US2302096A - Applying pigments to sheet material - Google Patents

Description

1 A. P. BATTEY APPLYING PIGMENTS TO SHEET MATERIAL 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 22, 1940 N vs NTO c2. Av r d Pier ssene BQH e NOV. 17, 1942. A A E APPLYING PIGMENTS TO SHEET MATERIAL 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 22, 1940 Nov. 11,1942. A. p. m 2,302,096

APPLYING PIGH ENTS TO SHEET MATERIAL Filed larch 22, 1940 8 Shoots-Shoot 3 T w a I? '7 '1 Q} I I a k .4 I 2 j 1 r NvEN T z Hated F'uevssen Hfi Nov. 17, 1942." A. P.BA-1TEY APPLYING PIGMENTS re-SHEET MATERIAL 'Fiiedllarch 22, 1940 a sheets-sum 4 v I g Mgr fi'er ssene Eddie NOV. 17, 1942. A P, BATTEY 2,302,096

A APPLYING PIGMENTS TO SHEET MATERIAL Filed March 22, 1940 8 Sheets-Sheet res 9 INVENTOQT AK A Fiersstme 50H Nov. 17, 1942. A. P. BATTEY 2,302,096

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Nov. 17, 1942. A. P. BATTEY APPLYING PIGHENTS TO SHEET MATERIAL 8 Sheets-.-Sheet 8 Filed March 22, 1940 iNva'ufcg w I e v n; e v5 U was d e I 2.30am

APPLIING PIGMENTS T SHEET MATERIAL Alfred Plerssene Battey, Eastcote, England; as-

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE signer to hlcoorqnodale and Company Limi Essex,

. London. England, a eompa of Great Britain, and Denis LE xrang e, Wanstead,

Application March st, 1940, Serial No. 325,470

In Great Britain April a, 1m

11 Claims. (01. 91 -47) This invention relates to an improved method of applyin Pigment to the surface of a number of sheets of paper, cardboard, fabric or the like singly in succession,.utilising an intermittently operating, e. g. a reciprocating, sheet feed mechanism, and to apparatusfor carrying out the improved method. 1

In applying pigment to a number of paper or other sheets singly in succession by the method according to the present invention. a sheet is fed by means of said mechanism to a position opposite a matrix having recesses in the face thereof, and the sheet is then clamped against 'therecessedfaceofsaidmatrlxandpigmentapplied to'thesurface ofthesheetbyieadingthe mechanism. the sheet with the pigment applied being finally removed from beneath the matrix during a subsequent movement by the sheet feeding means for feeding the next succeeding sheet s! beneath the-matrix. In the preferred arrangement the sheet feedingmeansisofthetypeadaptedtomakestraight line reciprocating movementsand in-accordance with the invention said reciprocating means may p rate both to feed the sheets beneath the matrix and also to remove them from beneath the matrix after the pigment has been applied.

position opposite the matrix, is adapted to be clamped, conduits adapted to lead pigment under pressure to the recessesin the face of the matrix and on to deiined areas of the surface, of the sheet, and holding means adapted to retain the sheet -in position immediately beneath the matrix after being parted therefrom and during further movement of the sheet feeding means.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying-drawings, the embodiment illustrated employing a. reciprocating intermittent sheet feed mechanism. In the drawings Fig. 1 is a general side elevation-oi a complete a machine according to the invention,'.

pigment under pressure from a suitable source- Fig. 2 is an end elevation looking from the throughconduitsleadingthroughthematrlxto *rightinFlgJ, the recesses in the face thereof, thereafter the sis s plan view, sheet is parted from the matrix but retained in Fig. 4 is aperspective viewof the reciprocating -a horizontal position immediately beneath the 20 sheetfeed means.

- 1 matrix during further movement of the sheet feed Fig. 5 illustrates on a larger scale a part of the mechanism for driving the sheet feed means,

a illustratesa detail of the sheet feed I means looking from the far side 0111s. 4, Figs. 7 and 8 show further details,

Figs. 9 and 10 are views in elevation and plan 7 respectively and on a larger scale, illustrating the Bythe method according to the invention, the

pigment is applied to areas on the sheet as delined by the boundaries of the recesses in the face ofthe matrix and after the sheet is disengaged from the matrix it is maintained in position beneath the matrix for an appreciable period oftime so that drops or strings of pigment adhering to the matrix will fall into correct position on the sheet, whilst at the same time a high singly in succession, utilising an intermittently according to the present invention, a sheet is fed by means of said mechanism to a position line reciprocating movements and in accordance trix and also to remove them from beneath the matrix after the pigment has been applied.

