Positive piece engagement indicator for marking tool

• US 6,719,468 B2
• Filed: 02/21/2001
• Issued: 04/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Raymond P. Gatta
• Original Assignee: Raymond P. Gatta
• Inventors: Gatta, Raymond P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Funk, Stephen R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Williams, Kevin D.
• Application Number:
  US09/790,158
• Publication Number:
  US 20020114653A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,147 Days
• Field of Search: 101/3.1, 101/19, 101/26, 101/32, 400/134.2, 400/134.5, 400/124.01, 400/124.02, 400/124.04, 400/124.05, 400/124.14, 400/127, 83/62, 83/621, 83/63, 83/72, 83/74
• US Class Current: 400/124.01
• CPC Class Codes: B44B 5/02 Dies; Accessories
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/086 With sensing of product or product handling means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/088 Responsive to tool detector or work-feed-means detector
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/089 Responsive to tool characteristic
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/091 Responsive to work sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/141 With means to monitor and control operation [e.g., self-regulating means]

Abstract

A positive piece engagement indicator for marking tool is provided in which a metal workpiece is contacted with a workpiece contact probe for providing physical contact with, as well as electrical communication with the metal surface of a workpiece. A test voltage and indicator means are placed in series between the workpiece and marking tool. Upon physical contact of the marking tool engagement surface with the surface of the metal workpiece, a circuit is completed by the electrical communication there between, thereby engaging the indicator means. This allows positive verification of actual engagement of worktool to workpiece.

Claims

1. In a pin stamping pin impact marking tool utilized as a means to imprint identifying indicia within a metal piece, said pin stamping pin impact marking tool including an impact pin for thrusting into the work surface by a pin driver and a metal workpiece having an electrically conductive surface, wherein the improvement comprises:

a work piece contact probe for providing electrical communication with a metal surface of a workpiece for purposes of providing a reliable electrical circuit;

a tool contact having an engagement surface for providing physical contact with a marking tool to be engaged with a work piece;

test voltage means for providing electrical potential between said workpiece contact probe and said tool contact through electrical communication between a first conducting means and a second conducting means, respectively;

indicator means electrically coupled in series between said tool contact and said test voltage means, said indicator means further electrically coupled in series between said first conducting means and said second conducting means, wherein said indicator means is engaged upon completion of an electrical circuit as said engagement surface physically contacts said metal surface of said workpiece; and

a latching relay capable of sensing continuity for a short time duration to engage said indicator means;

whereby positive verification of actual engagement of worktool to workpiece is indicated.

2. The positive piece engagement indicator of claim 1, wherein said test voltage means comprises a direct current source.