US3118372A - weeks - Google Patents

Description

Jan. Z1, 1964 R. c. WEEKS 3,118,372

CODE DATING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 27. 1960 R. C. WEEKS CODE DATING MACHINE Jan. 21, 1964 3 Sheets-,Sheet 2 Filed July 27, 1960 /A/l/ENTOR.'

K E www c r D ,n e A H w RW ,r E

Jan. 2l, 1964 R. c. WEEKS CODE DATING MACHINE s sheets-sheet :5

Filed July 27. 1960 E 5 TE Y Nw @WM s. R vC o wp w R A H H w K d, 5 w 0 nl. 0 m n n ./f :M1 1 l im@ United States Patent 3,118,372 CDE DATING MACHINE Richard C. Weeks, 1507 Baysdale Lane, Richmond, Va. Filed July 27, 1960, Ser. No. 45,731 2 Claims. (Cl. 101-332) The present invention relates genenally to code dating machines, Iand more particularly to ia novel power actuated code dating machine employing the principles of ink, coated film, or the like, transfer of selected information to the label, package, o-r the like.

Heretofore, various devices and methods have been employed in code dating packages, and the like, involving the several principles of lapplication by ink, by scorching or burning an impression, by forced indentation, with a coated transfer film, and by combinations of these. While some units work satisfactorily, there is involved a l-arge expense in capital investment and maintenance. There has long existed the need of a simple powered code dating machine which will efficiently perform its function in a exible manner, yet -is relatively inexpensive overall including initial investment and maintenance, and which incorporates a simplified operation.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel powered code dating machine which satisfies the long-felt want in the field.

In brief, the present novel code dating machine includes a covered mounting box, a base plate mounted withinqthe box, ya spring-biased reciprocally mounted type carrier supponted by the plate, a solenoid mounted on the plate for striking energization of the type carrier, ribbon supporting mechanism mounted on a plate, and an automatic reversingT mechanism for the ribbon.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel powered code dating machine which employs inking or coated lm for transferring the predetermined impression to a package or 4the like'.

Another object is to provide a novel powered code dating machine of compact simplified construction incorporating a ribbon feeding means actuated by means effective to energize provided marking means.

Another object is to provide a novel powered code dating machine of simplified construction which incorporates `an inked ribbon for transfer of the Vdesired information and automatic means `for reversing the ribbon at substmtially each end of travel thereof.

Another object is to provide a novel powered code dating machine of simplified construction which is adapted for disposition in conjunction with a moving film or moving packages, or stationary lilm or packages.

Another object is to provide a novel powered code dating machine which contains its own power -for disposing the desired information in the same relative position on each section or unit of rolled film or each package.

Another object -is to provide a novel powered code dating machine which is relatively inexpensive, which has low maintenance cost, which can be readily chan-ged in its information to be imprinted, and which otherwise fulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages are apparent from the following description taken with the accompanying draw-ing, in which:

FIGURE -1 is a top plan view of an enclosed powered code dating machine 'incorporating the principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a Ifront elevational view thereof;

FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged front elevational View thereof with the cover plate removed;

FIGURE 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken on substantial-ly the line 5--5 of FIGURE 4;

anatra Patented Jan. 21, 1964 ice FIGURE 6` is a horizontal cross-sectional view Vtaken on substantially the line 6--6 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 7-7 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE. 8 is .la vertical cross-sectional vie-w taken on substantially the line 8-8 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 9 9 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE l0 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 10--10 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE l1 is a ventical moss-sectional view taken on substantially ythe line lil-11 of FIGURE 9, looking at the rear of the base plate;

FIGURE 1.2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of elements of the ribbon reversing mechanism;

FIGURE 13 is a view similar to FIGURE 4 showing the ribbon feeding in the opposite direction;

FIGURE I4 is an enlarged View of -a segment of ribbon illustrating an element of the mechanism for automatically reversing the ribbon;

FIGURE 15 is a further enlarged cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line `15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIGURE 16 is a fragmentary top plan view illustrating elements of the ribbon feed mechanism and lthe ribbon reverse mechanism;

FIGURE 17 is a further enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 17-a17 of FIGURE 16;

FIGURE 1-8 is a further enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken yon substantially the line 18-18 of FIGURE 16;

FIGURE 19 is a further enlarged vertical cross-sectional view taken on substantially the lline |19-119 of FIGURE 16;

FIGURE 2.0' is an enlarged bottom view of the type carrier and supported type elements;

FIGURE 2l is a vertical cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line Z1-21 of FIGURE 20;

FIGURE 2v2 is a View of the actuating plate forming part off the ribbon reversing mechanism; and

FIGURE 23 is a bottom plan view thereof.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference nurnerals, 3b indicates generally a powered code dating machine incorporating the teachings of the present invention. The machine 30 includes a casing 312, an imprinting mechanism 34, a ribbon feeding mechanism 36, a ribbon reversing mechanism S'S, and connecting elements.

