Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~ i72101
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This invention relates generally to article
imprinting apparatus ~or imprinting information upon
packages, car-tons and the like as they travel successively
spaced along the reach o~ a conveyor. More particularly,
there is provided an .improved impact type reciprocating
imprinting apparatus which is more durable and versatile
and less costly to fabricate, assemble and main-tain than
prior devices, which enables the employment of pre-inked
ink cartridges and markededly increases the useful life
thereo by having means for effecting sealing off of
the cartridges during all but the actual imprinting
.stro]ie o~ th.e a~paratu~ e
In particular, the apparatus provided by the
invention includes an imprinting head carrying a biased
releasabl~ mounted type holder on which type fon~ can be
.
secured An effective seal is established between the
imprinting head and a disposable inklng cartridge to
prevent evaporative loss from the cartridge, except
during the momentary transla-tion of the head along a .
path leading to an angularly displaced imprinting location
whereat the imprinting is performed. Drive and guide ~i~dler
linkage means are providea to direct the imprinting head
along said pa-th in an imprinting stroke and a return
stroke to resume the sealed engagement~ .
Known devices capable of imprin~ing info.rmation
upon surfaces of packages, cartons and the like conveyed
spaced along a given path along the reach of the conveyor
generally are of complex construction with accompanying
expense of manufacture, fabrication, assembly and maintenance
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1 1 7 ~
Two m~jor types of.dey~ces axe emplo~ea in i~printing
indicia Qnpackages and the like~ One'type of device
includes a rotary imprint~ng wheel on which 'the type
font can be mounted fo~ repeated inking by rotary ink
transfer means to wh~ch ink is supplied from a source
.th~e-o~,the'imprinting wheeI intercepting the'article
to be imprinted. The second major type of imprinting
apparatus involves stamping or impacting inked type.face
means repeatedly upon successively arriving articles.
type face means is supplied ~7ith.ink by.impacting
the type face means upon an ink saturated pad or tne like,
usually.supplied by some storage means such as cartridge
or the like, which include an ink impervious body having
a window through'which access to the ink impregnated
pad is enabled. : - .
The invention herein is concerned with the
.
repeatable impact t~pe imprinting apparatus involves
substantial frequency of reguired maintenance, and
particularly the short life of the inking means employed.
Frequent and time-consuming ink car~ridge replacement
is the rule~ One reason for such short cartridge useful
life may be attributed to the unusually fast drying~ '~
character of the ink employed. These highly volatile inks
evaporate rapidly, usually depleting the ink pad after '
' only a short time or leaving an inking surface which
quickly becomes hard and dry~ preventing the normal
cappilarity effect to resupply the surface of the pad.
This phenomenon is encountered where the ink supply takes
the form of an ink-saturated absorbent pad disposed
3 ~
~ 1721~1
ithin a disposable cartridge h~ving access window ~eans to
accom~odate the printing head. Often, the skin
formed by solvent evapo~ation is hard wheleby ink is
unevenly applied to the type font, or at least, is
insufficient to effect uniform marking of the package, etc.
During the'course of the operation of the '
imprinting apparatus, the'imprinting head is disposed
substantially longer at the rest condition, engaged
againsk~the inking pad surface. The translation of $he
imprinting he~d to the imprinting location and
application of the imprint occupies minimal time and ~ -
requires, little exposure of the inking pad. Nevertheless,
substantial reduction of the effectiveness of the inking
~eans xesults since evaporation, etc. occurs while the
type holder (carried by the imprinting head) is engaged '
with the~inking pad of the ink storing cartridge. ' -
Seals have been attempted with mixed results~Some attempts have interfered with the,inking of the type
ont while others have been ineffective, failing to
establish an effective seal.''
It should be noted that the ink-saturated
pad is generally resilient because of its saturated
condition and the character of the ink absorbent materia
' used to form ~he pad. The area of engagement of the
imprinting head as well as the surface of the heaa
engaging the pad is sometimes so resilient as to fail
to establish an effective seal. The type holder seated
on the imprinting head and effectively constituting same
also is not well suited to make a proper seal with the
1 7721fJ~
ink-saturated pad or its surrounding border defining lining
member, where provided. Accordingly, rapid evaporation of
the fast drying ink still materially reduces the useful life
of available cartridges requiring removal of the exhausted
cartridge and replacement with a fresh cartridge. Often such
prema~ure disabling of the ink supply cartridges occurs many
times during a normal (average~ imprinting run regardless of
the number of articles imprinted.
Another problem encountered with the employment of
imprinting apparatus of the type described hereinabove involves
the formation of a hard skin formed on the pad as a result of
evaporation. The skin prevents transfer of ink from ~he pad,
even though there is substantial ink remainent within the
impregna~ed storing pad. This results in premature removal
and replacement of the cartridge long prior to depletion of
the ink stored therein.
Still another difficulty encountered with a marking
device such as described above involves the means employed to
effect the translation of the imprinting head to the imprinting
position and return. It is known to employ pivotable arms and
the like to mount an imprinting head for repeated movement.
Ordinarily, these arms are coupled to a source of dynamic power,
such as a fluid operated hydraulic or pneuma~ic system coupled
through a signalling device to a drive arm, in turn secured to
an imprinting head and/or to the mounting therefor. Xnown
drives cause the imprinting head to be translated from its rest
condition to its angularly displaced position at the imprinting
location, so that the imprinting head assumes an orientation
with its center line perpendicular to the surface upon which
imprinting is to be effected.
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1 1 7 2 1 0 1
It is difficult to maintain the head in the proper bath
to prevent deviation therefrom during translation to and return
from the imprinting location. There has been considerable
difficulty in achieving the proper orientation of said imprint-
ing head as well as in controlling the contact pressure exerted
by the imprinting head both upon the package surface and upon
the ink-saturated pad. Where the contact pressure at impact is
too great, smearing and/or other blurring of the imprint would
be encountered. Of~en the imprinting head would be misoriented
during its imprinting contact with the package surface, result-
ing in partial imprints, ox imprints carrying too much ink,
notwithstanding the fast drying nature of the inks employed.
The return stroke often strongly impacts in the relatively soft,
yieldable surface of the ink-saturated pad whereby to cause
splashing of ink fouling the apparatus, the imprinting head and
carrier therefor, and often causing ink to be thrown outward,
fouling the ambient surroundings.
Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to prevent
the above adverse occurrances in a relatively simply constructed
marking apparatus, and to include therein, means to prevent
evaporative loss by establishing an effective sealed engagement
between the ink cartridge and the printing head during all but
the actual imprinting.
Another way of reducing ink loss is to control the
impact or contact pressure exercised by the imprinting head
tthe type face carried thereby) upon the saturated inking pad.
Often one had to elect between a contact pressure at impact
sufficient ~o assure proper inking and reduction o~ contact
pressure to prevent splashing of in~.
1 ~21~1
Control of the quantity of ink applied to the type
front during each inking step has been found to be difficult.
Too much ink applied to the ~ype will result in smearing of
the imprint. Applying too little ink will result in unsatis-
factory faint imprints. Additionally, the force of impact
upon ~he surface to be imprinted should be carefully controlled
to assure proper clear and sharply defined imprints. E~fecting
of such controls as applied to the mechanical drive means is
expensive and less than satisfactory.
The translation of the imprinting head between the
pair of angularly displaced operating positions should be
effected by mechanisms which are relatively simple in construc-
tion and are effective to assure proper orientation of the
type carred by the imprinting head both on the ink saturated
pad during the xest condition, and during the time period when
momentarily displaced therefrom to effect application of the
imprint. Facility in servicing the imprinting apparatus also
is a desirable feature not readily available with known imprint-
ing dPvices of this type. Particularly, removability of both
the inking cartridge and the type holder for replacement,
change or reorientation would be highly desixable.
In view of the relative complexity of availa~le
imprinting apparatus of the type described, there has been
a considerable and long felt need to effect reductions in
the costs of fabricating, assembly and maintenance without
reduction in efficiency and with achieving increased
v~rsatility of the apparatus. It also would be highly
desirable to provide a marking apparatus which is versatile
and capable of being mounted for operation universally in a
1 172101
plurality of orientations with facility and with efficiency
and a minimum of maintenance downtime.
In addition, it would be highly advantageous to
provide an intermittent impact reciprocable type imprinting
apparatus which is capable of operation at relatively high
speed without loss in effectiveness.
Another improvement desired over the known apparatus
is to provide for adjustment of the impxint distance relative
to article being imprinted so that the installation (mounting)
of the imprinting apparatus n~ed not be changed (raised or
lowered) to compensate for small changes in height of the
articles.
Accordingly, the invention provides an article im-
printing apparatus including an imprinting head carrying type
font for applying an imprint to the surface of an object
characterized by an inking cartridge having an exposed inking
surface engageable by said type font during a rest condition,
a drive for translating said imprinting head in an imprinting
strokP and a return stroke between the rest condition and an
imprinting position angulaxly displaced from the inking cart-
ridge simultaneously rotating said imprinting head through
approximately 90 of rotation, link members coupled between
said drive and the imprinting head for effecting said trans-
lation, and a guide defining a path of travel for said imprint-
ing head from a vertically oriented condition engaged with
said inking surface to a horizontally oriented condition at
~he imprinting position and return and assuring proper orienta-
tion o~ said imprinting head at said rest condition and at the
imprinting position respectively.
I l 7210 1
The invention further provides the apparatus charac-
terized in that said link members comprise a drive linkage
pivotally secured to the imprinting head and to a fluid
pressure operated plunger, an idler link having first and
second ends, said first end being pivotally secured to said
imprinting head at a location adjacent the securement of said
drive linkage, a stationary mounting within the apparatus for
pivotally securing the second end of the idler link and
secondary pivot mou~ting coupled to said drive linkage offset
from the pivotal coupling of said drive linkage to said plunger,
said drive linkage being actuatable by said plunger for effect-
ing pivotal movement about said secondary pivot simultaneously
with pivotal mo~ement of the idler link.
Still further, the invention provides the apparatus
characterized by said guide comprising a cam and follower
defining a path for the imprinting head strokes which will
cause said head to move at a substantially constant angular
acceleration through the midpath of the strokes, the rate of
rotation being maximum at the midpaths of the strokes, the
rate of rotation being maximum at the midpaths of the strokes
and minimum adjacent the ends of the strokes.
The preferred embodiments of this invention now wi,ll
be described, by way of example, with xeference to the draw-
ings accompanying this speciication in which:
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the article
imprinting apparatus constructed in accordance with the
invention and viewed installed on a conveyor frame in
proximity to articles to be imprinted;
l t721~1
Figure 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the
article imprinting apparatus illustrated in Figure 1 shown
disassembled from the conveyor an in the process of being
loaded with an inking cartridge, portions of the apparatus
being broken away to show interior detail;
Figure 3 is an enlarged elevational view of the
imprinting apparatus of Figure 1 with portions deleted and
shown partially in section, to show interior details;
Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the imprint-
ing apparatus illustrated in Figure 2, portions of same being
deleted to show interior detail;
Figure 5 is a top plan view of the article imprinting
apparatus of Figure 1, portions being broken away to show
interior detail;
Figure 6 is a sectional detail taken along lines 6-6
of Figure 5 viewed in the direction indicated;
Figure 7 is a sectional detail similar to that of
Figure 6 but illustrating a modified embodiment of the
invention; and
Figuxe 8 is a perspective exploded detail representa-
tive of the imprinting head and type carrier holder according
to the invention illustrating the novel mounting of the
holder and the manner of disassembly, thereof.
Figure 9 is a top perspective view of the article
imprinting apparatus constructed in accordance with the in-
vention and viewed installed on a conveyor frame in proximity
to articles to be imprinted;
Figure 10 is an exploded top perspective view of thP
article imprinting apparatus illustrated in Figure 9 shown
disassembled from the conveyor and in the process of being
loaded with an inking car~ridge, portions of the apparatus
-- 10 --
1 ~72101
heing broken away to show interior detail;
Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of the imprint-
ing apparatus illustrated in Figure 10, portions of same being
deleted to show interior detail;
~ Figure 12 is an enlarged elevational view of the
imprinting apparatus of Figure 9 with portions deleted and
shown partially in section, to show interior details.
The invention herein provides an intermittent impact
type imprinting apparatus for applying imprint information
upon a facing surface of packages, cartons, and the like con
veyed spaced along a given path along the reach of a conveyor.
