US2036538A - Parcel post weighing and stamp printing machine - Google Patents

Description

April 7, 1936. W. J. PEARSON 2,036,538

PARCEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1929 15 Sheets-Sheet l Aprifl 7, 1936 W. J. PEARSON PARCEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE l5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 29, 1929 APFiH 9 9 W. J. PEARSON 2,36,5 58

PARCEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1929 15 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR Aprii 7 19360 W. 'J PEARSON PARCEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE 15Sheets-Sheei INVENTOR 9 April 7, 1-936. W J PEARSON 2,036,538

PARCEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1929 15 SheetsSheet 5 April 7, 1936. w, J, PEARSON I PARCEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1929 15 Sheets-Sheet 6 [A'VENTOR April 7 l i fio J sgm M36538 PARGEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1929 15 Sheets-Shea}, 8

Apfill 7 1936 J PEARSQN PARCEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1929 15 Sheets-Sheet 9 AR'EH 1936 w. J. PEARSON I 2,036,538

PARCEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1929 15 Sheets-Sheet 10 H 553 a 5 3/4 2/41 19 2/3 I90 X 2Z0 /9 l2 32 /59 UNITED STATES POSTHGE ZONE JV KIN AMOUNT PDSTHGE 8 Z2 $2065 P/HD PERMITN: METERED PARCEL POST M/HL 11v VENTOR Aprfifi 7, 1936.; w. J PEARSON PARCEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1929 15 Sheets-$heet ll April 1936 w. J. PEARSON 2,036,538

PARCEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1929 15 Sheets-sheaf 12 April 1936- W. J. PEARSON I 2,036,538

PARCEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1929 15 Sheets-Sheet 15 Y INVENTOR April 7, 1936. w. J. PEARSON 2,036,538

PARCEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1929 15 Sheets-Sheet l4 r Aprll 7,1936 w. J. PEARSON PARCEL POST WEIGHING AND STAMP PRINTING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1929 15 Sheets-Sheet l5 INVENTOR Patented Apr. 7, 1936 i'JNiTED STATES PATENT OFFICE William J. Pearson, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application May 29,

6 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in machines for weighing parcel post packages and. for printing metered prepaid stamps for the same.

More particularly my invention relates to the indicia printing of metered permit mail, which involves the use of registering mechanism to be set by a post office official for a given amount of postage, and which automatically locks the printing mechanism when such predetermined amount of postage has been exhausted.

The invention further relates to other functions performed by the same machine in the preparation of mail matter, such as weighing the matter and indicating its Weight and the denominational values of the stamps aifixed thereto.

The objects of my invention are:

To provide for the use, in the mailing of parcel post mail matter, of a machine adapted to print a stamp on a gummed paper tape, and to cut the tape into stamp lengths to be applied to the mail matter in the same manner as ordinary stamps;

To provide a machine wherein the stamps may be printed with various indicia and data appearing upon an indicia plate carrying lettering, upon a changeable dater in which the current date may be set up, and upon a set of numeral wheels upon which the zone, the number of pounds and the corresponding monetary denomination may be manually set up by the manual operation of keys on a key board;

To provide a machine capable of conveniently weighing parcel post matter that packages of any size or shape may be weighed thereon conveniently, having a key board section provided with a set of keys for setting up the numerals to be printed on a stamp; an index port through which may be read the scale indicator figures for all of the zones corresponding to the weight of the package; a set of indicating numeral wheels which are set up automatically upon the operation of the keys to indicate the readings of the numeral wheels within the machine, whereby errors may be detected; an error key on the key board, which may be operated to clear the machine; a permanent register readable through a port, and a downward count register readable through a similar port, the downward count register being of the character required by the postal laws and regulations governing metered permit mail, viz. a register adapted to be set by a postoflice oiiicial for a predetermined amount of postage, and upon the exhaustion of that amount of postage in printing stamps, to automatically lock 1929, Serial No. 367,106

all of the mechanism of the machine until it has been again set by a post-office official.

