US1567080A

US1567080A - ranney

Info

Publication number: US1567080A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1925-12-29
Anticipated expiration: 1942-12-29

Description

Dec. 29 5925- v w. B. RANNEY SHEET GATHERING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 13, 1923 1,567,080 w. B. RANNEY SHEET GATHERING MACHINE Dec. 29 1925- Filed Dec. 15, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 29, 1925 ,5 ,080

. W. B. RANNEY SHEET GATHERING MACHINE Filed Dec. l3, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 I I I Jl/ w y w Dec. I W. B. RANNEY SHEET GATHERING MACHINE Filed Dec. 15, 1923 5 Sheets-She et 4 Dec. 29 1925- v w. B. RANNEY swam GATHERING mcnnm Filed. Dec. 13, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 J 7202 7360); a," $Iliaxuze W, Fm

Patented Dec. 29, 1925.

UNITED STATES 1,567,080 PATENT OFFICE.

WILLE'I' B. RANNEY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO WM. 'WRIGLEY, JR. COM- PANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF WEST VIRGINIA.

SHEET-GATHERING MACHINE.

Application filed December To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, IL-LET B. RANNEY, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State '5 of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Sheet-Gathering Machines, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to improvements in sheet gathering machines, and more particularly to, machines for piling or stacking sheets of materials, delivered thereto from a continuously operating source of, supply for the purpose of arranging the same for de- 1 livering in convenient form.

A machine of the general character described is the subject matter of Letters Patout No. 965,598, granted to A. M. Price, on July 26, 1910. The present invention embodies certain improvements over the machine of said patent, calculated to extend its rangeof usefulness, and provide a more ethcient labor saving device.

Among the improvements incorporated in the present invention are means for automatically discharging the sheet pile supporting trays when filled to predetermined capacity. This and other features will be described more in detail, in connection with the accom- 30 panying drawings in which,

. Figure 1 is a top plan view of the machine showing the general arrangement of the parts; i

Figure 2 is an enlarged detail new in ver- 85 tical section taken on line 2--2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of a carriage with tray removed.

Figure 4 is a view in end elevation of one of the carriages showing the tray elevating l0 mechanism.

Figure 5 is a detail view of a carriage with tray shown in elevated position.

Figure 6 is an enlarged detail view of the tray elevating mechanism tripping device,

15 in tripping position.

Figure 7 is a similar view of the tripping mechanism showing the parts in normal position.

Figure 8 is a detail view in vertical section, taken on line 8-8 of Figure 7, and

Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the tripping mechanism driving sprocket.

Preliminary to a discussion of the machine, it is to be understood that it has been especially designed for use in the manufac- 13, 1923. Serial No 630,307.

ture of chewing gum, although it may be equally well utilized for the piling of other sheet materials, such as paper, metal and plastic materials of all sorts.

As employed in the making of gum, the machine co-operates with a sheeting and scoring machine, which functions to reduce the mass of gum into a continuous sheet or strip of uniform thickness, and then scoring the strip, first into partially severed sheets of predetermined length, and secondly, dividing the sheets into sections defining the individual sticks.

The scoring is accomplished by feeding the sheet between a pair of rolls, having scoring dies on its surface, and then onto a delivery belt leading to the sheet gathering machine. The cut-ting or severing of the sheets is the result of excessive scoring along transverse lines, at equal intervals which leaves only a thin connecting web which readily gives way when the sheets reach the delivery belt, due to a slightly increased speed of the latter.

The connecting element between the sheet-- ing machine and the gathering machine is a horizontal belt conveyor 1, along which the scored and severed sheets A travel with a constant interval therebc-tween.

The discharge end of the delivery belt terminates just above and in tangential relation to a circular table-like track 2 forming the stationary element of the gathering machine. The track is a circular plat-form supported on legs 3.

A plurality of tray carrying carriages t, are mounted on the track, the same consisting of rectangular frames having casters 5 secured to the under side. These casters are preferably located at three points with a 95 single one leading and a pair trailing.

