US3786746A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High speed article coding machine
Assignee: Anchor Hocking LLC
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Filing: 1971-10-06
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Granted: 1974-01-22
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Expires: 1991-10-06
Abstract
Abstract An improved coder is described for applying a legend or a code to an article such as a sealed package. As the articles move past the coder on a conveyor, the code symbols are applied to the moving articles by spaced coding heads on a rotating coding wheel. Improved means are provided to feed the required amount of ink from a reservoir to each of the coding heads. This means includes a thin rotating disc whose edge passes through the ink reservoir and which carries a bead of ink first to a transfer wheel. An improved ink transfer is obtained by spacing the disc from the transfer wheel so that the only direct contact is between a bead of ink on the disc and the transfer wheel. Adjustment of the disc rotational speed independently of the transfer wheel speed and the preset disc and transfer wheel spacing precisely control the amount of ink transferred. The transfer wheel engages a spreader wheel which in turn transfers the coding ink to the heads of the coding wheel.
Inventors
- 👤 C Roberts
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 00:01
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41F; B41F31/00; B41F31/02; B41F31/06; B41F17/00; B41F17/08; B41F17/14; B41F17/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
215 words
In a coder for applying legends to surfaces of moving articles using a driven coding wheel which is fed with ink from an ink reservoir an improved ink transfer means for transferring ink from the reservoir to the coding wheel comprising the combination of: an inking disc having a relatively thin outer edge positioned within said reservoir for picking up a bead only of the ink: means for rotatably mounting said inking disc; drive means for rotating said inking disc; a rotatably mounted ink transfer wheel for receiving said bead of ink from said inking disc; said ink transfer wheel being relatively thick at its ink receiving surface compared to said edge of said inking disc; said inking disc being positioned with its outer edge spaced slightly from the outer surface of said transfer wheel whereby the bead of ink on the inking disc is engaged by and transferred to the surface of said transfer wheel; drive means for rotating said transfer wheel in the same direction as the direction of rotation as said inking disc whEreby their said spaced outer disc edge and wheel surface pass each other in opposite directions; and said first and second drive means including speed control means for driving said disc and said transfer wheel at adjustably differing speeds.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
215 words
In a coder for applying legends to surfaces of moving articles using a driven coding wheel which is fed with ink from an ink reservoir an improved ink transfer means for transferring ink from the reservoir to the coding wheel comprising the combination of: an inking disc having a relatively thin outer edge positioned within said reservoir for picking up a bead only of the ink: means for rotatably mounting said inking disc; drive means for rotating said inking disc; a rotatably mounted ink transfer wheel for receiving said bead of ink from said inking disc; said ink transfer wheel being relatively thick at its ink receiving surface compared to said edge of said inking disc; said inking disc being positioned with its outer edge spaced slightly from the outer surface of said transfer wheel whereby the bead of ink on the inking disc is engaged by and transferred to the surface of said transfer wheel; drive means for rotating said transfer wheel in the same direction as the direction of rotation as said inking disc whEreby their said spaced outer disc edge and wheel surface pass each other in opposite directions; and said first and second drive means including speed control means for driving said disc and said transfer wheel at adjustably differing speeds.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The coder as claimed in claim 1 in which said speed control means for said disc and said transfer wheel comprises gear trains with replaceable gears.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The coder as claimed in claim 1 which further comprises a drive shaft for the coding wheel, a first gear train coupling said disc to said drive shaft and a second gear train coupling said transfer wheel to said drive shaft.
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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) | 1977-01-21 | 1977-07-23 | 1978-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-21 | 1981-07-23 | 1982-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-21 | 1985-07-23 | 1986-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |