US1149151A

US1149151A - Stencil-cutting machine.

Info

Publication number: US1149151A
Application number: US76571113A
Authority: US
Inventors: Theodore Birkenmaier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1913-05-05
Filing date: 1913-05-05
Publication date: 1915-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 1932-08-03

Description

CUTTING MCHNF.

APPUCATIGN FILED MAY 5, 1913.

T. BHKNMMER.

STENCIL CUTTING MACHKNE.

APPLICATION man MAY 5i 191s,

Patente Aug. 3, 9,157

THEODCRF BXEKENMIER, GF Si". LGUIS, MISSOURI STENCLUTTNG MACHINE.

Specification of Letters atent.

Patented aeg. a, iets.

Appcation led I'fay .5, 1513. Serial No. 755,711.

Maren, a citizen or the United States, and residing at Louis, 1n the State ot Mis souri, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Stencil-Cutting Yitl'achines, or" which the following is a specii'ication.

This invention relates to stencil cutting machines and vone of its objects is to construct a machine in which the hlanli will he exposed to View at the cutting point, whereby the work of the machine is visible. Another object is to construct a stencil cutting machine in which the punches and lies lare adapted to operate on a clank positioned at an angle to the horizontal, and to provide means for supporting and feeding the blank in such a position with respect to the punches anti dies. l :Another object is to construct a stencil cutting machine in which the blank will not only loe visible at the cutting point but in which each stencil line after being cut is fully exposed to View so as to he in plain View heliore the operator.

Another object is to provide improved blank supporting and ifeeding ineens which is constructed and arrangedv to accuratelyv and positively feed the hlanlr.

Further objects will appear *freni the cletail description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. in which:

Figure l Vis a plan View of a machine showing one enihoflinient ot this invention, Fig. 2 is a side elevation.y Fig. 3 is a .section on the line 1. s e.

ration ot the hlanl carriaefe. is a b v e section on the lines o 5 Figs. an 6 showing the niechanisra for t ecling th-. carriage laterally, Fig. tl is a sifle elevation or' Fig. parts being shown in section, Fig 7 is a detail sicle elevation showing the mechanism for feeding the olanlr carriage vertically, Fig. 8 is a detail section through the blank carriage shaft and huh, showing the ineans for latching the carriage in its different adjusted positions, Fig. 9 is a detail vertical section through the rim of the carriage, Fig. 10 is a. :tace View and Fig. 11 is av section on the line 11--11 Fig. 10, showing the punch partly formed, Fig. l2 is a face view and Fig. 13 is a section on the line 13 13 Fig. 2, showing the punch *fully formeel, Fig'. 14- is face View anti Fig, '15

is a section on the line 143-45 Fig. le, show 7 ing the die plate partl)7 formed, Fig. 16 is a face View and Fig. 17 is a section on the line 1?-17 Fig. 16, showing the die plate fully formed, Fig. 18 is ay detail section showing the stripper, Fig. 19 Ais a detail plan View or the stripper, Fig. 20 is a plan View illus` trat-ing another einhocliinent of this innen tion, Fig. 21 is a front elevation, Fig. 22 is a detail plan View, Fig. 23 is a. section on the line 23 23 Fig. 23, Fig. 2l is a detail front ele-tation showing the operating handle and its connections,-Fig. 25 is a section on the line 25, Fig. 23, Fig. 25 is a side elevation partly insection of Fig. 25, Fig. 27 is a cletail section through the carriage. Fig. 2S is a section on the line 28 Fig. 2'?, Fig. 29 is a sicleelevation of the machine of Figs. 1 to 19 inclusive, showing an attach-ment for cutting a circular stencil, Fig. 30 is a front elevation of the attachment, Fig. 31 is 'a section on the line 3131 Fig. 29, Fig. 32. is a sicle elevation showin a circular stenil cutting attachment tor the machine shown in Figs. 2G to 2S inclusive, Fig. is a, rear elevation of 'the attachment, and Fig. 3 is a section on the line Fig.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, 10 designates a hase adapted to support the punch and die carrier. This punch and die carrier is or cylinclical construction ane either he formeel integral, or may be formed of two pieces secured together so to torni in eect a single element. is hownin the drawings the die carrier 11 the punch carrier 12 are secured t0- ether by screws 13. The punch and die arriersare separatefl "oy anannular space l adapted to receive the -hlank carriage ereinafter to he flescriheil, and are supi orteil on the hase i331 ineens of 1calls ring 19 clamped to the hase and taking over an inwardly projecting flange 20 serves 'to retain the punch and die carrier in posi` tion.. The punch and .die carrier is pro vided with a hand wheel or rim/21, pret-1 erably vcast integral with the carrier.

rlhe upper end of 'the carrier l1 has a Inachined face to receive aseriesof die plates 25 secured to the carrier hymeans oi' screws 26 in a manner well known to those skilled n the art. These die plates areforinecl with 'the usual stencil-charavcters anti the die carrier is recessed as shown at 27 to permit the punchings to drop out. A series of plungers icc ies

' against the yokes 33 secured to the plungersy 28 are mounted in bearings in the spaced annular lugs 29 and 30 on the punch carrier. These plungers support the punches 3l which are preferably separate plates secured to the plungers. The plungers 28are movedinwardly toward the center of the machine by means of springsv32 bearing by screws 34 and embracing pins35 mounted inthe lugs 29 and 30. The punches 31 and dies 25 may beof any suitable construction but are preferably constructed and formed in a manner hereinafter to be described.

- A bracket integral with the base 10 is Vproyided its upper end with a radially extending. bearing for an operating plunger or ram 4l having a hooked end adapted to engage a roll 50 in the slotted end of the pin or left side of the machine.

43, and a further connection between the lever 45 and the pin 43 is made by a small cross pin engaging a cani slot 51 in the lever. The lever 45 has a forked end coperating with aroll on the end of a lever 52 rigidly :connected to an operating rock shaft 53 vmounted on the base 10. This shaft extends across the machine and has its ends formed to receive anoperating handle 54, whereby the handle may be placed on either the right The shaft 53 is normally held-in a position with the arm in engagement with a stop 55 by a spring 56 connected at one end to the lever and at its other end to a pin 57 on the base l0. The lug 29 has mounted thereon a dial plate which is provided with the usual characters corresponding to the characters on the stencil punches and dies mounted on the punch and'die carrier. A stationary pointer 5) on.

lthe bracket 40 cooperates with the dial plate and positions the punches and dies at the cuttingA point as hereinafter described. skeleton stripper (3() is mounted on the bracket 40 integral with pointer 5i).