The carriages are spaced circumferentially about the track and travel with uniform distances between them. The carriages are driven from a common driving element,co1n- 100 prising a vertical shaft (3 located at the geometric center of the track and supported in a suitable bearing. At the upper end of the shaftis a fixed head or huh 7, from which radiate a plurality of arms 8, after 105 the manner of the spokes of a wheel, the outer ends of the arms being connected to the carriages through the medium of links 9, extending substantially at right angles to the arms, and pivotally connected with the 110 carriages near the rear inner corners thereof.

The direction of travel of the driving mechanism is counter-lock-wise so that the link connections tend to pull the carriages and at the same time provide for a limited radial movement of the carriages as will be presently discussed.

Referring more in detail to track 2, the same consists of a metallic plate 2 forming the track surface on which the carriages travel, the outer portion being formed to provide a trough 10 for the purpose of collecting the waste material.

Extending about the inner periphery of the track is an upstanding flange 11 preferably formed integral with the plate 2 forming the track surface, said flange being engaged by a pair of guide rollers 12 depending from the underside of each carriage 4. The manifest purpose of the guide rollers and flange is to keep the carriages on the track and to follow the circular path.

The track has heretofore been described as circular, but it will be observed that throughout a short portion thereof immediately below the discharge end of the delivery belt 1, it is provic ed with a straight portion 13, (Figure 1), extending in alignment with the delivery belt a short distance forwardly and rearwardly of the extremity thereof. The purpose of this straight portion is to allow the carriagesto follow a straight line of travel during the interval required for depositing the sheets thereon, and thus insure the symmetrical piling of the sheets thereon. It is the presence of the straight portion 13 whichmakes it necessary to provide the flexible connection between the arms 8 and the carriages, it being apparent that the links permit the slight radial displacement of the carriage in negotiating the straight portion of the track.

Now referring more in detail to the structure of the carriages 4, it will be noted that each consists of a body portion or platform 14, having rails 1515 at its forward and rear ends. Secured to the forward rail 15 and extending rearwardly to a point' above the rear rail 15 is a pair of spring rails 1616, terminating in upturned extremities. lhese resilient rails are spaced above the platform 14 and are normally inclined upwardly from front to rear so that their free ends clear the rails 15 at the rear of the platform. On these

spring rails

16, 16, are removably supported trays 17 which are held against horizontal displacement, between the upturned ends of the rails 16 and a vertical flange 18 projecting above the rail 15 at the forward end of the platform 14. The purpose of the resilient supporting rails 16 may be understood from the following: The weight of an empty tray deposited on the carriage, is not sufficient to depress the-rails 16, and hence the tray assumes a slightly elevated position, but as each successive sheet is deposited upon the tray, the increased weight gradually depresses the rails, thus lowering the trays, so that the surface upon which the sheets are deposited is maintained at a uniform distance below the conveyor belt, thus insuring the uniform and symmetrical piling of the sheets.

Upon the platform 14 of each carriage is mounted the tray elevating device, consisting of parts as follows: Extending longitudinally of the platform, and transversely with respect to the track is a pair of rock shafts 1919, each being journalled in brackets'20, 20, secured to the platform and extending a short distance beyond the lateral margins thereof, the ends of the brackets being upturned to form the bearings 20 for the rock shafts. As clearly shown in Figure 3, one of the rock shafts 20 is located near the forward end of the carriage and the other just rearwardly of its center. Each rock shaft carries a pair of

elevating arms

21, 21, located in corresponding positions near the ends thereof. As clearly shown in Figures 3 and 4, the rock shafts are normally positioned so that the arms lie horizontally and extend toward the rear of the carriage. Moreover, the rock shafts are connected together so that they move in unison, the connecting elements consisting of parallel. links 2222, fixed to the inner ends of the rock shafts and a cross link 23, connectingthe parallel links. In the position shown the" links 22, 22, project downwardly and forwardly at an angle of 30 to the vertical, and are yieldably held in thisposition by means of a spring 24. One

of the links 22, connected with the more central disposed rock shaft 19 is extendedbe yond' and below the cross link 23 and forms anarm 25 which co-acts with certain tripping mechanism hereinafter described for actuatingthe' tray elevating device of each carriage at'a definite point in their movement about the circular track.