To provide a parcel post weighing and stamp printing machine of such character that it will efiiciently and accurately weigh all parcels up to the present limit handled by the Post Ofiice Department, namely, seventy pounds, and to indicate by means of a visible computing scale indicator the weight in pounds, and coincidentally therewith the amount of postage required for the indicated number of pounds in each of the eight zones and the local zone according to the schedule of parcel post rates provided by the Post Office Department, which includes stamps of a denomination of 7 to $6.01 inclusive. However, a machine of the character described is not limited in its use to the maximum of weight or postal denomination being used at the present time by the Post Ofiice Department, but may be used for any amount of denomination, or any weight or number of zones, as may be required for parcel post operation by the Post Office Department.

The stamp printed by this machine will bear an imprint showing the character of the mail to which the stamp is affixed, the meter number, permit number, date, point of origin, number of the zone, the weight in pounds and the monetary denomination of the stamp, and may be printed on paper of suitable character bearing adhesive gum on the reverse side; when printed and delivered the stamp will be of the same general character as the customary adhesive postage stamp designed to be pasted on a package to be mailed.

The invention by which I accomplish these objects consists in the novel construction, arrangement and combination of parts as hereinafter described and definitely pointed out in the claims and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings (15 sheets), in Which Description of drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the parcel post weighing and stamp printing machine.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the machine Without the casing and scale mechanism, showing the printing mechanism assembled on the base plate, the various sections of the mechanism being only generally illustrated for relativity in this figure.

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the machine in section taken on a line approximately 33 of Fig. 2, and showing only such mechanism as resides in the plane adjacent to that line, namely, the operating keys, their connections to the numeral wheels, the scale mechanism and the dial.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the machine in section taken approximately on line 4-4 in Fig. 2, showing the scale platform and weighing mechanism, the scale indicator or dial, the keys and the driving gear; also the casing of the machine.

Fig. 5 is a detailed sectional view of a bearing link of the scale mechanism taken at line 5-5 in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the machine taken on line 66 in Fig. 2, showing the casing of the machine and the door which provides access to the scale mechanism, the scale mechanism, the printing mechanism showing principally the driving gears for the indicia plate roller and the conveyor belt for the paper to be printed on, the paper discharge platform and the paper roll magazine.

Fig. 7 is a view of the printing mechanism, partly in section, taken on line 1'! in Fig. 2, showing the paper roll magazine, the conveyor belt, the rotary printing drum, the numeral wheels, the dater, the paper cutting knife, the discharge platform and the moistening roller.

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of one of the keys, namely, the key that operates to rotate the numeral wheels to the number 9, showing the lever action in two positions.

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic View similar to Fig. 8, showing the key marked 5 and its lever action.

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Figs. 8 and 9 showing the key marked 0 and its lever action.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the scale mechanism partly in section taken approximately on line H-ll in Fig. 4, showing the mechanism below the weighing platform and its position relative to the casing of the machine.

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic plan view of that part of the printing mechanism to be hereinafter termed selector, and showing the selector finger in original position, i. e., the position assumed when the machine is clear; also showing the relative positions of the various connecting parts and one of the push rods as operated from a key, namely, the key marked 4.

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic View similar to Fig. 12, showing the selector finger at the limit of its longitudinal movement when operated by the push rod actuated by the key marked 4.

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic view similar to Figs. 12 and 13, showing the selector finger at the limit of its lateral movement, from which point it is returned to its original position upon the completion of an operation of the machine for stamp printing purposes, or by action of the error key.

Fig. 15 is a detailed view in side elevation of the progressive lock release mechanism for the main drive shaft (unit I63 in Fig. 2).

Fig. 15A is a plan view of a fragment of the mechanism shown in Fig. 15, illustrating the movements of the lock.

Fig. 16 is a detailed view of the key locking mechanism (unit 456 in Fig. 2) actuated by the main drive shaft when rotated for stamp printing purposes.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view in section of the selector mechanism (unit I50 in Fig. 2), taken approximately on line l'l|'l of Fig. 2.

Fig. 18 is a detailed elevational View, taken approximately on line I8--|8 in Fig. 2, showing the various parts of mechanism associated. with the main drive shaft.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view of the selector, taken on line l9-l9 in Fig. 2, showing the escapement mechanism for the selector finger, and the mechanism for actuating the register shafts.