The base plate 10 has rotatively mounted therein a shaft (35 which is adapted to rcceive and support the blank carriage. This blank carriage is shown in detail in Figs. 4 l

and 9 and comprises a hub (ill having formed thereon thin radially extending arms 67 and provided with a rim 68 to. form a spider. The blank holding means connu-isos a. pair of upper Haring rims 6'.) and 7U and a lower flaring rim 71. connected by'vertical narrow strips 72. These strips 72 are preferably integral withthe upperrims and are secured to the lower rim in any desired manner, as by electro-welding- The rims 69, 'TO and 7l and the connecting strips will thus form a cyindrical element of skeleton construction, and this element is secured to the rim G8 in any desired manner as by screws or by electro-welding, the skeleton element being preferably so positioned on the spider that. the strips 7iwill come opposite the arms 67. The hub (it) is splined on the shaft by a, key 73 in the shaft engaging a keyway in the hub, whereby the carriage will move with the shaft but is prevented from rotating with respect thereto. The stencil blank can be inserted between the rims GS). and 7l and the strips T2 and will thus he positioned in cylindrical form in the recess 14. The frictional clamping action of the skeleton element will ordinarily be sufficient to hold the blank in position in the carriage, but the rims (5%) and 7 0 may be provided with alined holes 74 adapted to receive a pin, which pin may bc passed through the blank to hold it against movement in the carriage.

The fiared construction of the rims permits easy insertion of the blank.

The means for rotating the blank carriage step by step will now be described. lleferring to Figs. 3, 5 and (i, 75 designates a collar on the shaft (S5 forming a thrust bearing for the shaft. and this shaft is further secured against endwise mowmcnt by means ofa washer 76 and lock nuts 77. The lower end of the shaft has mounted thereon a ratchet- 78 which is clamped in position by means of a nut 71). A pa wl 8() sliding in a horizontal guideway- Si formed in a lug on the base. 10 hasa connection with an arm 83 on the rock shaft 53. The pawl is jointed as shown at 34, and a sin-ing H5 normally tends to move the pawl toward the ratcl'ict. Ihe pa wl is provided with cam faces Sb and 37 adapted to be engaged by pins Se and 8U respectively, extending downwardly from the base. rl`he parts are so constructed that when the rock shaft 53 is in its normal position thc pawl will be held out of engagement. with the ratchet by the pin SS, and when the rock shaft is in its other extreme position the pawl will again bc held ont of engagement with the ratchet by the pin 3S). l)ur ing the lirst part of the movement of the rock shaft 5I; the pawl will move into engagement with thi` ratchet and rotate the carrier one step` and this pawl will be moved out of en .',agmnent duringr the last part of the movement of the rock shaft.

'The means for moving the carriage vertically step b v step will now be described. .liefen-ring to Figs. I'S. T and n, ll() designates a lugpreferably madf.l integral with the base and bored to provide a bearingl for a, slidingr shaft ll. This shaft has a. laterally extending arm l2 which has pivoted thereon a incensi.

so as hold il.; our o; engagemenJ with ghe hub he when shaft Si is at its lower 2G limit. The upoer movement of the shaft l wl are limited by the engagement of pir- 103 with the bottom face 104 0. ln order to latch the carrier f` ifliuste sitions. ghe-shaft Ns of depressions 105 'willi a hail 106 on the moi'ed into the depressi'iring 107 hearing at end 4 'ist the hall and the other end agains: a plug l@ screwed into the" huh. B v means oi" this construction the carrier can be moved if'erticallfvl step by step and will he .laiche/l in position. llflien the handle i normal position, the pawl 93 engagement with the i riei may be freely i: direction at Jehis yro 'ded wiih a hand l cas inegral there- Inox'ed down to its Le c 'ncliiied co pro ide this draft. iai-ily ooiiaineo hy filing by involves expensive ine "des of the new niethodis evolved for form- 4inches and oies whereby the simple and inexpensive These punch and die plates are formed either by forging or off punching. and the sides of the pu .ch projection and Iche sides of the aper- 'iuie elle die plaie are straight. In ac- 'ih die invention' the punch and n 2; formed in any desired Inan- @5 pr fe'ahly by he usual punching die end oi the pawl The final complete forni of the plates is shown in Figs. l2 and i3, and 1G and 17. By bending the plates to this form the sides of lie punch projection and the side lli' die aperure will be inclined and'jifare". as sho n, 'this ii'ill provide die necessaiyl draft. rl`he bending of +die plates he performed in any well known manner, as by a sei of bending dies. By the use or this method a punch and die are produced which Will have the necessary draft Without requiring eX- pensive manual .filing-operations. lt Will be understood'that either the punch plaies or the die plates or both may be Hat as shown in Figs. 10, and l1, and lil and 15. ln such cases the draft is obtained in he usual Way, e., by filing. Moreover +he die may he of cylindrical form as shown and the vdraft niaY be obtained partially or Wholly hy filing or in any other suitable manner.

The operation of the machine will be as follows: blank is inserted in the carriage and this blank will be held in cylindrical form in the space le between the punches and dies. rThe blank is moved down eo its lowest position, and in such a position with respect to the cutting poiniJ opposite the pointer 59 Where it is desired to start the upper line of the stencil. The punch and die carriage is non7 elated eo position a selected set of punches and dies at the cutting point as noted hy the dial and pointer. The handle is nonv downufardly (io 'the left Fig. 2). During the iirst pari of the movement oz vhe handle ihepin i3 Will enter the flared aperture 4e' and aline the selected set of punches and dies with respect lo the cutting pcini'. During ihis lrsi; movenien the pawl will also move into engagement with the raichet 7S and more the blank carriage laterally` one space. The arrangement of elements oie the mechanism is such that Athe blank carriage will be fed one space and 'set of punches and dies is now positioned ai the cutting point and the handle 54 is again operated. During the operation of the liandleche blank carriage will he moved circumferentially to space the blank with respect to lee' the cutting point so as to space the next stencil character, and this next stencil. chai`- acter will be. cut as before. ln this Way the successive stencil characters-can be cut, the blank carriage being nioved step by step to space the stencil characters in a stencil liiic. ln order to move the blank to space the nent stencil line, the handle 98 is moved downwardly (to the left Fig. 2) so as to cause the paw] 93 to engage one oi the grooves Sit and more the carriage vertically on thc shaftone space. When the handle is released the pawl will be returned to original position out oi engagement with the hub Gti as shown in Figs. 3 and 7, the carriage being retained in adjusted position by means oi the ball latch 10G.