Before entering upon a discussion of the improved features of the machine, it may be well to point outin'a general way the function of the machine as thus far described.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 the carriages 4 with their individual trays 17 travel at a predetermined rate of speed about-the circular track and in a counterclockwise direction, the movement or drive being transmitted to the carriage through the medium of the arms 8 radiating from the central hub orhead 7 carried upon the vertical shaft 6, the latter being rotated through the medium of a beveled gear wheel 6 keyed to the shaft 6 and meshed with a beveled pinion 26 keyed to a shaft 27 leading from a suitable source of power, such as a motor, or

IOU

preferably the machine with which the sheet gathering apparatus co-operates, since in this way it is possible to maintain a constant relationship between the speed of travel of the carriages and the delivery of the sheets from the conveyor 1.

The travel of the carriages about the circular track is so timed that as each carriage passes beneath the end of the conveyor 1, a sheet of gum A is deposited on the tray 17 thereof. In this manner the sheets are distributed on to successive trays inthe form of piles, the trays being in readiness for removal when a certain num ber of sheets have been thus distributed. Heretofore the loaded trays were removed from the carriages by operators and empty trays placed on the carriages.

In the improved machine the trays are automatically lifted from the carriages and delivered on to a discharge track when loaded, thereby reducing materially the number of operators required, in fact, it is now possible for a single operator to attend to the machine.

The discharge. track 28 above alluded to, is located just above the carriages and extend-s horizontally and tangentially from a point beyond the delivery end of the sheet conveyor 1. As clearly shown in Figures 1 and 2 the delivery track consists of a plurality of rollers 29 journalled at their ends in a pair of parallel angle bars 30, 30, supported upon the floor or suspended from the ceiling as is most convenient. The vertical space between the track 28 and the carriages is sufficient to permit the trays to pass just beneath the end of the track as clearly shown in Figure 2.

As has already been explained, the trays rest upon the spring rails 16, beneath which lie the elevating

arms

21, 21, in the position shown in Figure 4. Now let it be assumed that one of the carriages has received its load of sheets and the tray is ready to be removed.

Referring to Figure 5 the manner in which the tray 17 is lifted or elevated from the carriage and on to the discharge track 28 is clearly shown. In the first place, it is to be assumed that the carriage is approaching the end of the delivery track, traveling from right to left. If, at this instant the depending arm strikes an obstruction in its path, such as a cam plate 33, the rock shafts 19 are rotated, thus swinging the arms 21 to an upright posi tion, and elevating the tray above the level of the discharge track. The tray, thus elevated, is transferred onto the track 28, the lifting arms 21 being then depressed to their normal position by the release of the actuating arm 25 and the action of the spring 241-. Ordinarily the momentum of the trays as they are transferred to the track is sufficient to carry them toward the far end of the track, thus permitting the succeeding tray or trays to be similarly discharged on to the track.

The cam plate 33, mentioned in connection with the arm 25, is located on the inner surface. of the guide rail 11, at the point, at which the trays are elevated preparatory to being delivered on to the track 28, Figures 2, 4, and 5. Moreover, the cam plate lies in the path of the depending actuating arms 25 of the carriages, although the latter are so formed as to pass the plate without contact, inasmuch as each carriage must pass this plate a number of times without having its tray discharged. For this reason, each arm 25 is bent or shaped to provide a U- shaped portion 25 and an inwardly offset end portion 25* which is normally positioned to pass beneath the cam plate 33 while the U-shaped portion passes to the inside of the same as clearly shown in Figures and i. Thus, as long as the arms 25 are maintained at the angle of about to the vertical and inclined in a forward normal inclination of say 30 to the vertical, the elevating devices are inoperative. However, if the arm 25 of any carriage is swung rearwardly so as to bring the end. portion 25 in line with the cam plate at the instant before the arm reaches the plate, this displacement is suflicient to cause the arm to strike the forward edge of the cam plate and carry the end along the top face of the plate, as clearly shown in Figure 3, thereby actuating the elevating device and discharging the tray in the manner already described. The means for displacing or tripping the actuating arms 25, so as to operate the elevating devices will now be described.

