US3481446A - Ribbon feeding arrangement for n-digit code imprints - Google Patents

Ribbon feeding arrangement for n-digit code imprints Download PDF

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Publication number
US3481446A
US3481446A US674256A US3481446DA US3481446A US 3481446 A US3481446 A US 3481446A US 674256 A US674256 A US 674256A US 3481446D A US3481446D A US 3481446DA US 3481446 A US3481446 A US 3481446A
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United States
Prior art keywords
ribbon
printing
code
imprints
code elements
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Expired - Lifetime
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US674256A
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English (en)
Inventor
Gisbert Burkhardt
Anton Deibler
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Telefunken Patentverwertungs GmbH
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Telefunken Patentverwertungs GmbH
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Publication date
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C3/00—Sorting according to destination
    • B07C3/18—Devices or arrangements for indicating destination, e.g. by code marks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K1/00—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion
    • G06K1/12—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching
    • G06K1/121—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching by printing code marks

Definitions

  • GisbeH Bur-khou-cl. AnLon Deiloley- Dec. 2, 1969
  • FIG7 INVENTORS G isbelz Burkhar-dfi Anion Deiloler.
  • the present invention relates generally to printing mechanisms and, more particularly, to such devices for n-digit, or n-column code imprints with uniform spacing between the code elements and using an inked ribbon which, after each printing operation, is advanced by one step in the direction of the line to be printed to a point where all printing types face an unused part of the ribbon for the subsequent printing operation.
  • Such printing mechanisms are particularly needed for the application of coded routing information onto shipments which are to be sorted by machine, particularly mail shipments.
  • ribbons are used which are heat-printing foils whose color is completely transferred to the surface to be printed when pressed thereon.
  • FIGURE 1 shows the lower right-hand corner of a mail shipment 1 which is provided with a code imprint serving as a routing indicator, for example, for automatic mail sorting mechanisms.
  • the twenty possible positions 2 of the code elements 2 are arranged in five lines and in four columns.
  • Each one of the columns I, II, III and IV represents the numbers 0 to 9 according to a 2-out-of-5 code so that a four-digit number is represented by the code imprint.
  • the printing mechanism is provided with five printing types in each one of the four columns of which only two are used for printing at any one time.
  • FIGURE 2 refers to this procedure and shows a ribbon 3 which has been advanced by such a step and the impressions of two code imprints.
  • all possible positions 2 of the code elements (2') are drawn here, as well as in FIGURES 3 and 4, without particularly emphasizing the two code elements 2' of each column which were actually printed.
  • the disadvantage of a ribbon transport according to FIGURE 2 therefore lies in the great amount of ribbon used for each imprint, i.e., 24.6 mm.
  • a further disadvantage results from the amount of time required for the transport of the ribbon, i.e., at a ribbon speed of e.g., 5 cm./sec., approximately 0.49 sec.
  • the ribbon transport alone would require 68% of the cycle time whereas only 32% (0.23 sec.) would be available for the printing process itselfpositioning of the ship ment against the support, printing and removal of the support.
  • the amount of ribbon consumed can be considerably reduced when, according to an already known procedure, the ribbon is advanced each time, as shown in FIGURE 3, in small steps which are adjusted to the width d of one code element:
  • FIGURE 3 the longitudinal scale is considerably extended when compared with FIGURE 2.
  • the Roman numerals indicate the respective column of the printing mechanism, and the Arabic numerals the number of printing operations. 11 thus indicates the first printing of the first digit, I-I3 the third printing of the second digit, IV13 the thirteen printing of the fourth digit.
  • This information is entered only in the fifth line, i.e., in the lowermost one of the five tracks 4, but pertains each time to all imprints in the corresponding column.
  • a larger step is made of length .9 as in the procedure according to FIGURE 2, to again correspond to the width of the code field:
  • Another object is to provide a printing arrangement for the above-mentioned purposes with which not only the smallest possible ribbon consumption is realized but wherein the time to be programmed into the printing cycle for the ribbon transportat uniform ribbon speedis considerably reduced.
  • the ribbon transporting device is arranged so that the ribbon is always moved in equally sized steps of a length of wherein the number z of the ribbon imprints to be made within the space t and the number n of the columns must not have any common divisor and wherein Z mln) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 4 for the movement of the ribbon at a scale which is, extended in length when compared with FIGURE 2.
  • FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatic view of a ribbon with imprints corresponding to the printing mechanism according to the present invention and using the same scale as FIGURE 3.
  • FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatic view of a code imprint on a mail shipment including an identifying mark according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 6 is a diagrammatic view of a printing device according to the present invention.
  • FIGURE 7 is a diagrammatic front view of the printing types used in the printing device of FIGURE 6.
  • FIGURE 4 clearly illustrates the interrneshing of consecutive imprints of the different columns. This figure corresponds to FIGURE 3 with respect to the longitudinal and latitudinal scale. The meaning of the Roman and Arabic numerals is also identical. Within a length of ribbon of 4! all imprints are illustrated which occur during the process of the first 13 printing operations. For reasons of clarity, the imprints of the first column (I1, I2, etc) are numbered only in the first line (first track 4), the imprints of the second column only in the second line, etc. In the right-hand portion of the fifth line the imprints which fall within one space 1 are consecutively numbered without regard to the sequence of their formation.
