Machine for printing measuring tape

Claim 1

A machine for printing measuring tapes of various lengths comprising: a plurality of interconnected modules including a tape supply and take-up module having a tape supply portion and a tape take-up portion, a printing module, an induction generator and control module and a stabilizing module, the printing module including a bull roll and a first pin roll, first means cooperant with the bull roll and first pin roll for printing indicia of a first color on the face of a tape blank, second means cooperant with the bull roll and first pin roll for printing other indicia of a second color on the same face of the so printed tape blank, the stabilizing module including an induction heating coil, water spray nozzles and an air blast through which the printed tape passes, a take-up reel at the take-up portion of the tape supply and take-up module, a drive roll at the stabilizing module, separate drive means for the take-up reel, the drive roll and the bull roll, and separate control means for each drive means, dancer subassemblies at the tape take-up portion of the tape supply and take-up module and at the stabilizing module for maintaining the tape under constant tension, and a fixed gear drive system in the printing module linked to all rolls of the printing module, each roll of the printing module with the exception of the bull roll being linked to one of the gears of the fixed gear drive system by double universal drive means.