accessory. During its use, the controller instructs the distribution unit to distribute any of the different types of accessories that correspond to the type of work piece selected by the user. The distribution unit 18 has a front side designated 182 in Figure 10, and a rear side designated 184 in Figure 11. A plurality of partition walls 186 separate the storage columns 180. A front wall 188 covers the front side 182 of the distribution unit, although the partition walls 186 extend below the bottom edge of the front wall 188. Through from the rear side 184 of the distribution unit, near the bottom, a plate with window 190 extends. Extending from the plate with window 190 towards the front side 182 of the distribution unit is a lower plate 192 (Figure 12). The lower plate 192 has a slight downward angle (preferably about 5o), and preferably has a smooth, low friction surface to facilitate the distribution of the accessory packages. In the plate with window 190 and lower plate 192 an angle-collecting window 194 is formed.

The width of the collecting window 194 is smaller than the width of the accessory boxes (not shown) which are placed in the storage columns 180. In this way, the accessory boxes in the columns 180 are supported by the base plate 192 but are partially exposed through the window 194. A plate 195 is also formed in the plate 190 to see 195 to allow the number of accessory boxes in each column to be verified. A mounting plate 196 extends laterally from the rear side 184 of the distribution unit. Secured to the mounting plate 196 is a block 198 supporting a rail 200. As shown in Figures 11 and 14 the rail extends through behind the distribution unit, and is secured to the wall 202 by the block 204. Extending normally from the mounting plate 196 is the plate 206. The plate 206 supports the pulley 208 and the positioning motor 212 (preferably a stepping motor of 3.8 amps, 1.3 V CD) which, when activated, causes the rotation of the pulley 208. A second pulley 214 is mounted to an L-shaped plate 216 which is attached to the plate with window 190. band 210 forms a turn that revolves around the pulleys 208, 214. The movement of the band 210 around the pulleys 208, 214 is driven by the rotation of the pulley 208 by the stepper motor 212.

The recollection mechanism, generally designated 218, is movable between the columns 180, such that it can eject accessory packages from any column 180. The recollection mechanism 218 comprises a carriage 220 slidably mounted on the rail 200 and secured to the band 210 in the member 222. A rest 221 provides a smooth surface between the carriage 220 and the rail 200 to facilitate sliding. A limit switch (not shown) is mounted to the distribution unit at one end of the carriage trip, and a corresponding trip device (not shown) is mounted to the carriage 220. The carriage 220 carries a pick-up motor 224 , which is preferably a stacking motor of triple battery of 2.9 amps, 3.4 V CD, which, when activated, turns a withdrawal arm 226. The reclining arm is provided to rotate through one of the window of recollection 194, pushing through it an accessory package outside the front side 182 of the accessory manifold. A channel 228 (Figure 1) is formed in the engraving booth that allows the accessory pack to slide to a dispensing location 230 once the pick-up arm 226 has picked it up from the storage column 180. The Recollection 224 can be powered by software to affect a movement profile. This allows a wide range of accessory mass as well as collecting speed to be accommodated. In order to ensure that a cumulative velocity loss does not occur, a detent 232 is provided in the stepping motor 224 that is positioned at 0o, with sufficient tolerance to force or keep the pick-up arm 226 de-energized at an actual zero position. A photoelectric boundary switch may be used in place of the detent 232. This may be preferable in order to compensate for variations in the coils of the stepping motor. The pick-up arm 226 has a tapered end that helps minimize damage to the accessory pack during the dispensing operation. The length of the reclining arm is chosen to ensure a positive distribution by means of maximizing the contact between the reclining arm and the accessory package during the travel of the reclining arm. The distance to the package, the moment of the arm during the rotation of the withdrawal arm, and the required energy of the motor must be taken into account when selecting the impulse components for the withdrawal arm. Frequently an accessory contained in an accessory package will be changed to one side of the package, causing an uneven distribution of the weight in the package. When the contents of the package are changed to the front side 182 of the dispenser, multiple packages can be accidentally distributed from one column during a single rotation of the withdrawal arm. To overcome this problem, a weighted block may be placed on the back (not shown) on top of the pile of accessory packs in each column. The preferred block weight is .23 kilograms; this is weighed in the back to ensure that the packages remain horizontal regardless of the number of packages remaining in the column or the place of the center of mass of each package. This effectively prevents multiple packets from being "picked up" from a column in conditions of excessive weight. The weight block is designed in such a way that if a transaction is attempted when only the weight block remains in the column (that is, due to an inventory counting error), the collection arm will not eject the weight block nor will it collide with this one. This is carried out by grooving the rear part of the weight block in such a way that the pick-up arm completely bypasses it, and forming the block in such a way that it can not inadvertently pass through the opening of the block. Reclining window 194 on the opposite side of the distributor base.