An imprinting head i5 positioned adjustably for inter-
mittent translation between a rest condition sealingly engaged
with the surface of an ink saturated medium in the form of a
removable pre-inked ink storing cartridge and an angularly
spaced imprinting position effected by a signal-controlled
pressurized fluid operated drive syst~m so that the imprinting
head contacts the surface of the article to be imprinted.
The imprintiny head is translated between these two
positions by a drive linkage coupled to said fluid operated
system and is guided by a secon~ary linkage functioning as an
idler linkage. Both linkages are independently pivotally
journalled with the imprinting head to define a folding linkage.
The imprinting head includes a shuttle arm carrying shaft means
to whish the linkages are coupled. The shuttle has a cam-shaped
free end and an enlarged head carrying the type means. The
free Pnd is adapted to engage an intercepting guide member for
assuring that the folding relationship of the link mambers of
the folded linkage is such as to cause the center line of the
shuttle to assume a vertically normal orientation ninety degrees
1 172101
from its orientation in the rest condition with the enlarged
head end facing the imprinting location.
The enlarged head includes an outwardly opening socket
which includes the cavity for receiving the type holder to
enable limited b.iased movement thereof therein. The type
holder includes a base lock arrangement for securely holding
type elements therein. A resilient gasket may be secured, -
preferahly by adhesive material, to the outer rim of the type
holder for cooperating with sealing means surrounding the ink-
saturated surface of the inking cartridge whereby to establish
a sealing engagement therewith during the period while the im-
printing head is at rest position. Means are provided to seat
the ink cartridge within the apparatus and adjustably to lock
the same therewithin and to exert a controlled adjustable
force thereupon.
The seal between the imprinting head and the ink
cartridge also can be effected by pxoviding a dished sealing
plate or mask assembled with the ink cartridge in the imprinting
apparatus. The sealing mask has a window formed therein which
is surrounded by an inner rim. The mask is positioned with
the inner rim seated closely proximate the exterior facing
inking surface of the ink-saturated pad of the cartridge. The
type holder tha~ is preferably, the gasket secured to the end
of the type holder, en~ages the inner rim to establish the
sealed engagement for the duxation the imprinting head is at
the rest position (condition) so that no ~vaporative loss of
ink occurs. Effectively, a sealed chamber is formed wherein
there is a solvent rich atmosphere about the type enabling the
type to remain thereat for a considerable duration without loss
due to evaporation. The inking of the type is improved con-
siderably as a result.
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~ 172101
The type holder is biased to enable the type holder
to fly out inertially from the imprinting head when the latter
is stopped in its translation to the rest condition by impact-
ing upon the frame of the ink cartridge assembly, whereby to
impact upon the ink saturated surface of the cartridge. Where
the sealing mask is employed, the sealing gasket impacts
against the inner rim of the mask. The type font elements
carried by the base lock means provided on the type holder
extend a fraction outward of ~he sealing surface so that the
end surfaces of the type font are coated with sufficient ink
yet overloading of the type font with ink is prevented. In
addition, splashing of ink upon impact is materially reduced,
if not prevented altogether.
Referring now to the drawings for details, the article
imprinting apparatus constructed in accordance with the in-
vention herein is designated generally by reference character
10 and is illustrated in Figure 1, mounted on the frame 12 of
a conveyor 14 along which articles 16 travel in a direction
indicated by the arrow 18 past said apparatus 10 to enable
single imprinting of each wi~h informational indicia.
The apparatus 10 is i}lustrated mounted on the hori-
zontally oriented arm 20 of bent rod 22,~with the vertically
oriented arm 24 secured to the frame 12 by clamp 26. Releas~ble
clamp 30 effects the securement of the apparatus 10 to the
arm 20 in operating condition and in¢ludes a clamping bracket
32 having a pair of generally parallel spaced arms 34 and 36,
each including arcuate facing portions 38 to receive the rod
arm 20 therebetween. The arms 34 and 36 are capable of being
urged together by a capped bolt 40. A captive flat wre~ch 42
i retained on the capped bolt 40 by a washer 40' and snap ring
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' t721~1
40" secured inward of the capped bol~ 40. The wrench 42
functions as a lever which can be utilized to release the
rod arm 20 or to clamp same at a location assuring proper
location of apparatus 10 for application of an imprint upon
the surface 43 of the article 16.
The desired height at which the apparatus 10 is dis-
posed can be fixed by manipulation of the relationship of the
rod arm 22 and clamp 16. Rod arm 22 also can carry an actuat-
ing lever 44 extending into the path of the article 16 in
position to be tripped by the passage of the leading end of
the article therepast. The lever 44 is a one-shot actuator
as will be described hereinafter and only initiates the im-
printing operation, a return switch being incorporated within
the apparatus.
The apparatus 10 comprises a housing 46 formed of a
pair of mounting plates 48 and 50 which are arranged side by
side, spaced apart and connected by transerve-corner braces
52 and 54 seated in aligned apertures 56,58 formed in said
plates 48 and 50 and secured thereto by screws 60. End wall
62 is secured in position between plates 4B and 50 by screws
64. Transverse brace 66 is secured between said plates 48
and 50 by screws 68 and bottom plate 70 is secured to the
brace 66 by screw 72 whereby to define the housing 46.
The inner surfaces 74 and 76 of plates 48 and 50
carry coextensive, aligned, matching, horizontally oriented,
facing grooves 78 and 80 parallel and adjacent the upper edges
82 and 84 of said plates 48,50 and extending about two th~rds
of the total length of said edges. Grooves 74 and 76 open to
end 86 of the respective plates 48 and 50 slidably to rece~ve
the edges of cover plate 880
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~ 1 ~ 2 1 0 1
A pair of matching, faciny, vertically oriented
grooves 90 and 92 are formed in pla~e surfaces 74 and 75
opening to ~he upper sdges 82 and 84 of said plat~s 48 and
50. The inking car~ridge assembly 94 is received within the
housing 46 in chamber 96 defined between the grooves 90 and
92 and the end wall 62 by sliding ~he assembly 94 in grooves
90 and 92 until ~he inking cartridge assembly 94 seats on
facing stop pins 98 set into said plate suxfaces 74 and 76.
