Methods and apparatus for applying decorative elements to workpieces

US12064990B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• D. Swarovski KG · AT

Inventors

• Hannes Kostner · Absam, AT
• Claus Haaser · Wattens, AT
• Elias Faccinelli · Innsbruck, AT
• Franz Kaltenecker · Jenbach, AT
• Thomas Boettger · Brandenberg, DE
• Franz Schwanniger · Innsbruck, AT
• Herbert Margreiter · Imming, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 10, 2020
• Grant date: Aug 20, 2024
• Expiry date: Apr 22, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B44C1/18
• WIPO field: Other consumer goods
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

Apparatus for automatically applying a decorative element to a workpiece comprises an element applicator configured to apply the decorative element in an application direction at an application location, a moveable support for supporting the workpiece, the support being moveable by translation and/or rotation along and/or about an axis transverse to the application direction, and a control arrangement. The control arrangement is configured to determine, or receive information relating to, an element location at which the decorative element is to be applied to the workpiece, cause relative translation and/or rotation between the support and the decorative element applicator along and/or about an axis transverse to the application direction to align and/or orient the application location with the element location, and cause the decorative element applicator to apply the decorative element at the element location of the workpiece.