The arms GT and the' strips .72 of the car-` rier ari so positioned with, respect to the teeth on thc ratchet 7S that a strip 72 will never come to rest at the cutting point and oppositev a punch and die when the poi'tion Yof the blank to be' cut is positioned at the cutting point opposite the pointer 59 and the rani 41. These strips will therefore not interfere with the free operation of the punches. Furthermore the arnis 67 will never come, to rest at the cutting point, so that these. arms being thin will not yobstruct the view ot' the blank at the cutting point.

ln the operation of the machine, the, operator will stand over the machine opposite the cutting point, v. c., to the left Figs. 1, 2 and ly referring to Fig. 3, it will be noted that the upper edge of the punch carrier 12 terminates at the upper edge of the punches and below' the upper edge of the dic carrier 11. The punch carrier and thepunches thereon are also spaced a sullicient distance from the die carrier and the dies thereon, and the blank carrier positions the Fig. Il. This will give the operator a clear i view of thc blank` more especially at the cuttlng point. This view is permitted in view ot' the Jact that (he punches and dies are so arranged as to expose thc blank at the cutting point, and in view otl the fact that the i blank is arranged at an angle to the horizontal, vinstead of in horizontal planes. The skeleton construction of the. carriage cxposes substantially the entire blank, and the supporting strips come at such points that vthey never come, opposite the blank at the cutting point. Moreover in view of the fac't that the carriage is moved vertically to space the. stencil lines, the cut stencil line will be raised4 above thc punch and die car- .i-ier, so that it will be in plain view. It Will be noted that the blank is supported at itsl bottom or below the punches and dies, or generally speaking, inwardly of. punches and dies. As will be seen from an inspec' nisni, etc., is placed in such aposition as topci-init the operator to normally position his eye in such a position as to see the cut stencil line positively, the cut stencil line can be moved out of and above the carrier when eut so as to expose the lines successively to the full view ot the operator. Since the cnt line is 'visible as soon as cut, and as soon as the blank is spaced for the next line, the operator can readily position the second line with respect to the first line, etc. The niachine is therefore entirely visible -so that it is not necessary to feed the blank back out oi the machine to expose the part having the stencil cut therein to view each time that such a view is desired.

Referring now to Figs. 20 to 28 inclusive, lll() designates a pair of end trames which support the punch and die carriers 111.

This punch and die carrier is of substantially U -haped section as shown in Fig. 23 and is open at both ends so as to provide a vertical space Jfor receiving the blank. The carrier has lugs 112 pivoted to the end l'raines 110 by means ot' bolts 113, and has slotted lugs 11+ connected by bolts 115 to the end frames. The bolts- 115 engage the slots 11G in the lugs 114, whereby the carrier 111 ma)Y be tilted and set at any suitable angle with respect to the horizontal, the ca rrier being clamped in adjusted position by ineans of the bolts 115. A

The carrier 111 has mounted thereon a series of die plates 11T, and this carrier is apertured as shown at 11S to permit the punchiiigs to be discarded. The carrier is slotted longitlulinally as shown at 119 so as to provide a slot extending along substantially the entire length of the carrier to receirey the blank feeding andliolding means as hereinafter described. r1`he carrier is braced on each side of the slot llt) by horizontal fianges 12() and 121. A series of punch plungers 122 are mounted to slide in flanges 122% and 12sL in'the carrier, and each of these plungers is provided with a punch 125A adapted to cooperatev with a die plate 11T. Each plunger is provided Awith a spring 126 bearing at one endl against the flange 123 and at its other end against the collar 12T secured to the plunger. The

llt:

Lie-

sn'ings are omitted in Fig. 20 for the salie o1 clear-ness. This collar may be provid-cd with any suitable ineens 'for elining 'the punch with the die, iis by' lattening lower edge so as to beer against the upper iface oi' the Web 12S. he carrier is also provided with e. slot 129 extending there along so as to receive the blank feeding mechanism hereinafter to be described. The carrier is ribbed as shown in Figs. 21 and so :is to obtain a rigid construction-- A bleni; carriage oi' substantially il sh pcd construction is adapted to move along the carrier 111, and is supported thereon by rolls 136 and 13T engaging tracks 138 sind 139 respectirelyon the carrier 111. rhis carrier supports the mechanism for actuating the punches and for holding and feeding; the blank. An operating plunger lor rem 110 is mounted to slide in the carrier and is provided with e hooked end 141 adapted to engage corresponding hooked ends on the punch plungers 123. pin 112 on the ram 1&0 is adapted to cooperate with inclined slots 143 of a plate 144 mounted on the web 121 of the punch and die carri@ so 21s to aline the carrier with respect 'to a selected set of punches and dies. This plete is provided with the usuel characters so este form a dial plate. An operating lever 145 is pivoted et 116 between e pair of lugs 117 on the carriage and has a handle 1118. This lever is provided With a cani rib 149 einbraced bycem rolls 150 on the reni 140. Depression of the handle 1118 will operate to more the reni inwardly and thereby cause e selected of punches and dies to cooperate with the blank. rEhe lever may be returned by :i spring' 151, or it muy he returned niannelly.

The blank 154i is supported in the recess in the punch and die carrier by ineens of e hlnnk carriage comprising e flared holder or 'trough 1:35 extending along the ce 'rier and supported :it its ends by here 156 monted to slide vertically in miden-'sys in 'the ends oi the carrier 111. Thiscarriege is nieintained in :my desired :id iusted position in any suitelile manner es mee-.ns ot leali he carri :ige 1255 integral tlierewi :iilzipieil to enter e oi 'f f slot 129 in 'the punch und is lug carries e. stripper and e ceding iwheel which is rotetively mounted in the lng and ifrictionclly tained in position lay r eens ot' u 'friction washer 15S). This feeding roll lies secured thereto or formed integral therewith e iichet 160 with which coperaties :i parti on a har 162 slidingly niountedin s hearing 163 in tlie'ciir lege 123x loer li oeir of cern rolls 1 cgi/in ri'o 'ico the le e5.

, carrier.

the T,

s iii pressure Wheel or roll 1% is mounted rotatirely on e plete 157, which is in turn slide blzy mounted on e slieliE 168 formed on the carriage 135. `The plete 167 is retained in position by ineens ot' gibs 169, and is normally moved toward the feeding Wheel 158 oy ineens of springs 170 mounted in the recesses 171 in the plate 167 and hearing et one oit their ends against the plate and et their other ends against lugs 172 projecting upwardly from 'the shelf 168 into recesses 171. 1 block 173 is loosely mounted on the plete lend this block has e straight blank engeging edge positioned opposite e plate 174 on the lug The plate 1T has e sharp straight edge enjsging the blanliso that this edge Will. sin; e. slight distencevinto the blank when this blank is pressed thereagainst by the block 173. The plate is held in adj usted position by screws Working in slots-on the lug 158 :is shown. in Fig. 25.