The invention further consists in an apparatus for applying pigment to the surface of a number of sheets of paper, cardboard, fabric or the like singly in succession comprising intermittently operating sheet feeding means, a matrix with receases in the face thereof, against which a sheet,

fed by movemet of the sheet feeding means to a 55 vcrsely of the machine, which levers III are mechanism for clamping the sheet against the matrix and for applying pigment to the clamped sheet, a

Figs. 11 and 12 show details, I 1 Fig. 13 illustrates means for maintaining sheet in position beneath-the matrix whilst the means make a return reciprocating sheet feed movement.

Figs. 14 and 15 are views in sectional elevation of the machine showing the drivingmechanlsm for moving parts dimosed adjacent opposite sides of the machine,

. Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional plan of the operating mechanism.

Referring to the drawings,'l represents a base toggles 4 connected in pairs at opposite sides of the machine by the bars which in turn are connected by links to a spindle I carried by levers I pivoted on an axis extending trans-'- Theoolumnsl,at

" portaolosedbox-like spring il-surrounds -'Iintheboxl,andit raisin! v aresprovided with .with inclined adaptedtoberockedbylinksll movedbycams onaeamshaftllinthemachine; Y their upper extremities supstructure i containing a receptacles 'I for the pigment,

box i is kept under presnumber of open and the interior of the sure through a flexible compressed air pipe 8.

The columns 2 also support, intermediate their structure '0, to the undereonnected'a pair of stiff bars for a horizontally disposed metal block or matrix H fixed to the underside or said bars ls.

closed box s, the rigid'frame structure and the matrix H are moved up and down with therisin: and falling columns I.

This matrix H, a portion oi which is shown in Fig. 12, is provided on the underside with a ma-' chined face in which are formed a series of suitably disposed shallow recesses l2. 7 j

The body of the matrix H is pierced at the if as shown at il,and the upperendof'eaehapertureisinternallyscrew threaded to receive the lower threaded end of a metal cylinder is preferably with the interposi tion of a leather washer il. A metal tube It is mounted for longitudinalv movement within eaeh cylinder M and a valve head ii at the lower .end of each tube It ensues a upper end of, the small diameter portion of aperture II. A downwardly directed cup washer I. is mounted on the exterior of the tube II and fits the interior. of the cylinder id, and between the upper'side of the washer'lLor a backing ring I! therefor; and a neutralising gland .10 at the top of the cylinder ll extends a compression spring 2i surrounding tube It. A further compression the tube it and extends between a shoulder at a sliding ooned member 2: adapted to spread the cupwasherit- I r Ports 2t areprovid'edinthewalis ofthetube it leadingv to the space between the tube Ila and the cylinder ll. beneath the cup washer l8.

- Each tube it is connected through "a flexible conduit 2! with. one of the pigment receptacles will readily be seen that by the tubes I. relatively to the cylinders ll, pigment will be permitted to flow to the recesses I2 in the face of the matrix.

The upper ends of the apertures or slots in stiff which are in allel to themselves in guides in said frame strum tur'e. The ends of tubes 1|, above the bars 28 collars or nuts it which are adjusted in position longitudinally on the tubes. so that'in the closed condition of the valves, there is a small clearance between thenuts i8 and the upper surfaces oil-the bars '2! (rig. 12).

The bars 21' arej provided on their undersides surfaces 28 (Fig. 9) which engage with corresponding inclined surfaces to on bars Jl arranged for longitudinal sliding movements in the frame structure I. These imparted'to the 4 the frame structure through and push endsof the bars ll, and in the other direction by compression springs 34 extending between fixed abutments illon the frame structure and lugs I on the oi. the bars 3|, said springs tubes 1 extend through bars '2! (Figs. it) and l2) a turn fixed to .a pair of bars 2? es-- tending longitudinally of'the frame structure 9 being supported by guide rods 35' fixed to the abutments II and extending through the lugs ll.

