US2203024A - Paper feeding device - Google Patents

Description

lJune 4, 1940. w. L. Lr-:wls ET A1. f 2,203,024

` PAPER FEEDING DEVICE Filed Sept. 24, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 NT M ATTORNEY June 4, 1940. w. l.. LEWIS ET A1. PAPER FEEDING DEVICE Filed Sept. 24. 1958 3 Sheerxs-Sheerl 2 mma Nb:

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. 11 ATTQRNEY June 4, 1940. w. l.. LEWIS ET Al. 257203,024

PAPER FEEDING DEVICE Filed Sept. 24, 1958 '3 SheetS-Sheet 3 @73V .um Wn 'l'illll TTORN Y Patented June 4, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PAPER FEEDING DEVICE Application September 24, 1938, Serial No. 231,456

12 Claims.

This invention relates generally to paper feeding devices and more particularly to automatically operated clutch devices cooperating with the platen of an accounting machine to connect the platen to the line spacing driver while printing, and to free the platen at other times so that it may be turned easily in ejecting and inserting ledger sheets.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a clutching means between the sheet feeding platen and a driver therefor, and means for automatically operating said clutch with every listing and total printing cycle so that the driver is connected and printing impressions may be spaced on the sheet by the feed of the platen. After printing operation is completed, the clutch is released to separate the driver from the platen so that it may be turned quickly to eject a ledger sheet and then feed another inserted ledger sheet to a position wherein printing thereon may be resumedon a line directly under previously printed matter.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a platen clutch solenoid and controls for` automatically energizing it on every item or total printing cycle to clutch the platen to a line spacing means so that spacing may be effectedI with every operationof the printer. The solenoid is also deenergized automatically so that the platen is free to be manipulated while the machine is idle.

A feature of the invention is the construction of a clutch disk which is operated by a solenoid plunger adjustably secured thereto for setting into'proper engagement with a cooperating clutch element on the platen.

A further object of the invention is the provisionY of devices for manually moving and locking the solenoid plunger in an operated position so 40 that the clutch disk thereon engages the platen to connect it with the line spacing mechanism to operate together at all times in the usual manner. Thus, the platen freeing devices may be selectively disabled to establish the ordinary 4;, fixed relationship between the platen and a line spacing ratchet wheel.

It is also an object of the invention to provide means for governing the platen clutch according to the operation of a record card controlled tabu- 5') lating machine. The record cards are grouped according to group numbers perforated thereon and are sensed in succession so that a difference in group numbers on two successive cards may be detected to signify a group change. The ma- 5- chine is provided with the usual group control devices for initiating a total'printing cycle on each group change. When the machine is set for tabulating operation as distinguished from listing operation, all the cards of a group are sensed and the data thereon added without 5 printing each item, so that only one printing operation per group is initiated, and that is the total printing operation which follows after a group change. In order that paper spacing may be effected along with the total printing operam tion, the platen clutch of the present invention is automatically operated when a group change is sensed. 4

Another object of the invention is the provision of a relay and a lamp circuit closed thereby l5 under control of the group control devices for indicating when the vend of a card group is reached.

A still further distinguishing feature of the present invention is the provision of a key near 0 the turning knob of the platen. 'I'his key closes contacts to start the tabulator and make the platen clutch effective directly after a sheet is inserted; all without moving the hand that grasps the platen knob. 6

An object of the invention is the provision of control devices for maintaining a platen free from engagement with automatic feeding means when a switch is set for single item printing and ejecting. Then 4each ledger sheet may be fed by 80 hand directly to a new printing line, receive a single impression, and be immediately ejected by turning the freely rotating platen.

Further objects of the instant invention reside in any novel feature of construction or operation or novel combination of parts present in the embodiment of the invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings whether within or without the scope of the appended claims and irrespective of other specific statements as to 40 the scope of the invention contained herein.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan View of the platen, the platen clutch, and the solenoid controls.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the platen controls 45 taken along the center line 2-2 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a wiring diagram of the electrical controls of the tabulator and the platen clutch solenoid.

