CA2184465A1 - Wire marker holder device - Google Patents
Wire marker holder deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2184465A1 CA2184465A1 CA 2184465 CA2184465A CA2184465A1 CA 2184465 A1 CA2184465 A1 CA 2184465A1 CA 2184465 CA2184465 CA 2184465 CA 2184465 A CA2184465 A CA 2184465A CA 2184465 A1 CA2184465 A1 CA 2184465A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- elongate
- wire
- opening
- elongate body
- markers
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000003550 marker Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 75
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 241000726103 Atta Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003000 extruded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013024 troubleshooting Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/08—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself
- G09F3/18—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels
- G09F3/20—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels for adjustable, removable, or interchangeable labels
- G09F3/205—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels for adjustable, removable, or interchangeable labels specially adapted for electric cables, pipes or the like
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Insulated Conductors (AREA)
Abstract
Apparatus for use in providing printed wire markers, comprises a spool of unprinted wire markers, a casing for the spool, the casing bearing sensible indicia defining information related to the encased wire markers, a sensor for sensing the indicia and providing output signals indicative of the information and a wire marker printer for receiving the spooled, unprinted wire markers from the casing and printing thereon accordingly with the information. An elongate wire marker holder device for supporting a wire marker for imprinting thereon, comprises an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in the opening and having respective free ends spacedly juxtaposed at a location distal from locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body to define a slot therebetween.
Description
2l 84465 T&B 1188 PATENT
WIRE Ml~T.'Tt'T~'~ TlQT.nT'l~ DI~VICE
FIELD OF THE lNv~L.llON
This invention relates generally to identification devices and pertains more particularly to apparatus, methods and systems for providing printed wire markers for application to electrical conductors.
RA~R~ROUND OF THE lNV~N ~ lON
One known practice in fabricating wire markers is to form a wire marker sleeve from a continuous length of extruded plastic tubing and to cut the sleeve into markers of desired length. The markers are supplied to the end user either with preprinting of desired information or in blank for printing by the user. In the latter case, the individual markers are provided in assembly with a marker holding device which supports the markers for imprinting.
One type of assembly of markers and a holding device is shown in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,586,610.
The markers are extruded elongate cylinders and the holding device comprises a flat planar member having a plurality of openings through the planar surfaces, the openings being arranged in pairs at opposite sides of the planar member, which defines tabs which extend into ends of markers and releasably retain the markers with the planar member. The assembly may be inserted into a typewriter or other printer for imprinting of the desired wire information on the markers.
Another assembly of markers and holding device is seen in U. S. Patent No. 4,865,895. Here, the holding device comprises a first carrier strip pair having adhesive on interior faces of the strips and markers are releasably secured to the first carrier strip pair and extend 2 1 8~465 outwardly thereof. A second carrier strip pair is provided at the remote ends of the markers, again having adhe~ive on interior faces of the strips and accordingly releasably secured to the second carrier strip.
Typically, marker a~semblies are encased and, at the user site, are removed from their case, loaded onto a marker spool in a printer and fed into the printer feeding mechanism. From applicant~' perspective, this past practice is cumbersome and time consuming.
Further, they see presently known holding devices as not a~suring high quality imprinting on markers thereby held.
SUMMARY OF THE lNv~NllON
The primary object of the invention is to overcome the foregoing shortcomings seen in the prior art marker assembly handling and marker holding devices.
More particular objects of the invention are the provision of an improved marker assembly handling operation and system and the provision of improved marker holding devices.
In attA;n;ng the former particular object, the invention provides an elongate wire marker holder device for supporting a wire marker for imprinting thereon, comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in the opening and having respective free ends spacedly juxtaposed at a location distal from locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body to define a slot therebetween.
2 1 84i-1 65 `_ A slot extends transversely of the body between the free ends of the elongate body portions and, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the slot is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitll~;n~l axis of the body. The first and second elongate body portions are of respective different dimensions longitll~;n~lly of the body. Further, the first elongate body portion is desirably of length along a longitudinal axis of the body which is a multiple of a length along the body longitn~; n~l axis of the second elongate body portion.
The foregoing and other objects and features of the invention will be further understood from the following detailed discussion of preferred practices and embodiments thereof and from the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like components and part throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
Fig. 1 is a plan elevation of a wire marker assembly in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 2 is a left side elevation of the wire marker assembly of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the wire marker assembly of Fig. 1 as would be seen from plane III-III of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a plan elevation of a further wire marker assembly in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 5 is shows various types of wire marker labels.
Fig. 6 is a generalized showing of apparatus and system in accordance with the invention.