It will readily be seen that when shaft 3| is v On one end of the base frame structure I is mounted a lay board 31 (Figs. 1, 3, 14 and 15) preferably at an inclination as shown and capaable of being tilted about an axis 31' to raise and lower the forward edge thereof, and the sheets bi paper or other material to which pigment is to be applied are placed thereon singly by hand or by any suitable known automatic means, and stops or gauges II are provided adjacent the forward edge of said lay board to accurately locate asheetthereon.

seating formed by the 1 A pair of parallel guides as are supported by the base frame structure i and extend longitudinally of the machine between the pairs of colums I at opposite sides of the machine, and the sheet conveying means is adapted to make hori-' nintal reciprocating movements on these guides v The sheet conveying or feeding means comprises a heavy metal table 40 (Figs. 1 and 2 and 4 to 7) which is arranged to slide on rollers ll resting upon the above mentioned guides", be-.-

. tween two positions in one of which the table exthe lower end thereof and a movements are .4

bars ll in one direction from a the medium of lugs 82 fast on said shaft rods .88 extending between said lugs 82 and the tends beneath the lay board 31 as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, and in the other of whichlt liesbene'ath the matrix! I.

The table ll at the end away board 81 is provided with a recessed extension as clearly shown at a! in big. 4, which extension may be formed as an integral casting with the table II, and the side walls 43 of this recess support longitudinally extending arms between which are mounted shafts ll carrying rollers 48 supporting endless bands or tapes I! the upper runs of which are in the plane of the top of table Ii.

The shafts II, at one end outside one wall 43, C

carry toothed sprockets 48 which engage with a driving chain 49 (Fig. 6) the ends of which are i fixed toran anchorage U0 (Figs..3 and 6) on the frame of the machine.

The sprockets 48 include freewheels and the arrangement is such that as the table ll is moved in one directiomi. e. towards the lay board 31, the shafts-ll are rotated to move the upper runs of the tapes I in the opposite direction relatively to said table. whilst during movement of the table ll away from the lay board the tapes remainstationaryrelatlvely to the table.

Betweenthewallsfl andneartheedgeofthe tablellalsoextendsarookingshaftll carrying gripp rs at appropriate moments and in a manner yet to be described so that when the table is beneath thelayboardli theygrlptheleadingedgeof ,thesheetofpaperontheiayhoardtothesurface of the table away from the lay board and the sheet is taken with the table, whilst when the. table reaches its 'pontion beneath the ma-- trix lhsaid grippers maybemoved from engagemeat with the sheet to a position where they lie below the level of the tabletop as shown in.

dottedlinesinl'imt.

from the lay sz, andthis shaft is adaptedtoberocked pulley. driving a shaft ll moimted in The means for reciprocating the table 40 and g the connected parts is as follows:

In the base frame structure is mounted a fixed rack II on which rolls a rack wheel It. This rack wheel in turn engages with a further rack I provided on the underside of the table (Fig. 2). The rack ll beneath the table ll is capable of sliding movements relatively thereto, being can-- ried with its edges in guides I. fixed to the underside of the table, and the arrangement is such that the rack 55 and the table may be connected and the table moved by and with the rack II, or they may be disconnected so that the table may remain stationary whilst the rack, is moved in the guides ll. For this purpose a shaft I1 is carried inJe bearings in the table extension 42, one end of said shaft extending through one of the walls ll.

This shaft carries rigidly mounted pawls I. (Fig.

5) the ends of which are movable in apertures II in the fioor of the extension 42 and may make 120 abutting engagement with the ends of suitably disposedslotsflinthebodyoftherackll. By rocking the shaft II, the pawls it may be moved tothepositionshownindotted linesinl'ig.5 so

that movements of the rack ll to the right in that g5 withthecorrespondinglimbsoftwosimilarbeli crank levers 1t similarly pivoted on the machine. These levers It are constrained to move in unison byalink'liandtheyarerockablethrougha furtherlink'll andaleverll rromacamon camshaft I. to raise or lower the bar it.

As the table ll approaches the completion of the movement towards the above described position beneath the lay board, this cam operates to raise the bar 13 and the lever H is permitted to rockandthe flmrcarryingshaftll torotate under the urge of a spiral spring I! at one end of said shaft (Fig. 4) and at the instant when the table reaches the end of its travel, the gripp rs moveinto position to grip the leading edge of the sheet of paper on the now lowered lay board, to the surface of the table.

The gauges I at the edge of the lay board are so disposed that theleading edge of the paper sheet projects slightly beyond the edge of the table ll. The up and down tilting movement of thelayboardiseifectedthroughaleverandiinkage system II from a cam on thecamshaft II and this lever and linkage system also serves to lowered, from the path of the paper sheet. The u e ll having been raised. the movement of the table ll in the direction away from the lay board,

together with the sheet of paper commences.

the table so that the table is constrained to move so This movement continues until the table with in both directions with the rack I.