1When the handle 118 is moved down-- Wzxrdly the cani 165 will operate to more the liar 162 inwardly ind thereby ceusethe pewl 161 to move the ratchet 160 so as to move the wheel 158 one space. The cams 119 and 165 so relatively positioned with respect to their cam rolis, and the com 165 is so formed that the pewl will he operated to space the blank during the rst movement ot the operating lever 145. The. rolis 164 will reach the straight part ofthe cem 165 before the punch reaches the blank, so that the clank will he fed and Will again be at rest when the punch and die cooperate to cut the lil-ank.

The. carriage 1 e *pair of iugs rotutiVel-y induiited therein squzufe its 151 and 182. The shaft 181 h rigidlyv connected thereto :it *zich end an firm 173, and each erm has pix'oteil thereon pawls 133 and 181 adapted to copcizite 'with notches 185 in the bars 1513. Theslniit has rigidly connected thereto zit ezich end :i doublearnied lever7 each arm 18(3*01 which is connected ci linlcs g therefrom 187 and 18S with the perils 18B end'ili re` l5 :ir

Referring' now to "55. :ind 287 189 end 190 designate u pair'oi arms or hand le- 1vers mounted on and movable with the oerriegc end hei/ino' lholes receiving the elicits 181 find 'The :irins are provided collars or hubs 192 and 193 shaped recesses in c position the I it will frictionally clamp hubs and frictionally retain thearins in position, but this cap maybe provided with a pin 195 having a roundedend adapted to engage the arm 190 so as to hold it in adjusted position.

'hen the arm 190 is in the-position shown in the drawings the pawls 184 will be held out of contact with the bars 156 while the pawls 183 are permitted to move into engagement .with these bars. lf the arm 189 be Anow depressed the pawl 183 willI engage the notches 185 in the bars 156 and move the blank carriage vertically.V By oscillating vthe arm-189 the blank carriage will be raised step by step so as to feed the blank vertically. The blank carriage may be held in adjusted position by means of suitable latching means as hereinbefore described. In order tolower the blank carriage the arm- 190 is moved downwardly until its upper edge snaps over the pin 195, which will operate to move. the pawls 1823 out of engagement and throw the pawls 184 into engagementv with the bars 156. Oscillation of the. arm 189 will now operate to move the blank carriage downwardly step by step. lt will be understood that a spring may be provided to hold the arm 189 in normal position, but the arms 189 and 190 may be held in position friet'ionally as hereinbefore described.

At the time when the blank carriage is to be moved vertically the feeding mechanism must be placedin such a position as to re'- lease the blank. This construction will now be described'. The arm 189 has projecting therefrom an arm 196 which connects by a link 197. with a bar 198 sliding verticallyin bearings 199 and 200 on the carriage 185. rlhe upper end 201 of this bar coperates with a flared hole 202 in the plate 167, and a laterally extendingr branch 203, connected to the arm 198 at 204, coperates with a like flaredhole 205 in the plate. lVhen the arm 189 is moved downwardly to raise the blank carriage the

ends

201 and 203 in the bar 198 will during the first part of the movement of the. arm be raised to engage the flared holes 202 and 205 and move the plate 167 against the tension of its springs 170, so as to move the wheel 166 and the block 173 out ot' engagement with the blank, thereby freeing the blank and permitting itA to be fed vertically by the Vertical movement of the blank carriage. The pawls 183-and the arm 179 are preferably so positioned with respect to the arm 196 that the pawls 183 will be out of engagement with the notches 185 when the ends 201 and 203 are out of'en'gagement with the holes 202 and 205, whereby the plate 167 will be retracted before the pawls 183 engage the notches 185. When the carriage is to be fed downwardly the blank is usually not in the machine. In view of thel fact'A however that thefeeding takes place while the arm 179 moves downwardly, the

blank will be disengaged by the wheel 166 and the block 173 during the greater part of this downward movement.

It is sometimes desirable to throw the block 1723 out of action without throwing theA feeding wheel 166 out of action. This accomplished as follows: Referring to Figs'f'.

and 26, 206 designates an eccentric pin threaded into the end 201 of the bar 198 and having handle projections 207. Then the pin is in the position shown yin Figs. 25 and 26 it is held entirely out of engagement with the edge of the hole 202; when however-it is moved through 180o it will operate to enblock 173 from the wheel 158 and the? plate 1741. This blank is then so positioned with respect to the cutting point, which cutting point is on aline with the feeding rolls, where it is desired 4to start the upper line of the. stencil. The carriage 135 is now moved so as to position'it with respect t0 a rl`he, blank is inserted in its carl"` ge v by slightly separating the wheel and the selected set of punches and dies. The opy erating handle 148 is now moved downwardly. and during this downward movement the blank will first be fed transversely one space and thereafter the punch and die will eoperate to'cut the blank. The handle is now returned to original position and the carrier is moved to plisition another selected set of punches and dies at the cutting point. vlf the handle is now again operated the. blank will be spaced during thefirst part of the movemint of the handle and thereafter the puncl-i and die will coperate to cut the blank. The yertical spacing is obtained by the operation of the arm or handle 189 as described heretofore. Y

lt will be noted that theendof the plate 174 is beveled to form a comparatively sharp straight edge. This plate will therefore sink slightly into the blank. -It will be noted also that the sunken line will be on a line with the wheels-158 and 166, and if the feed is in the direction ot the arrow Fig."

25 the rolls will pull the blank bet; een thetwomembers 173 and 174 cl'ampmg the* bl ank.

extends for somevdistance alongI the blank, the tendency :is to -feedy the blank' in. a straight line as determined by thewdirection of the straight edge of the plate 174, I

By means of this construction a very accurate feed is obtained along a straight line.

yThe axes of the feed Wlieels'lie on a line which. is always positioned along a selected set of punches and dies Whenpositioned at' the cutting point. The blank is therefore always supported at tbe cnt-ting point.

ln this construction, as .in the construction 'shown in Figs. l tov 28 inclusive, the blank is supported at an angle to the horizontal, and the parts are so constructed and arranged as to expose the blank at the cutting point and on either side. lThe feed wheels being placed below the punches and dies W'll not obstruct the blank. The Work ot the machine is therefore visible. The blanllv carriage is, ribbed for strength, for it will be noted that this carriage takes all the strain during the punching operation. The carrier lll may be tilted at any suitable angle with respect to the horizontal to suit the operator.

lt is sometimes desirable to cut a. circular stencil, that is, a stencil having,l the stencil characters arranged circnlarlyv thereon' \vith respect to a common center. Means for cutting such stencils are shown in Figs. 29 to 34 inclusive and these means are shown as attachments for the machines shown in Figs. l to 25 inclusive.