2 1 ~ 5 Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the front, left side and top of a preferred embodiment of apparatus in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the rear, right side and top of the Fig. 7 apparatus.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the rear, left side and top of the Fig. 7 apparatus including a wire marker carton in disposition to be placed in a rear compartment of the apparatus.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the rear, right side and top of the Fig. 7 apparatus with the wire marker carton in such disposition to be placed in a rear compartment of the apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the lower portions of Figs. 1-3, a wire marker holder of the invention comprises a one-piece body 10 defining respective transversely spaced, elongate openings 12 and 14 therethrough and first and second elongate body portions 16 and 18, cantilever-supported by body 10 at respective locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body.
Body 10 further defines slot lOa, longitll~;nAlly disposed between the first and second elongate body portions, particularly between juxtaposed ends 16a and 18a thereof. Slot lOa extends transversely of body 10 and is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the longitll-l;nAl axis of body 10.
First and second elongate body portions 16 and 18 are of respective different dimensions longitll~;nAlly of body 10, with the former being a length which is a multiple of the length of the latter. Further, the first and 21 ~L! 65 second elongate portions will be seen to define respective end parts in mutually overlapping relation longitudinally of body 10.
Whereas the referenced lower portions of Figs. 1-3 depict the wire marker holder without a wire marker thereby supported, the upper portions of Figs. 1-3 depict a wire marker 20 in assembly with the wire marker holder.
In reaching the assembly of the upper portions of Figs.
1-3, wire marker 20 is disposed leftwardly of body 10 and thereabove, in longitll~;n~l alignment with elongate body portion~ 16 and 18, and the former is displaced outwardly of body 10. Wire marker 20 is generally tubular and open at both ends thereof. Elongate body portion 16 is now in~erted into the leftward open end of wire marker 20 and fully into wire marker 20, this step being facilitated by the tapered character of the free end of the elongate body portion. Then, elongate body portion 18 is displaced outwardly of body 10 and into the other end of wire marker 20 and fully into wire marker 20. At that juncture, the various parts are released and wire marker 20 assumes its showing in the upper portions of Figs. 1-3, i.e., in nesting relation with elongate body portions 16 and 18 and generally flat against them.
Turning to the upper portion of Fig. 4, a further wire marker holder of the invention comprises a one-piece body 10' defining respective transversely spaced, elongate openings 12' and 14' therethrough and first and second elongate body portions 16' and 18', cantilever-supported by body 10' at respective locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body.
2 1 & 4 -1 ~ 5 Body 10' further defines slot lOa', longltll~;n~lly disposed between the first and second elongate body portions, particularly between juxtaposed ends 16a' and 18a' thereof. Slot lOa' extends transversely of body 10' and is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of body 10'.
First and second elongate body portions 16' and 18' are of respective different dimensions longit~;nAlly of body 10', with the former being a length which is a multiple of the length of the latter. Further, the fir~t and second elongate portions will be seen to define respective end parts in mutually overlapping relation longitn~;n~lly of body 10'. Body 10' is shown with conventional sprocket holes lOb~ and ; n~Y; ng slots lOc', although markings, such as ink dots may also be used.
Whereas the referenced upper portion of Fig. 4 depicts the wire marker holder without a wire marker thereby supported, the lower portions of Fig. 4 depict a wire marker 20' in assembly with the wire marker holder.
Referring again to the upper portion of Fig. 4, elongate body portion 16' will be seen to include opposed serrated or wavy margins, i.e., each margin having undulations 16b' with crests and adjacent valleys. The crests are 80 dimensioned as to be in interference fit with the interior of applied wire marker 20' and are found to enh~nce retention of the marker with the elongate body member.
Fig. 5 depicts various types of labels, L1 being a three row, nine elements per row, single label, L2 being a single row, nine element, single label, L3 being a collection of four single row, two element labels, mutually separable for use, and L4 being a collection of two single row, four element labels, mutually separable 2 1 ~4465 for use.
Turning to Fig. 6, apparatus of the invention comprises casing 22, having spooled, unmarked wire markers therein and defining an exit opening (not shown) through which the spool may be drawn. One body 10 and its associated wire marker 20 are seen as having issued through the exit opening and advancing toward printer 24.
Casing 22 includes on an exterior surface thereof sensible indicia 26. Sensor 28 is moved into registry with casing 22, or vice versa, to enable sensing of the indicia and sensor 28 provides output signals on lines 30 indicative of the information contained in the sensed indicia.
The information contained in the sensed indicia are generally of "format" nature for printer 24, i.e., to enable the printer, through control and information signals provided thereto by microprocessor 34 over lines 36, to provide properly imprinted wire markers. In this connection, microprocessor 34 receives the sensed format information from sensor 28 over lines 30. The information may be include such as pitch of spooled wire markers (longitl~;n~l spacing between adjacent wire markers), length and width of spooled wire markers, number of wire markers spooled transversely, etc. i.e., information of the types of labels shown in Fig. 5 and discussed above.
