Patent Description:
Devices configured for embossing a braille code in a substrate are known in the art. The substrate can for example be a cardboard strip that is used to form a box for medicaments. The embossed braille code can provide information such as indication of the intended user of the medicaments, the kind of medicaments packed in the box, expiration date of the medicaments, and way of use of the medicaments.

<CIT> discloses a device that comprises a cylindrical embossing tool having pin-shaped embossing stamps and a backpressure cylinder. The cylindrical embossing tool and the backpressure cylinder are arranged with respect to each other to form a machining gap for receiving workpieces, such as cardboard or paper strips, and providing those with an embossed pattern consisting of one or more groups of punctiform embossments. Each group reproduces a braille character for reading by the blind.

A braille character normally constitutes at least one punctiform embossment in at least one position of a six-position matrix made up of (i) two vertical columns of three positions each and (ii) top, middle and bottom horizontal rows of two positions each. Different braille characters will have different numbers of punctiform embossments in various selected ones of the six possible positions in the matrix. The embossing stamps of the cylindrical embossing tool of the device according to <CIT> are arranged in a pattern that is based on the six-position matrix.

The cylindrical embossing tool is further equipped with internally arranged actuators for adjusting the position of the embossing stamps. Each embossing stamp is provided with an individual actuator for moving it in a radial direction of the cylindrical embossing tool between an extended and a retracted position. The actuators may be piezo-electric actuators, electric motors or one of pneumatic and hydraulic power cylinders.

The cylindrical embossing tool also comprises an internally arranged electronic control device for controlling the individual actuators in dependence of a desired embossing pattern. The internally arranged electronic control device is configured to communicate with an externally arranged control device to receive at least one of energy and signals for actuating the internally arranged dedicated individual actuators to position the individual embossing stamps according to the desired embossing pattern. In this way, a remote-controlled or automated conversion between different desired embossing patterns is possible. This conversion can be done quickly so that set-up time compared to a manual conversion is considerably shortened.

Although the device according to <CIT> enables fast automated setting up of a variable embossing pattern, a disadvantage of this known device is the complicated construction of the cylindrical embossing tool. Because of the large number of internally arranged actuators for positioning each embossing stamp individually and the interaction between the embossing stamps, the actuators, the internally arranged electronic control device and the externally arranged control device, the device is susceptible to malfunctions. The malfunctions can be electrical and/or mechanical in nature. Consequently, the reliability of the device is compromised.

In view of the above, there is a need to provide a more reliable device that enables automated setting up of a variable embossing pattern.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device configured to emboss a code in a substrate that pre-empts or at least reduces at least one of the above-mentioned and/or other disadvantages associated with the device known in the art.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for determining characteristics of control of a device according to the invention.

Aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features from the independent claim as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

At least one of the above-mentioned objects is achieved by a device comprising a first embossing element and a second embossing element between which a passage for conveying the substrate is defined, the passage including an embossing area where the first embossing element and the second embossing element interact to emboss a code in the substrate during operation of the device, the first embossing element comprising a set of studs and the second embossing element being provided with a corresponding set of recesses, each stud of the set of studs being configured and arranged to be movable between an extended position in which embossing a code element in the substrate is enabled and a retracted position in which embossing a code element in the substrate is prevented. The device further comprises a setting unit configured to put studs of a respective subset of the set of studs to one of the extended position and the retracted position. The setting unit includes a manipulating mechanism configured to manipulate at least one stud of the respective subset, and a controller configured to process information relating to a predetermined position pattern of the studs of the respective subset and to control operation of the manipulating mechanism based on said information. The first embossing element and the manipulating mechanism are movably arranged with respect to each other so that the manipulating mechanism is capable of successively covering subsets of the set of studs.

When the device having the features as defined in the foregoing is applied, it is possible to establish desired predetermined position patterns of studs of successive subsets of the set of studs. The predetermined position patterns of the studs correspond to a code that is to be embossed in the substrate. A practical example of such a code is a braille code, and in view thereof, the invention will hereinafter be explained in the braille context. A subset of six studs corresponds to one braille code character being for example a letter, a number or a punctuation mark. Each stud of the subset of six studs corresponds to a braille code element that can be embossed in the substrate when the respective stud is in the extended position. The substrate can comprise any suitable material such as cardboard, paper, a polymer film or combinations thereof. The manipulating mechanism enables establishing a desired predetermined position pattern of the studs of a respective subset without a need for using a dedicated actuator to move each individual stud between the extended position or the retracted position thereof. Hence, when the invention is put to practice, the complexity of the first embossing element is reduced compared to the device described in prior art document <CIT>.

