US1319676A

US1319676A - Stamp-affixing and envelop-sealing machine

Info

Publication number: US1319676A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1919-10-21
Anticipated expiration: 1936-10-21

Description

F. R. S. DITMARS. snm? Amxma Ann ENvELoP smm mcumf. APPLICATION FILED IULY IT, HHB.

Patented Oct. 21,1919.

F. R. S. DITIVIARS. STAMP AFIIXING AND ENVELOP SEMING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILE() IULY l?, i918. 1,319,676.

I SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Tue coLUMBIA Pmmonnum cn., WASHINGTON, n. l:4

Patented Oct. 21, 1919.

F. R. S. DITMARS.

STAMP Amxm AND ENvELoP SEALING MACHINE.

uw 1 w Q iT. |v.| l E 2 M S t n \\.N 1w w .fu .l n D1 .11@ m l. 1 m m2 l. w c 0\ m o N m n bs nl K w Nm. www nu N... O DI A NN Il n. uw nu omfRC EN .1 1,/ .m2 v2 DW.

F. R. S. DITMARS. STAMP AFFIXING AND ENvELoP sEALlNG MAcHmE. APPLICATION FILED JULY IT, |918.

1,319,676, Patented 0.31. 21,1919.

ISHEETS--SHEET 4.

Patented Oct. 21,1919.

I SHEETS-SHEET 5.

. S. DITMARS.

F STAMP AFFIXING AND ENVELOP SEALING MACHINE. APPLlcmou man JuLY u, |919.

.msm

I uentor "rim COLUMBIA PLANnunAPM co4, WASMINu'roN, n c.

F. R. S. DlTMA-RS. STAMP ArrlxlNG AND ENVELOP SEALING MACHINE.

l APPLICATION FILED JULY l?. 19H3. Patnted Oct. 2l,

l' SHEETS-SHEET 6.

F. R. S. DIMARS.

STAMP AFFIXING AND ENVELOP SEALING MACHINE.

APPLICATION mln luLv l1. 191e.

SHEETS-SHEET I.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERICK IB. S. DITMARS, OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, ASSIGNOR T0 CLARK MAILING MACHINE COMPANY, A CORPORATION 0F MISSOURI.

STAMP-AFFIXING AND ENVELOP-SEALING- MACHINE.

To all whom 'it may concern: A Y

Be it known that I, FREDERICK R. S. DrrMARs, a citizen of the United States nof America, residing at Kansas City, inthe county of Jackson and State of Missouri, have invented certain new and usefulv Improvements in Stamp-Aflixing and .Envelop-Sealing Machines; and I do hereby declare that the followin is a full, clear, and exact description of 51e invention, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification.

This invention relates to certain improve-` ments in stamp-aiiixing and envelop-sealing machines wherein the successive operations of moistening the flap of the envelop and subsequently the surface of the envelop to receive the stamp, then cutting the stamp from the strip of stamp material, `then ailixing the stamp to the envelop and sealing the flap in an automatic sequence are performed, and it has for its object:

First, an upward adjustment of the moistening devices for the flap of the envelop, whereby complete contact with the flap is assured.

Second, to provide for adjustment of the supporting plates for the stack of envelope,

varying in length and Width.

Third, to adjust the pressure of the preliminary envelop-holding or retaining devices. Fourth, to adjust the position of the envelop-holding or retarding devices, to

accommodate the varying width of envelops.

Fifth, to enable the return movement ofl the finger bars out of contact with the enl velop.

Sixth, to control the rapidity of action of the stamp-separating devices, -and simplifyv the actuating mechanism.V

Seventh, the control of the' actuating mechanism of the stamp separator from the reciprocating envelop-feeding carriage.

Eighth, to govern the operation of the stamp-separating and affixing devices responsively to the thickness or bulk ofthe envelop, when moved forwardly toward said devices:

Ninth, the automatic regulation of the feed of the stamp material, during the initial, forward movement of the envelop; and

Tenth, to eect the sealing of the envelope,

Specicatiiil of Letters Patent.

Appli-cation filled July 17, 191B.

Patented oet. 21, 1919.

Serial N0. 245,819.

plate beneath being broken away, to show the fiap-moistening roller and the adjustable water reservoir.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the operative parts pf the machine, beneath the bed plates upon which the envelops are carried forward, and the stationary supporting plate for the stack of envelope below the dotted

line

2, 2, in Fig. 5, showing the reciprocating carriage,

and the envelop-feeding plate, the track rails supporting the carriage, the motor, and the carriage-actuating devices driven by the motor.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the stationary and operative parts of the machine, as seen upon the removal of the vertical side plate, on the left-hand side of the machine, its outline being shown in dotted lines, showing the long arm on the rock shaft, controlling the action of the stamp-separating and aiiixing devices, and controlled by the reciprocating carriage in its forward movement.

Fig. 4 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view, taken on the

line

4, 4, in Fig. l, looking forwardiy, showing the transverse connecting plate, with the side plates of the frame, also showing the rock shaft carrying the retarding lingers to the envelops, the adjustable envelop feed rollers and the transverse bar supporting the extensions of the bed plates.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal, vertical, sectional view, taken through the bed of the machine on the line 5, 5 in Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the right-hand side plate of the machine, showing the envelop-moisten ing and stamp-affixing mechanism, and the adjusting device for the water reservoir.

Fig. 6 is a lon tudinal, sectional View, taken `through the ed of the machine, taken on the line 6. 6, in Fig. 1. showing the envolop-supporting plate, the reservoir for the Water, and one of the bed and envelop-sealingpiates.

1g.' 7 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view of the machine, taken on the

line

7, 7, in Fig. 1, and looking in the direction of the rear end of the machine.

F ig. 8 is a detail side View of the reser voir for the Water, showing the means -for moving the forward end of tlie reservoir upwardly.

Fig. 9 is an isometric view of the water reservoir, showing the moistening relier, and means for preventing back rotation thereof.

Fig 10 is a view, in perspective upon an enlarged scale, of a portion of the side plate on the left-hand side of the machine, showing a portion of the reciprocating carriage frame, and a portion of the forward roekshaft and envelop-ejecting finger bar and the rock shaft devices on the said shaft, and the side of the machine for depressing the linger' bar below the envelop 1n a return movement of the carriage frame, the view showing the position of the nger bar in the forward movement of the .reciprocating carriage.

Fig. 11 is a detail View, in perspective, of the moistening receptacle for moistening the outer face of the corner ofthe envelop which receives the Stam showing a portion of the side bar of t e reciprocating carriage and the operating Wedge er cam.

Fig. 12 is a side View, in detail, of the carrier for the stamp material, and the guide rollers, also showing the reciprocating carrier for the stamp feeders, and the inclosing hood, and the guiding plate for the stamp material beneath the stamp feeders, in longitudinal, vertical section.

Fig. 13 is a detail view, in perspective, of the carrier for the stamp material, and the hood Within which the carrier has a reciprocal movement, showing the sight openlng-S.

