The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 03, 1998
Filed:
Jul. 29, 1996
Kim E Izor, Miamisburg, OH (US);
Kenneth F Bornhorst, Jr, Centerville, OH (US);
Larry D Lucous, Dayton, OH (US);
Ohio Electronic Engravers, Inc., Dayton, OH (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for automated loading, unloading and registration of a cylinder in an engraver. The method and apparatus permit the engraver to accommodate cylinders of differing geometries, including a range of lengths, diameters and mounting configurations. The engraver includes a headstock and a tailstock which cooperate to rotatably support a cylinder at an engraving station in the engraver. The engraver also includes a cylinder handling system having at least one cylinder support for supporting the cylinder between the headstock and tailstock during loading and unloading of the cylinder. The cylinder handling system is responsive to at least one parameter, such as a cylinder diameter, to automatically register the cylinder at the engraving station. In one form, the cylinder supports each include telescoping support member having a support nest for engaging and supporting the cylinder at the engraving station. In another form, the cylinder supports each include a support housing and a support structure mounted to the support housing. In this form, the support structure includes at least one cylinder receiving area. Selection may be made between plural cylinder receiving areas for receiving cylinders of different dimensions.