US2085592A - Feeding mechanism for printing presses - Google Patents

Description

,A\.*T.| PPE `2,085,592 EEDINQMECHANISM FCR PRINTING PRESSES Filled Jan. 11, `1934 "9 sheets-Sheet 5 WW1 im i 5" 1052i jofg "20551052 (June-29 ,l937, f -A` T, KOPPE' A 2,085,592

f EEEDING MECHANISM FOR PRINTING PRESSES Filed Jan; 11, 11934 9 sneevts-snepe for, printing presses and its.` purposeis to provide improved apparatus@for` properly aligning and `feeding paper sheets" successively to thecylinders is `to provide feeding,` mechanism comprising `a `series ofpaper-gripping devices movable in `rotary pfpaper fromaqstack and` delivercthesetsheets successively `to conveying apparatus `leading `to the printing cylinders`,in such a `manner as to f gain greater precision fof foperation andgreater speed of delivery asi compared with the feeding il l printing presses.A A furthervobject of theinvention is to;provide paperieeding mechanism com- Mtondevices adapted `to `engage andautomatically i pickup successive 'sheetsof papercfrom aistack l "during the rotation ofiytheqhead. Stilianother object of the invention is to `provide improved means `for supporting a stack of papersheets l `and automaticallymaintaining the `upperisheet in approximately` the sameplane askthepile `is j gradually lowered by thecperation of the feeding rneclfianism.` Another `objectof the invention is toprovide paper feeding mechanism comprising a movable head1 carrying a plurality of series of `suction devices-in: combination with controlling i means whereby thesuction devices :operate i autoi matically in oneposition to :engage and pickup .i afsheet ,of paper; jand` are actuated `automatically .i in another position tol Irelease` the. sheet of paper `and :deliver it` to the conveying mechanism by which itis moved to the `cylinders. of the press. still another object of` theinventionf is to provide stack` of paper and maintaining the forward edges 1. ofthe uppermost sheets in proper :condition to: be

other object ofthe invention isto provide apaper support havingimproved means for; automaticallymoving it to correspond with the rate of Y feed `of` papertherefrom. A further object of the invention is toiprovide a movablefpaper'support E in combination with paper aligning devices which i are adjustableto accommodate sheets of paper ofgydifferent sizes. Another object ofthe invenprislngia rotaryheadhaving aplurality: of suc- Q l of, apress."V Theprincipal object of the invention paths) anduadapte'd to `pick up successive `sheets devi-ces `heretoforeemployeddin.` connection with y `prisirig afrotaryhead carrying a plurality of sucimprovedmeans foraligning the sheets of al engagedby movablepapergripping devices. `An` p tion iste providepaper feeding mechanism com-` murine.`

tion tubes each carrying -a series of suction cups capable of beingrendered operative Vor inoperative at the will of the operator. 1A further object tol provide .paper `feeding mechanism comprising a rotary head having a suction tube-carrying feeding mechanism `comprising avertieally movable papersulsliort` in combinationywith improved i power"driven `means `for: effecting; thefelvation thereof and manually operatedmeans feriali# justing the elevation Vof the tablerandfeii'ecting a rapid loweringamovement thereof.` lOtherobf jects i relate to various featuresfkof construction and` arrangement which, will appear `more fully hereinafter.` w l.

from the followingspecication taken witn."t he accompanying drawings, in which onei embodiment `is illustrated. In i the drawings,

printing fpressyembodying the improvedpaper feedingcmechanism of thelpresent invention Fig." 2 is a rear end elevation of the ofthe machinelillustrated in Fig. -1;` 'I` ,Figr shows a side elevation ofythefeeding mechanismillustrated in Figs. 11 andv2,"looki`ng` v andfone of the side paper blowers;

" Flg.`6 shows a verticalsection tekenen the line i-B of Fig.`1; M 'Flg. 7 shows an enlarged perspective viewof a spring" clip which is employed for] securing in position one of the aretaining levers ofthe paper Supporting tableor shelf; i

v Fig. `i3 is ahorizontal 8-8 ofFig.2; n i

Jllg.` 9 shows an enlarged `vertical i section on theilne l-S oi' Fig. 1. showing the construction section takenfon the line portion` n 25 i Fig. l showsatop pianviewof a portion vof a l of one end portion of the rotatable head and the y suction connection thereto;

Fig. l shows a transverse vertical section taken on the line I3-I3 of Fig. 9;

Fig. a is a partial transverse section through the rotary feeding head taken on the line IIe-I3. of Pig. 10; *if

Pig. 10b is a partial radial section through kone of the vacuum tubos showing the means for adjusting the sleeves angularly on the tube;

Fig. l1 is a vertical section taken on the line lvliler ng. 1;

Fig.f12 shows adetail vertical section taken on the line I2`i2 of Fig. 3; Y t

Fig. 13 is a detail vertical section taken on the line I3-I3 ofFig. 3; 4

Fig. 14 is a vertical section taken on the line vi4--i4 of Fig. 3;

Pig. 15 shows an enlarged side elevation of the upper left-hand portion of themachineJooking toward the right as viewed in Fig. 1; Fig. 16 is a detail vertical section taken on th line I3-I3 of Fig. 1, showing the means for Veffectingan intermittent drive of the rotary paper feeding head:

Fig. 17 `shows a longitudinal axial section Y through one of the suction cups which are. carriedbythe rotaryhead; `Fig. 17a isa sectional view taken transversely `throughone of the tubes of the rotaryr vacuum feeding head, showing the application to one Vof thesuction cupsof a device'for rendering the Fig. 20 is a somewhat diagrammatic vertical vsection through the upper` part of the improved feeding mechanism. taken -on the line 3-3 of Pig. l. showing the condition of the pile of .sheets p :when the controlling linger of the feeding mechanism is resting thereon andJ illustrating one series of suction cups carried by the movable heady approaching the position wherein they engage and pick up theuppermost sheet; V l lig. 2i is asectional view, like that of Fig. 20 showing the relative positions of the lparts ata slightly later stage ofthe operation, wherein the linger of thecontrolling device has been .ele- `vater!` from the stack of sheets and one series of suction cups has been moved into `position to engage'ther forwardedge of the uppermost paper Sheet: i .f

Fig. 22 is a sectional view similar to those oi' Figs..20 and 21,y Ashowing the relative positions y of the parts at a still later stage of the operation wherein theL uppermost paper sheet has .been moved by the rotary head to 4a position where ythe forward edgethereof is engaged by the paper conveying mechanism of the press; y Fig. 23 is a rearelevation of the upper end of the front blower which directs a jet of air against the upper forward edge of thestack of sheets in order to project the vforward edge of the uppermost sheet upwardly in position to be engaged bythe suction cups; and

' Fig. 24 isa perspective view of the paper holding device which engages the lrear upper edge of the stack of sheetsy to prevent theV removal of more than onesheet at a time.

lAsillustrated' in the drawings, the invention comprises a base having longitudinal side members 33* and transverse members 30 winch are secured to the floor or other support. The

side members 33 of the base have metal side frame members 3| secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom in parallel relation to support the principal parts of the paper feeding mechanism constituting the present invention. Mounted between the side frame members 3| is a table or shelf 32 adapted to support a stack of paper sheets 33, shown in Figs. 20, 21, and 22, which are removed successively from the stack by ra rotary suction head 35 arranged to deliver the sheets to the conveying apparatus 36 by which they are carried rearwardly in the printing press to the printing cylinders. The table 32 is carried' by a pair of .angle bars 31 which are mounted upon blocks 33. These blocks 33 are provided with T-shaped slots 33, shown in Fig. 8, which have a slidingengagement with the T-shaped guide members 33 carried by the side frame mem- Yends in bearings 4i carried at the upper ends of Athe frame members 3|.

