Patent Publication Number: US-7908968-B2

Title: Vertical marking system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/943,614, filed Jun. 13, 2007, titled Vertical Marking System. The present application is related by the same inventors for all applications; Jerry Wayne McCoin, and Wanda Sue McCoin. The U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/943,614, filed Jun. 13, 2007, titled Vertical Marking System is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a device for marking a vertical stack of pallets, boxes, or items in a single cycle process. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Wooden pallets may be required to be heat treated and after heat treating to be marked with a certification stamp or marking. These requirements may apply to international shipment of pallets as well as some interstate and interregional shipments. ISPM 15 standards currently require all heat treatment certification stamps be administered after the heat treating process. Current technology and regulations require that the pallets be in a vertical stack for required heat soaking. Typically, the pallets are first built, next stacked, then heat treated, and finally stamped. Regulations may require the pallets to be marked on two opposing sides of the pallet after heat treating. Heat treating chambers are designed to heat treat pallets in a vertical stack. However, the horizontal, automated printing, stamping processes that are now in place are not designed so that pallet can be marked or stamped after they are heat-treated while still in a vertical stack. With current horizontal, automated marking systems each pallet must be moved from a vertical stack to a horizontal line to be marked or stamped in a horizontal production process. This requires very costly and unproductive un-stacking of the pallets after heat-treating followed by restacking in the vertical stack for shipping. An alternative is to manually hand-stamp each pallet in a vertical stack but this is very time consuming and labor intensified. When pallets are stamped or marked manually, it takes one or two people to perform the operation and the forklift operator is still needed to move the stacks of pallets for them. 
     For pallet heat treating, it would be more efficient to have a system or process where the pallets are not un-stacked between the heat treating process and the marking and certifying process such that the pallets remain stacked ready for shipment. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have a vertical, automated marking system to apply markings or a heat treatment certification such that the pallets or other items could be marked vertically instead of un-stacked for the marking process. 
     SUMMARY 
     A system, apparatus, and method for a vertical marking system comprising a means for marking and a means for vertical positioning wherein the means for marking is attached with the means for vertical positioning. The vertical marking system may include a means for moving the vertical stack of items through the vertical marking system whereby the vertical stack of items may transition from an entry end of the vertical marking system to an exit end of the vertical marking system; a programmable control system for adjusting the distance between multiple means for vertical positioning mechanisms; and a means for centering the vertical stack of items in relationship to the means for marking. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of one embodiment of the vertical marking system in use; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the vertical marking system depicting one embodiment of the vertical positioning mechanism with means for marking; 
         FIG. 3  is an entry front view of one embodiment of a vertical marking system; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a centering bar depicting one embodiment of the vertical marking system; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial entry right front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  along the line  5 - 5  of a vertical marking system; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial entry left front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  along the line  6 - 6  of a vertical marking system; 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart depicting the steps in the method of an embodiment of the vertical marking system; 
         FIG. 8  is a logic chart depicting the sequence of operations of an embodiment of the vertical marking system; 
         FIG. 9A  is a front view of a means for marking depicting one embodiment of the vertical marking system with a laser marker with a defused lens; 
         FIG. 9B  is a top view of a means for marking depicting one embodiment of the vertical marking system with a means for protection; and 
         FIG. 9C  is a top view of a means for marking depicting one embodiment of the vertical marking system with means for removing smoke. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of marking a vertical stack of pallets or other vertically stacked items in a single cycle process. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. 
     Overview: 
     A vertical marking system  100  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 9C  is a device, system, and method for vertically marking a stack of pallets or other vertically stacked items in a single cycle process. The vertical marking system  100  can stamp, imprint, mark, or print a stack of pallets or other stacked items vertically. The vertical marking system  100  is designed to print, imprint, or mark a marking or certification on a stack of pallets or other stacked items vertically as the marker moves either upward, or downward. If desired, the vertical marking system  100  may eliminate the need for the marker head to return to bottom before it starts printing again. In addition, this device allows vertical stacks of pallets to be taken directly from a heat treatment chamber and placed in the vertical marking system  100  without the need for un-stacking the pallets thus eliminating many hours of labor; and allowing for a more productive, cost efficient operation. The vertical marking system  100  can be used to mark the size of a pallet, a company name or identification number, heat-treat marks, or other identifying marks on stacks of pallets or other stacked items and place a more legible mark on the items than one that is manually placed on the item or pallet. 