F ig. 14 is an isometric view of portions of the carrier for the stam feeders, and the pivotal support for said iheders, and a portion of the pitman operating the carriers.

Fig. 15 is a detail side view, enlarged, of the vibrating track bar and rod actuating .the stamp-separating cutter bar, and showing the spring supporting the forward end of the track bar, and the adjustable tension devices for the spring.

Fig. 16 is a view, in perspective, ofthehorizontal plate on the side member oef the frame of the machine, carrying the stamp-V supporting and stamp-feeding devices, show4 ing in detail the stamp-supporting devices on the plate.

Fig, 17 is a view, in perspective, of the track plate operating the stamp-separating and aliixing lever, showing the plate-guid ing devices.

Fig. 18 is a View, in perspective, of a portion of the Side member of the frame of the machine, upon which the stami'i-sumiorting, stamp-feeding and stamp-separating and ailiXing devices are located, showing a portion of the rock shaft actuating the stamp-feeders, also showing the arm on said shaft, with which the feed-adjusting catch bar is pivotally connected, and the lever support on the side member, and the adjust ing device on the catch bar movable toward and away from tine support, and controlling the action of the catch bar in its engagement with the stamp-axing lever.

Similar Vnumerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures of the drawin Y The same of the machine, as seen in the drawings, to which reference is made, is rectangular in form, and comprises the longitudinal side plates or member 20, 20', on the respective right and left-hand sides of the machine, which extend upwardly a cousideraible height.

At the forward end of the frame is a transverse connecting bar 21, connected at its ends with the respective side plates 20, 20', at a dietance upwardly from the lower surfaces of said side plates, approximately that of one-half their full height, the upper end portions of said side plates being cut away diagonally, as seen at 200, in Figs. 3 and 4. At the rear end of the frame is a transverse connecting bar 22, its upper surface being in line horizontally with the upper surface of the transverse bar 21.. The frame of the machine is supported by the legs 23, 23', secured at their upper ends to the lower, inner portions of the respective side plates 20, 20', and adjacent the end portions of said plates.

Parallel with and a short distance in- Wardly from the inner surfaces of the side plates 20, 20', are the respective horizontal track rods or rails 24, 24', the rod 24 being located farther inwardly from the side plate 20 than the rod 24, from the side plate 20. The ends of the

rods

24, 24 are secured rigidly to the respective transverse Ebars 21 and 22, between the lines of their upper and lower surfaces.

The bed of .the machine, upon which the envelops are supported in a movement coincident with the various operations of moistening the surface aiixing the stamps and sealing the flaps of the envelope, consists of a number of longitudinal flat strips or` slats 25, 25', 252. 253, extending parallel with the side plates 20, 20', of the machine, and having longitudinal spaces 25, of the saine vvidth between each other. The strip 25, ad- ]acent the side plate 20, is narrow in. width,

and is arranged with its outer, longitudinal edge at a short distance inwardly from said plate. The next strip 25' is of an increased width to the strip 25, and the width of the strip 252 is in excess of the width of strip 25', the strip 25, `being narrow in width and arranged between the strip 252 and the side member 20', of the frame of the machine, and a considerable distance therefrom.

T'he rear ends of the separate bed strips 25, 25', 252, 253, are connected rigidly with the upper surface of the rear, transverse connecting bar 22, the forward ends of said strips or slats extending forwardly the width described, a distance considerably less than one-half the distance from thetransverse bar 22 to the transverse bar 21, at the forward end of the machine. The forward ends of said strips or slats are reduced in breadth or drawn out to form rods 26, which extend forwardly and downwardly, as further described.

Extending in a transverse direction to the frame of the machine, and connected rigidly at its upper end portions with the inner surfaces of the side plates 20, 20', at points on said frame a short distance forward of vertical lines on said sides, intermediate their respective ends, is a plate 27, extending in width from the line of the upper portions of the side plates 20, 20', downwardly a short distance above the lines of the upper horizontal surfaces of the bed stri s or slats 25, 25', 252 and 25s, to ermit of t e passage thereunder of the enve ops, as they are fed, one at a time, from the stack of envelops, which stack is supported by the said plate in one direction.

In the lower portion of the plate 27, adjacent the inner surface of the side member 20, of the frame, is a vertical space or opening 27', and in the other lower end portion of said plate is a wide opening 27", which will be further referred to. The rods f 26 which form a part of the bed strips 25,

25', 253 and 253 or extensions thereof above referred to are triangular in cross-section (see Fig. 4), and are extended forwardly beneath the transverse plate 27, and a short distance forward of a vertical line extending through said plate, as seen in Fig. 3, and are bent in a curved line, and connected integrally with a transverse bar 28, which bar extends in length nearly to the res ective track rods 24, 24', and is secured y the screws 28' tothe upper surface of a transverse plate or 'bar 29, the ends of which plateJ extend below the rods 24, 24', respectively, and are bent at an angle at 29', and secured rigidly to the side members 20, 20', of the frame, respectively.

30 indicates the envelop guiding roller, which is located in rear of the transverse plate 27, the lower surface of the roller being normally in line with the lower edge of the said plate 27, andadjacent the opening through which the envelops are fed in succession.

The roller is preferably made with a covering of rubber. The ends of the roller extend to the line of the inner sides of the openings 27', 27X, of plate 27, and are journaled in the rear ends of the bars 31, 31', (see Figs. 3 and 5), which pass through said openings 27', 27", the forward ends of the bars extending forward of plate 27, being upwardly inclined and pivotally connected at 31", to the side member 20, of the frame. The bar 31' is bent at ri ht angles immediately forward of plate 2 and extended to the side member 20' of the frame, as seen in Figs. 1 and 4, thence extended along said side member and inclined upwardly and pivotally connected at 31, with said side inember, so that the gravity of the roller causes it to bear upon the envelops, as they pass beneath. The envelops are moved forwardly. over the bed of the machine, by means of a reciprocating envelop-feeding carriage, which consists of the forward, perforated blocks 32, slidingly mounted on the respective track rods 24, 24', and the rear, perforated blocks 33, also mounted slidingly on the respective rods, and arranged a distance a art on said rods for reciprocating, respectively, to the ends of said track rods.

With the upper surfaces of the respective forward and

rear blocks

32 and 33, on the respective track rods 24, 24' are connected the ends of the respective narrow connecting

plates

34 and 35, respectively. At the rear end of the carriage frame is a transverse connecting bar 36, connected at its ends with the lower surfaces of the

blocks

32, 33.

On the forward surface of bar 36, and

near each end, are the brackets 37, 37', which extend downwardly below the lines of the bar (see Fig. 10), and in Said brackets are journaled the pins 38', on the ends of the rocking slat 38. 39 indicates a rocking slat, which is journaled in the downwardly-extended

plates

40, 40, secured to the inner surfaces of the respective connecting

bars

34 and 35, at a point on said bars approximately one-third the distance from the rear ends of said bars, toward their forward ends.