These adjusting screws 40 are rotated by the mechanism hereinafter described. In order to limit the downward movement of the blocks 33 and thereby prevent disengagement of these blocks and the adjusting screws 43, the lower ends of the guides 39 are provided with inwardly extending brackets 42 having vertical stop pins 43 mounted therein, as

shown in Fig. 2. Coil springs 44 are mounted between the heads of these pins and the brackets, and the upward movements of the pins are limited by cotter pins 45 extending transversely through the lower ends thereof. This construction thus provides a resilient stop for the blocks 33 and the table 32 at the lower end of their path of travel. The .table 32 isrprovided on its under side with socket members`46 which receive the spherical balls 41 arranged to rest upon the lower horizontal flanges of the angle bars 31, as shown in Fig. 2. This enables the table 32 to be freely adjusted upon its immediate support in order that the pile of paper sheets 33 may be properly aligned with their lateral edges in the proper vertical planes when the pile is first placed in the press. For the purpose of effecting this adjustment, a bar 43 is mounted to extend transversely between the vertical flanges of the bars 31 and this bar is provided with elongated slots 43 engaged by bolts 43 which project downwardly from the' underside of the table 32 with their lower ends engaged by wing nuts 50 for ciamping the table in the desired position with respect to the bar. When these clamping nuts 50 are loosenedythe table may be shifted transversely of the press with respect to the bar 43 by means of. a pinion 3| rotatably mounted on the under side of Ythe table and arranged to engage rack teeth 32 which are formed along one edge of the bar 43. The pinion 5| may be turned by a handle 33 for the purpose of effecting the desired lateral adjustment of the table 32 before the wing nuts 33 are tightened to hold it in adjusted position.

The pile of paper sheets 33 is placed upon the table 32 when this table is removed 'from the press and then, when the table is placed in the press with the stack of paper sheets piled thereon, it is moved in a forward direction along the anale bars 31 until the forward edge of the table and the forward edges ofthe paper sheets, which are in alignment therewith, engage the front vertical guide posts 55 which` are secured in` flxed position on transverse frame members 56 extend- `ingbetween the side frame members, as illustrated :particularly in Figs. 2 and 6; The table 32 isthen `secured in this positionby a pair of locking levers 51 which are pivotedl at 58 on the supportingblocks 38 and 'whichare capable of e being swung upwardlyto engage slotsin the lower `ends of angle-`shaped brackets 59 which are secured tothe `under side of the table 32 and an- "wardly turned resilientextremities 60h which per- `[mit the lever 51' to be snapped betweenthem in `either direction although normally maintaining e the lever'inengagement with the slot of the ad` ljacent bracket `59 so thatthe table 32 is properly "positionedto cause thepile of sheets `33 thereon i to `move vertically with their forward `edges ine `contact with the guide posts 55. `When the table l 3`2 hasthus been properly` positionedwith respect `to `the postsv,` it may be shifted transversely in the manner Ihereinbefore described in order to f1 fposition the lateralfedges of the` sheets in `the proper vertical planes andjthis is effected by lbrlnging them into engagement with `a lateral guide `member 6| whichlengages one ed'ge of the pile `of sheets at the forward corner thereof,` as

` "illustrated inFigs. 1 and2.` This'lateral guide `member sl is carried by block sz lmachtssudably mounted uponthelowerltransverse frame "member 56`y being secured in adjusted position thereon by meansof a locking screw 63 so that it may be adjusted `transversely of the feeding mechanism to accommodate sheets of n different sizes. i These guides 55 and 6|, engaging two right e angularly `disposed edges `of the pile of paper sheets, are sufcientjto position the pile accurately in the machine `but additional means are pro'- vided forengaglng the uppermostportions of the stack "of sheets on all four sides to insure even e greateraccuracyfin the pcsitioningof the sheets as they `are removed successively from'the top of the stack,

` side guidesss which are m theform of bars ex.-

tending downwardly and engaging the lateral edges of the uppermost sheets of thestack. 'I'hese `guide membersare carried byrods 66 which are `slidably mounted in brackets 61 carried bythe upper" ends of the side frame members 3|,0as so t e 66 maybe moved longitudinally and turnedfin4 shown particularlly in Figs. 4 and 15. Each rod its bearing and held in adjusted positionby set "screws 68 in order `to cause the connected guide i. members 6`B"t`o assume the desired angle and` to gos t f adjacent the top thereof. `Infaddition to these side engage one lateral edge of the pile of paper sheets l `guides 66, there areprovided two rear guide mem-` bers 10 having vertical portions 1li',L which engage `the upper rear edges of .the stack of sheetsand e havinghorizontal portions 1lib which extend rearwardlyfrorn theupper part ofthe stack and are i "1 sndabiywmounted in blocks 1|. The guide members lfaresecured in adjusted position `in the slots of these blocks 1I by means `of clamping screws 12and the blocks are provided withbosses `For this purpose,`"there are provided apair of 1I* which are apertured for sliding engagement with a pair jof rods 13 extending l transversely of themachine andvsecured at their ends by "angle plates 1l which rest upon and tlt against the inner sides of the upper manges` 3|* of the side frame members, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. l A` set screw 15 engages the vertical nangeof one of these angle plates 14 and bears against the adiacent vertical surface ofthe side frame member ,3| tosecure the `bars 13 in the desired position rearwardly of the machine. `Bv adjusting the i portionsnfof the rear guide members "will ev'en-" tually` engage the slots 32* Awhich are provided in the table for accommodating them as the table approaches its extreme upper position. t At a point between the rear' guide members 10 and their supporting blocks, there is mounted a rear edge weight orretainingmember 11 having the form illustrated particularlyV in 1Figs. 1, `20; and 24. This member comprises a bar 11* having its forward end directed downwardly and secured to a rubber block 11b which rests by gravity upon the rear `edge of the uppermost sheet of paper` as shown, `for example. in Fig. 20. `The rear end of the `bar 11' is secured to a block 11c having its lower surface provided with a semi-circular bearing portion 11d adapted to fit the upper side of the rear supporting rod 13 when the block 11e is placed thereon. i. The rearend of the retaining `member is thus pivotally mounted upon the bar 13 and the forward end rests upon the rear edge of the uppermost paper sheet so that when the top` sheet is withdrawn in a forward direction in the manner hereinafter described, this weight will immediately engage the next sheet `of the pack and prevent it from being withdrawn also by frictional contact with the upper sheet orbecause of static electricity which may bedeveloped in the pile of sheets.`