Located intermediate the track and central shaft 6 and substantially in radial alignment with the cam plate 3 is a vertical standard carrying at its upper end a sprocket wheel 35 in driving connection with the shaft 6 through the medium of the sprocket chain 36 engaging a sprocket pinion 3. keyed to the shaft (3 immediately below th head 7. Extending radially from the standard 31- and in the direction of the cam plate 33 is an arm 38 supporting an endwise movable plunger rod 39, the outer end of said arm being bent upwardly to form a bearing 40, for the forward or outer end of said plunger rod. Mounted upon the rear end portion of the plunger rod 30 is a sleeve 4-1 having a collar d2 secured at its outer end and serving as a stop member for one end of a coil spring 43 surrounding the adiacent end of the sleeve and bearing at its other end against a bearing member at secured to the arm 38. Near the forward end of the sleeve -l1 is mounted a block d1 which carries a cam roller 45 at its upper end. Formed in the sleeve 41 is a slot 46 extending axially from its forward edge to the block 41 A collar 47 is se cured to the plunger rod 39 near its central portion and forms an abutment for another coil spring 48, surrounding the rod between said collar and the bearing member 40 at the forward end of the arm 38. The plunger rod 39 and the sleeve 41 are actuated by means of

cams

49 and 50, mounted on the underside of the sprocket wheel 35 and in the horizontal plane of the cam roller 45. The cams rotating with the sprocket wheel 35, intermittently strike the roller, thereby imparting endwise movement to the sleeve 41 and the plunger rod 39, the free end of the latter being projected into the path of the arms 25 of the tray elevating devices. Means are also provided to permit the sleeve to move freely on the plunger rod, in order to render the latter inoperative as will presently be described.

The cams 49 and 50' (Figs. 6 and 9) are pivotally mounted at diametrically opposed points near the periphery of said sprocket wheel and are provided with radial arms 49" and 50 extending inwardly toward the axis of the sprocket wheel and connected at their ends'with coil springs 51 attached to the underside of the sprocket wheel 35. Stop members F2 are also mounted on the under side of this sprocket wheel which engage the inward ejecting arms of the cam dogs and act to limit their rotative move" ment in. one direction. Thus, if in Figure 9, the sprocket wheel is assumed to rotate in a clockwise direction the cams are held against rotation, but if in the operation of the machine the sprocket wheel should rotate in an opposite direction the cams on striking the roller 45 are swung around theirpivot points and ride over the roller without moving the sleeve 41.

The edges of the cams projecting beyond the periphery of the sprocket wheel 35 coact with the cam roller 45, to shift the sleeve 41 endwise, the movement thereof being of the same extent in both cases, although the period that the sleeve is held in shifted position is greater when engaged by the cam 50, due to the increased length of the radial or outer face of this cam. The purpose of this arrangement will presently be explained. Y

Assuming that the main shaft 6 is rotating at a predetermined speed, the sprocket wheel 35 is driven therefrom and rotates at a speed bearing a definite ratio to that of said shaft 6. As the machine herein disclosed is designed, this ratio of speed is 2 to l,that is to say, the sprocket wheel 35 makes one revolution for every 2 revolutions of the main shaft (3. Moreover, during each revolution of the sprocket wheel 35 both

cams

49 and 50 are brought into contact with the roller 45 to actuate the plunger rod 39. Referring first to Figure 7 it is to be observed that the plunger rod 39 is in retracted position, as is the sleeve 41, both being positively carried to the retracted position by the action of their-respective coil springs 48 and 43. In retracted position the outer end of the plunger rod 39 is spaced a short distance from the edge of the cam plate 33 carried by the guide rail-'11 of the track, so that asthe carriages pass, the actuating arms 25, associated with the elevating mechanism of each carriage, passes freely between'the cam plate 33 and the end of the plunger rod.

By reference to Figure 6, it will'be seen that as the sprocket wheel 35 revolves, one of the cams, say 49, strikes the cam roller 45 and in so doing shifts the sleeve 41 and the plunger rod 39 forward, thereby carrying the end of the plunger rod into the path of the depending lever arms 25 of the carriages so that as the approaching carriage comes opposite the tripping mechanismits arm 25 strikes the end of the plunger rod, thereby elevating its lower extremity so that it comes in contact with the forward edge of the cam plate 33 causing it to ride up on its top surface, thereby bringing about the actuation of the elevating mechanism in the manner shown in Figure 5.