Further, it is not at all necessary for the manipulating mechanism to be internally arranged in the first embossing element. Instead, it is most practical to have an external arrangement of the manipulating mechanism with respect to the first embossing element, so that it can easily be replaced in case of malfunctioning. This is in contrast with the device described in prior art document <CIT> in which the actuators and the electronic control device are integrated in the cylindrical embossing tool. If the cylindrical embossing tool of the prior art device is not entirely replaced in case of a defective actuator and/or electronic control device, repair of a defective actuator and/or electronic control device always involves removal of the defective component and installation of either a revised component or a new one. Hence, in the conventional situation, repair is more laborious and will give rise to a longer down-time of the device. In the device according to the invention, defective components can more easily be exchanged. Consequently, down-time of the device according to the invention can be shortened.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the manipulating mechanism is configured to exert pressure on at least one stud of the respective subset of the set of studs in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position of the at least one stud. In such configuration of the manipulating mechanism, when the at least one stud is in the extended position, it can under the influence of pressure exerted by the manipulating mechanism be moved to the retracted position. In a similar way, when the at least one stud is in the retracted position, it can under the influence of pressure exerted by the manipulating mechanism be moved to the extended position. In both situations, the pressure can have a pulling or a pushing effect on the studs, whatever is appropriate in a given design of the device.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the manipulating mechanism is configured to exert the pressure on the at least one stud of the respective subset of the set of studs through a fluid medium. The fluid medium can comprise a compressed gas, e.g. compressed air or nitrogen, or a liquid, e.g. oil.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the setting unit comprises at least one sensing mechanism that is configured and arranged to detect an actual position of at least one stud of the respective subset of the set of studs and to provide the controller with input about the actual position of said at least one stud, wherein the controller is configured to compare the input about the actual position of said at least one stud with information relating to a reference position for said at least one stud. By providing and using a sensing mechanism, the actual position of the at least one stud of the subset of studs can be determined and compared with a predetermined reference position in order to enable a check of the actual position of the at least one stud and eventually to thereby avoid errors in the code to be embossed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the reference position of the at least one stud is the extended position. Upon determining that the actual position of the at least one stud for example is the extended position, the sensing mechanism provides this information to the controller. The controller compares the information received from the sensing mechanism, i.e. the actual position of the at least one stud being the extended position, with the reference position of the at least one stud, being the extended position. The controller determines that the at least one stud is in the reference position. No action is required.

In another exemplary embodiment, the reference position of the at least one stud is the retracted position. Upon receiving information from the sensing mechanism that the actual position of the at least one stud for example is the extended position, the controller will determine that the at least one stud is not in the reference position. The controller can provide a signal to the manipulating mechanism of the setting unit to move the at least one stud to the retracted position and/or can issue a warning signal indicating to a user that something is wrong so as to enable the user to track malfunctioning components in the device.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the setting unit comprises a first sensing mechanism and a second sensing mechanism that are movably arranged with respect to the first embossing element so that the first sensing mechanism and the second sensing mechanism are capable of successively covering studs of respective subsets of the set of studs, and wherein the manipulating mechanism is arranged between the first sensing mechanism and the second sensing mechanism whereby the setting unit is configured to put the at least one stud of a respective subset of the set of studs successively under the influence of the first sensing mechanism, the manipulating mechanism and the second sensing mechanism in a movement of the first embossing element and the setting unit with respect to each other. It is noted that in the following description only one subset of the set of studs is described for the sake of simplicity, whereas the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the device according to the invention can be configured for simultaneously setting multiple subsets of the set of studs. The first sensing mechanism is configured to determine if all studs of a subset of studs are in a predetermined initial position being one of the retracted position or the extended position. If this is not the case, the first sensing mechanism will provide an error signal. In reaction to the error signal, it needs to be checked why not all studs of the subset are in the predetermined initial position. This could be caused by a malfunctioning stud that needs to be repaired or replaced.

Once all studs are in the predetermined initial position, the first embossing element and the setting unit are moved with respect to each other such that the subset of studs is positioned opposite the manipulating mechanism of the setting unit. The controller of the setting unit is provided with information relating to a predetermined position pattern of the studs of the subset. The predetermined position pattern corresponds to one braille code character that is to be embossed in the substrate. If the predetermined initial position of the studs of the subset is the extended position, the controller will control operation of the manipulation mechanism of the setting unit based on said information so as to move studs of the subset that do not need to emboss a braille code element in the substrate from the extended position to the retracted position. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that if the initial position is the retracted position, the manipulation mechanism is controlled so as to move the studs of the subset that need to emboss a braille code element in the substrate from the retracted position to the extended position.