With the upper surface and forward portions of the rocking slat 38 are connected r'gidly the lower end portions of the envelop-feeding finger bars 41, the upper portions of which bars extend in an upward and rearward direction over the upper surface of the transverse bar 36, and move with the forward movement of the carriage frame, in the openings or spaces 25, between the

slats

25, 25', 252 and 253, forming the bed of the machine, and in the rearward movement of the carriage are depressed below the line of the lower surfaces of the said slats, in the manner further described. In the lower surface of the linger bars are envelop-engaging notches 42 (see Fig. 1U). Upon the rocking slat 39 are envelop-feeding linger bars 43, whicliare precisely the same as the finger bars 41, the notchesI enabling the envelope to be positively held, when engaged therewith.' Upon the lower surface of the rocking slats 38, and at the end adjacent the side member 20, of the frame of the machine, is secured an arm 44, extending downwardly and forwardly a short distance, and upon its lower end is a pin 45, extending toward the member 20, of the frame.

U on the inner surface of said member 20 of tie frame in the path of movement of the pin 45, on the arm 44, is a horizontal tripping plate 46, having a flange 47, upon the inner surface and forward end of said plate, extending downwardly and pivotally connected to said side member at 46.

When the carriage is at the end of its forward movement the pin 45 passes the pivotal point 46, to a position beneath the plate 46. A pin 48 is secured to the Side member 20, a short distance in rear of the pivotal point 46, of flange 47, with the said side member 20, which supports the tripping plate in a normal, horizontal position. The rear end of the trip plate is `curved at 46", downwardly (see Fig. 10), and upon the pin 45 on the arm 44 passing beneath said curved end of the trip plate, said plate is raised from the pin 48, and in the forward movement of the carriage the pin 45 moves upon the upper surface of plate 46, raising the finger bars 41. A like tripping plate 49 is pivoted to the side member 20, in the path of movement of the pin 50", on the arm 50, on the rocking slat 39 (see F ig. 2), which is precisely the same as plate 46, and operates in the same manner to raise and depress the linger bars 43, as described of the finger bars 41. An envelop-feeding plate 51 is connected rigidly at. its forward end with the

longitudinal plates

34 and 35, of the reciprocating carriage, at points on said plates intermediate their forward and rear ends, the forward end of said plate extending forwardly to within a short distance of the forward ends of the

plates

34 and 35. The rear edge of the plate 51 is very slightly bent upwardly at 51', and engages with the flap of the envelop in the initial forward movement of the reciprocating carriage. Upon the lower surface of said rear edge of the plate 51 is a moistening strip 51". In the rear portion of the feed plate 51 is a slot 51, for the purpose further explained: The moistening device for the flaps of thel envelops consists of a triangular shaped hollow receptacle '52 (see Fig. 9), having a flat top plate 58, side members or platea 59.

which are bent inwardly at 59", 593 to decrease the width of the box, and a rear end. 60, a forward end 61, and a bottom member 62, all of thc parts being soldered together, hence Water-tight.

1n the rear portion of the top plate 58 is a transverse opening 63, and within the receptacle beneath said opening is a moistening roller 64, joui'naled at its ends in the grooves 58', in the side members 59, of the said receptacle, the outer portion of the roller extending through the opening 63, a covering of felt or cloth 65, extending around the roller, for moistening the strip 51 of the feed plate, in a reciprocal movement of the carriage. A wire 66 is wound about the roller 64, its free end 67 being extended within the vertical groove for the journal of the nioistening roller, whereby its forward rotation is limited. The water may be supplied to the receptacle through the opening 63. The bottoni 62 of the receptacle, in the direction of its end member 61, is supported adjustably upon the outer ends of the arms 68, on a rock shaft 69, the ends of which rock shaft being journaled in the side members 20, 20', respectively, of the frame of the machine (see Figs. 2 and 5). With a separate arm 70, on the rock shaft 69, adjacent the side member 20 is pivotally connected the end of an adjusting rod 71, which extends upwardly a short distance, and is bent at right angles, the outer end being extended forwardly through the transverse connecting bar 21, at the forward end of the frame of the machine.

Around this rod 71 extends a coiled spring 72, the rear end of which sprin is held by a ring 73, fixed to said rod, the fbrward end of the spring bearing against the inner surface of the bar 21. The end portion of the rod 71 extending through bar 21, is screwthreaded, and upon said and is an adjusting nut 74, for raising or lowering the receptacle the proper degree. Upon the forward end 65, of the receptacle 52, are separate angle bars 74', 74', with which bars are connected the respective ends of a rod 75. Upon the inner surface of the transverse bar 21, at the forward end of the frame, is secured a flat bar 76, the ends 77, of which are bent outwardly, at right angles to said bar 21, and provided with grooves 78, which grooves receive the rod 75, on the angle bars 74.', 74', of the receptacle, and support said receptacle removably in place. At the forward end of the side members 20, 20', of the frame are secured by the vertical flanges 7 9', the respective horizontal, inwardly-extended ledge plates 79, upon which is arranged the respective ends of the horizontal envelopsuiporting plate 80.

n the forward surface of the transverse bar 21 is an upwardly-extended lug 81, upon which the forward end of plate 80 rests, the said portion of plate 80 being bent at right angles, and extended downwardly past the forward surface of the lug, and provided with a longitudinal opening 82. ln the lug 81 is a screw-threaded pin 83, upon which is a nut 84, securing the plate 80 in a fixed position. The rear portion of the plate 80 extends to a position in a vertical line with the moistening roller 64, the rear end portion of which plate is bent or inclined downwardly, in a slight degree, at 80', and upon which bent portion the stack of envelops is mainly supported. The devices for holding the envelope, when arranged upon plate 80, from a forward or end-wise movement in a stack, consist of upright plates 84 and 85, upon the upper surface and rear portions of plate 80, these plates being spaced apart, and arranged in the longitudinal direction of the frame of the machine, and provided with forward, inwardly-bent portions 34X, 85", respectively. At the lower end of the said portions 84", 85X of plates 84 and 85 are forwardly-

extended flanges

86 and 87, respectively, the former plate 84 being secured to the right-hand side of the plate 80, a considerable distance inwardly from the side member 20', of the frame of the machine, by the screws 86", which pass through the flange 86, into said plate 80. In the envelop-supporting plate, extendingr beneath the flange 87, on the lower end of the portion 852 of plate 85, is a slot 88, extending nearly to the left-hand end of said plate 80, and in said flange 87 is a slot 89, extending in the same direction. An adjusting bolt 90 (see Fig. 6) extends upwardly through

slots

88, and 89, and is provided with an adjusting nut 90. A short distance above the vertically movable feed roller 30 is a rocking bar 91, square in cross-section, upon the end portion of which bar are pins 91', which are journaled in the side members 20, 20', of the frame of the machine (see Fig. 4).

Upon the end portion of `bar 91, adjacent the side member or plate 20, is secured by the adjusting screw 92", yan arm 92, through the outer end portion of which arm extends an adjusting screw 93. The lower end of screw 93 bears upon the inwardly-extended portion of an angle plate 94, secured to said side member 20, in which plate is a slot 95, which permits lateral adjustment of arm 92 (see Fig. 1). In the adjustment of the arm 92, on angle plate 94, a slight oscillation of the bar 91 is permitted. To the bar 91 is secured, in like manner, to the arm 92, the inner ends of separate arms 96 and 97 (two being shown) one intermediate the ends of said bar, and the other a considerable distance -inwardly from the side member 20', of the frame of the machine.

Upon these '

arms

96 and 97 are adj ustably supported by the adjusting screws 98', 97',

respectively, the envelop-holding and retarding

plates

98 and 99, respectively. These

plates

98 and 99 are nearly square in form, and are provided with a downwardly extended portion, which rests upon the upper surface of the feed plate 51, in its rearward movement, and are supported above the bed plate extensions 26, in the forward movement of the plate 51. In the lower, forward portion of said' envelop-re taining plate is a notch 100 (see Fig. 6). The adjusting screws 98', 99 enable the plates to be moved rearwardly or forwardly, as the retardation of the envelop is desired, the notched portions of which plates engage with the envelops, as they move forwardly, in succession.

The moistening device, for moistening the outer surface of the envelop, consists of a square box-frame 101. seen in detail in Fig. 11, and is open at the top Iand bottom, and in which opening is a closely-fitting sponge 102, projecting a short distance from the open, lower end of the box-frame 101. This box-frame is located in position directly above the extension rod 26, from the 'bed plate 253, and beneath which box-frame the right-hand portion of the feed plate 51 has a reciprocal movement. Upon the outer side 'and upper end portion of the box-frame is an outward extension or block 102', with which block is connected rigidly the inner end of a supporting bar 103, which is ex* tended toward the side member 20', of the frame of the machine, thence bent at right angles and extended forwardly, parallel with said side and connected pivotally with said side member, at 103". The downward movement of the Inoistening box is effected by 'a wire spring 104, one end of which spring extends within the opening 27 x of the transverse plate 27, and bears against the upper portion of said opening. The other end of said wire spring extends to and around the pivot 103", for the bar 103. It is then extended along said bar and extended within an opening105 in said bar.

Extendin outwardly from the lower portion of the oX-frame 101 toward the side member 20', is aplate or flange 106. Upon the upper surface and right-hand side of the feed plate 51, and intermediate at its ends, is an upwardl -extended wedge-shaped plate or cam l() which in the rearward movement ofthe feed plate comes in contact with the inwardly-extended portion of the arm 103, on the moistening box 101, and imparts to said box-frame an upward movement. The locating of the cam 107, on the feed plate, is such that in the completion of the movement rearwardly of the reciprocating carriage, the highest point of the wedge is reached, and the full elevation of the box-frame 101 against the tension of the spring 104.

The reciprocation ofthe envelopefeeding carriage is effected by means of a large, horizontally-positioned, grooved wheel 108, located directly beneath the flap-moistening receptacleor box 52. The wheel 108 is provided with a downwardly-extended shaft 109, journaled in a shaft bearingA 110, secured rigidly to the forward side of a transverse bar 11]., intermediate its ends. The ends of the bar 111 are bent at right angles, and secured to the side members 20, 20', of the frame of the machine at 112'.

113 indicates a crank shaft, one end of which shaft is pivotally connected at 113, with the upper surface of the peripheral portion of the large wheel 108. The rear end of the crank shaft 113 extends forwardly in an upwardly-inclined direction to within a short distance of its forward end, and is then bent at a greater angle, and thence horizontally, and connected pivotally at 114, with the lower surface of the transverse connecting bar 36, of the reciprocatingr carriage, at a point intermediate the ends of said bar.

In the one rotation of the wheel 108, the reciprocating carriage completes' its forward and rearward movement.

115 indicates an electric motor, of small power, located near the forward end of the sides 20, 20', of the frame of the machine, and upon the upper surface of a transverse plate 116, having flanges 116", secured to the lower portions of said side members Q0, 20', immediately above the lower surface of said plates.

117 indicates the motor shaft, and 118 a small, grooved wheel on vsaid shaft. 119 indicates an endless band, extending over the grooved wheel 118, and also over the larger grooved wheel 108.

120 indicates the electric conducting wires leading from the motor to the switch 121, and from switch 121 the wires are extended at 122, and provided with a screw-threaded plug 123, which is fitted within4 any socket in an electric supply system, and with this power the operation of the machine is rapid and a high degree of efficiency obtained.

The stamp-supporting and stamp-feeding devices are located in position directly above the slat 25a, on the right-hand side of the bed of the machine. The support for said devices consists of a horizontal plate 124, extending parallel with the side plate or member 20', of the frame of the machine. and from said side member inwardly to :1 position a short dist'ansce above the slat 258, of the bed of the machine, the inner surface being in a vertical line with the inner vsurface of said Slat.

The plate 124 is provided with a flange 125, `on its inner portion which extends upwardly and is secured to the side member 20', of the frame of the machine (see Fig.

16). The plate 124 extends from a point a short distance inwardly from the line of the rear end of side member 20, of the frame, forwardly to a point a short distance rearwardly of a vertical line extending through the forward ond of the bed Slat 25", and integral with its inner portion is an angle plate 125', extending upwardly and connected with the frame 124. Within the outer, beaded edle 124", of plate 124, is a longitudinal trac( plate 126, extending upwardly a short distance. A; like track plate 127 extends longitudinally with plate 124 and is located intermediate the track plate 12.6 and the upwardly-extended flange 125.

The supporting devices for the stamp material consists of an upright plate 128 (see Fig. 16), adjacent the inner side of the track plate 127, and arranged a short distance inwardly from the rear end of the plate 124. Upon the lower end of plate 128 is a flange 129, secured fixedly by a screw 129", to the plate 124. A screw bolt 180 extends through the upper end of plate 128, upon which is a thinible 131. secured at its upper end to the inner end of the screw bolt 130, by a nut 133 (see Fig. 1).

Upon the thimble 131 is arranged a retaining disk 134, for the roll of stamp material. A wire 135 secured at its outer ends to the outer surface of the disk, 'engages the screw bolt between its head and the thimble 131. Upon the outer end of the bar 132 is a screw bolt 136, carrying a thimble 137. .i portion of the plate 128 is bent outwardly at 139,'t'o which is secured the upper end of a spring plate 140, which extends downwardly, and its outer end curved upwardly :md brought in Contact with the thimble 137, on the bar 132.

