U.S. patent number 3,890,893 [Application Number 05/469,354] was granted by the patent office on 1975-06-24 for multiple sheet ticket printer.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Di/An Controls, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert D. Kodis.
United States Patent |
3,890,893 |
Kodis |
June 24, 1975 |
Multiple sheet ticket printer
Abstract
A device comprising a rotatable print cylinder having rows of
raised symbols disposed about its periphery in arcuate columns and
an impactor assembly having ballistic elements cooperating with
each row of raised symbols for columnar printing of selected
symbols in rows on an endless web of multiple sheet ticket stock.
The sheets are bound at selected intervals and are formed with
sprocket holes disposed in spaced parallel relationship with the
longitudinal axis at the margins thereof. The ticket stock is
advanced into engagement with a rotating cutter assembly and into
registration with the print drum and ballistic elements by means of
a sprocket drive mechanism. The rotating cutter assembly separates
the sprocketed margins from the ticket body. Symbols are printed
when selected ballistic elements urge the ticket stock against
selected raised symbols as the ticket is incrementally advanced by
the sprocket drive mechanism, certain ones of the sheets being
provided with a carbon backing. Upon completion of the printing
cycle, the ticket stock is sheared by a solenoid actuated rotary
cutter. Thereafter, the printed ticket is propelled from the device
by means of an ejection mechanism.
Inventors: |
Kodis; Robert D. (Brookline,
MA) |
Assignee: |
Di/An Controls, Inc. (Boston,
MA)
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Family
ID: |
26971614 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/469,354 |
Filed: |
May 13, 1974 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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300144 |
Oct 24, 1972 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
101/69;
101/93.28; 462/55; 83/602; 101/227 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J
15/20 (20130101); B41J 11/70 (20130101); Y10T
83/8805 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
B41J
11/70 (20060101); B41J 15/18 (20060101); B41J
15/20 (20060101); B41f 013/58 (); B41f 013/60 ();
B41j 009/10 () |
Field of
Search: |
;101/66-69,226,227,93.26
;83/602 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Coughenour; Clyde I.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Morse, Altman, Oates &
Bello
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 300,144, filed Oct.
24, 1972 now abandond.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A high speed rotary printer for printing selected symbols on an
endless web of multiple sheet stock formed with sprocket holes
disposed in spaced parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis
thereof, said printer comprising:
a. a rotatable printing cylinder having rows of raised characters
disposed about its periphery in arcuate columns;
b. an impactor assembly including a plurality of actuators,
impactors and hammers, one of each said actuator associated with
one of each said impactors, one of each said impactors associated
with one of each said hammers, one of each said hammer associated
with one of each said rows of raised characters, each said actuator
having energized and deenergized states, each said impactor
operative between a rest position and an actuated position, each
said hammer restrained for reciprocal movement between a rest
position and a strike position, said impactor moved from its rest
position to its actuated position when said actuator associated
therewith is momentarily in its energized state, said moved
impactor momentarily engaging said hammer associated therewith,
said engaged hammer moving from its rest position to its strike
position and decoupling from said moved impactor, said moved
impactor returning to its rest position, said engaged hammer
striking the multiple sheet stock and momentarily forcing the
multiple sheet stock against one of said raised symbols in said row
in registration with said engaged hammer, said hammer returning to
its rest position, said raised symbol pressed against the multiple
sheet stock being printed on each of the multiple sheets;
c. first sprocket drive means;
d. second sprocket drive means;
e. a belt engaging said first and second sprocket drive means, said
belt including sprocket pins adapted for engagement with the
sprocket holes in the multiple sheet stock, the multiple sheet
stock forwardly advancing in a path from said first sprocket drive
means to said second sprocket drive means when engaged by said
belt;
f. a rotating cutting blade operatively connected to said second
sprocket drive means, said rotating cutting blade operative to
sever the sprocket holes from the multiple sheet stock;
g. rotary cutter means positioned in said path after said second
sprocket drive means, said rotatable printing cylinder disposed in
said path between said first sprocket drive means and said rotary
cutter means, said rotary cutter means disposed in perpendicular
relationship to the longitudinal axis of the multiple sheet stock
and operative to sever the multiple sheet stock after said symbols
are printed thereon; and
h. tension means engaging opposite faces of the multiple sheet
stock, said tension means disposed in said path after said rotary
cutter means, said tension means providing tension on the multiple
sheet stock and ejecting the printed multiple sheet stock from the
printer when severed by said rotary cutter means.