Once the studs of the subset of studs have been acted upon by the manipulation mechanism, the first embossing element and the setting unit are moved with respect to each other such that the subset of studs is positioned opposite the second sensing mechanism of the setting unit. The second sensing mechanism will determine the actual positions of each of the studs of the subset and provide this information to the controller of the setting unit. The controller compares the information received from the second sensing mechanism, i.e. the actual positions of each of the studs of the subset, with the predetermined position pattern. If the actual positions of each of the studs of the subset are in accordance with the predetermined position pattern, then the studs of the subset are correctly set, and no further action is required. If the actual position of at least one stud of the subset is not in accordance with the predetermined position pattern, then setting of said at least one stud was done incorrectly. Further action is required to correct this. One possibility is to repeat the foregoing steps. The controller may be programmed to keep score of deviant settings as found in various setting operations. The fact is that when a particular stud appears to be at an incorrect position in different setting operations, this may be taken as an indication that something is wrong with the stud.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device comprises a biasing mechanism that is configured and arranged to bias each stud of the set of studs of the first embossing element to one of the extended position and the retracted position. The biasing mechanism can be configured such that the extended position is the predetermined initial position for all studs of the set of studs. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the biasing mechanism can also be configured such that the retracted position is the predetermined initial position for all studs of the set of studs.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the biasing mechanism comprises a spring arrangement per stud. The spring arrangement is configured and arranged to bias each stud to a predetermined initial position being either the extended position or the retracted position.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device comprises a locking and releasing mechanism that is adjustable to assume one of a locking state and a releasing state per stud, and that is configured and arranged to mechanically lock each of the studs of a respective subset of the set of studs in the extended position or in the retracted position in the locking state, and to release the studs of said respective subset in the releasing state so that each stud of said respective subset is movable between the extended position and the retracted position. When the locking and releasing mechanism is in the locking state, all studs of a respective subset are locked in their respective positions, i.e. either the extended position or the retracted position. When the locking and releasing mechanism is in the releasing state in respect of the studs of a subset, all studs of the subset can be moved. When a biasing mechanism as mentioned is applied in the device according to the invention, the biasing mechanism may act on each of the studs of the subset when the locking and releasing mechanism is in the releasing state, so that it is achieved that each of the studs is in a predetermined initial position being either the extended position or the retracted position. From the predetermined initial position, the studs of the subset can be set by the manipulating mechanism of the setting unit to their respective positions, i.e. either the extended position or the retracted position, in accordance with the predetermined position pattern that corresponds to one braille code character that is to be embossed in the substrate. Once the studs have assumed their positions in accordance with the predetermined position pattern, all studs of the subset can be mechanically locked by putting the locking and releasing mechanism to its locking state.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the locking and releasing mechanism comprises a pin-hole arrangement per stud, a part of each stud being provided with a first hole and a second hole, the pin of each pin-hole arrangement being movably arranged in the device to be insertable into the first hole when the stud is in the extended position, to be insertable into the second hole when the stud is in the retracted position, and to be removable out of either one of the first hole and the second hole to release the stud. When the pins of the respective pin-hole arrangements are inserted in the respective first holes and second holes of the respective studs, the locking and releasing mechanism is in its locking state in respect of the studs, and the studs are mechanically locked in either their extended position or retracted position. When the pins of the respective pin-hole arrangements are removed from the respective first holes and second holes of the respective studs, the locking and releasing mechanism is in its releasing state in respect of the studs, which are released and movable in that case.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device comprises an engagement tool that is configured to engage with the locking and releasing mechanism and to vary the state of the locking and releasing mechanism per stud. In case the locking and releasing mechanism comprises a pin-hole arrangement per stud, as suggested in the foregoing, the engagement tool can be configured to act on the pins so as to move them in and out of the holes in order to realize the locking state or releasing state of the locking and releasing mechanism according to desire.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device comprises a cover element that is adjustable to be in one of a default position with respect to the first embossing element and an actuated position with respect to the first embossing element, and that is configured and arranged to prevent operation of the locking and releasing mechanism in the default position, and to allow operation of the locking and releasing mechanism in the actuated position. The cover element as mentioned has a function in rendering the locking and releasing mechanism inoperable as a default, wherein it is necessary to put the cover element in an actuated position first before the locking and releasing mechanism can be operated. For example, if the locking and releasing mechanism is in the locking state and the cover element is in the default position, the studs of the set of studs of the first embossing element remain mechanically locked and a previously set predetermined position pattern of the studs of the respective subsets of the set of studs remains the same, without any risk that accidental changes occur.