     Design Specifications: 
     A Vertical Marking System  100 : 
     The vertical marking system  100  includes a means for vertical positioning  200  and a means for marking  250 . The means for vertical positioning  200  positions or aligns the means for marking  250  in relation to a vertical stack of items for marking an item or items. A programmable control system  130  may be operationally connected with the vertical marking system  100 , including the means for vertical positioning  200 , and the means for marking  250 . The vertical stack of items, the item, or the items are defined as workpieces for the vertical marking system  100  to mark or imprint. The means for vertical positioning  200  starts moving the means for marking  250  vertically and continues moving vertically until reaching a stop signal. The stop signal is defined as an upper limit of travel or a lower limit of travel with switches and/or vertical sensors  272 . Upon reaching the stop signal the vertical movement stops such that a current vertical stack of items may be replaced with a next vertical stack of items. The current vertical stack of items is defined as the vertical stack of items the means for marking  250  is currently marking and the next vertical stack of items is defined as the vertical stack of items awaiting marking. The means for marking  250  as detailed in this specification imprints markings on the items of the vertical stack of items. The means for vertical positioning  200  as detailed in this specification may continue from upper limit to lower limit or the lower limit to the upper limit marking the items in the vertical stack of items without needing to pause for marking with certain means of marking  250 . With other means of marking  250 , the means for vertical positioning  200  may pause between the upper limit and lower limit for marking the items in the vertical stack of items and then resume vertical movement until reaching the stop signal. The vertical marking system  100  may be constructed for a vertical stack of 20-22 wooden pallets which is an optimum size for many heat treatment chambers. The vertical marking system  100  may include a means for moving the vertical stack of items  300  through the vertical marking system  100  whereby the vertical stack of items may transition from an entry end  320  of the vertical marking system to an exit end  330  of the vertical marking system. 
     A Means for Vertical Positioning  200 : 
     A vertical marking system  100  may include the vertical positioning mechanism  200 ; the means for marking  250 ; a vertical sensor  272  attached with the vertical marking system  100  for sensing the items that are in the vertical stack of items and for sensing an upper limit of travel and a lower limit of travel for the vertical positioning mechanism  200 ; and a programmable control system  130  for controlling the vertical marking system  100  such that the programmable control system  130  is operationally connected with the vertical positioning mechanism  200 , the means for marking  250  or a laser marker  262 , and the vertical sensor  272  such that the means for marking  250  continues moving vertically until reaching a marking signal, whereby the marking signal is computed by the programmable control system  130  operationally connected with the vertical sensor  272  and is aligned, and may pause the vertical movement, such that the means for marking  250  is vertically aligned in relation to the item of the vertical stack of items for marking, marks the item, and thereafter the vertical positioning mechanism  200  moves the means for marking  250  vertically and continues moving vertically and marking items until reaching a stop signal, whereby the stop signal may be computed by the programmable control system  130  operationally connected with the vertical sensor  272  and is the upper or lower limit of travel, wherein the vertical movement stops for replacing the vertical stack of items with a next vertical stack of items. The means for vertical positioning  200  may include a hydraulic lift, a chain driven lift, a scissor lift frame, a travel mechanism or the vertical positioning mechanism  200 . The vertical positioning mechanism  200  may include a vertical positioning frame  210 ; an upper support structure  231 ; a vertical positioning mechanism plate  212  for attaching the means for marking  250  with the vertical positioning mechanism  200 ; a vertical worm screw or a vertical ball screw nut threaded rod  220 , including upper and lower vertical worm screw or threaded rod bearings  226 ,  227  for attaching the vertical worm screw or threaded rod  220  with the vertical positioning frame  200 , and the upper support structure  231 ; a vertical worm screw or threaded rod gear motor  222  attached with the threaded rod  220  and the vertical positioning mechanism  200 ; and vertical support tubing  230  attached with the vertical positioning frame  210 , the vertical positioning plate  212 , and the upper support structure  