Referring first to Figs. 29 to 3l inclusive, which show an attachment for the machine illustrated in Figs. l to i9, inclusive, 210 designates a bracket which may be removably bolted to the base 1G of the machine. This bracket extends upwardly for a considerable distance above the blank carriage and is provided with a series of apertures 211 s aced a )art a distance ecnal to thev P l Y, i

n blanK' spaces between the stencil lines. carrier connnising` collar ZlQ having a -screw threaded end :TLB is adapted to be clamped on the collar by means of a threaded nut` 214. collar 2l?) has a reduced end 216 ada pied to be placed in one of the apex`- tures 2H and adapted to receive a threaded stein 2l? on the collar The collar 215 carries a ratchet 21S and a knnrled head 219. vThe collar 21:2 carryingthe blank, and the collar 215 carrying the ratchet, are adapted to be connected by the stern 217 so as to revolve as unit inthe bracket 210, and a friction Washer 220 is interposed between the collar '2i2 and 'tbe braclzet 2l() so as to rictionally retard the increment of the connected parts of the blank carrier. The brac 2l@ has pivoted thereon L crank `lever l, one end which has Aconnected thereto a link njliicli passes throneh the base l0 and ts n'itii on the rccli; slig 'l' ot--ier arm of the bell cranl; leve with a bc or red 2 dir on the bracket oted thereto a paivl ieverlli guided by and sliding in a slidewa)r 227 in a lug 233 on the 55 bracket 210. The icavvl 226 has teeth 228,

229, 230 and @3l thereon, the teetn sitioned in groups of l., 2, 2 and teeth spectively, as shown in Fig. 3G. i

is moved toward'the ratchet El@ spring 232. When the band lever 5e i erated to rock the slaft 53, the 'paal 2 will be reciprocated vertically, @tiring t ver yical reciprccation the teeth on the Will engage the ratchet to nieve it step u step. The teeth on the paivl are so co v structed and arranged that when the blank is in its lowest position, that is,'\vhen -tiie blank vcarrier is supported in the lower hole 211, so as to cut the upper line, the angular movement given to the blanl: will be a mum, While when tbe blank tion 'with its carrier the n@ e" inost hole 2li the angular the blank will be a minirnurr. This required in order that the spacing of the. stencil characters may be uniform. if the hand lever 54: is oscillated the bl(P carrier as riage Vare operated by are moved in the saine direction. noted that the blank carrier revolved at all time' Referring new to 32 elusive, which show a circular st attachment for the machine shown' in Figs.

20 to 28 inclusive, 2l() designates a bracket which is reinowablifv clamped on .the carriage '135 by means oi' bolts The bracket is leo provided with a serA s ci adapted to receive the 'th .of a blank carrier clamped to the carrier by linen it is desired to cut a c the attachment is bolted to and the eccentric pin 206 is moved to a position te 173 out of engagement .riu cnt the ir-st stenci ste; rier is passed through the 25:2 and secured in position. is now operated the blank i the feeding wheels'l@ a stein 243 as an axis se stencil. The successive successivel'y1V placing the ferent liole l in this case the feeding rolls ande be. uniform.

.lt-,will therefore seen accomplishes its cljects. duced in which the blank ithe cutting poi t ina-chineV is visi i. constructing` the parts tli be positioned an angle @instead ci in a horizont-a need not necessarily be f shown. This can be accomplished in various manners` as for inst-ance by inclining the base and axisA of rotation of the 'arrierai'i'd carriage.

It is further obviousfthat various changes may be made in the details ot' this construction Without departing from this invention, and it is therefore to be understiiod that this invention is not to be limited to the specific construction' shown and described.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed is:

1. A stencil cutting machine comprising a blank carrier, a ,punch and die carrier, and a series of cutting punches and dies arranged in definite relation on said punch and die carrier to forni sets adapted to cut stencil characters in a blank positioned by said blank carrier betiyeen said punches and dies, said carriers heilig relatively movable to position a selected set of punches and dies at the cutting point, said carriers being constructed and relatively arranged to space the blank a sufli'cient distance ironi the stencil cutting elements on one side of' the blank. and said punch and die carrier tern'iinfitingI on said side oi, the blank in such a. position, as to leave the blank unobstructed to view at the cutting point between the. punches and dies, wl'ierebv the work in'thc machine is visible.

L. stencil machine Acomprising blank supporting and feeding means`r a punch and die cari-ier, and a Lseries ot cutting punches and dies arranged in definite relation on said carrier to Jf'oi'ni sets adapted to cut stencil characters in a blank positioned by said blank suppi'irting and feeding means between said punches and dies, saidiarrier being movable relatively with i'espe. to the blank to position a selected lset ol punches and dies at the cutting poiiit,`said blank supporting and iee'ling means and said carrier and the punches and dies thereon, being constructed andl relatively arranged to space the blank a suiiicient distance troni the stencil cutting obstri-icted to view at the cutting point between the punches and dies, whereby the work in the machine is visible.

3. A stencil cutting machine comprising a blank carrier 'constructed and arranged to position a blank at an angle to the horirzontal.y a punch and die carrier, and a series of cutting punches and dies arranged in deli* nite relation on said punch and dieV carrier, and at .an angle to the vertical, to form sets ada ptedto cut stencil characters in the blank positioned by said blank carrier between said punches and dies, said carriers being relatively,movable to position a selected Set of punches and dies at the cutting point, said carriers being constructed and relatively ary.

ranged to space a blank a sullicient distance from the stencil cutting elements on one side of the blank and to position said parts rela` ing movable relatively with respect to the v blank to position a. selected set of punches -aiid dies at the cutting point, said blank supporting and feeding means being constructed and arranged to expose the blank at the cutting point, a part of said cai'rier andthe Arotting elements, ou one side ot' the blank being spaced iroiii'the blank` and said part terminating -iii such a position so as to leave the blank unobstructed to view at thel cutting point between the. punches and dies, ivherebivv the work of the machine is visible.

5. stencil cutting machine coinpiisiiiga carrie'i'.,a series ol' punches and/lilies ar'- ranged in definite relation on said carrier to torni sets adapted to cut stencil `cliai'ai-ters in a` blank positioned at an :ingle to thelrorizontal l-.etween said punches and dies, means for feeding the blank hitei'alli to space the stencil characters. and vertically to space the Stencil lines. adapted to position the'blank between said punches and dies, said punches and dies being movable relatively with, re-

spect to the blank to position a selected set,

of punches and dies at the cutting point,

said blank supporting and feeding means being constructed and arranged to expose the blank :it the cutting point, a part of said carri and the cutting elements on one side ot' the blank being spaced from the blank, and said part te: ininating in such a position so as to lea ve the blankunobstructed to View at the cut( in'g pointl between the punches and dies. whereby thi` ivork iii the machine, is visible.

ii-o

'Si A stencil cutting machine comprising a l carrier, a series of punches and dies arranged in definite relation on'said cari-ier to incensi carrier and the stencil cutting elements onV one side of the blank being spaced from the blank and constructed and arranged so as to leave the blank unobstructed to View at the cutting point between the punches and dies, whereby the vvork in the machine is visible, and means for feeding said blank carrier step by step.