As is clear from the drawings, the casing 32 is rectangular and includes a removable cover 49 maintained in position by screws 41 engaging tap posts 42 threadedly mounted in bosses 43 formed integral with the back wall of the casing 32 (FIG. 5). The posts 42 maintain a base plate 45 in position in the casing 32 in spaced parallel relation with the back wall thereof and adjacent to the bosses `43, as is clear from FIGURE 5. The base plate `45 supports the elements of the several mechanisms mentioned above in the brief outline of the invention.

The top of the casing 32 may be oval to provide more air space, and apertures may be provided therein for dissipation of heat.

The imprinting mechanism 34 includes a solenoid 50 wrapped with insulation material 51 which is secured to the base plate 45 by a strap 52 and screws 53. The solenoid 50 includes a plunger 54 to the bottom of which is adjustably threaded a striker 55 in the form of a screw (FIGS. 18, 19). lSecured to opposed sides of the plunger 54 and extending upwardly therefrom through a block 56 of insulating material are a short plate 57 and an elongated plate 58. A pin 59 is mounted in the said plates 57 and 5S (FIG. 18), the lower end of a tension spring andere 60 being connected thereto, the upper end thereof being connected in an aperture in the end of a pin 61 mounted on the base plate and extending forwardly therefrom. The spring biases the plunger 54 to the position of FIGURE `1S.

Beneath the solenoid 50 is a type carrier 65 of rectangular open bottom configuration as is clearly shown by FIGURES 2 and Z1. The type carrier 65 is secured to a ilat leaf spring 66 in suspended relation thereto by rivets 67, `which also maintain a striker block 68 in position thereabove. The striker block 63 has a cone-shaped opening 69 therein for engagement by the head of the striker 55, as is clear from FIGURE 18. Type elements 70 are disposed in the type carrier 65, being firmly maintained in position by a screw 71. The flat leaf spring 66 is suspended between and mounted in slots in spaced posts 72 mounted on the base plate 45 (FIG. 8). The striker block 68 extends into the bottom opening of the solenoid 50, as is clear from FIGURE 18. The at leaf spring 66 permits the reciprocative movement of the type 70 in the operation thereof.

The ribbon feeding mechanism 36 includes a pair of spaced gears 75 and 76 cach of which includes a hub 77 rotatively mounted upon a post 78 secured to and extending forwardly from the base plate 45 yby means of a threaded reduced portion and a nut 79 (FIGS. 4 and 8). A light compression spring 80 maintained in position by a cotter pin 81 prevents free rotation of each of the gears 75 and 76. A typewriter ribbon 83, or the like, is mounted on the forwardly extending portions of the hub 77, the free ends being secured by mounting clips 84. The ribbon 83 is trained around a pair of spools 87 each of which is mounted on a post S8 secured to and extending forwardly from the base plate 45 (FIGS. 4 and l0). The ribbon 83 is also trained through slots in spaced posts 89 which are secured to and extend forwardly from an element of the ribbon reversing mechanism 38 described below (FIGS. 4 and 8). The tape 83 passes beneath the type 70, as is clear from the drawings.

For selectively driving the gear wheels 75 and 76 there is provided a shaft 9'5 which is rotatably mounted in the opposed ends of a bracket 96 which is pivotally mounted on the base plate 4 5 by means of a rivet 98 which also extends through an actuating plate 99 against the back thereof and into a cap member 100 (FIG. 1S). On each cnd of the shaft 95 is a worm wheel 102 which alternately engages the gears 75 and 76, as is clear from FIGURES 4 and 13. A ratchet wheel 105 is secured to the shaft 95 opposite the pivot point of the bracket 96 for engagement by a double tooth dog 196 pivotally mounted in a channel-shaped member 107 welded to the plate 5S and secured to the top of the plunger 54 by a suitable screw i108 (FIG. `19). A leaf spring 109 biases the dog 106 into engagement with the ratchet wheel 105. A stop dog 110 pivotally mounted upon the bracket 96 is biased by a spring 111 into engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 135, thereby preventing backup (FIGS. 4 and 19). It is manifest from the foregoing that each time the plunger 54 descends, the ratchet wheel 105 will be rotated through an arc equal to two teeth, which, in turn, effects rotation of the worm wheels 102 and there through the respective gears 75 and 76.