The inking cartridge assembly 94 comprises a holding
frame 100, a sponge-like rectangular gasket 102 and an ink
storing con~ainer 104, which is pre-inked and is commercially
available~ Gasket 102 preferably is formed of a layer 106
formed of spongy material such as a closed-cell foam rubber
or the like, and a thin layer 108 formed of ink impervious
rubber-like sheet material adhered to layer 106. The container
104 comprises a plastic molded, thin-walled, somewhat resilient
box 109 having an entrance 110 and an outer rim 112 coextensive
with said en~rance 110 and surrounding same, and an inner rim
112'.
An ink-saturated pad 114 is disposed within the in-
terior 116 of the box 108, preferably fully occupying the
interior 116 thereof. A sheet liner 118 generally is included
across the top of the box to shield and seal off the entrance
110 preventing access to the interior pad 114 until assembly
thereof into the cartridge unit 94 is desired. The liner 118
usually is provided with a scored area, removal of which
defines a window 120 to enable access to be gained to said
ink-saturated pad surface but leaving a bordering portion
between the inner rim 112' and the ink-saturated pad 114.
The window 120 may be of rectangular, circular or even ovalular
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! 172101
configuration, depending upon the perimetric configuration
of the imprint to be applied to the surface 44 of article 16
or the overall size and/or configuration of the particular
surface 43 say, if the surface comprises a bottle cap or
the like tnot shown).
The gasket 102 is engaged upon the outer rim 112
of the container 104 and together, slidably are engaged
within the frame 100 in the channel 122 defined by inner
rim 124 and flanges 126 of said frame, as indicated by the
broken line 128. The cartridge assembly 94 now is complete
and ready for installation into chamber 96.
Preferably, referring to Figure 6, a thin plate or
mask 130 of generally rectangular dish-shaped configuration
is installed along with the cartridge assembly 94 functioning
as supplementary sealing means for establishing a sealed
engagement between the imprinting head of the apparatus 10
and the ink saturated pad 114 of the cartridge 94.
Mask 130 carries a central recessed floor and a
window 134 is formed in the recessed floor, leaving inwardly
directed rim portion 132. The mask 130 is seated on the frame
holder 100 with the rim portion 132 engaged on the liner
portion 118 closely adjacent the ink-saturated pad 114 and
coextensively aligned with the window 120. Where the mask
130 is used, it is fitted on the cartridge assembly 94 and
both are introduced simultaneously into the chamber 96 by
sliding the rim portion 132 and frame 100 into the grooves
90 and 92.
A holding structure 136 for retaining the cartridge
assembly 94 in place within the chamber 96 is provided. The
holding structure 136 comprises a plate member 138 of generally
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! 172101
rectangular configuration carrying a central recess 140 and
an aperture 142 formed therewithin. The plate 138 is smaller
in area than the end wall 62 and is arranged parallel to the
end plate ~2. An elongate threaded bolt 144 is received
through aperture 142. Washer 146 is placed at the free end
148 of bolt 144 and locked in place by lockwasher 150. A
retaining nut 152 is seated on the bolt 144 at the opposite
side of plate member 138.
The bolt 144 is threadably engaged through passage-
way 154 and a retaining washer 156, including small diameter
spacer ring 158, are engaged on said bolt 144. The head 160
of the bolt 144 mounts a knob 162 including collar 164.
Rotation of the knob 162 will cause the plate to be moved
away from the grooves 90 and 92, widening the space between
the imprinting head and the plate 88 whereby the inking
cartridge assembly 94 can be installed. Once the said inking
cartridge assembly 94 has been installed, the plate member
138 can be brought to bear against the container 104. The
rotatable wheel 166 seated on thxeaded bolt 144 between the
collar 164 and the plate member 138 functions to limit the
extent of movement of the said plate member 138. Plate member
138 can be moved translated by the manipulation of the knob
162 to facilitate the removal of a spent or exhausted
cartridge assembly 94 and in particular, the replacement of
an exhausted container 104 with a fresh replacement container.
Attention now will be directed to the imprinting
device, designated generally by reference character 170 which
is disposed within the housing 46 for movement between a paix
of angularly displaced positions, namely, a rest position,
whereat a sealed engagement with the ink saturated pad of the
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1 1 7 2 1 0 1
inking car~ridge assembly 94 is established and an imprinting
position along an arcuate path 90 offset from the rest
position.
The imprinting device 170 as a unit comprises an
~longate shu~tle arm 172 having an enlarged head 174 with
an outwardly opening cavity 176 formed thereirl. The shuttle
arm 172 is tapersd at its free end 178 to terminate in a
rounded cam-like end 180. A pair of parallel passageways 182
are formed through the enlarged head 174 opening to the cavity
176 (as shown in Figure 8, for example)~
Cap bolts 184 carry compression coil springs 186
and are seated in said passageways 182 and terminate secured
in the T-bax 188 which has opposite flanges l9û unitary there-
with. The dimensions of the passageways 182 and the bolts 184
are selected to permit free movement of the bolts 184 in said
passageways while limiting the coil springs 186 disposition
between the caps 184' and the enlarged head 174. The T-bar
188 normally is seated within the cavity 176 next adjacent
the opening thereof.
Type holder 192 is formed of a generally rectangular
hollow block 194 having a rectangular secondary cavity 196
and flanged lug formations 198 extending outward from the
surface of the block 194 opposite the cavity 196. The flanged
lug formations 198 are arranged to define 90 intersecting
T-shaped slots 200 and 202, the intersection being a~ the
center 204. The T-bar 188 can be accommodated in either of
slots 200 or 202 whereby to s~cure the type holder 192 to the
enlarged head 174 of the shuttle 172.
A base-lock type support member 206 is seated
securely within the cavity 196 of the type holder 192 and
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' 172~01
carries mounted therein, ~ype font elements 208, there being
rows of suitable slots for receiving the base of the type
elements. A resilient sealing gasket 210 is adhesively or
otherwise secured tightly on the rim 212 of ~he type holder
192 coex~ensive with the cavity 196 thereof. The thickness
of said gasket 210 is selected ~o be only slightly less than
the outermost extent of the type font elements 208 when they
are seated in the base lock element 206. The gasket 210
serves multiple functions, namely, to cushion the shock of
impact between the imprinting head 170 and the ink-sa~urated
pad 114 or when provided, the inner rim portion 132 of mask
130. Gasket 210 also func~ions to cushion the shock of impact
between the imprinting head 170 and the surface 44 of the
article 16 when imprinting is performed at the end of the
imprinting stroke, as will be explained.
