Automatic embossing system

• US 4,271,012 A
• Filed: 03/07/1979
• Issued: 06/02/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 09/21/1977
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Data Card Corp.
• Original Assignee: Data Card Corp.
• Inventors: LaManna, Richard J., Polad, Michael D., Drillick, Jacob H.
• Primary Examiner(s): ROLLA, JR., JOSEPH J
• Application Number:
  US06/018,279
• Time in Patent Office: 818 Days
• Field of Search: 209/606, 209/651, 209/653, 271/64, 271/180, 271/181, 414/103, 414/108, 414/907
• US Class Current: 209/653
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/387 with automatic plate transport systems, e.g. for credit cards

Abstract

Automatic card embossing apparatus includes a rotatable embossing wheel carrying about its periphery punch and die pairs for all characters available for embossing. Each character position of the wheel defines an address and the wheel is controlled for rotation to a desired address for embossing the character there-located. Data identifying all embossable characters is processed to derive three control numbers for each character, the first control number identifying the corresponding wheel address for the corresponding punch and die pair, the second number identifying the horizontal position on the card where the character is to be embossed, and the third control number identifying the line number on the card. The data is sorted into ascending order of wheel addresses. In operation, a card is transported to a reference position relative to the embossing wheel and the embossing wheel is rotated to the address of the first control number. The distance to move the card based on the second and third control numbers is computed, and the card is transported to each successive position for that first character to be embossed. The embossing wheel then is rotated to the next address in accordance with the next first control number and the embossing and card transport functions are performed. Following embossing, the card is returned to its reference position, then to an output stacker where it is deflected into "accept" or "reject" portions as a function of error checks performed during data processing and embossing.

Claims

1. An output stacker mechanism for receiving processed documents and selectively stacking same in accept and reject portions thereof, comprising:

resilient engaging means defining first and second channels for receiving first and second edges of a document deposited in said output stacker at a position intermediate said accept and reject portions thereof,

deflection means selectively positionable initially at one of first and second opposite sides of said resilient engaging means and selectively movable in first and second opposite directions to the respectively opposite said side,

means for displacing said deflection means to a first of said two sides prior to deposit of a document therein and means for energizing said deflection means to deflect said deposited document in said first direction beyond said resilient engaging means and into said accept portion of said output hopper and, in response to an error indication, displacing said deflection means to said second side prior to depositing a document in said output hopper and thereafter energizing said deflection means to deflect said document deposited in said resilient engagement means in said second direction, beyond said resilient engaging means and into said reject hopper, thereby to physically separate the transported documents at said output stacker into said accept and reject portions, a pair of guide rails are provided, said resilient engaging means including a pair of movable detent mechanisms for providing the first and second channels, and each of the movable detent mechanisms are pivotally mounted on a guide rail.

2. An output stacker mechanism as recited in claim 1 wherein:

each of the pivotally mounted detent mechanisms including an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion having an angular extension thereon, said lower portion having an angular extension thereon, and both of said angular extensions cooperating to form a vertical engaging groove for an edge of the document.

3. An output stacker mechanism as recited in claim 1 wherein:

each one of the pair of guide rails is provided with a flat surface thereon, and the associated pivotally mounted detent mechanism is mounted on said respective flat surface.

4. An output stacker mechanism as recited in claim 3 wherein:

a stop is provided for each pivotally mounted detent mechanism, and adjustable means is arranged on each detent mechanism for contact with each associated stop for controlling the extent of pivoting motion of the associated detent mechanism.

5. An output stacker mechanism as recited in claim 4 wherein:

each of the pivotally mounted detent mechanisms further including an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion having an angular extension thereon,

said lower portion having an angular extension thereon, and both of said angular extensions cooperating to form a vertical engaging groove for an edge of the document.

6. An output stacker mechanism for receiving processed documents and selectively stacking same in accept and reject portions thereof, comprising:

resilient engaging means defining first and second channels for receiving first and second edges of a document deposited in said output stacker at a position intermediate said accept and reject portions thereof;

deflection means selectively positionable initially at one of first and second opposite sides of said resilient engaging means and selectively movable in first and second opposite directions to the respectively opposite said side,

means for displacing said deflection means to a first of said two sides prior to deposit of a document therein and means for energizing said deflection means to deflect said deposited document in said first direction beyond said resilient engaging means and into said accept portion of said output hopper and, in response to an error indication, displacing said deflection means to said second side prior to depositing a document in said output hopper and thereafter energizing said deflection means to deflect said document deposited in said resilient engagement means in said second direction, beyond said resilient engaging means and into said reject hopper, thereby to physically separate the transported documents at said output stacker into said accept and reject portions, said means for displacing said deflection means including an electric motor, an eccentric driven by the electric motor, said deflection means including a reciprocal paddle, and connecting actuating mechanism between the eccentric and the reciprocal paddle, and guide means being associated with the movable paddle to align and constrain same in the direction of desired reciprocating movement.

7. An output stacker mechanism as recited in claim 6 wherein:

a gear box is provided between said motor and said eccentric with an output from the gear box for driving a notched photocell disc, and a photocell sensor is associated with the disc for providing an indication of the paddle position.