The stamp material employed in the me4 chine consists of a narrow strip of peper 141. of the usual description. upon which oflicial stamps are printed in ribbon form. and perforated trausif'crsely between the stamps and the stamp ribbon wound in a roll and placed in the sleeve 131, and held thereon by vthe disk 134. One surface of the strip is printed with the staminnud upon the other is an adhesive substance. y

Upon the upper surface of the plete .1. forward of the plate 128, and between the

flanges

126 and 127, is located a yielding plate 142, for the stamp material. its inner edge portion 148 extending upwardly. and hooked over the flange 127, and securell l'lzereto supporting the guide plate 142` u slight distance above the plate 124. Sprint-5 extensions 142' extend forwardly from the plate' 142, to the forward end of plate 124. The free end. of the stamp material is extended downwardly fromV t'he roll. and rearwardly between the thimble 1.37 and the curved portion of the spring plate 140. thence downwardly over the curved edge of A bar 132 is i flat plates 160, their the spring plate to the plate 124, thence forwardly beneath the guide plate 142, and is fed, as further described.

At the forward end of the horizontal supporting plate 124, and integral with its outer edge portion are the upwardly-extended flanges 144 and 145.

The stamp-feeding devices consist of a reciprocating carrier 147, its frame being composed of parallel

wide strips

148 and 149, secured together by a longitudinal fiat plate 150, integral with the upper surfaces of the respective strips (see Figs. 12, 13, and 14). In the rear, upper portion of plate 150 is a longitudinal slot 151. The carrier 1417 is arranged to slide within a fixed hood 152, of an increased length to the carrier, and which is mounted on the forward end of the plate 124, secured to the side member, 20. of the frame of the machine.

The hood 152 consists of a horizontal plate 153. Connected with its outer edge is a side member 154, which extends downwardly to the line of the outer edge of plate 124 and past the outer surfaces of the flanges 144 and 145, to which flange 145 the hood is rigidly secured by a screw 146.

An inner side member 155, of the hood, extends downwardly toward the plate 124, and is bent inwardly to form a guide flange 156, which rests upon the flange 127 on the plate 124. From the inner surface of the top plate 153, a short distance inwardlyr from the side plate 154, extends downwardly a longitudinal plate 157, provided with an inwardly-extended ange 158, which rests upon the flange 126, on the plate 124. The carrier 147 is movable between the plates 155, 157, supported by the guide flanges 156, 158, respectively, to the line of the forward end of the hood, in a forward movement of the carrier.

The stamp-feeders consist of a number of outer ends being cut away from the line o-f their upper edges, downwardly and dia onally, terminating in a forwardly-extende point, adapted to engage with the perforations in the stamp material. These feeding plates are arranged loosely upon a rod or pin 161, extending through registering openings in the rear ends of the plates, the ends of the pin 161 being secured within the sides of the

longitudinal strips

148, 149, intermediate the top plate 150, and the lower edges of the respec tive strips, and a short distance inwardly from their forward ends. t ln the top plate 153, of thehood, and near its forward end, is a sight opening 162, through which the position of the feeder plates may be observed, with respect to the perforations in the paper, upon a movement rearwardly of the feeders, to engage with the said perforations.

In the rear portion of the top plate 156,

of the hood, is a longitudinal opening 163, which is directly above the opening 151, in the plate 150, of the carrier, and through which openings extends the inner end of a pitman or bar 164, which is pivotally connected with a pin 165, connected with the respective side strips 148 and 149, of the carrier, at short distances inwardly `from their respective ends. A rock shaft 166 operates the carrier for the stamp-feeders, one end of which shaft extends in a transverse direction to and a slight distance above the rear end portion of the plate 142, supporting the stamp-feeding devices, and immediately in rear of the vertical plate 128, supporting the stamp-supporting devices, and is journaled at 166", in the upwardly-extended flange 125, on said plate. The other end of the rock shaft extends transversely to the bed of the machine, and is journaled in the side member 20, of the bed off the machine.

Upon the rock shaft 166, in rear of the stamp-feedin devices is fixed an arm 167 which extents upwardly a short distance. With the upper end of arm 167 is pivotally connected the rear end of the pitman 164, operating the stamp feeders.

Upon the endportion of the rock shaft 166, journaled in the side member 20, of the frame of the machine, is a downwardly and rearwardly-extended arm 168, having a curved lower edge.

170 indicates a lever on the left-hand side of the machine, seen in Figs. 1 and 3, which operates the arm 168, on the rock shaft 166. The lever consists of a long bar, its forward end extending forwardly beneath the angle plate 94, and is pivotally connected at 171, to the side member 20, of the frame of the machine. The rear end of the bar or lever extends rearwardly to within a short distance off the Vtransverse bar 22, at said rear end of the frame of the machine, directly beneath the arm 168, and is bent downwardly in a gradually-curved line. The rear end of the lever 17 0 is retained against the side member 20, of the frame of the machine, by means of the upright guide plate 17 2, on the rear end of the longitudinal side plate 34, on the reciprocating envelop-feeding carriage, which actuates the lever 170, to raise its rear end, and cause the lever to move the arm 168, on the rock shaft 166, upwardly, and throw forwardly the upper end of arm 167, and thus operate the stamp-feeding devices near the end of its rearward movement, when the curved end of said lever 170 is moved upwardly, and rests upon the upper surface of the narrow side plate 34, of the reciprocating carriage. Upon the end of the shaft 166, journaled in the upwardly-extended flange 125, on the inner surface of the side member 20, of the frame of the machine, and adjacent said plate, is secured fixedly'an upwardly-extended arm fl il 173. A coiled spring 174 is wound around the shaft 166, one end of which spring is extended downwardly, and secured to the flange 129, on the lower end of the stampsupporting plate 128, by the

screw

12,9*2 The other end of the coiled spring bears against the forward portion of the arm 173, the coiled spring acting to effect a return movement of the arm 167, operating the stamp-feeding device.

The stamp-operating and aflixing devices consist of a flat bar or lever 175, one end of which bar extends through a vertical opening 175", in the side member 20, of the frame of the machine, and which extends transversely to the outer surface of th'e angle plate 125, at the forward end 0f the plate 124, supporting the stamp-feeding devices. Said outer end of arm 175 is plvotally connected with a lug 176, on the outer surface of the side member or plate 20', of the frame of the machine, by the pivot bolt 176". The inner end of the arm extends inwardly, in close contact with the outer snrface of the angle plate 125', to a position opposite the forward end of the hood and integral with the outer surface and ower portion of said arm is a laterally-extended, upwardiy-inclined flange or plate 177. To the lower surface of said plate is secured, by the screws 179, a stamp-cutting and afxin plate 178, having a cutting edge 180, whic comes into close position with the forward lend ofthe plate 124, upon which the stamp material is fed.

