US2672810A - Laundry listing and marking system - Google Patents

Description

March 23, 1954 w. KEUPER, 2,672,810

LAUNDRY LISTING AND MARKING SYSTEM Filed Jan. 24. 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

WI J. KEUPER I? HIS ATTO Y March 23, 1954 w. J. KEUPER LAUNDRY LISTING AND MARKING SYSTEM 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 24. 1950 March 23, 1954 KEUPER 2,672,810

LAUNDRY LISTING AND MARKING SYSTEM Filed Jan. 24, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 ]N VEN TOR. WILLIAM J. KEUPER HIS ATT NEY Patented Mar. 23, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 29 Claims. 1

This invention relates to improvements in laundry listing and marking systems, in which the various articles of laundry are counted and listed on a laundry listing machine, and marked with a laundry mark by means of a laundry marking machine. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with a device for preventing the wrong laundry mark from being applied to the garments, due to the failure of the operator to change the set-up of the marking machine, when proceeding from the listing and marking of one customers bundle to the next.

The modern practice of processing incoming laundry in commercial laundries consists of, first, placing the customers bundle in a work box or tray mounted on a marking table provided for that purpose. The operator, then, opens the bundle and, from the laundry list accompanying the bundle, notes the customers mark and sets it up on the keyboard of the laundry marking machine, which is generally located in a 'convenient position on the table adjacent to the work box. The operator then places the list on the platen of the listing machine after which she picks up the topmost piece of laundry in the bundle and presses the key of the listing machine corresponding to the description of the article. If it is a shirt, the operator depresses the listing machine key labeled Shirts, if a handkerchief, the key labeled Handkerchiefs, and so on.

The operator, then places the article in front of the marking machine and examines it to see whether or not it bears the proper mark. An ultra-violet lamp is provided over the marking machine to render visible any mark which may have been made on the article using invisible ink. If the article is provided with the proper laundry mark, it is, then, classified into a truck or tossed onto a conveyor. If it does not bear the proper mark, it is placed in position beneath the marking devices of the marking machine and the machine is operated to cause the proper mark to be printed on said article. The article is then tossed into the truck or onto the conveyor and the next article picked up from the bundle. This procedure is repeated until the entire bundle has been processed and the work box is empty. When all of the pieces of laundry in one particular bundle have been processed in this manner, the operator actuates the list printing means of the listing machine to cause the name and quantity of all of the articles in the bundle to be printed on the laundry list. The list is then removed from the listing machine, which is reset or cleared by operating a resetting mechanism that returns all of the listing machine printing elements to their normal or non-printing positions.

In the listing machine disclosed herein, means are provided for causing the keyboard of the machine to become locked after each printing operation. This keyboard lock can only be released by performing an operation of the resetting mechanism to restore all of the printing elements to their normal positions. Thus, further listing of laundry articles is positively prevented until the printing mechanism has been reset to a clear position. A keyboard locking mechanism of this type is fully shown and described in my copending application, Serial No. 698,666, filed September 23, 1946, and entitled Keyboard Locking Mechanism for Laundry Listing Machines, now U. S. Patent No. 2,573,847.

While a keyboard locking mechanism, of the type described in the aforementioned application, provides absolute assurance that the articles counted in one bundle cannot be erroneously added to the articles counted in another bundle, there remains the possibility that a new or unskilled operator may forget to change the mark set up on the laundry marking machine, when proceeding from one customers bundle to the next. In order to guard against such an oversight, I have now devised a means for preventing operation of the marking machine, after a printing operation has been effected on the listing machine, until the listing machine is reset and the operator manipulates an interlock release. This means is so designed as to cause the marking machine to be locked against operation after each listing operation. The operator will thus be notified that the set-up of the marking machine must be changed and he may then proceed to reset the listing machine and to release the interlock, and set up the new mark on the marking machine.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an interlock between a laundry listing and a laundry marking machine, which will be rendered effective upon operation of the list printing mechanism and will remain effective until released by resetting of the listing machine and a subsequent manual operation of the operator.

Another object of the invention is to provide an interlock between a laundry listing machine and a laundry marking machine, which will be rendered efiective by a list printing operation of the listing machine and will remain effective until the listing machine has been reset and all of the marking devices of the marking machine have been restored to their normal positions.

Another object of my invention is to provide an interlock between a laundry listing machine and a laundry marking machine, in which the air supply to the air trip mechanism of the marking machine will be cut off, when the list printing mechanism is operated, and will remain cut off until a certain manipulable member is actuated by the operator.

Another object of the invention is to provide an interlock between a laundry listing and a pneumatically-operated marking machine, in which he va ve ee t oll e th s rely o a to the pneumatic operating mechanism of the ma chine will be rendered inoperative when a list 7 printing operation takes place in the listing ma-- chine, and will remain inoperative until a certain manipulative member is actuated by the operator.

Another object of the invention is to provide an interlock between a laundry listing machine and a laundry marking machine, which is rendered effective by a list printing operation 9f the listing machine, and will remain effective until al .of th nt n e ements of the lis n mac n have been reset to their normal positions and a man pu at ve membe a s i te w h the m rking machine has been actuated.

fill'ti i' Objects 9 h inven on Wi l pea from the following description of preferred em- ?9 .l f my iien illustrated n t F QP PW Y 'F i f rm a a Q th specification, in which:

'ffi'g. l is ;a right side elevation of a laundry marking machine and a laundry listing machine, partly section, showing the interlock connec t-ionsbetween these machines.

Fig. 2 is a view taken along the line 2 2 in Fig. -1.

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view showing the interlock electrical circuits incorporated in the marking machine.

Fig.4 is a consolidated wiring diagram showing the interlock circuits of both'the listing rnachine and the mar-king machine, and the con nections between them.

Figfiis aside elevation showing the invention applied to a different form of marking machine.

- 6 is a view, partially in cross section, taken from the rear of the machine and showing the details of the clutch .anddr-ivingmechanisms of the machine shown in Fig. 5.

Fig. is a consolidated wiring diagram showing the interlock circuits of the listing machine and the form of marking mach-ine shown :in Fig. 5, and the connections between them.

In the drawings, likereference numerals refer .to like parts throughout the several views.

In :Fig. i of the drawings, there is shown ..a

laundry mankingmachine indicated generally by 5 the reference numeral 10, and a laundry :listing machine indicated .by the reference numeral 12. As mentioned .earlier herein, .the listing machine iszsi-milar in all respects .to the one shown and .des'cribed in my .copending. application Serial No. 698,666, gnow .U. '8. Patent No. 2,573,847, .to which reference may be made, ifdesired, fora complete disclosure of the construction and mode .of operation of this machine. For the present purpose, it-wfll "be sufiicient to state that the listing ma- 301111161 12 is provided with a icountingand printing mechanism controlled by the keys -.l-:3. "Thereare :sixty such keys, each bearing a legend corresponding to one of the various classifications of laundry articles. Each key controls the adjust mentfrom normalposition of one of a plurality of type-bearing elements H The machine is provided 'wi-th'a platen I4 for supporting a laundry list blank, which is held in position onthe platen by a wire'bail l5, resiliently urged downerd ai .Seid b k b e l it l eep ii t ne m h n ne ude l s pri tin meet rrrin ngalaund l st 0. th blanke r eten H, from type-bearing elements 1; and printing shaft .67. Th resetting discs are keyed to 4 ribbon Hi. The list printing operation is effected by rotation of shaft 26, to which the printing handle 2'! is attached, at the left side of the machine. Platen His carried by lever 28, journaled on rod 29, and lever 23 has an upwardly extending arm carrying a follower 42, engaging cam 43 fined on shaft 35. As shaft 26 rotates, cam 43 rocks lever 28 to move platen l4 toward the typebearing elements 11, to print a list on the blank sup ted on said'platen. Lever 28 carries an abutment 4,4, which is caused to engage the button of a microswitch 53, when the lever 28 is maria to time lis't,*by printing handle 21. The micrgsvvitch 53 is provided with the normallyopen contacts denoted by reference numeral I42 in Figs. 4 and 7.

