A stamp for impressing graphic symbols and alphanumeric signs on logs of wood

Abstract

The invention concerns a stamp for impressing graphic symbols and alphanumeric characters on logs of wood, which comprises a housing (1) on which a die is installed. It is characterised in that the die consists of marking components (2) mounted in the housing (1) so that they can slide along their axes, and each of the components is coupled to a mechanism that locks it in its extended or retracted position in the housing (1), in such a way that the components together form an extended marking combination of the die.

Description

DescriptionTitle of Invention: A stamp for impressing graphic symbols and alphanumeric signs on logs of wood Technical Field

[0001] The invention concerns a stamp for impressing graphic symbols and alphanumeric characters on logs of wood, which enables encoding with the use of embossed or imprinted tags.Background Art

[0002] Patent description EP2582224B1 presents a marker for applying marks to an object. The marker is designed to be mounted on a base and comprises an impact arm provided with an impact head at its external free end, means for actuating the impact arm, and a connecting system through which the actuating means can act on the impact arm. In that device, the impact arm is connected movably to the base via the connecting system. The impact arm is linked rotatably at its inner end to the first connector of the connecting system via the first joint which determines the first axis of rotation. The first connector is linked rotatably to the base via the second joint which determines the second axis of rotation. The first connector may rotate around that second axis of rotation under the action of the actuating means. The second axis of rotation runs parallel to the first axis of rotation. The impact arm may swivel around the first axis of rotation under the action of the actuating means and the connecting system from rest position to impact position, so to allow the impact head to hit the object and apply a mark to the object. The first connector is suited for rotation around the second axis of rotation under the action of the actuating means during such movement of the impact arm from rest position to impact position. The connecting system is suited to move the first axis of rotation outwards from the base, so that the distance between the first axis of rotation and the base increases as the impact arm moves from rest position to impact position under the action of the actuating means and the connecting system.

[0003] Patent description WO0215673A1 presents a method and system for machining pieces of wood wherein the characteristics of the data for a piece of wood derived by logging with the use of a logging machine are determined by means of devices arranged on the logging machine and stored in a database. The position for the point where a piece of wood is unloaded by the logging machine is determined by positioning means and stored as the position information in the database related to the wood piece data characteristics. The said position information is updated as the wood piece moves due to further machining, by recording that the wood piece has been takenfrom a location corresponding to the last recorded position information, and by and determining (with the positioning means) the location where the wood piece is then unloaded. The latter position is recorded as position information in the database related to the wood piece data characteristics.

[0004] From patent application WO1998017099A1, we know a selective logging method used in forestry. It includes a harvester mounted on a vehicle that also comprises a computer-based control unit, one or more controlled positioning satellites used to determine the location of the logging vehicle, and a series of markers attached to trees that have been selected for felling. The satellite-controlled felling system provides conditions for selective handling of individual trees or pieces of wood, as opposed to logging an anonymous mass product. The marking and location system provides precise information that may also be used after the trees have been felled, during transport and storage.

[0005] From patent application WO9923873A1, we know a method and system for forestry, in particular for logging by means of a logging machine that consists of a vehicle and a logging device mounted thereon, which consists in that there is at least one positioning device installed on the logging machine, which is capable of determining the position of the logging machine by means of external signals received wirelessly. A marker is placed on the logging machine, which is capable of marking wood pieces acquired from trees. The control unit, preferably a computer, is placed on the logging machine to control the marker in order to mark a wood piece with position information or a corresponding code, by means of the position information obtained from the positioning device.

[0006] Patent application CZ20001409A3 describes a wood harvesting method using a wood harvester comprising a vehicle and a wood harvesting system mounted thereon. The characteristics of each fragment of forest are recorded, analysed and processed before felling in a database with high geographical accuracy and high precision with respect to tree stand characteristics, the felling plan is based on the database, and the felling outcome is compared to the felling plan, and the first computer system is placed on a vehicle, the said computer system being adapted for recording quality and / or size with respect to the cut pieces of wood, characterised in that the felling is carried out by means of a positioning device placed on the felling machine and capable of determining, by means of signals received wirelessly, the position of the felling machine or the felling system, that the position data of the felling machine or the felling system are coordinated by means of a first computer system with data about the quality and / or size of the wood pieces. The first computer system is designed for controlling a marker used for marking each piece of wood with position information or a code by which the corresponding wood piece can be associated with the positioninformation recorded in the database on the basis of the position information acquired from the positioning device.