When the type font is to be changed or when the
orientation of the message also is desired to be changed
for different packaging applications, provision is made
according to the invention, for facilitating establishment
of access to the type holder 192 and is particular for remov-
ing the type holder 192 or changing its orientation, re-
assembling the type holder to the imprinting head 170. The
spxings 186 are compressed by manipulation of the caps 184'
of bolts 184 toward the enlarged head 174. The caps 184' are
urged against the bias of said springs 186 until the T-bar
188 is exposed outward of the cavity 176. The type holder
192 can be disengaged easily from the T-bar 188 by sliding
the holder 192 therefrom. Replacement of the type holder with
one carrying a different type font is performed by sliding the
replacement holder onto the T-bar 188. If a 90 change in
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~ ~ 72101
orientation is desired, the holder 192 is rotated and the
T-bar 188 is introduced on~o the other intersecting slot.
The upstanding lug 214 formed on the enlarged head 174
functions to provide a purchase for the operator in grasping
the cap 184' of cap screw 184 and urging the cap 184' against
the bias of springs 186. ~anipulation of only one of the caps
184' is required to provide clearance sufficient to permit
release of the type holder 192.
Attention now is directed to the drive linkage and
the guide link cooperating effectively to transla~e the im-
printing head 170 between the angularly spaced positions
discussed above. The drive linkage comprises a pair of link
members 216 and 218 each having outwardly extending arms 220
and 222 respectively. Socket arms 220 and 222 carry through
passageways 224 and 226. The shu~tle arm 114 is provided
with first and second passageways 228 and 230 in which bush-
ings 232 and 234 are fitted. A shaft 236 is journalled in
the ~ushing 232. Socket arms 220 and 222 are seated on the
ends of shaft 236.
Links 216,218 also are provided with enlarged end
portions 238,240 carrying first through passageways 242 and
244 respectively located spaced inwardly of the ends 24~,248
with the axes of this latter passageway being parallel to
passageways 224 and 226. Shaft 250 is mounted through said
passageways 242 and 244 with the enlarged portions 238,240
in oppositely facing relationshipO
The enlarged end portions 238,240 also are provided
with second through passageways 252,254 positioned parallel
to first passageways 242,244 and disposed between said ~irst
passageways and ends 246,248.
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~ l72lal
Shaft 256 is accommodated through bushings 258,260
seated in said second passageways with the opposite ends
262,264 ~hereof seated in bearings 266,268 carried by the
housing plates 48,50. The shaft 256 is maintained in fixed
relationship within passageways 252,254, in bushings 258,260
of enlarged end portions 238,240 by set screws 269. Lock
washers 272 are employed to fix the spacing between portions
238,240 and center the linkage assembly and imprinting head
170 between plates 48,50.
Shaft 250 is provided with a median flat portion
270 carrying transverse passage 273 through which the free
end 276 of plunger 278 of cylinder 280 is passed and securPd
.by nuts 282 and 284. .
There is little "play" or looseness provided in the
accommodation of said shafts through the respective bushings
seated in the respective passageways as related so as to
reduce the likelihood of binding during the operation of the
apparatus 10.
The drive mechanism for the apparatus 10 is designated
generally by reference character 286 and includes a fluid
pressure operated cylinder 280 and the plunger 278 movable
between fully withdrawn and fully extended conditions within
said cylinder 280, a four-way valve 288 coupled between the
cylinder 280 and ~he source of pressurized fluid (not shown).
The cylinder 280 is mounted fixedly to a rockable plate 290
provided with depending ears 292 and a depending flange 294.
The threaded end 196 o~ the cylinder 280 is secured to the
depending flange 294 of said plate 290.
The four way valve 288 is seated interior of the
housing 46 adjacent ~he bottom plate 70 and is secured to the
- 21 -
' 172~1
transverse bottom brace 66. The valve body 298 of valve 288
is arranged generally parallel, and below, the cylinder 280.
Valve 288 is coupled to a source of fluid pressure (not shown)
by tubing 300 secured to fitting 302. The tubing 304 couples
the cylinder 280 to the port 306 of the valve 288 by securement
to the fitting 308 of said cylinder 280. The fitting 310 is
coupled to another port 312 of valve 288. Ball switch 314 is
disposed at the end of the valve body 298 opposite the fitting
302.
In Figure 3, the ball switch 314 is illustrated in
the condition assumed thereby when the imprinting head 170
has returned to its rest condition. As the plunger 278 is
driven out of the cylinder 286, the drive link 216,218 is
caused to pivot about the axis of shaft 250 through a part of
the imprinting stroke until the imprinting head 174 is in the
condition represented by the broken line representation 114'.
The guide link 215,217 carries apertures 316 and 318
adjacent opposite ends thereof, the link being journalled on
shaft 320 seated in passage defined by bushing 234 in passage-
way 230, with the shaft ends 322 and 324 seated in aperture
316 and bearings 326 seated in apertures 318, in turn mounted
to the plates 48,50.
Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the actuating lever 44
disposed in the path of the article 16 is tripped by the
leading end of said article 16. The interception of the
article 16 by the actuating lever 44 operates the valve 288
to cause fluid pressure to be introduced into ~he cylinder
280 driving the plunger 178 outward of the cylinder 280. As
the plunger 278 is forced outward of th~ cylinder 280, the
shuttle arm 172 is pivoted about shaft 236 directing the
- 22 -
- ' `
! 17210~
shuttle arm 172 along a path represented by an arc 328. As
the shuttle arm 172 is forced further toward the corner braces
4~ and 50, the a~m 172 is forced by guide links 315,317 to
assume an angular disposition, bringing end 180 upward until
the axes of shafts 256,236,250 and 320 are in a straight line
coincident with the center line of the shuttle 172.
