Datacard Corporation

Michael D Polad

Richard J LaManna

Robert H Schmidt

LeRoy E Gerlach

Jacob H Drillick

Edward R Gabel

Richard C Nubson

Ronald B Howes, Jr

Glenn R Carney

Glenn H Heiller

An embossing module for an automatic embossing machine utilizes a pair of opposed embossing element carrying wheels driven by oscillating bail arms which directly engage the embossing punch and die elements. An electromechanical interrupter mechanically decouples motion of the bail arm from the embossing elements in the event of a failure. The printwheels are driven by separate motors utilizing separate position encoders and common servo command circuits.

Embossing assembly for automatic embossing system

A laser machining system with x, y and z-axis beam manipulating mechanisms to perform welding, cutting and localized heat treating operations on a workpiece with the operation of the system for each operation and the changeover between operations being under the control of an automatic control system. A computer numerical control (CNC) system provides control of the laser functions and movement of the laser beam using a sampled-data following error servo system.

Laser machining system

An automatic embossing system, having punch and die wheels respectively carrying axially aligned associated punches and dies disposed about their perimeters, is provided with an improved drive mechanism for actuation of a desired punch and die pair to emboss a card disposed therebetween. The drive mechanism includes a pair of bail arms driven in continuous oscillation by a uniquely shaped cam, each bail arm carrying an adjustably mounted solenoid actuated interposer. By firing the solenoid, the interposers are disposed between driving surfaces of the respectively associated bail arms so as to engage the driving ends of the punch and die pair. The interposer structures are independently adjustable, thereby permitting ease of adjustment of the height of embossed characters formed in the card.

Embossing drive mechanism for an automatic embossing system

Automatic card embossing apparatus includes a rotatable embossing wheel carrying about its periphery punch and die pairs for all characters available for embossing. Each character position of the wheel defines an address and the wheel is controlled for rotation to a desired address for embossing the character there-located. Data identifying all embossable characters is processed to derive three control numbers for each character, the first control number identifying the corresponding wheel address for the corresponding punch and die pair, the second number identifying the horizontal position on the card where the character is to be embossed, and the third control number identifying the line number on the card. The data is sorted into ascending order of wheel addresses. In operation, a card is transported to a reference position relative to the embossing wheel and the embossing wheel is rotated to the address of the first control number. The distance to move the card based on the second and third control numbers is computed, and the card is transported to each successive position for that first character to be embossed. The embossing wheel then is rotated to the next address in accordance with the next first control number and the embossing and card transport functions are performed. Following embossing, the card is returned to its reference position, then to an output stacker where it is deflected into 'accept' or 'reject' portions as a function of error checks performed during data processing and embossing.

Automatic embossing system

Automatic embossing system with document transfer

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Mendota, MN, United States of America

Michael D Polad