[0007] basis of the position information acquired from the positioning device.

[0008] The impressing stamp, which may be used for industrial or crafting purposes, normally consists of several key elements, namely:

[0009] A die, that is the impressing element, comprises a pattern, inscription, logo, or another element to be impressed. It may be made of different materials such as rubber, metal, plastic, or polymer. Industrial stamps usually use more durable materials, such as steel.

[0010] The base or handle is used for holding and manipulating the stamp during impressing. It may be made of wood, metal, plastic, or other materials that ensure comfortable grip and durability. In some models, the bases have an ergonomic form that facilitates their long-term use.

[0011] A housing (in the case of automatic stamps) in which all the imprinting mechanism and the die are installed. The housing protects the inside of the stamp and facilitates its use. The housing often has a sight glass through which the impression pattern can be seen, which facilitates precise positioning of the stamp.

[0012] Fastening elements which, depending on their design, may have various screws, latches, clips or other fastening elements that hold all the parts in position.Technical Problem

[0013] The technical problem to be solved involves efficient, environmentally friendly, precise, unforgeable and consumable-free marking of wood logs in forest and field conditions, in a way that is easy and requires no training or complex equipment. Solution to Problem

[0014] The invention concerns a stamp for impressing graphic symbols and alphanumeric characters on logs of wood, which comprises a housing on which a die is installed. The essence of the invention is that the die consists of marking components mounted in the housing so that they can slide along their axes, and each of the components is coupled to a mechanism that locks it in its extended or retracted position in the housing, in such a way that the components together form an extended marking combination of the die.

[0015] In one embodiment, the marking component is coupled to a mechanism that can shift it in the longitudinal axis. The mechanism may be composed of an actuator and a spring, a cam mechanism with a cam and a spring, or a crankcase- slide mechanism with a shaft, a connector and a spring. It may also be coupled with a driving motor located outside the housing.

[0016] The locking mechanism may consist of a locking bar fixed slidably in the hole located in the housing and a hole or cut-off located in the marking component. Thehousing may be suited for interconnecting it to form rows and columns to other housings in such a way to lock the marking components in multiple housings.

[0017] The die may also consist of marking components fixed slidably by means of a threaded joint adjusting their position. The said joint may take the form of:

[0018] - a bolt fixed rotatably in the housing and screwed into a hole in the marking component,

[0019] - a bolt screwed into a threaded hole in the housing, the end of which is fixed to the marking component,

[0020] - a bolt touching the marking component, wherein an elastic element is located between the marking component and the housing wall,

[0021] - a female-threaded bolt screwed into the male thread of the marking component,

[0022] - a bolt screwed into a threaded hole in the housing, which ends with the marking component.

[0023] The bolt may be coupled with a driving motor located outside the housing. The entire structure may be fitted with a mechanism that steplessly adjusts the depth of extension of the marking component from the housing throughout the operating range of the threaded joint, depending on the type of material to be marked.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0024] The beneficial effects of using the invention are as follows:

[0025] - it is easy and simple to apply the code to wood logs in a semi-automatic way, which allows low-skilled forest workers to use the invention in forest and field conditions (the code is generated automatically, and the user only needs to manually press / print it on the component being marked), or in an automatic way using a dedicated applicator that automatically generates the code and the process of pressing / printing the code on the surface of the component being marked;

[0026] - a variable code is generated (that is, impressed or imprinted on wood logs) at the time of use, which contains encrypted information such as precise geo-location and a time stamp created exactly at the place and time of applying the code (the code contains encrypted information; the unique structure of the surface on which it is applied is a sort of digital signature (“fingerprint”) which certifies that the information is correct);

[0027] - it is possible to link the variable code with the analysis of the digital record of the wood log surface, including unique points, shapes and size, which allows creating a digital record to be stored in a dedicated database;

[0028] - it is easy to read the information contained in the code by means of a dedicated application for mobile devices and dedicated digital optical elements (cameras), which considerably simplifies, at any stage, the management, logistic and production processes that use logs so marked;

[0029] - it is possible to use wood machining waste (sawdust, chips, etc.) to an extent broader than now, e.g. for paper production, by eliminating chemical and plastic elements from the marking process. The present methods allow detection of metal elements by means of detectors, but chemical and plastic elements that cannot be detected by sensors and leak into wood waste currently do not allow (or significantly hinder) the use of such waste for paper production;

