US1517248A - Paper feeding and controlling device for printing mechanisms - Google Patents

Description

De@4 2, l 924. L51 7,248

A. H. PITNEY ET AL PAPER FEEDING AND GONTROLLING DEVICE FOR PRINTING MECHANISMS original Filed Apri-1 5, 1922 4 sheets-Sheet 2 A. H. PITNEY ET AL PPER FEEDING AND GONTROLLING DEVICE FOR PRINTING MECHANISMSl Original Filed April 5, 1922 4 Sheets-Sheet (5 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 AJH. PITNEY ET Al.

PAPER FEEDING AND CONTROLLING DEVICE FOR PRINTING MECHANISMS Original Filed April 5, 1922 B nucnfroz;

` and JACOB W. OCDEN, citizens of the United v Patented Dec. 2, 1924.

ARTHUR n. riTNEx AND JACCB w. CGDEN, or sTAmroRii, coNNECTIcuT, AssICNoRs,

BY NEsNE ASSIGNMENTS, To PITNEYsBowEs POSTAGE METER COMPANY, or STAM- roRD, CQNNECTICUT, A CoRPoRATIoN or DELAWARE.

PAPER FEEDIN'G AND CONTRQLLING DEVICE FOR PRINTIN-'G MECHANISMS.

Original application iilc-d April 5, `1922, Seriell No. 549,734. Divided and this application illed April 4,

1923. Serial Nb. 629,858.

To all whom it 'may concern:

- Be it known that we, ARTHUR H. PITNRY States,lresiding at Stamford, in the county -of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements' in Pa er Feeding and Controlling Devices for rinting Mechanisms; and we hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specilication.

This application is a division of our application for printing and re istering mechanism Afiled April 5, 1922, er. No. 5et9,734L (Case No. 6708). J

This invention isa novel improvement in printing mechanism, and comprises a printer, an oscillating impression member adapted to co-act with the printing surface and novelmeans coacting with said memberfor feeding a strip of paper past the printing point to receive impressions from the printing die when-the machine is in condition for operation.

We Will explain the invention with. references to the accompanying drawings which illustrate one practical embodiment of the invention, which,`fhowever, is capable of changes in form, construction and combinations of partsrwithin the scope of the invention. An understanding of the mechanism shown will enable others to adopt and use the invention for various purposes within the scope of claims, which set forth the essentials of the invention `and the novel features of construction and novel combina- A tions of parts for 4all of which-protection y is desired.

In said drawings: f

Fig. 1 is a top plan view ofthe complete machine".

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of Fig.1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail sectional view through `the paper feeding devices.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional elevation of the printing member operating devices,

and the impression member. I

Fig. 5jis a detail' view of the devices for members;

Fig. 6 is a top plan, view of the impression member, and shows the printing memcomprising an adjustable stamp carrier 100 containing a multiple of stamp carrying dies or members P an means whereby any one of such members can bel operated when-if' properly positioned at the printing point; (2) means for feeding a strip of paper past the printing point; 3) a meter 200 containing registering mec anism adapted to be operated by the mechanism which operates the stamp and paper feeding devices when the machine is in condition for operation,

and to re 'ster the money value of the stamps printed by the machine, when the -machine is ada ted for use as a postage t e meter, in accor ance with the ,value of stamp printed, all as more fully explained in our aforesaid application.

The printing means and met/er are mounted upon a base plate 103 which is fastened to thetop 1 of a suitable hollow supporting member or trough 2 which is mounted upon a suitable floor stand 3 and supports the 'operative parts at about the height of an ordinar 'table in convenient position for manip ation by the operator. The meter 200 is also detachably attached to this'plate 103 beside the printing mechanism as exvlplained in our aforesaid application. The

paper feeding devices are mounted upon the top 1 inpi'oper relation to the printing devices; and the main operating mechanisms and the trip devices controllingthe operations of the machine are referably arranged beneath the plate 1 within the member 2.

In the construction shown in the drawings the printing mechanism comprises a plurality of printers or dies one for each denomination of stamp used in the machine controlling the printing and impression'l mounted on a rotatable support. ln the example shown thereare 5 such printers (see with inking means 118 d suitably,

Fig. V1) which are adapted to print stamps of the amounts 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10. These stamps are mounted on vertical spindles 112 j ournaled in a rotatable member 100 which may be conveniently-formed of suitable castings, as fully explained in our aforesaid application.

