US1689995A - Check-perforating machine - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 30, 1928.

J. H. DAVIS CHECK PERFORATING MACHINE Filed Feb. 1, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 00 CO0 O0 000 O0 000 O0 COO 0000 OOOOOOOO Oct. 30, 1928.

J. H. DAVIS CHECK PERFORATING MACHINE File d Feb. 1, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 3 I WW E M n z Patented Oct. 30, 1928.

UNITED :STATES- v 1,689,995 PATENT OFFICE.)

JOHN avis, oFoHIcAeo, IL'LINoIs, ASSIGNOR TO ormanns OLHADLY, or

PHILADELPHIA,

PENNSYLVANIA.

cnncxarnnronn'rme MACHINE.

Application filed February 1, 1927. Serial No. 165,108.

This invention relates to check perforating machines and the principal object of the invention is to provide a novel check-perforating machine provided with a plurality of parallel rows of movable tapes, each tape carrying a plurality of lettered plungers for operating perforating punches vertically reciprocabl mounted in the frame to perforate a checkpliiced in the machine, the tapes being collectively or individually. movable to shift the lettered plungers, whereby the location of the perforationsin the check for each set-- tin of the tapeswill differ.

the tapes; means for locking and unlocking the taperollers from the setting drum; and means for clamping the check blank in the machine prior to erforating same. 2o. Other minor obJects of the invention will behereinafterset forth. Y

Iwill explain the invention with refer- Ience to the accompanying drawings which illustrate one practical embodiment thereof .15

summarize in the'claims the essentials of the invention, the novel features of construction, and the novel combinations of parts, for which protection is desired. i In the drawings: I

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the machine. F ig; 2 is aside elevation thereof. Fig. 3is a section on the line 3+3,Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a detail of the stationary plunger-s for perforatingthecheck. i

' Fig; dis a detailof'a modified form of tape. i Fig. '6is an enlarged plan view showing adjusting the tapes. s a sectionjon the line of the tapes. Fig. 10 shows a with the one particular setting of the tapes, bywhich the check when superimposed thereon may be verified. i

I i As shown in the f-drawings my novel'machinecomprises a base 1,"having a recess 1 in its upper face adapted to receive a plate 2, said recess being slightly deeper thanthe thickness of plate 2. Above base 1 isa plate 3,. fixedly mounted uponthe base 1 at the ther objects of the invention are to pro- 15 vide novel means for individually ad ust1ng to enable others to adopt the same; and will and3. thefmechanisms forcollectively and indi Sis a sectionon the line 8-8, Fig. 6. Fig. 9shows a check filled out and perforated by the machine for one particular setting key board corresponding ends thereof; and above the plate as a plate.

4, covering the entire area of. plate 3, but preferably spaced therefromias shown in Fig. 3. Plates2, 8, and 4 are provided with groups of registering bores or perforations 2, 3 and 4 as hereinafter set forth, for: the

reception of check perforatingpunches hereinafter described.

a In each corner of recessl is a post 1 having its ends fixed in the plates 1 and 3, said posts slidably engaging. perforations in the corners of plate 2, to prevent removal of plate 2 from the machine while permitting plate 2 to be raised and lowered in the recess 1 In base 1, below plate 2,'is mounted a shaft 1 carrying camsl whereby whenthe shaft '1 is rocked by turning knob lithe plate 2 will be raised so that its upper face is brought into contact with the lower face of plate 3 to clamp the blank check C between plates 2 and 3.

Plates 2, 3 and 4 at therear endof the machine are provided with two substantial semi-circular recesses 4', which expose the underlying upper portion ofthe movable plate 2, said recesses facilitating the-entry and removal of the blank check C (Fig. 9)

into and out of the machine, which check C is inserted from the rear end of the machinebetween suitable guides (not shown) between the plates? and 3, while plate 2 is in lowered position. The outer edge of check '0 may be adjusted to a base line 2 marked upon the exposed portion of the upper face position in the machine between plates 2 The registering bores or perforations in Y the; plates 2, 8, and 4 are grouped as follows (see 10) the groupsall lying within the area of the check C when same is-inserted in punching position in the machine.