231  such that the vertical positioning plate  212  is attached with the threaded rod  220  and the vertical positioning plate  212  travels vertically up and down as the threaded rod  220  is rotated by the threaded rod gear motor  222  whereby the programmable control system  130  is operationally connected with the vertical threaded rod motor  222  and the vertical sensor  272  for vertically raising and lowering the laser marker  262 . The travel or vertical positioning mechanism frame  210  may include a structure for the travel or vertical positioning mechanism  200  which may include: A travel mechanism plate  212  that may be threaded to fit with a vertical worm screw  220  and by turning the vertical worm screw  220  the travel mechanism plate  212  travels up and down the vertical worm screw  220 . In one embodiment the vertical positioning mechanism plate or the travel mechanism plate  212  may be approximately 6 inches by 6 inches. The vertical worm screw  220  may be attached with the travel mechanism frame  210  with an upper and a lower travel mechanism worm screw bearing  226 ,  227  with set screws or locking collar bearing. A lower threaded rod bearing bracket  225  may be welded in center lower outside portion of each of vertical positioning mechanism  200 . An upper threaded rod bearing bracket  224  may be welded with the center portion of an upper support structure  231  or upper support structure  231  attached with the top of the vertical support tubing  230  approximately 110 inches up on the vertical support tubing  230 . The upper and lower threaded rod bearing  226 ,  227  may be bolted to upper and lower threaded rod bearing bracket  224 ,  225 , for holding the vertical threaded rod  220 . A vertical threaded rod gear motor  222  may be mounted with bottom or top of the vertical threaded rod  220  for turning the vertical threaded rod  220  for raising and lowering the vertical positioning mechanism plate  212 . With the vertical positioning mechanism  200  on two opposing sides for marking two opposing side of the vertical stack of items concurrently, two vertical threaded rod gear motors  222  may be required. The vertical positioning frame  210  may include the vertical support tubing  230  located on each side of the vertical threaded rod  220  wherein the vertical threaded rod  220  may be in the center of the vertical positioning frame  210  with the vertical support tubing  230  welded eight inches outward in both directions from the center of the vertical threaded rod  220  and vertical positioning mechanism  200 . The vertical support tubing  230  may be linear bearing, seamless tubing, or telescoping tubing. The upper vertical support structure  231  may be welded at top of the vertical support tubing  230  for support. The upper support structure  231  may attach the vertical support tubing  230  with the upper threaded rod bearing bracket  224 . Gusset support brackets  232  may be welded to the vertical support tubing  230  and the upper support structure  231  as well as the vertical support tubing  230  and the vertical positioning mechanism  200  for additional support and strength. The vertical positioning mechanism sleeves  234  may fit over each of the vertical support tubing  230  and may be attached with the vertical positioning mechanism plate  212 . The vertical positioning mechanism sleeves  234  may be 12 inch sleeves in length. Brackets may be used for attaching the different limit switches for the vertical marking system  100 . An upper limit switch  242  may set a limit for the vertical positioning mechanism  200  and act as a stop signal by signaling the programmable control system  130  that the vertical marking process has been completed in the upward direction and send a signal to eject the vertical stack of items. The upper limit switch  242  may be bolted on vertical threaded rod  220 , the upper support structure  231 , or the vertical support tubing  230 . The upper limit switch  242  may be operationally connected with the programmable control system  130 . In addition, a lower limit switch  243  may be included with the vertical positioning mechanism  200  wherein the lower limit switch is  243  disposed with the bottom portion of the vertical positioning mechanism  200  that may stop the vertical movement of the vertical positioning mechanism  200 . The lower limit switch  243  may set a limit for bottom of vertical positioning mechanism  200  and act as stop signal by signaling the programmable control system  130  that the vertical marking process has been completed in the downward direction and send a signal to eject the vertical stack of items. The lower limit switch  243  may be bolted on vertical threaded rod  220 , the vertical positioning mechanism  200 , or the vertical support tubing  230 . The lower limit switch  243  may act as a safety stop for the downward motion of the vertical positioning mechanism  200 . The lower limit switch  243  may be operationally connected with the programmable control system  130 . 
