US2204247A - Manifolding typewriting machine - Google Patents

Description

June 11 1940, K. DAVIS 2,204,247

MANIFOLDING TYPEWRITING MACHINE Filed Feb. 18,1959 2 Sheets-Shet 1 ATTORNEY F. K. DAVIS June 11, 1940.

MANIFOLDING TYPEWRITING MACHINE Filed Feb. 18, 19259 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR FRA/VK K5250 DAV/J BY ORNEY Patented June 11, 1940 UNITED, STATES MANIFOLDING TYPEWRITING MACHINE Frank Kelso Davis, Silver Spring, Md., assignor to Underwood Elliott Fisher Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application February 18, 1939, Serial No. 257,197

7 Claims.

This invention relates to manifolding typewriters, billing and like machines, and more particularly to mechanisms for feeding the work web and interleaved transfer sheets to the typing mechanism.

In manifolding machines such as the Underwood fanfold billing machine, a work web consisting of a pack of superposed forms is fed into the machine in a continuous strip, having a series of transfer sheets or carbons interleaved therewith, the leading portion of this assembly being positioned around the typewriter platen for typing. In continuous billing machines, for example, the several plies of the work web strip bear a corresponding printed form, each set of registering forms being divided from the succeeding set by a perforated or tearing line, to facilitate removing the complete typed set. To enable the operator to grasp the leading end of the work web independently of the transfer sheets, the leading edge of the transfer sheets is spaced back of the leading edge of the work webs an arbitrary marginal distance. When the typing of one set of forms is completed, the work web, with the 25 carbons, is manually drawn forwardly against the usual gaging stop a distance equivalent to one set of forms and, while still grasping the work web at the carbon-free end-margin, the carbons are stripped from the typed forms by retracting the carbon truck or carrier on which the trailing portions of the carbon sheets are held, the completed forms being thereafter torn from the continuous strip preparatory to typing the next form. By retracting the carbons the same distance that the work web has been advanced, the displacement of the leading edge of the carbons relative to the work web at the new leading edge is maintained. This procedure is followed, during the typing of a succession of forms, until the area of the carbon sheets being used is worn and requires replacement. This is done by advancing the carbon sheets together with the work web to remove a typed form, the set of forms and the corresponding worn section of the carbon sheets in registry therewith, being severed simultaneously. This condition requires restoring the offset relation of the carbon sheets to the work web to again provide the gripping margin at the leading end of the work web. A like condition obtains after reloading the machine with a new strip of the work web, or a new supply of carbon.

sheets, at which time the carbon sheet ends may also be even with the leading end of the work web, likewise requiring the provision of the offset relation to present a gripping margin.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide, in a manifolding machine, a simple, inexpensive and reliably operative device to facilitate the restoration or provision of the offset relation of the carbon sheets relative to the work web strip to present a gripping margin at the leading end of the work web.

In its more specific aspect, the invention provides means operable at the front of the machine for manually interposing a normally ineffective gaging device into cooperation with a stop limiting movement of the carbon carrier, as during the retraction of the carbon sheets, by which to modify the extent of normal movement of the carbon carrier and thereby effect a prede termined end-marginal offset of the carbon sheets from the work web during the process of typing a series of forms.

A further object is to provide a gaging device of this character affording a predetermined'gage for the purposes indicated, having means of adjustment by which the distance ga'ged may be varied within practical limits to provide any desired amount of marginal offset of the carbons and work web.

Other objects and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the manifolding typewriter forming the preferred embodiinent of the invention. portions of the apparatus being broken away to facilitate illustration.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the effective position of the carbon truck gaging device.

Figures 3 to 8, inclusive, are diagrammatic side elevational views illustrating various positions of the mechanism assumed during the process of manifold typing, in which,

Figure 3 shows the mechanism in position for typing a second or a succeeding form. of the work web.

Figure 4 shows the position of the mechanism with the platen raised, before stripping the carbons from the typed forms preparatory to typing a succeeding form.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view, similar to Figure 4, but showing the carbon sheets stripped fromthe typed forms by retracting the carbon truck, preparatory to severing the typed forms.

Figure 6 -is a view similar to Figure 5 but with the platen lowered to typing position, and showing the manner of severing the typed form.