  • the maximum number z of the ribbon imprints to be accommodated within the space t can therefore also be selected according to the equation 2;. l' mln) as long as the resulting maximum whole number meets the requirement that it has no common divisor with the number n of columns.
  • FIG. 4 relates to the position of imprints during the initial phase of operation, that is during the first 13 steps of movement of the ribbon.
  • each shipment is imprinted with an identifying mark in addition to the code, whch mark indicates at which coding machine the shipment was being processed. It consists of a number or a letter. With the aid of this mark it is possible, for example, when coding errors are discovered in the distributor, to identify the coding position where the error originated and then, with the aid of the work schedule, the operator.
  • this mark is applied by a separate identifier which is attached to the code printer. Printing is accomplished by an ordinary typewriter ribbon. Operator-identifying marks for outgoing and incoming mail are distinguishedby black and red printing.
  • This identifier is relatively complicated (switching from red to black, reversal of movement of the ribbon, operation of the stamp, etc.) and it is susceptible to malfunction.
  • a printing stamp which serves to imprint one or a plurality of identifying marks associated with the printing mechanism, and which is operated in synchronism with the code imprint and which uses the same ribbon at a point not covered by any track serving for the printing of the code elements.
  • each step .9 is a multiple of s; with otherwise identical conditions, e.g., with a length, of 2.5 mm. This provides enough space to print the identifying marks from an unused portion of the ribbon at each printing operation. It must be taken into consideration that the filling effect being evident from the right side of FIGURE 4 is true of the code elements only and not of the identifying marks, since at each step of the ribbon there are printed four columns of code elements and only one column of identifying marks.
  • FIG- URE 5 which otherwise corresponds to FIGURE 1.
  • the position or operator identifying mark here consists of the four numbers 0-1-1-3, which are printed between the tracks 4 for the code elements 2.
  • the identifying mark is disposed on the left of the code field since the shipment 1 moves into the scanning device with its right edge ahead. The code field has then already been read and the code stored when the identifying mark reaches the reading column. Thus, erroneous readings of an identifying mark by the reading head for the code elements, which may occur when shipments come in too high, can no longer interfere with the code.
  • the ribbon area (intermediate zones) between the tracks 4 for the printing of a position or operator identifying mark.
  • the numbers 0 9 can be printed in the upper intermediate zone
  • the numbers 0 9 can be printed in the second intermediate zone, etc.
  • Up to forty coding positions can be marked with numbers and up to 104 coding positions can be identified with combinations of letters.
  • FIGURE 6 An example of a code printing device suitable to operate according to the invention is shown in FIGURE 6.
  • the proper printing mechanism is diagrammatically represented by a box 10. According to FIGURE 7 the printing mechanism is provided with five printing types 11 in each one of four columns and with four printing types 12 for the identifying marks in another column.
  • the printing mechanism 10 is so constructed that upon each printing step all printing types 12, and in every one of the four columns two printing types 11, corresponding to appropriate control signals fed into the printing mechanism 10, are pushed forward against the ribbon 3. Behind ribbon 3, resting on a support block 13, is a letter 14. Transporting means which bring the letters 14 into printing position and carry them away subsequently are not shown here.
  • the ribbon 3 runs from a delivery bobbin 15 over two idle rollers 16 and 17 to a winding bobbin 18.
  • bobbins 15 and 18, including the respective ribbon coils, are partially cut away in order to show further elements which are arranged underneath and are described subsequently.
  • winding bobbin 18 is connected to a continuously running winding motor 22.
  • Clutch 21 is adjusted so as to exert onto ribbon 3, in the direction of arrow 23, a continuous pull of predetermined amount.
  • Delivery bobbin 15 is connected to a brake wheel 24 onto which a brake shoe 25 is pressed by a tension spring 26.
  • the braking force acting on the ribbon 3 is adjusted to be essentially smaller than the pulling force from bobbin 18.
  • Step wheel 31 is part of a stepping mechanism comprising a forked check lever 32 and a stepping magnet 33.
  • Check lever 32 is pivoted on an axle 34 and is swingable between two stops 35 and 36. It is cooperating with step wheel 31 by means of two check pins 32' and 32". In rest position check lever 32 is held at stop 35 by means of a tension spring 37.
  • step wheel 31 is stepped forward in the direction of arrow 38 by the amount of one tooth.
  • a code printing device for simultaneous n-digit code imprints with uniform spacing between the code elements and using a ribbon which is advanced after each printing operation in the direction of the printed line by one step so that for the next subsequent printing operation all types will be opposite an unused portion of the ribbon
  • a is the minimum spacing between two adjacent ribbon imprints.
  • the References Cited improvement further comprises a printing stamp, which UNITED STATES PATENTS serves to imprint at least one identifying mark associated with the code imprint and which uses the same ribbon at a point not covered by the track serving for the printing of a line of code elements. 5 3304859 2/1967 Schenk- 3.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Impression-Transfer Materials And Handling Thereof (AREA)
US674256A 1966-10-11 1967-10-10 Ribbon feeding arrangement for n-digit code imprints Expired - Lifetime US3481446A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DET0032235 1966-10-11