It is further manifest that if the plunger rod is held in its advanced position for a sufficient length of time, the tray elevating mechanism of more than one carriage may be tripped. Thus, the cam 49 is so designed that its radial face engages the cam roller 4-5 for a period of time sufficient to affect the tripping of a single carriage, whereas, the cam 50 having a circumferential face substantially twice the length of that of thedog 49, will hold the plunger rodin extended position for a period of time suflicient to trip two successive carriages, hence it fol.- lows that during one revolution of the sprocket wheel 35 and therefore during 2 4 complete revolutions of the carriages about the track, three carriages will be -tripped,- first one and then two carriages being tripped alternately during the successive circuits.

This ratio between the speeds of the carriages and the interval between'the tripping of the carriages is worked out so as to secure an accurate distribution of the sheets upon the carriages. Thus, if there are twelve carriages and each carriage is to receive a pile of nine sheets, by removing alternate one and two trays during approximately each circuit of the carriages, it follows that each tray as it receives its last sheet, will be immediately thereafter discharged. ltlanifestly different carriages are tripped during each circuit, the whole arrangement being worked out on a mathematical basis in which the various factors are considered;

III

It may be. explained that it is desirable, if not necessary that provision be made so that the machine can operate for a certain length of time after it is started in motion with empty trays thereon, before the automatic removal of trays is commenced. Hence provision is made for allowing the sleeve ll to move freely on the plunger rod, without actuatingthe latter. As is clearly shown in Figures 6' and 7, a pin 52 projects radially from the plunger rod 39 immediately adjacent the'forward end of the sleeve 41. Manifestly, if the pin is positioned so as to register with the slot 4C6 in the sleeve ll and said sleeve is advanced endwise, with each engagement of the cams a9 and with the roller 45' thereof, that the sleeve will merely slide upon the plunger rod 39 without imparting any movement thereof. In other words, so long as the pin registers with the slot 46 as shown in Figure 7, the plunger rod remains immovable and inoperative. However, ifthe pin is shifted by a slight rotation of the plunger rod, so that it is thrown out of alignment of the slot 46, the forward edge of the sleeve must necessarily abut against the base of the pin and that each displacement of the sleeve by the cams, asimilar displacement is transmitted to the plunger rod 39 as shown in Figure 6. Means are therefore employed for shifting the pin through the slight angle necessary to move it to or out of alignment with the slot 46.

This mechanism is mounted upon an upright support 53 extending from the floor to the underside of the supporting arm 38 intermediate its ends and consisting of a plate 54 having a transverse slot 55 near its upper end through which the pin 52 extends. At the center of the plate 5% is a longitudinal slot 56 through which extends a supporting pin 57 anchored in the upright Thus the plate is free to rotate through a limited angle about the supporting pin 57 and to be shifted lengthwise in a vertical direction. Extending'along the floor and from the base of the upright 53 to a point outwardly beyond the track a rock shaft 58 suitably journalled at its ends in bearing 59 supported upon blocks 60. At the outer end of the; shaft is mounted a foot pedal 61 and at its-innerend a crank arm 62 connected to the lower edge of the plate 5.4 by means of a connecting rod 63. Surrounding the conneating rod is a compression spring 64 abutting atjits upper end against a block 65,

forming the intermediate connecting mem ber between the 0011116013111 rod 63 and the b platens, sald spring act ng as a compression member to. hold the crank arm 62 in depressed position. A tension spring 66 is likewise connected to the lower end of the bloc/1:65 and extends vertically downwardly and attached at a point-near the floor, If

it is desired to interrupt the tripping action the operator presses on the foot pedal 61 in such a way as to swing the plate in a clockwise direction, thus rotating the plate 54 slightly and at the same time sliding the plate 5% upwardly and carrying the pin into alignment with the slot 46, as is clearly shown in Figure 8. So long as the plate 5+1: remains in this position the tripping mechanism will not function but immediately upon pressing the foot pedal to shift the parts in an opposite direction the plate will be moved in to the position shown in Figure 6, thereby carrying the pin out of alignment with the slot and the tripping mechanism will function as before explained.

