US3759172A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Branding apparatus and method
Assignee: DBS Inc
•
Filing: 1972-02-28
•
Granted: 1973-09-18
•
Expires: 1992-02-28
Abstract
Abstract Indicia such as a vehicle identification number or unit serial number is electrically branded on a metal workpiece such as an automobile by a metal strip with embossed indicia. Electrical current from a welding current supply source is passed through the metal strip with the indicia in contact with the workpiece and this electrically brands the indicia onto the workpiece. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Inventors
- 👤 P Conklin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 14:45
CPC Classifications
B; B44; B44B; B44B7/00; B44B5/00; B44B5/02; B44B5/028
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A branding apparatus to operate on an electrically conductive workpiece, comprising, in combination, an electrically conductive metal strip having a rear face and a front face; electrically conductive raised indicia areas formed on the front face of said base; an electrical current supply means having terminals connected thereto; and means to pass current from said supply means terminals between said base indicia areas and a workpiece when positioned to be in contact to brand by such current a mirror image of said indicia areas on the workpiece.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
A branding apparatus to operate on an electrically conductive workpiece, comprising, in combination, an electrically conductive metal strip having a rear face and a front face; electrically conductive raised indicia areas formed on the front face of said base; an electrical current supply means having terminals connected thereto; and means to pass current from said supply means terminals between said base indicia areas and a workpiece when positioned to be in contact to brand by such current a mirror image of said indicia areas on the workpiece.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A branding apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said base is a conductive strip of electrolytic copper.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
A branding apparatus as set forth in claim 1, including an electrode fixture with a curved face; and means temporarily placing said base adjacent to one of said electrode fixture and the workpiece; whereby, said curved face is rolled relative to the workpiece to pass current between said base and the workpiece sequentially along the length of the indicia areas.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A branding apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said base is a conductive strip of beryllium copper.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
82 words
The method of using indicia to mark a workpiece, comprising the steps of; selecting a material which will not spot weld to said workpiece; establishing a desired indicia as an electrically conductive raised type face on a segment of said material; placing at least part of said type face in contact with an electrically conductive workpiece to be marked; and passing electrical current between said type face and the workpiece to brand indicia on the workpiece in accordance with the selected indicia.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
82 words
The method of using indicia to mark a workpiece, comprising the steps of; selecting a material which will not spot weld to said workpiece; establishing a desired indicia as an electrically conductive raised type face on a segment of said material; placing at least part of said type face in contact with an electrically conductive workpiece to be marked; and passing electrical current between said type face and the workpiece to brand indicia on the workpiece in accordance with the selected indicia.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as set forth in claim 5, including inhibiting the flow of electrical current between the workpiece and said base at locations other than at said type face.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as set forth in claim 5, wherein the base of said conductive type face is an embossed thin strip of metal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as set forth in claim 7, wherein said thin strip of metal is formed of electrolytic copper.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method as set forth in claim 5, including forming an electrode holder with a curved face, placing said base between the electrode holder and a workpiece; and rolling the electrode holder relative to the workpiece as the electrical current is passing therebetween to sequentially brand indicia on the workpiecE.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method used as set forth in claim 7, wherein said thin strip of metal is formed of beryllium copper.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-17 | 1977-03-19 | 1977-09-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-17 | 1981-03-19 | 1981-09-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-17 | 1985-03-19 | 1985-09-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |