US1606548A - Variable-speed mechanism - Google Patents

Description

J. H. WELLS VARIABLE SPEED MECHANISM NQv. 9

FledvF'eb. 5, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet l um L Filed Feb,

5,' 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 nu a INVEN'R- Nov. 9 1926. ,606,548

Jv H. WELLS VARIABLE SPEED MECHANISM Filed Feb. 5, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 m INVENTDR..

Patented Nov. ltl.,

PRESS CO., LIMITED, OF TORONTO, CANADA.

VARIABLESPEED EEECHANISF.

Application filed February `5, 1925, Serial No. 7,028, and in rl`his invention relates to variable speed mechanism adapted for use in imparting motion to the cylinders of a printing press adapted for printinga without waste of paper, many different sizes of work. The invention is also adapted for driving cutters, perforators7 scorers, folders or creasers and the like.

`lllhen used in connection with a press the desired result is attained by employing two printing,` cylinders, with their accessories, and each provided with a printing plate subtending an arc less than a full circle, one printing the blank spaces on the web of paper left by the other; and by providing mechanism whereby each cylinder is rotated at a constant speed while printing and at a different speed while not printing so that the cylinders each rotate through the printing arc of their peripheries in the same time that they rotate through the non-printing are of their peripheries. lt will be distinctly understood that more than two printing cylinders may be used and thatl one cylinder will print the blank spaces left by the other cylinders or one cylinder may be used for printing a certain colour while one or more other colours are superimposed on the first impression.

if the printing plates on the cylinders subtend an arc of less than i800 it is evident that the different motion above referred to must be an accelerated motion, while if the plates subtend an arc of over 180 the diiderent motion must be a retarded-motion. lt is also evident that, if the press is to be adapted for many different lengths of printing plates to suit different lengths of printed sheetsj means must be provided to vary the length of the arc of constant or printing speed and for varying the speed during the non-printingl periods according to the length of the` non-printing arc of each cylinder. lt is also essential that the speed during the. making of any one impression should be as nearly absolutely constant as possible and should not-vary in such a manner as to affect the registration of the printing cylinders. My object therefore is to devise variable speed mechanism for printing presses and the like which will enable a very wide range of sizes to be printed.j which is easily adjusted to print any desired size within its range, which will effect Canada February 4, 1925.

the changes from constant to different speed with as little shock and jar as possible, in which the speed-varying mechanism is so locked during the periods of constant speed that it cannet have any effect in producing any irregularity in the speed, and thus in the printing, in which means are provided for attaining substantially perfect meshing of the interchangeable gears used in varying the length of theprinting arc, in which the periods of constant speed and different speed are delimited with substantially absolute accuracy, and which is rugged and not liable to lose accuracy by wear.

l. attain my object by means of the constructions hereinafter described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in whichi l is a longitudinal section of my vari able speed mechanism showing it connected with a printing press;

Fig. 2 a plan view. partly in horizontal section, of the two carrying members and rear change gears shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 a section on the line 3-3 in Fig. l showing, in full lines, an end elevation of the speed-varying member in its position at the commencen'ient of its rotary movement and-showing, in constructional lines, its position atthe end of its rotary movement;

Fig. e' a section on the line e--t in Fig. l showing an enel elevation of the gear part ofthe carrying member and part of the seoond carrying member after they have been revolved a portion of a revolution and showing the speed-varying -'iember in its position at the end of its rotary movement;

5 a front elevation of the casing for nr mechanism showing the gear carrying frame and the mechanism for finely adjusting it; y i

6 an underside plan view of the fine adiustment mechanism shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 a section on the line 7-7 in l showing an end elevation of the parts of my variable speed mechanism and showing the rear gearing employed to attain one direc-` tion of rotation of the rotary driven meni- -ber; andV Fig. 8 a diagrammatic view of the rear gearing showing a different arrangement of gears, to reversethe direction of rotation of the rotary driven .member and to reduce its speen? from that shown in Fig. 7.

. slots B7 Y the lrear In the drawings like numerals oit reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

l is a constant speed shalt journalled at its forward and rear ends in bearings 2 and 3 respectively, which are carried by a housing'or casing l adapted to enclose the parts of the mechanism hereinafter describe 3l.` 5 is a rot-ary driven member formed as a sleeve loosely mounted on the constant speed shaft l. It is the function of the apparatus or mechanism as a whole to actuateA this rotary member `Sat the same speed as the shaft l for' a portionv oi' each revolution and at a varied Speed during the remainder of each revolution. rlhis rotary driven member7 by means of any suitable `gearing such as 6, may be used to a'ctuate anydesired mechanism or machine such, for example, as the cylinder or cylinders of a printing press.

