Multiple line embossing apparatus
First Claim
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1. An embossing apparatus for embossing documents, comprising:
- an input through which a document to be embossed is input to the embossing apparatus;
an output through which the document exits the embossing apparatus;
an emboss mechanism configured to emboss the document; and
a document transport that transports the document within the embossing apparatus, the document transport including;
i) first and second document guides extending generally from adjacent the input to the emboss mechanism, the first and second document guides guiding first and second opposite edges of the document;
ii) a tab belt that extends generally from adjacent the input to the emboss mechanism;
iii) a reversible motor in driving engagement with the tab belt;
iv) a forward driving tab fixed to the belt that engages a third edge of the document for forward movements of the document;
v) a reverse driving tab fixed to the belt that engages a fourth edge of the document for reverse movements of the document;
vi) a drive mechanism connected to at least the first and second document guides that is configured to move the first and second document guides in a direction generally perpendicular to the forward and reverse directions of movement of the document.
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Abstract
A multiple line embossing apparatus that is configured to emboss characters on a document, for example a card, on a line-by-line basis. The embossing apparatus uses guides that guide the card, and a tab belt that indexes the card along a card path. A second tab on the belt is provided to move the card in a reverse direction to start a new line of embossing. The guides and the tab belt move are able to move perpendicular to the card path to move the card to a new line of embossing.
21 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An embossing apparatus for embossing documents, comprising:
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an input through which a document to be embossed is input to the embossing apparatus;
an output through which the document exits the embossing apparatus;
an emboss mechanism configured to emboss the document; and
a document transport that transports the document within the embossing apparatus, the document transport including;
i) first and second document guides extending generally from adjacent the input to the emboss mechanism, the first and second document guides guiding first and second opposite edges of the document;
ii) a tab belt that extends generally from adjacent the input to the emboss mechanism;
iii) a reversible motor in driving engagement with the tab belt;
iv) a forward driving tab fixed to the belt that engages a third edge of the document for forward movements of the document;
v) a reverse driving tab fixed to the belt that engages a fourth edge of the document for reverse movements of the document;
vi) a drive mechanism connected to at least the first and second document guides that is configured to move the first and second document guides in a direction generally perpendicular to the forward and reverse directions of movement of the document. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A document embossing process, comprising:
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inputting a document to be embossed into an embossing apparatus through an input;
transporting the document in a forward direction from the input to an emboss mechanism using a tab belt;
embossing a first line of characters onto the document using the emboss mechanism while the document is driven by the tab belt in the forward direction;
after embossing the first line of characters, driving the document in a reverse direction using the tab belt, and moving the document in a direction generally perpendicular to the forward direction of movement of the document to position the document for embossing a second line of characters onto the document using the emboss mechanism; and
embossing a second line of characters onto the document. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification