US2089979A - Duplicating machine - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 17, 1937. F. NlGRA DUPLICATING MACHINE Filed Oct. 22, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

FER mun/v0 NIGRA ATTORNEYS.

6 sheets-sheep? INVENTOR.

FERDINAND NIGRH BY v ATTORNEYS.

F. NlGRA DUPLICATING MACHINE Filed Oct. 22, 1954 Aug. 17, 1937.

R NE non wom Aug. 17, 1937. F. NIGRA DUPLICATII IG MACHINE Filed 0ct. 22, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

FERDINAND NIGRA. BY 4 ATTORNEYS.

V R mu #9 Aug. 17, 1937. F. NIGRA DUPLICATING MACHINE 6 Shets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 22, 1954 Aug. 17, 1937.

F. NIGRA DUPLIGATING MACHINE Filed 0 ct. 22, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. FERDINAND NIGRH A TTORNEYS.

Aug. 17, 1937. F. NIGRA DUPLICATING MACHINE Filed oct. 22, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 6,

INVENTOR.

FERDINAND NIGRA BY M A TTORNEYS.

Patented Aug. 17, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 21 Claims.

1. To provide an improved and positively acting mechanism for advancing a sheet through the mechanism for printing'the same as the cylinder rotates:

2. To provide an automatic means for feedin sheets to the sheet advancing mechanism, said means including an improved self-levelling feed table;

3. To provide means for automatically insuring the release of the sheets from the supply stack on the feed table as successive sheets are engaged for the advancement thereof for printing;

4. To provide a generally improved mechanism for actuating the sheet propelling mechanism of the machine;

5. To provide a means whereby different areas of a stencil on the cylinder may be independently utilized for printing therefrom, and printing may be effected on sheets of different lengths and located where desired on the sheets receiving the printing;

6. To automatically prevent 'an operative disposal of the impression roller except when a.

sheet is being advanced for the printing there- 7. To provide an improved mounting for an impression roller of a rotary duplicating machine.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some of which, with the foregoing, will be set forth or be apparent in the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, and in the accompanying drawings, in which,

Figure 1 is a plan view of a duplicator embodying the invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the duplicator. Figure 3 is an enlarged elevation at 3-3 in Figure 1.

Figures 4 and 5 are upright and longitudinal sections through the central portion of the duplicator and at different transverse planes' through the cylinder.

Figure 6 is a section at 6-6 in Figure 1 and through a stack of impression sheets on the feed table thereat.

Figures 7 and 8 are perspectiveviews of members shown in Figure 6.

Figures 9 to 14 inclusive are enlarged fragmentary and somewhat diagrammatic views showing successive relations of operative parts of the feed mechanism in a cycle of operations of the machine.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary plan view at |5l5 in Figure 9.

Figure 16 is a longitudinal section through the impression roller and its mounting.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a swinging stop member of the feed mechanism.

Figure 18 is an enlarged fragmentary view at lB-IB in Figure 1, and particularly shows details of the actuating means for the feed mechani-sm.

Figure 18a is a reverse side view of a portion of the actuating mechanism shown in Figure 18. Figure 18b is an enlarged fragmentary view of an element shown in Figure 18.

Figures 19 and 20 show the mechanism of Figwe 18 in different operating conditions thereof.

Figure 21 is a plan section taken at the plane of the cylinder axis with the cylinder disposed as in Figure 18.

Figure 22'is a fragmentary plan view of the feed mechanism.

Figure 23 is a fragmentary longitudinal elevation showing a portion of the feed table :andthe exterior of a housing for an escapement mechvations showing different operative positions of a stop arm of the mechanism.

Figures 29 and 30 are respectively longitudinal section and perspective views of a stop unlit of the receiving tray.

Figure 31 is an elevation showing certain details of a cam arrangement associated with the stencil cylinder and shown in Figure 18.

Figures 32 to 35 inclusive are reverse-side views of the arrangement of Figure 81, operative parts being shown in a succession of operative relations thereof in the different views.

Figures 36 to 38 inclusive are enlarged views of a clutch mechanismshown in Figure 18, the mechanical parts being shown in different operative relations in the difierent views, and portions of certain elements being broken away in Figures 37 and 38.

Figure 39 is a section at 29-49 in Figure 36. Figure .40 is a perspective view of a 'detent assembly of Figure 9.

Figure 41 is a transverse section at 4|-4| in 5 Flgure'40.

Figure 42 is a transverse section taken through the cylinder adjacent one end thereof, areservoir of the cylinder assembly being omitted.

Figure 43 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the showing of Figure 42.

Figure 44 is a longitudinal and partly sectional view of an element shown in section in Figure 46;

The features of the present invention are incorporated in the illustrated duplicating machine in which a stencil 2 is carried on a rotary cylinder 3 for printing engagementwith a sheet of paper or other material for receiving printing. The printing cylinder 3 is supported for rotation by and between side frame members 5 and 6 which extend upwardly and in mutual opposition from a rectangular base frame I and receive the dupli- .cator mechanism between them. Externally thereof, and at its end nearest the frame member 6, a belt pulley 8 is provided for optional use in effecting a power rotation of the cylinder. A shaft 9 is'joumalled in the frame member 5 in parallel relation to the rotative axis of the cylinder and is connected with the cylinder through constantly engaged gears H and I2 which are respectively provided on it and on the cylinder. At its outer end, the shaft 9 carries a hand crank l3 for use to manually rotate the cylinder through the coaction of the gears H and I2.

As is particularly brought out in the generally diagrammatic showing of Figures 9 to 14 inclusive, a sheet I4 of print-receiving material which has been moved from a feed table |5 to dispose its frontend portion between pairs of upper and lower rollers l6 and I1, is thereafter engaged by and between said rollers and is thereby advanced forwardly for the disposal-of its front end portion between the stencil on the rotary cylinder 3 and an impression roller l8, and is finally gripped The impression roller I8 is mounted for its free rotation on a shaft l9 which is carried by and between corresponding and rearward ends of lever-like members 20 which are intermediately pivoted on a fixedly disposed rock-shaft, said shaft being journalled in and between the frame members 5 and 6 and being disposed toward the rear or feeding end of the machine with respect to the roller l8.

The forward ends of the lever members 20 are connected by a bar 22, and a tension spring 23 extends generally forwardly from the bar 22 to an anchorage in the frame base I to constantly urge a resilient engagement of the impression roller |8 against the cylinder 3. The extremities of the shaft l9 and the bar 22 pivotally engage the ends of the levers 20 whereby the generally planar assembly of these members may be distorted transversely thereof if such is re'quiredto insure an even bearing of the impression roller with and along the cylinder. Arms 24 extend rigidly and radially from the shaft 2| for simultaneous engagement with the bar 22 as a means to rock the levers 2|! to dispose the roller |8 out of engagement with the cylinder. An arm 25 extends rigidly from the shaft 2| in angular relation to the arm 24 thereat, and a tenision spring 26 connects the free end of the arm 24 with an anchorageon the base 1 whereby the arm 25 is resiliently urged to maintain an engagement thereof with an adjustable stop 21 mounted on-a suitable bracket extending from the frame member 6; it will be understood that 5 the stop 21 determines one limit of oscillation of the shaft 2|. 1- I The rollers |6'are mounted on a shaft 28 which is loosely journalled in and'between the upper ends of lever-like members 29 which a e 10 disposed in generally upright position and are intermediately pivoted on the shaft 2| for rocking independently of the latter shaft. Preferably, and as shown, the upper lever portions are curved rearwardly whereby the shaft 28 may be disposed 15 directly above the line of lower feed rollers II for cooperation of the pairs of feed rollers to grip a sheet l4 between them. The lower arms of the levers 29 are connected to the side frame members 5 and 6 by means of tension springs 3| 20 operative in the planes of movement of the levers whereby the shaft 28 is yieldingly urged to maintain its engagement with adjustable stops 32 which are provided on the frame members 5 and 6 respectively and while the rollers I6 are in a 25 limiting lowered position with respect to the axis of the rollers I1.

A fixedly disposed shaft 34 carries the rollers l1, and said rollers are segmental whereby their cylindrical face portions 35 extend through an 30 are which is somewhat less than a full circle. The rollers l1 have like perimeters and are similarly positioned on the shaft 34 whereby they may simultaneously coact in like manner with the rollers I6 above them. V 35 As the rollers I! are rotated, their faces 35 are arranged to engage and grip a sheet 4 between them and the rollers H5 at a line at or adjacent the common plane of the shafts28 and 34. The remaining face portion of each roller I1 is at 40 less distance from the roller axis than the faces 35. It will thus be understood that the rollers ll coact with the rollers it only While their faces 35 are in opposition to said rollers. Preferably, and as shown, the circles of the faces 35 of the 45 roller H are arranged to intersect the circles of the depressed rollers I6 whereby the latter rollers may be pressed upwardly against the resistance of the springs 3| and an equalized and resilient gripping of the sheet l4 between the sets of 50 rollers l6 and I! may be assured while the rollers are coactive in the described manner. It will thus be understood that the rollers 'I'I are operative as a sheet-feeding means for only a part of each rotative. cycle thereof. 55

An elongated plate member 36 is mounted in generally horizontal disposition and in a plane slightly below the rollers l6, and, as is brought out in Figure 22, rectangular openings 31 are provided in the plate 36, opposite the segmental roll- 60 ers IT to permit the described periodic coaction of the rollers I6 and 11 therethrough. Other rectangular openings 38 are provided in the plate 36 between and in alignment with the openings 31, and the material at the advance edges of 65 these openings is extended upwardly of the plane of the plate at the openings to provide a straight line of stops 39 against which the advance edge of a sheet I4 is arranged to abut when the sheet mounted on a cross-bar 40 which is fixedly secured to and between the frame sides 5 and 6, and is disposed rearwardly of the shafts 28 and 34. Forwardly of the line of steps 39, the plate 36 slopes upwardly, as is particularly shown, whereby to support and direct the sheet upwardly thereat if such is needed.

' Means are provided for lifting a front sheet edge out of engagement'with the line of stops 39 at the proper time in a cycle of operations of the cylinder 3 whereby the sheet I4 may then be advanced in the described manner. As particularly shown, a member 42 is hingedly mounted on and beneath the plate member 36, and the member 42 provides a series of 'fiat fingers 43 which are arranged for swinging into and through the various openings 38. One of the fingers 43 is provided with a projection 44 which is arranged to constantly ride on the top of the shaft 34, said shaft being cylindrical thereatexcept for a segmental notch 45 provided therein. When the projection 44 engages the bottom of the notch 45, the fingers 43 are arranged to be disposed in the openings 38 in coplanar relation therewith, whereby they then provide a portion of the support surface for the sheet as it is moved against the stops 39; the present disposal of the fingers 43 is shown in Figures 9 to 11. When the projection 44 of a finger 43 rides on the cylindrical part of the shaft surface thereat, the fingers 43 are raised to lift the front portion of the positioned sheet clear of the stops to thereafter permit an advance of the sheet for its printing.

Members 46 are fixedly mounted on the bar 40 adjacent the frame sides 5 and 6, and a member 41 is supported by and between the members 46 and above the plate 36. The member 41 provides a series of fingers 48 which resiliently register with the lifter fingers 43 or with a sheet l4 which is disposed over the latter fingers. As shown, in Figure 22, the member 41 is pivoted on a fixed shaft 49, and a helical spring 5 is coactive between the member and shaft to constantly and resiliently urge the fingers 48 downwardly. It will be understood that the fingers 48 insure a directing of the sheet M to an initial engagement with the stops 39 as the sheet is inserted between the then spaced rollers l6 and I1; no parts of the cam-like rollers l1 protrude above the plate 36 during the latter process.

In the present machine, the initial positioning of successive sheets M in engagement with the stops 39 is arranged to be automatically effected as the cylinder 3 is continuously rotated. As particularly illustrated, rollers 52 are provided for periodically engaging the top sheet l4 of a stack of sheets on the feed table l5 and for subsequent rotation to advance the engaged sheet to and against the stops 39. The rollers 52 are fixed on a common shaft 53 which is carried by and between arms 54 extending rigidly from a rock-shaft 55 which is journalled in and between the frame members 5 and 6, and is parallel to both the feed table top and the cylinder axis.

To insure a delivery to the machine of but one sheet H at a time for printing from the stencil, the advance end of the stack of sheets on the table I5 is engaged with an upright stop post 56 in such manner that only the top sheet lies above the top of the post 56 when the rollers 52 are actuated, to advance a sheet to the stops 39. When the top sheet has been completely removed from above the stack, the table I5 is automatically raised to dispose solely the next sheet for removal by the rollers 52; this automatic control of the table I5 is hereafter described in detail. Preferably, and as shown, the post 56 is positioned in the longitudinal central line of the sheets of the stack and is fixed to and between the frame cross-bar 40 and a lower cross-bar 51 which generally underlies the bar 40.

By particular reference to Figure 9, it will be noted that a roller 52 is there shown in pressure engagement with the top sheet 14 of the stack of sheets on the table IS, the roller I1 is in an inoperative position, the lift finger 43 is depressed tothe plane of the plate 36, a pressure finger 48 resiliently presses on the finger 43 beneath it, and the impression roller 18 is spaced from the cylinder 3. The foregoing positions and relations of the operative parts of the described sheet-feeding means of the present machine may be conveniently considered as representing the conditions at the beginning of a cycle of operations of the present duplicating machine.

As the cylinder 3 is rotated, the rollers 52 are rotated to advance the sheet l4 over the plate 36 and between the cooperating pairs of fingers 43 and 48 until it positively engages against the stops 39. Preferably, the feeding rotation of the rollers 52 is continued until the sheet is actually buckled between the rollers and stops in the manner shown in Figure 10; in this manner, a true registration of the forward paper edge with the line of stops 39 is assured. The rollers 52 are then lifted from the sheet l4 whereby the latter may flatten out with its forward edge retained against the stops 38 by the coaction of the fingers 43 and 48; this flattened condition of the sheet following its buckling is shown in Figure 11. cept for a slight shifting of the still inoperative roller l8 by reason of the engagement of the arms 24 of the rock-shaft 2| with the bar 22, the other elements have remained as in Figure 9.

The continued rotation of the cylinder 3 next results in a rotation of the shaft 34 to displace the finger 43 of the member 44 which engages it and so lift all of the fingers 43 to raise the front sheet edge above the steps 39. As the advance sheet edge is freed, the sheet is engaged and gripped between the rollers l6 and the working faces 35 ofthe segmental rollers I! for thereafter advancing the sheet toward a position for its printing as the latter rollers are rotated.

-In Figure 12, the rollers I! are shown as they first grip the sheet in the cooperation with the rollers [6, it being noted that the rollers 18 and 52 are now both inoperative.

In Figure 13, the relation of the operative parts is shown as it is when the working face 35 of the roller l1 approaches the limit of its coaction with the roller l6. At this time, the impression roller has just been allowed to grip the forward sheet edge between it and the stencil on the cylinder 3 whereby this engagement of the sheet between the roller and cylinder may thereafter and solely operate to carry the sheet forward for its printing. The operative relations are preferably such that the sheet is gripped between the cylinder and impression roller just as its forward edge reaches the plane defined by the axes of the cylinder and roller; in this manner, printing may be placed at the extreme top edge of the paper if such is desired.

After the rear end of the sheet has passed beyond the line of coaction of the rollers l6 and [1, as in Figure 14, the rollers 52 are lowered onto the stack of sheets on the table l5, and the rotation of the shaft 34 is stopped with the roller H in its initial inoperative position and with the fingers 43 lowered to the plane of the plate 86. The aforesaid lowering of the rollers 52 is arrangedito actuate suitable mechanism for elevating the table I5 to dispose the then engaged top sheet of the stack for advancement over the top of the post 56. Before the rollers are rotated to advance the new sheet and after the preceding sheet has been delivered from between the cylinder and the impression roller, the latter roller is disposed out of engagement with the cylinder whereby the relations of Figure 9 may again exist at the beginning of a new cycle of operations of the printing cylinder 3.