Microprocessor 34 receives or stores further information which is user-originated, such as what is to be the printing text, what is to be the printing font, etc.
Thus, since a given wire marker length will permit different maximum numbers of characters for different printing fonts, the microprocessor associates sensed wire marker length with user-originate font selection and user-originated measure of printing text to properly 2 ~ 6 5 advise the printer of printing instructions. Likewise, as another example, where the sensed indicia indicates that there are plural wire marker~ to be presented to the printer at the same time, i.e., plural transversely spaced wire markers are spooled as shown also in Fig. 5, the microprocessor is informed on the basis of sensed information in respect of transverse ; nA~Y; ng of the printing head per individual longitudinal spool wire marker feed.
Microprocessor 34 provides signals also over lines 38 to printer 24 for advancing wire marker~ from their casing.
As will be appreciated, the term "spool", while connoting spirally wound, is intended to encompass any succession of wire marker assemblies arranged in such succession as to be advanced to a printer, e.g., a web bearing wire markers adhesively ~ecured thereto and arranged as a vertically-stacked, marginally-connected series of web sheets.
As is shown in Figs. 7-10, apparatus 40 of the invention includes housing 42, comprised of upper and lower segments 42a and 42b, which are separable for effecting adjustments, trouble shooting, repair, etc. Housing 42 supports keyboard 44 and LCD (liquid crystal display) 46 and includes a printing mechanism therewithin, cover 48 being openable for replacing a printing cartridge for the printing mechani~m. Rearward open compartment 50 affords seating of a wire marker carton in housing 42.
Slot 52 iæ for the releasable receipt of a memory card in (commonly known as PCMCIA) apparatus 40.
Compartment 50 includes floor 54 and forward detents 56 and 58. Lid 58 is pivotally supported by housing segment 42b and includes detents 60 and 62. An interior bo-~n~; ng sidewall of compartment 54 supports sensor as~embly 64, which includes transducer assemblie~ 66, shown as eight in number and each including a light-2 ~ L 4 6 5 emitting diode (LED) or like source of radiant energy and a photocell or like electrooptic transducer.
Wire marker carton 72 has sensible indicia panel 74, with indicia 74a. In the illustrated indicia example, eight indicia are present in configuration to register with the eight transducer ass~mhlies 66, the indicia being either radiant energy-reflective (unshaded) or non-radiant energy-reflective (~h~eA). Apertures 76 and 78 are disposed for registry with detents 60 and 62 when lid 58 is closed, following seating of carton 72 on compartment floor 54, and detents 58 and 60 likewise register with apertures (not shown) in the forward panel of the carton. Wire marker web 80 is illustrated as having been drawn from carton 72 and threaded into the printing mechanism of apparatus 40.
Given that there are eight indicia possibilities in panel 74, and that the indicia are binary in nature, reflective or non-reflective, it will be appreciated that the panel may be configured in its indicia to identify any specific one of two hundred and fifty-six diverse carton wire marker contents. It should be appreciated that more or less than eight indicia possibilities may be provided.
By way of summary of the foregoing and introduction to the ensuing claims, the invention will be seen to provide, in one aspect, an elongate wire marker holder device for supporting a wire marker for imprinting thereon, comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in the opening and having respective free ends spacedly juxtaposed at a location distal from locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body to define a slot therebetween. The slot is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitllA;nAl axis of the body. The 4 f`- 6 5 first and second elongate body portions are of respective different dimensions longitl~;nAlly of the body. The slot is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitll~;nAl axis of the body. The first elongate body portion is of length along a longitll~;nAl axis of the body which is a multiple of a length along the body longitll~; n~l axis of the second elongate body portion. In a further embodiment, at least one of the first and second elongate body portions defining an undulated surface bordering the opening.
Preferably, the first elongate body portion defines the undulated surface bordering the opening and the second elongate body portion defines a non-undulated surface bordering the opening.
In another aspect, the invention will be seen to provide an elongate wire marker holder device for supporting a wire marker for imprinting thereon, comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in the opening and having respective free ends defining respective end parts in mutually overlapping relation longitudinally of the body.
Further, the invention will be seen to provide a wire marker assembly, comprising an elongate wire marker holder device comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in the opening and having respective free ends spacedly juxtaposed at a location distal from locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body to define a slot therebetween, and a wire marker disposed in circumscribing relation to both of the first and second elongate body portions.
2 ! ~
Additionally, the invention will be seen to provide a wire marker assembly comprising an elongate wire marker holder device for supporting a wire marker for imprinting thereon, comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in the opening and having respective free ends defining respective end parts in mutually overlapping relation longitll~;nAlly of the body, and a wire marker disposed in circumscribing relation to both of the first and second elongate body portions.