Each die or printed member is provided which may be of any suitable kind, but are preferably constructed as explained in our aforesaid application.y

To bring any printer P to printing position, thehead 10@ is turned until a clutch member 112"l of the desired printer registers with the clutch member 108, as indicated in Fig. 3 and then it can be operated by power transmittedl to such member 108, as-

described in our aforesaid application.

1- The impression devices.

located to produce impressions from the die P that is adjusted to printin position is an yimpression member adapted to cooperate with the printer in making impressions when 'paper or mail matter, etc.,

is assed there-between.-

s'shown this impression member comprises a sector 4 (Figs. 1,2, 4 and 6), which isprovided with a recess in its outer face in*l which is *secured a preferably rubber faced block 4, whose rubber face 4.b is moldedto conform to the circumference of the sector 4 and provides the resiliency necessary for producing a clear impression from the printing surface on the printer.

Projecting rearwardly`from sector 4, is a shorter sector arm 4g, having an arc shaped slot through which extends a friction member (described later) designed to prevent sector 4 moving too freely on the shaft 8. SecurelyY fastened tothe top and bottom of sector 4 (see Figs. 3

i l larly formed plates 4d, whose outer ends extend beyond the circumference of the sector 4 and afford a support and bearing for the paper feed clamp 5.

Loosely pivoted on the shaft 8' between the'pper and lower sections of the sector 4 is an=arm 14 (Figs. 3, 19 and 25) to the outer end of which are fastened two Hat segmental plates 15, which aresituated one4 over and one under the sector 4, which can move freely between them. A distance piece 16 is interposed between and fastened to the plates 15, and passes freely through 4. Each plate 15-has a curved tongue 15b on its inner face, which engages corresponding slots 4 in the top and bottom of the sector 4 and acts as guides 'for the travel of plates 15. Each edge projecting plate 15 has a lip 15, (Fig. 4) yon its outer toward each other, and the radius of the inside surface-of each lip 15a the impression member and 6), are two sinii-v 70 to and between two parallel guide L plates is very slightly greater than the radius of the sector 4. A c amp 17 shaped like a pawl is pivoted to each plate 15 and pressed against the inner side of the lip 15 by a spring 17. The stops 18 and 19 located on the shelf 70 limit the tra-vel of the arm 14.

' Sector 4 is loosely mounted on a vertical shaft 8 which is supported by and has its bearing in a bracket 9 which is preferably adjustably fastened to the table 1, to enable to be adjusted toward or from the printer to regulate the impression pressure. The shaft 8 extends through the table 1 and on the lower end of shaft 8 is fastened a lever arm 10 (see Fig. 6) and at the upper end of shaft 8 is also fastened by key and set screw a lever arm 6 which straddles the lsector 4 at the shaft. At the outer end of the arm 6, are pivoted two links 7 (Figs. 1, 3 and 6), one above and one below the sector 4 which links lie in the same plane as the plates 4d of the sector 4. The outer ends of these links 7, are pivoted to the heel of the clamp 5, in such a way lever 6 relative to clamp 5 plates 4d..

The arm 14, has a rearwardly extending sector 14a which is slotted like.the arm 4g, and for thesame purposes, both of them engaging the same friction member.

This friction member consists of a. sleeve 25 (Figs. 3 and 4) loosely mounted on a stud 24 which is secured to the bracket 9. The sleeve 25 is ianged near its bottom end, and the top end is threaded for the tension adjustment nut 29,and that part of it below the flange is slotted to engage a pin'24", on stud 24 (Fig. 4) which prevents sleeve 25 from turning on' the stud 24 when the nut 29 is turned. Both stud 24 and its sleeve 25 pass clear through the curved slots in the arms4g and 14a. Friction disks 26, of cork or leather, are placed on the sleeve 25, one between-thel flange 4on sleeve 25, and the arm 4g, one between the arm 4g and 14 and one on top of arm 14n between it rand a steel disk 27. A spring 28 is interposed between the disk 27 and the nut 29 and forces the friction disks to bear on the faces of both the arms 4g and 14, giving the desired friction. The nut 29 makes it possible to vary the amount of, resistance as required. The machine shown in au aforesaid applicat-ion is adapted to a strip of suitable material, preferably gummed paper. As shown (Figs. 1 and 6), a stripof paper S is led from a roll 20 loosely mounted'on a stud 21 on cover plate that any motion of the sector `5 will cause the 22 mounted on the said cover plate, an then led around the curved surface 0f the printer Sector 4 and between such surface and the print stamps upon to rock on its bearings in the guide flanges 15a on the plates 15. The stripS is wide enough to fill the space between the plates '15 so that its edges are held by clamps 17 against the inner face of the flanges 15a (Fig. 4) while the body of the strip covers the face of the -platen 4b of the sector 4.