Fig. 20 is a diagrammatic view of the selector mechanism illustrated in Fig. 19, showing the selector finger as having moved one notch of the escapement mechanism.

Fig. 21 is a sectional view of the selector similar to Fig. 1'7, showing in detail the register set-up actuating mechanism, and in dotted lines its limit of movement.

Fig. 22 is an enlarged detailed view of parts of the register set-up and actuating mechanism Without the casing shown in Figs. 2 and 4.

Fig. 22A is a detail view, partly in section, showing the register set-up drive and indicator drive.

Fig. 23 is a detailed view of the drive connections for the register elevators.

Fig. 24 is a view partly in section of the numeral wheel printing mechanism taken approximately on line 24-24 of Fig. 2.

Fig 25 is a View of a detail of the printing mechanism, namely, the dater and the lock therefor.

Fig. 26 is a view in section of the dater and its lock.

Fig. 27 is a view of a portion of the printing mechanism, namely, the numeral wheels, the dater and the inking device, as taken approximately on aline 2l2l in Fig. 2.

Fig. 28 is a diagrammatic view of the numeral wheel printing mechanism and the cutting knife, taken approximately on line 28-28 of Fig. 2 showing the cam and the cutting knife in the position assumed at the completion of a cutting operation.

Fig. 29 is a detailed view partly in section of the cutting knife, delivery platform, moistening wheel and water tank, taken approximately on line 29-29 in Fig. 2.

Fig. 30 is a diagrammatic view partly in section of the numeral wheel printing mechanism in printing position.

Fig. 31 is a diagrammatic view partly in section of the numeral wheel inking mechanism, and actuating means therefor, as taken approximately on line 3l3l in Fig. 2.

Fig. 32 is a detailed view, the opposite of the view in Fig. 15, showing the progressive release lock on the main drive shaft.

Fig. 33 is a view of the printed stamp.

Fig. 34 is a detailed sectional view of the inking mechanism for the printing drum.

Fig. 35 is a sectional View similar to Fig. 34, taken at right angles thereto.

Fig. 36 is a plan View of the indicia plate on the printing drum.

Fig. 37 is a side elevation of the drum shown on Fig. 36.

Fig. 38 is a detailed fragmentary view of the printing drum inker tank holder.

Fig. 39 is a fragmentary View of the guide plate for the key bars.

Fig. 40 is a general view of the register mechanism from the front, parts of the operating means being omitted.

Fig. 41 is a detailed view of a portion of the reset register from the side, showing the parts in released position, whereby the said register may be re-set for a predetermined amount.

Fig. 42 is a detailed view of the re-set register from the front.

Fig. 43 is an enlarged view of the first three numeral wheels, partly in section, of the reset register, showing the ratchet engagements therein.

Fig. 44 is a side elevational view of one of the wheels shown in Fig. 43.

Fig. 45 is a sectional view of the machine casing from the left, and parts of its locking mechanism.

Fig. 46 is a fragmentary view of the lock for locking the key bars when the machine is not in use.

Fig. 47 is a sectional view of the machine casing taken on line 4'I4'I in Fig. 45 and showing the locking mechanism.

Fig. 48 is a partial view of the scale dial showing its position relative to the index on the key board section of the casing.

Fig. 49 is a schematic diagram of the cycle of operations of the machine and its various working parts.

Fig. 50 is a detail partly in section of the clutch and release lever.

Assembly element For facility in assembling the several units of the machine and the several parts of the units; for economy in construction; for accuracy in the relating of the parts and units, and for the securing and locking of certain of the several units against unauthorized separation, I have provided an assembly element which comprises a bed It, and as shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4, 45, and 47, certain fixed parts II of a casing, and certain removable and replaceable casing parts 12. To the assembly element all of the actuating parts of the machine have predetermined location and are definitely related for operation and co-action.

Scale unit This unit comprises the recited assembly element; a supporting frame consisting of posts 13, 14, i5, and I6, which carry bearings fl and '58 supporting the platform scale mechanism. The weighing platform of the scale contains a removable plate Bil for access to the scale mechanism. Plate BI is secured to platform 79 by internal locking nuts SI. Platform I9 is rockably mounted by means of platform legs 82, links 83 and link yokes 84, which are provided with fulcrum bearings resting upon knife edges 8% and 81*, respectively mounted in the main lever 88, short lever 93, and acting as load pivots. Main lever 58 and short lever 89 are connected by load link 88 mounted in bearings 89.