2. The high speed rotary printer as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
rotary cutter means includes:
a. cylindrical cutter means formed with an opening having a
substantially concave cutting edge adapted to engage the multiple
sheet stock;
b. a cam plate having an eccentric cam track operatively connected
to said cylindrical cutter means;
c. means for rotating said cam plate;
d. a crank arm having a cam follower adapted for engagement and
disengagement with said cam track; and
e. means for moving said crank arm towards said cam plate, said cam
follower engaging said cam track when said crank arm is moved
towards said cam plate, said cylinderical cutter means being
rotated when said cam follower engages said cam track, the multiple
sheet stock being severed when engaged by said concave cutting
edge.
3. A high speed rotary printer for printing selected symbols on an
endless web of multiple sheet stock formed with sprocket holes
disposed in spaced parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis
thereof, said printer comprising:
a. a housing;
b. a frame pivotably mounted to said housing;
c. a rotatable printing cylinder mounted to said frame, said
printing cylinder having rows of raised characters disposed about
its periphery in arcuate columns;
d. an impactor assembly mounted to saidhousing, said impactor
assembly including a plurality of actuators, impactors and hammers,
one of each said actuators associated with one of each said
impactors, one of each said impactors associated with one of each
said hammers, one of each said hammer associated with one of each
said rows of raised characters, each said actuator having energized
and deenergized states, each said impactor operative between a rest
position and an actuated position, each said hammer restrained for
reciprocal movement between a rest position and a strike position,
said impactor moved from its rest position to its actuated position
when said actuator associated therewith is momentarily in its
energized state, said moved impactor momentarily engaging said
hammer associated therewith, said engaged hammer moving from its
rest position to its strike position and decoupling from said moved
impactor, said moved impactor returning to its rest position, said
engaged hammer striking the multiple sheet stock and momentarily
forcing the multiple sheet stock against one of said raised symbols
in said row in registration with said engaged hammer, said hammer
returning to its rest position, said raised symbol pressed against
the multiple sheet stock being printed on each of the multiple
sheets;
e. first sprocket drive means mounted to said housing;
f. second sprocket drive means mounted to said housing;
g. a belt engaging said first and second sprocket drive means, said
belt including sprocket pins adapted for engagement with the
sprocket holes in the multiple sheet stock, the multiple sheet
stock forwardly advancing in a path from said first sprocket drive
means to said second sprocket drive means when engaged by said
belt;
h. a rotating cutting blade operatively connected to said second
sprocket drive means, said rotating cutting blade operative to
sever the sprocket holes from the multiple sheet stock;
i. rotary cutter means mounted to said housing in said path after
said second sprocket drive means, said rotatable printing cylinder
disposed in said path between said first sprocket drive means and
said rotary cutter means, said rotary cutter means including a
cylindrical cutter formed with an opening having a substantially
concave cutting edge adapted to engage the multiple sheet stock, a
cam plate having an eccentric cam track operatively connected to
said cylindrical cutter, means for rotating said cam plate, a crank
arm having a cam follower adapted for engagement and disengagement
with said cam track, and means for moving said crank arm towards
said cam plate, said cam follower engaging said cam track when said
crank arm is moved towards said cam plate, said cylindrical cutter
being rotated when said cam follower engages said cam track, the
multiple sheet stock being severed when engaged by said concave
cutting edge; and
j. tension means mounted to said housing in said path after said
rotary cutter means, said tension means including first and second
rollers disposed at and engaging opposite faces of the multiple
sheet stock, said tension means providing tension on the multiple
sheet stock and ejecting the printed multiple sheet stock severed
by said rotary cutter means from the printer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to printing devices and, more
particularly, is directed towards a high speed rotary ticket
printer for multiple sheet tickets.
