GB284822A - Improved means for counting printed sheets issuing from rotary printing machines - Google Patents

Abstract

284,822. Holmes, W. Dec. 10, 1926. Counting -apparatus.-Apparatus for counting sheets such as newspapers issuing from rotary printing machines is controlled by a device serving, when the sheets are being delivered in the normal way, to effect the closing of an electric circuit which is utilised to connect the counter to a moving part of the machine, but disconnects the counter from the machine when the machine is not working normally. In one arrangement, an electrically-operated counter 3, Fig. 4, is connected in series with a battery 2, a make-and-break device 1, and a switch 7, the device 1 being operated from a moving part of the machine so that, providing the switch 7 is closed, it closes the circuit and operates the counter once for every sheet or for every predetermined number of sheets delivered. The device 1 consists of a disc rotated from the machine and having insulated conducting segments 1<a> upon which bears a contact brush in the electric circuit. The switch 7 remains closed while the machine is printing normally and may comprise a pivoted finger 9, Fig. 2, pressed by means of an insulated cylinder 10 containing mercury against the endless line of sheets 6 being delivered, so that if the delivery is interrupted, the finger 9 and container 10 tilt over and the mercury becomes disengaged from contacts in the counter-circuit, which is thus broken. Another device for controlling the circuit comprises a centrifugal governor which closes the circuit during normal running, but if the speed is below normal, as for example during the taking of test pulls, the circuit is opened and no operation of the counter takes place. In a modified arrangement, the switch 7 serves to close an electric circuit operating a clutch so as to connect a mechanically-operated counter to a shaft driven by a flexible drive from the printing machine. According to the Provisional Specification, in cases where the papers are delivered in an unbroken line, the passage of the papers between two spring-pressed rollers may be utilised to close the circuit of the connecting clutch. Also the movement of the rollers caused by the passing papers may be utilized to operate the counting- apparatus through mechanical connections.