The driving connection between the constan't' speed shaft and the rotary driven member is providedby the following mechanism. 0n the shaft l 1s secured a carrying member comprising' a gear 7 and a dislr 7. This gear' is meshed with a pinion if ecured to a countershaft which isdetachably connected, by means of a clutch (not shown), with a driving shaft oi the printing press. The dishy is spaced from the gear and connected therewith by means of shouldered studs7b (see Fig. l) adapted to maintain the disk and gear inl spaced relationship.A A spindle 7c, journalled eccentric to the shaft l in the carrying member'. has at' its outer end, a speed-varying member 8 connected thereto, the inner end of the spindle beine; splined to removably carry a change gear Tl. Preferably the. spindle is journalled in a bushing;a T carried by the gear 7 and dish 7, the bushing havingv a shoulder formed at one end for engagement with the gear and having a' nut threaded on the opposite end, adjacent theV spline, for engagement with the diisl. The bushing thus also serves to hold the part-'s together and prevents any bending stresses acting; on the spindle.

The rotary driven. member 5 has `gears B1 and C1 suitably secured thereto the `former gear meshes with a gear BZ, of substantially the same number or teeth as the gear El, seo Figs. l, 2 and` '7. The gear B2 is secured to a spindle B3 journallcd in a second carrying` member which comprises a pair or spaced disks B4' and 13" connected by shouldered studs BS. These disks are located between A 7 and disk 7a and are rotatably mounted on the hubs ot' the latter so that they may be rotarily adjusted rel tive to the gear and dish, as hereinafter described. (ln the inner face o1c the disk B5 are formed two hubs BG and C which are diametrically opposits one another and pass through arcu te and C7 formed in the disk 7a. One end ot the spindle B3 passes through the hub BG and is journalled therein, the inner end oi the spindle being splinod so that a rear i3 may be removably secured tl ereto. This gear is adapted to mesh with an idler O'ear l.) carried on an arm El which is roeaiily adjustable re`ative to the firstor second mentioned carrying members by means o'' the: bolt and slot connections B2 between the arm and the dish .7a. The D is adapted to mesh with the gear im by which it is driven.

The studs Tis are provided with shoulders to maintain the disks Bt and B5 in spaced relations-hip. One orl more clamps 9 nlre provided for rele sably loci these d its afterA they have been rotari'ly adjusted to mesh the gear B withv the gear D. Each cli-amp comprises a pair or sleeves, mounted on a stud 7l and adapted to engage the ad jacent faces' ot the disks Bt' and and a lever suitably carried by the bolt in engagement with one sleeve. flihe lever has an eccentricV end adapted to engage the other sleeve' whereby the gear i' and dish la of the iirst mentioned carrying member may be forced slr. 'litly farther apart.

lt eif'ident that il theA spindle 7C be held from rotation relative to the carrying member that the rotary driven member will be actuated at' the same speed as the constant speed shai't l whereas if the spindle 'le be rotated on its airis at various speeds that the rotary member will be actuated at varied speeds either faster or slower than the constant speed otE the shattl, depending on whether the rotary movement otl the speedvarying` member is addedto or subtracted from thev moveni'ent or the rotary driven nember.

I will now describe the manner in which the spindle 5C is intermittently rotated during; portion ot' the revolution ot the const'antA speed. shaft. l. rllhe speed varying* ice les

men'iber 8" is formed as a hub secured to the spindle 7 and has a plurality of ratchet teeth lO formed on its periphery, see Figs. 3 and a. In the drawings there are tour equally spaced teeth shown which are adapted to be engaged seriatim by a spring; actuated pawl ll pivoted on an oscillatablo member l2 journalled on the member 8. Preferably there are two diametrically opposit'e pawls ll employed for engaging two ot the teeth 10' at the same time to equalize the load on opposite sides ot the spindle 7, The oscillatable member is provided with a laterally extending;v projection 12'7L having' an anti-friction roller thereon for engagement with av cam groove formed in the side of a cam disk ist. This cam is adapted to oscillate the member l2 to cause the pawls to partially 'rotate the' speed varying?,l member and to return the pawls to their startin position for engagen'ient with the next pair or" ratchet teeth on the nent revolution of the Constant speed shaft. In Fig. 3 the starting and linishing positions of the speed varying and oscillat-able members are shown in full and in construction lines respectively, and it will be noted that the rotary movement imparted to the spindle 7C takes place during a portion less than half of a revolution of the constant speed shaft 1. The speed of the rotary driven member 5 is thus varied relative to the speed of the co-nstant speed shaft for a portion of a revolution and the two rotate together for the remainder or more than half of the revolution.

The cam lei is mounted on a sleeve journalled on the shaft l and is geared thereto so that its speed and its direction of rotation may be varied relative to the speed and direction of rotation of the constant speed shaft 1, see Figs. 1 and 5. The forward er outer end of the shaft 1 is splined and on this spline is removably carried a gear la which meshes with an idler gear la carried on a frame 15. rlhis frame, hereinafter more fully described, is provided with a split hub carried on an extension formed on or carried by the bearing 2 so that it may be swung concentric to the shaft 1. A screw 16 is provided for clamping the split hub to the bushing after the frame has been ro tarily adjusted to bring the gear lei" into mesh with a gear 111 which is removably secured on a shaft 14d. rllhis shaft is journalled in the casing 4l and has a pinion 11i@ secured thereto, which pinion is constantly in mesh with a gear laf formed on or secured to the cam 1.4i. By changing the size of the gears lei, lill or lll@ the speed of the cam will be varied and by using two idler gears 14 b instead. of one the direction of rotation of the cam will be changed .from the direction indicated in Fig. 5.

The rotary driven member ris detachably connected with the .machine which it actuates as follows. The gearing 6l (see Fig. l) includes a gear 6u. joui-nailed on the shaft- 1 and adapted, by means of a clutch member G" secured. to the rotary driven member 5, to be driven by the latter. The gear is pro vided with a circular T slot arranged concentrically of the axis of the shaft and adapted to receive a plurality of l headed bolts Gc carried by the member 6b.. The bolts are provided with nuts adapted, when drawn up tightly against the face ol' the member, to cause the T-heads to grip the gear and rotate the member and gear as a unit. The drawings show .the gearing 6 connected with a printing cylinder 17 which is geared to an .impression cylinder 17 of an ordinary rotary printing press. The cylin der 17 is provided with a printing plate 171 which has the same radius as the radius of the impression cylinder 17 and when the press is working under normal conditions, that is without the use of the variable speed mechanism, the printing and the impression cylinders are of the same circumference and their surface speed is equal at all times to the speed of the paper passing between them. Under these ordinary conditions the circumference of the impression Acylinder governs the length of the sheet of paper being used even if the plate does not extend all the way round the plate cylinder.

The variable speed mechanism hei-einbefore described with. the gearing shown in Figs. 1, 5 and 7 is adapted to accelerate the speed of the rotary driven member and thus the printing cylinder 17, relative to the 'i speed of the shaft 1, during a portion of the revolution of the printing cylinder, whereby a length of paper less than the circumference of the impression cylinder may be printed, without wasting any paper. This. of course, necessitates the use of a printing plate subtending an arc lessthan that of the circumference of the cylinder so that the paper will pass freely at its uniform speed between the impression and printing cylinders while their speeds are being varied.

The length of the arc of the printing plate is substantially one-half'the length of the desired length of papers so that by using two sets of similar' printing cylinders actuated by the. gearing 6 and by suitably carrying the paper round spacing rollers (not shown) the whole surface of the paper may be printed, one-half on one set of cylinders and the other half on the other set. By justing the position of the plates relative to one another, two or more colored impressions may be superimposed 'on various lengths of paper. l

lt is evident' that by changing thegear ratio or the direction of rotation between the constant speed shaft 1 and the cam 14rand between the spindle 7C and the rotary driven member 5 the length of theV arc for varying the .speed of the rotary driven member will be varied. r'lhe length of the arc of uniform speed ofthe printing cylinder 17 is thus varied and these variable periodsA control the number of diliferent sized printing plates that .may be used and thus the num ber of different sized sheets that may be printed.

lfihen it is desired to print'from plates subtending an arc of more than 180ovit is necessary to retard the speed of the rotary driven member, relative to the constant speed of the shaft. during the portion of its rev-V olution in which the printing plate is free of the paper. This is accomplished by using two gears leb to change the direction of rotation of the cam 14 and omitting the gear.