The positioning motor 212 and the gathering motor 224 are operated using medium stepping impellers. To avoid a cumulative step loss error, the step count sequences between distribution jobs are adjusted again. Interconnection with the User and Control The method and apparatus of the present invention is directed to the control of an engraving system, including the selection of the workpiece, the positioning of the workpiece in a place of engraving, engraving, and the distribution of the work piece together with the appropriate accessory for the type of work piece. In Figure 15 a simplified schematic representation of the present system is shown. An interconnection with the user 300, which preferably is a personal computer ("CP") requests and processes data supplied by a user and passes the processed data to a controller 302. The controller 302 converts the data to drive signals that control the operation of the handling unit 304 of the work piece, the engraving unit 306, and the distribution unit of the accessory 308. When necessary, the controller also sends error signals to the interconnection with the user which then results in the completion of a job. A simplified flow diagram showing the function of the interconnection with the user 300 is shown in Figure 16. First, in step 310, the user is asked to select a type of work piece. For example, the user may be asked to choose between a pet tag, a medical bracelet, a luggage tag, and so on. In the preferred embodiment, the request appears on a video screen equipped with a video touch screen and asks the user to touch the area of the screen that designates the chosen work piece. After the selection of the type of work piece is entered, step 312, the interconnection terminal with the user asks the user to enter the text to be recorded on the selected work piece, step 314. In step 316, the user enters the text using the touch screen or other input device. The user may also be asked for additional information, such as the type of source or payment information (for example, credit card information). If the system is equipped to take and process (see payment card slot 23 and receipt printer 21 in Figure 1) credit or debit card information, the personal computer also performs credit verification procedures with the help of a modem and communication software. The preferred embodiment is also equipped to communicate with a central register off-site which, using a serial number recorded on the workpiece, maintains records pertinent to the type of workpiece. For example, when a pet tag is purchased, the buyer is asked for the name and address of the owner of the pet. A serial number is recorded on the label, and information about the owner is stored in the central register under that serial number. If the pet is lost, someone who finds the pet will be able to contact the owner of the pet through the central registry. The information that is to be kept in the central register is usually temporarily stored in the personal computer installed in each engraving unit. A computer in the central registry periodically scrutinizes each unit of engraving linked in the registration network to retrieve the information obtained by the individual engraving units during recent transactions. Once the necessary input has been received from the user, the personal computer retrieves from its memory the column location for the accessory to be distributed with the recorded workpiece, and the location of the column for the selected workpiece., steps 318-319. In step 320, the column locations for the accessory box and the work piece are transferred, and also the text to be recorded on the work piece to the controller in the form of a data line. The job information, specifying the type of work piece selected, is also passed to the controller in step 320 to allow the controller to retrieve the format information from its memory. The control for the job is passed to the controller in step 322. The personal computer, via the video screen, then asks the user if additional recorded work pieces are desired, step 324. If the user requires additional work, the computer The staff again asks the user for the type of work piece, step 310, etcetera. Upon receipt of control from the personal computer, step 322, the controller initiates the step of selecting the work piece of the process. Referring to Figure 17, the controller first extracts the location of the column for the selected workpiece from the data line provided by the personal computer, step 326. Then, in step 328, the controller activates the stepping motor in the X axis (designated 94 in Figure 2) in such a way that carriage 80 travels along the X axis until it reaches the designated column location. At this point the selecting block 72 of the workpiece will be engaged with the receiving component 62 associated with the column containing the selected workpiece (see Figures 3A and 4).