The apparatus for use in making printed wire markers shown in Figs. 7-10 will be seen to comprise printing means disposed in the apparatus for printing wire markers, a carton-receiving compartment in the apparatus and sensing means disposed adjacent the compartment in the apparatus for generating electrical output signals indicative of sensible indicia on a carton disposed in the compartment.
The sensing means comprises a plurality of transducers having respective fields of view exten~; ng into the compartment. The apparatus further comprises a closure lid for the compartment supported for movement into engagement with a carton disposed in the compartment.
The lid includes at least one detent for retentive engagement with a carton disposed in the compartment upon movement of the lid into engagement with a carton disposed in the compartment. The apparatus defines at least one detent fixedly disposed therein for retentive engagement with a carton disposed in the compartment.
The apparatus may further include a keyboard accessible exteriorly of the apparatus and means for receiving a magnetic disk, means for connecting the apparatus with an external modem.
2~84'~5 A combination in accordance with invention includes apparatus for use in making printed wire markers, comprising printing means disposed in the apparatus for printing wire markers, a carton-receiving compartment in the apparatu~ and sensing mean~ dispoRed adjacent the compartment in the apparatus for generating electrical output ~ignals indicative of indicia sensed by the sensing means and a carton disposed in the compartment, the carton having sensible indicia thereon located in registry with the sensing means.
Various changes to the particularly disclosed ~odiment and practices may evidently be introduced without departing from the invention. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that the particularly discussed and depicted preferred embodiments and practices of the invention are intended in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
The true spirit and ~cope of the invention are set forth in the ensuing claims.
WIRE Ml~T.'Tt'T~'~ TlQT.nT'l~ DI~VICE
FIELD OF THE lNv~L.llON
This invention relates generally to identification devices and pertains more particularly to apparatus, methods and systems for providing printed wire markers for application to electrical conductors.
RA~R~ROUND OF THE lNV~N ~ lON
One known practice in fabricating wire markers is to form a wire marker sleeve from a continuous length of extruded plastic tubing and to cut the sleeve into markers of desired length. The markers are supplied to the end user either with preprinting of desired information or in blank for printing by the user. In the latter case, the individual markers are provided in assembly with a marker holding device which supports the markers for imprinting.
One type of assembly of markers and a holding device is shown in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent No. 4,586,610.
The markers are extruded elongate cylinders and the holding device comprises a flat planar member having a plurality of openings through the planar surfaces, the openings being arranged in pairs at opposite sides of the planar member, which defines tabs which extend into ends of markers and releasably retain the markers with the planar member. The assembly may be inserted into a typewriter or other printer for imprinting of the desired wire information on the markers.
Another assembly of markers and holding device is seen in U. S. Patent No. 4,865,895. Here, the holding device comprises a first carrier strip pair having adhesive on interior faces of the strips and markers are releasably secured to the first carrier strip pair and extend 2 1 8~465 outwardly thereof. A second carrier strip pair is provided at the remote ends of the markers, again having adhe~ive on interior faces of the strips and accordingly releasably secured to the second carrier strip.
Typically, marker a~semblies are encased and, at the user site, are removed from their case, loaded onto a marker spool in a printer and fed into the printer feeding mechanism. From applicant~' perspective, this past practice is cumbersome and time consuming.
Further, they see presently known holding devices as not a~suring high quality imprinting on markers thereby held.
SUMMARY OF THE lNv~NllON
The primary object of the invention is to overcome the foregoing shortcomings seen in the prior art marker assembly handling and marker holding devices.
More particular objects of the invention are the provision of an improved marker assembly handling operation and system and the provision of improved marker holding devices.
In attA;n;ng the former particular object, the invention provides an elongate wire marker holder device for supporting a wire marker for imprinting thereon, comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in the opening and having respective free ends spacedly juxtaposed at a location distal from locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body to define a slot therebetween.
2 1 84i-1 65 `_ A slot extends transversely of the body between the free ends of the elongate body portions and, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the slot is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitll~;n~l axis of the body. The first and second elongate body portions are of respective different dimensions longitll~;n~lly of the body. Further, the first elongate body portion is desirably of length along a longitudinal axis of the body which is a multiple of a length along the body longitn~; n~l axis of the second elongate body portion.
The foregoing and other objects and features of the invention will be further understood from the following detailed discussion of preferred practices and embodiments thereof and from the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like components and part throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
Fig. 1 is a plan elevation of a wire marker assembly in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 2 is a left side elevation of the wire marker assembly of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the wire marker assembly of Fig. 1 as would be seen from plane III-III of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a plan elevation of a further wire marker assembly in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 5 is shows various types of wire marker labels.