D to cause the speed of the rotary member 5 to be subtracted from thespeed of the shaft 1 and also by changing the gear ratios of the forward. and rear drive gears, which are all removably carried on the spindles The constant speed shaft 1 is located, on the frame 17c of the printing press, relative to the printing cylinders 17 and 17a'as follows. The press frame is provided with a laterally extending boss, or large dowel 17(1 adapted to be received in the inner end of the bearing 3 which projects beyond the end of the shaft 1.

While the speed-varying member 8 is being carried through the are in which all the parts of the mechanism travel at a uniform speed, it is desirable to positively lock the member 8 to prevent the rotary driven member 5 moving relative to the constant speed shaft 1. In the drawings the cam 111 is designed to actuate the speed-varying member a one'- (pia-rter revolution during each revolution of the carrying-member 7, 7a but variations of this are of movement might be employed by changing the shape of the cam to increase or decrease the arc of the speed-varying member and by changing the gear ratios to correspond. in any case, to obtain good printing results it is necessary to control the movement of the speed-varying member for substantially its whole rot-ary movement and then lock it as mentioned above. This is accomplished by securing a control cam 14g to the cam 11i (see Figs. 1, 3 and 4,) by mounting both on a short sleeve and providing the speed-varying member 8 with four equally spaced projections carrying antifrictionrollers 8a, 8b, Se and 8d adapted to engage the control cam. rlhe control cam is concentric to the cam 14; and the major portion of its periphery is concentric to the shaft 1. Referring particularly to Fig. 3, it will be seen that at .the commencement of the rotary movement of the speed-v rying member, shown in full lines, the rollers 8b and Se are contacting with or engaging the concentric portion of the control cam. As the carrying member 7, 'la rotates past the cam 1d, the projection 12a on the oscillatable member is swung away from the shaft 1 to impart the rotary movement to the speed-varying member. The roller 8 is thus swung away from the control cam and the roller 8c trarels in towards 'the center of the control cam which is shaped to engage this roller during this portion of the movement. As the rotary movement of the speed varying member progresses the member .is partially turned on the spindle 7 and the control cam is provided with a low spot 1th adapted to engage. the roller 8c during substantially the whole of its movement when the spindle 7 is changing from its position behind this roller to its -position in front of the roller. rihe roller 8C then substantially follows the contour of the control cam while-the rotary movement is being completed to swing the roller 8d into engagement with the concentric portion of the cam. When this happens the roller 8C has also moved sufliciently to engage the concentric portion of the cam, as indicated 1n construction lines. These two rollers remain 1n engagement with the control cam, during the remainder of the revolu-` i tion of thecarrying member. From this it is obvious that the relative-'position of the speed-varying and the oscillatable members will be controlled by the roller 8 to tend to prev-ent the former member overrunning the second. lt is also evident that the engagement of the rollers SI and 8d, with the control cam, will positively lock the speed varying member from rotation when it is not being moved by the oscillatable member. During the remainder of the revolution, in which the parts travel at uniform speed, the cam 11i returns the projection 12EL to its initial position whereby the pawls 11 will engage afresh pair of teeth 10 in the member 8 to again actuate the latter on the next revolu-` tion of the shaft 1. The roll-er 8d will follow the contour of the cam 14g on this next revolution and the rollers 8a and 8d will lock the member 8 during the period of uniform speed.

With the above described controlling and locking mechanism the apparatus will actuate' the printing cylinders to accurately register and is thus adapted for high-class work in producingtwo or more colors on various sized sheets of paper.

To prevent the inturning roller on the n speed-varying member 8 `from forcibly striking the control cam at the end of its rotary movement l provide means for checking` the momentum of the member to positively prevent it from overrunning thepawl and ratchet drive connection 11 and 10 (see Figs. 3 ande.) These means comprise a pawl 30 carried by the oscillatable member 12 for engaging any one of four equally spaced ratchet teeth 31 formed in the speedvarying member 8. The teeth 31 are formed in the opposite direction to the teeth 10 so that the pawl 30 will retain the driving engagement between the pavvls 11 and the teeth 10 during substantially the complete rotary movement of the speed-varying member. Preferably the pawl 30 is formed as a lever fulcrumed intermediate its ends and l is provided with an anti-friction roller 32, adapted to engage `an arc shaped shoulder formed in the oscillatable member,to take the thrust. During the return movement of the oscilla-table member itis necessary to disengage the pawl 30 from the speed-varying member to permit the former member to rock reiativeto thelatter. For this purpose a linger 33 is provided which `is carried on a rod journalled in the member 12 and adapted to engage a pair of spaced shoulders formed on the end of the pawl. The rod has an arm 34 secured thereto, which arm is adapted to be rocked in one direction by a projection 35 adjustably carried on the gear "75 to cause the tnger to disengage the pawl 30 `lrom its tooth 31. `The arm 34 is adapted to engage a second projection 35 also adjnstably carried by the gear Z to cause the linger to be rocked in the opposite direction to. move the pawl into engagement with a fresh tooth 31. The pawl is disengaged at or about the time the rotary movement of the speed-varying member ceases and is engaged Vat' or about the time this rotary movement comm ences. 'l he arm is provided with two flats either one of which willy be engaged by a flat spring 36, carried on the member l2, to` releasably retain the arm and thus the pawl as positioned.