[0030] - the invention has a positive impact on the environment by eliminating the plastic, metal, chemical (paints) or electronic elements currently used in wood log marking and identification processes from forest areas;

[0031] - it substantially reduces the costs of marking wood logs by completely eliminating the use of consumables required for marking (paints, plastic labels, RFID, bar codes, QR codes, and others);

[0032] - wood logs marked with a stamped / imprinted code are resistant to weather conditions, time, and mechanical damage during felling, transport and processing (the code cannot be separated from the wood, and the marks cannot be broken or lost).Brief Description of Drawings

[0033] The invention is shown as an embodiment in the drawing in which individual figures represent:

[0034] [Fig.l] - perspective view of the stamp with retracted marking components, in the first embodiment,

[0035] [Fig.2] - perspective view of the stamp with extended marking components, in the first embodiment,

[0036] [Fig.3] - perspective view of multiple marking components with extended locking rods, in the first embodiment,

[0037] [Fig.4] - perspective broken-out view of the housing with marking components, in the first embodiment,

[0038] [Fig.5] - perspective exploded view of a marking component and locking rod, in the first embodiment,

[0039] [Fig.6] - perspective view of a marking component and locking rod in the first position, in the first embodiment,

[0040] [Fig.7] - perspective view of a marking component and locking rod in the second position, in the first embodiment,

[0041] [Fig.8] - perspective view of a marking component and locking rod in the third position, in the first embodiment,

[0042] [Fig.9] - perspective view of the housings arranged in columns and rows, in the first embodiment,

[0043] [Fig.10] - side view of the set of marking components with the first embodiment of the shifting mechanism,

[0044] [Fig.l 1] - side view of the set of marking components with the second embodiment of the shifting mechanism,

[0045] [Fig.12] - side view of the set of marking components with the third embodiment of the shifting mechanism,

[0046] [Fig.13] - side view of a set of marking components with locking rods in the fourth embodiment.

[0047] [Fig.14] - perspective view of the stamp in the second embodiment,

[0048] [Fig.15] - perspective exploded view of the stamp, in the second embodiment,

[0049] [Fig.16] - longitudinal section of the stamp in the second embodiment,

[0050] [Fig.17] - juxtaposition of the bolt and marking component in a cross-section, in the second embodiment,

[0051] [Fig.18] - perspective view of the stamp in the third embodiment,

[0052] [Fig.19] - perspective exploded view of the stamp, in the third embodiment,

[0053] [Fig.20] - longitudinal section of the stamp in the third embodiment,

[0054] [Fig.21] - juxtaposition of the bolt and marking component in a cross-section, in the third embodiment,

[0055] [Fig.22] - perspective view of the stamp in the fourth embodiment,

[0056] [Fig.23] - perspective exploded view of the stamp, in the fourth embodiment,

[0057] [Fig.24] - longitudinal section of the stamp in the fourth embodiment,

[0058] [Fig.25] - juxtaposition of the bolt and marking component in a cross-section, in the fourth embodiment,

[0059] [Fig.26] - perspective view of the stamp in the fifth embodiment,

[0060] [Fig.27] - perspective exploded view of the stamp, in the fifth embodiment,

[0061] [Fig.28] - longitudinal section of the stamp in the fifth embodiment,

[0062] [Fig.29] - juxtaposition of the bolt and marking component in a cross-section, in the fifth embodiment,

[0063] [Fig.30] - perspective view of the stamp in the sixth embodiment,

[0064] [Fig.31] - perspective exploded view of the stamp, in the sixth embodiment,

[0065] [Fig.32] - longitudinal section of the stamp in the sixth embodiment,

[0066] [Fig.33] - juxtaposition of the bolt and marking component in a cross-section, in the sixth embodiment.Examples

[0067] In one embodiment, the stamp for impressing graphic symbols and alphanumeric signs on logs of wood has a housing 1 in the shape of a cuboid. On the front surface of the housing, where the die is located, there are seven hexahedronal flat through- holes that together form an outline of the number eight. The die consists of markingcomponents 2 having the form of plates located in the holes in the housing 1.The marking components 2 are mounted slidably along the line of the holes and perpendicular to the surface of the die. Each of the marking components 2 is coupled with a mechanism that locks it when it is extended from or retracted into the housing 1, in such a way that the components together form an extended marking combination of the die.