At this time, the end 180 of arm 172 is intercepted
by the resilient bumper 219 to force said end 180 upward and
cause the guide links 215,217 to force the end 180 of said
shuttle 172 to pivot upward about shaft 320, bringing enlarged
head 174 of printing head 170 directed downward ~oward, and
until, said head 174 assumes a disposition where the center
line of the shuttle arm 172 is normal to the window 330 formed
in the bottom plate 70. The window 330 has dimensions slightly
less than that of the type holder 192 so that the imprinting
head 174 will be directed, during imprinting, toward the
window 330 and will impact upon said plate 70 surrounding
said window 330. The type holder 192 flies out slightly after
impact against the surrounding plate and hence the type engages
the surface to be imprinted. The type holder 192 is propelled
out of the enlarged end a small distance as an intertial
response to sudden cessation of movement. The inked type 20
carried by the type holder 192 is caused therefore, to kiss
the surface 43 of the article 16 to be imprinted whereby not
to damage same. The resilient gasket 210 absorbs the shock
of engagement with the surface 44 and also functions to enable
the orientation of type holder 192 to be self-adjus~ed so as
to compensate for minor surface irregularities of surface 44
as well as to compensate for minor height differences so long
as the surface 44 to be imprinted is disposed spaced from the
- 23 -
- I 772101
imprinting head within the range of extension of said type
font 208 carried by the type holder 192.
As the shaft 256 rotates, the bolt head 332 carried
thereby, is rotated sufficiently to signai the end of the
one-shot imprinting cycle by impinging upon the ball switch
314 when the imprinter head 170 has delivered the imprint.
Striking of the ball switch 314 by the bolt head 332 initiates
a return movement of the plunger 278 and hence initiates the
return stroke to briny the imprinting head 170, and parti-
cularly the type holder 192, back to its sealed relationship
with cartridge assembly 94.
The clamp 30 is assembled to the apparatus 10 by
securement to a circular disc 334 seated on one of the mounting
plakes 48,50 of housing 46 depending on the side of the con-
veyor the apparatus is desired to be stationed. The disc 334
is held to the plates ~8 or 50 by symmetrically positioned
screws 336 carrying slotted washers 338 so tha~ there is a
three point coupling. The loosening of said screws 338 enable
the apparatus 10 to be rotated to any angular orientation
desired, whereupon the screws 33 are tightened. The disc 334
may be removed from the plate 48 and reassembled on the opposite
plate 50 if desired.
As viewed in Figure 1 it is evident that the imprint-
ing apparatus is adjust~ble for height and overhang, can be
installed on either side of the conveyor within appreciable
downtime, and can be rotated through any angular disposition
relative to the conveyor. The apparatus is versatile, more
durable than prior imprinting devices of the intermittent
impact type, enables longer useful life for the inking
cartridges in view of the improved sealing effect obtained and,
- 2~ _
! 1721~1
as well, includes an improved means for controlling the normal
stroke of the imprinting head 170 with added selective hyper-
extension to gain access to the type holder 192 for removal
and/or replacement thereof, as well as to change its orienta-
tion without the use of tools.
In lieu of the resilient bumper illustrated and
described herein, a corner brace alone can be substituted to
intercept the shuttle to force the same to move in the desired
path for reaching the desired orientation at the imprinting
position. Further, a spring finger mounted at the brace or
upon the end of the shuttle can suffice to guide the movement
of the imprinting head and prevent folding of the linkages
causing misalignment of the imprinting head or other inter-
ference with the desired shuttle path during the imprinting
and/or return strokes. The actuating lever 44 may be replaced
by electronically operated sensing means~ for example, such
as a proximity detector, a photocell, etc. which is activated
b~ the presence of an article at or coming to the imprinting
location.
The path taXen by the imprinting head of apparatus
10 is controlled by a pair of linkages secured to the imprint-
ing head, including the direct driven link pair and the
follower ox idler linkage pair. The imprinting head at its
rest or loading condition is oriented at a ninety degree angle
relative horizontal. The head is driven through a path toward
an offset printing location angularly rotating through 90'
in the course of its simultaneous movement to its imprinting
location. The idler link provided by the referenced structure
follows a path whereby the angular rate of rotation decreases
until the mid point of the path is reached and then increases
- 25 -
~ 17210~
until the terminus of its printing stroke is reached. The
type holder is spring biased so that it is inertially driven
outward of the head on the sudden cessation of movement of
the imprinting head at the imprinting terminus of said path.
Occasionally, the movement of the imprinting head
through the imprinting stroke angularly is misdirected so
that the orientation of the type holder may be misoriented
at the impact location. The head also may be held up at
the mid-point of travel, misoriented, inverted, or simply
stuck thereat as the ~ate of travel and the angular rotation,
i.e., the ship -- is at its least. A resilient bumper is
suggested in the referenced application to aid in guiding
the rotating imprinting head in following the proper path.
Attention now will be directed to a modified embodi-
ment of the invention illustrated in Figures 9 to 12 and
designated generally by reference character 10'. The same
refexence characters are used in Figures 9 to 13 to denote
common structural elements.
The imprinting head 150' includes a type holder
designated generally at 170' is formed of a generally rec-
tangular hollow block 172' having a rectangular secondary
cavity 174'.
A base-lock type segments 176' are seated within the
cavity 174' of the type holder 170' and carries mounted
therein, type font elements 178'. A resilient sealing gasket
180' is adhesively or otherwise secured tightly on the rim
182' of the type holder 170' coextensive with the cavity 174'
thereof. The thickness of said gasket 180' is selected to
be only slightly less than the outermost extent of the type
font elements 178' when they are seated. The gasket 180'
- 26 -
' 172~1
serves multiple functions, namely, to cushion the shock of
impact between the imprinting head 170' and the liner 108'
bordering the ink-saturated pad 114'. Gasket 180' also
functions to cushion the shock of impact between the imprint-
ing head 170' and the surface 43 of the article 16 when
imprinting is performed at the end of the imprinting stroke
and limits the impact of ~he type font per se, resulting in
a clear imprint.
When the type font is to be changed or when the
orientation of the message also is desired to be changed for
different packaging applications, provision is made for facili-
tating access to the type holder 170', and is particular for
removing the type holder 170' or changing its orientation,
reassembling the type holder 170' to the imprinting head 150'.
The springs 166' are compressed by manipulation of the caps
of bolts 164' toward the enlarged head 162'. The caps are
urged against the bias of said springs 166' until the holder
170' is ~orced outward of the cavity 174' sufficiently to be
disengaged from the imprinting head.