The cover element may be designed as an adjustable portion of a carrier, in which case the cover element may be movable between a position for allowing access to the locking and releasing mechanism and a position for blocking access to the locking and releasing mechanism, wherein the size of the adjustable portion may be chosen such as to achieve that the locking and releasing mechanism can be operated in respect of all studs of at least one subset of the set of studs in the actuated position of the cover element. In that case, when the cover element is in the position for allowing access to the locking and releasing mechanism, operation of the locking and releasing mechanism is enabled so that the studs of the at least one selected subset can successively be released and mechanically locked to set the at least one different predetermined position pattern that corresponds to at least one predetermined braille code character that is to be embossed in the substrate. The carrier can have a role in preventing subsets of the set of studs comprising studs that do not need to be adjusted at that time from accidental changes, particularly by being configured and arranged so as to block access to the locking and releasing mechanism. Assuming that the locking and releasing mechanism is in the locking state in respect of the skipped subsets, the studs of those subsets remain mechanically locked and any previously set predetermined position patterns of the studs of those subsets remain the same.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention comprising the above-mentioned cover element, the device comprises a cover element manipulating tool configured to act on the cover element and to vary the position of the cover element. The cover element manipulating tool can be hook-shaped and arranged to engage with the cover element and to push or pull the cover element to a position as desired.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, the first embossing element comprises at least one disc having a circular periphery, wherein the second embossing element comprises at least one disc having a circular periphery, and wherein the first embossing element and the second embossing element comprise the same number of discs. In an exemplary embodiment, the circular periphery of each disc of the first embossing element and the second embossing element has a width that is sufficient to accommodate one braille code character. Along the circular periphery of such discs successive braille code characters are arranged. To enable embossing additional lines of braille code on the substrate, additional discs can be provided to both the first embossing element and the second embossing element.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for determining characteristics of control of a device according to the present invention, wherein the predetermined position pattern of the studs of a respective subset of the set of studs of the first embossing element is provided in the form of a computer-readable file, and wherein a computer program is provided and run, and the computer program reads said file, determines control signals, and transmits said control signals to components of the device according to the present invention in setting said predetermined position pattern.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the invention by way of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of a device for embossing a braille code in a substrate according to the invention.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the described embodiments of the device are exemplary in nature only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of protection in any way. The person skilled in the art will realize that alternatives and equivalent embodiments of the device can be conceived and reduced to practice without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Reference will be made to the figures on the accompanying drawing sheets. The figures are schematic in nature and therefore not necessarily drawn to scale. Further, equal reference numerals denote equal or similar parts. On the attached drawing sheets,.

<FIG> shows a schematic perspective view of a first exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a device <NUM> for embossing a braille code <NUM> in a substrate <NUM> according to the invention. The device <NUM> comprises a first embossing element <NUM> and a second embossing element <NUM> between which a passage <NUM> is defined for conveying the substrate <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> can comprise any suitable material such as cardboard, paper, a polymer film or combinations thereof, and may be designed for use as part of a package. The substrate <NUM> may be provided as an individual piece taken from a stack of separate pieces, but it is also possible for the substrate <NUM> to be provided as part of a string of interconnected pieces.

The passage <NUM> between the first embossing element <NUM> and the second embossing element <NUM> includes an embossing area <NUM> where the first embossing element <NUM> and the second embossing element <NUM> interact to emboss a braille code <NUM> in the substrate <NUM>. In the embodiment of the device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the first embossing element <NUM> comprises four discs 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d having a circular periphery. The second embossing element <NUM> also comprises four discs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d having a circular periphery. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of discs of both the first embossing element <NUM> and the second embossing element <NUM> can be any suitable number n, n being a non-zero positive integer, i.e. <MAT>. The first embossing element <NUM> and the second embossing element <NUM> have the same number of functional discs, i.e. discs that cooperate to emboss a braille code <NUM> in a substrate <NUM>. By applying more than one functional disc to both the first embossing element <NUM> and the second embossing element <NUM>, it is possible to emboss separate lines of braille code below each other in a substrate <NUM>.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the circular periphery of each disc of the four discs 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d of the first embossing element <NUM> and each disc of the four discs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d of the second embossing element <NUM>, respectively has a width that is sufficient to accommodate one braille code character. Along the circular periphery of each such disc, i.e. in a circumferential direction along the outer periphery, successive braille code characters are arranged.