Figure 7 shows the position of the mechanism, with the platen raised and with the carbon truck retracted preparatory to removing the worn section of the carbons while severing the previously typed form, interposing the gaging stop so as to subsequently effect the offset of the carbons relative to the work web, and

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 but showing the platen lowered to typing position and illustrating the condition after severing the typed form and the used carbon sections, in readiness to type a succeeding form.

Several types of manifolding machines now in general use are distinguished mainly by the mechanism by which the continuous supply of transfer sheets or carbons is provided. In one type of machine, a series of carbon sheets of suitable length are arranged flatwiseQthe trailing ends of each sheet being held on a blade disposed transversely of the work web and supported on a carbon truck, as shown in the patent to Wernery and Smith 1,132,055. Anothertype of manifolding machine is shown in the patents to Rubridge 1,896,465 and Smith 1,979,292, which type of machine is distinguished mainly by rolls at the sides of the work web from which carbons are supplied.

In the embodiment of the invention herein illustrated, the improvements set forth are embodied in a machine of the latter general type having a roll carbon supply. It will be apparent, however, as the description proceeds, that the invention may be embodied in other types of manifolding machine, in that the gaging device or auxiliary stop may cooperate with the carbon truck from which the carbon sheets issue, re-

gardless of the manner in which the carbons are supplied.

In that a substantial portion of the apparatus illustrated in the drawings, and forming the preferred embodiment of my invention, is well known to those skilled in the art, a brief description of the conventional manifolding machine will suflice to set forth the uses and advantages of the present invention.

Manifolding machines, such as the Underwood fanfold machine, are usually provided with a cylindrical platen 9 arranged on the platen carriage so as to be movable to a raised position to facilitate manipulating the work web and carbons during the process of manifold typing. The platen 9 is locked in normal low or typing position, Figures 1 and 3, against the usual feed rolls H), as by the coaction of a lock lever ll, upon release of which lever the platen may be raised well above the feed rolls I, Figure 4, as by forwardly swinging a paper gage bracket l2 extending from a paper shelf l3. The bracket I2 adjustably carries thereon a paper end-gage l4 by which the extent of advancing the work .web relative to a stationary severing knife i5 adjacent the platen is determined.

, As afore indicated, the web usually consists of a continuous strip I! of superposed plies fed into the typing mechanism of the' machine from a supply at the rear thereof, together with a series of carbon sheets i8 each interleaved between .the plies of the work web. As previously described, the several plies of the work web strip may each bear a corresponding printed form, each set of forms being divided from the succeeding set by a perforated or tearing line. In drawing forward the work web preparatory to removing a typed set of forms, the work web is pulled forward manually until its leading edge abuts the gage M,

the position of this gage being set so as to register the tearing line of the work web with the severing knife l5.

In the conventional manifolding machine of either type afore mentioned, the supply of carbon sheets issues from a carbon truck or carrier on which the trailing portion of the carbons is held. In the embodiment illustrated, the trailing portions of the carbons iii are carried on a carbon truck or carrier 20 and are supplied from a suitable number of carbon rolls 2| carried in brackets 22 supported on the carbon truck 20. Each car bon sheet i8, issuing from a roll 2i, passes over a diagonal guide member 23 of a guide frame 24 held in the brackets 22, the guide member 23 directing the carbon sheets in line with the work web ill. The carbon rolls H are each releasably held against rotation to prevent unintended unreeling of the carbons, by suitable locking devices 25, each engaging a serrated edge 26 of the spool mounting each carbon roll.

The carbontruck 20 together with the carbonrolls 2i moves toward the typewriter platen 9 during typing, being actuated by the line-space rotation of the platen in advancing the work web it with the interleaved carbons i8. To accommodate this movement, the carbon truck 20 travels on tracks 28 by track wheels 29 on the-carbon truck, the tracks 28 being supported on a track frame 38. The track frame 30 is supported at its forward end by brackets 3! on the platen carriage and travels transversely of the machine to keep the carbon truck 20 in line with the platen carriage during letter-feed movement in line-typing and is supported at its rear portion by track wheels 32 riding on a transverse track 33.