Fig. 4 is an elevation view of the line spacing 50 devices.4

Fig. 5 is an elevation view of the printing devices.

The devices of the present linvention are illustrated as incorporated in card controlled tabulators such as the machin illustrated in Patents 1,944,667 and 2,079,418, and application Serial No. 620,653, flied July 2, 1932, by J. R.. Peirce.

'I'he platen I3 is situated between a pair of carriage side frames I I and I2 with bearings I3 and I4 holding a rod I5 and shaft I3 on which the platen is supported. Shaft I3 is attached to the hub I1 of the platen and extends outside the right side frame where it terminates in the usual form of turning knob for operating the platen. Cooperating with the platen are the usual feed rollers (not shown) for holding and feeding inserted sheets around the periphery of the platen. Paper guides I3 and I3 extend between the carriage frames and over the platen to support a record sheet as it is held around the platen. Frame I2 is slotted and a clamping arm I2a swings up to allow platen removal.

Attached to the left end of the platen I3 is a circular clutch member or plate 25 formed with a recess having a circular sloping clutch face 26 and a centralized hole in which there slides the end of rod I5. Because rod I is firmly supported by bearing I3, the lei't end of platen I0 may be fulcrumed on the extending end of the rod.

Adjacent to the. clutch member is a clutch disk 21 which is held in place longitudinally on rod I5 by being conilned between a shoulder 23 on the rod and a clip 29vwhich is snapped into a ring groove cut into the rod. Disk 21 is free to rotate on the rod and is so moved by a series of studs 30 which project from a plate 3| fastened to a line space ratchet wheel 3L Ihe plate and wheel rotate-on a shoulder of bearings I3 and are held thereon by a wire ring 20. The studs 30 extend into perforations in disk 21 so that the line space wheel 32 is'keyed thereto, even though the disk is free to be moved longitudinally by rod I5. When the rod moves the disk towards the right, Fig. 2, a clutch face 33 thereon engages recess face 23 to connect the platen to the ratchet wheel 32 to be driven thereby. Normally, the disk 21 is moved to the left in the position shown in'Fig. 2 wherein a clearance space is presented between clutch faces 26 and 33 so that the platen isr free to be turned by the hand knob without carrying disk 21, studs 33, plate 3I and ratchet 32 along therewith. However, whenever a solenoid magnet coil CM is energized, rod I5 is moved to the right to connect the platen to the driving means in a mannerabout to be described more fully.

'Ihe coil CM is contained in a cylindrical housing 34 with circular end pieces 35and 35 held together by screws 31. 'I'he entire solenoid unit is held in position outside the left side frame Il by means of a series of studs 33 fastened between the frame and the end piece 35. The wiring of the coil is wound on a tube 39 which fits between circular recesses in the inner faces of the end pieces 35 and 35. An end stop 40 is fitted into the right end of tube 39 and riveted to end 35. Also within tube 33, and to the left of stop 40, is a movable iron solenoid core or plunger 4I which is tapped at the left end to securegit to the threaded portion 42 of rod I5. A coil spring 43 presses between the stop 43 and a circular shoulder within plunger 4I to push the plungerl to the left where an outer shoulder abuts against a brass ring stop 44. 'I'his stop is tted within tube 39 and bears against the inner wall of end piece 35. Alongside the ring 44 is another yring 45 which is made of phosphor bronze to act as a bearing for the movable plunger 4I.

Since the rod I5 is threaded into the plunger 4I, it is adjustable therein, and the position of the clutch disk 21 on rod I5 may be varied with respect to the position of the plunger, so that when the plunger is moved to the right by energization of coil CM, clutch faces 26 and 33 will be broughtA into contact with enough pressure to form a driving connection therebetween. The left end of rod I5 is formed with a flattened portion 46 which may be grasped to turn the rod and screw the threads 42 along the plunger to move the disk 21 back or forth with respect to the normal position of the plunger. After completing the adjustment, a lock nut 41 on rod I5 is tightened against the end of the plunger to hold the rod in a fixed position with respect to the plunger.