Attention now is directed to the drive linkage and
the cam and follower means of apparatus 10' cooperating
effectively to translate the imprinting head 150' between the
angularly spaced positions with constant angular acceleration
to a maximum at midpath and deceleration, also constant to a
terminal condition at the end of the imprinting stroke, the
inertial extension thereafter effecting the printing impression.
The drive linkage comprises a pair of link members 190' and
192', each having shallow arms 194'. Arms 194' carry through
passageways 196'. Links 190', 192' are journalled on shaft
198' mounted in passageway 196' and through a bore taken
through imprinting head 150'.
27 -
-
~ 172~1
The head 150' has a pair of extensions 200' and
passageways 202' are formed therein. Shaft 204' is journalled
in said passageway, 202' and roller bearings (bushings) 206'
are seated securely at the opposite ends of the shaft 204'.
A cam slot 210' is formed in each plate 48 and 50.
The cam slots 210' are identical, coextensive and
aligned along their length when the plates 48,50 are assembled
to form the side parts of the housing 46. The cam roller
bushings 206' are seated within the cam slots 210'. The cam
slots 210' are formed so that they guide the bushings 206'
during the imprinting and return strokes, and hence the
imprinting head 150' through a rotation of 90 with minimum
possible contact on the cam face and with the load divided
equally across its entire face.
The width of the slots 210' increases slightly at the
corners 212', that is approximate the midpath of travel, over
a generally constant width over the remaining portions to
avoid possible binding due to manufacturing variations in the
dimensions of the pertinent elements.
The path of the cam slot is developed so as to effect
a constant angular acceleration of the imprinting head during
the imprinting stroke from the load condition to the midpath,
engaged with the cartridge and a constant deceleration from
the midpath to the terminus of the imprinting stroke. At the
load condition, the imprinting head is arranged with the face
of the type holder in a verti~ally oriented plane. At the
terminus of the imprinting stroke, the type face is in a
horizontally oriented condition.
The minimi2ation of the rate of rotation of the
imprinting head near the ends of the stroke effectively prevents
- 28 -
! 1721~
shaking and/or misalignment at the ends of the stroke.
In the course of its travel, the imprinting head is
rotated 90, the angle defined between the center line of link
190' and the center line of the imprinting head, that is the
pivot axis of said head, is between 90 and 180. From 0 to
9, the change of the latter angle is 1 for each degree of
rotation of the link, the angular rotation is constant and
the initial acceleration, zero.
From 9 to and through 45, motion of the desire is
to obtain a gentle constant angular acceleration of the head
with least ~minimization of) thrust on the cam surface. The
link moves through 45 rotation to the midpath (midpoint of
the cam slot~ while the angular rotation of the head is
directed through 90 relative to the link.
The same path for deceleration is followed through
the remaining 36 of movement of the link to the final 9 of
the travel during which the imprinting head again assumes a
parallelogrammic motion. The parallelogrammic motion insures
that the plane of the type face will be parallel to the impact
2Q surfaces during its final approach thereto.
In the apparatus lO imprinting head 150 is urged
through its path during the imprinting stroke so that its
least angular rate of rotation occurs at midpath to avoid
undesired fold-over at the midpath. With apparatus lO, the
possibility of fold over is eliminated, the least rate of
rotation occurring at the end of the strokes ~imprinting and
return).
The path defined b~ tha cam slot 210' is extended at
its theoretical ends to provide for an additional angular
movement of the link 5 at the opposite ends of the imprinting
- 29 -
! 1721~
stroke and return stroke to insure that the cam roller will
not strike the ends of the path.
This also enables adjustment of the length of the
stroke + 3/32n ds as will be explained hereinafter. The
angular rotational acceleration of the imprinting head in-
creases to a peak at the midpoint and then deceleration occurs
through the remaining 36 until the 81 tG 90 generally
straight section is reached.
Links 190', 192' have enlarged end portions 214'
through which there are pivot assemblies 216' and 218' with
the axes of assembly 216' being generally parallel to passage-
ways 194'. Shaft 220' is mounted in pivot assembly 216'.
The second pivot assembly 218' is positioned parallel
to first pivot assembly 216'. Pivot assemblies 216',218'
include bearings carried by the housing plates ~8,50. The
shaft 216' is maintained in fixed relationship relative the
pivot assemblies. Means are provided to fix the spacing
between enlarged end portions 214' and to center the linkage
assembly and imprinting head 150' between said plates 48,50.
Shaft 250' is coupled pivotally to plunger 222' of
cylinder 224' and is secured by nut 226'.
There is a little "play" or looseness provided in the
accommodation of said shafts through the respective bushings
seated in the respective passageways as related so as to reduce
the likelihood of binding during operation.
The drive mechanism for the apparatus 10' is designated
generally by reference character 230' and includes a fluid
pressure operated cylinder 232' and the plunger 222' movable
between fully ~ithdrawn and fully extended conditions within
said cylinder 232', a four-way valve 23~' coupled
30 -
l 1 72~ 1
between the cylinder 232' and the source of pressurized fluid
(not shown). The cylinder 232' is mounted fixedly to a
rockable plate 236' provided with ears 238' and depending
flange 240'. The threaded end 242' of the cylinder 232' is
secured to the depending flange 240' of said plate 236'.
The four way valve 234, is seated interior of the
housing 46 adjacent the bottom plate 70 and is secured to the
transverse bottom brace 66. The valve body 244' of valve
234' is arranged generally parallel and below, the cylinder
232'. Valve 234' is coupled to a source of fluid pressure
(not shown) by tubing 246' secured to fitting 248". The
tubing 250l couples the cylinder 232' to one port 252' of the
valve 234' by securement to the fitting 254' of said cylinder
232'. The fitting 254' is coupled to another portion of valve
234'. Ball switch 256' is disposed at an end of the valve
234' opposite the fitting 248'.
In Figure 12, the ball switch 256' is illustrated in
the condition assumed when the imprinting head 150' is at the
terminus of its imprinting stroke. As the plunger 222' is
dri~en out of the cylinder 232', the drive links 216',218'
(in broken line) is caused to pivot about the axis of shaft
250' through a part of the imprinting stroke until the imprint-
ing head 150' is in the condition represented by the full
representation.