     A Means For Marking  250 : 
     In one embodiment the means for marking  250  may include a print head  262  attached with the means for vertical positioning, travel mechanism, or vertical positioning mechanism  200  or vertical positioning mechanism plate  212  wherein the print head  262  may be attached with the vertical positioning mechanism plate  212  with bolts. The print head  262  may include a laser print head, an ink jet print head, a brander, or other marking device operationally connected to the programmable control system  130 . If the laser marker  262  travels slower, the laser marker  262  is filled in more for easier reading of the mark. The laser marker  262  may include a defused lens  292  that produces a broader mark on the item. The defused lens  292  does not focus the laser beam as tightly thus burning a wider mark. For safety, the laser marker  262  and the brander may include a means for protection  294  from a laser injury similar to a guard around the means for marking to prevent personal injuries. The means for protection  294  may be as simple as a metal plate extending in the direction of the laser beam to prevent a hand from extending in the path of the laser beam. Due to the possibility of smoke being created by the laser marker or the brander, a means for removing smoke  296  including but not limited to a vacuum tube may be included to suction the smoke away and exhaust it from the work area. With the laser print head embodiment, a means for controlling the distance  280  between the means for marking  250  and the item being marked may not be as critical as the laser marker  262  may mark a longer distance from workpiece. With an ink jet print head embodiment, the ink jet head  262  may need to be about one fourth of an inch from the workpiece and in addition to vertical movement and movement toward and away from the vertical stack, the ink jet print head may need to move horizontally as much as five inches. Therefore, the ink jet head  262  may require the means for controlling the distance  280  between the means for marking  250  and the item being marked. The means for controlling the distance between the marking means and the item being marked may include the programmable control system  130  and a distance controlling sensor  282  or photo eye along with a mechanical driven or air driven extension device to provide movement into or away from the item to mark the item. A printer sensor  272  may be included and attached with the vertical positioning mechanism plate  212  or print head  262  for sensing the distance from the print head  262  or means for marking  250  to the workpiece to mark. In some embodiments, the printer sensor  272  and the distance controlling sensor  282  may be the same sensor fulfilling a dual function. The print head  262  and or programmable control system  130  may be programmed for multiple different markings by wire communication or wireless communication  600 . This will assist in complying with requirements that stamps or markings must be legible and traceable as well as permanent on pallets for international regulation compliance. A wireless communications system  600  operationally connected with the means for marking  250  will further allow for remote changing of designs and markings for different customer or order requirements. The printer sensor  272  may further sense the middle of each item to mark. The printer sensor  272  may include photo cells or fiber optic eyes. Another means for controlling the vertical positioning  200  and the means for marking  250  vertically may include timing and or distance traveled by the vertical positioning mechanism  200  along with the programmable control system  130  to compute and control the locations to mark the items or a marking signal. 
     The Programmable Control System  130 : 
     The programmable control system  130  may control a means for marking  250  including the print head  262  and the vertical marking process; and a means for vertical positioning  200  including up and down vertical positioning whereby the vertical marking process starts vertically and continues until reaching a marking signal or a stop signal; a means for centering  400  the vertically stacked items in relation to the vertical positioning mechanism  200 ; the position of adjustable width vertical positioning mechanisms  200 ; and a means for horizontally moving the vertically stacked items through the vertical marking system  100 . The programmable control system  130  is operationally connected wherein the operational connection may include directly wired and/or wireless connections for input and output. The programmable control system  130  may print in one vertical direction, either up or down, then eject the vertical stack of items, next position the next stack of items, and resume print in the other vertical direction, either up or down. This is more efficient with time and there is less wear on the moving parts. The forward/reverse electrical switch  342 , starter and fuse block may be attached with the programmable control system  130 . An Allen and Bradley model 1762-L24BWARE MICROLOGIC 1200 is one of several processors that may be used with the programmable control system  130 . 
     A Vertical Marking System Frame  110 : 
     The vertical marking system  100  may include a means for moving the vertical stack of items  300  through the vertical marking system  100 . The means for moving the vertical stack of items through the vertical marking system  100  may include the vertical marking system frame  110 , a horizontal drive chain  500 , a means for centering  400 , a means for marking  250 , and multiple adjustable vertical positioning mechanisms  200 . The vertical positioning mechanism  200  may be attached with the vertical marking system frame  110  and the vertical marking system frame  110  may include a base  112 , an entry end  320  of the base, and an exit end  330  of the base. The vertical marking system frame  110  is the lower part of the vertical marking system  100  and may be made of steel channel and tubing. 