Of course, the rod adjustment must also take into consideration the fact that a clearance space is normally required between clutch faces 23 and 33 when coil CM is deenergized and spring 43 moves plunger 4I back against stop 44. This condition of the parts, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, prevails whenever the feeding and printing devices are idle so that when the platen may be turned freely and quickly by hand to eject and insert ledger sheets.

A manipulative device is provided for moving and locking the plunger 4I towards the right in the operated position, wherein clutch disk 21 is held in driving engagement with member 25 and platen III. This device is operated whenever it is desired to establish the usual fixed driving engagement between the line spacing wheel and the platen, and to disable the selective platen freeing means. 'I'he device comprises Ja flanged cylindrical bracket 50 which is attached to end piece 35 by means of screws 5I. Within bracket 50 there slides a cup shaped manipulative knob 52 holding a screw 53, the head of which protrudes into `a bayonet slot 54 cut in the wall of bracket 50. A compression spring within knob 52 normally presses outward lightly to urge the knob towards the left away from the end of the solenoid plunger. And the head of screw 53, Fig. 1, then contacts the left end of the longitudinal part of bayonet slot 54. However, if the knurled end of the knob 52 is grasped and pushed to the right and then turned to move the head of screw 53 into the lateral portion of slot 54, then the strong compressed spring 55 presses plunger 4I to the right and moves clutch disk 21 into engagement with member 25 and locks them there against the pressure of spring 43. Thus, a positive driving connection may be established between the feeding means and the platen whenever the operator wishes to do ordinarylisting and tabulatlng printing rather lthan ledger posting work.

As soon as knob 52 is turned to move the head ofl screw 53 out of the lateral portion of slot 54, spring 55 pushes the knob back to the normal extended position, and spring 43 pushes plunger 4I to the' left to disengage the clutch and put it in readiness for operation under control of magnet CM.

The energization of the clutch solenoid lcoil CM is controlled by electrical connections to the tabulator controls shown in the wiring diagram, Fig. 3. There it is seen that a thumb button 50 is located near the turning knob 3| of the platen III. This placement was chosen so that no time is wasted in starting to print directly after a sensing, and printer control thereby, is

v ledger sheet is inserted. The operator -turns knob 6i to bring the sheet t'o the proper line and Y then, without movement of the hand from the knob, the thumb may be moved to depress key 69 and close contacts in series with a starting relay Ri which is then energized by a circuit through line 63, wire 6l, normally closed contacts CFi5, wire 65, relay Ri, wire 66, key contacts 62, wires 61, 69 and return line 69. Lines 63 and 69 are connected to the source of electrical energy by the usual power switch PS whichwhen closed starts the tabulator motor TM to turn the cam shaft carrying the constantly running cams which operate the CB contacts. However, record card feeding and not initiated until the card feed clutch is operated by clutch maget CFCM.

Relay Ri closes associated contact Rib to cause energization of card feed clutch magnet CFCM, and also closes contacts Ria to establish a holding circuit which-is held through wire 12 until contacts CFiS open at the start of the first card feed cycle. Contacts Rib are arranged as part of a shunt around the usual start key contacts ST. Also in the shunt is a pair of contacts CB3I that close early in each operation from 22 to 72 in a cycle. The card feed initiating circuit includes line 63, stop key contacts SP, control contacts INTI and MII, clutch magnet CFCM, wire 13, contacts Rib, contacts CB3i and wire 14 to line 69. K