With the outer side of the lever 173, at a point a short distance inwardly from the line of the inner surface of the side member 20', of the frame ofthe machine, is pivotally connected, at 180", the upper end of a ml 180 (See Fig. 15), the lower end 0f which rod extends downwardly, through an opening 181, larger in circumference than said rod in the horizontally-extended portion of an angle plate 182, secured to the inner surface and iower portion of the side member 29 of the frame of the machine, and screw-threaded 'alt the central and lower endportions of the rod. Upon said rod is a tube 184, the lower end of which tube extends through the opening 181, in the angle plate 182. Upon the lower screw-threaded end of rod 180 is a nut 185, which bears adjustably upon the lower surface of the horizontal portion of the angle plate 182. Upon the central screw-threaded ortion of the rod is 'an adjusting nut 186, caring on the upper end of the tube 184. Extending around the tube is a spiral spring 187, one end of which spring bears upon the upper surface of the horizontal portion of the angle ,'late 182, and the other end against the adjusting nut 186, whereby the tension of the coiled spring 192, further described, is increased.

imams e e.

The operating devices for the rod 180 consist of a horizontal track plate 188, narrow in width, and provided with an opening 189, at its forward end, through which the rod 180 extends. From the inner surface of said end extends downwardly a guiding iiange 190, which extends downwardly on the inner side member 20', of the frame of the machine (see Fig. 7). Said end of plate 188 is supported yieldingly, by the upper end of a coiled spring 192, extending around the rod 180, and its lower end bears on the adjusting nut 186.

From the inner surface andA rear end of plate 188, extends downwardly, a guiding ange 193, and upon the side member 20, of the frame of the machine, is a keeper plate 19-1, which retains said plate normally against said side member 20. In the plate 188, inwardly from the Flange 193, is a notch 195.

196 indicates a Vertically-positioned catch plate, within the notch 195, of the track plate 188, its upper end being pivotally connected at 196", with the side member 2i), of the frame of the machine, a short distance above the line of the track plate, the pivot extending through said @nd of the catch plate immediately in rear of a vertical line passing through said plate, intermediate its forward and rear surfaces.

In the rear portion of the catch plate is a notch 197, the lower edge of which notch engages in the normal position of the track pian 128, with the rear end of the notch 195, in said plate, and holds said plate in conjunction with the spring 192, in a normally-raised position,

The portion of the catch beneath the notch 197 is curved downwardly and forwardly at 198. VVith the inner edge of the longitudinal plate 35, of the reciprocating carriage, a short distance forwardly of the transverse connecting bar 36, is connected rigidly the upper end of Flat plate 199, the lower end of which plate passes the inner surface of 'the track plate 188, and upon the inner side of 4Said lj'ower end vof the plate is piroted a roller 200, which moves `over the lower surface of 'the track plate 188, when ya amp-separating aixing devices 'are out of operation., and the enve op-feeding carriage moves forwardly and rearwardly.

The controlling devices which set in motion the stamp-'separating and aflix'ng devices, are operable bythe envelop fed by the reciprocating carriage, 4and consist of a rock shaft 201, *one end of which shaft is jour-k naled in the side member 20', of, the frame of the machine, a short distance forward of the stampasiiixing lever 173. The other end of said shaft extends in a 'transverse direction *to the bed of the machine, and is jourualed in the side member or plate 20, of the frameof themachine. Upon sai-d shaft, ad-

jacent the side member 20', is secured fixedly the forward ei'id of a long lever' 202, the rear end of which lever extends rearwardl Iand downwardly, and enters within a note 203,- on the upper, forward edge of the catch 190, located slightly below a line extending horizontally through the` pivot 196x for said rati-h.

-Upon the rock shaft 201 is secu-red adjustably, by the set screw 204",one end of a controlling arm or lever 204, the other end eX- tending rearwardly and downwardly upon the upper surface of the bed plate 252, 1n the path'of the envelope passlngfrom the stack, between the. envelop-retaining plates 8l and 85. i

rl`he sealing devices for the flaps of the envelops consist of the longitudinally-extended narrow strips 205 which extend parallel with each other, upon the upper surface of the

respective bed plates

25, 25 and 252, from the rear end of said plates, forwardly to a position a. short distance from the envelop feed roller 30, and are curved up wardly at said end. l

The forward portion of the sealing strips are supported vby the transyerse-shaf-t206, journal'ed at one end of the uprightl vflange 145, on the out/er edge and forward end Aof the supporting plate 124, for the stampfeeding devices, the Vother end of w-hich shaft is,v journaled in the side member of plate 20, of the frame o f'the machina i A,

Upon the shaft 206 are adjustably connected the arm-s 207, having notched outer ends, with, which are pivotally connected the upper ends of flatplates 208, which plates arey rigidly connected with the upper surfaces of the respective sea-ling strips.

The rear portion of the strips are guided by the arms 209, loosely mounted on the rock shaft ljfpwhich are the saine as the arms 207,01; the'shaft206, andA which arms are pivotally connected withthe fixed plates 210, 011 Sad'slinsstrp- Y The means for 4regulatting automatically the `feedinp"l ofthe vstamp material, so that the stain ,fffders will always move the length of the stamp'and engage with the perfor'ations,` consists of ya catch bar `212, which sj iXedly connected at its rear end with the upper end of the arm 17,3, and its forward end extendsforwardly to a position above the stalnp-aflixing lever 175, and is provided with a notch V213,engaging with the upper portion of said lever, whereby its movement is' controlled until the said lever is withdrawn,so that the feed plates'feed the stamp' accurately, so that the engagernent ofthe'feed p ates upon each return movement ,ineets the lperforationsl of the stamp to he separated hythelever from the strip' of stamp material. During theen gagement ofthe notched

bar

21,2 with the lever, the arln ltll'vis 4elevated and inactive.

An angle plate 214, secured to the side member 20', ofthe frame of the machine, has its outwardly-extended portion extended beneath the catch` bar, at a point intermediate the ends of said bar, a projection 215 extending upwardly from the outer portion of said support for the bar, and preventing disengagement.

Upon said catch bar is a sleeve 216, se-

cured adjustably in position by a set screw 217, from which sleeve a gage plate 218, which gages the distance to and from notch 213, extends downwardly and comes into contact with the forward edge of the outwardly-extended portion of the angle plate 214. At the rear end of the frame of the machine and extending transversely to the side members or plates 20, 20', of the frame of the machine, is a bar 219, havin portions 220, extending upwardly from line of the lower edges of the respective plates 20, 20', and secured xedly thereto. With the upper surface of said bar are secured xedly the inner ends of the bars 221, which extend rearwardly a ,considerable distance therefrom, and outwardly from the rear ends of the sides of the frame of the machine, and with the ends of saidbarsis attached the lower surface of a vertical envelop-retainin plate 222.

-o the upper surface of the bars 221 is secured the respective ends of a horizontal plate 223, upon' which the envelops fall when eyected from the machine.