At the front end .of'the machine islagroup 1! consisting of four parallel rows of aligned bores adapted to extendacross the full width ofeheck C at the bottom thereof, therebe- ,ing twenty-sixsuch registering bores in each row, corresponding to the number of let- .ters in the alphabet, each registering bore carrying av check perforating punch hereinof plate 2," whereby a number of checksC, may :be successively centered in the machine, each check successivelyoccupying the same after described; and shifting or movable- I operating plungers mountcd on tapes are 4 punches. V v e In rearot-group is mgroupfllot reg provided abovefplate {t for. depressingsaid *t-ions on each side of the first August. 20th. 19%.

istering perforations, said group being disposed at approximately the center of checle.

ures the amount to be paid on the check,

which as shown in Fig. 9 is SELlGSLTF), and the two rows ot'bores at the right hand end of group B may he used to denote cents.

Above group A, at the left hand side of the check C is a group 1) consisting of a row of nine aligned bores with a second bore-beside thehrst, second; and last here of such row; the l'iCYfOlllClOliS(if group D are used todenote the day of the month on which the eheclrwas made, which as shown in Fig. 9 isthe 20th day.

At the opposite end ot'check .C is a group Echnsisting of two row: of aligned bores, each row containing six bores said group E being used to denote the number of letters in the name of the maker of the check, which as shown inFig. 9 is eighteen;

Between groups B and E, at the upper endot' check 'C is a group F of three rows oi aligned bores, each row hevin :t'our bores, and group I being used to d enote the month in which the check was drawn which as shown'in Fig. 2) is the eighth month.

Below group F'is a group G consisting of two rows of alignet hores, each row containing live bor and in addition perforahores in each row, said group G being used to denote the number oi? letters in the name of the payee of the check, which as shown in Fig. 9 is fifteen.

As shown in Fig. 9 the check C has marked thereon the name of the payee John Boyce Newman; also thean'lount of the cheek 5:51:46935: also the name at the maker Daniel Weston Hewitt; and the date of the check The location oi the perforations in the check denote in group A the initials of the payee and maker of the check: in group B the amount'ot the check; in group D the day of the month on which the check was made: in group F the month in which the check was drawn; group E the number of letters in the name of the makeroi the check; group G the number of letters in the name of the payee. The check may contain consecutively numbered blocks for writing in the names of the payee and maker so that. the number of letters in their names may be readily seen at a glance.

In each of the bores of groups B, D. E. F, G is placed a perforating disk 5 (Fig. 4:) above plate 2,.said disk 5 having a stem 5 extending above the plate at, said stem Wharin g a collar 5" thereon engaging the perforation in plate 4. A spring 5 is interposed between the collar :3 and a washer plate 3 immediatcly above the plate 3, said spring normally urging the stem 5 upwardly. Upon the top of stem 5 is a head 5" having a figure such as 1, 2, Z etc. marked upon its up per face. By depressing head 5" disk 5 will perforate the. check C interposed between plates 2 and 3 of the machine.

The heads 5" of the plunger-.5 in the various groups are marked as follows, (see Fig.

1.0):-Thc horizontal rows of heads 5" in group I3 reading from the top downward are marked (5, 7. 3, 9 1. 5.4, 3, 2. respectively.

In group D the horizontal. rows are marked 11, 22, 3, t, (i, 7, 8, respectively. In group E the heads in the horizontal rows are marked 12. 12, 34;, 56. 78:. 90 respectively. In group F the heads in the horiztmtal rows are marked 1, 4, .7. 10; 2, 5, 8, 11; 3. (3,9. 12, respectively; and in group (i the heads in the horizontal rows are marked 1; 1. Fl, 5', 7, 9; 2. 4:. 6, 8, O 2 respectively.

For groups B, D, ID, F, Gathe respective positions of the perforations are fixed and the same perforations in every check indicate the same figure. For group A, however, the perforations for the same letters vary according to the setting of: the tapes (3 hereinafter described.

In the bores of group A are perforating disks 7 (Fig. 3) similar to disks 5, and having their lower ends adapted for cutting perforations in the check C when the check is interposed between the plates 2 and I) and the disks depressed; Disks 7 y are provided with rods 7 which extend. above the upper face of plate 3, the rods 7 passing through perforations ina washer plate 3* mounted immediately above the topot plate 3 Top plate L fixedly mounted upon the top'ot plate 3' is also, provided with 'ierlorations 4 corresponding in spacing with that of the hores in plate: On the upper end o t' rods 7 are heads 7" which trial a sliding lit in the perforations 4; of plate 4. and the rods 7" arr normally held inuraiscd position with their heads 7 sul'istantiially flush with the surface of plate 4. by means of spring 7 intin'potmd between the heads 7 and, the washer plate 3".