In order to facilitatethe removal of the uppermost sheet from fthe stack by the suction devices hereinafter referred to, means areprovided for projecting jets of air under pressure against the forward `edges and the forward portions of the lateral edges of the uppermost sheetsof the stack,` thus turning the forward edgeof the uppermost sheet upwardly away from thestackdn position to be readily engaged by the suction devices of the rotary head 35. As shown in Figs.`2, 6,and 23, a tube 80; of rectangular cross-section, is mounted vertically midway between the side frames 3| with the upper portion thereof clamped to one of the transverse frame` members 56 by means of bolts 8|, a bar rand `wing nuts 83. The upper end of this tubediverges laterally `to form a pair of arms Bilfwhich 'are closedexcept for vertical slots tillh formed therein, as 'shown in Fig. 23,p`p0sitethe forward edgesof the uppermost sheets of the stack.` Thetube vvisfconnectedlby a flexible hose 84 to a source of com`` `pressedair,` as hereinafter described, so that at theA instant when the uppermost paper sheet is f about `to `be` engaged by `the suctionvcups of the .l

the tube to forceupwardly the forward edgeof rotary head `35, a blast of air is injected through t :s` ,y ,y

vlli

the uppermost sheet. This action of the jets of air from the tube 99 is augmented by other jetsof air from tubes 95 which have their ends 95* directed inwardly toward the ends of the uppermost sheets of the stack and are provided with slots 99 through which jets ot air are directed against the ends of the uppermost sheets at the same time that the jets arecaused to impinge upon the sheets from the tube 99. Each tube 95 is'mounted upon a pipe 99 which is slidably and rotatably mounted in one of the brackets 91 previously referred to and arranged to be held in adjusted `position by a set screw 91, ras shown in Fig. 4., Compressed air is supplied to each of the pipes 99t through av flexible conduit 99 leading from the source of compressed air supply and by adjusting the pipes 99 in the brackets 91, the slots 95 through which the air is projected against the paper sheets Amay be located in proximityto the ends of the uppermost sheets of paper stacks of various sizes.

Before describing the mechanism by which the table 32 is raised and lowered, the mechanism by which the paper sheets are removed from the stack 39 and delivered by the rotary head 35 to the Aconveying nlchanism 9 6 will be described. The rotary head, shown particularly in Figs. 9, 10, and 10a. comprises a shaft 90 journaled at its ends in brackets l9| and 92 which are secured to the tops of the side frame members 9|. At the righthand end of the shaft 90, asvlewed in Figs. 1 and 9, a nut 99 is secured on the projecting threaded end of the shaft on the outer side of the bracket 9|, and on Ythe inner side of this bracket a disk 95 is secured on the shaftto rotate in contact with the face of the bracket. This disk is provided with a pair of inwardly projecting bosses 95* in which are mounted the ends of auction tubes 91. IIhe two tubes illustrated in this embodiment are located on opp;site sides of the shaft 90 and their right hand ends, as shown in Fig. 9, are normally closed by the face of the bracket 9| which `has 'a circular ilange 9| surrounding theouter edge of the disk 95. The bracket 9| has an angular passage 9|b formed in the lower part thereof to communicate with the end of either tube 91 when this tube is in its lowermostPOsition and this passage extends along the face of the'bracket as shown at 9|c in Fig. l0,

so that communication is maintained with a tube 9,1 through a. ceratin arc of its rotary movement duringthe rotation of the shaft 90. A suction pipe 99, is connected to the lower' encll of the passage 9| and extends downwardly on the inner side of the adjacent side frame 9| to communicate with the valve casing |00 through which thepipe 98 is connected with a pipe I9I leading from a vacuum pump or the like, as shown in Fig. 8. At the left hand side of the'machine, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 9, the shaft 90 carries anL arm or cross-head |92 in which the ends of the vacuum tubes 91 are mounted and sealed against communication with the atmosphere by plugs |93 so thatwhen the suction line is connected to these tubes 91 at their other ends, thel air is withdrawn therefrom at certain periods during their rotation. The end of the shaft 90 which is journaled in the bracket 92 is connected to the mechanism by which the head 95 is rotated, as shown inFigs. 9 and 18.

Thehead 95 is rotated In the direction indicated by the arrows |94', shown in Figs. 6, 20, 21, 22, ariel4 y 23, andthe suction which is appliedy through the tubes 91 is adaptedto pick up the paper sheets successively from the stack 99 through the operation of vacuum cups |95y which are mounted on the tubes 91 in the manner shown particularly in Figs. 9, 10, 10a and 17. The vacuum cups |95 are mounted upon sleeves |06 which are placed end to end upon the tubes 91, each tube 91 having mounted thereon a central fixed sleeve |06n and two,longer adjustable sleeves |06b mounted on opposite sides thereof. The sleeves |09b are adjustable Yendwise of the tubes and are adapted- -endwise movement. As shown particularly in Fig. 17, each vacuum cup comprisesa tubular stem |00 which threadedly engages another aperture in the wall of the adjacent sleeve |06. The outer end of each stem |09 is internally threaded for engagement with a plug |09 having a central bore |09 and an annular flange |99b which projects outwardly beyond the periphery of the stem |09. A tube I I0 is slidably mounted on the stem |08 and has van annular shoulder I I0Il adapted to engage the projecting flange |09b of the plug |99 to limit the movement of the tube I I0 radially outward from the axis of the supporting sleeve |96. At its outer end, the tube I I0 is internally threaded for engagement by a paper-engaging member or cup ||I which may have an annular ring of rubber for engagement by the paper sheet but which, inA this embodiment, is constructed as a metallic member having a threaded neck which engages the threaded portion of the tube I I 0, and

a transversely extending disk IIIn having an annular knurled surface III b which may be engaged by the fingers of the operator to permit its insertion in or removal from the tube ||0. The central portion of this disk III is provided with a series of relatively small apertures I I Ic through which the suction exerted through the cup may operate upon the surface of the paper sheet so that the paper sheet will be held against the outer face Aof the disk by the surrounding atmospheric pressure and thus permit the paper sheet to be picked up by the cup during the rotation of the tubes 91 with the head 35. The vacuum cup |05 is of a form described and claimed in my co-pending application Serial No. 612,988, filed May 23, 1932, which has now matured into United States Patent No. 1,990,334, dated February 5, 1935.