[0068] The locking mechanism consists of C-shaped through-holes 1.1 located in the upper and side walls of the housing 1, and holes 2.2 located in the flat surface of each plate of the marking components 2 forming an outline of the letter E. These holes accommodate locking bars 3 that are mounted slidably to a limited extent and have the form of C-sections with three grooves arranged perpendicular to the guiding line of the C-section.

[0069] Each marking component 2 is coupled with a mechanism that shifts it along its longitudinal axis. In the first embodiment shown in [Fig.10], the mechanism consists of an actuator 4 fixed coaxially to the travel line of the marking component 2 at its end. A spring 5 is mounted on the marking component 2 in such a way that the first end is based on the housing 1 and the other end is based on the marking component 2.

[0070] In the second embodiment shown in [Fig.l 1], the mechanism that shifts the marking component 2 along its axis is a cam mechanism which consists of a cam 6 that is mounted rotatably on a shaft and whose race touches the end of the marking component 2. A spring 5 is mounted at the end part of the marking component 2 in such a way that the first end is based on the housing 1 and the other end is based on the marking component 2.

[0071] In the third embodiment shown in [Fig.12], the mechanism shifting the marking component 2 along its axis is a crankcase- slide mechanism consisting of a shaft 7 with an end of the connector 8 fixed on it rotatably and non-coaxially, the other end of which is fixed rotatably to the end of the marking component 2, with a spring 5 mounted on it in such a way that the first end of the spring is based on the housing 1 and the other end is based on the marking component 2.

[0072] The shifting mechanism is coupled with a driving motor located outside the housing 1.

[0073] In the fourth embodiment shown in [Fig.13], the housings 1 are interconnected to form rows and columns in such a way that the locking mechanism locks the position of the marking components 2 contained in multiple housings.

[0074] The presented embodiment does not preclude various modifications of the invention.

[0075] Each of the marking components 2 is mounted in the housing 1 slidably along the axis of the holes by means of a thread joint adjusting it in its extended or retractedposition in the housing 1, in such a way that together they form a combination of extended marking components 2 of the die.

[0076] The stamp housing in the first embodiment consists of four sections 1.1.1 to 1.1.4. The third section of the housing 1.1.3 incorporates a bolt 9.1 with a non-threaded part and a threaded part at the end. The thread of the bolt 9.1 is screwed into the hole located at the end of the marking component 2.1 mounted slidably in the first and second sections of the housing 1.1.1, 1.1.2. The head of the bolt 9.1 is located in a cavity in the third section of the housing 1.2.3 and is covered by the fourth section of the housing 1.1.4 with key holes.

[0077] The stamp housing in the second embodiment consists of two sections 1.1.1 to 1.1.2. The threaded joint consists of a bolt 9.2 screwed into a threaded hole in the housing 1.2.2, the end of which is fixed rotatably to the marking component 2.2 by means of a grooved joint with a ring 10. The marking component 2.2 is mounted slidably in the first section of the housing 1.2.1. The head of the bolt 9.2 is located outside the second section of the housing 1.2.2.

[0078] The stamp housing in the third embodiment consists of two sections 1.1.1 to 1.1.2. The threaded joint consists of a bolt 9.3 screwed into a threaded hole in the housing 1.3, the end of which is in contact with the marking component 2.3 mounted slidably in the housing 1.3.1, 1.3.2. Between the marking component 2.3 and the inner wall of the first section of the housing 1.3.1, there is an elastic element 11 that operates at an axis parallel to the travel axis of the marking component 2.3. The head of the bolt 9.3 is located outside the second section of the housing 1.3.2.

[0079] The stamp housing in the fourth embodiment consists of four sections 1.4.1 to 1.4.4. The threaded joint consists of a bolt with a female thread 9.4 mounted rotatably and non-slidably in the hole in the housing 1.4.3, 1.4.2, the female thread of which is screwed onto the male thread of the marking component 2.4 that is mounted slidably and non-rotatably in the housing 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.4.3. The head of the bolt 9.4 is located in a cavity in the third section of the housing 1.4.3 and is covered by the fourth section of the housing 1.4.4 with key holes.