The type-bearing elements ll are reset or re: stored to their normal positions by giving reset ting handle ll, on the right side of the machine a complete turn in one direction and then in the opposite direction. Resetting handle H is fired to a pinion 5.4, iournaleq on a stud carried by the right-side Inemberof the machine frame. 5G mesheslwith pinion 66 fixed ion the reset shaft 61, so that rotation of handle ll in one rection turns the resetting shaft life to reset ng position, and turning the handle in th pp s te direction restores the shaft to its normal position. Pinion 66 has a member fit fast thereto provided with an integral finger 159, which lies against the lower side of stop 96 resetting shaft ii"! is norma1 position. When that shaft'is t rne'd to resetting P ti n fin e 5. lie e've S et- 3. and engages a e e s perat n hi e ?7 9 open t e rme losed sw h 1 s e e: grammatically in Figs. {1 and 7 The elec'tr al circuits a devi es W thin the li t g me h iie are connected to terminals 2 and 2 -3 on the side of the machine. These terminals ar connected w a a of u t rmina s 18 an ib eee ductors 29 and 2] respectively. A third terminal 1 4 s pr vi ledfen th sideef the st n ma hin for enabling a conductor 25, hereinafter referred to as the interlock line, to be connected with the interlock circuits contained in the listing machine.

shew in Fir .t ma kin ma in 19 p o ided wi a pr ntin heed wh his r veted en a a e silpne fie betw n Pa r e 1 1. sta d n arms 3. nl ne shown Provide 10. e e de of *1 bas 3. In ersi r t .efieet'mje hing oftlie articles to'be laundered'with a dis; ineui hi e au r eer h n in head is provided with a plurality of marking ,dcv cs 34, journaled on a transverse axle :35 extending" between h id rames 5 9 s T n e ewnij t P ntin iheee ille h of t e'd rieesii rrevid a u itsrer h wi h .aee t e P i n y e 1 1 ch are ra ed t .e en r ft h a a e :s rrer d b l nwerd e r ee am nfo on t e fe w' rd nd .e th bas l Th ark n d riee 9 the'er fin hea m e ad u ed I? at 9 a 'rle ality f tr a m rkin earer br'mee te tin new pr d d f t pe p seeh le e i i ett he t set er 1 1 Whi O e ie i suitable gearin (not shown) to rotate its f gti arin e i e 1 s th l er i mete .e se -t n le e heated 4. it wh n n rma siti n its .ese ie ed a ertin e i .nee tiee s w th e leet' eri X posite the platen 38, so that no markingw effi ete .by th t de ice H we er th g tt le s a e adhere r atwarel it ew? ticular laundry mark, their associated devices 34 will be rotated to bring the proper type into marking position above the platen at the printing line.

Means are provided for enabling the operator of the marking machine to return all of the setting levers 40 to their normal positions, in a single operation. This means consists of a pair of arms 45 (only one shown) lying on opposite sides of the machine and journaled at their lower ends on an axle 45 mounted in the side frames 36. At their upper ends, the arms 45 are connected by bail 41 and 48. The bail 48 is adapted to engage with the setting levers all and move any that are displaced to their normal positions, as the operator pulls the arms 45 forwardly by means of the upper bail ll. After the setting levers iii have been moved to their forward or normal positions by the bail 38, the handle ,1 is released, whereupon the resetting device, consisting of arms 45 and bail 48, is returned to the position shown in Fig. 1 by means of a torsion spring 49, which has one end secured to the hub of arm 45 and the other end hooked over a stud 51! mounted in side frame 36. The stud 50 also serves as a stop for limiting the rearward movement of the resetting device.

The type 3'i are inked, prior to each marking operation, by means of an inking pad 51 carried by an inking device, indicated generally at 52. The mode of operation of this inking device will be described, so far as necessary, in a subsequent portion of the present description. Reference is also made to U. S. Patent No. 2,085,325, patented June 29, 1937, on an application filed by Charles F. Miller, for further information regarding the construction and operation of this device.

For the purpose of rocking the marking head about the axle 32 to bring the type down against the platen, the machine is provided with a power drive which may be brought into play at the discretion of the operator. As shown in i, an air cylinder 55 is provided at the back of the machine. The bottom end of this cylinder is pivoted at 56 on an ear 51, formed on the base 3! of the machine. The air cylinder is provided with the usual piston rod (not shown), which is caused to move upwardly when air is admitted to the bottom of the cylinder through a flexible conduit 58 provided for this purpose. The piston rod is secured to a cross-bar 59, which is pivotally mounted between the side frames 35 by means of shouldered screws 59. Hence, as the piston rod. is thrust out of the cylinder on the application of air thereto, the head 3!! will be forcibly rocked about the axle 32 and the type 3! will be pressed into contact with the platen 38 or an article thereon. When the air supply to the cylinder 55 is out 01f, the marking head will be returned to its initial position by means of a pair of return springs 65 (only one shown) which are stretched between the pivot 55 and an anchor bolt 62 threaded on a rod 63 attached to the crossbar 59. The movement of the head 39 into its home position is cushioned by means of a com-- pression spring 64, mounted on the upper end of the piston rod. Thus, as the head 35 returns to the position shown in Fig. l, the spring 54 will be compressed between the upper end of the cylinder and the cross-bar 59 so as to absorb the inertia of the head 3!] as it returns to its initial position.

Means are provided for causing ink to be applied to the type 3'! from the inking pad prior to themovement of the marking head by :Htheair. cylinder 55. -This preliminary movement 6 i of the pad into contact with the type is effected by an air cylinder 15 secured to a mounting bracket ll, bolted to the underside of a table top 12 on which the marking machine is supported. The air cylinder l0 has a piston rod 13 which extends upwardly through an aperture provided in table top 12 and base 3! of the marking machine. The upper end of the piston rod bears against the underside of a horizontal arm H (see also Fig. 2), which is secured to the forward end of a longitudinally extending shaft 15. As shown in Fig. 2, the shaft 15 is suitably journaled in bosses 16 provided on the base 3|. Secured to the hub of the arm 14 is a horizontally extending finger ll (Fig. 1), which lies to the right of the shaft 15 as viewed from the front of the machine. The outer end of this finger lies beneath the bottom part, '18, of a U-sh-aped frame provided with a pair of upwardly extending side arms l5 (only one shown). At its upper end, each side arm 19 is provided with an elongated slot 8|] for receiving a pin Bl mounted in a bracket 82, which may be clamped in place on the axle 32 by a bolt 85. Although only one bracket is discernible in Fig. 1 of the drawings, it is to be understood that there are two such brackets, mounted in spaced relationship on the axle 52, each bracket having a pin 8! secured thereto, which guides the upper end of its associated arm E5. The upper ends of the arms 19 lie beneath fingers 84, provided on a pair of identical levers 85, which are pivoted at on the brackets Each arm 85 is provided at its forward end with a, headed screw 8?, which extends through a slot 88 formed in a link 85 pivotally connected at 90 to its associated side frame 3'5. At its lower end, each link 85 is pivotally connected at 9! to a frame 92 for the inking device The rear end of the frame 52 is supported by a pair of links 93 pivotally connected to the frame and to the levers 85. The levers at are urged clockwise about their pivots 85 by means of tension springs 94, so as to maintain the fingers ml in contact with the upper ends of the arms 19.