Provision is also made for altering the angular displacement of the carriages, so as to regulate the timing of the tripping events. Mounted at the upper end of the shaft 6 and rotating therewith is a block 68 extending radially thereto. Extending at right angles to the block 68 is a horizontal shaft 69 having a hand wheel (39 at its free end. Mounted upon the head or hub 7, is a bearing 70, in which the shaft turns freely, but is held against endwise movement. Moreover, the inner end of the shaft has screw threaded connections with the block. The hub 7 although designed to rotate with the shaft 6, has a limited relative movement on the shaft, thus by turning the shaft 69 in either direction, the hub 7 as well as the arms 8 and carriages i, can be shifted angularly in a limited degree, thus providing for small adjustments often necessary to insure the accurate feeding of the sheets on to the trays.

Having described the features embodying the invention, I claim:

1. In a machine of the character described, the combination with sheet delivery means, of sheet gathering means moving continuously in an endless path and adapted to have a sheet deposited thereon from said delivery means at a given point of each circuit of said path, and means acting automatically to remove said sheets from said gathering means after a predetermined number of circuits.

2. In a machine of the character described, the combination of sheet delivery means, of sheet gathering means adapted to, travel in an endless path to receive a sheet from said delivery means, convey said sheet through a circuit f said path, and to repeatedly present sa d sheet to said delivery means to have successive sheets deposited upon said first sheet, and means acting automatically to remove said sheets from said gathering means after a predetermined number have been deposited.

3. In a machine of the character described, the combination with sheet delivery means, of sheet gathering means moving in an end- V less path and adapted to repeatedly present a plurality of sheet receiving members onto which successive sheets are deposited from said delivery means during each circuit of said path, and means acting automatically to remove the sheets from said receiving members after each of the same have made a predetermined number of circuits of said path.

4. In a machine of the character described,

the combination with sheet delivery means,

of sheet gathering means comprising an endless sheet receiving member moving continuously in an endless path beneath the delivery means, and adapted to have sheets deposited thereon from said delivery means at a given point in each circuit of the path thereof and means operating automatically to lift the sheets from said receiving member after a predetermined number have been deposited and delivering the same therefrom.

5. In a machine of the character described, the combination with sheet delivery means, of sheet gathering means comprising an endless sheet receiving member moving continuously in a substantially circular path beneath the delivery means, and adapted to have sheets deposited thereon in uniformly spaced piles, means for automatically elevating said piles from said receiving member after a predetermined number of sheets have been deposited on each pile, and a stationary receiving member in the path of the elevated iles.

p 6. In a machine of the character described, the combination of sheet delivery means, a carriage adapted to travel in an endless path passing beneath the end of said sheet delivery means and adapted to have sheets de posited thereon, a track mounted adjacent to and in alignment with the path of said carriage, means operated automatically for shifting said sheets bodily from said carriage, and means in the path of the shifted sheets for removing the same from the moving carriage.

7. In a machine of the character described the combination with sheet delivery means, an endless track passing beneath the discharge end of said delivery means, a series of sheet receiving elements movable on said track and adapted to have sheets deposited thereon, discharge track mounted above the path o f said receiving elements, and means acting automatically to elevate the sheets on predetermined receiving elements, whereby said sheets are transferred onto said track in the passage of said receiving elements thereunder.

8. In a machine of the character described, the combination with sheet delivery means, of a series of sheet gathering elements movable in an endless path passing beneath the end of said delivery means comprising removable trays adapted to have sheets deposited thereon, a tray receiving track adjacent the path of said sheet gathering elements, means carried by said sheet gathering elements and operative to elevate said trays and mechanism operative .to actuate said tray elevating means at predetermined intervals and means for receiving said trays in elevated position.

9. In a machine of the character described, the combination of an endless track, a plurality of carrages mounted on said track, means for propelling said carriages, trays removably mounted on said carriages, means for depositing sheets successively on said trays, means for elevating said trays relative to said carriage, means for receiving said trays in elevated position and means for actuating said elevating devices.

10. In a machine of the character described, the combination with sheet delivery means, of a carriage adapted to travel in an endless path passing beneath said delivery means, a tray carried by said carriage, tray elevating mechanism mounted on said carriage comprising an actuating lever, a tripping member in the path of said arm and means for shifting said arm and tripping member relative to each other to eifect the actuating of said elevating mechanism.