Itwillreadilybeseen thatwhen therackll- ,and table ll are connected, the extent of the reciprocating movement of the table, due to the the sheet of paper thereon comes beneath the matrix ll. Since drive of the wheels I4 is continuous. it is necessary, in order that the table II with the sheet thereon may remain stationary berolling rack wheel I4, will be double that of saidise neath the matrix II, to uncouple said table from a the rack ll.

For this. purposethe end of the shaft I! carrying the coupling pawls II, is provided with a lever ll bearing a roller at and this roller, when the frame of the machine (Hgs. 1, 15 and 3.6). i the table .40 is beneath the matrix, engages the Thisshaft ll isgcaredtoapairof'toothed'wheels Y mounted cams for operating component parts of the machine in timed relationship.

In the case illustrated, shaft It makes one revolution for every two revolutions of the shafts m.

In operation the shaft 83 rotates wheels N, and' thepawls ",heingln thepositionof engagement withrack llasshowninfull-linesini'ilJ/the table moves into the position beneath the lay board as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, the layboard .being tilted with its forward edge raised during this movement and being lowered when 60 the table is in position beneath it. During at least a part of the movement of the table towards this position the grippers I! are in the position where they lie below the level of the top of the table. Thegrippers are retained in this position by the engagement of a toothed wheel Tl fast on the end ofshaft H with a toothed se ment ll Figs. 8 and 14) on one end of a lever 1| pivoted on the outside of one of the ,walls "of the table extension: the other end of this lever is provided with a roller 12 making engagement with the underside of a'horieontal bar II extending longitudinally at one side of the machine.

This bar 1: is adapted to make risingand muupper surface of one limb of a cranked lever il pivotally mounted on the frame of the machine, Fig. 4. This lever II is adapted to be rocked 'through a link 0| and lever $2 from scan: on I the camshaft. to in turn rock the lever 8| and shaft I} to disengage the coupling pawls it from the slots in the rack ll. Thus the rack Ii is freed to slide in the guides on the underside of thetabiell.

To avoid the possibility of movement of the table II due for exampleto friction with the rack, a latch bar ll may be provided on the machine, said bar-being pivoted as at II and having a projection ti on its free. end for engagement with the underside of the above mentioned cam controlled lever II and being urged upwards by a spring 08 in such manner that the upturned end 01 of said bar. US enters a notch in the table ll when the lever ll moves into position to uncouple the table from the rack as described above.'

During the travel of the table 4| toward the matrix the columns 2 commence to move downr, wards in their guides through the straightening of the toggles l. The operation of the toggles is 'eii'ected through links-I, shaft I" and link 8|,

in movement of the columns 2 continues until the face of matrix H contacts firmly with the sheet of on the table ,isaid table by this time having come to rest and been locked in position beneath raisethegaua llafterthelayboardhasbem' the matrix in the manner described Q pped between the plate pemiedbythe s pp e position sheet isnowready to receive the ent. L v To permit the pigment to flow, the tubes it c! 'all the valvesinthe back oithe matrix; H are raisedbyrockingtheshaitfltomovepushrods a and bars II to 111861.31! 218ml "in the manner previously described, and the rocking oi shaft II is eiiected by the engagement of the end or a pawl "carried at the end 01! a pivotal cam actuated lever II, with a notch in a lug OI-tast on the shaft II. The lever 84 is actuated in appropriate timed sequence by a link CI and lev 81 from acamoncamshait ll.

Thus pigment flows imder pressure from the: receptacles I, through the conduits 2|, the valves II, II and the bod, oi the matrix to therecesses i2 the cam controlling the lever 84, the shaft Si is rocked in the reverse direction under the urge return springs 34; and the pigment valves close. Thereafter the columns 2 are caused to rise and the paper sheet with the pigment applied in areas sharply defined by the boundaries or the recesses in the iaceoi the matrix H, is parted from the face oi the matrix and rests upon the tahi i A number of small spring pressed plunger-s ll' may be provided in suitable apertures the matrix ii to push the sheet away from the face of the matrix as the latter rises. I Pigments are usually of a tacky or viscous a roller ill at its end. On a fixed pivot Ill on themachineirameismountedabellcranklever ill adapted to be rocked through a given angle -bya link llilandle'ver I" fromacam Ill ona camshaft I88 geared to camshaft".

Prior to the upward movement oithe matrix H, the grippers I! having been rocked tothe position below the surface of the'table 4! as .de-

. a given shortintervai as determined by scribed above, the cradle-like member I" is swung counterclockwise about its pivotal axis I82, and during this movement the roller I02 engages the edge of one limb oivlever I" so that the spindles it! are rotated to part the grippers it'l, Ill, and the member I" comes to rest with the grippers Ill above and the grippers ill below the leading edge of the sheet of paper which projects beyond the edge of table 4!.