As shown in <FIG>, each disc of the four discs 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d of the first embossing element <NUM> comprises a set of studs 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, and each disc of the four discs 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d of the second embossing element <NUM> is provided with a corresponding set of recesses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d. The set of studs and the corresponding set of recesses are arranged opposite each other so as to enable a process of embossing a braille code <NUM> in the substrate <NUM> when the substrate <NUM> is in the embossing area <NUM> of the passage <NUM>, wherein the recesses have a function in providing respective spaces which are necessary for allowing punctiform embossments to be formed in the substrate <NUM>. Each stud <NUM> of a respective set of studs 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d is configured and arranged to be movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and to be fixed in either one of those positions. In the extended position, the respective stud <NUM> can emboss a braille code element <NUM> in the substrate <NUM>. A braille code element <NUM> is to be construed as one dot of the six dots that can make up one braille code character being for example a letter, a number or a punctuation mark. In the retracted position, the respective stud <NUM> cannot emboss a braille code element <NUM> in the substrate <NUM>.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that according to another exemplary embodiment of the device <NUM>, the first embossing element <NUM> is a first embossing plate that comprises the sets of studs 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d as described above, and the second embossing element <NUM> is a second embossing plate that is provided with the corresponding sets of recesses 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d as described above. Each of the embossing plates may have a straight, non-curved appearance, but other appearances of the plates are covered by the present invention as well. In such a case, it is practical for the first embossing plate and the second embossing plate to be movable with respect to each other in such a way that the embossing plates can be moved towards and away from each other. By moving the first embossing plate and the second embossing plate towards each other when a substrate <NUM> is present in the embossing area <NUM> of the passage <NUM> between the embossing plates, a braille code <NUM> is embossed in the substrate <NUM>. By moving the first embossing plate and the second embossing plate away from each other, the substrate <NUM> is released and can be removed from the embossing area <NUM> of the passage <NUM> between the embossing plates. It follows from the foregoing that in general, the passage <NUM> having the embossing area <NUM> does not necessarily need to have fixed dimensions, but can be of variable size, depending on the design of the embossing elements <NUM>, <NUM> and the way in which those elements are movable with respect to each other.

As shown in <FIG>, the device <NUM> further comprises a setting unit <NUM> that includes a manipulating mechanism <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, a first sensing mechanism <NUM>, a second sensing mechanism <NUM> and a tool unit <NUM>, and that is configured to put individual studs <NUM> of a respective subset 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d of a respective set of studs 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d to one of the extended position and the retracted position. Only as a non-limiting example, the subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d each comprise six studs <NUM>. Consequently, the configuration of the first sensing mechanism <NUM>, the manipulating mechanism <NUM> and the second sensing mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG> also represents a non-limiting example as the configuration of those components is adapted to the number of studs <NUM> comprised by the respective subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d.

For the sake of clarity, it is noted that the controller <NUM> is only diagrammatically depicted in <FIG> as a circle, while the capability of the controller <NUM> to communicate with various components of the device <NUM> is indicated by means of dashed arrows.

The manipulating mechanism <NUM> is arranged between the first sensing mechanism <NUM> and the second sensing mechanism <NUM>. The first sensing mechanism <NUM>, the manipulating mechanism <NUM> and the second sensing mechanism <NUM> are movably arranged with respect to the first embossing element <NUM> so that the first sensing mechanism <NUM>, the manipulating mechanism <NUM> and the second sensing mechanism <NUM> can successively cover separate subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d of each of the sets of studs 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d of the four discs 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d. Hence, at least one stud <NUM> of a respective subset 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d of the sets of studs 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d can be successively put under the influence of the first sensing mechanism <NUM>, the manipulating mechanism <NUM> and the second sensing mechanism <NUM> in a movement of the first embossing element <NUM> and the setting unit <NUM> with respect to each other.

In the embodiment of the device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the individual studs <NUM> of four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d that each belong to a different set of studs 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, can be simultaneously set according to four predetermined position patterns of the studs <NUM> of the four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d that are provided by the controller <NUM>. In the present example, the four predetermined position patterns correspond to four braille code characters that are to be embossed in the substrate <NUM> (or not to be embossed when the character is a blank or space).

To set the individual studs <NUM> of for example the subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, the first sensing mechanism <NUM> is configured to determine if all studs <NUM> of the respective subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d are in a predetermined initial position being the retracted position or the extended position. If this is not the case, the first sensing mechanism <NUM> will provide an error signal. In reaction to the error signal, it needs to be checked why not all studs <NUM> of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d are in the predetermined initial position. This could be caused by some mechanical defect in the arrangement of the respective stud <NUM> in the first embossing element <NUM>. The first sensing mechanism <NUM> can comprise any suitable kind of sensors to determine the actual position of the individual studs <NUM>, e.g. inductive sensors. It is by far the most practical for all studs <NUM> of a subset 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d to have the same initial position, but it is still to be noted that this is not essential within the scope of the invention.

Once all studs <NUM> of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d are in the predetermined initial position, the first embossing element <NUM> is moved with respect to the first sensing mechanism <NUM>, the manipulating mechanism <NUM> and the second sensing mechanism <NUM> to position the studs <NUM> of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d opposite the manipulating mechanism <NUM> such that the manipulating mechanism <NUM> can set the studs <NUM> in accordance with the predetermined four position patterns provided by the controller <NUM>. The manipulating mechanism <NUM> can comprise any kind of actuators to set the individual studs <NUM>, e.g. piezo-electric actuators, electric motors or one of pneumatic and hydraulic power cylinders. The manipulating mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises twenty-four pneumatic cylinders each of which are configured and arranged to exert a pressure on an individual stud <NUM>, in a direction that is inward with respect to the first embossing element <NUM>. The first embossing element <NUM> can be moved relative to the first sensing mechanism <NUM>, the manipulating mechanism <NUM> and the second sensing mechanism <NUM> using any suitable kind of rotary actuator. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the second embossing element <NUM> can also be moved by a rotary actuator to position the recesses located in the second embossing element <NUM> opposite the studs of the first embossing element <NUM> in the embossing area <NUM>. The rotary actuators shown in <FIG> are servomotors.