At the same time that card feeding, sensing and printing is initiated by closure of contacts Rib, a relay R2 is also activated through a parallel circuit to initiate energization of the platen clutch magnet CM. Relay R2 is operated by current flowing through line 63, relay R2, wire 15, contacts Rib, contacts CB3I, wire 14 and line 69. A pair of contacts R2a which are in series with the platen clutch magnet CM are then closed by relay R2 to complete a circuit through line 63, single item eject switch S which is in the off or closed position for ordinary listing and tabulating, wire 16, contacts R2a, wire 11, clutch solenoid magnet CM, wires 1B and 68 to line 69. A condenser C is wired in parallel with the contacts to prevent sparking. vMagnet CM is then energized as long as cards are fed and items are listed by maintenance of current in relay R2 by the usual shunt connections through BBC and LCLC around the start key contacts ST. As long i as magnet CM is active, Fig. 2, plunger 4i will be moved to the right with rod i5 pressing clutch disk 21 against member 25 so that the line spacing wheel 32 is connected to the platen i0 for turning it after each printing operation.

The single item switch S may be moved to the open on position when it is desired to hold magnet CM deenergized and have the platen free at all times. This kind of control is useful when printing a single item or total on each ledger sheet. With the platen free, ejection may be performed immediately after each printing cycle, and then a new sheet may be easily inserted before another single card is sensed to print an item, or a group of cards are sensed to print a total. In single card listing operation, the stop key may be depressed after depression of thc thumb button 60 or the start key to limit the machine operation to a single cycle. During tabulating operations, the machine may be stopped after printing a. single total, by opening the auto start switch AS, Thus, the efforts of the operator, in inserting and ejecting sheets after they 62. These contacts are controlled machines vof the receive one line of print, are not hindered by the retarding load of a connected automatic feeding device.

While the foregoing section of the description is concerned mainly with control during listing or item entering, it may be noted at this point that the platen clutch is also controlled to engage and enable automatic feeding during total printing cycles. Since total cycles are automatically initiated by group control devices' in record kind in' which the electrical platen clutch of the present invention is shown incorporated, it is believed well to describe briefly the group control operation before explaining the operation of platen clutch magnet CM on total cycles.

The record cards are arranged in groups with all cards of a group having the same group designations that take the form of numbers perforated in certain columns of the cards. These control number perforations are sensed and the sensing devices control the last card of a group passes the sensing means, card feeding is stopped and the machine goes through a total cycle to print the total of the group. This is described in detail in the application Serial No. 18,145, filed April 25, 1935, by E. J. Rabenda,v which matured as Patent No. 2,161,589 June 6, 1939.

The record card feeding devices operate so that while one card is passing under a set of lower brushes LB, the next card is passing under a set of upper' brushes UB. The card feed is synchronized so that as a certain perforation position is passing under the lower brushes, the corresponding position on the succeeding card is passing under the upper brushes. If the perforations in the two cards coincide, the upper and lower brushes will make contact simultaneously, establishing a circuit through pairs of plugged control relays such as relays i291? and IMP, the holding coils of which shift the contacts i29b and i3iib so that the minor control pickup coil i26P is not effective. It may be seen that contacts i29b and i30b are so arranged that deenergization or simultaneous energization of both control coils does not establish a circuit therethrough. It is only when the card control perforations disagree and when one coil i29P or i30P is made active alone that a testing circuit from distributor cam contacts CBi1 and CBiB finds its way through contacts |2917 and i30b`to the control pickup coils i26P and i26H. Then contacts i26b are closed to make effective the pickup coil of relay RZBH which closes contacts 26a in series with the minor control magnet MI. The other intermediate and major group control magnets INT and MA are made effective in a similar way by plug connection of the control coils therefor to one or more of the pairs of contacts like contacts i29b, i30b, but related to other columns on the cards.

