GB221570A - Improvements in machines for automatically marking or cancelling letters and other postal matter - Google Patents

Abstract

221,570. Hansen, G. A. June 14, 1923. Postmarking-machines; throw-out arrangements. - In postmarking machines of the type comprising a printing-roller 2 adapted to be rotated through a one-revolution clutch controlled by the advance of a letter, a spring-actuated screw clutch is provided operating between a driving- wheel 15 and the spindle 1 of the roller 2. The clutch comprises a nut 10 mounted on a screwthreaded sleeve 6 fixed to the spindle 1 and a spring 12 coiled round a second sleeve on the spindle 1 and having one end fixed to a lug on a flanged portion 5 of this sleeve and the other fixed to a lug 11 on the nut 10, inter-engaging teeth 16 being provided on the nut 10 and the driving wheel 15. The clutch is normally held out of engagement by a pivoted lever 30, one end 32 of which engages the lug 11 while the other is moved to release the lug and allow the spring 12 to throw in the clutch by means of a catch 23 pivoted to an arm 22 on an oscillating shaft 20 carrying a comb 21 situated in the path of the letters. A pin 27 engaging an incline on the catch 23 subsequently releases the arm 30 which returns into the path of the lug 14 to disengage the clutch. The spring 12 serves as a buffer to stop the roller 2 gradually, the final position being determined by a pivoted arm 35 provided with a shoulder behind which the lug on the flange 5 engages. A constantly-rotating ring 72 mounted on the upper end of the spindle 1 cooperates with an impression roller to maintain the feed of the letters.