Fig. 6 is a generalized showing of apparatus and system in accordance with the invention.
2 1 ~ 5 Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the front, left side and top of a preferred embodiment of apparatus in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the rear, right side and top of the Fig. 7 apparatus.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the rear, left side and top of the Fig. 7 apparatus including a wire marker carton in disposition to be placed in a rear compartment of the apparatus.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the rear, right side and top of the Fig. 7 apparatus with the wire marker carton in such disposition to be placed in a rear compartment of the apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the lower portions of Figs. 1-3, a wire marker holder of the invention comprises a one-piece body 10 defining respective transversely spaced, elongate openings 12 and 14 therethrough and first and second elongate body portions 16 and 18, cantilever-supported by body 10 at respective locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body.
Body 10 further defines slot lOa, longitll~;nAlly disposed between the first and second elongate body portions, particularly between juxtaposed ends 16a and 18a thereof. Slot lOa extends transversely of body 10 and is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the longitll-l;nAl axis of body 10.
First and second elongate body portions 16 and 18 are of respective different dimensions longitll~;nAlly of body 10, with the former being a length which is a multiple of the length of the latter. Further, the first and 21 ~L! 65 second elongate portions will be seen to define respective end parts in mutually overlapping relation longitudinally of body 10.
Whereas the referenced lower portions of Figs. 1-3 depict the wire marker holder without a wire marker thereby supported, the upper portions of Figs. 1-3 depict a wire marker 20 in assembly with the wire marker holder.
In reaching the assembly of the upper portions of Figs.
1-3, wire marker 20 is disposed leftwardly of body 10 and thereabove, in longitll~;n~l alignment with elongate body portion~ 16 and 18, and the former is displaced outwardly of body 10. Wire marker 20 is generally tubular and open at both ends thereof. Elongate body portion 16 is now in~erted into the leftward open end of wire marker 20 and fully into wire marker 20, this step being facilitated by the tapered character of the free end of the elongate body portion. Then, elongate body portion 18 is displaced outwardly of body 10 and into the other end of wire marker 20 and fully into wire marker 20. At that juncture, the various parts are released and wire marker 20 assumes its showing in the upper portions of Figs. 1-3, i.e., in nesting relation with elongate body portions 16 and 18 and generally flat against them.
Turning to the upper portion of Fig. 4, a further wire marker holder of the invention comprises a one-piece body 10' defining respective transversely spaced, elongate openings 12' and 14' therethrough and first and second elongate body portions 16' and 18', cantilever-supported by body 10' at respective locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body.
2 1 & 4 -1 ~ 5 Body 10' further defines slot lOa', longltll~;n~lly disposed between the first and second elongate body portions, particularly between juxtaposed ends 16a' and 18a' thereof. Slot lOa' extends transversely of body 10' and is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of body 10'.
First and second elongate body portions 16' and 18' are of respective different dimensions longit~;nAlly of body 10', with the former being a length which is a multiple of the length of the latter. Further, the fir~t and second elongate portions will be seen to define respective end parts in mutually overlapping relation longitn~;n~lly of body 10'. Body 10' is shown with conventional sprocket holes lOb~ and ; n~Y; ng slots lOc', although markings, such as ink dots may also be used.
Whereas the referenced upper portion of Fig. 4 depicts the wire marker holder without a wire marker thereby supported, the lower portions of Fig. 4 depict a wire marker 20' in assembly with the wire marker holder.
Referring again to the upper portion of Fig. 4, elongate body portion 16' will be seen to include opposed serrated or wavy margins, i.e., each margin having undulations 16b' with crests and adjacent valleys. The crests are 80 dimensioned as to be in interference fit with the interior of applied wire marker 20' and are found to enh~nce retention of the marker with the elongate body member.
Fig. 5 depicts various types of labels, L1 being a three row, nine elements per row, single label, L2 being a single row, nine element, single label, L3 being a collection of four single row, two element labels, mutually separable for use, and L4 being a collection of two single row, four element labels, mutually separable 2 1 ~4465 for use.
Turning to Fig. 6, apparatus of the invention comprises casing 22, having spooled, unmarked wire markers therein and defining an exit opening (not shown) through which the spool may be drawn. One body 10 and its associated wire marker 20 are seen as having issued through the exit opening and advancing toward printer 24.
Casing 22 includes on an exterior surface thereof sensible indicia 26. Sensor 28 is moved into registry with casing 22, or vice versa, to enable sensing of the indicia and sensor 28 provides output signals on lines 30 indicative of the information contained in the sensed indicia.
