Patent GB-863035-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in rotary keyboard embossing machines
IPC: B41J3/413
Filed: 1957-10-21
Abstract: 863,035. Selective embossing machines. FABBRICA ITALIANA MACCHINE AZIENDALI. Oct. 21, 1957 [Oct. 24, 1956], No. 32858/57. Class 100(4) Embossing and like machines. A machine for imprinting symbols on name or data plates by means of punches 4, 5 distributed over the periphery of a rotary drum 1, has means to selectively rotate the drum to bring a pair of punches into imprinting position in either direction whichever is the most convenient. In the embodiment shown on Figs. 1, 2 and 4 the drum 1 is rotated by a shaft having a bevel gear 9 permanently in mesh with gears 6, 7 which are driven through electromagnetic friction clutches 100, 101 from a power driven shaft 8. Operation of either of these clutches determines the direction of rotation of the punch drum 1, and is dependent upon which of the key contacts 110/1-110/45 are operated and the position of two half-rings 102, 103 mounted on a disc 14 rotating with the drum shaft 3. The, rings 102, 103 are separated by spacers 121 and 121/1 and travel past a series of contact brushes 106/1-106/45, one for each key. Continuous rings 104, 105, also fitted to the disc 14, are connected respectively to relays 120, 119 connected to friction clutch magnets 100, 101. Type-wheel action using auxiliary power. When one of the forty-five keys is depressed contacts, e.g. 110/1 and 110/1<SP>1</SP>, close and operate an electromagnet 111/1 &c. which raises a stop 20 into the path of a stopping arm 16 fast to the central shaft. When the arm contacts the stop 20 the required symbol is at impression position. Contacts 110/1 complete a circuit through brush 106/1 and either ring 102 or 103, according to where the disc 14 is positioned at the time, and this, through rings 104 or 105 and relays 120, 119 operates either clutch 100 or 101 giving required direction of rotation. The clutch is disconnected when the space 121/1 is below a brush 106/1-106/45. Before the arm 16 reaches the stop 20, feelers 26 or 27 engage the stop 20 and close contacts 122/1 or 123/1 and energise a brake magnet 124. In order to brake under variations in angular speed a pinion on shaft 3 (Figs. 5a, 6c, not shown) slides a rack whose distance of travel grows with the angle of rotation and, by linkage to the disc 14 moves the halfrings 102, 103 so that the friction clutches are disengaged earlier. When the stop arm 16 engages the stop 20, contacts 109/1 or 109/2 close to effect operation of relay 125 and electric friction clutch 126. In a modification, Fig. 6, the direction of rotation is determined by which of contacts 55/1 or 55/1<SP>1</SP> are closed. Operation of a key say 50/1 shifts linkage 51/1, 52/1, 53/1 and shears 54/1 attempt to close both the upper and lower contacts. However two half-discs 49 on the shaft 3 prevent one from closing while the other one closes to actuate the appropriate electric clutch. Aligning for impression. An eccentric on the shaft 11 operates an aligning tooth 31 which engages the toothed rim of 30 of the drum 2. Impression arrangements. Embossing or punching is effected by two jaws 22, 23 pivoted on shoulders 24, 25 and controlled by an eccentric on the shaft 11. Case-shift. The selection electromagnets 111 and the stops 20 together with the punch drums 1 and 2, are angularly displaced to bring upper case characters into impression position. Keyboard locks. Cam contact on the shaft 11 liberates the keyboard by way of lever system 32, 33, 34 to permit the operator to depress the next desired key.