rllhe mode of operation is as follows. rlhe clutch (not shown) connected with the countershait to which the pinion Tf is secured, is thrown in to cause the pinion to drive the gear and the disk 7 which is connected thereto. -Zlhe clutch 6b is then tightened tov form a driving` connection between the rotary driven member 5 and the` driving gears G only one of which is shown. rlhe rotation oi the gear l causes the constant speed shai't l; to be driven which drives, by means of the vtorward change speed gears, thev camfdisl'f; lil. ris. the irst carrying member, termed by the gear I and dislr 7a, is rotated-the spindle 7C, gear 7d, speed-varying member d` and the oscillatable member 12 are revolvedon the axis of 'the carrying member which moves at a different speed-tothe cam le to cause the member l2.

to actuaterthe member 8 during a portion oit each revolution as.. hereinbefore described.

The second carrying member B4, is rotated bymeans of the clamp 9 and plunger 28 with tb iirst carrying member to cause the gear B or C; whichever one is beingV used, to revolve on the airis ci the carrying member. The gear D, when used, also revolves on its axis as the arm D1 is secured to4 the disk Tn. From this it followsV that during the portion of the revolution in which, the oscillatable member is not actuating the speed varying member, the whole apparatus revolves with the constant speed shaft l at the impression speed and during the remainder oi the revolution the oscillatable member causes the speed ci the rotary driven member' 5 to be varied relative to the speed ofthe shalt l, this might be termed the recovering speed.

-What l claim is l. ln variable speed mechanism for printing presses, the combination of a rotary driven,z member from which printing cylinders may be driven; means for driving the rotary driven member at a uniform speed during part of a revolution and at a different speed during tbe remainder of the revolution including an intermittently actuated rotary speed-varying member; means for positively locking said speed-varying memnecesa@ ber when it ifs not in rotation, including a cam about which trie speed varying member rotates and a plurality ot' rollers on the speed varying member, pairs ot which consecftively enf-Terre the said cam during the periods ot unii'orm speed; and means for varying the length ot the are oi: uniform speed with-out varying the speed which remains rela-tively constant for all settings o'l the device.

Q. ln variable speed mechanism, the combination ot a constant speed shaft; rotary driven member loose on the said shaft; a carrying member secured to said shaft; a spindle jonrnalled in said carrying member; a rotary speed-varying member secured to-saidy spindle; a rotatable member adapted to intermittently rotate said speed-varying member; means for positively locking said speed-varying member when it is not in rotation, including a cam about which the speed if'arying member rotates and a plurality ot rollers on the speed varyino' member, pairs oit' which consecutively engage the said can during` the periods of uniform speed; and means i'or actuating said rotatable membeicat a predetermined speed relative to the constant speed shalt.

3. ln variable speed mechanism, the combination ot a rotary driven member; a4 carrying member rotatably mounted; a speedvarying member journalled on said carrying member eccentric to the axis thereof; gearing between said speed-varying member and the driven member; a cam dislr adjacent the carrying member means i'or rotating the carrying member and tor imparting a relative movement ol rotation to the cam dislr and carrying member; an oscillatable member journalled concentric with the speedvarying iember and actuable by said cam; pawlr andy ratchet driving means whereby a stepwise rotary movement may be imparted to the speed-varying member by the rocking of the oscillatable member; and means tor positively locking said speed-varying member while the said s )eed varying member is not being moved by the oscillatable member.