The information contained in the sensed indicia are generally of "format" nature for printer 24, i.e., to enable the printer, through control and information signals provided thereto by microprocessor 34 over lines 36, to provide properly imprinted wire markers. In this connection, microprocessor 34 receives the sensed format information from sensor 28 over lines 30. The information may be include such as pitch of spooled wire markers (longitl~;n~l spacing between adjacent wire markers), length and width of spooled wire markers, number of wire markers spooled transversely, etc. i.e., information of the types of labels shown in Fig. 5 and discussed above.
Microprocessor 34 receives or stores further information which is user-originated, such as what is to be the printing text, what is to be the printing font, etc.
Thus, since a given wire marker length will permit different maximum numbers of characters for different printing fonts, the microprocessor associates sensed wire marker length with user-originate font selection and user-originated measure of printing text to properly 2 ~ 6 5 advise the printer of printing instructions. Likewise, as another example, where the sensed indicia indicates that there are plural wire marker~ to be presented to the printer at the same time, i.e., plural transversely spaced wire markers are spooled as shown also in Fig. 5, the microprocessor is informed on the basis of sensed information in respect of transverse ; nA~Y; ng of the printing head per individual longitudinal spool wire marker feed.
Microprocessor 34 provides signals also over lines 38 to printer 24 for advancing wire marker~ from their casing.
As will be appreciated, the term "spool", while connoting spirally wound, is intended to encompass any succession of wire marker assemblies arranged in such succession as to be advanced to a printer, e.g., a web bearing wire markers adhesively ~ecured thereto and arranged as a vertically-stacked, marginally-connected series of web sheets.
As is shown in Figs. 7-10, apparatus 40 of the invention includes housing 42, comprised of upper and lower segments 42a and 42b, which are separable for effecting adjustments, trouble shooting, repair, etc. Housing 42 supports keyboard 44 and LCD (liquid crystal display) 46 and includes a printing mechanism therewithin, cover 48 being openable for replacing a printing cartridge for the printing mechani~m. Rearward open compartment 50 affords seating of a wire marker carton in housing 42.
Slot 52 iæ for the releasable receipt of a memory card in (commonly known as PCMCIA) apparatus 40.
Compartment 50 includes floor 54 and forward detents 56 and 58. Lid 58 is pivotally supported by housing segment 42b and includes detents 60 and 62. An interior bo-~n~; ng sidewall of compartment 54 supports sensor as~embly 64, which includes transducer assemblie~ 66, shown as eight in number and each including a light-2 ~ L 4 6 5 emitting diode (LED) or like source of radiant energy and a photocell or like electrooptic transducer.
Wire marker carton 72 has sensible indicia panel 74, with indicia 74a. In the illustrated indicia example, eight indicia are present in configuration to register with the eight transducer ass~mhlies 66, the indicia being either radiant energy-reflective (unshaded) or non-radiant energy-reflective (~h~eA). Apertures 76 and 78 are disposed for registry with detents 60 and 62 when lid 58 is closed, following seating of carton 72 on compartment floor 54, and detents 58 and 60 likewise register with apertures (not shown) in the forward panel of the carton. Wire marker web 80 is illustrated as having been drawn from carton 72 and threaded into the printing mechanism of apparatus 40.
Given that there are eight indicia possibilities in panel 74, and that the indicia are binary in nature, reflective or non-reflective, it will be appreciated that the panel may be configured in its indicia to identify any specific one of two hundred and fifty-six diverse carton wire marker contents. It should be appreciated that more or less than eight indicia possibilities may be provided.
By way of summary of the foregoing and introduction to the ensuing claims, the invention will be seen to provide, in one aspect, an elongate wire marker holder device for supporting a wire marker for imprinting thereon, comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in the opening and having respective free ends spacedly juxtaposed at a location distal from locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body to define a slot therebetween. The slot is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitllA;nAl axis of the body. The 4 f`- 6 5 first and second elongate body portions are of respective different dimensions longitl~;nAlly of the body. The slot is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitll~;nAl axis of the body. The first elongate body portion is of length along a longitll~;nAl axis of the body which is a multiple of a length along the body longitll~; n~l axis of the second elongate body portion. In a further embodiment, at least one of the first and second elongate body portions defining an undulated surface bordering the opening.
Preferably, the first elongate body portion defines the undulated surface bordering the opening and the second elongate body portion defines a non-undulated surface bordering the opening.
In another aspect, the invention will be seen to provide an elongate wire marker holder device for supporting a wire marker for imprinting thereon, comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in the opening and having respective free ends defining respective end parts in mutually overlapping relation longitudinally of the body.
Further, the invention will be seen to provide a wire marker assembly, comprising an elongate wire marker holder device comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in the opening and having respective free ends spacedly juxtaposed at a location distal from locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body to define a slot therebetween, and a wire marker disposed in circumscribing relation to both of the first and second elongate body portions.