When air is admitted into the lower end of the air cylinder ill, by means of a conduit 95, the piston rod 12 will be moved upwardly so as to rock the shaft 15 (Fig. 2) counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the machine and, through the arm 5'! 1), to cause the frame l3, 15 to be raised. The levers 85 will be rocked counterclockwise about their pivots 86 and cause the screws 8? to move into the lower ends of the slots 88 formed in the links 89. At the same time, the links 93 will be moved d0wnwardly, thereby causing the frame 52 to be rocked clockwise about the pivots 5], whereby the inking pad 5i will be moved upwardly into contact with the type 3? of the marking devices 34 that are at the printing line. The type will thus be inked in readiness for a marking operation. When air is subsequently admitted to the air cylinder 55 through the conduit 58, the mark-- ing head will be rocked so as to bring the inked type into contact with the platen and, at the same time, the inking device 52 will be swung rearwardly by reason of the fixed location of the pivots 8B. In other words, as the forward portion of the marking head 30 moves downwardly, the screws 8'! in the levers 85 will, in efiect, pull the links 89 rearwardly and cause counterclockwiserotation of the links about their "pivots 90. In this manner, theinking deviceis moved rear- -wardl-y a sufii'cient distance to clear nthe .zpl'aten 38, as the type movesinto :contact therewith.

The flow of air -to the cylinders 55-i'and ,-I.0 is controlled by means'of solenoid valves I 2? and -I"28,-respective1y (see aFigslz, 3.and4), which.are

mounted on a bracket (not shown) secured to the base of the machine. Compressed .air is supplied to thein-let. ports -I3'I and I38 -.(Fig. .2) of the valves I2-'I and iI28-by means--of a supply conduit 102. The valves 12'Izand I28 are provvided with solenoids I00 and I0 I, :respectively, within which arelocatedcarmatures I58 .and I159, respectively. When either of the solenoids .is

energized, its associated armature is elevated J against the urgency'of a compression spring: I39 7. :soas to communicatively-connect its inlet-port with an outlet port, designated by.reference1numerals I55 and I5! for the valves I21 and J28,

respectively. Hence, air wilLbe permitted to-fiow from the supply conduit-I 02 to the conduits.5'0 -and 95 when the solenoidshare energized. Up-

ward movement of the armatures will .cause 1a relief port I54 provided in .thewtop .ofeach valve to be closed so as to prevent air -.from-escaping through this port whenthe@solenoid-isenergized.

When the solenoid is deenergized, itsarmature will be moved downward by spring I-39.soas1.to

'cut off thefiow ofair through-the \valve from the inlet portto the outlet port-and at tthe same time, the relief {port I54 willbeopened-so as to, permit air to fiowcfrom the outlet .port,.up

around the armature,-and-.out through theport I 54-to the surrounding atmosphere. Thus, the air cylinders willbevented to-atmosphere when the solenoids .aredeenergized and, accordingly, the pistons thereof will be free: to return toitheir normal or-unoperatedv positions. -By means ofcan electrical circuit to. be hereinafter described the operator mayseleetively close a circuit for .en-

ergizing the solenoid I 0 I. for the valve- I28, which controls the flow of airto-the cylinder-I0. After this cylinderxhas been fully operated,'.-a circuit will be automatically: closed through the solenoid I00 of the valve I21, whereby hair will be sup- For this purpose, the 5 piston rod 'I-3.(F'ig.-:2) will cause an..arm. I03,-se-

:cured tothe shaft 15, to be rocked counterclockvwise as air is admitted into .the cylinder lIIO. -Pivotally connected to the upper end. :of the arm I03 is a link I04, the otherend ofwhichispivotal1yconnected to the upper .end.of anmarm plied to the cylinder 55.

I05 pivoted on an axle. I06, supported .between a pair of spaced bosses I01 formed. onthe .base 3|. Adjustably mounted in the arm I05 is an abutment screw 108, which is adapted .to cooperate with a buttonI09 of .a single-pole, singlethrow .microswitch IIO, secured to a" bracket III supported on the base 3|. The normally-open contacts of the microswitchIIU will be closed when the button I09 is depressed at the end "of the upward stroke of the piston rod I2. The

20 with the supply terminal :18.

-wa-rdly by suitable springs (not shown). buttons I 33 and 134 r are xmountedeons opposite endsofa tubular: frame member 5135, which;,:is .provided with lazpair of rearwardly extending slugs I 362-by means 'of whichthecmemberu-is atrtor :21, :is connected by a -.conductor M5 :to :8

\blade IIS is-electrically connectedzto a terminal .I2-6 :on .the relay, which, in turn, .is connected #by aconductor It? with one 'contact fe nor- .mally-openswitch I.I.8. Theother contact of this switch isconnected by a-conductor M9 .withone contact of another normally-open switch I20.

Theother contact of the switch I210; connected .by .a conductor =I 2I with one terminal pf the valve-operating solenoid I 0 I :The .other Iterminal of this solenoid-is connected by z'conductors I22 and I23 with a terminal I24: of therelay -I I- I, which isconnected by conductor I25 with the terminal .22 on :the listing machine, which, ,as

previously described, is connected .by av conductor Thus, when the switches I I Sand I20 I are closed-current ,will flow from the terminal I 9 through .-c onduct,orf -2 I terminal .23, conductor H15, .terminal I I2, contact I I3, blade -I I6 closed on contact H3, terminal I26, conductor I I1, switch I I8, conductor I I 9, switch I 20, conductor? [2 I solenoid: I0 I ,aconductors I22 and I23, terminal I24, conductor .1 25, terminal .22 and I conductor to iterminal I8. Hence, the solenoid (0| will .be I ener ized ..and

I the valve I. 2 8' controlled thereby opened to: pause air to beedrnitted to theicylinder I0. ,Ahthe end of the "upward stroke of .the pistonrod the contacts of the microswitch II 0 will be: closed.

As shown in Fig.4, onetcontactof this-switch. is connected by a-conductor 1.30 with the-terminal I20 of the relay I14. Theothercontact of :the

switch H0 is connectediby' a:conductor-:l-3| .with

one terminal ofthe valveeoperating solenoid L00. The other. terminal. of.the.-.sole1-1oidv is connected to the supply, terminal t8 by'conductors I222 I23, I25 and .20. Thus, :currentwill -.be --supp1-ied to the solenoid I 0'0 'and cause -.,the valve controlled thereby-to be operatedso as to admit -;air .into

the cylinderv 55. .The marking hea,d-'30 .w-illthereby be rockedto :cause the 1type-- 3'I.-at:.the printing line to .move down against the v;..p1a.ten .30: and

per-formz-a. marking operation.

.W-hen the switches H3 -.and I20 .are 15111388- 1 quently openedl-iby the operaton-the solenoid- I.0I

will be deenergized, thereby;cuttingoffathe-sup- .ply of fair to .theccylinder 11-0. The piston rod I2 twill thereuponuinove downwardly .undertthe influence of ,asuitablereturnssprin provided therefor and: the contacts of the 'microswi-tc-h-tl I 0 twill again a open. This will cause solenoid I00 to be :deenergized-and :permitthe. returmspring 6| (Fig.1) to returntherzmarki-ng head-to-its .normalor; raised position.