The bell crank lever HM is now rocked to lower roller I02 on lever iii, and the grippers I" and I" are permitted to grip the edge of the paper sheet between them so that they serve to hold it in the position below the matrix alter the latter has been raised.

nature and it is iound that when the paper or other sheet is parted from the matrix, strings of the material are formed between the matrix and the paper and drops adhere to the matrix itself and then'iall on to the paper. It becomes imperative, therefore, to maintain the paper in exact pomtion beneath the matrix for such an interval of time as will enable such drops or strings to fall on to the correct areas.

In accordance with the invention this is achieved but without loss at time and output, since the teed table 40 is permitted to return towards the lay hoard during this interval of time to receive the next sheet.

Shortly after the sheet has been efiectiveiy II and the-matrix ii, the horizontal bar I! is moved downwards by its control cam and the grippers 51 are caused to rock and to assume the position below the level of the surface of the table 40 as shown in dotted',

lines in F18. 5.

For the urpose of retaining the paper sheet in position beneath the matrix aiter the latter has been raised there is provided a cradle-like device "I of the form shown in Fig. 13. This device I" extends across the machine, being sustwo arms I", and in such a mannor as to be rockable about a horizontal axis in fixed brackets "I on the machine, between the two positions shown in full and dotted lines in Fig. 9 by means oi'a link I" and a lever I operated by a cam on shaft ll. Between the ends or the member "I extend a pair of parallel spindles ili geared together for rotation in unison as shown at I and having lingers iii, I88 fixedly mounted in such a manner as to form pairs 0! co-operating grippers. Springs so are connected bet'men arms in fast on the spindles I" and tend to rotate the spindles so as to move the pairs of fingers ill, I" together into the asshowninFig. 18.

iii, a lever Iii bearing As soon as the matrix commences to rise, the

bell crank lever is rocked to disengage the latch 91 from the table II and the upper rack bl which is now in an appropriate position beneath the table 40. is re-engaged therewith through the dropping 01 the ends of the pawis on the extension of the table into the slots 00 in said upper rack.

Thereupon' the table It moves back with the rack 55 to the position beneath the again upwardly tilted lay board, andthereafter the lay board is again tilted downwards and the grippers 52 on the table take a grip on the leading edge oi the next succeeding sheet oi paper.

During this movement to the position beneath I the lay board, the table I! takes with it the extension and the endless'tapes or bands 41, andduring the movement in this direction the shafts 45 are rotated by the chain 49 so that the upper runs of the bands are moved in the direction away from the table and the arrangement is such that there is no relative sliding movement between the tapes and theisheet, so that the latter therefore remains entirely undisturbed.

As the table 40 commences its next i'eed movement towards the matrix the cradle member ltl isswung clockwise about its pivot, the gripp rs I61, I" momentarily maintaining a 811! n the sheet in order to impart an initial movement thereto in the direction of movement of the table 40. The grippers are then opened by the rocking of hell crank lever III! and lever ill and I swung outof the path of the sheet which now rests upon the belts 41. In this direction of movement of the table, the shafts ll are not rotated by the chain 49 in viewoi the employ mentoi the ireewheel sprockets 48, so thatthe sheet with the pigment applied thereto is'carried away from beneath the matrix H at the speed of travel of the table, whilst the next succeeding sheet is fed into position beneath said matrix, and the described cycle of operations is repeated. The treated sheet may be removed from the tapes 4! by hand or it may remain thereon throughout a further complete reciprocation of the feeding means so that it is led oi! the tapes, for example on too. suitable conveyor not shown.

It is to he understood that the table II may be held disconnected from the upper rack bar ior one or a number or reciprocating movements I of said rack bar as desired, by the utilisation whereby the movement of the matrix II towards the table 40 and the opening oi the pigment release valves shall not occur when the table moves to the position beneath the matrix without a sheet of paper, and so that pigment shall not be deposited on the surface of the table.

The means for this purpose is illustrated in Fig. 15. The link 2| operating the toggles 4 is connected to one arm I of a two armed lever mounted for rocking movement on a fixed shaft III, which forms the axis of a two armed cam operated lever 02, and the other arm III of said lever carries a pivoted pawl II2. This pawl is adapted to rest under the pull of a light spring 2', with its operative end against an abutment surface formed by a notch II2 on one arm of the lever 22.