If the initial position of the studs <NUM> of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d is the extended position, the controller <NUM> will control the manipulation mechanism <NUM> to exert pressure to the individual studs <NUM> of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d that do not need to emboss a braille code element <NUM> in the substrate <NUM>. As a result, these studs <NUM> are moved from the extended position to the retracted position.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that if the initial position is the retracted position, the controller <NUM> will control the manipulation mechanism <NUM> to act on the individual studs <NUM> of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d that need to emboss a braille code element <NUM> in the substrate <NUM>. As a result, these studs <NUM> are moved from the retracted position to the extended position.

Once the studs <NUM> of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d have been set in accordance with the predetermined four position patterns, the first embossing element <NUM> is moved with respect to the first sensing mechanism <NUM>, the manipulating mechanism <NUM> and the second sensing mechanism <NUM> to position the studs <NUM> of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d opposite the second sensing mechanism <NUM> such that the second sensing mechanism <NUM> can determine the actual positions of each of the studs <NUM> of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d and can provide the information obtained in this way to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> compares the information received from the second sensing mechanism <NUM>, i.e. the actual positions of each of the studs <NUM> of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, with the predetermined four position patterns. If the actual positions of each of the studs <NUM> of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d are in accordance with the predetermined four position patterns, then the individual studs <NUM> of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d are correctly set, and no further action is required. If the actual position of at least one stud <NUM> of at least one of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d is not in accordance with a corresponding predetermined position pattern of the predetermined four position patterns, then setting of said at least one stud <NUM> was done incorrectly. Further action is required to correct this. One possibility is to repeat the foregoing steps.

<FIG> shows a schematic cross-section of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the manipulating mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG>, comprising a set of twenty-four pneumatic cylinders <NUM>. Each one of the twenty-four pneumatic cylinders <NUM> is configured and arranged to exert a pressure on an individual stud <NUM> of the four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d of the respective sets of studs 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, to move the respective individual stud <NUM> between the extended position and the retracted position. As described above, the controller <NUM> controls the manipulating mechanism <NUM> based on predetermined position patterns for the studs <NUM> of each one of the respective four subsets 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d. Suitable fluid media for use in the pneumatic cylinders include for example a compressed gas such as compressed air or nitrogen.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the device <NUM> according to the invention, the manipulating mechanism <NUM> can comprise for example piezo-electric actuators, electric motors or hydraulic power cylinders that are configured to exert the pressure on the individual studs of the respective four subsets to move them between the extended position and the retracted position. In the case that hydraulic cylinders are used, suitable fluid media include liquids such as oil. The present invention covers any suitable type of manipulating mechanisms <NUM> which are characterized by the fact that those mechanisms are somehow capable of causing movement of the studs <NUM> from one position to another if so desired in order to realize a correct setting of the studs <NUM> in a position pattern as desired.

<FIG> shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of for example the first disc 27a of the first embossing element <NUM> according to an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment thereof, wherein a part of the first disc 27a is cut away to provide a perspective view on exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of a biasing mechanism <NUM>, a locking and releasing mechanism <NUM> and studs <NUM> of the device <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The biasing mechanism <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises a spring arrangement <NUM> per stud <NUM>. The spring arrangement <NUM> is configured and arranged to bias each individual stud <NUM> of the set of studs 8a to the extended position that is the predetermined initial position of the studs <NUM> to which they will be moved when they are not locked. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the spring arrangement <NUM> can also be configured and arranged to bias each individual stud <NUM> of the set of studs 8a to the retracted position. In that case the retracted position is the predetermined initial position of the studs <NUM> to which they will be moved when they are not locked.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that according to other exemplary embodiments of the device <NUM>, the biasing mechanism <NUM> can be configured using for example electro-magnetic actuators, piezo-electric actuators, electric motors or one of pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders to act on the individual studs <NUM> of the set of studs 8a for moving the studs <NUM> to the intended initial position in case the studs <NUM> are in not yet in that position. The use of a biasing mechanism <NUM> in the device <NUM> according to the invention is practical but not essential. Instead of causing the studs <NUM> to be in a predetermined initial position prior to setting a position pattern of the studs <NUM>, it is also possible to use some kind of detecting means for detecting an actual initial position per stud <NUM> and determining per stud <NUM> which kind of movement is needed for realizing the position pattern. However, such a way of doing is more complex and requires more computing power, to mention one disadvantageous aspect.