The automatic ribbon reversing mechanism 33 cornprises a oating actua-.or plate 115 of the configuration clearly illustrated in FIGURES 1l, 22 and 23. The member 115 includes a plate portion 116 disposed against the back of the base plate 45 and a narrow returned skirt portion 117 disposed against the front face of the base plate 45 which supports the slotted spaced posts S9 heretofore mentioned. The trough 118 formed by the juncture of the plate portion 116 and the narrow skirt portion 117 engages the lower edge of the base plate 45 as a guide for the iloating, sliding movement of the actuator y115. Pivotally mounted on the back of the base plate 45 above the actuator 115 is a link IZtl. A tension spring 121 engages a lug 122 on the actuator 115 and a stub post 4 123 on the link 120. The link 120 extends between dc pending legs 126 of the actuating plate 99, which is welded to the cap member 100 for reciprocative rotation thereof. A strap 128 traps the actuating plate 99 against outward movement.

Near each end of the ribbon 83 is a pin 130 which is bound in position by a thread 131, or the like. Eyelets may be used in place of the pins 130. With reference to FIGURE 4, it will be observed that the pin 130 is against the left hand spaced post 89 and that the arrows A indicato the ribbon 83 is about to be reversed and rcwound upon the hub 77 of the gear 75. It is clear that engagement of the pin 130 against the said spaced post 89 mounted on the actuator plate 115 will force thc actuator 115 to the right, viewing FIGURE 4. This will move the spring 121 across the pivot ofthe link 120 (FIG. ll), thereby pivoting the actuating plate 99 clockwise. Considering FIGURES 4 and ll, clockwise movement of the actuating plate 99 to the position of FIGURE ll effects eounterclockwise movement of the bracket 96 and the shaft 95 in FIGURE 4 to disengage the worm Wheel 102 from the gear 76 and to engage a worm wheel 102 `with the gear 75. It is clear that the ribbon feeding mechanism 36 will effect sliding movement of the actuator 115 through the pin 130 in the direction as required to automatically reverse the ribbon feeding without interference with the supply of ribbon 83 to the type 7l). Electric power cording 134 is provided.

The operation of the code dating machine 30 is clear from the foregoing.

In use, the machine 30 is disposed in relation to a roll of labels or wraps, packages on a carrier belt, or other labels or packages desired to be code dated. A switch is provided which is actuated by a cam or wheel, a package, or other desirable means which insures one stamping or marking operation of the code in the same relative position on thc dater label, package, or the like. A platen is disposed in spaced relation to the type carrier 65 when labels are marked.

As particularized above, the imprinting mechanism 34 makes one impression each time the switch in the power line is closed to actuate the solenoid 50. The ribbon feeding mechanism 36 moves the ribbon 83 past the type 70 in step-bystep manner. As the ribbon 83 draws towards one end in the feeding process, the ribbon revers ing mechanism 38 automatically effects reversal, so that the ribbon 83 is moved back and forth between the hubs 77 of the gears 75 and 76 until a new ribbon 83 is required. Replacing the ribbon 83 is a simple process upon removal of the cover plate 40.

It is manifest that there has been provided a code dating machine which fulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and example. It is also to be understood that changes in form of the elements, rearrangement of parts, and substitution of equivalent elements, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, a code dating machine comprising a base plate, a type carrier mounted on said plate for reciprocative movement, a solenoid mounted adjacent said type carrier including a plunger, a striker carried by said plunger adapted to strike said type carrier upon energization of said solenoid, a ribbon disposed beneath said type carrier for movement, means mounting said ribbon for step-by-step travel, means for effecting said step-by-step travel including a ratchet and an operating dog, said dog being connected to said plunger for movement therewith, means for transferring the movement of said ratchet to said ribbon, means for automatically reversing said ribbon including a plate member oatingly mounted on said base plate for reciprocative movement, a pair of spaced slotted posts secured to said plate member, said ribbon passing through said posts, a link pivotally mounted on said base plate and connected to said plate member, an actuating member pivotally mounted on said base platte and engageable by said link for oscillation thereby, said actuating member being connected to said transferring means for disposing the latter to move said ribbon in a selected direction, and means carried by said ribbon near each end for engaging said slotted posts to reciprocate said plate member.