7. A stencil cutting machine comprising a carrier, a series ot' punches and dies arranged in definite relation on saidcarrier tol form sets adapted to cut stencil characters in a blank positioned at an angle to the hori! lzontal between said punches dies, a

blank carrier ot' skeleton construction positioned between said punches and dies for supporting said blanks between said punches and dies and constructed to expose the blank at the cutting point, said punches and dies bcinO' movable relatively with respect to the blank to position a selected set of punches and dies at the cutting point, a part ot Said punch and die carrier and the stencil cuttingelements on one side of the blank being spaced from the blank and constructed and arranged so as to leave the blank unobstructed to vieu' at the cutting point be tween the punches and dies, ivhereby the Work in the machine is visible, and means lfor feeding said blank carrier step by step.

8. ln a stencil cutting' machine, the combination with a series of stencil cutting punches and dies arranged in definite relation to form sets adapted to cut stencil characters in a blank positioned at an angle to the horiaontal, ot", blank feeding carringe of skeleton construction positioned between said punches and dies, and constructed toy leave the blank exposed to vieu'.

9. ln a stencil cutting machine. the combination with a' series oi,I stencil cutting punches and dies-arranged in definite relation to Jforni sets adap yd to cut stencil characters in a blank i'iosi-cioncd at an angle to the horizontal, o tending carriage of skeleton construction positioned between said punches dies, and means for moving said carriage vertic l. ,.f.

lO. In a stencil cutting nuichinc, the coinbination With a punch and die carrier, oil a series of lstencil punches ant dios arranged in definite relation in radially on said carrier movable relatively ally of said. carrier to cut stencil characters' in a blank, and means for holding abiank in cooperative relation with respect to said punches and dies.

ll. In a stencil cutting machine, the combination with a punch and die carrier, of a series of stencil cutting punches and dies arranged in definite relation in set-s radially on said carrierand moi/'able relatively radially of said carrier to cut stencil characters in a blank, and a blank carriage mounted to rotate relatively with respect to said punches and dies. l

1Q. In a stencil cutting machine, the combination With a punch and die carrier, of a series of 'stencil cutting punches and dies arranged in definite relation in sets radially on said carrier and movable relatively radially of said carrier to cut stencil characters I in a blank, a blank carriage, and means `for feeding said carriage with respect to said punches`- and dies.

13. ln a stencil cutting machine, the combination with a punch and die carrier, of a series of stencil cutting punches and dies arranged in definite relation in sets radially on said carrier and movable relatively radi ally of said carrier to cut stencil characters in a blank, a blank carriage, and means for feeding said carriage circumferentially With respect to said punches and dies.

let. ln a stencil cutting machine, the com-- bination with a punch and die carrier, of a series of stencil cutting punches and dies arranged in definite relation in sets radially on said carrier and movable relatively radially of said carrier to cut stencil characters in a blank, and a blank carriage movable in rectangular paths transversely with respect 'to said punches and dies.

l5. ln a stencil cutting machine, the combination with a rotary carrier, of a series of stencil cutting punches and dies arranged in definite relation in sets on said carrier and adapted to cut stencil characters in a blank, and a rotatable blank carriage positioned between saidV punches and dies.

16. ln a stencil cutting machine, the combination with a rotary carrier, of a series oi stencil cutting punches and dies arranged in definite relation in sets on said carrier and adapted to cut stencil characters in a blank, and a rotatable and endwise movable blank carriage positioned between said punches in denite relation in sets on said carrier and adapted to cut stencil characters in a blank, a blank carriage positioned between said punches and dies, means for rotating saidhca-rriage, and means for movingsaid4 ,carriage in a direction along its axis.

19. In a stencil cutting machine, the combination with a carrier, of a series of stencil cutting punches and dies arranged in deficutting punches and dies arranged in definite relation in sets on said carrier,said carrier being rotatable to position said punches and dies at the cutting point, and arotatable blank carriage positioned between said punches and dies and adapted to position a blank with respect to said punches and dies, and .means for operating said punches and dies and for rotating said carriage to feed thev blank.

21. In a stencil cutting machine, the com-v bination witha carrier, of a series of punches and dies'arranged in definite relation in sets radially on said `carrier, and movable relatively radially to cut stencil characters in a blank, and a blank carriage adapted to position a blank between said punches and dies.

22. In a stencil cutting machine, the com- A n A i the cutting point, a cylindrical blank carbination with a carrier, of a series Yof punches and dies positioned radially on said carrier and movable relatively radially to coperate with a blank, and a cylindrical blank carriage adapted to position a blank in cylindricalv form between said punches and dies. i

23. In a stencil cutting machine, the combination with a carrier, of a series of punches and dies positioned radially on said carrierv and movable relativelyl radially to coperate with a blank, said carrier being rotatable to position the punches and dies at the cutting point, and a cylindrical blank `carriag'i-:i adapted to position a blank in cylindrical form between the punches and dies.

24. In a stencil cutting machine, the combination with a carrier, of a series of punches and dies positioned radially on said carrier and movable relatively radially to coperatey with a blank, said carrier being rotatable to position the punches and dies at the cutting point, a cylindrical blank carriage adapted to position a blank'in cylindrical form between the punches and dies, and means for rotating said carriage to feed the blank.

25. In a stencil cutting machine, the coni- Yy'lcination with a carrier, of a series of punches and dies positioned radially onsaid carrier andmcvable relatively radially to coperate with a blank, said carrier beingl rotatable to position the punches and dies at the cutting point, a cylindrical blank ca-n- A,

riage adapted to position -a blank in cylindrical form between the punches and dies,

and means for moving said carriageendA wise. Y

26. Ina stencil cuttingvmachine, the comit, bination with a carrier, of a series of punches and dies positioned radially on, sa carrier and movable relatively radially coperate with a blank, said carrierbeiiigao rotatable to position the punches andhpdie@ at the cutting point, acylindrical blank care-ty:

riage adapted to position a blank .in cylindrical form between the punches and dies,

and means forfrotating ksaid oarriage,to.'

space thestencil characters and for moving said carriageV endwiserto space the stencil,

cooperate with a blank, and a cylindricall blank carriage of skeleton construction adapted to position a blank in cylindrical form between 'said punches and dies.

ido

28. In a stencil cutting machine, the com- I bination with acarrier, of a series of -f punches and dies positioned radially on said carrier and movable relatively radially to coperate with a blank, said carrier/being rotatable to position the punches and dies at.

riage adapted to position a blank in .cylindrical form between the p unchesjand dies,

' and `means for operating said punches and dies and for moving said carriage.