Means are preferably provided for preventing an operative disposition of the impression roller I8 unless a sheet I4 is actually on its way for printing engagement between the stencil on the cylinder and the roller I8. As particularly il lustrated in Figures 9 to 14 and 17, a swinging stop member 58 is provided for such coaction with the bar 22 of the described rockable mounting for the roller I8 as to prevent the operative positioning of the roller which is shown in Figures 13 and 14 unless a sheet I4 is then engaged between the rollers I6 and I1. As is particularly brought out in Figure 9, the stop member 58 is pivoted to the frame cross-bar 51 and is resiliently urged to maintain contact with the bar 22 through the action of a tension spring 59 which is coactive between it and the crossbar 51.

Intermediately in its bar-engaging face 60, the member 58 is provided with a notch 6| for receiving a complementarily formed portion'of the bar 22 in such a manner as to prevent a further lowering of the bar while permitting a lifting of the bar from the notch. While the bar 22 is disposed in the notch 6|, the impression roller I8 is held spaced from the cylinder 3, this being the condition shown in *"Figure 9.. Itwill be understood that the positioning of the roller I8 is controlled by the position of the bar 22 which is in turn arranged for movement in an arcuate path through its periodic engagement with the arms 24 of the shaft 2| which are oscillated between limitingpositions thereof; the .bar is lifted positively as the arms 24 move upwardly and is lowered through the action of the spring 23 as the arms 'move downwardly until its further lowering is prevented either by its engagement in the notch 6| or by the engagement of the impression roller I8 against the under side of a sheet I4 at the cylinder.

A detent 62 is provided for operating to prevent the engagement of the bar 22 in the notch 6| of the stop member 58 as the bar moves downwardly along the face 60 of the member and.

while a sheet I4 is disposed in the machine for 60 the printing thereof, said detent being directly coactive with said member. As is particularly brought out in Figures 9 to 14 and 40 and 41, the detent 62 depends from a shaft 63 which is journalled in and between bearing blocks provided on the frame cross-bar 40 and for oscillation about an axis parallel to the axis of the cylinder. The detent 62 is pivoted'to the shaft 63 for rocking in a plane parallel to the shaft' axis, and from a normal position thereof in which it is displaceably held by a tension spring 64 which is appropriately operative between the detent and the shaft 63 which carries it.

One or more fingers 65 extend generally radially from the shaft 63 to have their free ends overlie the shaft 34 at plate openings 3'! for swinging upwardly through said openings to engage any sheet I4 thereabove. The detent 82 is arranged to be normally disposed in the arouate path of movement of a top extension 66 of the member 58 whereby said extension may engage the detent to rock the shaft 63 and thereby lift the fingers 65.

If the fingers encountered a sheet I4 as they are lifted, the sheet operates to prevent a further rocking of the shaft and a displacement of the detent, whereby the detent is then and thereafter operative to hold the member 58 out of engagement with the rod 22 while the latter is swung downwardly past the notch SI of the member; this functioning of the detent 62 is brought out in Figures 12 and 13. If the fingers 65 encounter no sheet above them, the engagement of the member 58 with the rod 22 continues and the rod is permitted to seat in the notch as is shown in Figure 9; the latter is understood to be the condition of the sheet-feeding mechanism before the first sheet of a stack on the feed table is advanced for printing or following an actuation of the mechanism without a feeding of a sheet therethrough.

In order to insure an even spacing of the impression roller I8 from the stencil cylinder while the roller is held from engagement with the cylinder by reason of the engagement of the rod 22 in the notch BI, a second swinging stop member 58 is provided in spaced relation from the member 58. The member 58 is fixed to the member 58 and provides a notch 6| whereby the bar 22 may be parallel to the cylinder axis when the bar is seated in and across the notches GI and 6 I The structure wherein the members 58 and 58' form parts of a unitary stop assembly is brought out in Figures 3 and 1'7.

Referring to the showing of Figure 10, it is noted that while the sheet I4 is being advanced to its engagement with the stops 39, the shaft H has been so rotated that its arm 24 has lifted the bar 22 above the notch 8| and, by reason of the engagement of the bar with the upper portion of the working face 60 of the member 58, has rocked the member to dispose the upper end 66 of the member behind the plane of the detent 62. While the roller 52 is'being raised from the sheet, the arm 24 is gradually lowered to permit a lowering of the bar 22 and a movement of the end 66 toward and against the detent 62 whereby, just before the bar 22 is positioned opposite the notch 6|. the engagement of the detent with the member 58 has rocked the fingers 65 against the sheet I4 at the rollers I6, as is shown in Figure 12.

The sheet I4, thereafter acting as a stop, holds the detent 62 fixed in front of the member 58 to prevent the further forward movement of the member as the arm 24 is lowered to its starting position to dispose the bar 22 below the notch SI, as is particularly shown in Figures 13 and 14. When the sheet I4 is advanced beyond thecontact ends of the fingers 65, the fingers lift to release the member 58 for contacting the bar 22 at a point of the member below the notch 6I and the detent may be disposed on top of the member 58 which then underlies it; whenever the detent engages the top of the member 58, it is arranged to be displaced in its plane and against the resistance of the spring 64. A subsequent upward movement of the bar 22 as the next sheet I4 is advanced to the stops 39 restores the conditions found in Figure 10, and the described cycle of operations of the feed-mechanism is thereafter repeated.

The various shafts 2| and 34 and 55are arranged to be appropriately actuated in the desired manner and sequence by a suitable actuating mechanism which is shown generally in Figures 5 18 to 20. The required operations are primarily derived from the controlled reciprocative movement of a bar 68 which pivotally engages an arm 89 extending rigidly from the shaft 2! and is forked at its upper end to span a hub portion 61 of the cylinder. The bar 68 is disposed in generally upright position in parallel relation to the frame side 5, and a plate cam 10 is mounted on the cylinder adjacent and inwardly of the forked portion of the bar 68. At its inner side, and in I the plane of the cam 10, the bar 68 carriesa roller 1| for periodic engagement by the cam to lower the bar and so oscillate the shaft 2| as is required for controlling the disposal of the impression roller I8 in the previously described manner. It is noted that the spring 26 for the shaft 2| is operative to urge the upward disposal of the arm 69 and the bar 68.

An actuator element 12 is pivoted to the frame side 5 adjacent the plane of operation of the bar 88. The element 12 comprises a flat plate providing a segmental gear 13, an arm 14, and a radial slot 15. A roller 16 is mounted at the outer face of the bar 68 and constantly engages in the slot 15 whereby the element 12 is arranged for 30 oscillation about its pivotal axis as the bar 68 is reciprocated, said axis being fixed.

The segmental gear 13 is utilized to effect the periodic rotation of the shaft 34 which carries the segmental feed rollers I1 through the opera- 35'tion of a pinion 18 which it constantly engages and which is connected with the shaft 34 through a suitable one-way clutch in such a manner that the shaft 34 is rotated only by and during a return movement of the element 12 to its normal position which is shown in Figure 18. It will be understood that it is this rotation of the shaft 34 which periodically effects the described operative rotation of the segmental rollers'l1 at the appropriate time in each rotative cycle of the printing cylinder 3.

As is particularly illustrated in Figures 36 to 39, the pinion 18 is coaxially fixed on a sleeve mem ber 19 which is rotatable on a reduced end portion of the shaft 34 and provides an annular flange 88 at the outer side of the pinion. The flange 80 carries a detent member 8| pivoted thereon and providing a catch head portion 82. A spring 83 is coactive between the member 8| and the flange 80 to constantly urge the disposal of the detent head 82 in a radially outward position thereof. Adjacent the end portion thereof which carries the pinion 18, the shaft 34 has fixed thereon a member 84 in which a cylindrical socket is defined for receiving the assembly of the pinion 18 and the sleeve 19 and the detent 8|. The member 84 comprises an end wall 85 and a side wall 86 comprising a tubular flange extending axially from the end wall 85 todefine the socket cavity. At one point thereof, the socket wall 86 65 is provided with an opening 81 through which the detent head 82 may protrude when the latter is disposed thereat. The arrangement is such that the detent may be pressed inwardly to have its head 82 within the socket for its rotation therein while the head contacts the bore of the wall 86 or may engage the wall 86 at an end of the opening 81 to cause a rotation of the shaft with the pinion 18.