After typing a set of forms, and subsequent to the advance of said'typed form to be severed by the knife I5, the several carbon sheets are 1 collectivelystripped from the'typed forms and retracted to a position in registry with a succeeding set of forms preparatory to typing the I next forms, by moving the carbon truck 20 rearward. For this purpose an actuating arm 35 extends forwardly from the carbon truck and stop 38 and swingable on stud 35 into said path,

at will, see Figure 2. The gaging stop 40 further comprises an arm 43 to which is flexibly connected a pull rod 44, by a block 45 threaded on the rod. Said rod extends along the arm 35 and is slidably guided thereon by screws 39, the rod 44 having at its forward end a finger piece 46 adjacent the arm handle 36. It will be noted that the gaging arm 42 of the auxiliary stop is formed in two sections adjustable relatively to each other to vary the length or gaging distance of said arm, as shown more clearly in Figure 2, the outer arm section 41 being held by screws 48 engaging certain of a series of tapped holes 49 in the other arm section. A restoring spring 50 engaging the auxiliary stop at one end and being anchored at its other end on the carbon truck general description of the manifold typing pro- 7 cedure by the improved machine embodying the invention herein set forth now follows:

Figure 3 shows the condition of the mechanism during the typing of any one set of forms except the first or initial set and may also be regarded as illustrating the typing of the first set. eiicept insofar as the position of the carbon ends, offset from the leading end of the work web, is concerned. The manner of providing this offset, following the typing of the first form, will be hereinafter manifest. Considering the showing of Figure 3 as representing the typing of a second or succeeding form, to iirst demonstrate the normal manifold typing procedure, it will be seen that the carbons are interleaved with the plies of the work web and extend therewith around the platen, the latter being in the normal low position against the feed rolls Ill. .In this view the typing has progressed to'a-n intermediate typed line on the form, and the carbon truck, holding the supply of carbons, has accordingly advanced from its rearmost position; it beingnoted that the carbon rolls are prevented from, unreeling by the engaged locking devices 25.

When the typing of this form is completed, the platen 9 is unlocked and raised to the Figure 4 position, as by swinging the gage bracket l2 forward and downward, and the work web and carbons therewith are pulled forward until the leading edge of the work web abuts the gage M. This gage'has been set from the knife IS a certain distance equal to the length of a single form, that is, the distance between the tearing lines of each form on the continuous work web strip, so that with the work web end abutting the gage ll, the tearing line of the work web strip is in registry with the knife. Still grasping the leading end of the work web, the carbons l8 are stripped from the typed form by retracting the carbon truck 20, actuating same by the arm handle 36, the carbon truck being moved to its rearmost position against the permanent stop 38. The advance of the work web and the stripping or retraction of the carbons-may be done simultaneously, if desired. It will, of course, be noted that the stop 38 is in such position as to limit the rearward movement of the carbon truckto a distance equivalent to the length of a form, so that the leading edge of the carbons is there by moved to the Figure 5 position in which same is spaced from the severing edge of knife I 5 a distance corresponding to the offset shown in Figures 3 and 4 at each succeeding form. It

- may be here noted that the leading edge of the carbons is designated by an arrow throughout the several views. Following the condition shown in Figure 5, the platen 9 is lowered and locked in the Figure 6 position and the previously typed forms, now stripped of the carbons, are

severed from the work webby tearing along the knife l5 as shown. The machine is now in readiness for-typing the next form, upon rotation of the platen from the Figure 6 position to advance the form to the first line of typing.

This mode of operation continues for each succeeding form until the section or panel of carbons being used is worn and requires replacement. Under this condition a fresh 'panel of carbons is supplied to the leading set of forms, the procedure being as follows: The afore described steps are followed to the stage shown in Figure 4, that is, with the work web, and the carbons therewith, drawn forward against the gage H. The carbonrolls are released by disengaging the locking devices and, while still holding the work web ends against the gage I4 and also maintaining the position of the carbon ends, the carbon truck is pushed rearward-. ly, at the same time tensioning the pull rod 44 to swing the gaging stop 40 to effective position in the path of the permanent stop 38. Thus, the condition shown in Figure 7 is produced,

whereby the carbons have been unreeled from the rolls 2| an amount equivalent to the length of a single form less'the marginal offset distance represented by the gaging length of the gaging stop 40. Following the condition shown in Figure '7, the platen '9 is lowered while still grasping the work web ends, following which the typed form and, the used section of carbons therewith, which carbons are still in registry with the typed forms, are simultaneously severed at the knife l5, producing the condition shown in Figure 8, wherein the leading ends of the carbon are even with the new leading ends of the work .web plies. The next set of forms is thereby made ready for typing after rotating the platen in line spacing to the first line of typing. It will be notedthat the release of the finger piece 46 allows the gaging stop 40 to swing to ineffective position by its restoring spring 50.