Ll. ln variable speed mechanism the combination of av rotary driven member; a carrying member rotatably mounted; a speedvarying member journailed on said carrying member eccentric to the axis thereof; gearing between said speed-varying member and the driven member; a cam disk adjacent the carrying member; means for rotating the carrying member and for imparting a relative movement ci rotation to the cam dislr and carrying member; an oscillatable member journalled concentric with the speedvarying member and actuable by said cam; pawl and ratchet driving means whereby a stepwise rotary movement may be imparted to the speed-varying member by the rocking of the oseillatable member; a plurality of or* in) lll?! -1- blemember journalled concentric equally spaced projections on the speedvarying member; and a cam concentric with the {i1-st mentioned cam and engagea-ble substantially Acontinuously by two ot said pro- 'ections while the said speed-varying memlier is not being moved by the oscillatable member and thereby lock said member trom rotation.

5. In variable speed mechanism; the combination of a rotary driven member; a carrying member rotatably mounted; a speed- 'arying member journalled on said carrying member eccentric to the axis thereof; gearing and the driven member; a cam dislr adjacent the carrying member; means `for rotating the carrying member andtor imparting a relative movement ot rotation to the cam disk and carrying member; an oscillatawith the speed varying member and Vactuable by said cam; a pawl and ratchet-driving means whereby a stepwise rotary movement may be imparted to the speed-varying member by the rocking ot the oscillatable member; a plurality ot equally spaced projections on the speed-varying member; and a cam concentric with the iirst mentioned cam and en gageable substantially continuously by two ot' said projections while the said speedvarying member is not beingl moved by the oscillatable member and thereby lock said member from rotation, and having a low spot adapted for the passage ot said projec- '5 tions one-by-one to permit of theV movement of the speed-varying` member by the oscillatablemember and prevent overrunning` ot the said member.

G. ln variable speed mechanism the combmation oit a rotary driven member; a carirying member rotatably mounted; a speedvarying` member ournalled on said carrying member eccentric to the airis thereof; gearing;` between said speed-varyingl member and the driven member; a cam disk adjacent the carrying member; means tor rotating the carrying member and Ytor imparting a relative movement of rotation to the cam dish and carrying member; an oscillatable'member journalled concentric with the speedvarying member and actuable by said cam;

pa-wl and ratchet driving` means whereby a v stepwise rotary movement may be imparted to the speed-varying ing et the oscillatable member; a plurality of equally spaced projections on the speedvarying member; and a cam concentric with the lirst ment-ioned cam and engageable substantially continuously by two oi said projections while the said speed-varying member is not being,` moved by the scillatable member and thereby lock said member from rotation; and having` a low spot adapted Yfor the passage ot said projections one-by-one to permit ot the movement of the speedbetween said speed-varying member member by the roclvarying member by the Voscillatable member and jrevent overrunning otthe said member, said cam being figured so that one projection is substantially always inV contact with the cam surface.' f

7. 'A variable speed mechanism constructed as set torth in claim e in which the rot-ary speed-varying member is formed with four ratchet teeth and 'tour projections an'd the oscillatable member with two pawls adapted to engage the teeth.

8. ln variable speed mechanism, the combination oit a rotary driven member; a`

carrying` member.` rotatably mounted; a

speed-varying member journalledk on sai-d carrying member eccentric to the axis thereot; gearing between said speed-varying member and the driven member; a cam disk adjacent the carrying member; means for rotating the carrying` member and for impartinga relative movement lot rotation to the cam disk and carrying member; an oscillatable member journalled concentric with the lspeed varying` member and actuable by said cam; pawl and ratchet-driving means whereby a step 'ise rotary` movement maybe imparted to the speed-varying member by the rocking ot the oscillatable member; means 'for positiv-ely ,locking said speed-varying` member while the said speed lvarying member rs not being` moved by the oscillatable member; pawl and ratchet m chanisnr between the .speed-varying member and the'oscillatable member adaptedV to checl; the momentum ol the speedvarying member to preventit `over-running the pawl-anderatchet drive; and `means on the carrying` member for engaging saidV retainingV ratchet to throw ,it out ot engagement at or about the time the rotary movement of the speed-varying.member ceases.`

9. ln variable speed mechanism; the combination of v'a rotary driven member; a carrying member rotatably mounted; a speed-varying member journalled on said carrying);` membereccentric to the axis thereof; gearing between Isaid speed-varying member aud the driven member; a cam dislr adjacent the carrying member; means for rotating the carrying member and for imparting a relative movement of rotation to the cam disk and carryingA member; an oscillatable member journalled concentric with the speed varying` member and actuable byV being` moved by the lli 10.-In variable speed mechanism, the combination cfa constant speed shaft; a

rotary .driven member; a carrying member` secured to said shaft; a rotary speed-varying member journalled in said carrying member; gearing between saidv speed-vary ing` member and the driven member; a cam Idisk journalled concentric with` the constant speed shaft Vand geared thereto; an oscillatable member pivoted concentric with the speed varying member and actuable by said cam.; pand-and -ratchet driving means whereby a stepwise rotary movement may be impartedI to the speed-varying means by rocking the oscill'atable member; a plurality of equally spaced projections on the speed'- var'ying member; and a cam concentric with the first mentionedV cam and engageable substantially continuously by tWo of said' pro` jections While the said speed-varying member isJ not being moved by the oscillatable member and thereby lock said member from rotation.