At each end of the machine adjacent one edge thereoi are mounted drums 8 and 9 aroundv which run the tapes 6 which carry the plungers for depressing perforating disks 7. Four such tapes 6 are shown. but more or less tapes may he used. Drums 8 for each tape atone end of the machine are merely idler drums; the. drmn 9 at the other end of the machine is mounted on a shartt fl" which extends through thefront face of the casing and is provided with a knob hv which the drum 1118 be rotated to collectively adjust the tapes 6 with respect to the heads 7" of disks 7. Upon drum 9 asshown in Figs. 7 and 8 are four tape collars 9 which are normally keyed to the drum 9 by means oi pins 9 wherel'iy rotation of the drum 9 will also sinndtanc till ion

llt)

ously rotate the collars 9. Mounted upon the shaft 9* of drum 91s a dial 9which is pro vided with thirty-one divisions or graduations which may be consecutively numbered, but are preferably numbered as follows: 1, 6, 11, 2, 5, 10, 4, 8, 3,7, 9, 16, 20, 15, 18, 13, 17, 14, 19, 12, 21, 2c,2; 2s, 22, 27, 23, 30, 29, 25, and 31, azero point 1 being marked on the front face of the casing adjacent the dial. Tapes 6 are preferably endless steel tapes which are perforated and drawn as at 6 (Fig.

3) and each tapehas at leasttwenty-six such erforations; the perforations 6 'correspondmg in spacing with the bores in theplates 2. and 3, and the perforations 6 in the tapes 6 being adapted toregistcr with the said bores of group {A whenthetapes are in adjusted position. In the bores 6 of tapes 6 are n'1ount-, ed plungers 6" having heads 6 on their up perf ends, the plungers being normally heldin raised position by means of springs 6 interposed between theheads 6 and thetapesG. The plungers 6" being thereby movable with the tapes. On the head 6 of eachplunger is stamped or impressed one letter of the alphabet. As shown in Figural the lettering for each row of the tapes 6 is different, for instance, the lettering ofthe inner row commences with G, that of the next row with the letter(), the third row with the letter T and theouter row with the letter S.

Hence when the tapes 6 are adjusted so that plungers 6 directly overlie theheads 7 of plungers 7, and when the heads 6 are deadjacent the drum Qfsaid lock 10 having a pressed the plungers 7 will likewise bodepressed and a corresponding perforation punched in the check C- As shown in Fig; 1 the dial 9 is set so that the code word S A F E, corresponding with the 20th day "of 'themonth (see setting of dial 9) appearsopposite the arrowtl on the casing ofthev machinei Each day of the month anew system or combination of code words is desired, and hence it necessary to shift the tapes .6 by manipulating the knob 9 so that dial 9 ,will'read the particular day of the month thereby'moving all of the tapes in the same direction to bring the new code word opposite the arrow In order, however, to provideadditional variations in the code word, means are provided whereby thetapes may be operated independently insteadjof simultaneously or collectively.

As shown in Figs; 6,7, and 8, [a depressible lock 10 is mounted on the topof the machine ybolt 10 adapted to enter into slots 1 or 1 (Fig. 8) in the side of the machine, and said lock 10 being normally held in raised position by means of a spring 10h] Extending through drum 9 is an axially movable rod I 10 having pairs of spaced collars 10 thereon adjacent each tape collar 9. In the .bore of' drum are pivo'tally mounted bell crank levers l0 having their legs bifurcated, one

brought opposite the leg engaging rod. 10 between' its respective pair of spaced collars 10, andtheother leg engaging spaced collars 9" on its respective pin 9 which locks collar 9 to drum 9. By inserting a key in thelock 10the bolt 10 may be withdrawn from the upper slot 1 and inserted in the lower slot 1 By lowering the lock 10 an axial movement is imparted to the rod 10 by means of a lever 10 engaging a slot 10 in lock 10, said lever being mounted on a shaft 10 1 A second lever 10 on shaft 1O having an opening 10 therein for the passage of rod 10 engages between spaced collars 10,