A group change sets devices in operation for energizing the platen clutch magnet CM. Whenever there occurs a minor group change, the magnet MI is energized and associated contacts MIZ are closed to complete a circuit through a pickup relay coil RSP. The current follows a path from line 63 to wire 19, through the closed ledger posting auto total switch ATS', contacts PMB, contacts M12, relay coil R3P, the other posting total switch ATS and wire to line 69. Coil R3P then closes contacts R3a to set up a holding circuit through the holding coil R3H which is effective as long as contacts CB32 the machine so that when y are closed, and 7| that is from 200 on one cycle until 54 on the next cycle, by which time sheet feeding is completed during the total printing operation. 'I'he holding circuit includes line 63, wire 8|, contacts CB32 closed until line spacing is e'ected, contacts R3a, relay R3H, wire 82, switch ATS, wire 80 and line 69. Relay R3H closes contacts R3b to energize the clutch solenoid by la circuit co'mprising line 63, switch S, wire 16, contacts R3b, wire 1l, clutch magnet CM, wires 18, 68 and line 69. Thus, the clutch is engaged to connect the platen to the line spacing means while total printing is being performed.

If an intermediate or major control change also takes place, the contacts INT2 will be closed by magnet INT to allow the pickup coil R3P to remain energized until the second total cycle. This causes the platen clutch magnet CM to be energized and the clutch engaged for every total cycle. The contacts R3a will be closed, completing a holding circuit for relay R3H through cam contacts CB32. Therefore, relay RZIH is held energized until contacts CB32 break `early in the cycle following total taking.

In ledger posting work it is often desirable to list only the items of the cards without printing the total. Then there is no need of a total printing cycle when card groups change. It is possible to use a break in control merely to stop the machine without taking a total cycle. To do this it is necessary to move the auto start switch AS and the ledger posting auto total switches ATS and ATS to the "03 positions. With switch ATS open, relay R3H cannot close contacts R311, and therefore the platen clutch magnet CM will remain deenergized when contacts R2a open in the cycle that a group change occurs. Contacts R2d are opened by the deenergization of relay R2 which is caused by the opening of contacts MII or INTI to disable the card feed clutch magnet CFCM on a group change. Therefore, the platen clutch will be disengaged as soon as the card feed driver is locked out of operation; the platen is then free, allowing the operator to eject a sheet and insert -a new sheet in .position to record the items on another group of cards.

Since the other posting auto total switch ATS' is open, the holding coils, such as coil R26H of the group control relays, then depend on a pair oi' contacts Rlc for sustained energization. These contacts Rlc are connected in parallel with the switch, and in series with the coils, and they are normally closed. However, after a control break, and after a new sheet has been inserted, the operator presses the thumb button 60 which energizes relay RI not only to close contacts Rib to start the machine again, but this same relay also opens contacts Ric to break the holding circuit for the group control relays MI and INT. These relays then allow contacts MII and INTI to close in series with the card feed clutch magnet CFCM which is then energized when cam contacts CB3I close. Thus, the card feeding operations are resumed without taking a total cycle.

An indicating lamp L is provided to show when the end of a group is reached and apprise the operator of the proper time to change record sheets. The circuit for the lamp is controlled by a relay which has a pickup coil R4? connected by a plug Wire 85 leading to the shunting sockets of one pair of the group control contacts. Then when a group change occurs a circuit is set up from line 63, through testing distributor contacts CBI'I and CBI8, contacts I29b, I30b closed by .through the relay may be .is loosened and the a group change, plug wire 85, socket 86, wire 81, pickup coil RIP, wires 88, 89 and line 88. Coil RIP "then closes contacts Ria to establish a holding circuit through contacts CFM and the holding vcoil R4H of the relay. The circuit traced from line 68 to (3F40, relay contacts ma, This `coi1 R4H wire 90, cam contacts coil'RlH, wire 89 and line 69. then closes associated contacts Rlb to establish a circuit through the lamp L. Ihe connections include line 83, wire 9|, contacts Rlb, resistance 92, lamp L, wire 68 and line 69. Cam contacts 0F40 are timed to close between 325 and 340 of a cycle, and since a group control break causes the card feed to latch up at 330 in the same cycle on whichl the break occurs, the relay contacts will remain closed and the lamp Ly will remain lighted until the card feed is again started. at which time RIH is deenergized when contacts CFI!) open at 340.

A platen feed magnet PFM is connected with a series of contacts at F for energizing it during listing and total printing cycles so that the usual feed pawl may be operated thereby to turn the line space ratchet wheel 32 (Fig. 1)"and platen Il.

