Multiple movement marking machine

A marking device for printing identification marks on the surface of an object, for example a series of billets conveyed in succession on a roll table, is mounted for vertical and pivotal movement on the end of an upper arm. The upper arm is movable along a first axis in a horizontal plane to extend and retract the marking head assembly into and out of marking position. The upper arm is supported by a carriage which is also movable in a horizontal plane parallel to the roll table along a second axis angularly positioned relative to the first axis. The upper arm is movable relative to the carriage, and the carriage is movable on a beam to carry the upper arm together with the marking device to a preselected position with respect to the objects to be marked on the roll table. The main beam for supporting the carriage is fixed to a base by a pivotal mounting for pivotal movement of the main beam about a horizontal axis by operation of a lift cylinder to move the marking device in an arcuate path into and out of marking position. Thus the marking device is movable in a plurality of directions in a horizontal plane, as well as vertically and rotationally about a vertical axis and also movable in a lifting operation through an arcuate path.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to apparatus for marking a workpiece and, more 
particularly, to a method and apparatus for supporting a marking device 
for movement on a frame through a plurality of degrees of movement to 
position the marking device to selectively impress identification marks on 
the surfaces of the workpieces being conveyed in a production line. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
Machines for impressing identification marks on the surface of billets, 
slabs, plates, bars, ingots, and the like are well known in the art. In 
one known arrangement, the workpiece to be marked is conveyed by a roll 
table beneath the marking machine in a production line as disclosed in 
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,541,954; 3,636,871 and 4,036,127. These devices include a 
marking device that carries marking elements which are moved into impact 
relation with the surface of the workpiece to impress an array of 
alphanumeric characters on the workpiece as the workpiece is conveyed in 
the production line. It is essential that the workpiece be marked without 
interrupting the production line. 
One well known type of marking device is a single wheel marker that 
includes a marking wheel that carries a plurality of marking characters or 
elements on the peripheral surface thereof. An example of a single wheel 
marker is illustrated in U.S. Pat No. 4,214,520. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,306,186; 
3,541,954 and 3,636,871 discloses similar devices in which a marking head 
includes a plurality of marking wheels for marking billets, slabs, bars, 
rolled stock and the like. 
With both single and multiple marking wheel markers, the respective marking 
wheel is rotated until the desired character on the wheel periphery is in 
marking position. The wheel is held in position by a suitable locking 
device and, thereafter, an actuator is remotely actuated to move the 
marking wheel to strike the billet and impress the selected character 
thereon. The marking wheel is then retracted and the wheel is 
incrementally rotated and moved laterally to the next position for marking 
the billet. The actuator is sequentialy operated to move the marking head 
so that the character is stamped on the surface of the billet. This 
operation is repeated through the required sequence of steps to impress a 
series of marks on the billet. 
Once the billet has been marked, the next billet must be moved into 
position for marking. This requires the marking head to be withdrawn to 
facilitate the movement of the next billet into position as rapidly as 
possible so that a number of billets can be marked in rapid succession. To 
accomplish this the marking wheel must be efficiently moved into and out 
of the marking position. Further, after each billet is marked, the 
sequence of characters must be changed. This requires moving the marking 
wheel to stamp the billet and rotating the marking wheel to place the next 
desired character in marking position. Once the desired series of 
characters have been impressed on the billet by incremental lateral 
movement of the marking wheel, it is necessary to return the marking wheel 
to the initial marking position for marking the next billet. 
Thus in order to successfully mark a plurality of workpieces moving 
successively in a production line, the marking device must be supported 
for rapid movement into and out of the marking position. The marking 
characters must be rapidly changed on the marking head to permit marking 
the workpieces in rapid succession without interrupting the movement of 
the workpieces in the production line. Consequently, delays in the 
movement of the marking device into and out of the marking position and 
changing of the marking characters on the marking head will interrupt the 
production line. 
More recently, in an effort to increase the speed of the marking operation 
and to reduce the time required to change the combination of alphanumeric 
characters for a message to be inscribed, non-contact markers, such as ink 
jet or spray printers, have been utilized. However, their use has been 
predominantly confined to imprinting on a recording medium, such as paper. 
Known ink jet or spray markers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,787,884; 
4,272,733; 4,356,499; 4,376,284; 4,412,232; and 4,415,909. 
In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 4,412,232 discloses a wheel which is rotatably 
mounted on a housing of a printhead to support the housing for manual 
movement over the surface of the medium onto which characters are to be 
printed. The printhead contains a plurality of nozzles which are actuated 
by movement of the wheel on the surface of the recording medium. The 
nozzles are arranged in a straight line extending transversely to the 
direction of the printhead movement. Data processing equipment provides 
signals to control driver circuits to uniformly print the desired 
characters in the dot matrix pattern. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,415,909 discloses an ink jet printer having an arrangement 
of nozzles in a symmetrical pattern. A drive element is associated with 
each nozzle, and a piezoelectric crystal initiates the formation of ink 
droplets by pulsing the ink supply inside a tube associated with each 
nozzle and causing the ink to be ejected from the nozzle in droplet form. 
The nozzle array is formed in a pattern to generate equally separated rows 
of dots on the record media or paper. The printhead is moved along a line 
of printing with the line of symmetry being at an angle relative to the 
direction of motion to produce a vertical column of dots perpendicular to 
the direction of movement. The times for energizing the individual print 
elements is controlled to minimize the gap between the nozzles to thus 
enable dot matrix type printing. 
While the prior art devices disclose marking machines that utilize single 
and multiple marking wheel markers for impressing identification marks on 
billets, slabs, bars and the like, the speed at which the wheels are moved 
into and out of position and the movement of the wheels to change the 
series of characters to be marked limit the rate at which the workpieces 
to be marked are advanced in the production line. Therefore, there is need 
for a marking machine for use in high speed marking of workpieces in a 
production line where the workpieces are successively marked by dot matrix 
characters in which the make up of the characters to be stamped on the 
workpiece is quickly adjusted from one workpiece to another without 
interrupting movement of the workpieces in the production line. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided apparatus for 
supporting a marking device for movement into position for marking the 
surface of an object that includes a base. A lower support member is 
positioned on the base. The lower support member has a surface extending 
in a horizontal plane above the base. A carriage is positioned on the 
lower support member for movement in a preselected direction in the 
horizontal plane. First drive means is drivingly connected to the carriage 
for moving the carriage to a preselected position on the lower support 
member. An upper support member is supported by the carriage for movement 
relative to the carriage in a horizontal plane in a preselected direction 
with respect to the direction of movement of the carriage on the lower 
support member. Second drive means is drivingly connected to the upper 
support member for moving the upper support member to a preselected 
position relative to the position of the carriage on the lower support 
member. A marking device is carried by the upper support member. Means is 
provided for connecting the marking device to the upper support member for 
movement in a preselected direction to a preselected position relative to 
the upper support member. Means is also provided for moving the lower 
support member relative to the base to adjust the position of the marking 
device with respect to the base. 
Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a 
mechanism for supporting a machine for movement in a plurality of axes 
oriented in spatial relation, one from another, that includes a base. The 
machine is positioned above the base. A first support arm is connected to 
the base and extends on the base in a preselected direction defining an 
X-axis of movement. A second support arm is spaced from the first support 
arm above the base. The second support arm extends relative to the first 
support arm in a preselected direction defining a Y-axis of movement. The 
Y-axis of movement is positioned in preselected, spatial relation with 
respect to the X-axis of movement. A link movably connects the first and 
second support arms to permit relative movement between said first and 
second support arms along the X- and Y-axes of movement. The link is 
movable relative to the first support arm along the X-axis. The second 
support arm is movable relative to the link along the Y-axis. The machine 
is positioned on the second support arm for movement in a preselected 
direction defining a Z-axis of movement. The X-axis of movement is 
positioned in preselected, spatial relation with respect to both the X- 
and Y-axes of movement. 
Additionally in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a 
method for supporting a marking machine for movement into position for 
marking a surface of an object that includes supporting a marking machine 
on a frame for movement into marking relation with the surface of an 
object to be marked. The marking machine is moved along a first axis in a 
horizontal plane to a preselected position on the frame. The marking 
machine is moved along a second axis in a horizontal plane to a 
preselected position on a frame. The second axis is oriented in 
preselected, spatial relation with respect to the first axis. The marking 
machine is moved to a preselected position along a third axis in a 
vertical plane to a preselected position above the frame. The position of 
the marking machine is angularly adjusted to impress a mark on a selected 
surface of the object to be marked. 
Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is to provide 
apparatus for supporting a marking device for movement in a plurality of 
directions through a plurality of degrees of movement for selective 
positioning of the marking device with respect to the surface of an object 
to be marked. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for 
impressing identification marks on a selected surface of a billet by a 
marking device positioned on a frame for movement along a plurality of 
horizontal axes positioned in spatial relation, as well as along a 
vertical axis, and further through an arcuate path for marking the billet 
on a selected one of the ends or sides of the billet. 
An additional object of the present invention is to provide an automated 
marking machine for sequentially inscribing selected identification marks 
on workpieces moving in succession in a production line. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a marking machine 
that includes a marking head assembly supported for movement in a 
plurality of axes arranged in spatial relation in order to locate the 
marking head assembly in position for impressing an identification mark at 
a selected location on a workpiece. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide a robotics 
positioning mechanism for supporting a machine for movement in a plurality 
of axes oriented in spatial relation one from another so that the machine 
can be located in a preselected position for performing a specific 
function. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for 
supporting a marking machine for movement into position for marking the 
surface of an object by moving the marking machine through a plurality of 
degrees of movement on a frame. 
These and other objects of the present invention will be more completely 
disclosed and described in the following specification, the accompanying 
drawings, and the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is 
illustrated a marking apparatus generally designated by the numeral 10 for 
supporting a marking device 12 for movement into and out of position for 
marking the surface of an object, such as billets, slabs, bars, rolled 
stock, and the like with identification marks. 
The objects to be marked, such as billets (not shown) are conveyed in 
succession in a production line on suitable conveying means. One type of 
known conveying means for moving billets past the marking device 12 is a 
conventional roll bed or table 18 illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1. The 
roll table 18 includes suitable driven rollers to advance the objects to 
be marked in succession one after another. The roll table 18 has a center 
line 20 also diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1. The objects to be 
marked, such as billets, are conveyed in succession, and as each billet 
advances past the marking device 12 which is moved in a manner explained 
later in greater detail into marking position, a series of identification 
marks, such as alphanumeric marks, are impressed, stamped or sprayed on a 
selected surface of the object to be marked by the marking device 12. 
However, it should be understood that the present invention is adaptable 
to mark a variety of types of objects other than billets, such as pipes, 
various forms of conduit, and other objects such as sheet metal parts and 
machine components that are required to be identified by suitable marking. 
In addition, as will be explained later in greater detail, the present 
invention is also applicable as an automatic positioning system or robot 
for many types of machines used in manufacturing processes, such as 
welding, metal forming, and handling components in an assembly operation. 
The marking device 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is positioned on the 
marking apparatus 10 for selective movement in a plurality of horizontal 
planes, as well as movement vertically, pivotally, and in an arcuate path 
relative to the roll table 18. The marking apparatus 10 includes a fixed 
base 22 which is connected by suitable means, such as bolts 24, to a 
foundation 26. The base 22 as shown in greater detail in FIG. 2 is formed 
by a plurality of beam-like members 28-34 connected together to form a 
rectangular frame with transverse support beams 36 and 38 extending 
between and connected to the beams 28 and 32. With this arrangement, a 
rigid support structure is provided for supporting the marking apparatus 
10 and, in particular, the marking device 12 for movement in a selected 
direction above the base 22. 
With this arrangement the frame structured by the beams 28-38 provides 
horizontal surfaces 40 on the transverse beams 36 and 38 for supporting 
the marking apparatus 10. A lower support member or assembly generally 
designated by the numeral 42 is positioned on the horizontal surfaces 40 
and extends substantially the length of the base 22. Preferably the lower 
support assembly 42 extends longitudinally parallel to the beams 28 and 
32, as shown in FIG. 2. 
The lower support assembly 42 is mounted on supports generally designated 
by the numeral 44 in FIGS. 1 and 4-6 for pivotal movement about a 
horizontal X-axis above the surface 40. A carriage 46 is positioned for 
reciprocal movement back and forth on the lower support assembly 42 in a 
horizontal plane along the X-axis. The movement of the carriage 46 on the 
lower support assembly 42 along the X-axis relative to the roll table 18 
is diagrammatically illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2. As seen in FIG. 2, 
the X-axis of movement of the carriage 46 is parallel to the center line 
20 of the roll table 18. 
A motor 48 mounted on one end of the lower support assembly 42 is drivingly 
connected to the carriage 46 for rectilinearly advancing the carriage 46 
along the X-axis to a preselected position on the lower support assembly 
42. In this manner the carriage 46 moves horizontally left and right 
relative to the roll table 18. The details of the drive connection of the 
motor 48 to the carriage 46 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8 will be described 
later in greater detail. 
An upper support member or assembly, generally designated by the numeral 50 
in FIGS. 1 and 2 and in further detail in FIGS. 7 and 8, is supported by 
the carriage 46 for movement of the upper support assembly 50 relative to 
the carriage 46 in a horizontal plane above the horizontal plane of 
movement of the carriage 46 on the lower support assembly 42. The upper 
support assembly 50 is rectilinearly movable in a preselected direction 
along a Y-axis illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and 8. The Y-axis of movement 
of the upper support assembly 50 is illustrated perpendicular to the 
X-axis direction of movement of the carriage 46, but the spatial 
relationship between the X and Y-axes is selective, for example the X- and 
Y-axes can be positioned 45.degree. apart or at any other angle. 