Each tube 91 is provided with a central port 91", located on its outer side, to communicate with the stem |09 of a vacuum cup |05EL mounted on the adjacent xed sleeve |061. In addition, each tube 91 has formed therein on each side of the port 91a, three other ports 91, 91, and 91d which are adapted to communicate respectively with the hollow stems of three vacuum cups I05b, I05, and |95dwhich are carried by one of the adjustable sleeves |99". All of the ports formed in each tube 91 are located in alignment with each other longitudinally of the tube and each of the ports 91c and 91d are elongated to a considerable extent longitudinally of the tube so that they establish a communication with the vacuum cups |05c and |05d, respectively,' throughout a considerable range of adjustment of the sleeve |99b by which these vacuum cups are carried. With this arrangement, a sleeve |99b may be secured by the t "clamp in itsinnermost position; was `sh Fignllilmwherein the stem of the vacuumIcupwIIlb does not registerw-th thel'port 91? so that this cup is I rendered Iinoperative,` 1while` `at thesamel time 5 bother tnevcupstilose and los@ aregpermitted no function because theestems of thosewcupswthen register,:respectively,with theu ports `II'IC `and 91". Iv The lengthA of `the: ports `91"` and ,91d Iis I such `that whenwthetsleeve `LIIIG" is adjustedIzto bring the: loyvacuum cup A|05b into registry with Ithelport 911, allthree cups carriedbythesieeveIIIbwill opl erate` inpicking up a `paper sheet. fromthe stack.II

When a sleeve IIIIIib is `adjusted to its l outer `posion on actube1-91,both ofI thelvacuumcups |05 115 andwIII5 registerl with `the `ports 919 in'Ithewsup-I porting tube s 91 Aand the cup I 05d registers with theport Qld; ,thus permitting all threoi `these t cups totoperate `when they are spaced? at greater distances `from lthe `centralcups l `I 05. i Itf will be `apparent that the clamps IIII'I, in addition to hold- 'ng thesieeves I 03h againstirotatiompermit these leevesfqt be securedin Ivariousladjusted positions which wili I render any 'desired number of I vacuum I c ps operative for engaging paper sheetsof varimor difcultIforythe vacuum cups IBS to take ld oft the sheets IasIftheyI head 35 rotates. To

e ejstableIanguiariyaboutlthetubess1 I s purpose the tubesare attened on the re:l the elongated ports Il are f as ngular `adiustrnentl'of IIthe vacuum cups WIDE",

5 IIlic,` and |0511 soithatlthe endsffof these cupsIwili piopei'lyengagetheyforward` edges of the curled 11 papersheetsi Th-efflattened surfaces B'IIpermit` i the ports inthe tubes `91 `to maintain` their communicationwiththevacuum cupsulleven when 0` the cupstare turned, asshownwby dotted iinestin l: l, and` whenlthenadjustmenthas been made, l

ocrews'l 01 may` be tightenedI tolhold-the cups he finclined positions:` IA similarconstruction l Ililaoneachtubegi desired:

mayII be provided Iier ladjusting the `central `Jcup Figi; 20,` the rotary suctionhead I5` is shown sition wherein the series `of cups IIII car-I i riedby'the lower tubel are mvingldownwardly f p iside thereof ward the forward edge of I the uppermostpaper sheet` ofthe stackIand; when in this position`,\.the

suction is Ieutx` off` :from the tubes 191 g andthe compressed air is also shut off fromthe biowerptubes BIJ" an own m I l I j f tnepbiower pipe `at soithat ompr is mes'l` happensparticuiarly whenFem-L I sheets 33 whicharesrelativ'ely thick,"` y I I ardedgesof the Lizrmerm'ost sheets iii `Curl upwardlyltoa slight extent, `thus'inaking p I I I p matic operation' of th I0 01whichsecure`the l 1 I I By "looseningthese screws lille; the sleeves 1I 06F? may fbeturnedvangul flarly on the gtubeswl tot effect a corresponding discharged through` the *slotsk of l this pipe `against the forward edges-ofthe paper sheets,`

i causingI them to (be fslightly` elevated"` with the l, forward edge of the I uppermost sheetI lying above t fthe upper ends of` the guide `postsorlstaliesf. wAs thellower `vacuum tubeillsl approaches the `positionxshown*in IFig."21\, the Ivalve apparatus inwthe casingdl `operates automatically to es- Itablishwa connec'tionl` between the suction line IOI and thepipe `SiS-so that when the endfoi' the I lower tube 91 establishes l communication "with the passagetslbin theffacevof thebracketl; as

shown in Figr 9, the 11 suenenwbeeomes enective tin theIcupsand` as the axes ofithewlowerseries ,oit` vacuum cups 105 approach the y vertical` position shown in Fig. `21,` the tubes: I I0 of these vacuum cupsvslide `downwardly byigravity and cause the paper engaging members 'i I I `to contact lwith :Ithe upperfsurfa'ce of the forward portion "of `the l uppermost paper sheet ofthe stack. `soon as this occurs.'thepapersheet seals the I"openings `AI II at the xnouthsof` the cupsgwhereuponthe outside atmospherictair actingon the `cup and the lower face of the paperysheetcauses the tubes -IIII` ofgtthelowerfseries of cups `to move upwardly fon thestems I 08 with" theresult that the forward ,edgefofI the papersheetis Ielevated from thefstack. Then', t as lthe `rotation of` the head 35 continues I in the directionof the` arrow III4,` theupper paper `sheet is drawniforwardlyvfrom thestaek asshown in Fig. 22,` and this lcontinuesluntil thefcrward edge of the sheetis engagedand held by the conveying mechanism"l 36,` `atwhich instant thevac-ml" `uum in the lower tube 9"!` of the `head is automatitube $1. 'out ot communication with the passage SIin thefface ofthe "bracket QI or by the autov lvemechanism I'in the casing fm; As the uppermost sheet is withdrawn from` the stack; `the rear edge of the next lower I sheetis engaged by they retaining 'member "11i so t `that itis not also withdrawnbyjreason` of 'frici `tional contact witho'r `attxactionby the upper- @most sheet. f I t f I j 1 t Whenthe width of the palier sheets beingled I is suchthat all of the vacuum cups `IIIBare not I i bein'gfused;I it mayjbedesirable to preventthe l I reciprocation off the tubes `I Ignfthe stemslll 4oi' those vacuum" cpswhich are notfactive andy" this maybedone by employing `the form ofclamp l shownin Fig."17a`, comprising-a Ulshapedl lar"rip` I ing member III which ,is` somewhat resillentandI whichl has curvedpextremitiesi"I`I5l"`adapted`to I` y i `embrace `the opposite sides f of "one of thef tubes I I I .h tired` to oneuside an ofI `th `An l`adjustingscrewtVVerigages th When one ofthe 1 ommunication withtheinte-I` t I e conn ctedvacuumytubellflyitmaybe-l n ered n perative temporarily byputting "a sh adhesiveltape overgtheholes Illawheret th tniospheric "pressureA acting on'` the `75` Voutside of the cup will cause thetubular portion 1f 1 Il to be retained in its retracted position.