2 ! ~
Additionally, the invention will be seen to provide a wire marker assembly comprising an elongate wire marker holder device for supporting a wire marker for imprinting thereon, comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in the opening and having respective free ends defining respective end parts in mutually overlapping relation longitll~;nAlly of the body, and a wire marker disposed in circumscribing relation to both of the first and second elongate body portions.
The apparatus for use in making printed wire markers shown in Figs. 7-10 will be seen to comprise printing means disposed in the apparatus for printing wire markers, a carton-receiving compartment in the apparatus and sensing means disposed adjacent the compartment in the apparatus for generating electrical output signals indicative of sensible indicia on a carton disposed in the compartment.
The sensing means comprises a plurality of transducers having respective fields of view exten~; ng into the compartment. The apparatus further comprises a closure lid for the compartment supported for movement into engagement with a carton disposed in the compartment.
The lid includes at least one detent for retentive engagement with a carton disposed in the compartment upon movement of the lid into engagement with a carton disposed in the compartment. The apparatus defines at least one detent fixedly disposed therein for retentive engagement with a carton disposed in the compartment.
The apparatus may further include a keyboard accessible exteriorly of the apparatus and means for receiving a magnetic disk, means for connecting the apparatus with an external modem.
2~84'~5 A combination in accordance with invention includes apparatus for use in making printed wire markers, comprising printing means disposed in the apparatus for printing wire markers, a carton-receiving compartment in the apparatu~ and sensing mean~ dispoRed adjacent the compartment in the apparatus for generating electrical output ~ignals indicative of indicia sensed by the sensing means and a carton disposed in the compartment, the carton having sensible indicia thereon located in registry with the sensing means.
Various changes to the particularly disclosed ~odiment and practices may evidently be introduced without departing from the invention. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that the particularly discussed and depicted preferred embodiments and practices of the invention are intended in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
The true spirit and ~cope of the invention are set forth in the ensuing claims.
Claims (28)
1. An elongate wire marker holder device for supporting a wire marker for imprinting thereon, comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in said opening and having respective free ends spacedly juxtaposed at a location distal from locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body to define a slot therebetween.
2. The invention claimed in claim 1 wherein said slot is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said body.
3. The invention claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second elongate body portions are of respective different dimensions longitudinally of said body.
4. The invention claimed in claim 1 wherein said first elongate body portion is of length along a longitudinal axis of said body which is a multiple of a length along said body longitudinal axis of said second elongate body portion.
5. The invention claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second elongate body portions define respective end parts in mutually overlapping relation longitudinally of said body.
6. The invention claimed in claim 5 wherein said slot is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said body.
7. The invention claimed in claim 5 wherein said first and second elongate body portions are of respective different dimensions longitudinally of said body.
8. The invention claimed in claim 7 wherein said slot is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said body.
9. The invention claimed in claim 5 wherein said first elongate body portion is of length along a longitudinal axis of said body which is a multiple of a length along said body longitudinal axis of said second elongate body portion.
10. An elongate wire marker holder device for supporting a wire marker for imprinting thereon, comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in said opening and having respective free ends defining respective end parts in mutually overlapping relation longitudinally of said body.
11. The invention claimed in claim 10 wherein said first and second elongate body portions are of respective different dimensions longitudinally of said body.
12. The invention claimed in claim 11 wherein said first elongate body portion is of a length which is a multiple of a length of said second elongate body portion.
13. A wire marker assembly, comprising:
(a) an elongate wire marker holder device comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in said opening and having respective free ends spacedly juxtaposed at a location distal from locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body to define a slot therebetween; and
(a) an elongate wire marker holder device comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in said opening and having respective free ends spacedly juxtaposed at a location distal from locations of contiguity of the elongate body portions with the body to define a slot therebetween; and
14 (b) a wire marker disposed in circumscribing relation to both of said first and second elongate body portions.
14. The invention claimed in claim 13 wherein said slot is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said body.
14. The invention claimed in claim 13 wherein said slot is disposed at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said body.
15. The invention claimed in claim 13 wherein said first and second elongate portions are of respective different dimensions longitudinally of said body.
16. The invention claimed in claim 13 wherein said first and second elongate portions define respective end parts in mutually overlapping relation longitudinally of said body.
17. A wire marker assembly, comprising:
(a) an elongate wire marker holder device for supporting a wire marker for imprinting thereon, comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in said opening and having respective free ends defining respective end parts in mutually overlapping relation longitudinally of said body; and (b) a wire marker disposed in circumscribing relation to both of said first and second elongate body portions.