     A Horizontal Drive Chain  500 : 
     The vertical marking system  100  may include an idler sprocket  326 , a drive sprocket  336 , a drive chain  500 , and a drive chain motor  340 , wherein the idler sprocket  326  and the drive sprocket  336  may be attached with the vertical positioning mechanism  200  or the vertical marking system frame  110 ; the drive chain  500  is attached with the idler sprocket  326  and the drive sprocket  336 ; and the drive chain motor  340  is attached with the drive sprocket  336  such that the drive chain  500  moves the vertical stack of items horizontally from the entry end  320  of the vertical marking system frame  110  to the exit end  330 . A horizontal activation sensor  510  may be attached with the vertical marking system  100  wherein the horizontal activation sensor  510  is operationally connected with the programmable control system  130  such that horizontal activation sensor  510  senses the vertical stack of items at the entry end  320  of the vertical marking system  100  and the programmable control system  130  activates the drive chain  500  to transition the vertical stack of items through the vertical marking system  100 . The drive chain activation electrical limit switch  510  may be bolted on the top portion of the vertical positioning mechanism  200  left side referenced as facing the entry end  320  and disposed approximately two feet from the entry end  320  of the vertical marking system  100 . The drive chain electrical limit switch or horizontal activation sensor  510  may be preferably a photo cell operationally connected with the programmable control system  130  that activates the horizontal drive chain  500  when a vertical stack is sensed. The drive chain track  310  includes a track made of tubing or channel mounted, that may be welded, on the inside of each vertical positioning mechanism  200 , for mounting an idler sprocket  336  and a drive sprocket  336  on each drive chain track  310  for supporting a drive chain  500 . The idler sprocket  326  may be bolted to the side drive chain track  310 . The idler sprockets  326  may be number 60 size sprockets. The drive sprocket  336  may be bolted to the drive chain track  310 . The drive sprockets  336  may be number 60 type sprockets. The vertical marking system frame  110  may include dead rollers for assisting the vertical stack in exiting the vertical marking system  100  as the vertical stack approaches the end of the drive chain  500  at the exit end  330  of the vertical marking system frame  110 . The horizontal drive chain  500  may include roller chain that may be number 60 type chain cut to length. The drive chain  500  may be engaged with the idler sprocket  326  and drive sprocket  336  then connected with a master link. The electrical drive chain gear motor  340  may be attached with each vertical positioning mechanism  200  preferably bolted on the vertical positioning mechanism  200  and connected with the electrical drive chain shaft  338  for powering drive chain shaft  338  to power the horizontal drive chain  500  for moving the vertical stack horizontally through the vertical marking system  100  from the entry end  320  to the exit end  330 . The electrical drive chain shaft  338  may be attached with bearings. One embodiment may include one electrical drive chain gear motor  340  with each drive chain  500  on each of the two vertical positioning mechanisms  200 . In addition, a forward/reverse electrical switch  342  may be include with the electrical drive chain gear motor  340  for adjusting the vertical stack disposition as it moves through the vertical marking system  100  from the entry end  320  to the exit end  330 . The forward/reverse electrical switch  342  may be operationally connected to the electrical drive chain gear motor  340  and the programmable control system  130 . The vertical threaded rod gear motor  222 , the adjustable width gear motor  301 , and the electrical drive chain gear motor  340  may use couples for attaching with the sprockets or worm drives. 
     A Means for Centering  400 : 
     The vertical marking system  100  may include a means for centering  400  the vertical stack of items for alignment with the means for marking  250 . A horizontal alignment sensor  430  may be operationally connected with the programmable control system  130  whereby the horizontal alignment sensor  430  stops the drive chain when the vertical stack of items is in alignment for marking with the means for marking  250 . The means for centering  400  may include the vertical stack of items being centered by: being manually positioned by forklift driver, the forklift driver may use a light that comes on when the vertical stack is adjusted to mid location by forklift driver, an automatic system with a drive chain  500  may adjusts the position of vertical stack to center after manually setting the limit switch bracket, horizontal alignment sensor  430 , or gauge block  420  on the centering bar  410 , remote input of width of vertical stack with the vertical marking system  100  may automatically adjust the horizontal alignment sensor  430  of gauge block to stop the drive chain  500  when vertical stack is in the proper position, or more sensors and programming may be added so that the length of the vertical stack is automatically sensed and the gauge block is then automatically adjusted for centering the vertical stack on the vertical marking system  100 . To center the stack of pallets lengthwise for marking, the operator may adjust the limit switch bracket or gauging block  420  by sliding it on the measuring tubing  416 , preferably the measuring tubing  416  is a one inch bar. As shown in  FIG. 4  for one embodiment, the mid point  402  of vertical marking system  100  is depicted illustrating an approximate middle of the vertical marking system where the vertical marking system  100  may be place the mark or stamp. Another embodiment including a means for centering may include a centering bar  410  including a mid centering bracket  412 . The mid centering bracket  412  may be welded to the vertical positioning mechanism  200 , on the left side of the vertical positioning mechanism  200  referenced as facing the entry  320  portion of the vertical marking