The plates 22 are formed with registering openings 22 (Figs. 7 and 8), through which the head 23a of a detector lever 23 could project if not prevented by the pressure of the strip of paper S. The strip of paper between the plates normally holds the member 23 in the position shown in Fig. 1.

'lhis member 23 is attached to the upper end of rod 55. The head of lever 23 presses slightly against the strip S and acts as a dragr or brake thereon which prevents the accumulation of slack in the strip between the plates 22 and the impression member or printing point.

0n the lower end of shaft 8 (Fig. 6) directly below the lever arm 10, is loosely pivoted a lever arm 11 to the outer end of which arm is attached the linkv 12, which at its other end engages with the race cam 13. (Figs. 4 and 6.) The cam revolving in the direction vof the arrow imparts a reciprocating motion to the arm 11. The arm 11 has a projection 11a on its end, adapted to engage the arm 10 and communicates its motion to it, when moved in the direction of the arrow. A spring 10a is connected to the arm 10 to effect its returnwith the arm 11 as described in our aforesaid application. l

The cam 13 is suitably geared to the drive of the printer and revolves in the same direction and at the same speed as the printer. The arms 10 and 6 on the shaft 8,

being fast thereto, any movement ofarm 10 will be communicated through shaft 8 to arm 6 as described in' our aforesaid application. The parts herein are numbered correspondingly to parts in our aforesaid application and we refer thereto for a full explanation and illustration of parts vmentioned herein but not forming part of the pre-sent invention. l

In printing a stamp the die makes one complete revolution and with it the cam 13. The rollers 12c (Fig. 6) prevent the link 12 from moving laterally, so that the pin 12"l and roller 12b on the link 12 riding in the slot 13b of the revolving cam 13 forces link 12 to move in the direction of the arrow pulling the arms 11, and 10 with it. Arm 6 in moving pushes the links 7 and rocks the clamp 5 in towards the circumference of the impression member or sector 4 which is preferably slightly nicked to engage the clamp. Sector 4 because of the friction applied to the arm 4Z, remains at rest While/the aforesaid movements of part-s 6, 7 and 5 take place. The gummed paper strip S lying between the clamps and the surface of the sector 4 is caught and clamped tightly there between.

Continuing its forward motion the arm 6, (through the pressure it exerts on the clamp 5) carries both sector 4 and strip S with it, and the strip S slips forward past the clamps 17 and the die makes an imprint on the part of the strip S which lies opposite the rubber cushion 4". Before the sector 4 has completed its forward travel the end of the curved slot 4s therein engages the distance piece 16 of the plates 15 and carries them forward to the end of the stroke; at which time the arm 14 rests against the stop 18. After the printing surface of the printer P has cleared the sector 4, and while it is completing one revolution, the plates 5 and sector 4 are returned to first position.

At the beginning of the return movement the sector 4 is held stationary by the friction member, and the arm 6 with the links 7 move back; the clamp 5 is first rocked out of engagement with the sector 4 and releases its hold on the strip S, which is heldl by clamps 17. A hook 7a of the upper link 7 then engages a. detent in the plate 4'i and pulls said plate and thev sector 4 back to the starting positions. ment, the other end of slot 4s in sector 4 engages the distance piece 16 and returns tllle'plates 15 to their original first position a so. -f

On the return movement of the plates 15, the part of the strip S, which is clamped to them by clamps 17, is moved back also. This backing up of the strip S shortens the blank space between the several impressions, and for this purpose the arm 14 and plates 15 are used. The contour of the cam slot 13b of cam 13 is such as to advance the impression or sector 4 slowly, to near the point at which it engages the die, and from that point till a little after theengagement ends, the surface speed of the impression member or sector 4 is equal to the surface speed of the die. When this point is passed the remainder of the time of revolution is used to return the parts to their original position, the travel of the roller 12b of link 12 in making the steepl descent in the cam slot 13b is assisted by the pull of the spring 10a.