It will now be noted that a spring-pressed roller 75 88 is mounted on the casing wall 5 in the plane of the member 84 and for resilient engagement with the outer periphery of said member axially across the same. Opposite the opening 81, the end wall 85 of the member 84 is provided with a relatively shallow notch 89 for receiving the roller 88 and shaped to complementarily receivev said roller. When the roller 88 engages'the notch 89, the segmental feed rollers I1 on the shaft 34 are arranged to be in the position shown therefor in Figures 9 to 11 and 14, and the detent head 82 is pressed inwardly by the roller 88 as is shown in Figures 36 and 3'7.

The detent member 8| is so mounted and its head 82 is so shaped that a rotation of the pinion 18 in a direction corresponding to an operative rotation of the shaft 34 engages the head with the member 84 at the forward end of the opening 81 as is indicated in Figure 38, it being noted that the return stroke of the segmental gear 13 of the element 12 is arranged to effect one com plete revolution of the pinion 18 and so of the shaft 34. If the operation of the pinion 18 should be reversed while the catch head 82 engages the member 84 at the forward end of the opening 81, the head 82 is arranged to then engage the member at the forward end of the opening 81 by reason of the. inoperativeness of the roller 88 and for effecting a reverse rotation of the member and the shaft 34; in this manner, the member 84 will always be brought to rest with the notch 89 engaging the roller 88 at the end of a working stroke of the segmental gear 13.

A rack bar 98 is pivoted at one end thereof to the arm 14 of the actuator element 12 and is constantly engaged between a pinion 9| and a roller 92 which are mounted on stub shafts extending from the frame member 5. The pinion 9| is connected with the shaft 53 which carries the rollers '52 by means of a shaft 93 (Figure 22) and universal joint connections whereby the rollers 52 may be rotated by and upon the reciprocation of the rack bar 98 and in accordance with the travel of said bar. The roller 52 is actuated in a paper-feeding direction when the roller engages the top sheet l4 of the stack on the feed table and in the reverse direction when the roller is lifted to an inoperative position in the manner previously stated.

Means are provided for adjusting the rotative feeding travel of the rollers 52 whereby the amount of the described buckling produced in a sheet l4 which has been projected by said rollers against the stops 39 may be adjusted as required. As is particularly brought out in Figure 18a, the pivotal connection between the rack bar 98 and the arm 14 is provided by the engagement of a pivot pin 94 fixed in the arm in a longitudinal slot 95 provided in the rack end thereat. An arm 96 extends radially from the hub of the pinion 9| and normally engages a stop pin 91 which is vadjustably mounted on the frame member 5 in the plane of oscillation of the arm. The stop pin 91 is arranged to so engage the arm 96 as to limit the return, or inoperative, rotation of the rollers and thereby determine the full angle of oscillation of the rollers for both their working and return rotations, it being noted that the oscillation angle (and sheet buckling effect) is de.. termined by the adjusted spacing of the pin 94 from the outer end of the slot 95 when the element 12 is in its inoperative position. It will be understood that a feeding rotation of the rollers 52 is arranged to cease before the rollers are lifted as described to release the sheet engaged by them, and that the desirable degree of buckling will vary with sheets of different thickness and/or degrees of thickness. A tension spring 98 is constantly operative to urge the movement of the rack bar 90 and the pinion 9| to engage the arm 96 with the adjustable stop pin 91.

By particular reference to Figure 18, it will be noted that the described devices for actuating the shafts 2i and 34 and 53 are therein shown as at the beginning of a cycle of sheet-feeding operations with respect to the cylinder, whereby the various shafts are generally as in Figure 9. In

Figure 19, the shaft-operating elements are shown in the coactive relation which exists therefor when the feeding mechanism shafts are disposed as in Figure 11. Figure shows the relations of the shaft controlling mechanisms as they are when the paper-feeding conditions are those which are shown in Figure 13.

Referring now to the feed table I5 and its control, it will be noted, by particular reference to Figures 6 and 23 and 25, that the feed table is formed of sheet material providing an horizontal deck for receiving a stack of sheets and having downturned edge portions 99 defining mutually facing channels I00 beneath the deck. Mutually parallel rock-shafts IM and I02 are journalled in and between the side frame members 5 and 6 beneath the table and near its ends, said shafts defining a plane which is parallel to the deck of the table. A pair of arms I03 extends generally forwardly from each of the shafts IOI and I02, said arms being fixed to the respective shafts in mutually parallel relation and being connected by rods I04 carrying rollers I05 beyond the arms and engaging in the table channels I00 for supportin the table on the arms I03.

As is brought out in Figure 15, the forward table edge is provided with extensions I06 at opposite sides of the post 56 and which engage in longitudinal grooves I01 provided in said post sides. As shown in Figure 23, a tension spring I08 is coactive between the table and a rod I04 to constantly urge the table forwardly in its contact with the post 56. In this manner the table is restrained against lateral displacement with respect to the post as it is raised or lowered by a rocking of the arms I04.

At the ends thereof adjacent the frame side 6, the shafts IN and I02 carry arms I09 which extend generally upwardly, are fixed to the shafts in mutually parallel relation, and are connected by a link I I0 which is pivoted to the arms at like distances from the shafts; in this manner, the arms I09 are constrained for swinging together and their rocking is arranged to effect like movements of the arms I03 to elevate or lower the table I5 while the same is retained in parallel relation to the plane of the shafts. Tension springs I I I extend rearwardly from the forward arm I09 to anchorages on the wall 6 whereby they are constantly operative to urge a swinging of the arms I09 to elevate the table I5. When a stack of sheets I4 is first placed 0 the table I5, the latter is disposed in depressed position against the resistance of the springs III by manual pressure, and means are provided for securing the table in depressed position and for controlled and progressive raising thereof by utilizing the stored energy of the springs III. As particularly illustrated, the table elevating control comprises an escapement mechanism which is provided in and on a casing I I2 which is mounted on the frame member 6 in advance of the forward arm I09.

As is particularly shown in Figures 23 and 25,

a rack bar II3 extends forwardly into the casing II2 from a pivotal connection with the forward arm I09 and between a pinion I I4 and a roller II5 for actuating the pinion whenthe rack bar is reciprocated. The pinion and roller are rotatably mounted on stub shafts extending from the casing wall II 6 adjacent the frame side 5, and the pinion is coaxially fixed to a relatively large gear II! which meshes with a pinion IIO which is carried on astub shaft II9 extending from the casing wall H6.

An escapement wheel I2I is rotatably mounted on the shaft I I9 beside the pinion I I8 and carries a spring-pressed pawl I22 at its pinion side for constant operation against the pinion in such a manner as to permit a relative rotation of the wheel and pinion onlywhilethe table is being depressed. An escapement lever I23 is pivoted opposite the wheel I2I and presents spaced teeth I24 and I25 toward the wheel, said teeth being provided on lever arms I25 and I2! respectively and being operative at opposite sides of the common plane of the wheel and lever axes and arranged to receive two adjacent wheel teeth between them. The lever arm I26 is extended somewhat and is arranged for movement between spaced stops I28 and I29 which are operative to limit the range of oscillation of the arm and lever.

Assuming that the lever I23 is free for oscillation and that the escapement wheel I2I is rotating in a direction to permit a raising of the table I5, teeth of the escapement wheel will alternately engage the different lever teeth I24 and I25 to effect an oscillation of the lever between its limiting positions. Means are provided for securing the lever when the elevation of the table is to be stopped; as shown, a bar I3I is intermediately pivoted opposite the free end of the lever arm I26 for the swinging of one end portion thereof against the extremity of the arm I23, and the bar face which opposes the arm extremity is provided with a stop projection I32 which is disposed generally midway of the arc of movement of the arm end. When the stop I32 is disposed in the path of movement of the arm I26 and the arm engages either side thereof, a ratchet wheel tooth is then arranged to engage one or the other of the lever teeth I24 or I25 to prevent a rotation of the ratchet wheel, this being a normal condition of the present escapement mechanism by reason of the action of a spring I33 which is constantly tensed between the bar I3I and an achorage on the casing wall II6.