The counter poise is adjustably mounted on tare beam QI, which is suspended by knife edge bearings 92 on cross member 93; tare beam 9i is connected to the main lever 88 by link 93 and knife edge bearings 94 and 95. See Figs. 3 and 4.

For reading of the scale, there is provided an indicator dial 86 suspended by means of bearings 91 and 98, and held in tension by counterweight 99, which actuates a sector IEJIl supported by a post IIlI. Connected to the sector I00 is a ribbon I02, joined with a ribbon I93 wound upon a drum I04, mounted on the shaft i835 which supports dial 95.

The dial 96 is actuated by a sector Iilt, supported by bearings I07 in post I58 and actuated by a gear I09 and a rack I I0 positioned by roller I I I; the rack is connected by bearing I I2 to stabilizing fulcrum arm H3, pivoted at H t, and connected by flexible steep tape I I5 to tare beam 9|. Sector I05 has an adjusting member lit to which is connected a flexible steel tape I ll which is itself connected to a steel tape I I8, wound upon drum H9.

Tare beam BI is provided at its extreme end with an engaging surface I20 which comes to rest upon an adjustable stop I2I mounted on cross beam I22. A tare beam locking mechanism E23 is mounted on cross beam I22 and is operable from the outside of the machine by remova le handle I24 (Fig. 1). Fig. 11 further illustrates handle I24 and its engagement with rock shaft 525 and its connecting member IZt, which are mounted on posts 13 and I6 in bearings For protection against injury and unauthorized access to the scale mechanism platform '59 is provided with an apron I28 which contacts with a felt dust protector I29 secured to the casing I2. Platform i9 is retained in position against unauthorized removal by saddles I3f) (Fig. 6) which surround the various bearings and prevent displacement thereof. Authorized access to the scale mechanism is had through removal of plate or through a lock door on either side of the machine. Door I3 I, on the right side, has a tumbler lock i321; a similar door I33 on the left side has a lock I34 and a bolt I35 to engage in a catch I36 (see Figs. 1 and 6).

Printing mechanism Fig. 2, as hereinbefore described, is a general View of the bed iii and the various units of the printing mechanism mounted thereon, each unit being so numbered.

Fig. 2 shows key unit I31; selector unit numeral wheel unit I5I; dater unit 552; inking unit I53; rotary printing unit 554; conveyor unit I55; paper roll magazine I56; drive mechanism 55? for conveyor unit I55 and printing unit I54; main drive shaft I58; secondary shaft I59, numeral wheel unit drive I60; error rock shaft unit Ifii drive shaft non-reverse unit I62; drive shaft lock and progressive release unit I63 and casing lock unit I64.

The registers incorporated in the machine are housed in meter casing I65, which prevents unauthorized access to them. Indicator I85 is driven directly by shafts I61 connected to the selector mechanism in selector unit I553. Conveyor unit I55 has an extension, a discharge table its, upon which the finished stamp is deposited at the completion of a printing operation. The stamp is severed by knife unit its from a paper strip fed through the machine, and may be moistened on the lower or gummed side by a moistening roller IIIl, which rotates in a water tank HI having a filling opening H2.

The key operating mechanism 1,3? is composed of keys I3iiii, I38I, Its-2, I3S3, I38- l, lat-4i, Isa a, I38-l, I3t8, and I389, and an error key I39; these keys are mounted on key bars I45] mounted in a bearing block MI and tensioned by springs I42 secured to key bar arms I43 and adjustably mounted by a spring bar I44, adjusting screws I45 and screw supports I46 (see Fig. 4). Key bars Mi] operate within guide plate I41 and are provided brackets I49 having pins I48 in their ends engaging with lever connecting arms I84 of the varying dimensions necessary to the proper differential lever ratios. See Figs. 8, 9, and 10.