2. Description of the Prior Art
High speed rotary printers are well known in the art as a means for
printing the output of an electronic computer on ticket stock. In
one type of ticket printer, the ticket stock is fed into a print
gate by means of a rotating drum which is energized at
predetermined increments. Such printers have suffered from the
disadvantage that, when multiple sheet tickets are used, the
rotating drum tends to buckle some of the sheets. Another
disadvantage found in prior art ticket printers is the use of
scissor-type cutters which require precise alignment and frequent
resharpening. It is apparent that a need exists for improvements in
multiple sheet, high speed rotary ticket printers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a multiple
sheet ticket printer which does not suffer from the heretofore
mentioned disadvantages. The ticket printer comprise a rotatable
print cylinder having rows of raised symbols disposed about its
periphery in arcuate columns and an impactor assembly having
ballistic elements cooperating with each row of symbols for
columnar printing of selected symbols in rows on an endless web of
multiple sheet ticket stock. The sheets are bound at selected
intervals and are formed with sprocket holes disposed in spaced
parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis of the ticket
stock along the margins thereof, the sprocket holes of one sheet
being in registration with corresponding sprocket holes of the
adjacent sheet. A sprocket drive assembly engages the sprocket
holes and incrementally advances the ticket stock into registration
with the print drum and impactor assembly. As the ticket stock is
advanced, the marginal areas thereof are engaged by a rotating
cutter and the sprocketed margins are separated from the ticket
body. Printing is accomplished by energizing selected ones of the
ballistic elements and urging the multiple sheet ticket stock
against the raised symbols in registration therewith, certain ones
of the sheets being provided with a carbon backing. When all rows
have been printed and the ticket stock is at a predetermined
location, a solenoid actuated rotary cutter is energized and the
printed ticket is sheared from the endless strip. Thereafter, the
printed ticket is propelled from the ticket printer by means of an
ejection mechanism.
The invention accordingly comprises the ticket stock and ticket
printer possessing the construction, combination of elements, and
arrangement of parts that are exemplified in the following detailed
disclosure, the scope of which will be indicated in the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present
invention, references should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a block and schematic diagram, partly in perspective of a
ticket printer embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the ticket stock embodying the present
invention;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation, somewhat exaggerated, of the ticket
stock of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the ticket stock of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of an alternative form of the ticket stock
embodying the invention;
FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the ticket stock embodying
the invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective of the ticket printer embodying the
invention;
FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the ticket printing mechanism of the
ticket printer of FIG. 7; and
FIG. 9 is a perspective of the cutting mechanism of the ticket
printer of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, particularly FIG. 1, there is shown
a system 10 for printing and dispensing multiple sheet tickets, for
example airline tickets. In the illustrated embodiment, printing
system 10 is interconnected with an online, real time computer
communications system generally shown in block form at 11. System
10 comprises a rotatable print cylinder 16, for example a print
drum, having rows of raised symbols disposed about its periphery in
arcuate columns and an impactor assembly 17 including a plurality
of ballistic elements 18 for printing selected symbols on an
endless web of multiple sheet ticket stock 14 which stored in a
hopper 19. In the illustrated embodiment, by way of example, print
drum 16 includes six rows of 47 characters each, adjacent rows of
characters being in spaced parallel relationship to one another,
and the number of ballistic elements 18 is six, one ballistic
element 18 cooperating with one row of characters.
