Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
Of
Title: Lettering Apparatus
1 BACKGROUND OFT INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an improved
lettering apparatus or type composing system, and more
particularly, to an improved lettering apparatus or type
composing system adapted for use with a replaceable tape supply
cartridge for supplying lettering tape into alignment with a
lettering station embodied within the apparatus.
The lettering apparatus of the present invention is of
the type which includes a means for generating a lettering
force at the lettering station, a means cooperating with
advancement means within the tape supply cartridge for
advancing the tape toward alignment at the lettering station
and means commonly in the form of a rotatable font for
providing a character to be lettered at the lettering station.
It is contemplated that the apparatus of the present invention
can be used in a lettering operation in which the cartridge
contains a supply of image carrying tape and color carrying
ribbon and in which an image of a raised character is
transferred from the ribbon to the tape as a result of the
exertion of the lettering force. It is also contemplated,
however, that the apparatus of the present invention can be
used with a system in which the tape includes a thin layer of
adhesive-backed material from which the character in alignment
with the lettering station is cut and then ultimately removed
for placement onto the desired medium. It is contemplated that
this latter procedure can be utilized either with or without a
supply of protecting ribbon disposed between the tape and the
character.
Several lettering systems of the general type
0 described above are currently availably or example, one of
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~2~020~
] these is described in US. Patent No. 4,243,333 and is directed
to an improved means for creating a printing force.
Specifically, this means includes a plurality of link members
and a roller for causing pivotal movement of a print bar to
generate the printing force. This print generation means is
disposed in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane in
which the tape supply cartridge is disposed. Another example
of a prior art lettering apparatus of this type is described in
Patent No. 4,402,619. Similar to the device described in
Patent No. 4,243,333, this device also includes a printing
force generating means which comprises a plurality of link
members which cause the pivoting of a print bar with respect to
a frame of the apparatus. In this device, the printing force
generating means is also disposed in a plane generally
perpendicular to the plane of the tape supply cartridge.
Although the above referenced prior art lettering
systems and others have functioned satisfactorily in various
applications and for various purposes, there continue to be
ways in which such apparatus can be improved. For example, the
force generating mechanism can be improved so that it is more
efficient, compact and responsive to the needs of the
system. Accordingly, there s a need in the art for a
lettering apparatus which embodies an - roved force generator
mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
the present invention relates generally to a lettering
apparatus for use with a replaceable tape supply cartridge.
More particularly, such apparatus includes a frame assembly
comprising a pair of parallel frame members for supporting the
force exerting mechanism and for housing the tape supply
cartridge. With this structure, the tape supply cartridge is
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1 disposed in 2 plane which is generally parallel to the plane in
which the force exerting mechanism is supported. The apparatus
of the present invention also includes en, improved means for
generating the lettering force including a plurality of novel
link elements for pivoting a print bar relative to the frame
members and an improved force resisting mechanism. This force
resisting mechanism includes a pair of overhanging portions of
the frame members and a force resisting arm which is pivot able
between an inoperative position in which the arm is disposed
outside of the frame members and an operative position in which
the arm is positioned beneath the overhanging portions of the
frame members.
The lettering apparatus of the present invention also
includes means for advancing the tape supply into alignment at
the lettering station. This means includes an elongated stop
arm adapted for engagement with a stop surface on the tape
advancement assembly of the tape supply cartridge for limiting
the forward advancement of the tape and a drive arm cooperating
with the tape advancement assembly for advancing the tape. A
kerning mechanism is also provided for facilitating the
accurate spacing of various two character combinations. Such
kerning mechanist embodies a kerning slide connected with one
of the frame members and adapted for limited sliding movement
during a lettering cycle to provide proper spacing for such
character combinations. The kerning slide permits movement of
the entire cartridge and tape advancing means to adjust the
character spacing.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to
provide an improved lettering apparatus of the type having a
means for generating a fettering force, a means for housing a
replaceable tape supply cartridge and a means for cooperating
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1 with the cartridge for advancing the tape into alignment at the
lettering station.
Another object of the present invention is to provide
a lettering apparatus having an improved force generating means
supported between a pair of frame members in a plane generally
parallel to the tape supply cartridge.
Another object of the present invention is to provide
a lettering apparatus having improved means for resisting the
lettering force.