<FIG> also shows an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the locking and releasing mechanism <NUM> that comprises a pin-hole arrangement per stud <NUM>. A part of each stud <NUM> is provided with a first hole <NUM> and a second hole <NUM>. A pin <NUM> of each pin-hole arrangement is movably arranged in the device <NUM> so as to be insertable into the first hole <NUM> when a respective stud <NUM> is in the extended position or into the second hole <NUM> when a respective stud <NUM> is in the retracted position. The pin <NUM> can be removed from either one of the first hole <NUM> and the second hole <NUM> to release the respective stud <NUM>.

When the respective pins <NUM> of the respective pin-hole arrangements are inserted in the respective first holes <NUM> and second holes <NUM> with which the respective studs <NUM> of a respective subset, e.g. 13a, of the set of studs 8a of the first disc 27a of the first embossing element <NUM> are provided, the locking and releasing mechanism <NUM> is in its locking state for those studs <NUM>. In that case, all individual studs <NUM> of the respective subset 13a are mechanically locked in either their extended position or retracted position.

When the respective pins <NUM> of the respective pin-hole arrangements are removed from the respective first holes <NUM> and second holes <NUM> with which the respective studs <NUM> of the respective subset 13a of the set of studs 8a are provided, the locking and releasing mechanism <NUM> is in its releasing state in respect of those studs <NUM>. In that case, all individual studs <NUM> of the respective subset 13a are released and moved by the biasing mechanism <NUM> to a predetermined initial position being either the extended position or the retracted position.

If the initial position of the studs <NUM> of the respective subset 13a is the extended position, the individual studs <NUM> of the respective subset 13a which need to be in the retracted position for the purpose of realizing the predetermined position pattern for the respective subset can be moved by the manipulating mechanism <NUM> from the extended position to the retracted position. When the individual studs <NUM> of the respective subset 13a have assumed their positions in accordance with the predetermined position pattern, the pins <NUM> of the locking and releasing mechanism <NUM> are inserted into either the first hole <NUM> or the second hole <NUM>, particularly the ones of those holes <NUM>, <NUM> which are present at the level of the pins <NUM> for each of the studs <NUM>, to mechanically lock the studs <NUM>. If the studs <NUM> of the respective subset 13a need to be arranged in accordance with a different position pattern, the pins <NUM> are removed from the respective first hole <NUM> or second hole <NUM> to release the studs <NUM>. Upon releasing the studs, the biasing mechanism <NUM> moves them to the predetermined initial position, being the extended position in this example. From that position, the studs <NUM> can be manipulated so that the different position pattern can be made.

<FIG> shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of a carrier <NUM> including an adjustable portion <NUM> functioning as a cover element in the device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, according to an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the cover element <NUM>, wherein the cover element <NUM> is shown in a default position thereof. The purpose of the cover element <NUM> is to cover the pins <NUM> of the locking and releasing mechanism <NUM> as long as the studs <NUM> do not need to be subjected to manipulation. In this way, the state of the locking and releasing mechanism <NUM> in respect of the studs <NUM> cannot be accidentally changed from the locking state to the releasing state and vice versa by accidental movement of the pins <NUM>.

The cover element <NUM> is configured and arranged to prevent access to a predetermined number of pins <NUM> of pin-hole arrangements of the locking and releasing mechanism <NUM> as a default. As shown in <FIG>, if the cover element <NUM> is in the default position, the pins <NUM> cannot be reached because the cover element <NUM> is in the way. As a result, the locking and releasing mechanism <NUM> remains in the locking state in respect of all of the studs <NUM> so that the studs <NUM> remain in their actual position pattern.

As shown in <FIG>, if the cover element <NUM> is in an actuated position thereof, the pins <NUM> of a number of studs <NUM> can be reached because the cover element <NUM> is moved out of the way. As a result, the locking and releasing mechanism <NUM> can be brought into the releasing state in respect of those studs <NUM>. As described above, the studs <NUM> that are mechanically unlocked will be moved by the biasing mechanism <NUM> towards the predetermined initial position. Upon setting the studs <NUM> in accordance with predetermined position patterns for a different braille code <NUM> that is to be embossed, the pins <NUM> can be moved back into the respective first holes <NUM> and the respective second holes <NUM>. In this way, the studs <NUM> are mechanically locked and the locking and releasing mechanism <NUM> is brought into the locking state. Upon moving the cover element <NUM> to the default position thereof, the pins <NUM> are covered and protected from any undesired or accidental manipulation.