In one example of system operation, a printing cycle is initiated
by enabling a control and encoder unit 22 which generates command
signals. A print enable unit 20 generates a Busy/Ready signal in
response to control and encoder 22 command signals. The Busy/Ready
signal, which denotes a Ready state at this time, is applied to a
computer (not shown) via an input/output terminal 12. The computer
generates data signals which represent the first row of characters
to be printed on ticket stock 14. These data signals are applied to
a storage unit 24 via an input data terminal 26. A Print Command
generated by the computer is applied to control and encoder 22 via
a delay 28 and the Busy/Ready signal changes to the Busy state. In
response to a command signal generated by control and encoder 22,
the character data signals in storage 24 are applied to character
comparator 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40. A sensor 42 generates Code
Line signals which denote the relative position of the characters
on print drum 16 with respect to ballistic elements 18. Sensor 42
is mounted in registration with an apertured encoder wheel 44 which
is directly coupled to print drum 16 via a shaft 46. Since encoder
wheel 44 is directly coupled to print drum 16, at any instant of
time, Code Line signals generated by sensor 42 and derived from
encoder wheel 44 correspond to the character on print drum 16 that
is in registration with the correlative ballistic element 18. The
Code Line signals generated by sensor 42, for example an optical
sensor which senses luminance emitted from a source 48, are applied
to comparators 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 via control and encoder 22
and an amplifier 50. When like signals generated by sensor 42 and
storage 24 are presented at the input terminals of any one or all
of character comparators 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40, the correlative
character comparator generates a signal which is applied to
corresponding hammer controls 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 and 62. Character
comparators 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 are connected to hammer
controls 52, 54 56, 58, 60 and 62, respectively. One hammer control
is connected to one ballistic element 18 which cooperates with only
one row of characters on type drum 16. That is, hammer control 52
is associated with the first row of characters, hammer control 54
is associated with the second row of characters hammer control 56
is associated with the third row of characters, and hammer control
58 is associated with the fourth row of characters, hammer control
60 is associated with the fifth row of characters and hammer
control 62 is associated with the sixth row of characters. When a
comparison occurs, the corresponding hammer control generates a
signal which energizes ballistic element 18 associated therewith.
The energized ballistic element 18 causes ticket stock 14 in
registration therewith to be pressed against print drum 16, whereby
the appropriate character is printed on ticket stock 14. The Code
Line signals derived from encoder wheel 44 are gated with the Print
Command in control and encoder 22 which generates Character Stroke
signals to ensure that printing occurs only when the selected
character is properly aligned and a Print Command is present, the
Character Stobe signals being applied to hammer controls 52, 54,
56, 58, 60 and 62.
When print drum 16 and encoder wheel 44 have completed one
revolution, one column of characters will have been printed on
ticket stock 14. At this point, the Ready/Busy signal is in the
Busy state and a Paper Feed pulse is generated by control and
encoder 22. The Paper Feed pulse is applied to a ticket driver
mechanism 64 and ticket stock 14 is moved an equivalent distance of
one row preparation for the printing of the next column of
characters. After ticket stock 14 has been advanced, the Ready/Busy
signal reverts to the Ready state. Data signals representing the
next row of characters to be printed is applied to storage 24.
During the next revolution of print drum 16, these characters are
printed in columnar form on ticket stock 14. The sequence continues
until all columns have been printed.
When all columns have been printed, an End Ticket signal, generated
by the computer is applied to control and encoder 22 via terminal
12. The End Ticket signal energizes a slew ticket logic 66 in
control and encoder 22 and the Ready/Busy line becomes Busy. As
hereinafter described, ticket stock 14 is slewed into registration
with a rotary cutter 68 which is controlled by a cutting mechanism
70. This slewing action positions ticket stock 14 in proper
orientation for printing of the first column of characters on the
next ticket. In addition, the End Ticket signal energizes an eject
assembly 72 which maintains tension on ticket stock 14 while it is
being severed by cutter 68 and propels the ticket stock through a
ticket slot (not shown) as soon as the cut is completed. A ticket
stock sensor 89, for example a microswitch, generates a command
signal indicating that hopper 19 has been emptied. The details of
ticket stock 14 are shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, it will be seen that ticket
stock 14 comprises an endless web of individual ticket blanks 90,
for example multiple sheet airline passenger ticket blanks,
composed of a fibrous material such as paper. In the preferred
embodiment, ticket stock 14 is folded in a Z configuration along
fold lines 92 and stored in hopper 19. Each ticket blank 90
includes an upper stratum 94, intermediate strata 96, 98, 100, 102,
104 and 106, and a bottom stratum 108. As viewed in FIG. 2, the
upper and lower margins of each stratum 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104,
106 and 108 are formed with longitudinally extending perforations
110 which defined tear lines, perforations 110 on one stratum being
in registration with perforations 110 in the adjacent stratum.