In operation the envelops to be stamped are assembled in the proper quantity, llatwise, with the ilaps downward, and one envelop upon another to form a stack. The stack of envelops is then placed between the guiding plates 84 and 85, on the envelop supportin late 80, against the forward surface o t, e Plato 27,with the rear por-y tion ofthe lower` envelop in the staekresting upon the inclined portion 8,0', ofthe envelopfsupportin V`plate, -hence itwillhe observed t at the, owermost envelop insti-1e stack will fallinto a, like position withthat of4 the said inclinedportion of the supporting plate, the adheslve Hap of the envelop bein slightly below thel lane ofV the,y forwar edge 51', of the envop-feeding plate 51, on the reciprocating carriage, which prior to the o erationof feeding the ven-`- velops forward y is at the limitof 1,its for:A ward movement. as Seen indotted linesin Eig. 1, this forwardpositionof theyre@` ciprocatin carriage, thel flap moisteninpy lower sux-race 51,`on,the envelop-feeding platev is vertically above the moistening roller 64, Y1n, the moistenin receptacle 58, and -in contact ,the-repgvt h.` A 'Illiis receptacle is filled \,vith ;water,r Vthe roller 6'1" moves ina partial rotatienlwith the contactof ,the flap-moistening portion 5,1", of the envelop feeding plate 51 thesurface is kepticons lieiae'zo disengege said` catch from the rear end of the notch 195, in the track plate 188, during which4 time. they roller 200, on the depending bar 19,9, on the reciprocating carriage, has passed on the under'surface of the track plate 188, and outwardly from the rear end ofsaid plate, which then falls upon the guide plate 194, and the roller200 is in position to make itsreturn movement upon the upper surface of said traclgplate. Simultaneously withV this forward movement of the reciprocating carriage,:it5forward end acts upontherearwardly curved end of the lever 17D, ,to raise it upwandlyiinte contact with the arm or cam168, 'andimpart-movenient tothe rockshaft 166and arm 167, actuating thefpitman 164 and the stamp feeders 160, move an exact distance forwardly upon the plate 124, tov move the rst stamp forwardly beyond the forward end of said plate, into position above the envelop, the notch 213, in the bar 212engaging with the stamp-aili'xing lever arm 175, and holding the arm 168 in an elevatedposition. In the next halfV circle of rotation of the wheel 108, and as the reciprocating carriage begins its forward movement, ,the arm, 168 moves downwardly, and the spring 174, on the roclrshaft 166, acts'torcausef a, return Inovement ofthe arms 1,6( ea.ndY A173,011. shaft 166, and the return movement of the carrier 147, and theffeeders 160, which immediately engage v,with the perforations in the strip of the stamp material, in rear of the stamp, whic has been moved. 4forwardly and sep arated from the stri andalflxd to the en* velop.V Should the r 212v fail to engage the stamp-:ailigiing leverarm, the spring 174 on the shaft 166 acts to hold the arm 173 in a rearward position, and the catch bar 212 out of engagement with the lever 175 of the stump-aiixing devices, and thearm 1 68 on the elicit 16.6 ceeeestc operate the pil-,man 164, `fai-,util ,the ceding ,devices re- Y mainj inactiveI .111, `his ,return movement of the reciprocating' lcarriage the roller 200 moyesqnpqn thetifackl late 188,-111 the dreetiniefthe ferner, end ef the le@ -cefiifvres i the Spera 192,` eed @1z0-ine. their, iflwdwnnerdla and drawin'gdownthe outer endof the lever arm `175from they notched; bar 212,-and the spring 174 andshaftlinove' said bar and the feeding1device-"Sintoeontact.y The cutter plate 176 moving inclosepontact with Jthe forwardedge ofthe 'pla-te 124., supporting the stamp-feeding,devieacuts away the 'fil-'St ,Steve-infpreened, end extending over the envelopadon llne of the perforations,end inthe ownward, pressure of the said plate 1;'78, 'upen Y the: stamp ailixes the stamp rto, themoistened surface of the envelo-p.1 lIn `this,return movement of the reciprocating carriage, Ythe envelop-feeding plate isiimmediatey Withdrawn from the envelolnthe pins 50, on the arm 50, on the rook shaft 39, and the pin 45 on the arm 44, on the rock shaft 38 move upon the lower surfaces of thc respective tripping

plates

46 and 49, and cause the outer ends ofthe linger bars41 and 43on the respective rock shafts 38 and 39tomove downwardly out ofcontact with the envelope, and leaving the envelop upon the upper surface of the plate 252, 258, of the hed of the machine, and held by Ithe weight ofthe sealingplates 205 from movement. The reciprocating carriage having completed its return movement, the, pins 50%,' on' the arm 50, on the rocking slat 39, andthe pin 45 on the arm 44, on rocking slet 38, raises the rear curved ends of the respective tripping plates; which fall inimediately in position so that said pins 50X on arm 50 and the pin 45 on the arm 44 will move over said curved ends and raise t-he finger bars in an upward position, in reediness tomo-ve forward another envelop inthe direction of the stamp alixing devices. The reciprocating carriage again moves forwardly, feeding forward another envelop beneath the feed roller 30, into a position in which it is held by the retarding plates 9 8 and 99, and at the same time the forward finger bars 41 come into contact with the rea-r portion of the stamped envelop and forces said envelop rearwardly between the sealing strips and the rear ends of the slats formingthe bedof the machine, the downward pressure of the sealing stri. s 20be-l ing sufficient to cause the adhes ve, moistened flap of the envelop to close firmly and seal itself, and the envelop is ejected from the rear end portions of the slats, and falls upon the plate 223, of the envelop support at the rear end of the machine. The suc-l ceeding envelope, when stamped fall one upon another, from the bed of `the machine. In this machine, the rapidity of-niovement of: thel reciprocating carriage feeds an envelop to its position to affix the stamp, as a prior stamped envelop isv sealed, and discharged from 4theI machine `hence the capacity lof the Jmzmhine to and stamp the envelops is greetl Vincreased thefenvelops bein fed toward t e stamp-aiixingand seal-` ing vices in succession, with rapidity and accuracy in movement, the' succession of envelops keeping the controlling lever or Aarm 204 constantly raised in position,` and while the arm remains 50,*the stamp-feeding and stampaliixing= devicesk are in coperation with ithe envelop-feeding; devices. l

v'VV-,hen vthe Stack of errvelops is exhausted, and the last envelopr passes said controlling arm .or lever A20'4, and fis stamped andfdischargedf from themaQhiRe, said: controlling arm falls upon theslat' otthe `hed of the inachine, beneath ,the arnngazndI the catch 196 isn forced into cigagementwith Ithe rear end, of the notch 19 ,in the track plate 188, which is yiis ndw released from the action of the roller 20D, Aamd the stamp-feedihg amd stmnp-axing devices again beeole inactive. r

When the pitmim' 164, 0n ilhe arm 167, which ictuubes the 'arriei 147, and the Stamp feeders, moves the carrier to the end of a for'wad myement, any vmfabeness in such movement, which would resut inmlittng the stamp fr0-m the s'tr'ip of Stamp-material, either forward 0T in rearfof the perfmjabed portions, is effectual 1y yplelfleriied 'by thegage bar 212,wlricl1 nets teebntrel tlie-rviimement of the erm 161,'011'1-,119 melf shaft lfilie preoise dlistee between the peioriled prtions ''ihe stamp material; eecupid by the stamp, hence a rearward movement of the arm 167 operated'by the pinnen will cause the points of the Swmpieeds to' move rearwardly the samedishmce, and the arm 167 may be adjusted yon shatl accordingly, wendjstment bein facililtnliled by the sight Opening 162,611' tie hbl, by means ef whieh 'tieposliibn ef the feeders may be seen upon the retraction of the Cm'- riel' 147, withm the hod 152.