On a further shaft III is mounted a lever H2, one limb of which carries a roller 1 for engagement by a cam on shaft 22, whilst the other end supports a rocking pawl 2. This pawl adapted to engage with a pin I20 on a further lever I2I rockable on shaft Hi. This lever I2I is connected by a link I22 with a lever I22 pivoted at I24, the free end of which is capable of I, engaging a roller I25 on pawl II2 to rock thelatter from engagement with abutment H2.

The lever III is arranged to be rocked by a cam on shaft 20 once during each cycle of operation of the machine and the pawl III carried .30 is provided on its underside with a shoulder III thereby tends to move by gravity into the position where the shoulder III engages with the a pin I20 on the lever I2I. During normal operation however, a roller I20 on pawl III (Fig. 4

) rests upon the edge of a pivoted lever I21 one end of which is weighted as shown at I22 in such a manner as to tend to maintain the shoulder of pawl III out of engagement from pin I20. The weight I22 rests upon the upper 'end of a rod I and tends to thrust it downwards.

It will readily be seen that 1: rod m is thrust" upwards, lever I21 will be rocked against gravity and the pawl I I2 will no longer be supported by lever I21 but will rest with its lower edge on the pin I22, and in due time, during the movement of lever II2,.the shoulder II! will engage the pin I20, sothat lever I2I will be moved by and with lever H0 to impart a thrust to rod I22, thereby rocking lever I22 to knock pawl II2 clockwise about its pivot against spring 2' to disengage the end thereof from the notch H2 on lever 22. The next cam controlled movement of lever 22, therefore, is not transmitted to lever III and the toggles and the pillars 2 and parts carried thereby, remain stationary. Since the frame structure '2 remains stationary, the next rocking movement of the pigment valve operating lever 04 does not result in contact of pawl 22 with lug 22 and the valves therefore remain unoperated. j

The upward movement of therod I2l-is arranged to take place whenever the table is about to move frombeneath the lay board without a, sheet of paper. For this purpose there is provided at one side of the lay board (Fig. 15) a bracket I22 on which is mounted a pivoted lever I22 extending over the lay board. To the lower end of the lever I22 is pivoted a finger I34 the lower end of which is adapted to slide longitudinally of the lay board in alignment with a slot I20 formed in said layboard. The upper end of the lever is connected by a rod I20 to a pivoted lever I21 which is adapted to be rocked to and fro once during each cycle of operations, in one direction by a cam I28 and in the other by a spring I22. A further lever I40 is pivoted at I on the machine frame and bears a roller I42 adapted to run on a notched cam I42.

This lever I40 is urged towards the cam by a spring I44 but the free end of said lever over-v laps the. upper end of lever I21 when the latter has moved to its maximum extent in a. clockwise direction as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 15. The other end of lever I40 is connected by a rod I40, a bell crank lever I40 and a further rod I41, with rocking lever I2I.

When a sheet of paper is fed in normal manner on to the lay board, the lower end of finger I24 slides freely over the surface of the sheet of paper as lever I21 is moved clockwise by the spring I". The upper end of lever I21 therefore takes position beneath the end of lever I40 and the latter is prevented from falling when the notch in cam I42 comes opposite roller I4I.

Should no sheet ofpaper be fed to the by board, the finger in its movement towards the edge of the board, drops into slot I25 so that its sliding movement is arrested and it thereby prevents lever'I21 making its full movement in a clockwisedirection under the urge of spring I22.

As a consequence lever I40 rocks under the pull of spring I 44 when the notch in cam I42 comes opposlte roller HI, and rod I40, bell crank lever I48 and rod I41 are moved to operate rocking lever III and to disengage pawl II2 from notch II2 as previously described, so that the matrix is not lowered and the pigment valves are not operated, the table 40 making an idle reciprocation. The placing of a sheet of paper on the lay board frees the finger I24 from slot I25 and normal operation of the machine is resumed. A stop I42 at the end of the toggle operating linkage engages an abutment I42 on the machine frame to ensure that even should the matrix and other rising and falling parts be moved down independently by hand for example, when making adjustments, the pawl II2 can always drop into gngagement with notch II2 when required to 1 Furthermore, the pawl 22 on the pigment release valve operating lever 24 is arranged. for clockwise pivotal movements on said lever against a spring, so that should the pawl be in its valve releasing position and the vertically moving columns and parts carried thereby be moved downwards, the pawl can yield until the rocking lever 44 is moved.

