Patent GB-893691-A (GB)
Title: Device for stamping code numbers on cans or other articles
IPC: B41F17/16
Filed: 1960-06-08
Abstract: 893,691. Printing on cans. NICHOLS, P. F. June 8, 1960 [June 12, 1959], No. 20145/60. Class 100(2) Apparatus for stamping each of a plurality of articles fed past the apparatus on a conveyer comprises a plunger slidably mounted above the conveyer, a stamp-carrying spindle slidably mounted beneath the plunger in axial alignment therewith and spaced therefrom and means for vertically reciprocating the plunger so that it strikes the spindle and presses the stamp carried thereby into engagement with each article as it is being fed past the apparatus, the stamp being mounted for limited pivotal movement in relation to the spindle so that as it engages the moving article, it pivots and follows the movement thereof. The apparatus is contained in a housing 10 to the back plate 11 of which is secured a solenoid 24 and a bearing block 30. The sliding core 26 of the solenoid constitutes the actuating plunger of the apparatus, the solenoid being energized each time a can A passes beneath the apparatus by means of a microswitch which is closed by contact with the can. A timer is incorporated in the solenoid circuit which ensures that the impulse received by the solenoid lasts for only about one-sixth of a second. A spindle 22 is slidable in the bearing block 30 and is biased upwards by a spring 23. At its lower end the spindle 22 carries a stamping head 20. The head 20 comprises side plates 39 between which is which is mounted a type-supporting base 33. The plates 39 are pivoted at 25 to a supporting frame 43 secured to the lower end of the spindle and are under the influence of an over-centre biasing means 37 which tends to maintain the head 20 in either of the two positions shown in Fig. 9 When the solenoid 24 is momentarily energized and the core 26 thereof strikes the upper end of the spindle 22, the head 20, in the full-line position, moves down until a rubber or like friction bar 47 at the leading edge thereof engages the top of a moving can A. As the can moves along its horizontal path the head 20 is swung round to the dotted line position and the type in the base 33 makes an impression on the can, the over-centre biasing means tending to accelerate the pivotal movement of the head. As the spindle and head are moved upwards by the spring 23 cam portions 41 on the plates 39 engage a stop 49 on the back plate 11 whereby the head 20 is returned to its full-line position. The solenoid 24 may be replaced by a pneumatic cylinder housing a piston and piston rod which actuates the spindle 22, the cylinder being controlled by a solenoidoperated valve. The timer in the circuit of the solenoid 24 or of the solenoid operating the penumatic cylinder valve may be omitted in which case the lower end of the core 26 or the piston rod is padded with a disc of sponge-like cellular plastic or the like to prevent rebounding of the spindle 22 therefrom after an impression has been made. Inking apparatus. The type in the base 33 are inked by pads 50 carried between arms 38 to an extension 36 of the bearing block 30. In the raised position of the head 20 the pads 50 are held in contact with the type by means of a spring 53. As the head moves downwards rollers 42 carried by the frame 43 engage rails 40 carried by the inner faces of the arms 38 and cam the inking device outwards to the position shown in Fig. 5.