As shown in FIG. 2, the Y-axis of movement of the upper support assembly 50 
is perpendicular to the center line 20 of the roll table 18. The Y-axis is 
in a horizontal plane positioned parallel and above the horizontal plane 
of the X-axis. In a manner similar to the movement of the carriage 46 on 
the lower support assembly 42, the upper support assembly 50 includes a 
motor 52 drivingly connected to the upper support assembly 50 for 
actuating reciprocal rectilinear movement of the upper support assembly 50 
horizontally in and out or toward and away from the roll table 18. The 
details of the drive connection of the motor 52 to the upper support 
assembly 50 will also be described later in greater detail. 
The movement of the carriage 46 on the lower support assembly 42 also 
generates movement of the upper support assembly 50 with the carriage 46 
on the X-axis of movement. Thus the carriage 46 functions as link 
connecting the upper and lower support assemblies 42 and 50. The direction 
of movement of the carriage 46 is parallel to the roll table 18 which is 
also referred to as left and right horizontal movement of the carriage 46. 
The upper support assembly 50 moves with the carriage 46. The upper support 
assembly 50, however, is movable toward and away or in and out relative to 
the roll table independently of the movement of the carriage 46. With this 
arrangement, once the carriage 46 has been moved to the desired location 
on the lower support assembly 42, the upper support assembly 50 is moved 
toward and away from the roll table 18 on the carriage 46. Thus the upper 
support assembly 50 is both movable with the carriage 46 and relative to 
the carriage 46. 
The upper support assembly 50, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, includes a 
first end portion 54 where the motor 52 is mounted on a second end portion 
56. A marking head assembly, generally designated by the numeral 58, is 
connected to the second end portion 56 for vertical movement along a 
Z-axis and pivotal movement about the Z-axis. Mounted on the marking head 
assembly 58 for movement into and out of marking position relative to the 
objects to be marked, as conveyed on the roll table 18, is the marking 
device 12. The marking device 12 is carried by the marking head assembly 
58 for vertical movement along a Z-axis on the assembly 58 and also for 
rotational movement about the Z-axis. 
The marking head assembly 58, as illustrated in detail in FIGS. 9-11, is 
mounted for vertical movement on a shaft 60 by operation of a motor 62 
carried on the end 56 of the upper support 50. Also, the assembly 58 is 
pivotal about the shaft 60 by the operation of a double acting piston 
cylinder assembly, generally designated by the numeral 64 in FIGS. 9 and 
11. The shaft 60 defines the Z-axis of movement of the marking head 
assembly 58. 
The marking device 12 is movable to a preselected position with respect to 
the center line 20 of the roll table 18. The final or marking position is 
reached by movement of the marking device 12 with the marking head 
assembly horizontally along the X- and Y-axes and vertically along the 
Z-axis, as well as pivotally about the Z-axis. In addition to these 
multiple degrees of movement, the marking head assembly 58, together with 
the upper support assembly 50, the carriage 46 and the lower support 
assembly 42, are all pivotal as a single unit about the X-axis by 
operation of a lift cylinder generally designated by the numeral 66 in 
FIGS. 1 and 2. 
Actuation of the lift cylinder 66 moves the marking device 12 through an 
arcuate path to lift the marking device 12 up and down relative to the 
roll table 18. The lifting movement up and down is in an arcuate path, and 
the position of the upper support assembly 42 in the up position is 
indicated in phantom in FIG. 1. In the down position the marking device 12 
is in position for marking the objects on the roll table 18. In the up 
position, the marking device 12 is moved away from the roll table 18 so as 
not to obstruct movement of the objects on the roll table 18. 
Now referring to FIGS. 3-6 , there is illustrated the details of the lower 
support assembly 42 and the carriage 46 which is rectilinearly movable on 
the assembly 42 along the X-axis. The lower support assembly 42 is a 
longitudinal beam or arm-like structure that includes a main beam 68 
having end portions 70 and 72 with upstanding brackets 74 and 76 connected 
to the end portions 70 and 72, respectively. The brackets 74 and 76 are 
pivotally mounted on the horizontal surface 40 of the base 22 by the 
supports 44. 
The pivotal support of the brackets 74 and 76 is accomplished by pivot end 
portions 78 of brackets 74 and 76. Each support 44 includes a pivot pin 80 
extending through each pivot end portion 78 and a clevis assembly 82 which 
is securely bolted to the surface 40 of base 22. Thus the pivot end 
portion 78 of each bracket 74 and 76 is pivotal on the clevis assembly 82 
about the pivot pin 80. With this arrangement the main beam 68 is pivoted 
about a horizontal axis through the pivot pins 80. Pivoting the main beam 
68 moves the marking head assembly 58 through an arcuate path to lift the 
marking device 12 up and down as above described. 
As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, a pivot locking device generally designated by 
the numeral 84 is secured to the pivot end portion 78 of each bracket 74 
and 76 spaced oppositely from the clevis assembly 82. The pivot locking 
device 84 includes a screw 86 extending through a flange plate 88 on each 
bracket pivot end portion 78 into abutment with a plate 92 that supports 
the brackets 74 and 76 on the upper surface 40 of the base 22. Once the 
main beam 68 has been pivoted to the desired position on the base 22, the 
screw 86 is advanced through the flange plate 88 to abut the plate 92. The 
screw 88 is locked in position on the plate 88 by tightening a jam nut 90 
on the screw into contact with the plate 88. 
Pivotal movement of the main beam 68 is accomplished by actuation of the 
lift cylinder 66, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Preferably the lift cylinder 66 
is an air operated piston cylinder assembly that includes a cylinder 
portion 94 pivotally mounted by a bracket 96 to the base 22. A piston rod 
98 is extensible from and retractable into the cylinder portion 94. The 
upper end portion of the piston rod 98 is connected to an arm bracket 100 
which, as shown in FIG. 4, extends outwardly from the upstanding bracket 
76 on the main beam end portion 72. A depending portion 102 on the bracket 
arm 100 is adapted for connection to the outer end portion of the piston 
rod 98 (not shown in FIG. 4). 
The piston cylinder assembly 66 is remotely controllable to extend and 
retract the piston arm 98 to in turn pivot the lower support assembly 42 
about its pivotal connection with the clevis assembly 82 on the base 22. 
The lower support assembly 42 is pivotal about a horizontal axis extending 
through the pivot pins 80. When the desired pivoted positioned of the 
lower support assembly 42 is obtained, the screw 86 is advanced into 
abutting relation with the plate 92 and locked in the desired position by 
the nut 90. This secures and stabilizes the pivoted position of the lower 
support assembly 42 as well as the entire marking apparatus 10. 