A further object of the present invention is to
provide a lettering apparatus in which the force resisting
means is a force resisting arm pivot able between operate and
inoperative positions.
In one of its aspects the present invention provides
a lettering apparatus adapted for receiving a replaceable tape
supply cartridge, said apparatus comprising:
a pair of parallel, spaced apart frame members
defining a cartridge receiving cavity for receiving said tape
supply cartridge;
means for creating a lettering force comprising a
print bar pivotal supported between, and about an axis
perpendicular to, said frame members and a force resisting arm
supported by a portion of said frame members for resisting
force caused by pivotal movement of said print bar, each of
said frame members having a support surface facing said print
bar for receiving said force resisting arm and supporting said
arm to resist force caused by movement of said print bar and
wherein said force resisting arm is movable between an
inoperative position in which said arm is disengaged from said
support surfaces and an operative position in which said arm
is in engagement with said support surfaces; and
means for causing limited pivotal movement of said
. print bar between said frame members.
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These and other objects of the present invention will
become apparent with reference to the drawings, the description
of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF TOE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a pictorial view of the lettering
apparatus of toe present invention showing the tape supply
cartridge projected out from the cartridge receiving cavity
Figure 2 is an elevation Al top view of the lettering
apparatus of the present invention with the tape supply
cartridge removed.
Figure 3 is a view, partially in section, as viewed
along the section line 3-3 of Figure 2, with the force
resisting arm in its operative position and with parts removed.
Figure 4 is a side elevation Al view of the lettering
apparatus of the present invention taken inside the loft frame
member, with parts cut away. This view is just prior to the
commencement of a lettering cycle.
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1 Figure 5 is a side elevation Al fragmentary detail of
the means for insuring proper alignment of the lettering font
in the same position of the lettering cycle as Figure 4.
Figure 6 is a fragmentary pictorial view of the means
for insuring proper alignment of the lettering font, with parts
cut away.
Figure 7 is a side elevation Al view of the lettering
apparatus of the present invention taken inside the left frame
member, with parts cut away. This view is at the maximum force
lo generating portion of the lettering cycle.
Figure 8 it a side elevation Al fragmentary detail of
the means for insuring proper alignment of the lettering font
at the same position of the lettering cycle as Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a side elevation Al view of the lettering
apparatus of the present invention taken inside the left frame
member, with parts cut away. This view is nearing completion
of the lettering cycle.
Figure 10 is a side elevation Al fragmentary view of
the eccentric mechanism for adjusting the lettering pressure.
Figure 11 lo a view, partially in section, as taken
along the section line 11-11 of Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a pictorial, exploded view showing the
elements comprising the force generation means and a portion of
the tape cut-off mechanism.
Figure 13 is a pictorial, exploded view showing the
elements for causing movement of the tape drive arm.
Figure 14 is a side elevation Al fragmentary view of
the cut-off mechanism of the present invention as viewed inside
the left side frame member, with parts removed.
Figure 15 is a side elevation Al fragmentary view of
the mechanism of the present invention for sensing the amount
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1 of tape remaining within the tape supply cartridge as viewed
inside the lo side frame member.
Figure 16 is a side elevation Al fragmentary view of
the kerning slide and associated mechanism in its forward
position.
Figure 17 is a side elevation Al fragmentary view of
the kerning slide and associated mechanism in its rearward or
kerning position.
Figure 18 is a view, partially in section, as viewed
along the section line 18-18 of Figure 16 with a cartridge in
the cavity.
Figure 19 is a view, partially in section, as viewed
along the section line 19-19 of Figure 16 with a cartridge in
the cavity.
Figure 20 is a view, partially in section, as viewed
along the section line 20-20 of Figure 16 with no cartridge in
the cavity.
Figure 21 is an elevation Al fragmentary side view
showing the relationship between the apparatus stop arm and
drive arm and the tape advancement means of the tape supply
cartridge.
DESCRIPTION OF TUBE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As illustrated best in Figures 1 and 2, the lettering
apparatus of the present invention includes a housing 14 and a
main frame assembly. The main frame assembly houses a tape
supply cartridge 10 within a cartridge receiving cavity and
supports various other operative mechanisms within the
apparatus. Specifically, the frame assembly includes a pair of
spaced apart frame members 11 and 12 which lie in planes
generally parallel to one another. The two parallel frame
members 11 and 12 are securely mounted with respect to the main
1 apparatus housing 14 by a plurality of mounting brackets 15,
16, 17 and 18. The frame members 11 and 12 are maintained in a
rigid, spaced relationship by a plurality of spacing elements
20. Positioned near the top of each of the frame members 11
and 12 is a reinforcement plate 21 and 22, respectively. The
plates 21 and 22 are connected with the frame members 11 and 12
by threaded members, welding, or other appropriate means and
provide the frame assembly with reinforcement to resist the
lettering force.
As will be described in greater detail below, and as
illustrated best in Figures 1, 3, 4, 7 and 9, the upper portion
of the frame assembly in the area of the reinforcement plates
21 and 22 includes overhanging portions 24 spaced from the main
portion of the frame by the recessed area 25. These
overhanging portions 24 each include a support surface 33
(Figure 14) to provide support for a force resisting arm 26 to
resist movement of a print bar 30 and thus create the lettering
force. During a lettering cycle, the print bar 30 and surface
32 move upwardly toward the arm 58 with a tape 13, ribbon 27
and font element 23 disposed in the recessed area between the
arm 58 and surface 32. The rearward ends of the frame members
11 and 12 are provided with a bracket 28 for supporting a font
rotation post 29 (Figure 2).
The means for generating the lettering force is
illustrated best in Figures 4, 7, 9 and 12. Figure 12 is a
pictorial, exploded view ox the various force generating
elements while Figures 4, 7 and 9 show such elements at various
positions during a lettering cycle. The force generating means
includes an elongated print or lettering bar 30 which is
pivotal secured at one of its ends between the frame members
11 and 12 about the pivot 31. The pivot 31 extends generally
clue
1 perpendicular to the frame members 11 and 12. The other end of
the lettering bar 30 is provided with a force generating
surface 32. In the preferred embodiment, this surface 32 is
comprised of a polyurethane or other similar material. During
a lettering cycle, the print bar 30 is caused to pivot about
the pivot 31 so as to junta the lettering force. The end of
the print bar 30 near the surface 32 is provided with a
laterally extending opening 34 for connection with a force
transfer link 35. The link 35 includes a pair of spaced apart
flanges 36, 36 with openings 38, 38 for pivotal connection with
the opening 34. A pivot pin 39 extends through the openings 34
and 38 to pivotal secure the transfer link 35 to the print
bar 30. The other end of the transfer link 35 is pivotal
secured to a portion of a pivot link member by the pivot pin
41 extending through the opening 42. The link 40 is pivotal
secured between the frame members 11 and 12 about a pivot shaft
44 (Figures 4, 7 and 9) extending through the opening 45
(Figure 12) and provide with an eccentric bushing 47. The link
40 is also provided with a closed loop force transfer surface
46 and a motion transfer pin 48 supporting a roller 114.
The force generating means also includes a rotatable
member 49 which is directly connected with the shaft 50 for
rotation therewith. The shaft 50 is in turn driven by a motor
51 (Figure 2). The member 49 includes an opening 52 to which a
flanged roller 54 is secured by the pivot pin 55. A washer 56
is positioned between the roller 55 and the member 49. When
assembled, the roller 55 is adapted for rolling, motion
transferring engagement with the irregularly shaped opening 46
as the member 49 rotates on the shaft 50. The opening 46 is
configured so as to provide the mechanical advantage needed to
create the lettering force.
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1 During a lettering cycle, the rotating member 49
driven by the shaft 50, is caused to rotate one revolution.
This movement in turn causes pivotal movement of the link 40
about the shaft 44 as a result of engagement between the-roller
54 and the surface 46. The pivotal movement of the link 40 in
turn transfers movement via the transfer link 35 to the force
generating end of the lettering bar 30. This upward movement
of the lettering bar 30 about its pivot 31 during a lettering
cycle creates a lettering force or pressure between the surface
32 and the force resisting arm 58. The sequential movement of
the various link and other members of the force generating
means at various points during a lettering cycle is shown in
Figures 4, 7 and 9.
As illustrated best in Figures lo and 11, the
apparatus also includes means for varying or adjusting the
lettering force. In the preferred embodiment, this means
includes the provision of an eccentric bushing 47 mounted on
the shaft 44 which pivotal supports one end of the link 40.
As the shaft 44, and thus the bushing 47, is rotated, the
position of the pivotal support for the eccentric link 40 is
changed. This in turn varies the permitted vertical movement
of the print bar 30 and pad 32 during a lettering cycle. Such
variance in permitted vertical movement results in greater or
lesser lettering force being generated during a lettering
cycle. For example, as the bushing 47 is rotated so as to
raise the pivot point of the link 40, the lettering force will
be increased. Conversely, as the bushing 47 is rotated so as
to lower the pivot point supporting the link 40, the lettering
force will be decreased. Rotation of the bushing 47 and thus
vertical adjustment of the shaft 44 is controlled by a cable
assembly. The cable assembly includes a hub 125 and flange
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ox
1 portion 126 connected to the shaft 44 for pivotal movement
therewith. A cable 128 has one end connected with the flange
126 and its other end connected with an actuator 130 (Figures 1
and 2) on the housing. Such structure facilitates selective
rotational movement of the bushing 47 to vary the lettering
force. The cable assembly is disposed within a housing 129
connected with the frame member 12.
Also forming part of the force generating means is the
means for resisting movement of the print bar 30. This means
is illustrated best in Figures 2 and 3 and includes the force
resisting arm 58 which is pivotal secured to a errs
resisting bracket 59 about the pivot pin 60. The bracket 59 is
securely connected with the frame member 11 and the reinforcing
plate 21 by a pair of threaded connecting members 61, 61. The
force resisting arm So is pivot able about the pin 60 between an
inoperative position as illustrated by the solid lines in
Figure 2 and an operative position illustrated by solid lines
in Figure 3 and by the phantom lines in Figure 2. When in its
operative position, the upper surface of the force resisting
arm 58 is engaged with the downwardly facing support edges or
surfaces 33 (Figure 14) of the overhanging portions 24. In the
preferred embodiment, these support surfaces 33 are defined in
part by the frame members 11 and 12 and in part by the
reinforcing plates 21 and 22. The outer end of the force
resisting arm 58 is provided with a gripping tab 62 to
facilitate manual movement of the arm 58 between its operative
and inoperative positions. In the preferred embodiment, the
arm 58 is provided with detent means at both ends of its
movement so that the arm 58 cannot be inadvertently moved from
either its inoperative or its operative position without
manually doing so. When in its operative position, the force
--10--
.
] resisting arm 58 extends laterally, at generally right angles,
with respect to the parallel planes of the frame members 11 and
12.
A tape cut-off feature is illustrated best in Figures
12 and 14. Connected with a upper surface of the print bar 30
is a tape cut-off support member 64 provided with a cut-off
edge 65. Disposed to the rearward side of the cut-off edge 65
is a tape shield 66 for protecting the tape 13 when the cut-off
feature is not being utilized. Pivotal secured to the
lettering bar 30 about the pivot 68 is a cut-off link 69. One
end of this link 69 is provided with a cut-off pad 70 for
movement toward the cut-off edge 65. The other end is
connected with a force transfer link 71 which is pivotal
secured to an actuating toggle linkage 72. The linkage 72 is
pivotal secured to the frame member 12 about the pivot 74 and
includes an end which is connected to a cut-off solenoid 75.
Upon actuation of the solenoid 75, the actuating linkage 72 is
caused to pivot counterclockwise about its pivot point 74.
This in turn imparts movement through the transfer link 71 to
the cut-off link 69 in the direction of the arrow 76 in Figure
14. As a result, the cut-off pad 70 moves downwardly toward
the cut-off edge 65, thereby cutting off or severing the tape
13. The solenoid 75 is connected to the actuating link 72 via
the solenoid plunger 78 and the spring 79. When the solenoid
plunger 78 is released, the link 72 is returned to its normal
rest position (illustrated by the solid lines in Figure 14~ by
the spring 80. The spring 80 is connected between a portion of
the frame member 12 and a portion of the link 72. Movement of
the link 72 toward its rest position is limited by the stop
Jo member 81.
2~1.