As soon as the carbon truck 20 assumes the Figure 7 position, a sufficient length of the carbons is unreeled and the locking devices 25 are again set to prevent further unreeling. Although the offset relation of the c arbons to the work web plies is 'not as yet assumed, this offset will be formed the next time the carbon truck 20 is retracted. in that, by withdrawing the gaging stop 40 the carbon truck will be moved rearwardly an additional distance to the permanent stop 38 to provide this desired offset. This operation follows, after having typed the form imposition for typing shown in Figure 8, upon completion of which typing, the platen is raised, the work web and carbons are drawn forwardly to the stop l4, and while still holding the work web so as to,leave the carbons free, the carbon truck 20 is .retracted to engagement with the stop 38. Thus, the carbons are stripped from the then typed form, being retracted the full length of the form, plus the offset distance represented by the now withdrawn gaging stop 40, so that the free ends of the carbons assume the position shown in Figure 5.

Regarding the provision of the gripping margin at the time of, or following the typing of the first form, it may be here noted that the carbons may be made even with the work web ends, as shown in Figure 8, when threading the work webs and.

carbons into the machine, it being customary, after the work web and carbons are in place without particular regard to the position of the carbon ends, to tear'off the first set of forms together with the uneven end-sections of carbons, so

that the condition shown in Figure 8 is had. It

' or succeeding forms.

In reference to the type of manifolding machine shown 1,132,055 wherein the carbon sheets are disposed fiatwise in the machine, having their trailing ends held on blades supported on the carbon in the aforesaid Patent No.

truck,it will be seen from the foregoing that the auxiliary stop or gaging device may also be associated with the carbon truck in that type of machine; the gaging device being arranged to cooperate with a permanent stop similar to the 'This new range of travel is determined by advancing the carbon truck stop when the machine is in the condition similar to that shown in Figure 4 herein, at which position of the carbon truck the gaging device is thereafter interposed in the path of the carbon truck stop and said stop is advanced to the foremost position permitted by abutment with the gaging device. When the gaging device is subsequently withdrawn to in effective position and the worn section of carbons is severed, together with the previously typed form as above described, the subsequent retraction of the carbon truck to the permanent stop in its new position, will cause the leading end of the carbons to be retracted to the Figure 5 position, wherein the carbons are offset the desired marginal distance from the tearing line or new leading edge of the succeeding form, and the gripping margin, free of the carbons, is thus restored.

From the foregoing it will. be seen that the invention provides a simple gaging device to facilitate the restoration or provision of an offset relation of the carbons and work web plies in the operation of a manifolding typewriter, the; device embodying means operable at the front-of the machine for manually interposing a normally ineffective gaging stop into cooperation with a stop limiting movement of the carbon truck or vention may assume in practice, it will be under lustration, and that the invention may be modicarrier, by which a predetermined end-marginal offset of the carbon sheets from the Work web is effected during feeding of the work web and carbons in typing a series of forms.

Although in this application there is specifically'described one embodiment which the instood that same is shown for the purpose of ilfied and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is:

1. In a manifolding typewriting machine for typing on a work web with carbon sheets inter- .leaved therewith, having a platen, Work. web severing means, a carbon sheet carrier reciprocable relative to the platen for feeding and retracting the carbon sheets, and stop means having a prescribed relation to said severing means for limiting the retractive movement of the carrier; in combination, gaging means normally ineffective and movable to cooperate with said stop means to modify the normal movement of the carbonsheet carrier a predetermined extent in manipulating the machine to supply a new carbon sheet panel, so that upon subsequent v:ithdrawal of said gaging means, in further operation of the machine, an offset of the carbon sheet ends relative to the leading end of the work web is provided.