Referring to Figures 9 and 11, the actuating level
44 disposed in the path of the article 16 is tripped by the
leading end of said article 16. The interception of the
article 16 by the actuating lever 44 operates the valve 232'
to cause fluid pressure to be introduced into the cylinder
232' driving the plunger 222' outward of the cylinder 232'.
- 3;1 -
1 172~01
As the plunger 22' is forced outward of the cylinder 232',
the imprinting head 150' is pivoted abou~ shaft 198' directing
the head 150' along a path represented by an arc. As the
bearings 206' carried by the shaft 204' are driven further
along the cam slot 210' toward the midpath point of the im-
printing stroke, the imprinting head reaches its maximum
angular speed of rotation and whips around the corner 212'
directing the orientation of type holder 170' to approach a
horizontal plane parallel to the surface of the package to be
imprinted. After passing the midpath of the imprinting stroke
guided by the cam slot 210', the head lS0' decelerates angularly
until stopped at the end of ~he said stroke. The type holder
170' is extended inertially to imprint the package surface.
The window 255' in bottom plate 70 has dimensions
slightly larger than that of the type holder 170~ so that the
imprinting head will be directed, during imprinting, through
the windGw 255' and will impact upon said surface 43. The
parallelogrammic motion of the type holder 170' in the last
portion of the imprinting stroke enables the inked type 178'
carxied by the type holder 170' effectively to kiss the surface
43 of ~he article 16 whereby not to damage same or to mis-hit
same orientationally. The resilient gasket 1~0' on the type
holder 170' absorbs the shock of engagement with the surface 43
and also functions to further enable the orientation of the
type holder 170' to be self-adjusted so as to compensate for
minor surface irregularities as well as to compensate for very
minor height differences so long as the surface to be imprinted
is disposed spaced ~rom the imprinting head within the range
of extension of said type font 17~' carried by the type holder
' t721~
The window 255' in bottom plate 70 has
dimensions slightly larger than that of the type holder 170
so that the imprinting head will be directed, during
imprinting, through the window 255' and will impact upon
said surface 43. The parallelogrammic motion of the type
holder 170' in the last portion of the imprinting stroke
enables the inked -~ype 178' carried by the type holder 170'
effectively to kiss the surface 43 of the article 16 whereby
not to damage same or to mishit same orientationally. The
resilient gasket 180' on the type holder 170' absorbs the
shock of engagement with the surface 43 and also functions
to further enable the orientation of the type holder 170'
to be self-adjusted so as to compensate for minor surface
irregularities as well as to compensate for very minor
height.differences so long as the surface to be imprinted
is disposed spaced from the imprinting head witnin the
range of extension of said type font 178' carried by the
type holder 170', inertially or when extended adjustably
as will be explained later.
As the shaft 256' rotates, the bolt 257l carried
thereby rotates sufficiently to signal the end of the one-shot
imprinting cycle by implnging upon the ball sw~tch 259' when
the imprintlng head 150' has delivered the imprinting via
type holder 170' and type ont 178'. Striking of the ball
switch 259' initiates a return movement of the plunger 222'
and hence initiates the.return stroke to bring the imprinting
head 150', and particularly, the type holder 170', back to its
sealed relationship with the cartridge assembly 94. The
e~posure of the pad 114' i5 minimal.
As viewed in FIGURE 9 it is evident that the
imprinting apparatus lOi a-so can be installed at a predetermined
location relative to the conveyor and is adjustable for
-- ,3~--
3.:~
~ 172101
height and overhang, can be installed on either side
of the conveyor within appreciable downtime, and can be
rotated through any angular disposition relative to the
conveyor.
The invention herein provides for a vernier
type adjustment of the imprinting location by varying the
terminal location of the imprinting stroke. This is
accomplished pivotally by mounting the rocker plate 236'
on an excentric axis 253'. The vertically offset point of
the said excentric mounting axis is variable to vary the
terminus location a predetermined linear distance, here
+ 3/32nds of an inch. The adjustability compensates for
variance in the normally encountered height once the
imprinting apparatus has heen mounted set up without
dlsassembly, The variance of height of a series of
packages being processed require compensation which can be
adjusted manually by the operator without xe~uirin~ such
adjustment to be made in the mounting per se.
~ plate 260' carries the excentrically centered
sha~t which constitutes said a~is 258'~ Plate 2601 carries
pin 262' which is secured to adjustment knob 264'. Through
arcuate slot 268l the pin 262' is guided for movement in
arcuate slot 266' formed in plate 48 along an angular path.
(See arrow FIG. 11). Movemen-t of the pin 262' in slot 266'
causes the plate 236' to be shifted horizontally thus the
extent of the imprinting and return stroke terminal with
the said linear horizontal movement of said plate 236'.
The apparatus is versatile, more durable than prior
imprinting devices of the intermit-tent impact type, enables
longer useful life for the inking cartridges in view of the
improved sealing effect obtained. Selective hyper-extension
~
. _ . ... . . . . . .
1 172~01
of the type-holder can be provided for gaining acc~ss to
the type holder 170' for removal and/or replacement thereof,
as well as to change its orientation without the use of
tools.
The invention is not limited'to the use only of
fluid operated systems such as described above. Electrically
operated devices such as solenoids can be employed to
drive the plunger or the linkages to move the imprinting
head between its rest and imprinting positions. No means
to intercept the imprinting head during either imprinting
or return stroke need be provided. The desired path
defined by the cam slot is sufficient to enable the
desired orientation of the type holder to be reached at
the imprinting location and at the terminus of the return
stroke.
No precautions need be taken to prevent mis-
folding of any linkages causing misalignment of the
imprinting head or other interference with the desired path
of sald head during the imprinting and/or return strokes.
The actuating lever 44 may be replaced by electronically
operated sensing means, for example, such as proxlmity
detector, a photocell, etc. which is activated by the
presence of an article at or coming to the imprinting
location.
' It should be poin~ed out that although not
shown in Figure 2, reference is to be made to Figure 4
wherein there is illustrated the thin plate or mask 270'
of generally recetangular dish-shaped configurat-'on
installed along with the cartridge assembly 94 functioning
as supplemenkary sealing means for establishing a sealed
engagemen-t between the imprinting head and the ink
saturated pad 114 of the cartridge 94
-3~