1l. In. variable speed mechanism, the combination of a constant speed shaft; a rotary driven member; a carrying` member secured; to said shaft; a rotary speed-varying,- member journalled inV said carrying member; gearingbetween scid speed-varying;` member and the driven member; al cam disk journal-led concentric with the constant speed shaft and geared thereto; an oscillatable member pivoted concentric with the speed'varying'member and actuable by said cam; paavlsand-ratcbet drivingv means whereby a stepwise rotary movement may be imparted to the speccir-varying` means by rocking the oscillatable member; a plurality of equally spaced projections on the speedvarying` member; and a cam concentric with the first mentioned cam and engageable substantially. continuously by two of said projections While the said speed-varying member is not being moved by the oscillatable member and thereby lock4 seiid member from rotation, and llavingra lou7 spot adapted for the passage of said projections one-by-onel to` permit of the rotary movement ofthe speed-varying member by the oscillatable member and prevent overrunning` of the said member.

lf2. ln varia-ble speed mechanism, the combination of a constant speed shaft; a rotary driven member; a carrying member secured to said shaft; a rotary speed-varying member journalled in said carrying member; gearing between said speed-varying member and the driven member; a cam disk journalled concentric With the constant speed shaft andV geared thereto; an oscillatable member pivoted concentric with the speed varying member and act'uable by said cam; pavvland-ratchet .driving means whereby a stepwise rotary movement may be imparted to the speed-varying member nece; 54e

by rocking` the oscillatable member; a plurality of equally spaced projections 'on the speed-vary'ig member; a cam concentric with the i 1st mentioned cam and engagea able suistantially continuously by two of said projections Whilev the said speed-varying'member is not being movedV by the oscillatable member and thereby lock saidv mem'- ber from rotation; and having' a. low spot adapt-ed for the passage of said; projections one-by-one to pernn` of they rotary movement of the speed-varying member by the oscillatable me'iber and prevent overrun'- ning1 of the sa member, said cam being figured so that one projection is .substantial-'- ly always in contact With the cam surface.

13. A variable speedy mechanism con:- structed as set forth in claim l0 in which theV rotary speed-varying member is formed with four ratchet teeth and four projectionsr and the oscillatable member ivitbftnf'o pawls adapted to encrage the teeth.

la. In variable-speed mechanism; the combination of; a constant speed shaft; a rotarv driven member; a carrying; member secured to said shaft; a rotary speecl-ve-rying'4 member journalied in said carrying member; gearingl between said speed-varyine'V member and the driven member; a cam d i Y nailed concentric Withthe constant speed shaft and geared thereto; an oscillatable member pivote-dV concentric With the speedvarying member and actuable by said bam;- pavfl-and-ratchet driving` 'means whereby aV stepnfse rot. ry movement may be imparted to the speed-varying means by rocking the oscillatable member; a plurality of equally spaced projections on the speedvarying member; a cam concentric with the rst mentioned cam ano engageable substantially continuously by tivo of While the said speedevarying member is not being' moved by the oscillatable niemberandsaid member A'from rotation;

thereby lock and means adapted to check hemomentinn of the :Seeed-varying member tol prevent it ovc'rrunning' the paWi-and-ratcbet drive.

l5. ln variable spee'dinechanism; the combination of a` constant speed shaft; a rotary driven member concentric with the shaft; a carrying` member secured to said shaft; a rotary speed-varying; member j'ournaled in said carrying member; gearing between saidl specdvarying member andthe driven member; rotary actuating mechanism for the speed-vary member geared to the constant spe shaft; and means for varying the gear ratio of the gearing` between the constant speed shaft and the said rotary actuating mechanism 'for the speed varying" member comprising a rear carrying frame mounted to swing` concentric WithY the a-Xis of the constant speed shaft and rotary driven member and carrying part of the gear train, a stationary member7 .tine-adjustsaidprojectionsment mechanism between said member and the gear carrying frame adapted to finely adjust the meshing of the gears carried by the frame '-.vith the other gears of the train, and means for clamping the gear carrying frame and said member together.