The data perforated in the cards is sensed by magnets AM and PM which controlled the adding and printing devices of the machine in a manner described in detail in the patents and applications referred to hereinbefore.

In Fig. 4 it is shown that line spacing operation is controlled by the magnet PFM. The armature of this magnet releases a latch link III which is then connected to a cam operated lever III to be shifted thereby. 'I'he movement is transmitted through crank II2, link III, and arms Ill, H5, II6, and II'I, the latter of which has a pin and slot connection with an arm III loosely pivoted on the bearing stud I8. On the end of arm I I8 is pivoted the line spacing pawl i II9 which cooperates with the ratchet wheel 82 to turn it and feed the sheet S in a clockwise direction when the clutch is engaged.

Referring to Fig. 5, it may be noted that each type bar |20 which is lifted in synchronism with card feeding, carries la toothed rack |2I. Cooperating with this rack is a pawl |22 with connections that are tripped by the print control magnet PM when a card perforation is sensed. The tripped pawl stops the bar in a differential position with a selected type |23 at the printing line on sheet S opposite the head of hammer I2C. Operation ofthe hammer, impresses the type against the sheet S to leave a line of print representative of the data sensed on the record card. During total cycles the print magnets PM are controlled byv an accumulator to print the amounts. held therein.

It is well to point out that the platen I0 is fulcrumed in a novel Way so that it may be easily removed. The right end of rod I5 which supports the left end of the platen and projects into the center of plate 25 therefrom, simply by revolving rod I5 a number of turns so that the threaded section l2 moves the rod a substantial extent axially to the left, Fig. 2. Bracket 50, the knob 52 and spring 55 held. therein, may be removed by taking out screws 5I this gives easy access to the lock nut 41 and the flattened part of rod I5. The nut flattened portion 46 is grasped and turned when it is desired to retract the rod, so that the platen may be removed after the clamping arm |2a is swung clear to free the right end of the platen for movement out of the can be withdrawn slotted side frame I2. Thus, the threaded section 42 serves not only for adjustment of the clutch, but also for removal of the platen. Studs 30 are long enough to allow a substantial retraction of disk 21 when rod l5 is turned back out of plate 25.

While there has been shown and described and fundamental novel features of applied to a single modification, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention therefore to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a machine of the class described, a platen for feeding record sheets, a shaft upon which said platen is supported, a clutch member on said platen, a line spacing wheel loosely mounted on said platen shaft for turning said platen, a clutch disk keyed to said wheel but slidable relative thereto to engage said member, a solenoid, a plunger in said solenoid, a connecting means between saidplunger and said disk for moving said disk to engage said clutch member whereby the platen may be driven by said line spacing wheel when the solenoid is energized, and means for energizing said solenoid.

2. In a machine of the class described, rotary sheet feeding means, a clutch member on said means, a feeding wheel for turning said rotary means, a clutch disk keyed to said wheel but movable with respect thereto to engage said clutch member, a solenoid, a core in said solenoid, a rod threaded in said core, said rod engaging said diskto move it into driving engagement with said member when the solenoid is energized, a lock nut on said rod for locking said rod to said core after it is adjusted therein, and means for energizing said solenoid to move the core and engage said feeding wheel with said rotary sheet feeding means.

3. In a machine of the class described, a sheet feeding means, a driver therefor, a clutch mechanism between said feeding means and said driver, a solenoid, a plunger in said solenoid, means for energizing said solenoid to move said plunger, connections from said plunger to said clutch mechanism to operate it and connect the driver and the feed means when the solenoid is energized, a manipulative member guided to move coaxially with said plunger, a spring cooperating with said member to hold it normally free of said plunger, a projection on said member, a fixed frame piece with a bayonet slot into which said projection extends to be locked in operated posipointed out the the invention as tion against the tension of said spring when the member is moved to engage the clutch mechanism without energizing said solenoid.-

4. In a machine of the class described, a sheet feeding means, a driver therefor, a clutch mechanism between said feeding means and said driver, a solenoid coil, a tube in said coil, a housing for said coil, a plunger in said tube, a stop fastened to said housing and inserted in said tube in the path of said plunger, means for energizing said solenoid to move the plunger against the stop, a restoring spring for moving said plunger away from the stop into normal position when said solenoid is deenergized, and another stop in said tube for stopping said plunger in the normal position as urged by said spring, and connections from said plunger to said clutch mechanism to it and connect the driver and the feed means when the solenoid is energi d.

5.- In a machine for printing an item or listing a series of items on a record sheet, a sheet feeding means, a driver therefor, a magnetic clutch between said feeding means and said driver, a circuit for energizing said magnetic clutch, said circuit including contacts which are automatically closed for every printing and sheet feeding cycle to energize the operate clutch and connect the feeding means to the driver, manipulative means for operating said sheet feeding means, and a single item switch in said circuit which may be opened to hold the clutch deenergized so that the feeding means is free to be operated by said manipulative means to eject and insert a sheet after each item printing operation.

6. In a record controlled machine for printing the data of the records on ledger sheets, means for controlling record feeding, a sheet feeding means, a driver for said sheet feeding means, a clutch between said feeding means and said driver, electrical controls for automatically engaging said clutch for every record feeding cycle, means cooperating with said record feed control means for stopping the machine after each record feeding cycle, means in said electrical controls for disabling clutch engagement to free the sheet feeding means of the driver, manipulative means for operating the sheet feeding means to eject a sheet and insert another sheet, and means cooperating with said record feed control means for restarting the record feed after said another sheet is inserted.

'7. In a machine controlled by groups of record cards to print items on ledger sheets, card sensing means, means for controlling feeding of said cards under said sensing means, means under control of said sensing .means for printing items on said sheets, line spacing means operable with each item printing. cycle to feed a sheet, group control devices, means under control of said group control devices for stopping the card feed on each initiating a total print cycle, means for preventing the operation of a total print cycle, a platen for` said sheet spacing means, a clutch between said spacing platen, means for operating said clutch on each item printing cycle and disengaging said clutch at the end of each cycle, means for manipulating said platen to eject a sheet and insert another sheet, and means for restarting the card feed after said another sheet is inserted.

8. In a machine for feeding ledger sheets and printing items of data thereon, a platen around which said sheets are fed, a manipulative knob on said platen, a printing control means, a line spacing means, a clutch member on said platen, a clutch disk keyed to said line spacing means but movable relative thereto into driving engagement with said member on the platen, a solenoid coil, means for energizing said coil and initiating operation of said printing means, said energizing means including near said knob, a plunger in said solenoid and which is moved in said coil when it is energized, a spring for restoring said plunger, a rod adjustably secured to said plunger and connected to said disk to move it into driving engagement with said platen member when said coil is energized, and other means for energizing said coll automatically before each operation of said line spacing means, but deenergizing said coil at the end of each printing operation so that the platen is free of said line spacing means so a ledger an operating button situated sheet may be ejected and a new sheet inserted by operating sa'id manipulative knob.

9. A structure as set forth in claim 8 with a manipulative means for moving said plunger into means clutched to the platen.

10. In a machine controlled by records arranged in groups which are sensed in succession so that the data thereon total printed, the combination of a sheet feeding means, a driver for said feeding means, a clutch and said driver, group control devices for detecting a change in the record groups and initiating a total printing cycle, and means under control of said devices for operating said clutch to connect the feeding means to be driven during the total cycle.

1l. A machine as set forth in claim 10 with an indicating lamp, and electrical connections closed under control of said group control devices, when a change in group is detected, to light said lamp and maintain it lighted until the first card of a new group is fed.

threaded in said l and means for energizing said solenoid to move the core, rod and disk and engage said feeding means with the platen.

WILLIAM L. LEWIS. VICTOR O. WILKERSON.

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