-The printing surface of the die P will not interfere with the clamp 5 because it is On this return movesired. The fixed blade 31 is fastened to a block rigidly secured to and between the plates 15. The movable blade 32 is hinged to block 30, and its upper end passes through a slot in plate 35, which is fastened on top of the upper plate 15. A back uide 33 is also fastened to block 30, and a ront guide 34 is fastencdto plate 35 to guide the tape between the .blades of the shears, the cutting being effected by the operator moving the protruding end of the hinged blade 32 with his fingers.

As the last stamp printed on the strip lies'between the shears and sector 4, it is necessary to rock the sector 4 by hand without printing another stamp, in order to feed the strip forward and to move the last imprint to the outside of the shears. To accomplish this a knurled knob 36 is securely fastened to the top end of the shaft 8 (Figs. 1, 2, 4) and by turning this knob all the strip feeding operations above described as havlng been performed automatically by the driving laction of the cam 13, can be performed without moving the printer, and consequently without putting an imprint on the strip. This is because the lever 10 is free to move (in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 6) independently of the power derived from the positively driven lever 11i In order to prevent an impression being made if. there is no strip between the printing die and impression member, the lever 23 which acts as a drag on the movements of the tape between, the guide plates 22, is connected with suitabletripping mechanism below the table 1. The gummed strip S- is usually fastened to the spool, and a rectangular hole Fig. 7 is punched through the tape a proper distance from its inner end and `when this punched part of the strip passes between the plates 22 the head of le-I ver 23 will be able to project through the' hole in the strip, and in so doing, it actuates devices which automatically renders the printing inoperative as described` in o'ur aforesaid applicationwhen applied to the machine shown therein. The hole inI the Atape should be made long enough to allow the completion of the printing of a stamp on a preceding part of the strip in the event the lever 23 projects through such hole at the beginning or during the course of a printing operation.

The printer may be of any suitable kind and operated by any suitable means to coactwith the impression number; and said member may be operated by any suitable means to cooperate with theprinter, as described.

In the drawings the printerr and impression member are illustrated in connection with the machine shown in our aforesaid application. As shown therein the main v. shaft from which the motive power is transmitted to all operative parts of the machine is the shaft 39 indicated in Fig. 6 which is driven, from a horizontal drive shaft 40 by bevel gears 41 and 42. The shaft 39 through a suitable clutch 44 transmits motion to the shaft 104 from which motion is transmitted to the die spindle 112, impression sector P, and the meter. The trip mechanism indicated in Fig.l 6 acts directly on the clutch, making or breaking its corr nection with the shaft 39 and, with the exception of the original impulse given it to start a printing operation, it works automatically.

On the hub of the clutch 44 is a spur gear 71 which through` the suitable gears drives the cam 13 as indicated in Figs. 4, 5, and 6. The tail of the clutch cage is adapted to be engaged by the arm 46n of the stop lever 46 and the clutch body has a cam flange 44c adapted to be engaged by .a roller on the arm 46b of lever 46 and re- -urged by a spring in the direction of the meter,so that its end when permitted will be pushed into the body of the meter, but

its entry or non-entry thereinto is controlled by the shutter lever of the meter as described in our aforesaid application.

A lever 51 with two arms 51a and 51b is mounted to oscillate on a stud 51B (Fig. 4)

`under the influence of a spring 51 and the link 51 ;v a stud 52 limiting the movement of 51 under the pull of spring 51. A link 53 transmits the motion of the trip lever arm 54 to the lever 51. The spring 53n holds the hook end of the link 53 in contact with the trip arm 54. vA lever'54l with two arms 54" and 54c can be oscillated on its stud 54E1 under'the infiuence of the hand operated push button 64, located on an exposed part of the machine (Fig. 1) and is returned to place bythe cam 13. A vertical spindle' 55 1s mounted in the machine as shown in (Figs. 6 and 8) and upon the 11pper end o spindle 55 is securely fastened the drag 23 on the tape 20. Fig. 1. This spindle extends downwardthrough the table to a position above the level of thv l cam 13; at this point another lever 56 is fastened to oscillate with the upper lever 23. A rod 57 is pinned to the free end of the lever 56 and extends forward over cam 13,

But when no tape is between the plates 22,y

or what is the same thing, when the hole in the tape is in line with the hole in the plates 22 and allowing lever 28 to project through the hole, the rod 57 is pushed'forward by power of the spring 23a, which is strong enough to overcome the pressure of spring 53a, and pushes link ,53 out, so that its hool: cannot engage with the trip lever 54.