The conveyor mechanism 38 by which the pagchiueandsecured upon a shaft |2| having bear- `yingain brackets |22 .which are secured upon the f upper. edgesk of the side frames 3|. 'I'hese rollers .rollers v|23 which are secured upon another shaft 24fwhich is located forwardly of the shaft |2| are adapted to cooperate 4:with :two other similar 1..end whieireine nesbeerings inline brackets m. 1 Theoe sl'iafts-` areconnected through an intermediate'idler shaft iii'and connected gears H9,

,Il inlig. 6,y sothat they rotate in unison @in the same direction.; A series ofendless conveyorbelts or tapes extends rearwardly over `Vtheend of a metal surface or feed table |28 of which only a portion is'A shown lin the drawings, andeach of these tapes, extends around one of y rollers or pulley'ifl or? |23so that as these muere. rotaie mihedireeiienindieeted by the arrow |21, ythe tapesmove forwardlyover the ofthe table |28and are adapted to carry l .therewith the paper sheets which are fed thereto xIvy the ,rotary head 35. f'The table |28 is provided with a rectangular notch |28* -inv its .forward edge whiohgaccommodates the Vtwo rollersA |20 which arepositioned on thefshaft '|2I and those portions 125 of the forward edge of the table which |44 .andthey are preferably located directly over are located on opposite sidesof these rollers are inclined downwardly toward theupper portion of the lower tube 80, as shown in Fig. r 6, so that they direci'fupwiudly the forward edges ofthe paper portions |28'l of the tableare such that the vacv uum cups illnmay swing thereover vveven when al, o

illA are in their lower. positions and the central eup in, when extended, `iruiyswim;

between', the two rollers |28. |28 is also provided with apertures |28 which :-v

The table Ypermit theupper peripheral portionsof the rollers v|23 and the endless tapes |25 which engage Vthese rollers to extend upwardly throughthe table.

'Thegrollers |28 aredriven` by mechanism jeenneeeed .to the mit m` es Lhereinafter defseribed and rotates inf-ine direction indicated by the arrow |21 in 1"igs.v6,y 20,21, and 22. As

f theforward edgeof "the paper sheet is delivered vto the rollers |20, as shown in Fig, 22, it is engaged on its uppensidexby gripping rollers |28 carriedby crank armsil!! which aremountedto pivot about 'a shaft` v|3|| extending..between and y.iolllllled in thewupper parts of the brackets |22 .in which the Vshaft ill. -is mounted. These crank |28 are bifurcated riind-eiribrace armsr|3| s. whichare fixed upon the shaftfl30, as shown in Hg. 1..l Each crank arm |29'has a vtransverse @member |28* vcolictingwith oneendv ofa rcoil spi-ing m wiiiengegages at iieether end vthe under side of one of the arms |.3|. An'adjusting screwf|33 engages the upper of the crank arm |28 and coactsfwith theupper'side of the intermediate arm 1|3|"so.that'the relativey adyiustiuei'it of these two arms may be regulated to "determine the position of thefconnected roller v|28"with a predetermined angular movement of the shaft |38. One end of the shaft has a A'crank arm |35 secured thereon and extending Y downwardly therefrom withvaV roller |38`mounted in itslower end. This-roller engages the surface of Aa can'iV i3'iwhich-'is actuated als hereinafterfdeecribed to oscillate'the'shlt |30 and periodically elevate the rollers |28 from a position wherein they engage the upper surface of a paper'sheet as itfpasses onto the rolls |20. A coil spring |38 is connected to the frame and to the arm to maintain the roller |36 in engagement with the surface of the cam |21. By adjusting the screws |33 previously referred to, the relative positions of the arms|3| and |20 may be regulated to cause the rollers |28 to grip paper sheets of various thicknesses as these paper sheets are fed to the conveyor 36, as

shown in Fig. 22. The cam |31 is adapted to lower the rollers |28 as the paper sheet reaches the position shown in Fig. 22 so that it is then moved by the rolls |20'and by the tapes |25 rear- .wardly over the apron |26. The tapes |25 are maintained in a taut condition by rollers |39 mounted on crank arms |40 which are arranged to oscillate'about a shaft |4| extending between two ofthe tapes |25, as shown in Fig. 1. The forward ends of these guards are deflected downwardly but at points removed from the peripheries'of the rolls |20, as shown at |451, so that they catch'the forward edge of the paper sheet as it is fed between the rolls |20 and the gripping rollers |28.V As a further means of insur- .ing the proper passage of the paper sheet rearwardlyover the apron |28 in contact with the tapes |25, a number of rollers are mounted on arms v|5| which are arranged to pivot about the shaft |48. vThese rollersv |50 rest by gravity upon the surface of the .paper sheet and are also pressed by 'leaf springs |52 engaging the arms |5| so that they holdthe sheet in contact with the tapes |25.

Referring now to the means for actuating the 'f various parts of the mechanism which have heretofore been described, it will be seen upon reference to Figs. 6 and 15 that there is provided pinion |58 meshes with a beveled gear |59 which is mounted on a shaft v|80 having the end portion thereof Journaled in bearings |8| which are mounted in the side frame' members 3| as illustrated particularly in Fig. 18. A driving connection isy adapted to be established between the gear-.|59 and the shaft |80 by means of a dog |82 which is slidably mounted in a groove |53* formed in the face of the gear. This dog has a stein |82 which engages a hole |80l formed in the shaft |80, and it also has an enlarged head |82*l providedwith side faces |82 which converge outwardly. kThis head is adapted to eni shaft" m rcarried` n by p secured to the adjacent side Uframe 3 I "maintained, ,Whengde- 1 sm" which` is\ illustrated particuf `16, 81mm` r9! The projecting `liboft sition f he shaft and which 1 1 "insuring accurate positioning o1. "the suction; ,cups ofthe rotary head during: its 1operation,the

` intermediate portion of the isprocket chaind200 t whih are secured to the Buuren" rear |261 produces 0111 1gearK |91 and ofY the portioned as gagement"Withfdogsy 205 whiohareQpi atalzsly` mounted upon e pressure `of the idler 2])2v on ain `maybe adjusted asdesired 1 chain inL a. taut condition.