The Sup oi'ting plelieiA 801,51111" the slibk of enifdlepis, hieli is wbdifefblie path olflcravel ofr tsl-re envelblgmfiiediiigLA plate-:is udju'sfmble in a'dirftibn bipbh` -ig'Q-to" the di-letn of x'no-'vethe'nt bf 'si'tl fedgplat, lnil thus provides fel envelope ifaiyiiig in width, by relas'iiig the miljuiiliig; A:but 84, #kind mvng the plaie-fsofferwerdly or reliiwafrdly, ras the adjusfiiientiay bereqi'i-e, Ih sbt 82, in plus@ so, permiitingsueli djiistiiieiii,

Such I'iibdileati'ons Uf "the hveiil'loi'i may be employed its are W'i-lhi'tlle scopefdf the appendeel claims;

mmm@

and with mea/ne farming meeniieleps in sueoiisbmi lo' erelid devices; Uf e mtiltening 'reeepmele miveftlie pedi ef Movement of the eivelo'ps; ddjlls'lzble ryiedinelipp'orbs ori @will fwlilegfdrltlie moisteni g re* @epm/cle H i 4. Inja eliemillimxiliig madlile for envelope, elfe eem iiialiltin willi libe i frame of the Illaelihe; tld'hStlaimp-li dfevides, uid with a!- i'eeipimiiillng eiivelfdpll feed-lng' envelope-f refsiid wildes, of liquidlie'lclln ifeeeiamelefbeileeth 'fiile @am leiivelbp feiier iiiviig iil'walisveleeffopiiiii 'jiii its vopjmnfber. d nella iis mimi-@11m ,v and` a lnldlslieniigi 1115;! fin Field :pjiilrlg lmtled 111 the diembele-faii eptll, ie, d pivetal fsuppelic fbi 'one eniliiff @will 'ileeepmcle upon said frame, iind-.idjusteble supportingmeang fotllevther End `0i shidfreeeptacle.

ing finger bar connected at its forward end with said rocking member, an arm on said rocking member and a in on said arm, and automatically-acting trlpping plates ivoted at one end to the frame of the machine and supported in the direction of their free ends in the path of movement of said arm and having downwardly curved portions of said free ends adapted to trip said arm in the reciprocal movements of said carriage.

9. A mechanism for operating the' envelop-feeding linger bars in stam -afiixing machines, comprising a ystam -a Xing device, a reciprocating envyelopceding member, and a rocking device thereon, and a linger bar cn said device, an arm on said rocking device, and a pin on' said arm, a tripping plate in the path of 'movement `of the pin on said arm pivotallj,1 supportedat one end and having al downwardly-curved tripping portion at the other end, and a support for the tripping plate between said ends.

10. In a stamp-aiiixing machine for envelops, the combination with the frame of the machine, and the stamp-aiiixing devices, of a reciprocating carriage movable in the direction of said devices, transverse rocking bars or slats upon said carriage, and envelop-feeding finger bars connected with said bars, arms on said bars, and pins at theends of said arms, trippingplates'pivotally connected at their forward ends with the side members of the frame of the machine in the path of movement of the pins on said arms and having downwardly-inclined rear ends, and supporting ldevices on the side member of'said frame supporting the intermediate portions of the tripping plates.

11. In a stamp-aiiixing machine for envelops, the combination with the frame of the machine, and the stamp-separating and aiiixing devices, and with feeding means for feeding the envelope in succession to the said devices, of one or more `enveiop=fretain ing devices for retainin the envelop from a reverse movement an adjustable in the direction of said stamp-separating and affixing devices.

12.1 In a-stamp-aiiixing machineffor envelops, the combination with the frame of the machine 'and itsv -bed plates, and the stamp-separating and ailixing devices, and with an envelop-feeding reciprocatingcarriage movable in the direction of said devices, of a transverse bar pivotally connected with the side members of said frame, arms on said bar, and envelop-'retaining plates in the path of movement of the envelop-'feeding carriage adjustably connected withsaid arms, and means for adjustingthe position of said arms relative to the bed plates.

'13. In a stamp-ailixing machine for envelops,"`the combination with the frame of the machine, and the stamp-atiixing devices and with means for feeding the envelops to said devices, of a transverse bar pivotally connected with the respective side members of saidiframe, envelop retarding arms on said bar, and plates carried by said arms having openings adapted to receive said arms, said `plates having envelop-retarding notches in their forward portions, and adjusting devices for said plates upon said arms. i

14:. In a stainp-aiixing machine for envelops, the combination with the frame of the machine, and the stamp-aiiixing devices, a transverse rocking bar pivotallv connected with the respective sides of said frame, arms on said -lcar, and adjustable envelop-retainin'g devices on said arms, and means for effecting an adjustment rotatively of said transverse rocking bar.

1'5. In a stamp-ailixing machine for`cnvelops', the combination with the frame oi' the machine, and the stamp-aiiixing devices and with means for feeding the envelops to said devices, of a transverse rocking bar piv` otally connected with the side members et said frame', adjustable envelop-retarding devices upon said bar in the path of movement of the envelops in the direction of said devices, arl arm on said bar, and an arm supporting plate onthe side member of said frame beneath said arm, 'and an adjusting screw on saidarm bearing on said arm supporting plate. 16. Inastamp-aiiixing Vmachine forenvelops, thel combination with timeframe of the machine and its bed, and y with the stamp-aii'i'xing devices, of an envelop-feeding reciprocating carriage movable above the bed of the machine in the direction of said stamp-affixing devices, and flap-moistening means for the fiaps of the envelops, on said carriage, transverse shafts on the frame of the machine, and arms on said shaft` and longitudinal fiap-sealing plates on said shafts connected with said arms.`

icc

17. In a` stampnixing mlachin'efor eni velops, Vthe combination with the frame of the machine and the stamp aiiixing devices, and with a gniiide plate for supporting the strip of stamp material, of a `supporting plate 'ont said guide plate and a `reel for the stampl materiah and a spring plate thereon over which the material on said supportingplate is fed from the reel.

18. In a stamp-aiiixing machine for envelops, thel combination with the frame of the machine, and the stamp-feeding andV affixing devices, cfa guide plate for the 'strip of stamp material supporting the stamp'-f feeding devices, supporting means on said guide plate forl the roll 'of stamp material, and a spring plate on said lsupportinglmeans over which the material is fed. l, j 19i'1i a stamp-attrici; machine for" en#