The bar I3I is fixed on a shaft I34 which extends through and from a forward face plate or wall I35 of the casing H2 and carries a radial arm I36 thereon externally of the casing; in this manner, the bar I3I may be placed in inoperative position with respect to the escapement lever I23 by rocking the shaft I34 through rotatively displacing the bar from its normal position against the resistance of the spring I33. While the stop I32 of the bar I3I is inoperative, the escapement wheel may rotate by reason of the pull of the springs IIO acting through the connections provided by the rack bar I I3, the pinion II4, the gear IILpinion H8, and pawl I22; in this manner, the table is automatically elevated while, and only while, the stop I32 is inoperative with respect to the escapement lever I23. It will be noted that the disclosed elevating connections between the table and escapement wheel are such that an escape movement of one tooth of the wheel represents a movement of the table which is preferably no greater than the thickness of the thinnest sheet I4 to be printed, in this manner the device will operate for sheets of all thicknesses.

A normally withdrawn plunger I31 extends through a slideway bore provided in the top of the casing I I2 for engagement with the bar I3l to inoperably dispose the stop I32 of the bar. As is particularly illustrated in Figure 25. the plunger 10 I37 is urged outwardly to an inoperative position by means of a compression spring I38 engaging between the head of the plunger and the casing wall through which the plunger is reciprocable, and an inner projection on the plunger limits its 13 outward movement. It will be understood that the plunger I31 may be manually actuated at any time to release the escapement and cause a raising of the table independently of a rocking of the bar I3I through a displacement of the arm I36.

It will now be noted that one end of the rockshaft 55 is disposed adjacent and parallel to the shaft I34 andfixedly mounts an arm I M which carries a contact pin shown, the pin I42 comprises a headed screw which is adjustably engaged in the arm. When the shaft 55 is rocked in a direction to lower the rollers 52. the pin I42 may engage the arm I36 of the shaft I34 to rock the latter for releasing the escapement mechanism in the described manner. With the rollers 52 depressed sufliciently to release the escapement mechanism, the resulting lifting of the stack of sheets I4 on the table against the rollers will rock the shaft 55 to displace the pin I42 to permit a return movement of the arm I36 and so of the bar I3I to operably dispose the stop I32 and prevent the further action of the escapement mechanism. The pin I42 would be so adjusted in the arm I4I that the top sheet I4 of a stack on the table may be appropriately disposed with respect to the top of the stop post 56 for a subsequent advancement of the sheet by the rollers 52 in the described manner. An arm I44 extends radially from the shaft 55 adjacent the casing plate I35, and a tension spring I45 is coactive between the plate and arm to constantly urge a rotation of the shaft 55 to depress the rollers 52.

Means are provided for controlling the posi- 5 tioning of the rollers 52 in accordance with the cyclic requirements therefor, said means being operated in accordance with the operation of the printing cylinder 3. Referring to Figures 18 to 20, it will be seen that a radial arm I46 extends generally horizontally from the end of the shaft 55 nearest the frame member and that a rod I41 is pivoted to the arm end and extends upwardly through an eye provided at the free end of an arm I48 which extends adjacent the cylin- 60 der hub 61 and is pivoted to the frame member 5 at its other end. The arm I48 carries a roller which is arranged to constantly rest on the periphery of a plate cam I49 which is mounted on the hub 61 for rotation with the cylinder, and

65 a tension spring I56 is constantly operative to pull the arm against the cam I49. A stop sleeve I5I is adjustably mounted on the rod I4'I above the arm eye which receives it.

It will now be noted that the working periph- 70 cry of the cam I49 is so shaped and is so related to the cylinder 3 that, when the sheet-feeding mechanism is generally as in Figures 11 and 12 and 13, the arm I48 engages the sleeve I5! to lift the rod I41 and the arm I46 to rock the shaft 75 55 to position the rollers 52 in their inoperative fit I42; preferably, and as position. When it is time for the lowering of the rollers 52,.the arm I48 is lowered to permit the functioning of the spring I45 to lower the rollers, as in Figure 14. If the lowering of the rollers 52 causes the release of the escapement mechanism, the table is lifted until the top sheet thereon is at the desired and adjusted limiting level; it will be understood that the latter occurs following each removal of a sheet from the stack as the machine is continuously operated.

'Means are provided whereby the automatic elevation of the table may be prevented, as when starting a sheet by hand is desired. As is particularly brought out in Figures 18 and 26 to 28,

an arm I53 is pivoted to the frame member 5 at.

its inner face and presents its free extremity below the arm I46 of the rock-shaft 55 and in the planeof operation of the arm. A rotary stop.

member I54 is mounted on the member 5 above the arm I53 and in its plane, said member including a radial handle for rotatably adjusting it and being formed to provide flat faces I55 and I56 and I 51 at successively closer distances to the axis of the member. A spring I58 constantly pulls the arm I53 upwardly against the stop I54.

When the arm I53 engages the stop face I55, as in Figures 18 and 26, its tip is spaced from the arm I46 for permitting the described lowering of the rollers. 52 below the delivery plane for sheets on the feed table. When' the member I 54 is rotated for the engagement of the arm I53 with the stop face I56, as is shown in Figure 27, .the tip of the arm I53 engages the arm I46 to prevent its lowering to operably dispose the rollers 52.

When the arm I53 engages the stop face I51 of the member I54 (Figure 28), it is arranged to lift the arm I46 to the raised position which it assumes when the cam I49 is operative in the manner described therefor, and to retain the arm in such position. The latter disposal of the arm I46 is also arranged to render the remainder of the sheet-feeding mechanism inoperative through operatively disposing a pawl I59 which is arranged to engage and fix the actuator element against operating when the actuator bar 68 is in its lowest position; in this manner, the continued rotation of the cylinder is thereafter permitted without requiring an operation of the feeding means. i

As is particularly shown in Figures 18 and 28, the pawl I59 is intermediately pivoted in the frame member 5 and is urged to dispose its point slightly above the line of operation of the element 12 through the action of a spring I60. The other end of the pawl I59 is disposed in the path of movement of a pin I6I extending laterally from the rod I41 whereby the pin I6I may engage the pawl to swing its point into the path of the end of the arm '14 and a notch I62 therein for engagement in said notch, it being noted that when the rod M1 is reciprocated by the normal action of the arm I46, the pawl I59 is inoperatively disposed when the arm 14 passes it. Following an operative engagement of the pawl I59 in the notch I62 and a subsequent release and lowering of the stop arm I53, a rotation of the cylinder is arranged to release the pawl.

Means are provided for automatically preventing a raising of the feed table I5 beyond a predetermined height therefor, thereby stopping the delivery of sheets from the table independently of the normal operation of the described feeding mechanism. As illustrated, the depending arm I44 of the shaft 55 is arranged to normally pass over the free end portion of a bar I63 which is pivoted to the plate I35 at, the end thereof farthest from the arm MI, and gravitationally rests upon a support pin I63 extending from the plate.

As is brought out in Figures 23 and 24, a contact pin I64 depends from the bar I63 for engagement with a projection I65 of the table I5 as the latter reaches its desired limiting height, whereby the table is itself operative to dispose the bar for engagement by the arm MI and so prevent a normal rocking of the shaft 55 to continue the sheet feeding.

The upward movement of the table I5 is preferably stopped while it still contains several sheets I4, and means are provided for manual operation to thereafter release the escapement mechanism to raise the table. for the feeding removal of the remaining sheets therefrom. As particularly shown, the pin I64 slidably engages in a hole through the bar I63, is double-headed, and is constantly urged downwardly through the action of a spring I64 which is operative between the bar and the lower pin head, the spring preferably being stiff enough to withstand an appreciable compression thereof when the table projection I65 engages it for lifting the bar into operative relation with respect to the shaft arm I44. A headed pin I66 extends upwardly from the bar I63 with its head overlying and spaced from the upper head of the pin I64. When the bar I63 is operative as a stop means, it may be manually engaged and pressed downwardly against the resistance of the spring I64 to release the arm I44 and so permit acontinuance of the feeding from the table through the permitted functioning of 35 the .table elevating mechanism. In thismanner, the removal and printing of the last sheets on the table I5 may be effected following the described automatic termination of an automatic removal of the sheets.