16. /variable speed mechanism as set forth in claim 15 in which the fine-adjustment mechanism comprises a stud journalled in the member; a slide movable on the stud transversely thereof and pivotally connected With the gear carrying frame; and a screw threaded through the stud and rotatably connected with the frame to move the latter relative to the stud.

l?. Variable speed mechanism as set forth in claim 15 in which the gear carrying frame is provided with an undercut groove .and a gear is provided mounted on a stud having a head adapted to slide in said groove and to be clamped therein.

i8. ln variable speed mechanism, the combination of constant speed shaft; a rot-ary driven member loose on the said shaft; a carrying member` secured to said shaft; a spindle journalled therein; a speed-varying member secured to one end of said spindle; a gear Wheel connected to the other end of said spindle; a rotatable member adapted to intermittently rotate said speed-varying member; means for actuating said rotatable member at a pre-determined speed relative to the constant speed shaft; a second carrying member rotarily adjustable relative to the first; tivo change-gear spindles journalled therein; a gear Wheel adapted to be secured to either spindle, Which gear in either of which positions is adapted by the adjustment of said second carrying member to be brought into mesh with the gear on the spindle of the speed varying member; and separate gear trains of different gear ratio whereby the rotary 4driven member may be driven from either of said changer spindles, 9, ln variable speed mechanism9 the comation of a constant speed shaft; a rotary driven member loose on the said shaft; a carrying member secured to said shaft: a spindle journalled therein; al speed-varying member secured to one end of said spindle;

gear Wheel connected to the other end of intermittently rotate said speed varying member; means for actuating said rotatable member at a pre-determined speed relative to the constant speed shaft; a second carrying member rotarily adjustable relative to the first; two change-gear spindles journalled therein; a gear Wheel adapted to be secured to either spindle, which gear in either of which positions is adapted by the adjustment of said second carrying member to be brought into mesh with the gear on the spindle of the speed varying member; sepa said spindle; a rotatable member adapted to arate gear trains of different gear ratio whereby the rotary driven member may be driven from either of said change-gear spindles; an arm rotarily adjustable relative tothe second carrying member; and a gear carried thereby adapted to be interposed between the gear on the spindle of the speedvarying member and a gear on one of the change-gear spindles.

20. In variable speed mechanism, the combination of a constant speed shaft; a rotary driven member loose on the said shaft; a carrying member secured to said shaft and comprising tWo spaced disks; a spindle journalled therein; a speed-varying member seu the adjacent faces of the first carrying member to clamp the carrying members together as adjusted; tivo change-gear spindles journalled therein; a gear Wheel adapted to be secured to either spindle7 which gear in either of which positions is adapted by the adjustment of said second carrying member to be brought into mesh with the gear on the spindle of the speed-varying member; and separate gear trains of different gear ratio whereby the rotary driven member may be driven from either of said change-gear spindles.

21. Variable speed mechanism constructed as set forth in claim 18 in which the second carrying member is provided with a spring -actuated pl nger and the first mentioned carrying member with a se ies of holes for engagement by the plunger to position the one relative to the other as desired.

22. in variable speed mechanism; the combination of a rotary driven member.; a carrying member rotatably mounted; a speedvarying member journalled on said carrying member eccentric to the axis thereof; gearing between said speed-varying'member and the driven member; a cam disk adj acenthe carrying member; means for rotating the carrying member and for imparting a rc ative movement'of rot-ation to the cam disk and carrying` member; an oscillatable member journalled concentric with the speedvarying member and actuable by said cam; pawl and ratchet-driving means whereby a stepwise rotary movement may be imparted to the speed-varying member by the rocking of the'oscillatable member; means for positively locking said speed-varying member While the said speed-varying member is not being moved by the osciiiatable member; pawl and ratchet meohanism between the speed-Varying member and 4the osoiilatable member adapted to cheek the momentum of the speed-varying member to prevent it overrunning the paSvl-and-ratobet drive; means on the earrying member for engaging said retaining ratchet to throw it into engage- '10 ment at or about Athe time `the rotary movement of the speed-varying member com menees; and means on the Carrying member for engaging said retaining ratchet to throw it out of engagement at or about the time the rotary movement of the speed-varying member ceases.

Signed at Boston, Mass. this eleventh day of December, 1924.

J. HARRY WELLS.

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