David F Seitz

US Patent:

54920574, Feb 20, 1996

Filed:

May 12, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/242012

Inventors:

Kim E. Izor - Miamisburg OH
David R. Seitz - Vandalia OH

Assignee:

Ohio Electronic Engravers, Inc. - Dayton OH

International Classification:

B31F 107

US Classification:

101 32

Abstract:

A system for locating a plurality of engraving heads on an engraver wherein a plurality of engraving heads are automatically positioned into a predetermined configuration. A mechanism for positioning the engraving heads preferably includes a leadscrew and a drive nut which is rotatable relative to the leadscrew. In addition, each of the engraving heads preferably includes a rotatable drive nut with a respective motor for rotating the nut whereby the heads may be selectively positioned into a predetermined configuration. In a further aspect of the invention, the engraving heads are mounted on a carriage which is movable in an axial direction relative to a cylinder to be engraved. The heads are selectively positionable on the carriage and the carriage includes a nut threadably engaged with a leadscrew whereby the carriage may be driven in an axial direction relative to the cylinder to be engraved. In yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for engraving a cylinder including mounting a cylinder in the engraver, automatically adjusting a plurality of engraving heads into a predetermined configuration, and engraving a plurality of images onto the cylinder.