Means are provided for insuring a freeing of the top sheet I4 of a stack of sheets on the table I5 as the sheet is individually advanced in the described manner. As particularly shown in Figures 1 to 8, side wall members I61 are mounted on 45 the table I5 for receiving a stack of sheets I4 between them. The walls I61 are relatively adjustable to and from each other, have mutually inturned bottom flanges I61, and are provided with mutually opposite and upright slots I68. A

50 member I69 is fixed externally on a wall I61 adjacent one slot I68 and mounts a bar member I within the slot, the latter member having a sharpened edge protruding slightly within the space for the stack and for the full length of the slot. The opposite slot I66 of the other wall I61 serves as a guideway for a weight member I1I from which a point I12 extends inwardly from the wall thereat. Preferably, and as shown, the point IN is formed to provide an edge extending 60 obliquely downwardly toward the wall from the tip of the point.

When a stack of sheets I4 is placed on the table in contact with the stop post 56, the weight member I1I is inoperatively disposed and the walls 65 I61 are adjusted toward each other to closely fit the stack and firmly engage the bar I10 with the stack side thereat. The weight member is then lowered to gravitationally rest on the stack to 7 have its point I12 obliquely engage on the top sheets I4, the relation being brought out in Figure 6. When the top sheet I4 is moved over the stack by the action of the rollers 52, the sheet is shifted laterally toward the bar I16 and is lifted 75 adjacent the edge thereat whereby air is admitted beneath the sheet; in this manner, any cohesion with the underlying sheet is broken. The edge I10 and point I12 also cooperate to hold the remaining sheets of the stack in place, and the present arrangement has been found particularly valuable as a means to insure a proper feeding of sheets from the table by the described means.

Printed sheets I4 delivered from between the stencil 2 and the impression roller I 8 are arranged to fall into a collecting tray I13, and means may be provided for interposing insert sheets I14 between the printed sheets I4 as the latter are delivered to the tray. As generally illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a stack of the sheets I14 is arranged for support in a tray I15 mounted on and above the tray I13 and having an open bottom. and suitable means are provided for releasing the sheets I14 one at, a time for falling upon a delivered sheet I4 in the lower tray before the next sheet is delivered, the device being known as slipsheeting.

Since it will not always be necessary or desirable to use an interleaving, or slip-sheeting,

device, independent means are provided for limit the. movement of the printed sheets I4 in the receiving tray I13. As particularly illustrated in Figures 1 and 29 to 30, said means comprises a unit 208 having a base 209 from which a swinging member 2I0 extends. The base 209 has a depending portion slidably engaged in a longitudinal slot 2 provided in the tray bottom 206 whereby the base is guided for solely rectilinear adjustment in said slot, and a clampbolt assembly 2I2 is provided to fix the unit in adjusted position on the tray bottom 266.

The member 2I6 of the unit 268 is formed of sheet material, is hinged to the rearward edge of the base 209 for swinging movement about an axis which is parallel to the tray bottom 266 and perpendicular to the longitudinal tray axis, and comprises perpendicularly related portions 2I3 and 2I4. At its juncture with the portion 2I3, the portion 2 I4 is provided with an opening which freely receives therethrough a leaf spring 2 I5 which is fixed to the base and extends through said opening in generally parallel relation to the tray bottom 206 and in constant bearing engagement with the top edge of the portion 2 I 3. When the portion 2I4 of the member 2I0 is upright as in Figure 29, it constitutes a stop for printed sheets delivered in the tray. When the portion 2I4 is swung to a prone position, as in Figure 30, the spring 2I5 operates to lift the advance end of a stack of delivered sheets I4 from the tray bottom thereat in the indicated manner for facilitating a removal of the stack from the tray. It will be noted that the spring 2I5 is operative to urge a retention of the member 2I6 in either one of its limiting positions.

By reference to- Figures 9 and 16, it will now be noted that the mounting of the impression roller I8 includes certain improvements for rollers of this type. As particularly illustrated, the shaft I9 which carries the roller is stepped adjacent its extremities to provide reduced end portions 2 I1 and 2 I 8 terminating at shoulders 2 I 9 and engaged end from the other arm 29; in this manner, the roller I8 may be readily removed or replaced.

The roller I8 comprises a core tube 22I carrying a relatively thick and resilient tread 222 for is engaging beneath a sheet I4 at the stencil on the .cylinder. blies are mounted in the core tube 22I at opposite ends thereof, said bearings having their outer races 224 snugly fitting the bore of the tube 22I l and their tubular inner races 225 slidably re-' ceiving intermediate shaft portions 226 and 221 which extend from the shoulders 2I9 and 22!! respectively. The bearing races 224 may be retained in the tube 22I by turning end portions 228 of the tube inwardly to provide retaining lugs.

The present arrangement for enclosing the bearings within the roller is understood to eliminate the probability of ink getting therein.

Inwardly of the different bearing races 225 50 and in spaced relation thereto, the shaft I9 is provided with radial shoulders 229; as shown, the shoulders 229 are defined at the ends of an enlarged central shaft portion 23I. Helical compression springs 232 encircle the shaft portions 5 226 and 221 and are respectively operative between the shoulders 229 and 230 and the inner bearing races 225; it will be obvious that the springs 232 are coactive to yieldingly retain the roller in a longitudinally centered position on the 50 shaft.

Recalling the fact that in sheet-handling devices where a sheet of material is gripped and advanced between rollers, a very slight variation from a true cylinder of uniform cross-section of one or both rollers will operate to urge a lateral motion of a sheet gripped thereat whereby the sheet may be wrinkled or even torn. In the present duplicator, the printing cylinder 3 is supported against a longitudinal shifting thereof, and the disclosed mounting of the impression roller I8 for a possible axial shifting thereof against the slight resistance of a spring 232 is designed to eliminate any lateral stresses in a sheet as it is advanced between the cylinder and 'roller; this feature has been found particularly valuable when applied to duplicating machines of the present type. It will be understood that the roller I8 is automatically recentered each time it is lowered to an inoperative position,- the t) latter occurring after each sheet is printed and discharged.

A pawl 235 (Figures 18 to 20) is rotatably mounted on a stub shaft 236 which extends from the inner side of the frame member 5 and in the i5 plane of the gear I2 of the manually operable drive for the cylinder, said pawl being normally inoperative and being arranged for locking engagement with the gear I2 for securing the cylinder against I rotation when such is desired. A spring 231 is operative to maintain the pawl 235 in engagement with a cam 238 which is mounted for rotation about a stub shaft 239 extending from the frame side 5, said cam presenting flat faces at different distances from its axis whereby the pawl 235 may be operative when it engages one said cam face and inoperative when it engages the other. A handle 24!] extends radially from the cam 238 for use in setting it as desired.

- Referring now to the structure and mounting of the printing cylinder or drum 3, and with particular reference to Figures 3 and 18 and 21, and 42, it is noted that the cylinder essentially comprises a pair of circular end plates 24I and 242 5 connected by a cylindrically curved and perfo-' Suitable anti-friction bearingaxemrated diaphragm plate 243 over which the stencil 2 is disposed. End portions 244 of the diaphragm plate are turned radially inwardly to provide distinct bends at the limits of its working area, and said portions are fixed to mutually spaced tie bars 245 which connect the end plates 2 and 242, are parallel to the cylinder axis, and mount an ink reservoir and ink-feeding assembly 246 within the cylinder space and generally between them. A fabric inking pad 24'! is interposed between the stencil and the diaphragm plate, and suitable means are provided to secure the ends of the mounted stencil and pad to the cylinder.

A shaft 249 extends axially within the'cylinder, engages through a bore in the end plate 242 for rotative adjustment in said bore, and extends through and from a sleeve bearing 250 which is mounted in the frame member 6. At its other end the shaft 249 is journalled in the tubular hub 61 which is integral with the plate 24l, said hub extending outwardly from the plate toward the frame member 5 and carrying the gear I2 fixed to it at its. outer end and in spaced relation to the plate. A stub-shaft or bearing pin 254 is mounted in the frame member 5 and extends within the bore of the hub 51 whereby the adjacent cylinder end is supported thereat and thereby. It will thus be understood that the cylinder 3 is rotatably supported by and between the bearing pin 254 and the sleeve bearing 250 which are engaged respectively by the hub 51 and shaft 249, and that the said hub and shaft are arranged for relative rotation independently of the rotation of the cylinder. Suitable anti-friction bearing bushings may be provided in the bores which rotatably receive the shafts 249 and 254, this being indicated in Figure 21.