By operation of the lift cylinder 66, lifting of the marking device 12 
between the up position and the down position is accomplished. Preferably, 
the lift cylinder 66 is operated by a 4-way two position solenoid operated 
value with a spring return. When the marking device 12 is in the up 
position, power is removed from the solenoid so that the objects to be 
marked on the roll table 18 will be clear of the marking device 12 in the 
event of a power failure. Accordingly, actuation of the solenoid operated 
valve for the lift cylinder 66 retracts the piston rod 90 to move the 
marking device 12 to the down position for marking the workpieces on the 
roll table 18. 
The main beam 68, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 of the lower support assembly 
42, includes an upper horizontal surface 104 extending substantially the 
length of the main beam 68 between the upstanding brackets 74 and 76. The 
carriage 46 is roller mounted for reciprocal, rectilinear movement on the 
horizontal surface 104 along the X-axis. Movement of the carriage 46 on 
the upper horizontal surface 104 along the X-axis generates corresponding 
movement of the marking head assembly 58 and the marking device 12. 
As seen in FIG. 6, the main beam 68 has a longitudinally extending 
rectangular configuration forming an enclosure 106. The carriage 46 has a 
configuration corresponding to the box-like configuration of the beam 68 
to permit the carriage 46 to slidably move back and forth on the surface 
104 substantially the length of the beam 68. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 6, the 
carriage 46 is formed by a top plate 108 connected to a bottom plate 110 
by vertical plates 112 and 114. The vertical plates 112 and 114 have 
openings 116 for receiving the main beam 68. The openings 116 have a 
configuration corresponding to the configuration of the main beam 68 to 
permit the carriage 46 to reciprocate back and forth in a horizontal plane 
along the X-axis. 
The carriage 46 is movably supported on the main beam 68 by a plurality of 
roller devices 118 shown in FIG. 8 and schematically illustrated in FIGS. 
3 and 6. The roller devices 118 are securely connected to the carriage 46 
to engage surfaces 120 and 122 of the main beam 68. As illustrated in 
FIGS. 3, 6 and 8, surface 120 extends horizontally, and surface 122 
extends vertically on the main beam 68. The roller devices 118 rotatably 
engage the respective surfaces 120 and 122 to permit movement of the 
carriage 46 in a horizontal plane along the X-axis on the main beam 68. 
Movement of the carriage 46 on the main beam 68 is accomplished by 
actuation of the motor 48. The motor 48 is a conventional DC servo-drive 
motor that includes what is known in the art as a tachometer and encoder 
for generating 120 pulses per revolution, or 600 pulses per inch. The 
motor 48 is supported on the bracket 74 at the end portion 70 of the main 
beam 68. The motor 48 is drivingly connected, as shown in FIG. 6, to a 
gear coupling 124. The gear coupling 124 is positioned within the main 
beam enclosure 106 and includes a drive shaft 125 connected through a 
shaft seal 126 to one end of a ball screw 128. The opposite end of the 
ball screw 128 is rotatably supported by a second shaft seal 130 within 
the main beam enclosure 106. 
A ball screw guide 132 is rigidly mounted on the bottom plate 110 of the 
carriage 46. The ball screw guide 132, in a manner well known in the art, 
drivingly engages the ball screw 128. Upon rotation of the ball screw 128 
by actuation of the motor 48, the ball screw guide 132 moves 
longitudinally on the ball screw 128 between the shaft seals 126 and 130. 
Consequently, as the ball screw guide 132 moves the carriage 46 moves with 
it by movement of the roller devices 118 on the roller surfaces 120 and 
122 of the main beam 68. 
In accordance with the method of operation of the present invention, 
actuation of the motor 48 moves the carriage 46 to move the marking device 
12 in a horizontal plane along the X-axis. This direction of movement is 
also identified as the horizontal left and right movement of the marking 
device 12 with respect to the roll table 18. 
Movement of the carriage 46 in the above described manner on the lower 
support assembly 42 also moves the upper support assembly 50 in the same 
direction which is in a horizontal plane along the X-axis. In addition, 
the upper support assembly 50 is movable independently of the carriage 46 
also in a horizontal plane but along the Y-axis, as indicated in FIGS. 1 
and 2. In this manner the marking device 12 is moved horizontally between 
an in position and an out position with respect to the roll table 18. In 
the out position, the marking device 12 is positioned over the roll table 
18, and in the in position the marking device 12 is removed from overlying 
relation with the roll table 18 or is in the "home" position. 
As illustrated in detail in FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper support assembly 50 
includes an upper arm or beam 134 similar in construction to the above 
described main beam 68. The upper arm 134 is a longitudinally extending 
box-like beam having a rectangular cross section and including the end 
portion 54 for supporting the motor 52 and the end portion 56 for 
supporting the marking head assembly 58. Secured to and extending 
outwardly from the upper arm end portion 56 is a housing 136. The marking 
head assembly 58, as will be explained later in greater detail, is mounted 
for both vertical and pivotal movement on the housing 136. 
The upper arm 134 shown in FIG. 8 includes an upper horizontal surface 138 
and an enclosure 140 for receiving the drive connection from the motor 52. 
With the carriage 46 being positioned for reciprocal, rectilinear movement 
on the main beam 68, the upper arm 134 is positioned for reciprocal, 
rectilinear movement relative to the carriage 46. The carriage 46 moves 
along the X-axis on the main beam 68, and the upper arm 134 moves along 
the Y-axis on the carriage 46. The X and Y-axes are oriented perpendicular 
to one another, but it should be understood that the respective directions 
of the X- and Y-axes, as well as their special relation with respect to 
each other, is selective and is not limited to overlying horizontal planes 
which are perpendicular to one another. 
The motor 52 is the same type of motor as above described for the motor 48 
and basically operates in the same manner. The motor 52, as shown in FIG. 
8, is drivingly connected to a gear coupling 142 having a drive shaft 144 
drivingly connected to one end of a ball screw 146. The drive shaft 144 
extends through a shaft seal 148 into the enclosure 140 where the ball 
screw 146 is positioned. The opposite end of the ball screw 146 is 
suitably supported by the upper arm 134 and is connected to a second shaft 
seal 148. A ball screw guide 150 is drivingly connected in a conventional 
manner to the ball screw 146. The ball screw guide 150 is secured to the 
carriage top plate 108. 