1 The means for advancing top tape 13 within the
cartridge 10 is illustrated best in Figures 1, 4, 7 and 21. In
the preferred embodiment, this means includes a stop arm 82 and
a drive arm 84. south the stop and drive arms 82 and 84 are
pivotal secured about the pivot member 85 which extends
between and generally perpendicular to the frame members 11 and
12. The stop arm 82, which is independently pivot able from the
drive arm 84 is rigidly connected with, and therefore pivotal
movable with, a letter spacing arm 86. The stop arm 82 is an
elongated member extending upwardly from the pivot point 85 and
including an upper stop arm end adapted for engagement with a
portion of the tape supply cartridge for limiting advancement
of the tape 13 within the cartridge. In the preferred
embodiment, as shown in Figure 21, the upper end of the stop
arm 82 is adapted for engagement with a stop or limit surface
88 of a shuttle assembly for limiting the forward movement of
such assembly and therefore advancement of the tape 13.
The limiting position of the stop arm 82 is in turn
defined by the corresponding position of the letter spacing arm
86. As illustrated best in Figures 16 and 17, the lower end of
the spacing arm 86 is pivotal secured with respect to the
pivot 85 for common pivotal movement with the stop arm 82,
while the upper end is adapted for engagement with a cam
surface 89 of the cam member 90. The cam member 90 is
rotatable secured with respect to the kerning slide 91 about
the pivot 92. Rotation of the cam member 90 about the pivot 92
causes pivotal movement of the spacing arm 86 because of
engagement between the upper end of the arm 86 and the cam
surface 89. This pivotal movement of the spacing arm 86
results in similar pivotal movement of the stop arm 82, thus
defining the stop position for advancing the tape 13 within the
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I
1 cartridge 10. The cam member 90 is connected with a toothed
gear 94 which in turn is operatively associated with the
toothed rack 95 mounted for sliding movement within the slide
member 96. The slide member 96 is secured to the kerning slide
91 by appropriate connecting means. Movement of the toothed
rack 95 is driven by a cable assembly 98 which is controlled by
movement of an appropriate tab 97 connected with the apparatus
housing 14 (Figure 1). Lateral movement of the toothed rack 95
results in corresponding rotational movement of the cam element
90. This in turn causes pivotal movement of the spacing arm 86
and stop arm 82 to define the desired stop position. By
adjusting the stop position of the arm 82, the letter spacing
can be adjusted.
The drive arm 84 is also pivotal secured to the
pivot 85 but, except for engagement between the arm 84 and a
laterally extending portion 115 of the arm 82, is movable
independent of the stop arm 82. The drive arm 84 includes an
upper drive arm end which is adapted for driving engagement
with a drive arm receiving cavity within the tape supply
cartridge In one embodiment illustrated in Figure 21, this
cavity is defined by the pair of drive tabs 99. The means for
causing pivotal movement of the drive arm 84 about the pivot 85
is shown best in Figures 4, 7, 9 and 16. Such means includes
the link members 100, 101, 102 and 104. Each of the link
members 101, 102 and 104 is adapted for pivotal movement about
the pivot 105 between the frame members 11 and 12. The link
member 100 includes one end which is pivotal secured to a
portion of the drive arm 84 about the pivot 106 and a second
end which is pivotal secured to a portion of the link 101
about the pivot 108. The link members 102 and 104 are
pivotal secured at one end between the frame members 11 and
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1 I about the pivot 105 with their opposite ends being connected
to, and biased together by, an extension spring member lug.
The spring 109 is connected at its ends to the outer ends of
the links 102 and 104. Each of the links 102 and 104 is
provided with a pair of force transfer surfaces 110 and 111.
The force transfer surface 111 of each of the links 102 and 104
is adapted for engagement with an outwardly extending post 112
on the link 101, while the force transfer surface 110 of each
of the links 102 and 104 is adapted for engagement by a roller
member 114 pivotal secured to the post 48 on the link 40.
During revolution of the rotational member 49, and
thus pivotal movement of the link 40, the roller 114, through
engagement with the surfaces 110, 110, causes corresponding
movement of the link members 102 and 104. This movement in
turn is transferred to the link member 101 as a result of
engagement between the post 112 and the surfaces 111, 111.