Means are provided for varying the relative timing of the steps of the described cycle of sheet-feeding operations with respect to the rotative cycle of the cylinder, this feature providing certain advantages to be hereinafter brought out in detail and in i/olvingcertain rotatively adjusted settings of the plate cams III and I49 with respect to the cylinder. As is particularly disclosed in Figures 18 and 21, a disc 255 is mounted at and against the outer face of the cylinder end 24l, said disc being provided with a tubular hub portion 256 receiving the hub 61 and extending outwardly to present its outer end in spaced relationto the gear I2 on the latter hub whereby an annular groove is defined about the hub 61 and between the gear I2 and the opposed end of the hub 256, said groove receiving the plate cam I49 and a bearing ring 251 which is slidably engaged in the fork at the upper end of the actuator bar 68. The cam I49 and ring 251 are both rotatably carried and centered on the hub 61.

By particular reference to Figures 21 and 31 to 35, it will now be noted that the cam I0 comprises two flat disc members 258 and 259 having like profiles which are arranged to register when a full-length of stencil is to be printed from; the latter condition has been hereinbefore assumed in describing the present mechanism and its operation. The roller II on the actuator bar 68 extends into the zones of operation of both of the cams 258 and 259 whereby either and/or both of these cams may engage the roller as they are rotated. The outermost cam 258 is fixed on the outer end of the hub 256, and, the cam 259 is arranged for rot-ative adjustment about said hub. A pin 260 extends rigidly from the cam I49 into the cam 259 through an arcuate slot provided in the cam 258 whereby the cams M9 and 259 may be adjusted together in a fixed corelation.

A flat spring arm 25H is fixed to and extends radially from the cam 259 at the face thereof nearest the disc 255, and said arm is provided with a detent pinv 262 for selective engagement in any one of a plurality of holes or sockets 263 provided in the disc opposite the circle of movement of the pin; in this manner, the cams M 10 and 259 may be held against rotation on the hub 256 in any one of a plurality of rotatively adjusted relations to the earn 258, it being noted that the pin 252 engages a hole 263 when the profiles of the cams 258 and 259 are aligned.

A circular dove-tail groove 264 is provided in the face of the plate 2M opposite the outer edge portion of the disc 255 and engages the head 265 of a bolt member 266 which extends outwardly through a disc perforation and carries a thumb nut 26? at its outer end for tightening the bolt to'lock the plate and disc in adjusted relation; the present assembly is illustrated in detail in Figure 21. It will be understood that the permitted relative adjustment of the plate and disc provides for a positive control and adjustment of the place on a sheet M where the stencil printing may begin and independently of the position of the printing characters on the stencil sheet. One particular advantage of the 30 present device is that printing may be placed closer to the top of a sheet than the corresponding stencil characters are to the. working top of the stencil sheet; conversely, the printing may be lower on the sheet than on the stencil.

When the cams I49 and 259 are advanced with respect to the cams 258, as is shown in Figures 31 to 35 inclusive, the operative movement of the actuator bar 68 is advanced with respect to a rotative cycle for the cylinder whereby the impression roller I8 is sooner displaced to an inoperative position with respect to the stencil, this vbeing most desirable when the material to be printed does not extend to the end of the stencil or the sheets are shorter than the stencil. It is necessary, however, that the operations which follow the limiting displacement of the. bar 68 occur at the same time in the rotative cycle of the cylinder as before, and to this end the bar 68 is suitably retained in the depressed position which it assumed by reason of the action of the cam 259 until the cam 258 is operative thereon, after which the actuation of the mechanism is controlled by the cam 258 as when the cams 258 and 259 act together as one.

It will be particularly notedthat, by reason of the adjustments provided for the disc 255 with respect to the cylinder 3 and, for the cam 259 with respect to the cam 258, the present duplicator machine may be used to provide printing on sheets of different lengths and at predetermined locations on said sheets. Furthermore, a stencil may contain two or more distinct sets of reading matter for placement on a like number of sets of sheets, and each set of sheets may be run through separately to receive the intended matter thereon merely by appropriately adjusting the disc 255 and/or the cam 259 for the successive sets of sheets; the latter is understood to make possible an important economy in the use of stencil sheets.

A pawl member 210 is provided for operation to maintain the actuator bar 68 in its depressed position while the cylinder rotates from its position where the cam 259 operatively engages the roller H of the bar to a position where the cam 258 operatively engages said roller, said pawl being downwardly operative during the indicated period in an upwardly directed notch 21! provided in the opposed edge of the bar 88. As particularly illustrated, the pawl 215 is carried by and between plates 212 .which are arranged to slidably receive the opposed edge portion of the bar 58 between them for maintaining the cooperative alignment of the pawl with the opposed bar edge and notch 2H therein. The plates 212 pivotally receive the outer end portion of the stub shaft 259 which rotatably carries the cam 238, and a spring 213 is constantly coactive between the pawl assembly and the shaft 239 to urge the pawl toward the opposed bar edge. A pin 2% extends outwardly from the free end of the inner plate 212 for engagement solely with the working edge of the cam 268,

By particular reference to Figures 31 and 32, it will now be noted that the indicated full advancement of the cam 259 has effected a lowering of the bar 58 with a corresponding advancement of the cyclic operations resulting therefrom. As the cylinder rotates to take the cam 259 from above the roller H, the normal return movement of the bar is stopped by the operative engagement of the pawl 270 in the bar notch 2', this condition being illustrated in Figure 33. Following a subsequent engagement of the roller H by the cam 258 to unseat the pawl 210, the

latter cam engages the pin 214 to rock the pawl out of the path of the notch 21! for a period long enough to permit the simultaneous recessive movement of the bar 88 to position the notch above the pawl point; these latter relations are illustrated generally in Figures 34 and 35.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a suitable counter 326 is provided, said counter being mounted on the frame side 5 and being connected with the arm 20 of the rock-shaft 2| by means of a link element 321 for actuation each time said shaft is rocked to permit an operative disposal of the impression roller I8. In this manner, a true count of the sheets actually printed is automatically obtained.

By reference to Figures 1 and 3 and 21, it will now be noted that the belt pulley 8 is rotatably mounted on the cylinder shaft 249 and is disposed between the cylinder end plate 242 and the inner end of the sleeve bearing 250 for the sha t 249. A pin 329 extends axially from the plate 242 adjacent its periphery and at a point thereof between the diaphragm plate extremities and outwardly of the ink reservoir for engagement in the pulley whereby the latter may be constrained for rotation with the cylinder when the latter is to be power driven from a belt engaging the pulley 5.

From the foregoing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, the advantages of the construction and method of operation will be readily understood by those skilled in the art to which the invention appertains. While I have described the features and the principle of operation of a structure which I now consider to be a preferred embodiment of I my invention, I desire to have it understood that the showing is primarily illustrative, and that such changes may be made, when desired, as fall within the scope of the following claims,

1. In a duplicator having a rotary printing cylinder and an impression roller for sheet-gripping coaction with the cylinder, a plate member over which a sheet is advanced for printing engagement between the cylinder and the impression'rolllena' fixed stop extending upwardly from said plate. means to advance a sheet over said plate to dispose its advance edge against said stop.

means to lift the advance sheet edge out of engagement with the stop, and means operative independently of said sheet-advancing means and /said lifting means to advance the released sheet for engagement between the cylinder and the rollers for coaction in a line parallel to the line of coaction of the cylinder and impression roller and rearwardly of the line of said stop, means .operative independently of the feed rollers to lift the advance sheet edge out of engagement with the stop, and means to thereafterrender the feed rollers coactive to advance the released sheet for printing engagement between the cylinder and the impression roller.