Selector unit I50 operates to transmit movement from the keys I38 to the numeral wheel unit Hit. The selector unit is composed of a frame Ilt which supports a sliding carriage I'I i, tensioned by springs I14 and operating in tracks IE5; carriage I'M is provided with a set of transverse tracks I16 in which operate a slide Ill on which is mounted a selector finger I18.

(See Fig. 17). The carriage I14 has a strike plate I19, which receives the thrust from the ends of the push rods I88. The push rods operate in tracks I8I in guide plate I82; (see Fig. 21) they are connected at their other ends with links I83 in turn connected to differential lever connecting arms I84 mounted at I85 on posts I86 (see Figs. 3, 4, 8, 9, and 10).

Selector finger I18, when actuated to rotate any one of the wheels in numeral wheel unit I5I engages one of the rack bars I88 slidably mounted in tracks I89 in rocking frame I98. Bars I88 are provided on one end with faces I9I shaped to receive the contact of the selector finger I18, and on the other end with racks I92 which engage and operate pinion gear Wheels I93; each Wheel I 93 is secured to one of the numeral wheels I 94 of numeral wheel unit I 5|, wherein numeral wheels I94 are loosely mounted on shaft I94 secured to rocking frame I98. The rack bars I 88 are tensioned by springs I95 to return them to their original position after an operation of the machine. These springs also tend to keep racks I92 in proper engagement with the pinions I93. The rack bars I 68 are provided on their upper surface at the end adjacent the faces I9I with a set of vertical ratchet teeth I96 spaced to provide accurate rotation of the numeral wheels I94 and acting as stops to position numeral wheels I94 to accurate printing position. For this purpose a set of dogs I91 engage the ratchet teeth I96 upon the operation of selector finger I18. The dogs I91 are provided with tensioning springs I98 and are mountedon posts I99 rotatably mounted on rocking frame I98. (See Figs. 17 and 24.) Rocking frame I88 is mounted on bearings 288 on supporting frame 2M; the supporting frame has an adjustable stop 282 for positioning rocking frame H38, whereby contact faces I9I of rack bars I88 may be positioned for proper contact by selector finger I22.

Rocking frame I98 is tensioned against cam 3 I4 and toward normal position against stop 282 by a spring 283, fastened to supporting frame 28I. The printing movement of rocking frame I98 is effected by cam contact between cam 3 I 4 and cam lever 284, a part of rocking frame I98 (see Figs. 3, 2i, and 36).

For inking numeral wheels I94 an ink pad 285 is reciprocably mounted on tracks 286 and is actuated by lever 281. Lever 281 is operated by a push rod 288 riding in guides 2| I and having one end provided with a roller 289 actuated by cam 258. Ink pad 285 is normally held in position directly beneath numeral wheels I84 by tension spring 2 I 2,

Booking frame I98 is provided at a point to one end of the numeral wheels I94 with a removable dater device comprising a housing 2 I 3, containing a chamber 2 E5 into which the dater 2 I 5 slides on the grooved sections 2i6. The dater 2I5 is constructed to permit the insertion of type, 2I1, which may be changed to provide the current date. Dater 2i5, when inserted in chamber 2| 4, is engaged and retained by a spring ball 2I8. Housing 2I3 is provided with a sliding pin 2I9, best shown in Fig. 25, which is in constant engagement with locking bar 228; when the dater 2I5 is seated within the chamber 2I4-, pin 2I9 is pressed out, moving locking bar 228 to a point where the bolt 22I is disengaged from the under face 222 of the housing 2I3; when the dater 2I5 is removed, the pin 2I9 moves inwardly, allowing locking bar 228 to move bolt 22I to engage the face 222, thus locking the entire rocking frame I98 against any printing movement when the dater 2 I5 is not properly seated within the chamber 2I4. Locking bar 228 is tensioned toward the pin 2I9 by spring 223 (see Fig. 25).