As. shown invFigs. 1 'and'3 the switches I I8. and "I 20 are :providedvwith -operatingcbuttons; I33: and I34, respectively, which arerresil-ientlyeurged up- @The . tached to arm-:39 of frame; 3 I Thus, thezbuttons I33 .and: I34 are convenientlyrsi-tuated onreither ..side of the platen 38, where ..they=.maybe :de-

pressed by the palms of the operatorfsinhands,

-as the;;article:torbe imarkedxismcld .upon ;'the platen 38.

every respect to the listing machine shown in my copending application, Serial No. 698,666, and the interlock circuits associated therewith are shown to the left of the vertical dotted line in Fig. 4. As therein shown, the listing machine is provided with a double pole-single throw relay I46. One terminal of the operating coil of this relay is connected with the supply conductor 20 by conductor I4I. The other terminal of the relay coil is connected with the supply conductor 2I through a normally-open contact I 42 of microswitch 53, which as previously stated, is arranged to be closed on a list printing operation when the platen I t has been raised to bring the blank supported thereon into contact with the inking ribbon and printing type of the machine, to print a list. When this switch is closed, the relay coil I46 will be energized and the blades I43 and I44 thereof will be moved into engagement with a pair of contacts, which are connected with the supply conductor 2| by conductor I65. The blade I43 will establish through conductor I46, normally-closed switch I41, and conductor 948, a holding circuit through the relay coil Mll, to maintain the relay energized until switch M1 is opened. The blade I43 also closes a circuit through a pair of keyboard locking solenoids I49, by means of conductors Hi6, I5I, and I52, to cause the keyboard of the listing machine to be locked against operation. At the same time, a signal lamp I53 will be lighted to indicate the locked condition of keyboard. As previously described herein, the switch I41 is opened upon a resetting operation of the listing machine during the course of which all the printing elements II thereof are returned to their normal positions. Hence, the listing machine will be locked against operation after each printing operation and can only be unlocked by resetting the typeelements of the machine, which will cause the switch I41 to open and break the holding circuit through the relay coil I46.

As previously mentioned herein, it sometimes happens that the operator of the laundry listing and marking machines will forget to change the setting of the marking machine when proceeding from one customers bundle to the next. It is desirable, therefore, to provide some means for disabling the marking machine after the laundry list has been printed on the listing machine. This directs the operators attention to the need of resetting the listing machine and setting up a new and diiierent mark by adjustment of setting levers All of the marking machine. Th interlock of the present invention disables the marking machine upon a list printing operation of the listing machine, and the marking machine cannot be enabled for further operation until the operator, first, resets the listing machine and, then, operates a manually-operable member associated with the marking machine, for instance, th resetting bail. For this purpose, the relay I49 is provided with blade I M, which is connected by a conductor I55, terminal 24, the interlock line 25, and terminal I51 to the winding of relay IM, the other end of which is electrically connected to terminal It through terminal I 24, con ductor I25, terminal 22 and conductor 26. Hence, when the relay I 46 is energized and the blade I44 moved against its related contact, a circuit Will be established through the operating coil of relay lit by way of conductors I 45, 555 and 25. Relay I it will thus be energized and blade II 6 moved away from its contact H3, thereby breaking the circuits to solenoids IIII and I00. The operator cannot, therefore, cause operation of the marking machine so long as relay I I4 remains energized. In order to maintain this relay energized, a holding circuit is provided, which is established when blade I6I] of relay II4, on energizing the relay, is brought to bear against its associated contact I6I. This contact is electrically connected with the terminal II2 while the blade I60 is electrically connected with a terminal i62on the relay. The terminal M52 is connected by a conductor I63 with one contact of a normally-closed switch I64, the other contact of which is connected by a conductor I65 with terminal I51 of the relay. A circuit is thus established through the relay coil from one supply conductor to the other by means of terminal I24, coil of relay H4, terminal I51, conductor I65, switch I64, conductor I63, terminal I62, blade I66, contact I6I and terminal I I2. This relay I I4, therefore, will remain energized until switch I 64 is opened to break the holding circuit for the relay.

Means are provided for causing a sign I68 (Figs. 1 and 4) bearing the legend Change mark to be illuminated during the time that the relay H4 is energized and the marking machine disabled. For thi purpose, one terminal of the Change mark sign is connected by a conductor I69 with terminal I62 of the relay. The other terminal of the sign is connected by a conductor I16 with the conductor I23, which is connected to terminal I2 5 of the relay. Hence, as long as the relay is energized, a circuit through the sign I68 will be effected by conductor I23, conductor I10, conductor I69, terminal I62, blade I 66, contact I6I and terminal II2.

As shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, the switch I64 is secured to the side frame 36 of the marking head, in such a position that its operating button I1I will be contacted by an abutment screw I12 mounted on the right-hand arm 45 of the resetting device, when this device has been moved all the way forward to return all adjusted setting levers 40 to their normal positions. Hence, the marking machine will be disabled each time the list printing means of the listing machine is operated, and will remain disabled until the resetting means of the listing machine is operated to open switch I41 and, thereafter, the resetting device is operated to restore all of the marking elements 34 to their normal positions, opening switch I64. Thus, it will be impossible for the operator to forget to reset the listing machine or to restore the marking devices of the marking machine to normal, preparatory to setting up a new mark.

The operation of the interlock heretofore described, will now be explained briefly. When the operator has finished counting and listing the various items of a given customers bundle, and the marking of these articles, where necessary, she actuates the list-printing means by turning printing handle 21, to print the laundry list for that customers bundle. Such list printing operation closes switch I42 and energizes relay I46, establishing the holding circuit through switch I41 and energizing relay II4. Energizing relay II I opens switch II6, thus breaking the control circuit for the marking machine, which cannot be operatedso long as switch II6 is open. Energizing relay H4 also. closed switch I66 and established a holding circuit for relay H4, through normally-closed switch I 64. This interlock remains effective, disabling the marking machine, until the relay H4 is deenergized; To deenergize acmaio relay H4, and. once again. enable the marking machine, the operator must. first, open. switch 141 by resetting the: listing: machine:- type' bearing elements It to: normal. positions;. This de energizes. relay M0, hutrelay Hi l remains energized through its holding circuit. The'operator must, then, break that holding circuit. by opening switch I54. This iseffected; by movingrtheresetting bail 48 forward. to reset allthe marking: machinetype elements to normal-positions, which. automatically opens switch I64 by engagement of pin [12. on arm 45 therewith. Relay H4 is now d'eenergizedi and: the marking machin enabled. for: normal operation. The. operator will then setup. theznew: markzby manual adjustment of setting levers 411. It is tobesnotedthat, torelease the interlock and enable the marking machine, the listing machineimust'be reset before the marking machin 'is' reset... If not, resetting of the marking. machine. will not deenergize relay H4, which will remainenergized through the circuit including operated blade I44 of energized relay 140.

Although it has beerr foun'di desirable to locate the switch lied on the: side: of the:- marking head, for cooperation with. pin. 11 2; on arm 45 of the resetting device as previously described, it is to be realized, of course, that the switch may be moved from this position. to a location on the table 12; or may beplacedinany other convenient location, Where it may be operated: as a manual push-button. switch. by the operator, to render the. interlock ineffective: and enable. the marking machine to permit flurther' marking operations to be performed! on it; In this case, after the marking machine has been disabled by alist printing operation on the. listing machine, the operator may reset the listing machine and then push the button PM of the switch l64 with his thumb or finger, to again render the marking machine. operative; In thepref'erred embodiment shown in: Fig. 1, the button Il -1 can: onlybe operated by the pin: [.12 passing through an openingill in the switch casing 98 sothat the operator is forced to reset-the marking machineto release the interlock.