3. In a -duplicator having a rotary printing cylinder and an impression roller for sheet-gripping ahd printing coaction with the cylinder, a plate member against and along which a sheet is arranged to be advanced for engagement between the cylinder and the impression roller, a fixed stop extending transversely from said plate,

means to advance a sheet along said plate to dispose its advance edge against the stop, a finger resiliently and yieldingly operative against the forward end portionbf a sheet engaging the stop to retain the sheet against the plate thereat, a normally inoperative finger operative against the sheet opposite the first finger to displace the advance sheet portion from engagement with the stop, and means to actuate the second finger against the resistance of the first finger for freeing the sheet from the stop for its advancement for printing. 4. In a duplicator having a rotary printing cylinder and an impression roller for sheet-gripping and printing coaction with the cylinder, a

plate member against and along which a sheet is arranged to be advanced for printing engagement between the cylinder and the impression roller, a fixed stop extending from said plate, means to move a sheet along said plate to engage its advance edge against said stop, a finger resiliently and yieldingly operative against the forward portion of a sheet engaging the stop to urge the disposal of the sheet against the plate thereat, a normally inoperative finger operative against the sheet opposite the first finger to displace the advance sheet portion to free it from the stop for advancement thereover, normally inoperative feed rollers for coaction with' the freed sheet to advance the same, a drivenshaft carrying one of said feed rollers, and means on said shaft to actuate the sheet-releasing finger.

5. In a rotary duplicator, a feed table for carrying a stack of sheets for printing, a plate along which a sheet from the-feed table may be advanced for printing, a stop extending from said plate in the path of advancement of a sheet-therealong and arranged for engagement with and 7 along the front sheet edge, a feed roller operatively engaging the top sheet on the stack'of sheets on the feed table for advancing the engaged sheet ,to and against the stop for buckling the sheet transversely thereof between the stop and roller for insuring a'fixed disposition of the front sheet edge with respect to the printing mechanism and means to adiustably vary the degree of buckling produced in a sheet engaging the stop.

6.In a rotary duplicator. ,a feed table carrying a stack of sheets for printing. a plate along which a sheet from the feed table is arranged to be advanced for its printing, a-stop extending from said plate in the path of advancement of the sheet therealong, feeding means operatively engaging the top sheet on the stack of sheets on the feed table for advancing the engaged sheet to and against the stop for buckling the sheet transversely thereof between the stop and feeding means, means operative to frictionally grip the forward sheet portion adjacent the stop for preventing a.

feeding mechanism for advancing a sheet for printing engagement between the cylinder and roller, a pivoted stop member normally engaging 'said frame for preventing an operative disposal of the roller, a normally inoperative swinging detent for engagement with said stop member to dispose it in inoperative relation to the frame, and a swinging arm controlling the operativeness of said detent and having a terminal portion arranged for movement transversely across the path of movement of the sheet through said feeding mechanism whereby its engagement with a sheet in the mechanism is operative to render said detent operative with respect to the stop member, and so permit the operative disposal of said roller, said detent and arm being arranged for swinging together about a common axis.

8. In a duplicator having a rotary printing cyl-' inder and an impression roller for cooperative disposal with respect to the cylinder, a rockable frame carrying said roller, feeding mechanism for advancing a sheet for its printing engagement between the cylinder and the roller, a feed table for a stack of said sheets, means operative to deliver a sheet from a stack thereof on the table to said feeding mechanism, an actuator between the cylinder and the roller and to there after rock said frame to operatively dispose the roller.

9. structure in accordance with claim 8 wherein means are provided to adiustably vary the timing of the displacement oi" the actuator member with respect to; a rotative-cycle of the cylinderi J 10. A structure in accordance with claim 8 wherein means are provided to adiustably vary the relative timing of the displacement and return strokes of the actuator member in a rotative cycle of the cylinder. v

11. A structure in accordance with claim 10 having mutually independent means to adjustably vary the timing of the displacement oi the actuator member with respect to a rotative cycle of Y the cylinder, and means to adjustably vary the relative timing of the displacement and return strokes of the member.

12. A structure in accordance with claim 8 having means to render solely the sheet delivering means inoperative and thereby provide for a hand delivery of sheets to. the fully operative 2 0feeding and printing mechanism.

ing a rotary printing cylinder and an elevator feed table, a sheet-feeding roller arranged for operation at a predetermined level to engage and primarily advance for printing the top sheet of a stack of sheets on the table, means automatically operative to temporarily displace said roller to an inoperative position thereof during each rotative cycle of the cylinder, and means whereby a return movement of the roller to a point below said level is arranged to eflect araising oi said table to dispose the top sheet thereof at the aforesaid level.

14. A structure in accordance with that oil claim 13 and characterized by the provision of means to adjustably vary the timing of saidroller displacement with respect to the rotative cycle of the cylinder.

15. In a continuously operable duplicator havill ing a rotary printing cylinder and an elevator feed table ior'movement between limiting lowered and raised positions thereof, a sheet-feeding roller arranged for operation at a predetermined level to engage and primarily advance for printing the top sheet of a stack of sheets on the table, means automatically operative to temporarily displace said roller to an inoperative position thereof during each rotative cycle 01' the cylinder, a table elevating means, means whereby a return movement of the roller below said level is normally arranged to automatically effect a raising of said table by the table elevating means to dispose the top sheet thereon at the aforesaid level, means controlled by and in accordance with the disposition of the feed table to prevent the automatic raising oi the feed table above a predetermined level which is below its limiting raised position, and manually actuatable means to render the last means inoperative to so permit the O0 lifting of the table to its limiting raised position.-

16. In a continuously operating duplicator, a feed table for holding a stack of sheets for successive delivery to the duplicator from the top of the stack, a feed roller operative to engage the top sheet of the stack adjacent its forward edge to advance the sheet in its plane and to the duplicator for printing, and members on the table operative against the'top sheet 01 the stack rearwardly of said roller for freeing the rear sheet portion from the underlying sheet 01' the stack while the roller is operative.

17. In a continuously operating duplicator, a feed table. for holding a supply stack of sheets 75 forjsuccessive delivery to the duplicator from the 13. In a continuously operable duplicator havtop of the stack, means operative to engage the top sheet oi the stack adjacent its forward edgeto advance the same-in its plane to the dupli- 1 cater for its printing, a member mounted at one side of the table and presenting a sharp upright edge against a side of the stack, and a weight member slidably mounted at the other side or the table'and opposite said first member and-presenting an edge obliquely against the top sheets of the stack, said members being coactive to sheet a lateral shift and a partial raising oi the top sheet adjacent the first member i'or releasing the sheet for its advancement.

18. In combination with a continuously operable duplicator; a tray for receiving printed sheets from the duplicator in horizontal disposition and from one end thereof; and a stop unit mounted in the tray bottom and comprising a base portion for longitudinaladjustment along the tray bottom, a stop arm portion hinged to said base portion and arranged for optional disposal in erect position as a stop means for printed sheets delivered to the tray, and a spring coactive between the base and stop arm portions of the unit for yieldingly retaining the latter portion in either of its set positions and operative to raise the advance end of printed sheets in the tray for their ready grasping when the stop arm portion of the unit is in prone position.

19. In a. continuously operating duplicator or the like, a feed table providing a guideway for holding astack of sheets for successive delivery top sheet thereat for releasing the sheet for its advancement.

20. In a sheet-printing apparatus having a rotary printing cylinder and an impression roller for cooperative disposal with respect to the cylinder, a rockable frame carrying said roller, feeding mechanism for advancing a sheet for its printing engagement between the cylinder and the roller, means operative to deliver a sheet to said i'eedingmechanism, an actuator member arranged for reciprocation between limiting positions thereof, means normally operative to retain said member in a said limiting position thereof, means automatically operative to temporarily displace the member to its other limiting position during each rotary printing movement of the cylinder, means whereby the displacement movement of the member is arranged to actuate said sheet delivery means, and means whereby the return movement 01' said member is arranged to actuate said feed mechanism to position a sheet for engagement between the cylinder and the roller and to thereafter rock said frame to operatively dispose the roller.

21. In a continuously operable sheet printing apparatus having an elevator feed table for movement between limiting lowered and raised positions thereof, a sheet-feeding roller arranged for operation at a predetermined level to engage and primarily advance for printing the top sheet of a stack of sheets on the table, means automatically operative to temporarily displace said roller to an inoperative position thereof during in accordance with the disposition of the feed table to prevent the automatic raisin; of the feed table above the predetermined level which is below its limiting raised position.

FERDINAND NIGRA.

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