Pivotal movement of the lint 101 in turn is transferred via the
force transfer link 100 to the drive arm 84. It should be
noted that the spring 109 connected with the outer ends of the
links 102 and 104 provides an override feature for the arm 84
in both directions. In other words, if movement of the drive
arm 84 is limited, in either a rearward or a forward direction,
the machine will continue to cycle, with the only consequence
being the stretching of the spring member 109. Such override
will usually occur during a normal lettering cycle. During
such cycle, rearward movement of the drive arm 84 will be
limited by means within the cartridge such as the spacing ring
43 (Figure 21). Forward movement of the drive arm 84 is
limited as a result of engagement between the drive arm 84 and
the laterally extending portion 115 of the stop arm 82. Thus,
in a normal lettering cycle, it is contemplated that there
would be need for an override at each end.
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~02~1
The lettering apparatus of the present invention is
also provided with a meats or sensing the amount of tape
remaining in an inserted cartridge. This means is illustrated
best in Figures 2 and 15 and includes a tape sensing element
116 mounted on one end of a tape sensing linkage 118. A pair
of metal rollers 119, 119 are rotatable secured to an upper end
of the element 116 for engagement with the tape supply 13
within the cartridge 10. The linkage 118 is pivot ably secured
to the frame member 11 about the pivot point 120. An opposite
I end of the linkage 118 is connected with a tape indicator 121
(Figure 2) on the housing by a string 122 or other means for
transferring movement of the linkage 118 to the indicator 121.
In the preferred embodiment, the indicator 121 is visually
observable. A switch 47 is also mounted on the outer surface
of the frame member 11. This switch 47 includes a switch
element 53 which is engage able by a portion of the linkage
118. A spring 57 is connected with the end of the string 122
to bias the linkage 118 in a counterclockwise direction about
the pivot 120 as viewed in Figure 15. When no cartridge is in
the cavity, the linkage 118 and sensing element 116 are in the
positions illustrated by the broken lines and solid lines,
respectively, in Figure 15. When in this position, engagement
between a portion of the linkage 118 and the switch element 53
deactivates the entire system, thereby preventing a cycling of
the machine.
When a cartridge 10 is introduced into the cartridge
receiving cavity formed between the frame members 11 and 12,
the roller members 119 engage the remaining tape 13 within the
cartridge. As a result of such engagement the element 116 will
be moved downwardly and the linkage 118 will be pivoted in a
clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 13. This downward
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1 movement releases the switch element 53 to allow activation of
a lettering cycle. Such movement also results in the indicator
121 reflecting the amount of tape remaining in the cartridge
10. As the tape 13 within the cartridge is used, the linkage
118 will pivot in a counterclockwise direction as the element
116 and rollers 119 move upwardly into the cartridge. This
movement in turn results in the indicator moving toward the end
indicating exhaustion of the tape supply. In the preferred
embodiment, the rollers 119, 119 are constructed of a
conductive metal and are electrically connected to respective
electrical conductor elements 124, 124. These conductors are
in turn connected with an appropriate electronic sensing
mechanism. It is contemplated that the end of the tape supply
will be provided with a piece of metal foil. Thus, when the
rollers 119, 119 contact the metal foil at the end of the tape,
an electrical circuit will be closed, thus actuating a visual
or audio signal to advise the user that there are only a few
inches of tape remaining to be used.- This will enable the user
to finish the word which he or she is lettering before
inserting a new cartridge.
The means for providing proper spacing for certain
letter combinations and for properly aligning the cartridge 10
is illustrated best in Figures 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20. This
means includes a kerning assembly comprising a kerning slide go
which is mounted for sliding movement with respect to the frame
member 12. As illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, the kerning
slide 91 includes an alignment tab member 130 which extends
inwardly through an opening 131 in the frame member 12. The
tab 130 extends inwardly past the inner surface of the frame
member 12 for appropriate engagement with an alignment notch
132 on the cartridge 10. The slide 91 also includes an
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alignment spring member 134 figures 16, 17 and 18~ having a
pair of alignment members 135, 135 on its inner surface. This
spring member 134 comprises a plate spring member which is
connected with the inner side of the kerning slide 91 and
extends inwardly into the cartridge receiving cavity through an
opening 136 in the frame member 12. The alignment members 135,
135 are adapted for engagement with corresponding alignment
openings 138, 138 in a side wall of the cartridge 10. The
alignment elements 135, 135 not only assure proper vertical and
horizontal alignment of the cartridge 10 with respect to the
frame members 11 and 12 but also biases the cartridge 10 toward
the frame element 11. This facilitates proper alignment of the
cartridge 10 during a lettering cycle. It should be noted that
the inner surface of the frame member 11 is preferably provided
with a plurality of wear tabs or elements for engagement with
the side wall of the cartridge 10.