A modified form of interlock between the listi'ng. machine shown in Fig. l and a difierent form of marking machine, which may be'referredto as an air tripped, motor driven machine, is illustrated in Figs. 5, Gand 'Z. This marking, machine is indicated generally bythe reference numeral we. The marking head 3! of this machine is similar in all respects to t'he marking head 30 of the'airv operated marking machine shown in Fig; l. The machine 200 is provided with a base 201, which may be bolted or'otherwi'se-suitabl'y secured to a table top- 202 The base 2M is provided, at its rear end, with a pair of spaced supporting legs H13 and 2:74, which support'the clutch and driving mechanism for the marking head 30. As shown in Fig, 5, the-power'f'oroperating the machine is supplied by a continuously running electric motor 295, which is mounted beneaththe' table top. 202 and drives a pulley 206', on the markingmachine, through a belt 201. As shown in Fig. 6,.the pulley 2&5 is provided with a hub 20.8., which is journaled in. a bushing 2il9' mounted in the upperencl of the leg 283. A thrust bearing 2l'0'is providedbetween the inner face of the pulley and the outer face of the leg 203, for a purpose to be subsequently disclosed. The huh of the pulley" is bored to receive: one end of a driving shaft 2:, the other end of which is journaled. in. the. upper end of the leg" 2M. The: left lrand end of the shaft 2H 1 2 extends: beyond. the pulley, where it is. provided with a. clutch. element 212' pinned to the shaft. The. element 212 isprovidedi with a conical, peripheralsurf'acei 213' whichis adapted toicooperate with. a corresponding conical surface 2 i4 formed on the. outer fac'e of the pulIey'ZUS. A collar 215'- is. pinnedto the inner end of the hub 2-08 to prevent. endwise shifting of the hu'bwithin the bushmg. 269 The shaft 2| I is yieldably urged toward the right; as viewed in Fig. 6, by a spring 220 tensioned between the-leg 204 and an upwardly exten'ding'arm: 22F, pivoted on an axis 222. The upper end of the arm 22F is forked and'providedwith screws 219 (only oneshown), the inner ends of which engage in opposite sides of an annular groove formed in a cylindrical hub 223 secured to the shaitli ii The conical surface 2 $3 of the clutch element 2-12 will thereby be spring-urged into engagement with the surface 2% on the pulley 206; to establish a-drivin'g connection between the pulley and the drive shaft 2| 1?. Securedto the shaft- 2H between'thelegs 203' and 2011s a pinion 224 which meshes with a larger gear 225 secured to'a shaft 225 journaled in the framework of themachi'ne. The gear 225 is provided" with a brake drum which is encircled by a brake band 22 one end of which is fastened to the base 201' and the other end of which is attached to the outer end of a horizontal arm 226, which is formed integrally with the arm 22I A small gear 229 is secured to the: shaft 226 and meshes with a larger gear 230; which carries a laterally-extending stud 23! on which is jour nal'ed the lower end of a crank rod 232. The" upper end of the rod 232: is secured to the cross rod 59 extending between the side frames 36' of the marking head, as previousl described in connection with the marking machine shown in Fig. l".

The gear 235- ismount'ed on the left-hand end of a transverse shaft (not shown), towhich is also secured aclutch disengaging cam 2'48, which is provided at its periphery with a laterallyextending nose 2 41. Cooperating with the cam 240 is a roll 242 rotatably mounted. on an arm" 24-3; which, at its lower end, is pivoted to the framework ofthe machine. At its-upper end, the arm 243 is provided with a screw 244., on which is pivotally mounted a dog 245. Onthe left-hand end of the dog; as viewed in Fig. 6, there is'provideo. a shoulder 246, which is adapted tocooperate-with an abutment plate 2'41 mounted on the arm 221. At its right-hand end, thedog 245 carries a screw 248 on which is pivoted the upper end ofa link 249-. The lower end of this link is pivoted on a screw 2'50 mounted in the end of an arm 251". This arm is secured to the rear end of the shaft 15', corresponding to shaft T5'heretofore referredto in connection with Fig; 2;

In Fig. 6, the clutch is shown engaged, so as to cause rocking of the marking head 30 by the crank rod 232 connected with the gear 230. After thehead has completed a marking operation, and as it is returning to its initial position shown in Fig. 5; the nose 241 on the cam 21!] engages the roll 242 and rocks the arm. 2'43 counter clockwise about its pivot. The resulting movement to the left of the dog 245 will cause shoulder 246 to engage abutment plate" 24'! and move arm 2'2l toward the left, so as to disengage the clutch element 212 from the driving pulley 206. At the same'time; the brake band 221 is tightened on the brake. drum secured-to. gear 225 and the rotation of the gear 230; and the shaft-on which it and. the cam 24?! are mounted; is halted. The

head will remain at rest, in its initial position, until it is again brought into operation by the operator of the machine. The drive of the marking head is initiated by admitting compressed air to the cylinder I0, which causes the piston rod I2 thereof to rise. As in the case of the air operated machine described in connection with Fig. l, upward movement of the piston rod I2 rocks the shaft I5 counterclockwise, as viewed from the front of the machine, or clockwise as viewed from the rear thereof as in the case of Fig. 6. This movement of the shaft I5 causes the link 249 to be moved downwardly, which rocks the dog 245 about its pivot screw 2M and removes the shoulder 2% from the plate 247. The arm 22I is thereupon released to the action of the spring 220, which pulls the clutch element 2I2 into engagement with the pulley 206, the bearing 2IIJ serving to absorb the thrust produced on the pulley 206 by the spring 220. The marking head 30 will thus be rocked on its pivot and will receive a forward and return stroke, at the end of which the nose 2M will strike roll 242 and, through the dog 245, move arm 2-2I to the left to disengage the clutch.

As in the case of the air-operated type of marking machine shown in Fig. l, upward movement of piston rod I2 will cause the U-shaped frame, which includes the arms I9, to be elevated, and

the link 85 to be rocked about its pivot to produce a preliminary inking operation of the type 31 on the marking elements 3 1, which are at the printing line.

Air is supplied to the cylinder 'IIl from a compressed air line 260 (Fig. 5), the air passing first through a solenoid-operated cut-01f valve 26I, after which it passes through a conduit I282 into a manually-operated control valve 253, from whence it passes through a conduit 2% into the bottom of the cylinder Ill. The valve 263 is adapted to be opened to permit the pass-age of air therethrough, when both of the tripping buttons 265 (which are arranged one on either side of the platen 38, as in the case of the buttons I33 and I34 shown in Fig. 3) are simultaneously depressed. As shown in Fig. 5, the buttons are each provided with a stem which is slidable within a sleeve 2% mounted in a bracket 26?, secured to the forward edge of the table top 202. The stems, to which the buttons are secured, are resiliently urged upwardly by springs 25%, and the lower ends of the stems bear against a pair of forwardly-extending fingers on a rocker arm in), pivoted at its center on a screw secured to a lever 2'II. This lever is ivoted at 272 to the frame of the valve 253 and is provided with a rearwardly-extending finger 273, which lies beneath the stem of the valve 263. When the buttons 265 are simultaneously depressed, the lever 2'II will be rocked counterclockwise about its pivot 212 against the tension of a spring 212, and the finger 273 will elevate the stem of the valve and permit air to now through the valve and into the cylinder I0.

The solenoid-operated cut-off valve 2M is interposed between the air supply line 2st and the inlet of valve 263 and is supported from the table top 202 by means of a bracket 275. This valve forms a part of the interlock between the marking machine and the listing machine and operates to cut off the supply of air to the control valve 2%, when its solenoid 483 is energized. Hence, when the solenoid 1% of the valve 261 is energized, depression of the buttons 265 willnot be effective to cause air to be admitted to theair cylinder I0 and, hence, the clutch cannot be engaged to cause a marking operation to take place, and the marking machine is disabled.

