Inking apparatus

Abstract

An endorser for use in document processing apparatus is provided with a matrix wire printer for printing variable information on documents as they are transported at a controlled speed along a transport path forming part of an endorsing station, and with a rotatable ink stamp driven by a controlled speed motor for printing fixed information on the documents in predetermined relationship with the variable information. A rotatably mounted endorser head assembly comprised of a velocity control member and an interrupted curvilinear platen, in addition to the ink stamp, is drivably rotated by the controlled speed motor to initially intercept and decelerate a document entering the endorsing station, and to thereafter print the fixed and variable information on the document. Deceleration of the document is accomplished by the velocity control member of the endorser head assembly in cooperation with a first biased back-up roller. The printing of the fixed information is accomplished by the ink stamp of the endorser head assembly in cooperation with a second biased back-up roller, and the printing of the variable information is accomplished by the matrix wire printer in cooperation with thea curvilinear platen of the endorser head assembly. The ink stamp and curvilinear platen are continuously inked by a rotatable ink transfer member that is adjustably maintained in frictional contact with the ink stamp and the platen.