A hand lever 2! is provided to enable shaft II to be rocked at any time by hand, but usually when the machine is stationary, to clear the valves for example;

A'pedal I I4 is provided on lever III to enable the transmission pawl to be thrown out of action at any time by an operator and a latch lever I5I is also provided pivoted on lever "I, for engagement by a shoulder I52 with a fixed pin I22 carried by a part of the machine frame to retain the pawl I I2 in its disengaged position so that the wards for any desired period whilst the plate is moving.

Means are provided to enable the position of the matrix and other rising and falling parts to be adjusted to vary the pressureexerted by the matrix on the paper or other sheet on the table 40.

For this purpose, frame structure 3 at the lower ends of the columns 4 mounts four rotatable sleeves I69 into which are screwed the lower ends of the columns 4. The sleeves I69 are each pro vided on the exterior with helical gears which are adapted to be rotated in unison through suitable gearing from a shaft I mounted in bearings on the said moving frame structure 3, and provided with a hand crank ill.

This arrangement enables the distance or the matrix I I from the frame structure 3, and thereby the closeness of the .approach of the matrix towards the surface of the table 40, to be accurately controlled.

In practice it is usually 'found desirable to provide a slightly yielding cushion such as one or more layers of paper between the surface of the table 40 and the sheet of paper or other material .which is to receive the pigment.

table, but it is to be understood that other arrangements may be employed for this purpose. Similarly, although the feed of sheets, in the example described, is effected by means of a reciprocating table, alternative forms-of intermittent sheet feeding means may be employed.

I claim:

clamped surface contact with the face of said matrix and subsequently to release it therefrom, conduits leading pigment under pressure through said matrix to the recesses in the face thereof and on to the sheet whilst the sheet is in the clamped position, and means for retaining the sheet in position vertically beneath said matrix after the sheet has been parted therefrom and during further movement of the reciprocating sheet feeding means and means whereby the sheet is moved from beneath said matrix after being released by the retaining device and during a subsequent movement of said reciprocating sheet feeding means for feeding the next succeeding sheet to the position opposite said matrix.

3. Apparatus for applying pigment to the surface of a number of sheets of paper, cardboard, fabric or other sheet material singly in succession, comprising a matrix having recesses in the face thereof, reciprocating sheet feeding means adapted, during movement in one direction, to feed sheets singly to a position opposite the face of said matrix, means to effect relative movement during further movement of said reciprocating 1. Apparatus for applying pigment to the sur-,

face of a number of sheets of paper, cardboard, fabric or other sheet material singly in succession, comprising a matrix'having recesses in the face thereof, intermittently operating sheet feeding mechanism adapted to feed sheets singly to a position opposite' the face of said matrix. means to effect relative movement. between said matrix and a sheet fed by said feeding mechanism first to bring said fed sheet into clamped surface contact with the face of said matrix and subsequently to release it therefrom, conduits leading pigment under pressure through said matrix to the recesses in the face thereof and on to the sheet, whilst the sheet is in the clamped position, and meansfor retaining the sheet in position vertically beneathsaid matrix after the sheet has been parted therefrom and during further movement of said sheet feeding mechanism and means whereby the sheet is moved from beneath said matrix during movement by the sheet feeding mechanism for feeding the next succeeding sheet to said position opposite the matrix.

2. Apparatus for applying p g ent to the surface of a, number of sheets of paper, cardboard,

' fabric or other sheet material singly in succession, comprising a matrix having recesses in the face thereof, reciprocating sheet feeding means adapted, during movement in one direction, to feedsheets singly to a position opposite the face of said matrix. means to effect relative movement between said matrix and a sheet fed by said feeding means first to bring said fed sheet into sheet feeding means, and means carried on the reciprocating sheet feeding means and adapted to remove the sheet from beneath said matrix during a subsequent movement of said reciprocating sheet feeding means in the direction for feeding the next succeeding sheet to said position opposite said matrix.

4. Apparatus for applying pigment to the surface of a number of sheets of paper, cardboard, fabric or other sheet material singly in succession, comprising a horizontally reciprocating table, a matrix having recesses in the face thereof, mechanism for moving said matrix vertically towards andaway from said table so as to clamp a shee-l, fed by the table to a position opposite said matrix, between the table and the face of.

said matrix, conduits leading pigment under pressure through said matrix to the recesses in I the face therof and on to the sheet whilst the sheet is in the clamped position and means for retaining the sheet in position vertically beneath said matrix, after the sheet has been parted therefrom upon a rising movement of said matrix, and during further movement of said reciprocating table and means on said reciprocating table adapted to move the sheet from beneath said matrix during a subsequent movement of the table in the direction to feed the next succeed- -ing means first to bring said fed sheet into clamped surface contact with the face of said matrix and subsequently to release it therefrom,

said matrix to the recesses in the face thereof and .on to the sheet whilst the sheet is in the clamped position, gripping devices movable relatively to said matrix and reciprocating sheet feeding means and adapted to make gripping engagement with an edge of the clamped sheet projecting from beneath said matrix to retain the sheet in position vertically beneath said matrix after the sheet has been parted therefrom and during further movement of said reciprocating sheet feeding means, and means whereby the sheet is moved from beneath said matrix after being released by said gripping devices and during a subsequent movement of said reciprocating sheet feeding means for feeding the next succeeding sheet to said position opposite said matrix.