Interposed between tear lines 110 and the upper and lower edges of
each stratum 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106 and 108 is a series of
spaced sprocket holes 112 which extend in space parallel
relationship to the longitudinal axis of ticket stock 14, sprocket
holes 112 on one stratum being in registration with sprocket holes
112 on the adjacent stratum. In order to facilitate removal of each
sheet of the printed ticket, each stratum 94, 96, 98, 100, 102,
104, 106 and 108 is provided with perforations 114 which extends
between and in perpendicular relationship to tear lines 110. The
left margin of each stratum 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106 and 108
is bound as shown at the cross hatching denoted by reference
character 116. In the illustrated embodiment, a passenger ticket
area 118 is defined as that area which is bounded by tear lines
110, perforations 114 and fold line 92.
As best shown in FIG. 4, the left margin of each ticket 90 is bound
by means of adhesive strips 120, 122. The upper and lower edges of
ticket 90 are bound by means of adhesive strips 124, and 126,
respectively. In the illustrative embodiment, by way of example,
adhesive strips 120, 122, 124 and 126 are provided on the underside
of strata 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106 and 108. The underside of
strata 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, and 106, in registration with
passenger ticket area 118 is provided with a carbon backing 128. As
hereinafter described, when ticket stock 14 is urged against print
drum 16 by means of ballistic elements 18, the appropriate
character is printed on intermediate strata 96, 98, 100, 102, 104,
106 and 108 as a result of the carbon backing on the adjacent
sheet. That is, a character is imprinted on bottom stratum 108 as a
result of the carbon backing on intermediate stratum 106, a
character is imprinted on intermediate stratum 106 due to the
carbon back on intermediate stratum 104 and so on. It is to be
noted that no characters are imprinted on upper stratum 94. In the
illustrated embodiment, strata 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106 and
108 are paper sheets having like weights. In alternate embodiment
upper and lower strata 94 and 96 define cover sheets having a
weight which is heavier than intermediate strata 96, 98, 100, 102,
104 and 106. Alternate forms of ticket stock 14 are shown in FIGS.
5 and 6.
Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown a ticket stock 120 which
includes a passenger ticket area 122 and an endorsement area 124.
Ticket stock 120 is provided with longitudinally extending
perforations 126 along the upper and lower margins as viewed in
FIG. 5. A series of space sprocket holes 128 are interposed between
perforations 126 and the upper and lower edges of ticket stock 120,
sprocket holes 128 being in spaced parallel relationship with the
longitudinal axis of ticket stock 120. The left margin of ticket
area 122 is bound at the cross hatching denoted by reference
character 132 and endorsement area 124 is bound at the cross
hatching denoted by reference character 134. Removal of printed
passenger tickets is facilitated by means of perforations 136 and
138 which extend in perpendicular space relationship to
perforations 126, passenger ticket area 122 being bounded by
perforations 126, 136 and 138. Perforations 140 which extend in
perpendicular spaced relationship to perforations 126 are provided
for facilitating removal of printed endorsement information,
endorsement area 124 being bound by perforations 126, 140 and fold
line 130. It is to be understood that, in the illustrated
embodiment, ticket stock 120 is a multiple sheet ticket blank which
is similar in construction to ticket 90.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an alternate embodiment of
ticket 90 in the form of a ticket stock 142. As viewed in FIG. 6,
the upper and lower margins of ticket stock 142 are provided with a
series of spaced sprocket holes 144 which are disposed in spaced
parallel relationship with longitudinal axis of ticket stock 142.
It is to be noted that sprocket holes 144 are within a passenger
ticket area denoted by reference character 146. Ticket stock 142 is
folded in a Z configuration along the fold line denoted by
reference character 148. The left hand side of ticket stock 142 is
bound as shown in the cross hatching denoted by reference character
150. In order to facilitate removal of a printed passenger ticket,
there is provided perforations 152 which extend in spaced
perpendicular relationship to the longitudinal axis of ticket line
142. It is to be noted that ticket blank 90 and ticket blank 142
are similar with the exception that the sprocket holes provided
ticket stock 142 are internal to the passenger area while the
sprocket holes provided in ticket blank 90 are external to the
passenger area. In the following discussion of the details of
ticket printer 10, by way of example, it is assumed that the ticket
blanks stored in hopper 19 are of the type denoted by reference
character 90.
Referring now to FIG. 7, it will be seen that ticket printer 10 is
organized about a housing 160 having a pivoted frame portion 162.