2. In combination, a code dating machine comprising a vertically disposed base plate, a pair of spaced posts mounted in said base plate and extending therefrom, a spring member mounted on and suspended between said posts permitting reciprocative movement of the central portion of said at spring member, a type carrier mounted on said spring member for reciprocative movement, a solenoid mounted adjacent said type carrier including a plunger, a striker carried by said plunger adapted to strike said type carrier upon energization of said solenoid, a ribbon disposed beneath said type carrier for movement, means mounting said ribbon for step-by-step travel, means for effecting said step-by-step travel including a ratchet and an operating dog, said dog being connected to said plunger for movement therewith, means for transferring the movement of said ratchet to said ribbon, means for automatically reversing said ribbon including a plate member floatingl" mounted on said base plate for reciprocative movement, a pair of spaced slotted posts scured to said plate member, said ribbon passing through said posts, a link pivotally mounted on said base plate and engaged by said plate member, an actuating member pivotally mounted on said base plate and engageable by said link for oscillation thereby, said actuating member being connected to said transferring means for dispos* ing ,the latter to move said ribbon in a selected direction, and means carried by said ribbon near each end for engaging said slotted posts to reciprocate said plate member.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNlTED STATES PATENTS 1,928,685 Dugdale Oct. 3, 1933 1,978,898 Ford Oct. 30, 1934 2,084,044 Muller June 15, 1937 2,104,573 Reinhoidsten Jan. 4, 1938 2,348,566 Papazian May 9, 1944 2,424,725 Weimont July 29, 1947 2,559,455 Meyer July 3, 1951 2,906,203 Grosse Sept. 29, 1959 2,913,978 Lane Nov. 24, 1959 2,978,090 Brandt Apr. 4, 1961 2,978,978 Lang Apr. 11, 1961 FORElGN PATENTS 605,848 Germany Nov. 19, 1934

Claims (1)

1. IN COMBINATION, A CODE DATING MACHINE COMPRISING A BASE PLATE, A TYPE CARRIER MOUNTED ON SAID PLATE FOR RECIPROCATIVE MOVEMENT, A SOLENOID MOUNTED ADJACENT SAID TYPE CARRIER INCLUDING A PLUNGER, A STRIKER CARRIED BY SAID PLUNGER ADAPTED TO STRIKE SAID TYPE CARRIER UPON ENERGIZATION OF SAID SOLENOID, A RIBBON DISPOSED BENEATH SAID TYPE CARRIER FOR MOVEMENT, MEANS MOUNTING SAID RIBBON FOR STEP-BY-STEP TRAVEL, MEANS FOR EFFECTING SAID STEP-BY-STEP TRAVEL INCLUDING A RATCHET AND AN OPERATING DOG, SAID DOG BEING CONNECTED TO SAID PLUNGER FOR MOVEMENT THEREWITH, MEANS FOR TRANSFERRING THE MOVEMENT OF SAID RATCHET TO SAID RIBBON, MEANS FOR AUTOMATICALLY REVERSING SAID RIBBON INCLUDING A PLATE MEMBER FLOATINGLY MOUNTED ON SAID BASE PLATE FOR RECIPROCATIVE MOVEMENT, A PAIR OF SPACED SLOTTED POSTS SECURED TO SAID PLATE MEMBER, SAID RIBBON PASSING THROUGH SAID POSTS, A LINK PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAID BASE PLATE AND CONNECTED TO SAID PLATE MEMBER, AN ACTUATING MEMBER PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAID BASE PLATE AND ENGAGEABLE BY SAID LINK FOR OSCILLATION THEREBY, SAID ACTUATING MEMBER BEING CONNECTED TO SAID TRANSFERRING MEANS FOR DISPOSING THE LATTER TO MOVE SAID RIBBON IN A SELECTED DIRECTION, AND MEANS CARRIED BY SAID RIBBON NEAR EACH END FOR ENGAGING SAID SLOTTED POSTS TO RECIPROCATE SAID PLATE MEMBER.

Images