In Fig. 7, the wiring diagram for the interlock between the listing machine and this form of marking machine is shown. It will be recalled that, whenever a list printing operation is effected on the listing machine, the switch I 42 will. be closed to energize the relay M0, whereby the blades I43 and I44 thereof will be moved into engagement with their associated contacts. The blade I43 will establish a holding circuit through the relay via the normally-closed switch Ml, and will also close a circuit through the solenoids I45 to lock the keyboard of the listing machine against operation. The blade IM will close a circuit to energize the relay IM, from the input conductor 2| through the blade I A l, conductor I 55, terminal 24, terminal I 51 of the relay I I4. through the coil of the relay to the terminal I24 of the relay, conductor I25, terminal 22, and input conductor 20. The blade I60 of the relay III will thereupon. be moved into engagement with its contact IEI so as to establish a holding circuit through the coil of the relay, this circuit extending from the input conductor :2! to the terminal 23, thence through conductor II 5 to terminal II2 of the relay II4, contact IIiI, blade i613, terminal I52 of the relay, conductor I63, normally-closed switch I64, conductor I65, terminal I57 of the relay, coil of relay I-I4, terminal I24 of the relay, conductor I25, terminal 22, and input conductor 26. Hence, the relay IM will. remain energized, so long as switch IE4 is closed, even though the relay I40 is deenergized by resetting operation of the listing machine in which switch I4! is opened and the holding circuit through relay I40 broken.

When the blade I68 engages contact IIii, upon energization of relay I I4, the solenoid Iiiii of the through conductors I3I and I3? to one terminal of coil I 80, thence from the other terminal of the coil through conductor 23 to terminal izifi, conductor I25, terminal 22, and input conductor 20. The valve ZIiI will thereupon be operated to cut off the flow of air from input line Mil to the conduit 262 leading to the intake valve 263 (Fig. 5) thus disabling the marking machine. At the same time, the Change mark sign E68 will be illuminated, inasmuch as this sign is connected in parallel across the coil I86 by means of conductors I8I and I84.

In this manner, the marking machine will be rendered inoperative or disabled until the holding circuit through the coil of the relay Iiii is broken by opening switch I41 upon resetting of the listing machine, and the subsequent opening of the switch Iii 3 upon forward movement of the resetting bail handle 47, which causes pin It to pass through hole M in casing of switch I54 to depress button Ili and open normallyclosed switch I64. Therefore, upon the resetting of the listing machine and of all the marking,

elements 34 to their normal positions, the solenoid I89 will be deenergized and the valve 255% permitted to open to again admit air to the control valve 263 and, once more, enable the marking machine, rendering it operative to print a platen 38, when the buttons. 2% taneously depressed.

The operation of; this form of interlock is quite similar'to. that of the form first described. A. list printing operation of the listing machine closes normally openswitch I42 (Fig; 7) thus energizing relay M01 This establishes a holding circuit through normally closed switch M7, and makes an energizing circuit for relay I I4, so that the latter relay is energized. The energization of relay 1 l4 closes cut-off valve 26f to disable the marking machine. Valve 251 remains closed aslong, asrelay H4 remains energized. T enable the: marking machine for further operation it is necessary first, to deenergize relay I40, which is effected by resetting the listing machine and" thus opening switch I41, and, then, to de energize the relay 4,. which is accomplished by resetting-the marking machine: andthus opening switch r64.

As mentioned earlierherein in connection with, the embodimentof the invention shown in Figs. 1-, 2, 3* and l, the switch I64 (Fig. 5) may be removed from the side frame of the marking machine and placed in a convenient position on the table top 202, if this should be found. desirable. In this case, the operator, after a list printing operation of the listing machine, will be unable to cause operation of the marking ma chine by depressionof the buttons 265, and will thus be warnedthat the setting of the marking machine should be changed. He may then adjust the setting of the marking elements to set up the new mark, after which he may manually depress thev button of switch I64 to release the machine for operation.

I am aware that the interlock between a laundry listing machine and a laundry marking machine described herein is: susceptible of considerable variation, without departing from the spirit of my invention, and, therefore, I claim my invention broadly. as indicated by the appended claims;

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and useful and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. An interlock between a laundry listing machine having means for printing a list of items to be laundered, and a laundry marking machine having means for marking the articles to be laundered with a distinctive mark, said marking machine being provided with a power drive. for operating said marking means and means for controlling the operain'on of said marking means by said power drive;v said interlock comprising the combination of a relay; means for energizing said relay each time the printing means of the listing machine is operated; a second relay rendered cfiective by energization of said firstmentioned relay, for disabling said controlling means; a holding circuit for each of said relays and means, including a manipulating device associated with each holding circuit, for breaking the same to thereby deenergize its associated relay and render said disabling means ineffective.

2. In a laundry listing and marking system comprising a laundry listing machine for listing the articles to be laundered, and having means for printing a list of said articles, and a laundry marking machine provided with means for marking said articles with a distinguishing mark, the combination of an interlock, for preventing operation of the markingmeans following an operation of the list printing means,

said interlock including-a relay, means forenenv gizing said relay each time thelistv printing" means is operated, a second-relay controlled-by said first-mentioned relay for preventing operation of. the marking means, a holding circuit for each of said relays and separate manually operable means for breaking said holding circuits to deenergize said relays and render saidinterlock ineffective.

3. In a laundry counting and marking system comprising a laundrylisting machine having means, including a plurality of type-bearing elements, each movable from a normal position to a printing position, for printing ona list the totals of the articles counted, and means for resetting said elements from their printing to theirnormal positions, and a laundry marking machine provided' with means; for marking the said articles with a. distinguishing mark; the combination of an interlockfor preventing operation of the marking means following. an operation of the list printing means until all of. the type-bearing elements of'the listing machine have been reset to their normal positions, said interlock including a first relay,v means for energizing said relay each time; the list printing. means is operated, a second relay, holding circuits for both of said relays, 2. Cir:- cuit controlled. by said first relay for energizing said second relay whenever said first relay is energized, means controlled by said second relay for preventing operation of the marking means Whenever said second relay is energized, means operated. by said. resetting means for breaking the holding circuit for said first relay to deenergize said first relay, and manually operable means for breaking the holding circuit for said second" relay to deenergize said second relay after said first relay has been deenergized, whereupon said interlock will be rendered ineffective.

4. An interlock between a laundry listing machine and a. laundry marking machine, each of said machines being provided with a printing mechanism including a plurality of type-bearing elements, means for moving said elements from a normal position to a printing position, and. means for resetting said type elements from printing to normal positions; said. interlock comprising the combinationofmeans, rendered efiective each time: the printing mechanism of the listing. machine is operated, for preventing operation of. the printing mechanism of said marking machine; and means, jointly controlled by the resetting means for the listing machine and the resetting. means for the marking. machine, for causing said preventing means to be rendered ineffective.

5. In a laundry counting and marking system. comprising a laundry listing machine having means for printing on a list the totals of the articles counted, and alaundry marking machine having means, including a plurality of marking devices each settable from a normal position to a marking position, for marking the said articleswith aidistinguishing mark, said marking machine being. provided with means for resetting all of said marking devices from their marking positions to their normal positions, the combination of an interlock for preventing operation of'the marking means following, an operation of the list". printing means of the listing machine, until. all of the marking deviceshave been reset to their normal position, said interlock including a relay, means for energizing said relay each time the list printing means is operated, a holding circuit for said relay, means controlled by said relay for preventing operation of the marking-means, and means for' deenergizing saidrelay and renderingsaid in- 1 terlock ineffective; including a switch adapted to 17 be operated by said resetting means upon, return of said-markingdevicesfto their normal positions -for breaking said holding circuit.