Ticket stock blank 90 is threaded about a guide 164 and is engaged
by drive mechanism 64, guide 164 being mounted to housing 160. It
will be noted that drive mechanisms 64 engages oppose sides of
ticket 90. For clarity, only one side of drive mechanism 64 is
shown. It is to be understood that the hidden side of drive
mechanism 64 is structurally and functionally similar to the side
of drive mechanism 64 which is shown in FIG. 7. Drive mechanism 64
includes a double ended motor 166 having a pulley 168 which is
drivingly connected to a pulley 170 via a belt 172. Pulley 170 is
coupled to a sprocket drive pulley 174 by means of a shaft 176. A
sprocketed belt 178 is operatively connected between a sprocketed
pulley 180 and sprocketed pulley 174. Sprocketed belt 178 is
adapted to engage sprocket holes 112 of ticket stock blank 90. A
rotating cutting blade 182 is coupled to sprocketed pulley 180 in
registration with tear lines 110. As cutter blade 182 engages
ticket stock 90, sprocket holes 112 are separated from the ticket
body along perforations 110. Ticket stock 90 is threaded into
ticket printer 10 by lifting frame 162 which is pivoted about a pin
184. When frame 162 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 7,
print drum 16 is in registration with ballistic elements 18. Print
drum 16 is rotatably mounted to frame 162 by means of shafts 186
and 188. A pulley 190, which is mounted to shaft 186, is connected
to a pulley 192 via a belt 194. On a common shaft 195 with pulley
192 is a pulley 196 which is connected to a pulley 198 via a belt
200. Pulley 198 is coupled to a motor 202. Also connected to pulley
198 on a common motor shaft 199 is a belt 204 which is connected to
a pulley 206. A nip roller 208 is driven by pulley 206, ticket
stock blank 90 being threaded between nip roller 208 and a nip
roller 210. It is to be understood that nip rollers 208, 210
operate to maintain tension on ticket stock blank 90 during the
printing cycle and operate to propel the printed ticket from
printer 10 after the cutting operation.
Referring now to FIG. 8, it will be seen that impactor assembly 17
includes an actuator 211 which is in registration with an impactor
arm 212 having an impactor 213. Ballistic hammer 18 comprises a
housing 214 and a hammer 215. Housing 214 is formed with a guideway
216 which is adapted to slidably receive hammer 215. A bias element
217, for example a compression spring, is spiraled about hammer 215
within guideway 216. A retaining ring 218 is mounted to hammer 215
for holding spring 217 in such a manner that hammer 215 is biased
downwardly within guideway 216. When actuator 211, for example an
electromagnetic actuator, is energized by the command signal
generated by sensor 42, impactor arm 212, which is pivoted about a
pin 219, is pulled toward actuator 211. In consequence, impactor
213 contacts hammer 215 which is driven towards print drum 16.
Thereafter, impactor arm 212 decouples from hammer 215 and returns
to a rest position. Hammer 215 continues its upward flight and
strikes the underside of ticket stock blank 90, momentarily forcing
ticket stock blank 90 against a raised character on print drum 16.
Hammer 215, aided by compressed spring 217, returns to the rest
position. Upon completion of the printing cycle, the completed,
ticket is separated by means of cutting mechanism 70.
Refeering now to FIG. 9 there is shown the details of cutting
mechanism 70. A cam plate 220 having an eccentric cam track 222 is
mounted to shaft 186. A crank arm 224 having a cam follower 226 is
mounted to a shaft 227 which is fixed to cutter 68. An extending
arm 228 of an actuator 230 is mounted to crank arm 224 by means of
a pin 232. When actuator 230 is energized, cam follower 226 is
engaged by cam track 222 and cutter 68 is rotated. As best shown in
FIG. 1, cutter 68 is formed with a concave cutting edge 234 which
engages ticket stock blank 90 when cutter 68 is engaged by cam
track 222. A cutter block 236 is mounted in registration with
cutting edge 234, ticket stock blank 90 being threaded between
cutter 68 and block 236. In consequence, when cutter 68 is rotated,
ticket stock blank 90 is severed by the scissor-like action of
cutting edge 234 and cutting block 236.
Since certain changes may be made in the foregoing disclosure
without departing from the scope herein involved, it is intended
that all matter be construed in an illustrated and not in a
limiting sense.
* * * * *