As further illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the carriage 46 includes an upper 
portion generally designated by the numeral 152 having a rectangular 
configuration formed by a pair of parallel plates 154 and 156 mounted on 
the top plate 108. Secured to and extending between the plates 154 and 156 
is a cover plate 158. The cover plate 158 is spaced above the top plate 
108 to receive therebetween the upper arm 134. Each of the vertical plates 
154 and 156 of the carriage upper portion 152 includes an opening 160 for 
receiving the upper arm 134. A plurality of roller devices 162 are secured 
to the various plates 154-158 of the carriage upper portion 152 for 
rotatable engagement with a roller surface 164 (shown in FIG. 7) of the 
upper arm 134. 
With this arrangement the upper arm 134 is supported for reciprocal, 
rectilinear movement in a horizontal plane along the Y-axis through the 
carriage upper portion 152. The reciprocal movement of the arm 134 along 
the Y-axis is accomplished by actuation of the motor 42 to transmit drive 
through the gear coupling 142, drive shaft 144, and the shaft seal 148 of 
ball screw 146. With the ball screw guide 150 being secured to the top 
plate 108 of the carriage 46, rotation of the ball screw 146 in a 
preselected direction relative to the fixed ball screw guide 150 generates 
rectilinear movement of the upper arm 134 through the openings 160 in the 
carriage plates 154 and 156 on the roller devices 162. The roller devices 
162 serve to maintain the movement of the upper arm 134 in a horizontal 
plane along the Y-axis. 
As with the ball screw 128 described for the lower support assembly 42, the 
ball screw 146 for the upper support assembly 50 is rotational in a 
preselected direction to reciprocate the upper arm 134 in a rectilinear 
manner relative to the carriage 46. Preferably the direction of movement 
of the upper arm 134 moves the marking head assembly 58 and the marking 
device 12 horizontally as above described in and out with respect to the 
roll table 18. Thus once the upper support assembly 50 has been advanced 
to the desired location by movement of the carriage 46 to the desired 
position on the main beam 68, the upper arm 134 is extended from the 
carriage 46, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, to the out position over the 
roll table 18. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the in or "home" position of the 
upper arm 134 on the carriage 46 where the marking device 12 is removed 
from marking position over the roll table 18. 
Thus, it is the horizontal left and right movement of the carriage 46 on 
the main beam 68 along the X-axis which locates the marking head assembly 
58 in the desired position oppositely from the roll table 18. It is then 
the horizontal in and out movement of the upper arm 134 relative to the 
carriage which moves the marking head assembly 58 into and out of position 
over the roll table 18. 
Further in accordance with the present invention, once the marking head 
assembly 58 has been advanced by movement of the upper arm 134 
horizontally into the out position where the marking device 12 is 
positioned over the roll table 18, the vertical position of the marking 
head assembly 58 on the upper arm 134 is adjusted. The position of the 
marking head assembly 58 on the upper arm 134 is vertically adjustable by 
movement of the assembly 58 on the shaft 60 which is positioned in the 
housing 136 that extends from the end portion 56 of the upper arm 134, as 
shown in FIG. 9. 
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the shaft 60 is vertically positioned in the 
housing 136 and defines the Z-axis of movement of the marking head 
assembly 58 together with the marking device 12. Also the assembly 58 is 
pivotal to a preselected position about the Z-axis. The shaft 60 includes 
opposite end portions 166 and 168 that extend through support plates 170 
and 172 of the housing 136. An upper bearing assembly generally designated 
by the numeral 174 is supported by the plate 170 in surrounding relation 
with the shaft end portion 166. The bearing assembly 174 includes a cap 
176 positioned around a roller bearing 178. Positioned below the roller 
bearing 178 around the shaft upper end portion 166 is a thrust bearing 
180. The thrust bearing 180 is retained in an arm 182 connected by a link 
184 to the upper end portion of a guide bar 186. With this arrangement the 
bearings 178 and 180 form the bearing assembly 174 for rotatably 
supporting the shaft upper end portion 166 about the Z-axis. 
In a similar arrangement, the shaft lower end portion 168 is also supported 
for rotation about the Z-axis by the provision of a thrust bearing 188 and 
a roller bearing 190. The roller bearing 190 is sealed within a cap 192 
that is secured to the lower end of a sleeve 194 which is suitably 
connected to the support plate 172. Positioned above the sleeve 194 in 
surrounding relation with the shaft lower end portion 168 is the thrust 
bearing 188. The thrust bearing 188 is enclosed within an arm 196 which is 
connected by a link 198 to the lower end portion of the guide bar 186. 
With this arrangement the thrust bearing 188 and roller bearing 190 form a 
bearing assembly generally designated by the numeral 200 for the shaft 
lower end portion 168. 
Positioned intermediate the respective shaft end portions 166 and 168 is a 
bracket generally designated by the numeral 202 in FIG. 9. The bracket 202 
includes one end portion 204 connected by a ball screw drive generally 
designated by the numeral 206 to the output of motor 62 and a second end 
portion 208 connected to a sleeve 210 on shaft 60. The sleeve 210 is 
supported for vertical, reciprocal movement on the shaft 60 by upper and 
lower cylindrical bearings 212 and 214. The marking head assembly 58 is 
connected to the sleeve 210 to move therewith. The bearings 212 and 214 
are maintained in a fixed position within the sleeve 210 around the shaft 
60 by caps 216 and 218. The end portion 208 of the bracket 202 is 
nonrotatably connected to the sleeve 210. Also the bracket end portion 208 
is supported by an upper washer assembly 220 and a lower washer assembly 
222 on a housing 224 of the marking head assembly 58. 
The ball screw drive 206, as shown in FIG. 9 for actuating vertical 
reciprocal movement of the sleeve 210 on the shaft 60, includes a ball 
screw guide 226 drivingly connected to a ball screw 228 which is rotated 
in a preselected direction by the motor 62. The ball screw 228 includes an 
upper end portion 230 and a lower end portion 232. The ball screw lower 
end portion 232 is supported by a thrust bearing 234 mounted in a bearing 
plate 236 which is secured to the lower portion of the housing 136 on the 
end of the upper arm 134. The extreme end of the ball screw lower end 
portion 232 is sealed within a shaft seal 238. 
The upper end portion 230 of the ball screw 228 is also sealed by a shaft 
seal 240 and extends into driving engagement with a coupling 242. The 
coupling 242 is drivingly connected to an output shaft 244 of a right 
angle gear box 246. The gear box 246 is, in turn, connected by an air 
brake 248 to the motor 62. The motor 62 is preferably an air motor which 
is conventionally coupled to the air brake 248. 
In one embodiment, the gear box 246 has a five to one ratio, and the drive 
shaft 244 of the gear box 246 is connected to the ball screw 228 having a 
0.200 pitch or five threads per inch. Also, the ball screw 228 includes an 
encoder 250 drivingly connected through the gear box 246 to the ball screw 
upper end portion 230. The encoder provides 120 pulses per revolution, or 
600 pulses per inch. In one arrangement the motor 62 is controlled by a 
pair of three-way solenoid valves (not shown), and the air brake 248 is 
also operated by a single three-way solenoid valve. When the solenoid 
valve of the air brake 248 is not energized, the brake is in a holding 
position. 