vuil ber-apparent- `gear` |911," the" gear 1 |88 is" pro- `viiecrwimfrad1au1Shouiqers, "l ses" winih` are 1oi cated in; diametrically" opposite positions` for 1len-f1 tally mounted 1on1 `pins 206 "projectingifrom thetjace bracket" |85 which? is 1K Coil springs: 201,1 "`Thefother`3`ends1`of `these 1coil springs` areqengaged 1by1"the1 ends of `adjusting 1 screws 2081 which threadedlyyengage iugs1w20911 1 `formed onthe face "of the geen |1911, `thus permitting `the `screws 208 1 to be adjusted to 1 regulate the initial compreSSiOn `0|.' ther springs1101 which 1force theianges 205? agains`t1"stop`pins"2|0 seycured` in ther fae: `of theeeer 1 `I 91-111l This conm 1`1str`u`ction `causes each1 shoulder |969of1thedriv- 1 1ing gear 19H6 to engage a tooth 11205" of, one of 1 the dogs 'M15` before `the `endmost toothfoij ,the 1 p u 1,with the scar 1| 811: This, causes 111 lune 1 Qf the prings `201 `to be compressedvso `that thisresilient 1 pressure has tolbeovercolme nd the gearlteeth i g duauywlrheries of teeth |96 moves11into im teeth @une used 1"to engagefeaohot 1 n 5" 1 `through mech control: `the `operation ofy` the papergripping oliers 1|248, d

hat `each "revolution of the `partial rotation `ofythe` f 1 and-the Sprocketwheels '891111201 www 1 tatethroug 18 `degreeswforleachrevolution;of`

yprder to prevent shockto" the scribed power Operated shaft 226 which naled inyone of the bearingbracketsl anda! n n anisf operatedl soths`.tthe` table 32, may be manually` elevated to liect aprecisepsitioning ofthe uphaih ef"` mecha` by "whieh rideshare i 1mm t1 sheet `erV the sneek sa et the eo mende-4" mento aprintlngeneration@it` of `For thepurpose1 ofiautomatically actua ngthe shaft`241 to eiect a graduall elevation ofthestack" ofwpaper sheets las" the .islfeets` re` progressively `Withdrawnfi'rornthe` top of the stach-"there is` provided aca 255 secured onfthepreviously deinajbracket 256 secured `to lthe sidefrarnei," as shown inFig.

from `the motor-operated shaft `Iilll-thro1-lgh the sprocket chaink2l2l.` the` Cam 255 is` rotated con-M` tinuously` and is adapted tocontrol the operation" of a leverl arm 251" which is pivotediat 258on `the l t upper part of -theadjacent bracket 61. This levern 251 isLforcedf toward' the face of` thegcaxn 255,bypf" means `di.' Uauspring `25!!` which is mountedi on an rod" 260; This rodiispivotally `connected to the" lower part of the lever 251 `and is slidablyrnounte` i ed inablock Learned-bythe-adjacent side frame 3l, @The colli spring `259` isvfmounted` be` i `tween thisblock 262 and a collar-263 secured on theerodso `that whenu the leverA 251 is` oscillatedi` about itsgpivot by the rotation of the cam 255; the i pring 259 `continually tendsto move the leve`r2|51` e toward a position wherein the roller,26 I mounted `i n `theglever will `engage theedge surface of the, came.` The lower end of the crank arm 251 is pivotally connected to a" `link` 265,` as` `shown `in Fig. 12, andi this link extends downwardly andhas a.

pivotal connection `through a pin N266 t ,withl air of blocks 26.1 which are clampedhby" screws i261* L on ODPSite sides of fa pin` 266 `engaginga cylindricalaperturejforrned irrthesefblocks and reject` f ing from a sliding block 210 #which isad I pted to reciprocate ina slot 2\1Iformed insan actuating 'member `21| rotatably mounted `upon the shaft l1; Las shown in Fig. 1395 `This actuating member 21I carries a screw` 212` uponmounted a pawl 213 adapted to engage the teeth of the ratchet wheel253 previously described.

" coil spring" 214` isi" mounted `between the upper face jofthisfpawl; and-a1 lug 215 formed on the i sideofi theactuati gmember so that thespring e maintains fthe tpa'wl in engagement with` the" ratchetdwheeh `Asnthe.` lever u2511is oscillated aboutiits pivot` 258,;its motion istransmitted through the linkI 265xa`nd the members 261wto the "slidingiblockvjil which reciprocatesi in the sloti` 21 i Q .and i causes theuactuating member ,21|` to t oscillate about thefshaft` 241.? vWhen thisloscillaa non 1e` `sufficient in vrenehgnitude.` the `tooth ma of theypawlengagesa new tooth `oi the ratchet jwhee1253andncauses angulamotion otftheqshaft 241m throne n f e e engthof `one ofthe ratcheirfteeth. If the oscillation oftheactuating memberir21i- `isnot ofisuiliient fmagnitudejl is joure e n i which is mounted in the sleeve `to `bear against a As the shaft .zzs isdrivenj t `of" the lever 251'and` also pivotally anotherp'in 261with a crank 288 mountedf upon i thej :shaft M lever 295l carries on the under side of itsforwardv which is pivotally n be` adjusted inthe sle the e distance represented e by the lcausegthe pawl to engage a `new tooth, it merely Jridesiiback and `forth `on4 the sndehiy` muhtedihd sleeve z"1`s denied bye, plete 219 attached to the adjacentsidefframe 3i. sleeve l21a hasse plate `219 and may be locked in adjusted position threeded ehgdgemehiwah-thef nnected to the stem 5 of thedetent 2n and extends threugh181,01 e

i manipulatedfor the purpose `of withdrawingthe.`

the ratchetwheel detent` `frein engagement with `against `the compression `of theicoil Hspring 263 anupwarddirection,Cimt e e e The extent of oscil e tionof the actuating mernber 211 and the frequency with `which the pawl 213 engagesa new toothof` theratchet wheel 253l to effect angularnmotion `oi' the shaft2l1, is con- Athelsterrl f .the deteneend feree` it drneeuyi e trolled thexelevation pf theiupperinost sheet -ofg the stack `of paper" 33vythroughmechanism 'nected `to fthe upper `"edd 'ef the lever e i rnechanismcomprises alim; 225 pivotally connected by a pin 266 with theupper arm ehdaeieeve :95h in which ismentedaerdd ze capable of longitudinal adjustment therein and` carryinga paper engagingbar291." bar err- 1 tendspownwardly andis adapted to contact endxwise with the middle portion of the uppermost sheet `ozfpaperf the stack 33e. The ro"d296 may e `eve 295"a in Lorder to posi` tionlthe bar-`291 adjacent the middleportion of paper sheets of variouslzsizes Withjthis cjou" struction; the shaft the bar 291 from the uprmstiiaper sheet each to which* the roller hat sidezss effthe edm is derehmned by the pei sition ofl -the paper engaging bar "2911` when it is permitted toyreturn" to itslower. paper engaging position showngiiniFig. `20. Whenlva suilicient numberofipaper sheets` have been removed from` thetop ofthe stack toallowthe bar l lowered to awposition whereinwthe -rollerl26l`is permitted to lengage the nat side 255* of thecam,