Publications (1)

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US3481446A true US3481446A (en) 1969-12-02

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US674256A Expired - Lifetime US3481446A (en) 1966-10-11 1967-10-10 Ribbon feeding arrangement for n-digit code imprints

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US (1) US3481446A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
BE (1) BE704531A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
NL (1) NL6713446A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3578136A (en) * 1969-09-11 1971-05-11 American Cyanamid Co Typewriter printing means for symbols in coded inks
US3707910A (en) * 1970-06-30 1973-01-02 Ncr Optical bar code serial printer
US3712210A (en) * 1970-06-30 1973-01-23 Ncr Color bar printer
US3762530A (en) * 1971-08-06 1973-10-02 Ncr Co Printing ribbon indexing system
US3837462A (en) * 1972-11-22 1974-09-24 Ncr Printing ribbon indexing system
US3858705A (en) * 1972-11-03 1975-01-07 Burroughs Corp Color coded digit identifying value ribbon for document fraud prevention
US3998313A (en) * 1973-04-16 1976-12-21 Docutel Corporation Paper web and ink ribbon feed control for character printer
US4717272A (en) * 1985-08-26 1988-01-05 Smith Corona Corporation Ribbon feed mechanism

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2734614A (en) * 1956-02-14 Proportional ribbon feed mechanism
US3171530A (en) * 1962-06-26 1965-03-02 Ibm Ribbon feed mechanism
US3304859A (en) * 1963-06-14 1967-02-21 Monroe Calculating Machine Ribbon-displacing device for the printing mechanism of calculating machines and the like
US3346090A (en) * 1963-05-31 1967-10-10 Ibm Ribbon feed mechanism

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2734614A (en) * 1956-02-14 Proportional ribbon feed mechanism
US3171530A (en) * 1962-06-26 1965-03-02 Ibm Ribbon feed mechanism
US3346090A (en) * 1963-05-31 1967-10-10 Ibm Ribbon feed mechanism
US3304859A (en) * 1963-06-14 1967-02-21 Monroe Calculating Machine Ribbon-displacing device for the printing mechanism of calculating machines and the like

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3578136A (en) * 1969-09-11 1971-05-11 American Cyanamid Co Typewriter printing means for symbols in coded inks
US3707910A (en) * 1970-06-30 1973-01-02 Ncr Optical bar code serial printer
US3712210A (en) * 1970-06-30 1973-01-23 Ncr Color bar printer
US3762530A (en) * 1971-08-06 1973-10-02 Ncr Co Printing ribbon indexing system
US3858705A (en) * 1972-11-03 1975-01-07 Burroughs Corp Color coded digit identifying value ribbon for document fraud prevention
US3837462A (en) * 1972-11-22 1974-09-24 Ncr Printing ribbon indexing system
US3998313A (en) * 1973-04-16 1976-12-21 Docutel Corporation Paper web and ink ribbon feed control for character printer
US4717272A (en) * 1985-08-26 1988-01-05 Smith Corona Corporation Ribbon feed mechanism

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE1524550B2 (de) 1972-08-03
DE1524550A1 (de) 1969-10-02
BE704531A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1968-02-01
NL6713446A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1968-04-16

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