Upon actuation of the motor 62 to rotate the ball screw 228 in a 
preselected direction, the ball screw guide 226 moves vertically on the 
ball screw 228 from the position illustrated by the solid lines in FIG. 9 
to the position illustrated in phantom in FIG. 9. As can be seen, the 
position of the ball screw 228 is parallel to the Z-axis of the shaft 60. 
With this arrangement, upon movement of the ball screw guide 226 to a 
preselected position on the ball screw 228, the sleeve 210 is carried by 
the bracket 202 to a corresponding vertical position on the shaft 60. 
The range of movement of the bracket 202 and the sleeve 210 on the shaft 60 
is indicated by the position of the bracket 204 and the sleeve 210 shown 
in phantom in FIG. 9. The sleeve 210 is rigidly connected to the housing 
224 of the marking assembly 58. Thus vertical reciprocal movement of the 
sleeve 210 generates vertical reciprocal movement of the marking head 
assembly 58 parallel to the Z-axis. 
The shaft 60 is also supported in the housing 136 for rotational movement 
through a preselected angle about the shaft 60 to also rotate the marking 
head assembly 58. Rotation of the shaft 60 is accomplished by actuation of 
the piston cylinder assembly 64, illustrated in detail in FIGS. 9 and 11. 
The piston cylinder assembly 64 includes a cylinder portion 252 connected 
a swivel-type bracket 254 to a plate 256 of the housing 136. The plate 256 
is, in turn, connected to a plate 258 secured to the end 56 of the upper 
arm 134. Also connected to the plate 256 is a shield 260 surrounding the 
motor 62. 
The piston cylinder assembly 64 includes a piston rod 262 which is 
extensible and retractable relative to the cylinder portion 252. The end 
portion of the piston rod 262 is connected by a clevis joint 264 to an end 
portion 266 of a lever arm 268. The lever arm 268 includes an opposite end 
portion 270 nonrotatably connected by a key 272 to the upper end portion 
166 of shaft 60. 
The piston cylinder assembly 64 is preferably a double action assembly 
operated by a 4-way two position solenoid valve (not shown). Flow of air 
to the cylinder portion 252 is controlled by the solenoid valve to extend 
and retract the piston rod 262. Extension of the piston rod 262 to the 
position illustrated in phantom in FIG. 11 pivots the lever arm 268 
through an angle to, in turn, rotate the shaft 60 about the Z-axis through 
a preselected degree of rotation, for example 90.degree. from the 
retracted position of piston rod 262 to the extended position of piston 
rod 262. In this manner the marking head assembly 58 is rotated 90.degree. 
about the shaft 60 from the position illustrated in FIG. 11 to the 
position illustrated in FIG. 1. 
Once the marking head assembly 58 has been moved to position the marking 
device 12 for marking a selected surface of the workpiece, such as a 
billet on the roll table 18, the marking head assembly 58 is locked in the 
desired pivoted position by a locking device generally designated by the 
numeral 274 in FIG. 11. The locking device 274 includes a double acting 
cylinder 276 having an extensible cylinder head 278 reciprocally mounted 
in a slide 280 which is mounted on the housing 136. The cylinder head 278 
has a wedge-like configuration adapted to be received within mating 
configured recesses 281 or 282 positioned on the periphery of the lever 
end portion 270 which is keyed to the shaft upper end portion 166. 
A pair of recesses 281 and 282 is shown in FIG. 11, but it should be 
understood that any number of recesses can be spaced around the periphery 
of the lever end portion 270. The recesses 281 and 282 are spaced 
90.degree. apart. With this arrangement the marking head assembly 58 can 
be locked in a first position, as illustrated in FIG. 11, or a second 
position, as illustrated in FIG. 2. 
To lock the marking head assembly 58 in the pivoted position illustrated in 
FIG. 11, the cylinder 276 is actuated, preferably by a 4-way two position 
solenoid operated, spring return valve (not shown) to extend the cylinder 
head 278 into engagement with the recess 282. Accordingly, if it is 
desired to reposition the marking head assembly 58, the cylinder head 278 
is retracted from recess 282 and the piston rod 262 is extended to rotate 
the marking head assembly 58, 90.degree. about the shaft 60. In this 
position the cylinder head 278 is positioned oppositely of recess 281. The 
rotated position of the marking head assembly 58 is then locked by 
actuating the double acting cylinder 276 to extend the cylinder head 278 
into the recess 281. Thus with this arrangement the marking head assembly 
68 is movable between a first position, as illustrated in FIG. 1 for end 
marking of a billet, and a second position, as illustrated in FIG. 11 for 
side marking of a billet. 
As above described, the marking head assembly 58 is rotatable with the 
shaft 60 about the Z-axis. The nonrotatable connection of the shaft 60 to 
the marking head assembly 58, as illustrated in FIG. 9, is accomplished by 
the connection of the arms 182 and 196 by pins 284 and 286 to the shaft 
60. The arms 182 and 196 are connected by the links 184 and 198 to the 
guide bar 186. The guide bar 186 passes through a cylindrical bearing 288 
retained with the housing 224 of the marking head assembly 58. With this 
arrangement when the shaft 60 rotates, the marking head assembly 58 also 
rotates through a corresponding angle. 
Further in accordance with the present invention, the guide bar 186 and the 
cylindrical bearing 288 facilitate vertical movement of the marking head 
assembly 58 on the shaft 60. Upon rotation of the ball screw 228 the ball 
screw guide 226 moves vertically on the ball screw 228. The housing 224 of 
the marking head assembly 58 moves vertically with the bracket 202 and the 
ball screw guide 226. The sleeve 210 is carried by the bracket 202 and is 
connected, as above described, to the housing 224 of the marking head 
assembly 58. The sleeve 210 thus moves vertically along the Z-axis and 
carries with it the marking head assembly 58. The vertical movement of the 
marking head assembly housing 228 is guided by movement of the cylindrical 
bearing 288 on the guide bar 186. 
As illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the interior of the housing 136 where the 
motor 62 and the piston cylinder assembly 64 are located is accessible by 
a pivotal housing cover 290. The housing cover 290 has been removed in 
FIG. 11 for clarity of illustration of the motor 62 and piston cylinder 
assembly 64. As shown in FIG. 10, the housing cover 290 is pivotally 
connected by a pin 292 to a hinge 294 mounted on the housing 136. In a 
similar arrangement the interior of the marking head assembly housing 224 
is accessible through a housing door 296 pivotally connected by a pin 298 
to a hinge 300. The door 296 is maintained closed by a latch 302. 