2. In a manifolding typewriting machine for typing on a work webwith carbon sheets inter-' leaved therewith, having a platen, work web severing means, a carbon sheet carrier reciprocable relative to. the platen for feeding and retracting the carbon sheets, and a stop having a prescribed relation to said severing means for limiting the retractive movement of the carrier; in combination, a gaging stop normally in ineffective position and movable to position in the path of said limiting stop to reduce the normal retractive .rnovement of the carbon sheet carrier a predetervance of the work web to a prescribed position 'relative to the severing means, a carbon sheet carrier'reciprocatory to and from the platen for feeding and retracting the carbon sheets, and a stop having a prescribed relation tosaid severing means for limiting the retractive movement of the carrier; in combination, a gaging'stop pivoted on said carrier, normally in ineffective position and swingable to effective position in the path of said limiting stop to reduce the normal retractive movement of the carbon sheet carrier a predetermined extent in manipulating the machine to supply a new carbon sheet panel, so that upon subsequent withdrawal of said gaging stop, in

further operation of the machine, an offset of the carbon sheet ends relative to the leading end of the work web is provided.

4. In a manifolding typewriting machine for typing on a work web with carbon sheets interleaved therewith, having a platen, work web severing means, gaging means limiting the advance of the work web to a prescribed position relative to the severing means, a carbon sheet carrier reciprocatory to and from the platen for feedingand retracting the carbon sheets, and a stop having a prescribed relation to said severing means for limiting the retractive movement of i the carrier; in combination, a gaging stop pivoted on said carrier, having a gaging arm normally in ineffective position and swingable to effective position in the path of said limiting stop to reduce the normal retractive movement of the carbon sheet carrier a predetermined extent, in manipulating the machine to supply a new carbon sheet panel, so that upon subsequent withdrawal of said gaging stop, in further operation of the machine, anoffset of the carbon sheet ends relative to the leading end of the work web is provided, said gaging arm being length-adjustable to vary amount of offset effected by said gaging stop.

5. In a manifolding typewriting machine for typing on a work web with carbon sheets interleaved therewith, having a platen, work web severing means, gaging m'eans'limiting the advance of the work web to a prescribed position relative to the severing means, a carbon sheet carrier reciprocatory to and from the platen for feeding and retracting the carbon sheets, and a stop having a prescribed relation to said severing -means for limiting the retractive movement of the carrier; in combination, a gaging stop pivoted on said carrier, and. a restoring spring normally tion in the path of said limiting stop to reduce vided.

6. In a manifolding typewriting machine for typing on a work web with carbon sheets interleaved therewith, having a platen, work web severing means, gaging means limiting the advance of the work web to a prescribed position relative to the severing means, a carbon sheet carrier reciprocatory to and from the platen for feeding and retracting the carbon sheets, and a stop having a prescribed relation to said severing meansfor limiting the retractive movement of the carrier; in combination, a gaging stop pivoted on said carrier, at restoring spring normally holding said gaging stop in ineffective position, and means operable at the front of the machine for actuating said gaging stop, said gaging stop being swingable to effective position in the path of said limiting stop to reduce the normal retractive movement of the carbon sheet carrier a predetermined extent in manipulating the machine to supply a new carbon sheet panel, so that upon subsequent withdrawal of said gaging stop, in further operation of the machine, an offset of the carbon sheet ends relative to the leading end of the work web is provided.

7. In a manifolding typewriting machine for typing on'a work web with carbon sheets interleaved therewith, having a platen, work web severing means, gaging means limiting the advance of the work web to a prescribed position relative to the severing means, a carbon sheet carrier reciprocatory to and from the platen for feeding and retracting the carbon sheets, including an operating arm extending to adjacent the front of the machine, and a stop having a prescribed relation to said severing means for limiting the retractive movement of the carrier; in combination, a gaging stop pivoted on said carrier, a restoring spring normally holding said gaging stop in ineffective position. and an actuating rod for said gaging stop, carried on said operating arm and having a finger-piece adjacent the front of the machine, said gaging stop being swingable to effective position in the path of said limiting stop to reduce the normal retractive movement of the carbon sheet carrier a predetermined extent in manipulating the machine to supply a new carbon sheet panel, so that upon subsequent withdrawal of said gaging stop, in further operation of the machine, an offset ofthe carbon sheet ends relative to the lerding end of the Work web is provided.

FRANK KELSO DAVIS.

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