Inventors:
Ronald A. Siverson - Coeur d'Alene ID
Jay A. Clark - Spokane WA
Assignee:
Advanced Input Devices, Inc. - Couer d'Alene ID
International Classification:
B41F 1724
Abstract:
Simultaneous multisurface diffusion printing of indicia into the top and front surfaces of the assembled keys (39) of a keyboard (41) is disclosed. The bottom (29) of a fixture (23) supports a plurality of spring-loaded pedestals (37) for the keys (39) to be imprinted. A locator plate (27) maintains the keys (39) in a fixed position and functions as a heat shield. Positioned above the locator plate (27) is a sheet of transfer paper (61) having an array of reverse image indicia (63) which are located at positions in alignment with the top and front surfaces of the keys (39) to be imprinted. U-shaped incisions (65) allow the portion of the indicia to be imprinted on the front surface of a key to be bent away from the plane of the transfer sheet. Positioned above the locator plate (27) is a printing plate (73) having different shape protrusions (75a and 75b) to impinge on at least the two surfaces of the keys ( 39) to be imprinted. The printing plate (73) is attached to the bottom of a heated platen (15) that overlies the table (13).