improvement in machines for the impression of characters on credit cards for identification and the like

摘要

An electronically controlled embossing machine for embossing alpha-numeric characters on flexible sheets such as, for example, plastic or metal credit cards or nameplates. Embossing is accomplished by two constantly rotating embossing wheels which carry radially movable embossing molds about their peripheries. One embossing wheel carries male or projecting embossing molds; the second wheel carries matching female or intaglio embossing molds. Selection of a certain character via a keyboard, or by electrical signals from any data source, causes the appropriate male and female molds to be moved radially outwardly on each wheel by mechanical mold cam levers. A flexible sheet, such as a plastic credit card blank, interposed in the bite of the two embossing wheels, is embossed by the radially extended embossing molds in a rolling-squeezing process. After the embossing of a selected character on the flexible sheet, the previously selected embossing molds are returned inwardly to their original positions and the flexible sheet is indexed to the proper position for embossing of the next character. An electronic system senses the instantaneous position of the embossing wheels and controls the timing of the embossing sequence including actuation of solenoids for the selection and extension of desired embossing molds.