In step 330, it moves to the selected workpiece within the engraving location. During this step, the controller instructs the positioning stepper 66 of the workpiece to move through the appropriate number of steps to move the workpiece already captured in the holding plate 46 to the engraving location (i.e. at the top of the rollers 66). The engraving operation is then carried out, step 332, using the movement on the X-, Y-, Z- axes of the working tool, as will be described later. After the engraving is finished but before the work piece is distributed in step 344, the corresponding accessory is distributed to the selected work piece, step 333. Referring to Figure 18, during the attachment distribution operation the controller activates the positioning motor 212 and causes it to travel until the pick-up arm 226 is in alignment with the column location provided by the personal computer to the controller. After the positioning motor 212 is turned off, the pick-up motor 224 is turned on to rotate the pick-up arm 226, causing it to drop an accessory pack from the column 180. Referring to Figure 17, once the the accessory is distributed, the workpiece is ejected from the handling unit 14 of the work piece, step 334. During this step, the controller activates the positioning step motor 66 of the work piece so that it moves the clamping plate 46 within the distribution site of the workpiece, such that the workpiece falls from the holding plate 46 and into a distribution channel. At this point, the movement on the Z axis is also started to move the engraving tool to the place of distribution of the work piece. This ensures that the workpiece falls from the clamping plate by pressing the workpiece out of the clamping plate if it has not yet fallen from it. Finally, the positioning unit 14 of the work piece is returned to the capture position of the work piece, step 336. Next, the engraving operation will be described with reference to Figure 19. Using the information of the type of piece of work received from the personal computer, the controller then retrieves the display and source information for that selected workpiece, step 342. In the preferred embodiment, this information is previously determined for each type of work piece and stored in the controller. Below is a table that shows an example of the arrangement and selection of variables for the controller: type of pressure in the expanded workpiece axis Z luggage tag 1.36-1.81 Kg 4 lines, single source pet tag 1.81 Kg 3 lines , single source medical label 1.134 Kg 4 lines, multiple sources However, the user can choose the font and the unfolding can be calculated using the number of letters in the desired text, the size of the work piece, the size of the font, and other predetermined values, such as the percentage of space blank and the length of each line. In U.S. Patent No. 4,437,150, to Dahlgren et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference, an etching system is described by performing calculations of this type. In step 344, the controller indicates the movement on the X- and Y- axes of the engraving tool to the position on the selected workpiece where the engraving will begin. At this point, the working tool will already be close to the position on the X axis necessary to start the engraving process. This is because the carriage 80 carrying both the engraving tool and the positioning unit 14 of the workpiece will already have moved in alignment with the column containing the selected workpiece during the step of sending the workpiece. workpiece selected at the engraving position (Figure 17, steps 328 and 330). However, the position on the X axis of the engraving tool in step 344 is finely adjusted to position the engraving tool for engraving. In the same way, the movement on the Y-axis of the carriage 118 on the Y-axis during step 344 is required to place the engraving tool in the appropriate starting position. In step 346, the controller adjusts the pressure on the Z-axis for the selected workpiece. In the controller, the pressure on the Z-axis is previously determined and stored, although this can also be calculated by the personal computer or the controller if the system is going to calculate the font size, instead of being predetermined for each piece of work. The pressure on the X axis is calculated by activating the stepper 164 on the Z-axis to lower (if the pressure is to be increased to provide a larger stroke width) or to raise (to decrease the pressure on the Z axis) and the width of the stroke) the engraving tool to the predetermined position for the desired stroke width. Finally, in step 348, the text about the work piece is recorded. The engraving is carried out by means of starting and stopping the stepping motors on the X axis, the Y axis and the z axis, as necessary, to move the engraving tool to engrave the letters of the desired text on the workpiece . In U.S. Patent No. 4,437,150 incorporated herein by reference, a method for combining motion on the X- and Y- axes is described in detail in order to record characters on a workpiece. If the personal computer has sent additional jobs to the controller, the controller then starts with the selection of the work piece, positioning, and distribution (Figure 15, step 304 and Figure 17) of the next selected work piece. Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described, many others are possible within the scope of the present invention. It is not intended that the scope of the present invention be limited to the specific embodiment described above, but that it be limited only in terms of the appended claims.