The carrier <NUM> including the cover element <NUM> and the first embossing element <NUM> are movably arranged with respect to each other. In this way, it is possible to select the studs <NUM> that need to be set in accordance with a different predetermined position pattern. While moving the carrier <NUM> including the cover element <NUM> and the first embossing element <NUM> relative to each other, the cover element <NUM> is kept in the default position to prevent manipulation of any kind, e.g. accidental manipulation, of the pins <NUM> of the locking and releasing mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of an engagement tool 26a of the tool unit <NUM> of the device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The engagement tool 26a comprises a hook-shaped end part <NUM> that is configured and arranged to engage with the pins <NUM> of the pin-hole arrangements of the locking and releasing mechanism <NUM> in order to be capable of removing the pins <NUM> from either the first holes <NUM> or the second holes <NUM> of the respective pin-hole arrangements to mechanically unlock the corresponding studs <NUM>, and to move the pins <NUM> back to their position for locking the studs <NUM>. In the shown example, the pins <NUM> are provided with a groove near a free end thereof so as to enable the engagement of the hook-shaped end part <NUM> of the engagement tool <NUM> to the pins <NUM>, as can best be seen in <FIG>. Further, in the shown example, the hook-shaped end part <NUM> is in fact an end part of an arm that is arranged so as to be extendable from and retractable to a frame of the tool unit <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a cover element manipulating tool 26b of the tool unit <NUM> of the device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The cover element manipulating tool 26b comprises a block-shaped end part <NUM> that is configured and arranged to engage with the cover element <NUM> for the purpose of moving the cover element <NUM> between the default position and the actuated position thereof. In the shown example, the carrier <NUM> including the cover element <NUM> is generally ring-shaped, and the default position of the cover element <NUM> is an outmost position in the ring shape of the carrier <NUM>, whereas the actuated position is a more inward position with respect to the general ring shape of the carrier <NUM>.

The present invention can be summarized as relating to a device <NUM> for embossing a code <NUM> such as a braille code in a substrate <NUM>. The device <NUM> includes a first embossing element <NUM> comprising a set of studs <NUM> and a second embossing element <NUM> provided with a corresponding set of recesses <NUM>. Each stud <NUM> is movable between extended and retracted positions. The device <NUM> further comprises a setting unit <NUM> for putting studs <NUM> of a respective subset <NUM> of the set of studs <NUM> to the extended or retracted positions. The setting unit <NUM> includes a manipulating mechanism <NUM> for manipulating at least one stud <NUM> of the respective subset <NUM>, and a controller <NUM> for processing information relating to a predetermined position pattern of the studs <NUM> of the respective subset <NUM> and to control operation of the manipulating mechanism <NUM> based on said information. The manipulating mechanism <NUM> is movably arranged with respect to the first embossing element <NUM> for successively covering subsets <NUM> of the set of studs <NUM>. The invention also relates to a method for determining characteristics of control of a device <NUM> as mentioned.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the foregoing but that several amendments and modifications thereof are possible without deviating from the scope of the present invention as defined by the attached claims. In particular, combinations of specific features of various aspects of the invention may be made. An aspect of the invention may be further advantageously enhanced by adding a feature that was described in relation to another aspect of the invention. While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive.

Claim 1:
Device (<NUM>) configured to emboss a code (<NUM>) in a substrate (<NUM>), the device (<NUM>) comprising:
- a first embossing element (<NUM>) and a second embossing element (<NUM>) between which a passage (<NUM>) for conveying the substrate is defined, the passage (<NUM>) including an embossing area (<NUM>) where the first embossing element (<NUM>) and the second embossing element (<NUM>) interact to emboss a code (<NUM>) in the substrate (<NUM>) during operation of the device (<NUM>), the first embossing element (<NUM>) comprising a set of studs (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) and the second embossing element (<NUM>) being provided with a corresponding set of recesses (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), each stud (<NUM>) of the set of studs (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) being configured and arranged to be movable between an extended position in which embossing a code element (<NUM>) in the substrate (<NUM>) is enabled and a retracted position in which embossing a code element (<NUM>) in the substrate (<NUM>) is prevented; and
- a setting unit (<NUM>) configured to put studs (<NUM>) of a respective subset (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) of the set of studs (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) to one of the extended position and the retracted position, the setting unit (<NUM>) including:
- a manipulating mechanism (<NUM>) configured to manipulate at least one stud (<NUM>) of the respective subset (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d); and
- a controller (<NUM>) configured to process information relating to a predetermined position pattern of the studs (<NUM>) of the respective subset (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) and to control operation of the manipulating mechanism (<NUM>) based on said information;
characterized in that the first embossing element (<NUM>) and the manipulating mechanism (<NUM>) are movably arranged with respect to each other so that the manipulating mechanism (<NUM>) is capable of successively covering subsets (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) of the set of studs (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d).