system  100 , with the mid centering bracket  412  located in approximately the middle  402  of the vertical positioning mechanism  200 . The exit centering bracket  414  may be located toward the exit end  330  of the vertical positioning mechanism  200  from the mid centering bracket  412 , in alignment with the mid centering bracket  412  for receiving a measuring tube  416  and preferably welded to the vertical positioning mechanism  200 . The measuring tubing  416  may be attached inside the mid  412  and exit  414  centering brackets. The measuring tubing  416  may include preferably one inch square tubing bar, with a ½ inch groove  417  with a 48 inch measuring tape  418  disposed and attached in the groove  417 , bolted with the mid  412  and the exit  414  centering brackets with the measuring tape  418  glued in the groove  417 . The gauging block  420  may be attached with measuring tubing  416 , by loosening the end bracket  412 ,  414  and sliding gauging block  420  onto measuring tubing  416  then replacing the centering brackets  412 ,  414  to secure the gauging block  420 , which can be secured in position with a bolt on the gauging block  420 . Preferably the gauging block  420  has an opening of slightly over one inch to fit on one inch square tubing centering bar  410 , wherein the gauging block  420  may be four inches square. The centering limit switch  430  may be attached with gauging block  420  for starting and stopping the drive chain  500  to position vertical stack for marker means to mark items in vertical stack in middle of item. The centering limit switch  430  may act as stop being operationally connected with the programmable control system  130 . For example, the centering limit switch  430  may be adjusted to 48 inches for an 8 foot width/length stacks. The centering limit switch  430  may optionally be a horizontal alignment sensor  430  or a photo cell attached to the gauging block  420  operationally connected to the programmable control system  130  that triggers the vertical positioning mechanism  200  and may act as a lengthwise stop limit switch for the vertical stack. 
     Multiple Adjustable Vertical Positioning Mechanisms  200 : 
     One embodiment may include a means for adjusting the distance  315  between the means for marking  250  such that the distance between the more than one means for marking  250  may be adjusted for different widths of the vertical stack of items wherein the means for adjusting the distance  315  may include the vertical marking system frame  110  with a first vertical positioning mechanism  200  and a second vertical positioning mechanism  200  attached on opposing sides with the vertical marking system frame  110  for concurrently marking on the opposing sides of the vertically stacked items as the vertical stack of items transitions from the entry  320  to the exit end  330  of the vertical marking system frame  110 ; and a idler sprocket  326 , a drive sprocket  336 , a drive chain  500 , and a drive chain motor  340  attached with the vertical marking system frame  110 . Another embodiment of the means for adjusting the distance  315  between the means for vertical positioning mechanisms  200  may be adjusted for different widths of vertical stacks of items may include the first and second vertical positioning mechanisms  200  with the vertical marking system frame  110  wherein the first and second vertical mechanisms  200  are on opposing sides and are moveable and may be adjusted such that a distance between the vertical positioning mechanisms  200  may be adjusted for different widths of the vertically stack of items; and the idler sprockets  326  and drive sprockets  336  and drive chain motors  340  are attached with the corresponding vertical positioning mechanisms  200 . Yet another embodiment may include two vertical positioning mechanisms  200  that may be adjusted for different vertical stack width and length dimensions with an entry  320  and exit  330  opening for the vertical stacks to pass through, with an adjustable drive chain track  310  to move the vertical stack from the entry end  320  to the centered position  402 , stop for marking, and when the marking is complete, moving the vertical stack to the exit end  330  to be removed from the vertical marking system  100 . The means for adjusting the distance  315  between the means for marking may also include but are not limited to the following: The vertical positioning mechanisms  200  positions may be adjusted widthwise to fit the width of the stack of pallets by pressing button on the programmable control system  130  with settings for a particular dimension vertical stack. The vertical positioning mechanisms  200  may be moved by an adjustable width gear motor  301  with an adjustable horizontal worm screw  302  wherein the adjustable horizontal worm screw  302  may include half left turning threads and half right turning threads for moving the sides closer together or further apart. The two adjustable horizontal worm screws  302  attached with the vertical positioning mechanisms  200  may be attached with a horizontal worm screw track  303  and a horizontal worm screw sprockets  305  and a horizontal worm screw chain  304  such that one adjustable width gear motor  301  may drive both adjustable horizontal worm screws  302  with bearings to change the distance between the vertical positioning mechanisms  200 . The adjustable width gear motor  301  may be operationally connected with the programmable control system  130  to control motion of the vertical positioning mechanisms  200 . Other embodiments may include manually moving the vertical positioning mechanism or mechanisms  200 , moving the vertical positioning mechanism or mechanisms  200  by a program for preset different size pallets or vertical stacks width or length, or moving the vertical positioning mechanism or mechanisms  200  automatically with the programmable control system  130  and using sensors. One end of the vertical positioning mechanisms  200  may provide an entry end  320  for the vertical stack and the other end of the vertical positioning mechanisms  200  may provide an exit end  330  for the vertical stack. The vertical positioning mechanism  200  may be constructed of steel channel and tubing. 