A lever 58, (Fig. 6) is normally in position to prevent the-oscillation of the stop lever 46, spring 58a furnishin the necessary motive power. 58b is a llmiting stop for the travel of the lever 58. The lever 5l under pressure of its spring 51e is always normally positioned so as to prevent the oscillation of stop leve-r 46.

A. guide 63 is provided for the free end of the link 53, and the cam shaped end 53 engaging the guideV will be forced out of engagement with the lever 54 at the proper time. If the spring 50a (not shown) tending to oscillate the clutch stop lever 46, is prevented from acting the stop 46 cannot move and the clutch can not be operated. All the aforesaid parts for actuating the printer and the impression member and controlling` the operation thereof are more fullyy described and shown in our aforesaid application similar parts therein being similarly numbered; and as the `particular constructions of said parts (or of any spe'- cilic actuating means for the printer and the impression member) is not claimed herein, further explanation and illustration thereof is unnecessary.

What we claim is:

1. In combination, a printer, a coacting impression means comprising an oscillating member having an impression surface adapted to coact with the printing surface, a rocking lever, a paper clamp mounted on the member, means whereby on one motion of the said lever the clamp is caused to engage the paper and the .member moved in a direction to feed the paper, and on the reverse movement of the lever the clamp is caused to disengage the paper and the members moved back, substantially as described.

2. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 1, a paper guide loosely mounted below the member, a paper clamping device carried by said guide and means whereby the guide is given a limited movement with the member near the ends of both strokes thereof.

3. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 1', frictional devices wherebyA the movable member is arrested until positively actuated by the movement of the leve 4. In combination with mechanism as set forth' in claim 1,a pair of .paper guide plates above and below the member, paper the paper and the sector moved in the direction to feed the paper, and on the reverse movement of the lever the clamp is caused to first disengage the paper and then the, sector moved back, and devices whereby the sector is arrested until actuated by the movement of the lever, substantially as described.

6. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 5, a guide plate loosely mounted below the sector, a paper clamp carried by said plate, and means whereby the plate is given a limited movement with the sector near the ends of both strokes thereof, substantially as described.

7. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 5, segmental plates pivoted above and below the sector, and having guide flanges on their outer peripheries, and paper clamping devices on said plates adapted to coact with the flanges of the plates to hold the paper. y

8. In combination a printer; a rock shaft, ai sector loosely pivoted on said shaft and adapted to coact with the printer, a lever fixed on said shaft, a clamp pivotally mounted on the sector, links operatively connecting the said lever with said clamp whereby on one motion of the said lever the clamp is caused to first engage the paper and then the sector moved in the direction to feed the paper, and on the reverse movement of the ylever the cla-mp is caused to first disengage the paper and then the sector moved back, and devices whereby the movement of the sector is arrested until it is. actuated by the movement of the lever.

9. In mechanism as set forth in claim 8, a pair of paper guide plates loosely mounted on the shaft above and below the sector, paper clamping devices carried by said plates and means whereby the plates are given a limited movement with the segment near the ends of both strokes thereof.

l0. lIn combination a printing member; paper feeding and impression means cooperating therewith comprising a sector havingl an impression surface, and a rock shaft and connections for operating said impression means, with means whereby said shaft may be positively rocked in one direction to feed the paper during the printing operation; and means whereby the shaft 'may be manually rocked to move the sector in the direction to feed the paper without producing an impression thereon.

l1. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 10, means for directing a strip of paper to andl between the 'impression member and printer, means for detecting a hole or break in the paper in the strip and means controlled by the detector whereby printing is prevented when the hole or break is detected.

12. In combination a printing member; a paper feeding and impression `member cooperating therewith, comprising a sector having an impression surface, a rock shaft carrying said sector, means connected with the sector for clamping the papel', with mechanism whereby said shaft may be positively rocked in one direction to feed the paper durino the'printing operation, and means whereby the shaft may be manually rocked to move the sector in the direction to feed the paper after a printing operation and when the printer is locked.

y 13. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 12, means for directing a strip of paper to and between the impression member and printer, means for detecting a hole orbreak in the paper in the strip and means controlled by the detector whereby printing `is prevented when the hole or break is detected.

14. In combination a printing member; an impression member cooperating therewith, a clamp carried by said member, paper guiding plates on said member, an

- arm carrying said plates, a rock shaft, a rocking lever on said shaft, links operatively connecting sa-id lever with the member, and

lmeans for permitting the member to move a predetermined extent in either direction and then cause the plates to move therewith a short distance. y

l5. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 14, means whereby said shaft may be positively rocked in one direction to feed the paper during the printing operation, and means whereby the shaft may be manually rocked to move the sector in the direction to feed the paper after a printing operation and when the printer is locked.