29. Ina stencil cutting machine, the com- 1 bination with a carrier, of a series of punchesand dies positioned radially on saidI carrier and movable relatively radially to Coperate with a blank, saidcarrier being rotatable to position the punches and dies at the cutting point, a cylindrical blank carriage adapted to position a blank in cylin-v drical form between the punches and die's,\

means for operating said punches and dies and for rotating said carriage, and means for moving said carriage endwise.

30. In a stencil cutting machine, the con1 v bination with' a carrier, of a series of stencil cutting punches and dies positioned radially on said carrier and movable relatively radiallyto coperate with ,a blank, and a Ablanky carriage adapted to position a blank be- I. l'

tween" said punches and dies, said parts being constructed andz relatively arranged to space the part of the carrier on one side of the blank and the stencil cutting elements thereon from the blank, and position theV parts relatively to expose to view the portion of the blank having a stencil character cut therein. l

3l. In a stencil cutting machine, the ccmbination with a carrier, of a series of stencil cutting punches and dies positioned radially on said carrier and movable relatively radially to cooperate with a blank, and a blank carriage adapted to position a blank between said punches and dies, said parts being constructed and relatively arranged to space the part of the carrier on one side olf the blank and the stencil cutting elements thereon from the blank, and position parts relatively to expose to view the pote;- tion of the blank having a line ot stencil characters cut therein.

In a stencil cutting machine, the coinbination with a carrier, of a series of stencil cutting punches and dies positioned radially on said carrier and movable relatively radially to cooperate with a blank, aV blank carriage 'adapted to position a blank between said punches and dies, and means for feeding said blank to space the stencil lines adapted to raise a cut stencil line above said cai riet and expose it to view.

33'. Ina stencil cutting machine, the combination with a carrier, of a series of stencil cutting punches and dies positioned radially on said carrier and movable relatively ally `to cooperate with a. blank, and a blank carriage adapted to position a blank between said punches and dies, said carriage being movable to space a cut stencil line above said' carrier and expose it to view,

34. ln a stencil cutting machine, the conibination with a carrier, ot' a series of punches` and dies arranged in definite relation in sets horizontally on said carrier and movable relatively horizontally to out stencil characters in a blank, a blank carriage adapted to position a blank between said punches and dies, and means for moving said punches and dies relatively to cut th blank.

ln a stencil cutting machine, the ccmbination with a carrier, of a series ot punches and dies arranged in definite relation in sets horizontally on said carrier and movable relatively horizontally to cut stencil characters in a blank, a blank carriage adapted to position a blank vertically between said punchesv and dies, means for mov ing said punches and dies relatively to cut the blank, and means Jfor moving said carriage to feed the blank. i

36. In a stencil cutting machine, the conibination with a carrier, of a series of stencil cutting punches-and'dies. Apositioned horizontally on said carrier and movable relatively' horizontallv to cut stencil characters in a blank, a blank 'carriage adapted to position a blank vertically between said punchesV and dies, means adapted to ceperate with punches and dies for moving and dies relatively to cut the rneans or feeding the blank to .e ne stencil characters and to space the l lines.

blank vertically between said dies, and means adapted to coany ot said punches and dies aid punches and dies relatively to sition pn aches au ink, said parts being constructed and v arranged lto space the blank from a pa ci the carrier on one side of the blank anc, from the stencil cutting elements thereon, so as to expose to view the blank at the ,cutting points ln a stencil cutting machine, the ccmbination with a carrier, ot a series of punches and dies arranged in delinite relation in sets horizontally on said carrier and movable relatively horizontally to cut stencil characters in a blank, a blank carriage adapted Vto position a blank vertically between said punches and dies, means adapted to coperate with any ot' said punches and dies for moving said punches and dies relatively to cut the blank, and means for moving the blank constructed to raise the cut stencil character above the part-ol the carrier on one side of the blank to expose the same to view.

ll. ln a stencil cutting machine, the combination with a carrier, ot' a series o punches and dies ar 'anged in definite relation in sets horizontally on said carrier and movable relatively horizontally to cut stencil characters in a blank, blank carriage adapted to 'iosition a blank between .said punches and lies, ineens adapted to cooperate with any el' said punches and dies for moving said punches and dies relatively to cnt theblank, and means for moving the blank vertically consti-acted to raise the cut stencil line above the part et the carrienon one side of the bl; nk to expose the saine to view.

l G. ln a stencil cutting machine, the combination 'with a carrier, et a series of oanehcs and dies arranged in definite reion in horizontally on said carrier .el movable relatively horizontally te out i 'weil characters in a blank, a blanlncan nage positioned vertically between said punches dies, means adapted to coierate with any ol3 said punches and dies 'ing punches and'clies relati ely r mo*y out blank, and means for moving the ank vertically, constructed to raise the out s'ezicil above the part ot the kcarrier on .one le. the blank to expose the same to view.

la a stencil cutting machine; the coineen ln i stencil cutting machine, the com- 'i ce bination with a carrier, of a series of punches and dies arranged in delinite relation in sets positioned horizontally on said carrier and movable relatively horizontally to cut stencil characters in a blank, a blank carriage adapted to position a blank vertically between said punches and dies, means adapted to coperate with any of said punches and dies for moving said punches and dies relatively to cut the blank,means for moving the blank horizontally to space the stencil characters, and means for moving the blank vertically to space the stencil lines, constructed yto raise the cut stencil above the part of the carrier on one side of the to expose the-same to view.

42. In a stencil cutting machine, the combination with a carrier, of a series of punches and dies arranged in definite relation in sets horizontally on said .carrier and movable relatively horizontally to cut stencil char- Y acters in a blank, a blank carriage positioned vertically between said punches and dies,

and means adapted to coperate with any of said lpunches and dies for moving said punches and dies relatively to cut the blank, said carriage being movable in reverse directions.

43. In a stencil cutting machine,'the combination Jwith a carrier, of a series of punches and dies arranged in definite relation in sets horizontally on said carrier and movable relatively horizontally to cut stencil characters in a blanka blank carriage positioned vertically between said punches and' dies, and means adapted to coperate with any vof said punches and dies for moving said punches and dies relatively to cut the blank, said carriage being movable vertically in reverse directions.