     The vertical marking system frame  110  may provide a track  322 ,  332  for adjustable vertical positioning mechanism  200  movement, and a mount for the vertical positioning mechanisms  200 . The entry end  320  or entry portion may include an entry cross bar  322  including a tubing welded to the vertical marking system frame  110  cross ways at entrance end with angle iron shaped material welded with the ninety degree angle up to form an inverted v-shape on top of the entry cross bar for forming a v-groove caster track for the vertical positioning mechanism  200  to accommodate different widths of pallets or vertical stacks of items. Entry v-groove casters  324  may be attached with caster brackets  325  to each entry  320  vertical positioning mechanism  200  and resting on the track formed by entry cross bar angle, with preferably two v-groove casters on each entry end of each vertical positioning mechanism  200 , for adjusting the vertical positioning mechanism  200  to accommodate the different side pallets or stacks of items. The exit end  330  or exit portion may include an exit cross bar  332  including a tubing welded to the vertical marking system frame cross ways at the exit end with angle iron shaped material welded with the ninety degree angle up to form a v-shape on top of the entry cross bar for forming a v-groove caster track for adjusting the vertical positioning mechanism  200  to accommodate different side pallets or stacks of items. Exit v-groove casters  334  may be attached with caster brackets  335  to each exit end  330  vertical positioning mechanism  200  and resting on the track formed by the exit cross bar angle, with preferably two v-groove casters on each exit end  330  of each vertical positioning mechanism  200 , for adjusting the vertical positioning mechanism  200  to accommodate different side pallets or stacks of items. 
     One embodiment of the vertical marking system  100  may include the vertical positioning mechanism  200 , another embodiment of the vertical marking system  100  may include the vertical positioning mechanism  200  along with the vertical marking system frame  110  wherein the vertical positioning mechanism  200  may be fixed or adjustable, and other embodiments may have additional fixed or adjustable vertical positioning mechanisms  200  depending on the desired process and automation. 
     Manner of Use: 
     With one embodiment, the forklift operator may adjust the vertical positioning mechanism  200  to fit the width of the vertical stack by pressing a button on the programmable control system  130 . To center lengthwise the vertical stack for marking, the operator may adjust the limit switch bracket  420  by sliding it on the measuring tube  416  to the desired horizontal limit position for vertical stack of items alignment with the means for marking  250 . The forklift operator may set a stack of pallets onto the chain drive  500  far enough in to activate the horizontal activation sensor  510 . When the horizontal activation sensor  510  is activated the drive chain  500  may start to move. When the stack of pallets has traveled on the drive chain  500  to the point where centering limit switch  430  is activated, the drive chain  500  will stop. The “centering limit switch” activates the drive chain  500  to stop, it will also start the vertical threaded rod gear motor  222  which turns the vertical threaded rod  220 . The vertical threaded rod  220  will start moving the vertical positioning mechanism  200  upward or downward. The printer sensor  272  located on the vertical positioning mechanism plate  212  will signal the means for marking  250  or the print head  262  to start marking or printing on each item or pallet as it moves vertically upward or downward. This process will continue until the means for marking  250  or the print head  262  reaches the a stop signal, or upper or lower limit switch  242 ,  243 , depending on the direction of travel, located at the top or bottom of the vertical positioning mechanism  200 . The upper or lower limit switch  242 ,  243  will signal the programmable control system  130  to stop the vertical threaded rod  220  and the marking, and signaling the programmable control system  130  to turn the drive chain  500  on and eject the vertical stack out onto a set of dead rollers through the exit end  330  of the vertical marking system  100 . Once the vertical stack has cleared the vertical marking system  100 , the forklift operator will load another vertical stack into the unit starting the process again. However, this time the process will be starting to print in the other direction, from the top downward or from the bottom upward. Again, the “centering limit switch”  430  stops the chains  500 , and signals the programmable control system  130  to start the vertical electrical gear motor  222  in reverse turning the vertical worm screw  220  counter-clockwise. The counter-clockwise motion moves the travel mechanism plate  212  downward marking as it goes. When the vertical positioning mechanism plate  212  reaches the bottom limit switch, the marking will stop; the drive chain  500  will come on, thus ejecting the vertical stack of items. The process can be repeated over and over again as often as needed. 