The kerning slide 91 includes a plurality of elongated
openings 139 to permit the slide 91 to be slide ably connected
with the frame member 12. The rearward end of the kerning
slide 91 includes a kerning bracket 140 and a kerning post 141
for appropriate engagement with a kerning ring on the inside
surface of the lettering font. Also connected with the
rearward end of the kerning slide 91 is a spring member 142
having its outer end connected with a kerning solenoid 144. It
can by seen that actuation of the solenoid 144 will cause the
solenoid plunger 145 to move toward the right as viewed in
Figure 16, thus causing corresponding movement of the kerning
slide 91 to the position illustrated in Figure 17. Such
movement, however, is limited as a result of engagement by the
kerning post 141 with the kerning ring on an inside surface of
the font. Following actuation of the solenoid 144, the force
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ox
1 is released and the kerning slide 91 is returned to its rest
position as a result of the spring member 146. The spring 146
is connected between an end of the slide 91 and a portion of
the frame member 12. the normal or rest position ox the
kerning slide is defined by engagement between the limiting
post 148 and a portion of the corresponding opening 139. It
should be noted that the cam member 90 is mounted on the
99rning slide 91; thus, rearward movement of the slide 91 will
result in corresponding clockwise pivotal movement of the
spacing arm 86 and thus rearward movement of the stop arm 82.
Also, as a result of engagement between the portion US of the
stop arm 82 and the drive arm 84, rearward pivotal movement of
the stop arm 82 results in corresponding movement of the drive
arm 84. Thus, rearward movement of the kerning slide 91
results in corresponding rearward movement of the entire
cartridge as well as rearward movement of the stop arm 82 and
the drive arm 84.
The means for insuring proper alignment of the font
during the printing cycle is illustrated best in Figures 5, 6
and 8. This means includes a housing portion 148 connected
with the frame member 11 and a pivot arm 149 pivotal secured
to an outer end of the housing 148 about the pivot 150. An
alignment tab 151 having an alignment notch 152 is connected
with a top surface of the arm 149 for engagement with an.
alignment rib on the font 23 figures 4 and 7). The arm 149 is .
biased upwardly relative to the housing 148 by the compression
spring 154. An elongated member 155 extends through the spring
154 and has a head 156 engaging a portion of the arm 149. the
: other end of the member 155 extends through an opening in the
housing 148 and has a head 158 engaging a pivot able link 159.
The link 159 is pivotal secured to the frame member 11 about
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Sue
1 the pivot 160 and includes a force transfer surface 161 for
engagement by the roller 162. The roller 162 US connected with
the member 49 for rotation therewith about the shaft I
When the member 49 is in the position illustrated in
Figure 5, the roller 162 engages the surface 161 to cause the
right end of the link 159 to be in a down position. This in
turn causes toe arm 149 to also be in a down position against
the force of the spring 154 as a result of the member 155 and
respective engagement between its heads 156, 1~8 and the
members 149, 148. In this position, the font is freely movable
on the font post 29 figure 2). As the lettering cycle
continues, the roller 162 rotates out of engagement with the
surface 161. This allows the arm 149 and the link 159 to move
upwardly as a result of the spring 154 acting against the
housing 148. Such upward movement causes the alignment tab 151
and notch 152 to move upwardly into engagement with the
alignment rib on the underside of the font.
Although the description of the preferred embodiment
has been quite specific, it is contemplated that various
modifications could be made without deviating from the spirit
of the present invention. Accordingly, it is contemplated that
the scope of the present invention be dictated by the appended
claims, rather than by the description of the preferred
embodiment.
This application is related to the applicants co-
penning Canadian patent application, serial number 466,905.
.
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