For printing identifying data and amount of postage upon a stamp there is provided, as shown in Figs. 2, '7, 34, and 35 a rotary printing unit I54 comprising bearing arms 224 in which are bearings 225 carrying a shaft 226, to which is key mounted printing drum 221; this drum has upon a portion of its face 228 (Fig. 37) an indicia plate 229 carrying the type face for a stamp 238, as best illustrated in Figs. 33 and 36. Directly above printing drum 221, and removably mounted on the bearing arms 224, is an ink well 23 I, comprising a casing 232, a removable cover 233, guide pins 234 and supporting pins 235, held in tension by hooks 236 tensioned by springs 231 and riding on pins 238 (Fig. 38). The lower section of casing 232 provides a bearing plate 239 for the main inking roller 248 and the ink distributing rollers 24 I, 242, 243, and 244; roller 240 is mounted in the bearing plate 239 by means of shaft 245, and is held in inking engagement with the face 238 of the indicia plate 229 by the spring hooks 236. Casing 232 is provided with a discharge port 246, as best shown in Fig. 35, whereby ink contained in ink well 23I may contact with inking roller 24I, to be carried thereby on to the face: of the roller 248; by means of rollers 242, 243, and 244 the ink is evenly distributed, so that when the roller 248 contacts the said indicia plate face 238, the type faces thereon will be properly inked. Roller 248 is provided on either end with a flange 241 functioning as a friction wheel bearing upon the face 228 of the printing drum 221, and rotating with the printing drum. By this arrangement the face of roller 248 is continually supplied with fresh ink by roller 24 I.

Driving gear As shown in Fig. 2 the drive mechanism of the machine comprises a main drive shaft I58, a secondary shaft I59, a driving mechanism I51, and various connecting parts. To operate the drive mechanism, there is provided, as shown in Fig. 1, a hand crank 248, which is removably connected to the jack shaft 249 mounted in bearing post 258; secured to shaft 249 is a drive gear 25I, which meshes with a main drive gear 252 keyed to the main drive shaft I58, as best shown in Fig. 4. Main drive shaft I58 is supported by bearing posts 253, 254, and 255. Bearing post 255 also supports one end of the secondary shaft I59, which is further supported by bracket bearing 256 mounted on post 14.

As shown in Figs. 2, 6, '7, 18, 24, 27, 28, 30, and 31, conveyor unit I55 comprises an endless belt 251 carried the forward end by idle roller 258, mounted in bearings 264, and by drive roller 259, mounted on shaft 268; shaft 268 is supported by bearing 26I and by bearing 262 in bearing plate 263. The belt 251 is supported throughout its length by a table 285, which is securely mounted on frame 266 and acts as a platen for the several printing elements.

The driving gear I51 for the printing drum 221 and the conveyor unit I55 is composed of a gear train (best illustrated in Figs. 2 and 6), comprising a gear wheel 261, rotatively mounted on the main drive shaft I58, engaging with a gear wheel 268 keyed to the shaft 226 which carries the printing drum 221.

The main drive shaft I58 has keyed to its mutilated gear wheel 269, which engages with secondary gear wheel 218, having a divided toothed periphery and a corresponding mutilated section at one side. Gear wheel 21!] is geared, through gear wheel 2'sI and roller gear 212, with conveyor drive gear 219 keyed to shaft 260. The gears Z'iil, 21!, 212, and 213, and the main drive shaft 158, are mounted in bearings housed in bearing plate 263 (see Fig. 6)

In threading up the machine with a paper strip, it is necessary to insert the end of the paper strip under roller 214, between it and the conveyor belt 251, so that it may be carried past the several printing points. For this purpose there is provided a manually operated mechanism comprising a pin clutch 215 keyed to the main drive shaft I58. As shown in Fig. 50, the gear wheel 2%? is provided with a recess 216 adapted to receive clutch pin 2I'I, mounted in recess 218 in the said clutch 215; clutch pin 211 has a wedgeshaped head 21!! for engagement by a releasing lever 28% connected to a rock shaft 29! and manually operable by a handle 282. Bearing plate 263 also provides a bearing 283 for gear wheel 28, which is keyed to shaft 285; the shaft extends outwardly toward the side of the machine, and is provided with a hand wheel 286 for manual operation. Gear wheel 284 is provided with a pin 287, (shown in Fig. '7) adapted to engage lever 28!] to remove it from contact with the head 2'19 of the clutch pin-211, during the rotation of the said gear 284 (see Fig. 50); by this means the pin 21! will be released and ready to drop into the recess 2763 in gear wheel Eel at the completion of its second revolution during the threading-up process; this will automatically stop these various parts of the mechanism and position them for the normal operation of the entire machine.