     Method for a Vertical Marking System: 
     The vertical marking system  100  also relates to a method for marking a vertical stack of items. A flow chart depicting the steps in the method of an embodiment of the vertical marking system is shown in  FIG. 7 . Additionally, a logic chart depicting the sequence of operations of an embodiment of the vertical marking system is shown in  FIG. 8 . One embodiment includes a method for marking a vertical stack of items with a means for marking and a means for vertical positioning of a vertical marking system wherein a stop signal is a limit of a vertical movement, with the method comprising the steps of: A starting the vertical movement of the means for marking step  720 . An imprinting the vertical stack of items with the means for marking when the means for marking is aligned for marking in relation to the vertical stack of items step  740 . And stopping the vertical movement of the means for marking when the means for vertical positioning encounters a stop signal wherein the vertical stack of items may be replaced with a next vertical stack of items step  770 . 
     A flow chart depicting the steps in the method of another embodiment of the vertical marking system is shown in  FIG. 7 . This embodiment further comprises the steps of: A starting the vertical movement of the means for marking step  720 . A pausing the vertical movement of the means for marking when the means for marking is aligned vertically for marking in relation to the vertical stack of items step  730 . An imprinting the vertical stack of items with the means for marking when the means for marking is aligned for marking in relation to the vertical stack of items step  740 . A resuming the vertical movement of the means for marking after the imprinting the vertical stack of items step  750 , and repeating the pausing the vertical movement of the means for marking step  760 , imprinting the vertical stack of items with the means for marking step  740 , and resuming the vertical movement of the means for marking until the means for vertical positioning encounters a stop signal step  750 . And stopping the vertical movement of the means for marking when the means for vertical positioning encounters a stop signal wherein the vertical stack of items may be replaced with a next vertical stack of items step  770 . 
     A flow chart depicting the steps in the method of yet another embodiment of the vertical marking system is shown in  FIG. 7 . This embodiment further comprises the steps of: A loading the vertical stack of items on the vertical marking system step  700 . A starting a horizontal movement of the vertical stack of items transitioning through the vertical marking system step  705  is depicted as represented by  800  in  FIG. 8 . A pausing the horizontal movement of the vertical marking system when the means for marking is aligned horizontally for marking in relation to the vertical stack of items step  710  is depicted as represented by  810  in  FIG. 8 . A starting the vertical movement of the means for marking step  720  is depicted as represented by  810  in  FIG. 8 . A pausing the vertical movement of the means for marking when the means for marking is aligned vertically for marking in relation to the vertical stack of items step  730  is depicted as represented by  830  in  FIG. 8 . An imprinting the vertical stack of items with the means for marking when the means for marking is aligned for marking in relation to the vertical stack of items step  740 . A resuming the vertical movement of the means for marking after the imprinting the vertical stack of items step  750  is depicted as represented by  850  in  FIG. 8 , and repeating the pausing the vertical movement of the means for marking step  760 , wherein the repeating the pausing the vertical movement of the means for marking step  760  also comprises the steps of: imprinting the vertical stack of items with the means for marking step  740 , and resuming the vertical movement of the means for marking until the means for vertical positioning encounters a stop signal step  750 . And stopping the vertical movement of the means for marking when the means for vertical positioning encounters a stop signal, wherein the vertical stack of items may be replaced with a next vertical stack of items step repeating the pausing the vertical movement of the means for marking step  770  is depicted as represented by  880  in  FIG. 8 . A resuming the horizontal movement of the vertical marking system step repeating the pausing the vertical movement of the means for marking step  780  is depicted as represented by  880  in  FIG. 8 . And an unloading the vertical stack of items from the vertical marking system step repeating the pausing the vertical movement of the means for marking step  790 .