10 011 rod 10 whereby as the lock 10 is lowered the rod 10 will be moved and will actuate the bell crank levers 10 to withdraw pins 9 out of engagement with the collars 9.-

In such position the collars 9 maybe rotated by hand or by suitable adjusting devices hereinafter described. 1

. In the base below and parallel with the drum 9 is a rocker shaft 11, carrying apair of C-shaped arms 11 which are keyed thereto and inthe arms 11 are mounted. shafts 11 (fourbeing shown) which lie adjacent the periphery of the collars 9. Each shaft 11 carries a roller 11 which is adapted to frictionally engage a cog 9 on its respective collar 9 when the arms 11? are rocked to bring the same into engagement rollers 11 a seriesof perforations 6- which. engage teeth 9 on the periphery of collars 9 so that the movement of the tapes 6 willbe positive withiespect to the movement of the collars 19. Fig. 5 shows another form of tape 6 witlr which plungers are not necessary, the letters of the. alphabet being marked beside holes operate the perforating disks through such holes. Shaft 11. isprovided with an arm 11 projecting in the opposite direction from .in the tape, and a sharpinstrument used to the arms 11 which lever 11 underlies a i pivoted lever 12 which is depressed througl'l suitable link mechanism 12, 12 and bell crank 12 bythe depression of the lock 10 simultaneously with the withdrawal of the pins 9* from the collars 9, 1

By adjusting the'knobs 11 when lock 10 is depressed any desired combination of letters to form any codeword of four letters can be 7 arrow. 1 on the upper face of the casing.

It can be easily checks according to some: secret code known luv u understood that unless all banksusin these machines were able to issue only to themselves which checks can be readily verified by any bank belonging to the same group (viz, the American Bankers Association) a machine mightbe purchased from the manirl'acturers by anyone and checks fraudulently issued thereon. To elin'iinate this danger a code word is selected by the head of the association of bamks and comn'iunicated to all banks using these machines with instructions that until further notice the code word. viz SAFE is to be used. and that all machines used by all the banks in the association are to be set so that the letters S-A-F-E read downwardly in vertical alignment opposite the arrow i on. for instance, the twentieth day of the month. (See .l and 10.) After the machines are to set a different combination o'li letters will appear opposite the arrow 1 tor .ICli day oi the month as the dial 5) is turned each day to bring the particular day of the month opposite arrow 1".

In operation the blank check is placed in the machine between plates 2 and l and cams 1 rotated to lock the check between said plates. The dial 9 is then rotated to bring the day of the month (viz. 20th) opposite arrow 1-. The plungers of the various groups are then depressed to perforate the check: the three inner tapes 6 being used to denote the initials of the payee. and the outer tape (3 being used to denote the initials of the maker In reading the check a keyboard (Fig. 10) is used based on the code word S A F E for the twentieth day of the month and the location of the perforations in group A. would give the desired initials. Obviously it a keyboard based on any other code word were used in reading the check the initials displayed in group A would not correspond with those on the actual check. and payment on the check would be refused.

I do not limit my invention to the exact lorm shown in the drawings. for obviously changes may be made therein within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a check perforating machine. a plurality of perforating disks and amovaljile endless tape carrying keys for operating said disks.

2. In a check perforating machine. a plurality of pertorating'disks; a, plurality of operators for said disks; and means i or shiftine: the operators com prising a. pair of drums endless bands carrying the operators and adapted to run around said drums; and means for rotating one of said drums.

3. In a check perforating machine, a plurality ol perforating disks; a plurality of operators for said disks; means "for collecti vely shifting the operators; and means for individually shifting the operators.

4. In a machine as set forth in claim 3, said means for collectively shifting the operators comprising a pair of drums, endless bands carrying the operators and adapted to run around said drums; and means for rotating one of said drums to shift the bands.

In a check perforating macl'iine. a plurality of rows of reciprocable perforating disks; a row of operators for each row of disks: means for collectively shifting the rows oi operators; and means for imlividually E-i it'ting the rows of operators.

(3. in a machine as set forth in claim 5, said individual shilling means comprising a pair of drums for each row. endless bands each having one run adapted to overlie a row of said it and carrying the operators. said bands icing adapted to run around said drums; and means for rotating one drum of each pair.