11. In a machine of the character described, the combination with sheet delivery means, of a carriage supported upon an endless track passing beneath said delivery means, means for propelling said carriage, a tray mounted on said carriage, a rocker arm mounted on said carriage beneath said tray, a lever operatively connected with said rocker arm, a lever actuating member l0cated adjacent the path of said lever and means for shifting said lever into a position to'engage said lever actuating member.

12. In a machine of the character described, the combination of sheet delivery means, a substantially circular track passing beneath the point of delivery of said sheet delivery means, a plurality of carriages mounted on said track, means for propelling said carriages, trays removably mounted on said carriages, tray shifting devices mounted on each carriage, and comprising levers projecting from said carriages, a lever actuating member mounted in the path of said levers, the latter being normally positioned to pass said fixed actuating member and tripping mechanism operative to shift said levers into position to engage said actuating member.

13. In a machine of the characterdescribed, the combination of sheet delivery 'means, a plurality of carriages traveling on an endless track passing beneath the delivery end of said delivery means, trays carried by said carriages, a discharge trackhaving one end above said track, tray elevating devices mounted on said carriages, and tripping mechanism operative to trip said elevating devices whereby said trays are elevated for transfer onto said discharge track.

14. In a machine of the character de scribed, the combination of sheet delivery means, a carriage adapted to travel in an endless path passing beneath the delivery end of said sheet delivery means, a tray carried by said carriage and adapted to have sheets deposited thereon. a discharge track mounted above the path of said carriage, rocker arms journalled on said carriage and adapted to engage the bottom of said tray, a lever operatively connected with said rocker arms, and tripping mechanism comprising a member adapted to be projected into the path of said lever, whereby said arms are actuated to lift said tray above the carriage for transfer on to said discharge track as said carriage passes therebeneath.

15. In a machine of the character described, the combination with sheet delivery means, an endless track passing beneath the discharge end of said delivery means, a plurality of carriages 011 said track, a drive shaft operatively connected with said carriages, trays removably mounted on said carriages, tray elevating devices mounted on said carriages comprising an actuating lever depending therefrom, a cam membermounted on said track in the path of said levers, the latter being normally positioned to pass said plate without contact, and tripping mechanism operative from said drive shaft and comprising a tripping member, adapted to be moved into the path of said lever for shifting the same into position to engage said cam member.

16. In a machine of the character described, the combination with sheet delivery conveyor, a substantially circular track pass ing beneath the delivery end of said delivery conveyor, a plurality of carriages mounted to travel about said track, carriage propelling means comprising a drive shaft operatively connected with said carriages, trays remov" ably mounted on said carriages, a discharge track above the path of said carriages, tray elevating means carried by said carriages and comprising levers depending adjacent the track, a cam plate adjacent the receiving end of said discharge track, said levers be ing shaped to normally pass the cam plate,

and tripping mechanism comprising an endwise movable member, and a rotative cam member in driving connection with said drive shaft, operative to trip said levers, whereby the same are shifted into position to be actuated by said cam plate.

17. In a machine of the character described, the combination with sheet delivery conveyor, a substantially circular track passing beneath the delivery end of said delivery conveyor, a plurality of carriages mounted to travel about said track carriage propelling means comprising a drive shaft operatively connected with said carriages, trays removably mounted on said carriages above the path of said carriages. tray elevating medium carried by said carriages and comprising levers depending adjacent the track, a cam plate mounted on said track adjacent the receiving end of said discharge track, said levers having an offset end portion adapted in the normal positions thereof to pass the cam piate without contact, and tripping mechanism comprising an endwise shiftable rod provided with a cam engaging member, a rotative cam in driving connection with said drive shaft, and adapted to engage the ram member of said rod, to shift the end of the same into the path of said levers, whereby said levers are tripped to engage said cam plate.

18. In a machine of the character described, the combination of sheet delivery means, a substantially circular track passing beneath the point of delivery, a plurality of carriages mounted on said track, means for propelling said carriages, trays removably mounted on said carriages, tray elevating devices mounted on each carriage, each comprisingan actuating lever, and means for tripping said levers, comprising an endwise shiftable rod, a sleeve slidable on said rod. means for shifting said sleeve endwise at predetermined intervals, and normally controlled means for connecting and disconnecting said sleeve and rod.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 27th day of November, A. D.

IVILLET B. RANNEY.