The marking head assembly housing 224 depends downwardly from its mounting 
on the shaft 60. The housing 224 forms an enclosure 304 for receiving the 
marking device 12. As shown in FIG. 9, the housing 224 includes a front 
wall 306 and a rear wall 308 connected to top and bottom walls 310 and 312 
and side wall 314. Positioned at the base of side wall 314 is a head plate 
316 which is connected by a bracket 318 to a sensor bar 320 for the 
marking device 12. The bracket 318 is supported by a bearing on the head 
plate 316 to permit pivotal movement of the bracket 318 about a pin 322 to 
provide adjustments in the angular position of the sensor bar 320 with 
respect to the objects to be marked on the roll table 18. 
One type of marking device 12 suitable for use with the present invention 
is a commercially available printhead for indenting the surface of the 
objects to be marked on the roll table 18 by dot matrix type markings, 
such as alphanumeric characters. In addition, a printhead, known as a 
spray paint marker, can also be utilized with the present invention to 
spray paint from nozzles onto the surface of the objects to be marked to 
form dot matrix characters. Contact and non-contact markers suitable for 
use with the present invention are available from M. E. Cunningham 
Company, Ingomar, PA 15127. 
The impact or contact type marker (not shown) includes a plurality of 
impact pins which are reciprocally mounted in a manifold connected to the 
head plate 316. With a non-contact type marking device, such as a spray 
paint marker, an array of spray nozzles are mounted in a manifold, which 
is also mounted on the head plate 316. With a contact or indentation type 
marking device, impact pins are arranged in alignment and spaced a 
preselected distance apart. Each pin is associated with one of a plurality 
of electrically operated solenoid valves supported by the manifold. The 
solenoid valves are operable to extend and retract the pins in a 
controlled manner to indent the surface of the object to be marked on the 
roll table 18 with dots to form a single-line dot matrix array of 
characters. 
To accommodate the extension and retraction of the pins, the sensor bar 320 
as illustrated in FIG. 10 is provided with a plurality of apertures 324 
which are aligned oppositely from the corresponding pins. Upon actuation 
of the respective solenoids, the pins extend through the apertures 320 
into contact with the surface of the object to be marked. In a similar 
arrangement for a spray paint marker, spray nozzles are positioned 
oppositely of the apertures 324 so that upon actuation of the respective 
nozzles a spray of paint is projected through the apertures 324 in a 
controlled manner onto the surface of the object to be marked to form a 
dot matrix array characters. 
Thus with both the contact and non-contact marking devices 12, the 
respective pins or nozzles are actuated in a controlled sequence to print 
a selected array of dot matrix characters a line at a time on the surface 
of the object to be marked. The characters indented or sprayed on the 
surface of the object are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis. The 
height of the characters is determined by the angle of inclination of the 
marking device 12 relative to the longitudinal axis of the objects to be 
marked on the surface of the roll table 18. As shown in FIG. 10, the 
marking device 12 is positioned at an angle with respect to the surface 
326 of the roll table 18. Accordingly, the sensor bar 320 is positioned at 
a corresponding angle so that regardless of the angle of inclination, the 
pin or paint spray passes through the apertures 324. 
Preferably when in the marking position, the impact pins or spray nozzles 
are positioned a preselected distance from the surface of the object to be 
marked. Accordingly, the marking head assembly 58 is moved to a position 
where the sensor bar 320 contacts the surface of the object to be marked. 
Preferably the upper arm 134 is moved by operation of the motor 52 to 
advance the marking head assembly 58 to a position where the sensor bar 
320 contacts the surface of the object to be marked. Contact of the sensor 
bar 320 with the surface of the object to be marked stops the horizontal 
movement of the upper arm 134 along the Y-axis. At this point the marking 
device 12 is ready for actuation, and preferably the upper arm 134 is 
incrementally retracted so that the sensor bar 320 is not in direct 
contact with the surface of the object to be marked but is at least, for 
example, 1/16 inch spaced from the object. 
Once the marking device 12 is in position for marking, the solenoid valves 
for actuating either the pins or the spray nozzles are actuated to print 
characters formed by dots on the surface. In both cases the dots formed by 
indentations or paint spray are spaced a preselected distance apart to 
form a selected array of dot matrix characters. The selection of 
characters to be inscribed on the surface of the object to be marked on 
the roll table 18 is programmable from a data entry terminal located 
remotely from the roll table 18. 
The apparatus for selecting the dot matrix characters for either the 
contact or non-contact type marking devices is located at an operator's 
terminal which is connected to a computer operated controller. The 
controller generates data and character signals which are transmitted to 
the marking device 12 for controlling operation of the solenoid valves to 
control movement of the impact pins into and out of contact with the 
surface of the object or control the spray of paint from the spray 
nozzles. 
The operator enters the selected characters to be impressed or sprayed on 
the object to be marked at the computer terminal. The input data is 
compiled by the controller, and corresponding output signals are 
transmitted to the marking device 12 for operation of the electrically 
actuated solenoid valves in an on and off manner. The solenoid valves 
control the flow of pressurized air to the manifold for reciprocating the 
impact pins or actuating the spray nozzles. 
As shown in FIG. 9, an air supply line 328 is connected to a fitting 330 
mounted on the manifold of the marking device 12. The solenoid valves then 
control the flow of air under pressure to the respective impact pins or 
the nozzles to extend the pins to impact the surface or to actuate a spray 
from the nozzles to form by indentation or spraying an array of dots on 
the surface of the object to be marked. A return air line 332 is connected 
to a fitting 334 also mounted on the manifold of the marking device 12 and 
constantly supplies at a pressure less than the air pressure in the air 
supply line 328 to the pins or nozzles to maintain the pins in a normally 
retracted position or to maintain the nozzles closed. The air supply 
pressure exceeds the return air pressure. Thus when the respective 
solenoid valves are opened, the pins are extended or the nozzles are 
opened. When the solenoid valves are closed, the air supply is cut off and 
the constant return air supply acts against the pins to retract the pins 
from the surface or to close the nozzles. 
While the above described marking apparatus 10 is adaptable for use in both 
contact and non-contact type dot matrix devices, other known marking 
devices can be utilized with the present invention. For example, the 
marking head assembly 58 is adaptable to operatively support both single 
and multiple marking wheels that include a plurality of marking characters 
or elements on the peripheral surface thereof. 
A single wheel marker adaptable for use with the present invention is 
illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,214,520 and 4,410,287. 
Marking devices that include a plurality of marking wheels for marking 
roll stock and the like are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,306,186; 
3,541,954; and 3,636,871. Accordingly, it should be understood that the 
marking apparatus 10 of the present invention for moving the marking 
assembly 58 in a plurality of planes along a plurality of axes is not 
limited to the use of contact or non-contact markers but is also adaptable 
for use with the known marking wheel type markers. The details of marking 
wheel type markers is beyond the scope of the present invention. 