7. In a. check perforating machine, a plurality of rows reciprocablc perforating disks a row of operators tor each row of disks; means for collectively shifting the rows of operators; means for individually shittingthe rows of operators; and means for discn gaging one of said means when the other is in action.

2:. In a check perforating machine; a row oi perforating disks; drums mounted opposite the ends of said row; a flexible band running around the drums and having, one run overlying the disks; a plurality of op- :r: "ors for depressing said disks carried by said band; and means for rotating one of said drums.

9. In a check perforating machine; a plurality of rows of perforating disks; pairs of drums mounted in the machine opposite the ends of each row; flexible bands running around each pair of drums each having one run overlying a row of disks; a plurality of operators for depressing said disks carried by each ban d; and means for collectively and individually shitting-said bands.

10. In a check perforating machine as set forth in claim 9; said means comprising a. cylinder adapted to be rotated, the drums at one end of the machine being rotatably mounted on said cylinr ler; radially movable bolts in the cylii'uler adapted when projecting to lock the drums to the cylinder; and means for simultaneously actuating said bolts.

11. In a check perforating niachiiur; a plurality of rows of perforating: disks; a rotatable cylinder mounted in the frame at one end of the rows; drums mounted opposite the ends of each row: the drums atthc cylinder end of the machine being rotatably mounted on said cylinder; endless bands adapted to run around each pair o l' drums:

a plurality oi plungersfor de nessing said disks carried by each band; movable bolts in the cylinder adapted when projected to lock the drums to the cylinder; and means for sln'iultanei'nisly actuating the bolts.

12. In a check perforating machine. as net.

llltl forth in claim 11, said bolt actuating means comprising a lock member reciprocably mountedin the frame; a rod axially movable in said cylinder; bell-crank levers mounted in the cylinder each having one leg engaged with abolt and the other leg engaged with the rod; and link connections be tween the lock member and rod whereby when the lock member is depressed the bolts will be retracted.

13. In a check perforating machine; a plu-i rality of rows of perforating disks; a rotatable cylinder mounted in the frame at one end cylinder adapted when projected to lock the drums to the cylinder; means for simultaneously actuatingthe bolts; and means operated by the bolt actuating means whereby when the bolts are retracted the individual drumsmay be rotated on the cylinder.

14. In a check perforating machine as set forth in claim 13, said bolt actuating means comprislng a look member reciprocably v mounted in the frame; a rod axially movable in said cylinder; bell-crank levers mounted in the cylinder each having one leg engaged with a bolt and the other leg engaged with the rod; and link connections between the lock member and rod whereby when the lock memher is in one position the bolts will be projected, and when the member is in the other rotating the drums comprising a rocker shaft position the bolts will be retracted. V

15. In a check perforating machine as set forth in claim 13, said means for individually parallel with the cylinder; link connections for rocking the shaft by and with the bolt actuating means; arcuate arms carried by said shaft; a plurality of spindles carried by said arms; each spindle having .a disk thereon adapted when the arms are rocked to contact with the respective drum on said cylinder; and knobs on said spindles.

16. In a check perforating machine; a plurality of rows of perforating disks;'a rotatable cylinder mounted in the frame at one end of the rows; drums mounted opposite the ends of each row; the drums at the cylinder end of the machine being rotatably mounted on said cylinder; endless bands adapted to run around each pair of drums; a pluralityof plunger-s on each hand for depressing said disks; radially movable bolts in the cylinder.

adapted when projected to lock the drums to the cylinder; a lock member reciprocably mounted in the frame; a rod axially movable in said cylinder; bell-crank levers mounted in the cylinder each having one leg engaged with a bolt and the other leg engaged with the rod; link connections between thelook member and rodwhereby when the lock member ismoved the bolts will be simultaneously moved; and means operated by the lock member whereby when the latter is depressed the individual drums may be rotated on the cylinder.

17. In a check perforatingmachine as set v forth in claim 16, said means for individually rotating the drums comprising a rocker shaft parallel with the cylinder; link connections for rocking the shaft by and with the movement of the lock member; arcuate arms car ried by said shaft; a plurality of spindles can ried by said arms; each spindle having a disk thereon adapted when the arms are rocked to der ;',and hand knobs for rotating spindles.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I affix my signature.

JOHN H. DAVIS.

contact with its respective drum on said cylin-

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