The paper strip upon which the stamps are printed is fed from a roll held on a spindle 289 in a magazine I56 provided with a door 288. A signalling device 299 notifies the operator when the paper roll has been practically exhausted; at each operation of the machine thereafter a bell lfii is rung by a hammer 292, actuated by lever 293 upon contact with a pin 294 on gear Wheel 2w (see Fig. 'l').

The signalling device 290 further comprises a rocker arm 295 upon which the bell 29I and lever 293 are mounted; the arm 295 is pivoted, at 295, in a sleeve 2% in the magazine I55. Attached to the connecting shaft 298, on the inside of magazine I55, is a lever 299, having a roller 3% adapted to bear upon the upper surface of the paper roll contained in the magazine I56. When there is a full roll of paper in the magazine lot, the signalling mechanism is at the position shown in Fig. 7; as the paper roll diminishes, the signalling mechanism 298, being actuated by gravity, will gradually drop until the lever 2% comes within the path of the pin 294, whereupon the rotations of the gear wheel 21:: will actuate the lever 293 to ring the bell 29L A locking mechanism is also provided to prevent operation of the machine when the paper strips upon which the stamps are printed is not in its proper place, or when the supply of the paper tape is interrupted. This locking mechanism comprises a roller 395 designed to ride upon the face of the paper strip while it is passing between roller 995 and feed roller 2%; feed roller 214 has a recessed portion 392 to receive the roller 3M, bein spring tensioned, drops into recess 352 upon discontinuance of the paper strip past that point (see Fig. 2) The roller Bill is mounted in a lever i393, pivoted at 394 in a portion of the bearing plate 253 (see Fig. 6). Lever 353 is continued to form lever SE35, which is connectec. to and operates pull rod 3%. Pull rod has a slotted end so: for engagement with a pin mounted in rock bar 339 which is supported by hearing 3h; and is adapted to engage in toothed wheel 3H keyed to main drive shaft thus forming a positive lock. Pull rod 3%, being thus loosely connected to lock bar 3&9, allows oiiei" operations of lock bar 399 by means hereinafter to be described.

For effecting the printing operations of the numeral wheel unit IN, the dater unit E52, and the co-incidental operations of inking unit main drive shaft 558 has at one end a bevel gear 2H2 meshing with a similar bevel gear keyed to secondary shaft 559, for driving the shafts in a one-to-one gear ratio, thus providing a simultaneous rotation of the secondary shaft 59 with the main drive shaft I58.

The rocking frame I29 containing dater unit H2 and numeral wheels I95, is provided with a cam lever 296 to receive the wiping action of earn 394 mounted on secondary shaft 59 for a printing operation.

For the inking of the numeral wheels i9 3 and the dater type 251, there is provided an inking pad 2S5, normally occupying a position directly beneath, but not in contact with, the type faces, allowing free rotation of the type wheels 99 1 (see Fig. 31). A cam 355 is shaped to give a short, snappy action to the cam lever 2% on frame E96, which operates with a slapping contact against the ink pad to properly ink the type faces of the numeral wheels i9 5- and the dater type iii; on the further rotation of the cam i 5, rocking frame I99 is allowed to return to its normal position, thus again spacing ink pad 235 and allowing the necessary room for it to travel out of the path of the numeral wheels E95 and dater unit E52 in their downward path in a printing operation; Figs. 30 and 31).

As hereinbefore described, the printed stamp is deposited on platform I68 severed from the paper strip by a knife IE9. As best illustrated in Figs. 27. 28, and 29, knife I39 is removably attach d to knife arm 3 i l mounted in bearing 353 in supporting frame 25! the other end of knife arin Si'i has a cam lever 3H9 for contact with knife cam keyed to secondary shaft Knife 3%? is nor:- mally tensioned upwardly by spring 32 i. The cutting edge of the knife i559 passes across the face of a shearing edge 322, integral with the rear section of discharge platform H58. Knife 559 is down, in cutting position, at the completion of a pri operation remains in that position. until t1 he printing operation, serving, together with certain casing elements hereinafter to be described, to prevent unauthorized access to the machine at that point.

Registers

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