` the amplitude of oscillation of: theactuating v `lever "251,",gwillfbe` e r member 211, i actuated the ace oi the same `tooth `withouteiecting rotation i f theshaftMTupon wl'iifchf` the ratchet wheel is v secured." In order to preventlaccidentalirotatlon i i or `thef,Shaffy-@2&1i during thevosematioh of fthe einher 21| andro prevent reverseretahdhef causes la" p e v e e e e v Cf `the mechanism which connects the aft 241, thatis, in a. direction adaptedto lower;` `ei'lalr le"32,there is provided a detent 211 which /i` adapted to engage the radial shoulder at the l f 1 i of paper]sheetsftherefromjandis,` such Thisfdetent :unearned byestem 2115 whiehis amai" rtaudhyef e elevation or the table rz through :here zu with corresponding `the shaft 23u. rh midway, theexteht the paper ys'uppoxjtingl` `table 32` is e elevated `connected by ".J

d huh 2951 which Lis `pivenhny t `mais escalated `1:0 elevate; l i time that the cam 255 isrotatedandtheextent i 1 26|l carried by the'1ever,251. y is permittedto approachengagernent with the" termmed\au,terminally` by; niente effi-einmal upper" surtace of the luppermostsheet cupies substantially the t same level,

thatthef y that the suction head 05 has an intermittent L rotary movementvcausedby the gears |95and |01 so that; 'at the end of each half revolution, it stops blower tubes and 05 so that the forward `edge of the uppermost sheet is moved upwardly in withy the axes'of the vacuum cups |05 directed vertically, as Vshown in Fig. l2l. At this time the air blasts are directed against the forward portions of the vupper sheets of paper through the a po'sition'fto clear they upper ends "of the guide stakes 55 and to be engagedf by the lower ends `0f the suction cups |05. As soon as this engagement occurs,v the sleeves ||0 of these suction cups moveautomatically upward because the lower`endsmof ther cups are then sealed by the sheet yof paper and the atmospheric pressure acting on the under side vof the: paper sheet Acauses the sleeves ||0 and the forward edge of the sheet to move upwardly. The gear |95 then lcauses another half revolution ofthe rotary headl 35 with the result that thenppermost sheet of paper is picked up .-and'- projected forwardly to the po` sltion shown in Fig. 22 without atthe same time effecting` any motion ofthe second sheet of the stackjwhich is .held securely in placefbythe re-jy taining'mex'nber 11. the "paper sheet is moved toward' the vposition shownV in Fig.V 22, the paper gripping rollers |20 areheld in elevated position, as shown. inFlg'. 2l, by the cam |31, but'when `the paper sheet `and the `engaging series of suction cups' reach'the positionshown in Fig. 22, the suction is automatically shut olf by the operatlonof the valvejmechanism in the casing |00 or t bythe breaking 'of the connection between the connected-tube 01 and the passageV 9| in the bracket 0|, or both, whereupon the rollers v|20 vare automatically lowered by the ca m |31v so that* y the forwardedge of the paper sheet is gripped between these rollers |20 and the roller |22. The` paper rsheet vthen moves rearwardly beneath the guardsv and beneath the rollers |50 as it is transported toward the printing cylinders by the operation of the continuously moving tapes |25. Inthis way,r a new lsheet of paper his lifted from the pack iand transported to the conveyor 35 upon each half revolution of the rotary head 35 and, as these sheets of paper are successively removed from the stack, the table 32 is automatically elevated by the actuating member 21| which has an. amplitude of ',reciprocation dependent upon the-,level of the uppermost sheet of paper.

When the-entire stack of paper sheets has been fed from'the table-32, the hand wheel 232 may be pulled outwardly,V after disengagingy the latch member 200, topermit the' free rotation of the shaft230 in a reversedirection'until the table 02 is lowered to a positionwhere itmay receive anew stack of paper-sheets( Although one form ofthe invention has been shown and described by-way of illustration, it'A will be understood that. it maybe Iconstructed in various other embodiments coming within the scope of the appended claims. v j

1.-'The combination in feeding mechanism for printing ypre'sses,of-means'for supporting a paper sheet, andra series of suctionfcups having a continuous path of travel and spaced apart along said path to `engage said sheet at one point along said path move it from'said supporting means,

said cups being movable transversely to said path independently of each other.

2L The combination in feeding mechanism for printing presses, of means for supporting a paper sheet, and a series of separate suction cups having intermittent motion along a continuous path of travel vfor engaging and picking up said sheet at oneV point along said path.

3. Thecombination in feeding mechanism for printing presses, of means for supporting a stack of paper sheets,and"a series of separate suction cups having intermittent motion in a circular path and spaced apart transversely of said path for removing the paper sheets successively from said stack.y e

4. The combination in feeding mechanism for printing presses, of means for supporting a stack of paper sheets, and a suction device having intermittent motion in a circular path adjacent the upper part of said staclasaid' suction device comprising parts having relative radial movement for lcausing a portion of the uppermost sheet of said stack to adhere thereto when said device isA stationary.

- 5. The vcombination in feeding mechanism for printing presses, of means for supporting a stack of paper sheets, and means comprising a plurality of separate movable suctionv cups following each other in a continuous path of travel and each having relatively movable telescoping parts which are movable independently of the other cups for removing s'aid sheets successively from said stack.

l6. The combination in feeding mechanism for printing presses, of means for supporting a stack of paper sheets, a suction device having intermittent motion in a circular path adjacent the upper part of said stack, said suction device having relatively movablek parts for causing a portion of the uppermost sheet. of said stack to adhere thereto and be picked up thereby when said device visjstationary, and meansk for causing vsaid sheet to-be released by'said suction device after continued movement thereof along said circular path.

1. The combination in feeding mechanism for printing presses, of means for supporting a paper sheet, a plurality of vacuum devices spaced apart and movable in a. circular path for forming sealed engagements with said paper sheetr when moving it from said support, and means for rendering some of said devices inoperative.

`8..The combination in feeding mechanism for printing presses, of means for supporting a stack of paper sheets, a rotary suction head, and a cup carried by said head and adapted to be moved into sealed engagement with the uppermost sheet of said stack, said cup comprising parts adapted to have relative movement under the iniiuence of atmospheric pressure when said seal is estab* lished to elevate said sheet from said stack.

9.` The combination' infeeding mechanism for printing presses, of means for supporting a stack of .paper sheets, a rotary suction head, and a cup carried by said head and having teleseoping parts one of whichr is movable by gravity into sealed engagement with the upper sheet of said stachy when said head is in a predetermined position, said parts of said cup having relative movement under the influence of atmospheric pressure when said seal is established toelevate a portion of said sheet from said stack. y

10. '.Ihe combination in feedingmcchanism for printing presses, of means for supporting a paper sheet, a rotary head comprising a plurality of gaging positions. y i

"13.v'I'hecombination in` feeding mechanism e l e 2,685,592 vacuuxn tubes, and afplurality orsuction "cups mounted on said tubes `and movable independi entlyof each otherl into engagement withl said paper sheet.