44. In a stencil cutting machine, the combination lwith a carrier, of a series of punches and dies arranged in definite'relation in sets horizontally on said carrier and movable relatively horizontally to cut stencil char-` acters in a blank, ablank carriage positioned vertically 'between said punches and dies,

and means adapted to coperate with any of said punches and dies for moving said punches and dies relatively to cut the blank, said carriage being movable vertically and horizontally in reverse directions.

45. In a stencil cutting machine, the com bination with a carrier having-a series of cooperating stencil cutting punches and dies thereon, of a cylindrical blank carriage adapted to hold and position a blank in cylindrical form between said punches and flies. l

46. Ina stencil cutting machine, the combination with a carrier having a series of cooperating stencil cutting punches and dies thereon, of a cylindrical blank carriage adapted to hold and position a-blank in cylindrical form between said punches and blank ed to support and holda blank in cylindrical form, said parts being constructed and arranged to leave both sides of the blank free for operation of the stencil cutting punches and dies.

49. In a stencil cutting machine, a blank carriage comprising a cylindrical `skeleton structure adapted to support a blank in cylindrical form, and a center hub therefor,

said parts being constructed and arranged i to leave both sides of the blank free for operation, of the ,stencil cuttingpunchesand dies. v 50. In a stencil cutting machine, a blank carriage comprising a cylindrical skeleton body adapted to support a blank'in cylindrical form, a hub, and arms connecting said -hub and said body, said partsbeing con.

structed and arranged to leave both-sides of the blank free for operation of the stencil cutting punches and dies.

5l. In astencil cutting machine, a blank vcarriage comprising upper and lower rims,

stays connecting said rims to form an open cylindrical frame adapted to support a blank in cylindrical form, and means orsupporting said frame.

5 2. In a stencil cutting machine, a blank carriage comprising upper and lower flaring rims, stays connecting said rims to form an open cylindrical frame adapted to support a blank in cylindrical form, and means for supporting said frame.

In a stencil cutting machine, a blank carriage comprising an open cylindrical frame adaptedto support a blank in cylindrical form, and means for rotatively supporting said carriage, said parts being constructed and arranged to leave both sides of the blank freefor operation of the/stencil cutting punches and dies.

54. In a stencil cutting machine, a. blank carriage comprising an open cylindrical.. frame adapted to support a blank in cylindrical form, a hub for said frame, means for supporting saidfhub, and means for rotating said hub and for moving it'endwise, said parts being'constructed and arranged to leave both sidesA of the blank free for opration of the stencil cutting punches and les.

55. In a stencil cutting machine, a blank-'if frame adapted to support a blank in cylindrical form, a hub for said frame, a shaft for supporting said hub, means for sliding said hub on said shaft, and means for rotating said hub, said parts being constructed and arranged to leave both sides or" the blank liree for operation of the stencil cutting punches and dies.

56. In a stencil cutting machine, a movable blank carriage, and means for moving said carriage step by step, said moving means becoming disengaged from said carriage at the end of each step by step movement of the carriage to permit it to be moved freely in reverse directions.

57. ln stencil cutting machine, a mov able blank carriage, and means for moving said carriage step by step in rectangular paths, said moving means becoming disengaged from said carriage at the end of each step by step movement of the carriage to permit it to be moved l'reely in' reverse directions.

58. ln a stencil cutting machine, a rotatable and endwise movable carriage, and means for moving said carriage rotatively and endwise step by step, said moving means becomingl disengaged from said carriage at the end of each step by step movement ot the carriage to permit it to be moved freely in reverse directions.

59. A stencil cutting machine comprising a carrier, a series or' punches and dies arranged in definite relation on said carrier to form sets adapted to cut stencil characters in a blank positioned at an angle to the horizontal between said punches and dies, and blank supporting and feeding means adapt- 'ed to position the blank between said punches and dies, said punches and dies being movable relatively with respect to the blank to position a selected set of punches and dies at the cutting point, said blank supporting and feeding means engaging the blank below said punches and dies, said blank supporting and feeding means being constructed and arranged to expose the blank at the cutting point, a part or' said carrier and the cutting elements on one side of the blank being spaced from the blank,

,and said part terminating in such a position 1as to leave the blank unobstructed to view at the cutting point between the punches and dies, whereby the work in the machine is visible.

G0. A stencil cutting machine comprising a blank carrier, a-punch and die carrier and a series of cutting punches and dies arranged in definite relation on said punch and die carrier to torni setspadapted to cut stencil characters in a blank positioned by said blank carrier between said punches and dies, said carriers being relatively movable to position, a selected set o f punches and dies at the cutting point, said carrier supporting the blank inwardly of said punches and dies, said carriers being constructed and relatively arranged to space the blank a sut'- licient distance from the stencil cutting elements on oneV side of 'the blank, and said punch vand die carrier terminating on said side of the blank in such a position as to leave the blank unobstructed to view at the cutting point between the punches and dies, whereby the work in the machine is visible.

l. ln a stencil cutting machine, the conabination with stencil cutting mechanism, of a blank carrier, means for supporting sa'id carrier 'tor rotative movement, and feeding mechanism comprising a ratchet on said carrier and av pawl member having a plurality of sets of teeth engaging said ratchet.

62. A stencil cutting machine comprising a vertical carrier, a series of cutting punches and dies arranged in definite relation on said carrier for relative horizontal movement thereon, to form sets adapted to cut stencil characters in a bla'nk positioned between said punches and dies, said carrier being movable relatively with respect to the blank to position a selected set of punches and dies at the cutting point, means for mov-A ing said punches and dies relatively, means tor lfeeding the blank to space the stencil characters, and means Jfor positioning the blank in a plurality of vertical positions to space the stencil lines, said parts being constructed and arranged to permit vthe blank to move upwardly and away from said car- .rier when spacing the stencil lines so as to position the cut stencil line'above said carrier. whereby the work in the machine is visible.

63. stencil cutting machine comprising a vertical carri r, a series ot cutting punches and dies arrangedin definite relation on said carrier, for relative horizontal movement thereon, to torni sets adapted to cut stencil characters in a blank positioned be tween said punches andrdies, carrier being mov; `ble relatively with respect to the blank to position a selected set ot punches and dies at the cutting point, means for,

moving said punches and dies relatively, means positioned below said punches and dies tor feeding the blank to space the stencil characters, and means tor positioning the blank in a plurality ot vertical positions to space the stencil lines, said parts being constructed and arranged to permit the blank to move upwardly and away from said carrier when spacinyu the stencil lines so as to position the cut stencil line above said carrier. whereby the work in the machine is visible.

(3l. A stencil cutting machine comprising a vertical carrier, a series ot cutting punches a id dies a r a ,H r' carrier vfor relative horizontal nlovementI thereon, to form sets adapted to cut stencil moed in dennite relation on said