' 16. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 14 means for directing a strip of paper to and between the impression member and printer, means forodetecting a hole or break in the paper in the strip and means controlled by the detector whereby printing is prevented when the hole or break is detected. i

'17.. In combination -aprinting member;

and paper feeding and impression meansv cooperating therewith, comprising a sector having an impression surface, a cam member carried by said sector, paper guiding plates above and below the sector, an arm carrying said plates, means connected with the plates for clamping the paper, a rock shaft, a lever fixed on said shaft, links operatively connecting said lever with the sector and means for permitting the sector to move a predetermined extent in either direction and then cause the plates to move therewith a short` distance.

18. In combination withmechanism as set forth in claim 17 means whereby said shaft may be positively rocked in one direction to feed the paper during the printing operation,I and means whereby the shaf t may be manually rocked to move the sector in the direction to feed the paper after a printing operation and when the printer is locked.

19. In mechanism of the character specified the combination of a printer and means for actuating the same; a sector having an impression surface adapted to cooperate with the printer, a paper clamp pivotally mounted on said sector adjacent the impression surface, a rock shaft, a lever attached to said shaft, links connecting said lever with the saidclamp whereby it is opened and closed by the lever and the sector is caused to move with the lever after the clamp is opened or closed; an arm loosely mounted on said shaft, a paper guide plate connected to said arm; a paper clamp carried by said guide plate adapted to prevent backward movement of the strip of paper when Athe main cla-mp is released, and means whereby the plates are caused to move with the segment only near the ends of its stroke.

20. In combination with a mechanism as set forth inclaim 19 means for frictionally yieldingly retarding the movement of the sector and of the arms carrying the plates.

21. In mechanism as set forth in claim 19 the sector having an extension provided with a segmental slot and the arm having an extension provided with a segmental slot, a member extending through the slots in the said extension, and frictional devices on said member engaging the said extension to retard the oscillatory movements of the scctor and-the said plates, substantially as described.

22. In mechanism of the character speci-l fied the combination of a printer and means for actuating the same; a sector having an impression surface adapted to cooperate,

with the printer, a paper clamp pivotally mounted onV said sector adjacent its impression surface; a rock shaft, a lever attached to said shaft, links connecting said lever with the clamp on the sector, an arm loosely mounted on said shaft, plates connected by said arm above and below the sector, paper clamps carried by said plates adapted to prevent backward movementof the strip of paper when the main clamp is released; and a member connecting said lll plates and extending through a slot in the sector whereby the plates are caused'to move with the sector only near the. ends of its strokes. y

23. In combination with a mechanism as set forth in claim 22 means for frictionally yieldingly retarding the movements vof the sector and of the arm carrying the plates. f 24. In mechanism as set forth in claim 22, the sector having an extension provided with a segmental slot and the arm having an extension provided with a segmental slot, and a member extending through the slots in the said extensions and fiictionally engaging the same to retard the oscillatory movements of the sector and the said plates, substantially as described.

25. In a machine of the character 'specied; .aj plurality of printers for printing stamps of different,V denominations; 'means whereby any printer may be brought tothe printing point, an impression member adjacent the printing pointand means for taking an limpression trom the printer at the prmting point, with means for directing a strip of paper to and between the impression member and printer, means for detecting a hole or break in the paper strip, and means controlled by the detector whereby printing is prevented when a hole or break is detected.

26.. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 1,`a .detector engaging the paper and normally held in effective posiset forth in claim 5, means for rendering the impression means ineEective; a detector adapted to engage the paper and be held thereby in ineffective position, and means connected with. the detector for yieldingly holding it in contact with the paper and whereby the detector is operated when it linds a hole or break in the paper and releases the mechanism whereby further printing is revented.

28. n combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 8, means fory rendering the impression means ineffective, means for guiding the strip, comprising a guide plate provided with an opening, a detector adjacent the plate having a tooth adapted to engage the strip and be held thereby out of the opening in the plate, and means connected with the detector for yieldingly holding it in contact with the ystrip and whereby the detector is operated when it finds. a hole or break in the strip to trip the mechanism whereby further printin is prevented.

In testimony that we c aim the foregoing as our own, we allix our signatures.

ARTHUR I-I. PITNEY. JACOB W. OGDEN.

Images