11." The` combination in feedlngmechanism `for i rinting presses, of" means for supporting a paper sheet, a rotary L head comprising a plurality or vaeuum tubes, a plurality ofsuction cups mount-V ed "onsaid tubes` and `movable into engagement Q o1' vacuum tubes, a` plurality of suction cups i mounted on `said tubesr and movable into engage e ment with said paperslrieet,` means for imparting an intermittent rotary motion to said head and i bringing it torestiwhen said cupson one or said `tubes are in engagement withrwsaid sheet, and

means for exhausting the `air from each ofisaid` `tubes when the cupsithereonare` in paper enfer printing `presses,l of meansforl supportingy a aper` sheet,a rotary head comprising a plurality fu vacuum tubes, ,a plurality of` suction cups i `ountedon said tubes and movable intoengage-f ment with said paper sheet, means fore imparting an intermittent rotary motion to said head and bringingt to restwhen said cups onone ofysaidi `tubes are `in engagement withssaid sheet, means `for exhausting the air from each zofsaid tubes;`

when the cups thereonare in] paper engaging positions, and meansfor relieving suction in eachI of `said tubes after'a predetermined movement e: thereof `fromthep'osition`in` Whichthepcups are` `y carried thereby Aiirst engage said paper sheet. t

" 14`."I"hecombination injfeedingmechanismifor "printingpresses, of a rotary head comprising `,a

`suction tube, means for rotating said head" about a horizontal axis, means for supporting a stack of paper sheets below ,the axiseof` `rotation oi?` said head, a suction device communicatinggvvith; said Vtube and having a relativelymovablepart adapted to move into engagement with `the uppermostf `heet of `said stack when in `its loweripositionduri ing the rotation ofsa`id Lhead, and means `forex- 1 hausting the airv from said tube while said suction i device is in engagement ywith `said paper sheet; i 1 15, The combination in `feedingrneohanism `for t printing presses, `of `aqrotary `head comprising a suction tube, meansiior rotating `said head about: "ahorizontal axis,.means forsupporting al stack;`

of paper sheets below the axis; of rotation of` said head, a suction `device communicating With` said "tube and adapted to engage theuppermostsheet of said stack `lwherrin its `lower `positionwduring o therotation of saidhead, and means forautomatically exhausting the air fromysaidotube asv said suction `device,approaches `said sheet and for relieving the vabum in said tube after apre- `determined e movementl of "said head with said deviceengaging said lsheet s e i e i i e combination in feeding` mechanism for` 16.` presses, of arotaryiheaidcomprisinga o suction tube extendingparallel to theaxis of rotation; a sleeve mounted onsaidtube,\a` suction 1 l c upcarried by said-sleeve,said tube having a port adapted "to communicate `with said suctionI cup, 1 tand `means iorsecuring said sleeve position on saidtube.

` u `1'?. The combination in feeding mechanism `for printingpresses; of means for supporting "head, a shaft extending parallel tothe axis "of printingjepresses, `offy a" comprising i suction* tube extending `paralleluto `,the axisyof n Y rotation, aisle'eve mounted on saidtube, a suction cupycarriedl byfsaidysleeve, saidLtube having va `portadapted to communicatewithsaid suction i cup, meanst forsecuring saidysleeve in adjusted e position on Vsaid tube, .means for `,rotating ,-said i, headL and means foriexhausting airi fromrsaid tube duringlsaid rotation. i i

18.` The combination inuieeding o s vprinting presses, of a rotary "head comprising. a o sutionjtube extendingmparallel tothe axis of rotation,` la. series` of sleeves slidably mounted on said tube, a plurality of suction cups each mounted ,i

onone of said sleeves, said tubes having ,a series of kports each `adapted: to communicatefwith one of said cups, and means for securing said sleeves in adjustedpositions on said tubeL` i o i i of papersheets, a rotarysuction headfa plurality` to form a sealed engagement `with they uppermost `sheet of said stack, and means for rendering `someA of said suction cups inoperativefw ,e 19. Theeombination infeeding mechanism."fr` af printingpresses, of means for supporting a stack,

of suctioncups carried bysaid `headandadapted` e 20. "I'hecombination in` feeding mechanismior printing presses, of i a `suction tube having` a port o therein-,fa sleeve-s1idably mounted: on `said$tube` e andihaving an aperture adapted tohregisterfwith said portwhen said sleeve is in'proper position,fa n

vacuumwcupmdunted inxsaid aperturelfi said" s1eevearidimeans for securing said sleeve in" d-` justedrposition on said tube. i A Y 1 y o 2li, The combination in feeding mechanism for printing presses, ,of `a rotary-head Y comprising al` suction `tube extending `parallel tothe axis of rol tation, said tubelhaving a series of ports therein,

a sleeve slidably` mounted onl said tube` and having a series "of apertures` therein, a." plurality of lsucs` o tion cups `each secured in onefof said apertures;`

each of said` apertures being `adapted to` registerF with one of said ports, said sleeve beingadjustable` longitudinally of: said tube to varythe nuinberof aperturesin registry withsaid ports. and mean for securing said sleeve in` adjusted position. 1 i" 22.'Ihecombination in feeding mechanism r e e printingipresses,` ofa `rotary head comprising" af suctiontube yextending parallel to the axis otro-* i tation,`saidtube having a series of`parts'`thei'ein',` i

asleeveisnuablymountedon said tubeandhaving-` a seriesof1 apertures therein, `a plurality of uetin` cups eachisecured in one of said apertur eachv apertures in registry with said ports, a rod extending parallel to said tubegand a clamp secured `to `said sleeve and engaging saidrod `fnr securing *said sleevein adjustedposition;` Y u i 23. The combination in feeding;mechanism` foi" l printing presses, of a tableffor` supporting aystack `ofpaper; sheets, a vertical `guide stake engaging `ofisaid apertures'being adapted toregister with o `one` of said ports` said sleeve beingvadjustable""` longitudinallyotsaid tube tovary the number of the forward `edge ofsaid stackya sidefstake adapted to engagea `lateral edge of said stack;

means for removing said sheets successivelyfrom t the top ofsaidistack; and adjustable` guide memedges sof y bers adapted i to` engage both lateral sa'dsheets adjacent the 1top of said stackn o 24.` Thecombination in feeding `mechanismfor f stack cfpaper: sheets,-a rotary suction hea e e g'agirig` saidfsheets and removing them fsucces slvely from, the top of said stack, a roller onto v whichssaidsheets are deliveredbysaid suction 75

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