Further in accordance with the present invention, the apparatus 10 is 
adaptable for positioning any type of machine to be carried on the 
assembly 58 into a preselected position for carrying out a specific 
function. For example, the assembly 58 can be adapted to automatically 
position a welding machine for welding components positioned on the roll 
table 18. In another embodiment of the present invention the assembly 58 
can be adapted to carry a cutting tool to carry out machining operations. 
These and other types of automated manufacturing processes can be carried 
out by the present invention. 
Regardless of the type of marking device 12 utilized on the marking head 
assembly 58, the marking head assembly 58 is pivotal to a preselected 
position for impressing the desired mark on a preselected surface of the 
object to be marked on the roll table 18. For example, in the case of 
billets, slabs, bars, ingots, or the like, end marking or side marking can 
be accomplished by pivoting the marking head assembly 58 on the upper arm 
end 134. Once the marking head assembly 58 is in the desired position, it 
is locked in place by the engagement of the cylinder head 278 within one 
of the recesses 281 or 282 for the locking device 274 associated with the 
shaft 60 as above discussed. 
To carry out end marking of a billet for example, the marking head assembly 
58 and marking device 12 is pivoted by operation of the piston cylinder 
assembly 64 to the position where the marking head assembly 58 is at an 
angle of 90.degree. relative to the base 22. The marking head assembly 58 
is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the end marking position. Once the 
marking head assembly 58 is locked in this position, the motor 62 is 
actuated to rotate the ball screw 228, shown in FIG. 9, in a preselected 
direction to advance the ball screw guide 226 to a preselected position on 
the ball screw 228, for example the position of the guide 226 illustrated 
in FIG. 9. 
The marking head assembly 58 through its connection by the bracket 202 to 
the ball screw guide 226 moves vertically on the shaft 60. In this manner 
the marking head assembly 58 is moved to the desired position on the shaft 
60 to locate the marking device 12 at the desired height for marking the 
billets on the roll table 18. Horizontal movement of the carriage 46 on 
the main beam 68 in a preselected direction is then accomplished by 
actuation of the motor 48. The carriage 46 is moved horizontally along the 
X-axis "left" or "right" relative to the roll table 18. The carriage 46 is 
in the "home" or "extreme right" position as illustrated in solid in FIG. 
2. The "left" horizontal position of the carriage 46 is illustrated in 
phantom in FIG. 2. 
As well known in the art, conventional roll tables include stop mechanisms 
for interrupting the conveying action of the table. When the billet 
engages the stop, the stop is lowered and the table will not be run. The 
stop cannot be raised until the marking head assembly 58 is raised out of 
the marking position. 
Accordingly, once the billet has engaged the stop of the roll table and the 
stop has lowered, the piston cylinder assembly 66 is actuated to pivot the 
main beam 68 to move the marking head assembly 58 downwardly in an arcuate 
path from the position illustrated in phantom to the position illustrated 
in solid lines in FIG. 1. The marking head assembly 58 is then moved to a 
preselected position relative to the center line of the roll table 18 by 
horizontal in and out movement of the upper arm 134 relative to the 
carriage 46. The motor 52 is actuated to advance the upper arm 134 in the 
out direction along the Y-axis toward the roll table 18. 
The carriage 46 is moved horizontally on the main beam 68 along the X-axis 
to a position where the sensor bar 320 contacts the end of the billet to 
stop the drive of the roll table 18 and movement of the carriage 46 on the 
main beam 68. The marking device 12 is then in the marking position for 
end marking. The marking device 12 is then actuated to inscribe the 
desired identification mark or message on the end of the billet. After the 
marking operation is completed, the marking head assembly 58 is retracted 
away from the billet by actuating the motor 48 to move the carriage 46 on 
the main beam 68 from left to right, i.e. from the position of the 
carriage 46 illustrated in phantom in FIG. 2 to the position of the 
carriage 46 illustrated in solid. Thereafter the lift cylinder 66 is 
actuated to lift or move the marking head assembly 58 in an arcuate path 
from the position of the upper arm 134 illustrated in solid in FIG. 1 to 
the position illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1. 
Once the marking head assembly 58 has been lifted to the raised position, 
the horizontal drive motor 52 is actuated for horizontal "in-out" movement 
of the marking head assembly 58. After the marking operation, the upper 
arm 134 moves to the in position which is away from the roll table 18. A 
suitable length of travel of the marking head assembly 58 upon retraction 
of the upper arm 134 is 6 inches from the center line of the roll table 
18. Once the marking assembly 58 is raised, the roll table 18 immediately 
begins to convey the billets. When the next successive billet is advanced 
against the stop, the stop is lowered and the above described cycle of 
movement of the marking head assembly 58 is repeated. The marking head 
assembly 58 is moved to a position where the sensor bar 320 abuts the 
billet, the billet is marked, and the marking device 12 is raised out of 
the marking position. 
Side marking of a billet is also performed by the marking apparatus 10 of 
the present invention. Initially the marking head assembly 58 is pivoted 
to the side marking position by actuation of the piston cylinder assembly 
64 to retract the piston 262 into the cylinder 252 to position the sensor 
bar 320 in the position illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11. The marking head 
assembly 58 is then locked into position by extension of the cylinder head 
278 into the recess 282 to lock the position of the marking head assembly 
on the shaft 60. Thereafter the marking head assembly 58 is moved to the 
desired position on the shaft 60 for adjusting the height of the marking 
device 12 for side marking of a billet. The positioning cycle is initiated 
with the upper arm 134 in the "home" or in position. Also, the carriage 46 
is advanced on the main beam 68 to its rightmost or "home" position. 
At the point when the billet has engaged the stop of the roll table 18 and 
the stop has lowered, the table will not operate, and steps can be taken 
to suitably clamp the billet if required. Thereafter the carriage 46 is 
then advanced from its "home" position, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 
2, a preselected distance along the X-axis, for example to the position of 
the carriage 46 illustrated in solid in FIG. 2. The upper arm 134 is then 
advanced along the Y-axis toward the billet on the roll table until the 
sensor bar 320 contacts the billet. At this point the horizontal in-out 
movement is terminated, and the marking device 12 is in position for 
marking. If desired, the upper arm 134 can be retracted an incremental 
amount to remove the sensor bar 320 from immediate contact with the 
billet. Once the marking operation is complete, the upper arm 134 is 
retracted to the "home" position, and the roll table 18 is actuated 
automatically to convey the next billet in position for marking. Also at 
this time the carriage 46 is advanced to its "home" position on the main 
beam 68. 
According to the provisions of the patent statutes, I have explained the 
principle, preferred construction and mode of operation of my invention, 
and have illustrated and described what I now consider to represent its 
best embodiment. However, it should be understood that within the scope of 
the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as 
specifically illustrated and described.