(a) an elongate wire marker holder device for supporting a wire marker for imprinting thereon, comprising an elongate one-piece body defining an elongate opening and first and second elongate body portions cantilever-supported by the body in said opening and having respective free ends defining respective end parts in mutually overlapping relation longitudinally of said body; and (b) a wire marker disposed in circumscribing relation to both of said first and second elongate body portions.
18. A method for wire marker assembly handling, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a spool of unprinted wire markers;
(b) encasing said spool of unprinted wire markers in a case:
(c) applying sensible indicia to said case indicative of information relating to characteristics of said unprinted wire markers:
(d) sensing said sensible indicia and providing output signals indicative of said information relating to characteristics of said unprinted wire markers; and (e) printing text on said wire markers by using said output signals.
(a) providing a spool of unprinted wire markers;
(b) encasing said spool of unprinted wire markers in a case:
(c) applying sensible indicia to said case indicative of information relating to characteristics of said unprinted wire markers:
(d) sensing said sensible indicia and providing output signals indicative of said information relating to characteristics of said unprinted wire markers; and (e) printing text on said wire markers by using said output signals.
19. The invention claimed in claim 18, including the further step of effecting said printing step by also using printing text information provided independently of practice of said sensing step.
20. The invention claimed in claim 18, wherein said information relating to characteristics of said unprinted wire markers is selected to be format information for printing apparatus used in said step of printing text.
21. The invention claimed in claim 20, wherein said format information is selected from group consisting of length of wire markers, spacing longitudinally between spooled wire markers and numbers of wire markers transversely of the spooling.
22. Apparatus for use in providing printed wire markers, comprising:
(a) a spool of unprinted wire markers;
(b) a casing for the spool, the casing bearing sensible indicia defining information related to the encased wire markers;
(c) a sensor for sensing the indicia and providing output signals indicative of the information; and (d) a wire marker printer for receiving the spooled, unprinted wire markers from the casing and printing thereon accordingly with the information.
(a) a spool of unprinted wire markers;
(b) a casing for the spool, the casing bearing sensible indicia defining information related to the encased wire markers;
(c) a sensor for sensing the indicia and providing output signals indicative of the information; and (d) a wire marker printer for receiving the spooled, unprinted wire markers from the casing and printing thereon accordingly with the information.
23. The invention claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second elongate body portions defines an undulated surface bordering said opening.
24. The invention claimed in claim 23, wherein said first elongate body portion defines said undulated surface bordering said opening, said second elongate body portion defining a non-undulated surface bordering said opening.
25. The invention claimed in claim 1, wherein first and second elongate body portions have opposed sides bordering said opening, each of said opposed sides of said first elongate body portion defining an undulated surface bordering said opening, each of said second elongate body portions defining a non-undulated surface bordering said opening.
26. The invention claimed in claim 10, wherein at least one of said first and second elongate body portions defines an undulated surface bordering said opening.
27. The invention claimed in claim 26, wherein said first elongate body portion defines said undulated surface bordering said opening, said second elongate body portion defining a non-undulated surface bordering said opening.
28. The invention claimed in claim 10, wherein first and second elongate body portions have opposed sides bordering said opening, each of said opposed sides of said first elongate body portion defining an undulated surface bordering said opening, each of said second elongate body portions defining a non-undulated surface bordering said opening.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US52282295A | 1995-09-01 | 1995-09-01 | |
| US522,822 | 1995-09-01 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2184465A1 true CA2184465A1 (en) | 1997-03-02 |
Family
ID=24082516
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2184465 Abandoned CA2184465A1 (en) | 1995-09-01 | 1996-08-29 | Wire marker holder device |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0766269A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2184465A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4586610A (en) * | 1985-02-08 | 1986-05-06 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Wire marker sleeve and assembly |
| US4865895A (en) * | 1987-06-17 | 1989-09-12 | Raychem Corporation | Marker sleeve assembly |
| DE3851375T2 (en) * | 1987-06-17 | 1995-05-11 | Raychem Corp | Arrangement for tubular license plate holder. |
| US4920882A (en) * | 1987-09-03 | 1990-05-01 | W. H. Brady Co. | Electronic labeler with printhead and web sensor combined for concurrent travel, and assemblies of identification devices therefor |
| US4908177A (en) * | 1988-11-22 | 1990-03-13 | Hartner Ralph D | Field marking of electrical wiring |
| FR2684815B1 (en) * | 1991-12-06 | 1994-02-18 | Techniques Modernes Alsaciennes | CONTINUOUS BAND WITH HEAT SHRINK SLEEVES FOR CABLE MARKING. |
-
1996
- 1996-08-29 CA CA 2184465 patent/CA2184465A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-08-30 EP EP96306311A patent/EP0766269A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0766269A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20000829 |