Claims (23)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the foregoing invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, property is claimed as contained in the following: CLAIMS 1. An automated engraving system for recording indications designated by the user on a piece of work selected by the user comprising: elements of interconnection with the user to ask the user to select a work piece from a group of possible work pieces, and to provide information about the indications to be recorded on the piece of work, and to identify a location of a workpiece selected by the user and to provide the user with information of the signals provided; control elements that respond to the information of indications supplied and to the identified location of the selected workpiece to generate control signals for handling the workpiece and recording control signals; workpiece management elements responsive to control signals for handling the workpiece to recover the workpiece selected by the user and place it in an engraving position in preparation for an engraving operation; and engraving elements for engraving a work piece that is located in the engraving position, in accordance with the engraving control signals.
2. 2. The automated engraving system of claim 1, characterized in that the workpiece management element is also for sending the workpiece to the user upon completion of the engraving operation.
3. 3. An automated engraving system in which a work piece is recorded in accordance with data supplied by a user, the data supplied by the user indicating a type of work piece selected and indications to be engraved on the piece of work. work, comprising: control elements to receive the data supplied by the user, to generate formatting instructions, instructions for handling the work piece, and engraving instructions corresponding to the data provided by the user, and to convert said instructions into control signals; recovery elements responsive to the control signals generated by the control elements, for recovering a workpiece of the selected type from its respective storage location and for moving the workpiece to an engraving position; fasteners for holding the workpiece in the engraving position; and engraving elements that respond to the control signals generated by the control elements to record the designated indications on the work piece.
4. 4. The engraving system of claim 1 characterized in that the storage chamber of the workpiece comprises: a plurality of workpiece columns, each having a location for sending the workpiece; and shipping items to send and skew a piece of work from each column within their respective shipping location.
5. The engraving system of claim 4 characterized in that: each column of the workpiece houses a stack of workpieces; and the shipping elements comprise a plurality of partially compressed springs, each placed within one of the workpiece columns to apply force against the stack of associated work pieces.
6. 6. The engraving system of claim 4 characterized in that: the recovery elements comprise a plurality of plates, each having an opening, each plate can be positioned with its opening in register with the shipping location of its associated column and also It can be positioned to an engraving position.
7. The engraving system of claim 6 and characterized in that each workpiece has a shape and wherein each column has a through hole having a shape similar to the shape of its associated work piece type.
8. 8. The engraving system of claim 6 characterized in that each type of workpiece has a shape and wherein the fastening elements comprise: a relief formed around the opening in each plate, the relief facing its associated column and having a corresponding shape to the shape of its associated workpiece type, the relief also having a diameter that is smaller than that of the associated workpiece type, a roller mounted to each column of the workpiece for rolling gear with the corresponding plate , the roller biased toward the plate and positioned to abut a workpiece when a workpiece is placed in the relief and the plate has been placed in the engraving position.
9. The engraving system of claim 1 characterized in that the engraving elements comprise: an engraving tool having a engraving tip; first manipulation elements for manipulating the tool in an X direction and a Y direction; and second manipulation elements for manipulating the tool in a Z direction to raise and lower the engraving tip from a surface of a workpiece in the engraving position, and to adjust the pressure at the engraving tip.
10. 10. The engraving system of claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises distribution elements of the workpiece for distributing the work piece to the user after the latter has been engraved.
11. The engraving system of claim 1, characterized in that the control element is also for generating instructions for distributing the accessory and converting said instructions into distribution control signals of the accessory, and characterized in that the apparatus also comprises: accessory that respond to the distribution control signals of the accessory, to distribute an accessory of a type previously associated with the type of workpiece selected by the user.
12. 12. An apparatus for distributing an object, comprising: a plurality of storage columns of the object, - a carriage that can be positioned adjacent to each of the storage columns; a first motor to move the car; a pick-up arm mounted to the carriage, the pivoting pick-up arm when positioned in alignment with one of the storage columns, to release an object stored in the column within a distribution location; and a second motor to rotate the withdrawal arm.