6. Ina laundry countingand marking system comprising i a laundry listing machine having a means, including -a plurality of ltyipeec'arr'ying elements each movable from a normalfpdsitibnito a printingeposition, for printing i-ona" list the totals of articles counted, and-means for resetting said elements for -their, printingcportions to their normal positions; :a laundry markingmachine having means, including a plurality of marking devices each settablesfrom a normalsp'osition to a marking position, for markingthe said articles with a distinguishing mark and-i means .ffor re- Setting all i, of said devices .from i-their marking Qto their normal positions the combination-of an interlock, for preventing operation iof the marking imeans following an operation of the lists-printing means until both resetting mea-ns'have beenoper- "ated, saidinterlockinclnding a -first relay, means for energizing said relay eachtime the list printing means is operated, a -holdingxcircuit for .said relay, a second relay, a-circu-it for energizing-said second relay whenever said-fiistrelaylis energized, a holding circuit for saidsecond relay, means controlled by said second-relay forrpreventing opcration of the-marking machine whenever-saidsecnd relay is 'energized, means controlled byithe resetting means for the :listin'gmachine for breaking the hOldiIlg"ClICIilt TOI SEITdfirst relay, and

"means controlled by the resetting means for the marking machine for breaking the holding circuit for said second-relayflwhereby said interlock will be rendered ineffective when both relays are dey energized.

'7 An interlock between a laundry listing machine, having list printing I'means and resetting means, i and 'a laundryl mai' king m'achi-ne, having a plurality of type-bearing elementseachindividually adjustable from a 'norm'alxto a selected marking position and'power operated marking means operable to print e -mark from said elements, comprisingth'e combination :of: a first relay; an energizing circuit thereforp a'normallyopen switch in said circuitfcl'osed by operationiof said list printing means; a hcl'ding'circuit' fon said first relay, closed by-energization thereof; a normally-closed switch in 's'aid hol' l g circuitg 'opened by operation of "said T listing "machine resetting means; a second relay; an energizingtircuit therefor, closedby'energization of said first relay;

a holding circuit for saidsecond relay; closedlby energization thereof; a normally-' closedsw itch in said second relay holding circuit; manually-operable means for "opening'theswitchin the-second relay holding circuit; and a control circuit 'for said marking means including ahdrmailly-elkas'ed switch opened by energization of the'second relay.

8. 'The interlock or claim"? inwhich the marking machine includes a manually-operable memher for resetting adjusted ty e bearing elements to normar position: and adeVic'e 'carriedthcreby foropening the'switch'in the "second relay holding circuit, upon movement'ofsaid member'to restore said elements to normal positions.

"9. An interlockbetween a laundryilistingvmw chine having "means for printing aJiSiliOf articles to" be laundered an'dta, laundry markingT-inachine for marking said articles with a distinctive mark, said marking-machine beingrprovidediwith a motor driveefor operating said marking -means, a

clutch for operatively comiecting said -motor drive with said marking means to i-cause theelatterr to performva.markingoperationsandl means.fort n- "operated," and a holding circuit for said relay; and

said'manipulative element comprises a normallyclosedswitch in said holding circuit, which, when manipulated'willbreak said holding circuit and deenergize said relay.

11. a An 'inte'rlockbetween a laundry listing ma- "chine having meansfor printing a listof articles "tobe laundered -and a laundry "marking machine "havingmeans formarking said articles with a dis- "tinguis'hing mark; said .marking machine being provided "with a "powerdrive for operating the "marking meansiand with a control means for causing "operation of "said marking means by said "power drive; ,s'a'id interlock comprising the combination ofmeans'ior rendering said control means'inefiectiveto cause operation of said marking means by said power drive, said rendering .means including a cut-Jo'fi valve, ,asolenoid for operating said va1ve, .an'd. a, normally-open electrical "circuit for energizing said, solenoid; means, controlled by theilistxprintingmeans, for closing said electrical circuit-to operate said valve and render said-controlimeans ineffective, including a relay, meanslfor energizing saidrelay each time the-list printingmeansis operated, and a holding circuit fon-saidrelay; and means-to deenergize said relayfland openwsaid electrical circuit, including amanipulative elementfor breakingsaid holding circuit.

12. An interlock between a laundry listing machine having means i-for printing a list of articles to be laundered -iand -a laundry marking machine havingmeans'for marking-said-articles Witha distinguishing-mark, said markingumachine being "provided with axpower drive for :operating the marking meanseandvcontrol means for causing ope'rationl of saidmarking means :by said power idrive; *said interlock comprising the combination of a cut-off -valve which is eiiective; when opertatedpto render said control means ineffective to cause operation of -said-marking means by said power drivemasolenoid for'operating said valve;

fa relay; meansfor energizing said relay each time the list pri-ntingmeans isoperated; a holding circuit for saidrelay; an-electrical circuit controlled by said relay 'for energizing said solenoid; and means' todeenergize said relay and restore said cut-off valve to its unoperated condition, including a manually operable device for breaking said holding circuit.

1 3. An'interlockbetween a laundry listing machine having meansior printing a list of articles to be laundered, and-a laundry marking machine "having means for matkingsaid articles with a distinguishing mark, said marking machine being providedwit'h' a drive mechanism for said marking means; anelectric driving motor, a normally dis'eng'aged clutch "for connecting said "inotor with said drive "mechanism, air-operated means for engag'ingsaid clutch, asource-of comopressed'air, andmeans for controlling the flow of airl from said source to said engaging means;

' said interlock. comprising the combination of a said source to said engaging means; a solenoid for operating said valve; a relay; means for energizing said relay each time the list printing means is operated; means, controlled by said relay, for energizing said solenoid and for causing said relay to remain energized, whereby engagement of said clutch under the control of said control means will be prevented; and means, including a manually-operable member, for causing said relay and said solenoid to be deenergized, whereby said control means will again be effective to control the operation of said engaging means.

14. The invention as recited in claim 13 Wherein said preventing means includes a solenoidoperated valve.

15. In a laundry counting and marking system including a laundry listing machine having means for printing on a list the totals of laundry articles counted, and a laundry marking machine having means for marking said articles with a distinguishing mark, said marking machin being provided with a pneumatic means for operating the marking means; the combination of an interlock between the listing machine and the marking machine comprising an electromagnetic valve for controlling the operation of said pneumatic means, a normally-open electrical circuit for said valve, manually-operable means for closing said electrical circuit to cause operation of said valve, means controlled by the list printing means for breaking said electrical circuit and preventing operation of said valv by said manually-operable means, said means including a relay, means for energizing said relay each time the list printing means is operated, and a holding circuit for said relay, and means for deenergizing said relay, including a manipulative element for breaking said holding circuit, whereby said electrical circuit will be reestablished and said valve again rendered operable by said manuallyoperable means.

16. An interlock between a laundry listing machine, having list printing means and resetting means, anda laundry marking machine, having a plurality of type-bearing elements each individually adjustable from a normal to a selected marking position and power-operated marking means operable to print a mark from said elements, comprising the combination of a first relay; an energizing circuit therefor; a normallyopen switch in said circuit, closed by operation of said list printing means; a holding circuit for said first relay, closed by energization thereof; a normally-closed switch in said holding circuit, opened by operation of said listing machin resetting means; a second relay; an energizing circuit therefor, closed by energization of said first relay; a holding circuit for said second relay, closed by energization thereof; a normally-closed switch in said second relay holding circuit; manually-operable means for opening the switch in the second relay holding circuit; means for disabling said marking means; a solenoid for operating said disabling means; and an energizing circuit for said solenoid, closed by energization of said second relay.