[0080] The stamp housing in the fifth embodiment consists of two sections 1.5.1 to 1.5.2. The threaded joint consists of a bolt 9.5 screwed into a threaded hole in the housing 1.5.1. At the end of the bolt 9.5, there is a marking component 2.5. There is a sliding sleeve 12 between the wall of the hole in the non-threaded first section of the housing 1.5.1 and the marking component 2.5. The marking component 9.5 The head of the bolt 9.5 is located in a recess in the second section of the housing 1.5.2 with key holes.

[0081] In addition, it is possible for the bolt 3 in the stamp to be coupled with a driving motor located outside the housing 1. In addition, the housing 1 may be suited for interconnecting it to form rows and columns with other housings 1.

[0082] The method of encoding information using the imprinted tags in the embodiment using the stamps shown in the embodiments consists in that the marking components 2 arranged in columns and rows are extended and locked according to fixed values that allow the information to be recorded in the code. Then the housing 1 with a die is applied to the material to be marked, and then a force is applied to the housing 1 or to the log, as a result of which the die made up of extended marking components 2 penetrates into the material being marked. The force is applied by means of a hand hammer, impact hammer, electric hammer, pneumatic hammer, etc.

[0083] The encoded information may be geographical coordinates, a time stamp read out from a satellite receiver, and data entered by the user, e.g. data regarding the marked material.List of new references

[0084] 1 housing

[0085] 2 marking components

[0086] 3 locking rod

[0087] 4 actuator

[0088] 5 spring

[0089] 6 cam

[0090] 7 shaft

[0091] 8 connector

[0092] 9 bolt

[0093] 10 ring

[0094] 11 elastic element

[0095] 12 sliding sleeve

Claims

Claims

1. A stamp for impressing graphic symbols and alphanumeric signs on logs of wood, comprising a housing (1) on the surface of which there is a die, characterised in that the die consists of marking components (2) mounted in the housing (1) slidably along their axes, each of which is coupled to a mechanism that locks it in its extended or retracted position in the housing (1), in such a way that the components together form an extended marking combination of the die.

2. The stamp according to claim 1, characterised in that the marking component (2) is coupled with a mechanism that shifts it along its longitudinal axis.

3. The stamp according to claim 2, characterised in that the mechanism shifting the marking component (2) consists of an actuator (4) and a spring (5).

4. The stamp according to claim 2, characterised in that the mechanism is a cam mechanism with a cam (6) and a spring (5).

5. The stamp according to claim 2, characterised in that the mechanism is a crankcase- slide mechanism with a shaft (7), a connector (8) and a spring (5).

6. The stamp according to claims 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterised in that the mechanism shifting the marking component is coupled with a driving motor located outside the housing (1).

7. The stamp according to claim 1, characterised in that the locking mechanism consists of a locking rod (3), mounted slidably in the hole (1.1) of the housing (1), and a hole / cut-out (2.1) in the marking component (2).

8. The stamp according to claim 1, characterised in that the housing(1) is suited for interconnecting it to form rows and columns with other housings (1).

9. The stamp according to claim 8, characterised in that the housing(1) is suited for interconnecting it to form rows or columns with other housings (1) in such a way to lock the marking components(2) in multiple housings.

10. The stamp according to claim 1, characterised in that the die consists of marking components (2) fixed slidably by means of a threaded joint adjusting the position.

11. The stamp according to claim 10, characterised in that the threaded joint consists of a bolt (9.1) that is fixed rotatably in the housing (1.1.1, 1.1.2) and screwed into a hole in a marking component (2.1).

12. The stamp according to claim 10, characterised in that the threaded joint consists of a bolt (9.2) screwed into a threaded hole in the housing (1.2.2), the end of which is fixed to a marking component (2.2).

13. The stamp according to claim 10, characterised in that the threaded joint consists of a bolt (9.3) that is in contact with a marking component (2.3), wherein an elastic element (11) is located between the marking component and the housing wall.

14. The stamp according to claim 10, characterised in that the threaded joint consists of a bolt with female thread (9.4) that is screwed onto the male thread of a marking component (2.4).

15. The stamp according to claim 10, characterised in that the threaded joint consists of a bolt (9.5) screwed into a threaded hole in the housing (1.5.1), at the end of which there is a marking component (2.5).

16. The stamp according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, characterised in that the bolt (9) is coupled with a driving motor located outside the housing (1).The stamp according to claim 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, characterised in that it has a mechanism that steplessly adjusts the depth the marking component (2) extends from the housing (1) throughout the operating range of the threaded joint, depending on the type of material to be marked.

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