13. 13. An apparatus for handling an object, comprising: a storage column of the object having a feeding location of the object; a partially compressed spring placed inside the storage column of the object to apply force against the object and to feed and skew the object from the column within the feeding location; a plate having an opening and which can be positioned with its opening in register with the feeding location of the column and which can also be positioned to a working position, the plate also having a relief formed around the opening, the relief facing the column and having a shape corresponding to the shape of the object, and having a diameter that is smaller than that of the object; and biasing elements to bias the object against the relief when the object is located in the relief and the plate has been positioned to the working position.
14. 14. An apparatus for manipulating an engraving tool for engraving a workpiece, comprising: an engraving tool; first manipulation elements for manipulating the tool in an X direction and a Y direction; and second manipulation elements for manipulating the tool in a Z direction to raise and lower the engraving tip from a surface of a workpiece in the engraving position, and to adjust the pressure at the engraving tip.
15. 15. The engraving tool of claim 14, characterized in that the second manipulation elements comprise: a spring-biased stepping motor for pushing the tool against the workpiece.
16. 16. A method for controlling an engraving system of the type having a work piece storage unit, an automated workpiece handling system for moving a selected workpiece from the workpiece storage unit by securing it in a recording location during engraving, and an engraving tool for recording the selected workpiece , the control system comprising: (a) receiving user instructions from a user, user instructions specifying a type of work piece selected and indications to be recorded on a work piece; (b) generate engraving instructions corresponding to the indications in the user instructions; (c) converting the engraving instructions into engraving control signals; (d) generating workpiece recovery instructions corresponding to a position containing the type of workpiece selected in the work piece storage device of the workpiece type specified by the user; (d) converting the workpiece recovery instructions to workpiece recovery control signals, - (e) transferring the workpiece recovery control signals to the workpiece handling system; (f) moving a selected workpiece from the storage location of the workpiece to an engraving location in response to the control signals for recovery of the workpiece; (g) transferring the engraving control signals to an engraving system; (f) engraving a surface of the selected workpiece, in accordance with the engraving control signals, to produce a recorded workpiece.
17. 17. The method of claim 16, characterized in that the engraving system also comprises the steps of: (g) generating instructions for distributing the work piece; (h) converting the instructions for distributing the work piece to control signals for distribution of the work piece; (i) transferring the distribution control signals from the workpiece to the workpiece handling system; and (j) after step (f), distribute the recorded work piece.
18. 18. The method of claim 17, characterized in that the engraving system is also of the type that has an accessory distribution unit, which distributes an accessory corresponding to the type of workpiece selected, the method also comprising the steps of: generating accessory distribution instructions, identifying a location of an appropriate accessory in the accessory's distribution unit; convert the instructions of distribution of the accessory to control signals of distribution of the accessory; transfer the distribution control signals of the accessory to the work piece management system, and distribute the appropriate accessory.
19. The method of claim 16 characterized in that step (b) comprises the steps of: generating source instructions for the selected workpiece type and indications supplied by the user; and generate formatting prompts for the type of work piece selected and indications supplied by the user.
20. The method of claim 19 characterized in that the step of generating source instructions includes the step of generating pressure instructions from the engraving tool.
21. 21. An automated engraving system in which a work piece is recorded in accordance with data supplied by a user, the data supplied by the user indicating indications to be engraved on the workpiece, comprising: control elements that respond to the information of indications supplied to generate control signals for handling the workpiece and recording control signals; workpiece handling elements responsive to control signals for handling the workpiece to recover the selected workpiece and place it in an engraving position in preparation for an engraving otion; and engraving elements for engraving a work piece that is located in the engraving position, in accordance with the engraving control signals.
22. 22. The system of claim 21 characterized in that the data provided by the user also indicate a selected type of workpiece and characterized in that: the control element also responds to the information of the type of workpiece supplied to generate the signals of control of workpiece handling and engraving control signals.
23. 23. The automated engraving system of claim 3 characterized in that it also comprises a storage chamber of the workpiece, each of the storage locations being inside the storage chamber of the workpiece.