17. An interlock between a laundry listing machine having means for printing a list of articles to be laundered and a laundry marking machine having means, including a plurality of marking devices each settable from a normal to a marking position, for marking the said articles with a I distinguishing mark, said marking machine being 20 and means for resetting all of said marking devices from their marking to their normal positions; said interlock comprising the combination of means for rendering said control means ineffective to cause operation of said marking means by said power drive, including a cut-ofi valve, a solenoid for operating said valve, and a normally-open electrical circuit for energizing said solenoid; means, controlled by th list printing means, for closing said electrical circuit to operate said valve and render said control means ineffective, including a relay, means for energizing said relay each time the list printing means is operated, and a holding circuit for said relay; and means, operated by said resetting means, for breaking said holding circuit to deenergize said relay, whereby said electrical circuit will be opened and said solenoid deenergized.

18. In a laundry counting and marking system including a laundry listing machine for printing on a list the totals of articles counted, and a laundry marking machine having means, including a plurality of marking devices each settable from a normal position to any one of a plurality of marking positions, for marking the said articles with a distinctive mark, and means for resetting all of said devices from their marking positions to their normal positions; the combination of an interlock, rendered effective by operation of the list printing means, for preventing operation of the marking means until all of the marking devices have been reset to their normal positions, said interlock comprising an electromagnetic valve, for controlling the operation of said marking means, a normally-open electrical circuit for said valve, manually-operable means for closing said electrical circuit and causing operation of said valve, a relay controlled by the list printing means for breaking said electrical circuit and preventing operation of said valve by said manually-operable means, and means adapted to be operated by said resetting means, upon restoration of all of said marking devices to their normal positions, for deenergizing said relay, whereby said electrical circuit will be reestablished and said valve again rendered operable by said manually-operable means.

19. In a laundry counting and marking system including a laundry listing machine, having means for printing on a list the totals of the laundry articles counted, and a laundry marking machine having a printing head, a plurality of marking devices in said printing head, each settable from a normal position to any one of a plurality of marking positions, for marking the said articles with a distinguishing mark, means for resetting said marking devices from their marking positions to their normal positions, a platen for supporting the articles to be marked, and an air cylinder for operating said printing head to move the marking devices against the articles supported by the platen; the combination of an interlock, rendered effective by the list printing means, for preventing operation of the air cylinder of the marking machine until all of the marking devices have been reset to their normal positions, said interlock comprising an electromagnetic valve for controlling the flow of air into said air cylinder, a normally-open electrical circuit for said valve, manually-operable means for closing said electrical circuit to cause said valve to be operated and air to be admitted to said cylinder, a relay, controlled by the list printing mechanism, for breaking said electrical circuit and preventing operation of said valve by said manually-open able means, a holding circuit forsaid relay, and means, actuated by said resetting means, upon restoration of all of said marking devices to their normal positions, for breaking said holding circuit and deenergizing said relay, whereby said electrical circuit will be reestablished and said valve again rendered operable by said manuallyoperable means.

20. In a laundry counting and marking system comprising a laundry listing machine having means, including a plurality of type-bearing elements each movable from a normal position to any one of a plurality of printing positions, for printing a list of the articles counted, and means for resetting said elements from their printing to their normal positions, and a laundry marking machine having means, including a plurality of marking devices each settable from a normal position to any one of a plurality of marking positions, for marking the said articles with a distinguishing mark, and means for resetting all of said devices from their marking positions to their normal positions; the combination of an interlock, rendered effective by operation of the list printing means, for preventing operation of the marking means until all of the type-bearing elements and marking devices have been restored to their normal positions, said interlock comprising an electromagnetic valve for controlling the operation of said marking means, a normally-open electrical circuit for said valve, manually-operable means for closing said electrical circuit to cause operation of said valve, a first relay, means for energizing said relay each time the list printing means is operated, a second relay, a holding circuit for each of said relays, means, controlled by said first relay, for energizing said second relay whenever said first relay is energized, means rendered effective when said second relay is energized for interrupting said electrical circuit, means, controlled by the resetting means of the listing machine, for breaking the holding circuit for said first relay to deenergize said relay, and means, operable by said resetting means for said marking devices, for breaking the holding circuit for said second relay to deenergize said relay, when the first relay is deenergized, whereby said electrical circuit will be reestablished and said valve again rendered operable by said manuallyoperable means.

21. The interlock of claim 16 which includes a manually-operable member for resetting adjusted type-bearing elements to normal position; and a device carried thereby for opening the switch in the second relay holding circuit upon movement of said member to restore said elements to normal positions.

22. An interlock between a laundry listing machine having means for printing a list of items to be laundered and a laundry marking machine having means, including a plurality of marking devices each settable from a normal position to a marking position, for marking the articles to be laundered with a distinctive mark, said marking machine being provided with a power drive for said marking means, means for controlling the operation of said marking means by said power drive, and means for resetting all of said marking devices to their normal positions; said interlock comprising the combination of means, rendered efiective each time the printing means of the listing machine is operated, for disabling said controlling means including a relay adapted to be energized each time said printing means is operated, and a holding circuit for said relay; and

means, including a normally-closed switch in said holding circuit adapted to be operated by said resetting means, to break said holding circuit and deenergize said relay thereby rendering said disabling means ineiTective.

23. An interlock between a laundry listing machine and a laundry marking machine, said laundry listing machine having a plurality of type carrying elements each individually movable from a normal position to an adjusted position, means for taking an impression from the type carrying elements, and means for simultaneously resetting all of the elements from their adjusted positions to their normal positions; and said laundry marking machine having a plurality of type bearing elements each individually adjustable from a normal position to a selected marking position, and power-actuated means for causing an impression to be taken from the type bearing elements; said interlock comprising means controlled by the impression taking :means of the laundry listing machine for disabling said power-actuated means; means for maintaining said disabling means effective; and means for disabling said maintaining means, including a device adapted to be operated by said laundry listing machine resetting means when the type carrying elements are reset to their normal positions.

24. The interlock of claim 23 wherein said maintaining means is under the joint control 01 said device and a manually-operable switch.

25. The interlock of claim 23 in which the disabling means for said power-actuated means includes a relay; an electrical circuit for energizing said relay; a normally-open switch in said circuit; and means, controlled by the impression taking means of the laundry listing machine, for closing said switch.

26. The interlock of claim 25 in which said maintaining means includes a holding circuit for said relay, and said device comprises a normally-closed switch in said holding circuit.

27. The interlock of claim 26 in which said disabling means includes a second relay, and an energizing circuit therefor controlled by said first-mentioned relay.

28. The interlock of claim 27 in which said maintaining means includes a holding circuit for said second relay, a normally-closed switch in said last-mentioned holding circuit; and a manually-operable member for opening said lastnamed switch.

29. The interlock of claim 28 wherein the disabling means for said power-actuated means includes a control circuit for said power-actuated means which is controlled by said second relay.

WILLIAM J. KEUPER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,118,871 Thompson May 31, 1938 2,268,191 Crafts Dec. 30, 1941 2,409,232 Wesley Oct. 15, 1946 2,425,167 Whitehead Aug. 5 1947 2,439,679 Silverman Apr. 13 1948 2,482,420 Keuper Sept. 20, 1949

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