6. Apparatus for applying pigment to the surface of a number of sheets of paper, cardboard, fabric or other sheet material singly in succession, comprising a matrik having recesses in the face thereof, reciprocating sheet feeding means adapted, during movement in one direction, to feed sheets singly to a position opposite the face of said matrix, means to effect relative movement between said matrix and a sheet fed by said feeding means first to bring said fed sheet into clamped surface contact with the face of said matrix and subsequently to release it therefrom, conduits leading pigment under pressure through said matrix to the recesses in the face thereof and onto the sheet whilst the sheetis in the clamped position, gripping devices mounted for rocking movements about an axis disposed transversely of the apparatus between one position out of the plane of the sheet of paper clamped against said matrix and another position where said gripping device's make gripping engagement with an edge of the clamped sheet projecting from beneath said matrix to retain the sheet in position vertically beneath said matrix after the sheet has been parted therefrom and during fur-- ther movement of said reciprocating sheet feeding means,-and means whereby the sheet is moved from beneath said matrix after being released by saidgripping'devices and during a' subsequent movement of said reciprocating sheet feeding means for feeding thenext succeeding sheet to the position opposite said matrix.

,7. Apparatus for applying pigment to the sur-- face of a number of sheets of paper, cardboard, fabric or other sheet material singly in' succession, comprising a matrix having recesses in the face thereof, reciprocating sheet feeding means adapted, during movement in one direction, to

feed sheets singly to a position opposite the face of said matrix, means to effect relative movement between said matrix and a sheet fed by said feeding means first to bring said fed sheet into clamped surface contact with the face, of said matrix and subsequently to release it therefrom, conduits leading pigment under pressure through said matrix to the recesses'in the face thereof and onto the sheet whilst the sheet is in the clamped position, a cradle adapted to rock about an axis disposed transversely of the apparatus, pairs of gripping fingers carried by said cradle and adapted to engage and grip an edge of the clamped sheet projecting from beneath the matrix to retain the sheet in position vertically beneath said matrix after the sheet has been parted therefrom and during further movement of said reciprocating sheet feeding means, and means whereby the sheet is moved from neath sion, comprising a matrix having recesses in the face thereof, intermittently operating sheet feeding mechanism adapted to feed sheets singly to a position opposite the face of said matrix, means to effect relative movement between said matrix and a sheet fed by said feeding mechanism first to bring said fed sheet into clamped surface contact with the face of said matrix and subsequently to release it therefrom, conduits leading pigment under pressure through said matrix to the recesses in the face thereof and onto the sheet whilst the sheet is in the clamped position, and means for retaining the sheet in position vertically beneath said matrix after the sheet has been parted therefrom and during further movement of said sheet feeding mechanism, and thereafter to impart a, movement to the sheet in a direction to remove it from the position opposite said matrix.

9. Apparatus for applying pigment to the surface of a number of'sheets of paper, cardboard, fabric or other sheet material singly in succession, comprising a matrix having recesses in the face thereof, intermittently operating sheet feeding mechanism adapted to feed sheets singly to a position opposite the face of said matrix, means to effect relative movementbetween said matrix and a sheet fed by said feeding mechanism first to bring said fed sheet into clamped surface contact with the face of said matrix and subsequently to release it therefrom, conduits leading pigment under pressure through said matrix to the recesses in the face thereof and onto the sheet whilst the sheet is in the clamped position, and means for retaining the sheet in position vertically .beneath said matrix'after the sheet has been parted therefrom and during further movement of said sheet feeding mechanism, and thereafter to impart an initial movement to the sheet in adirection to remove it from the position opposite said matrix and means moving in conjunction with said sheet feeding means whereby the movement of the sheet in this direction is continued by and during movement by said sheetfeeding means-for feeding the next succeeding sheet to the position opposite said matrix.

10. Apparatus for applying pigment to the surface of a number of sheets of paper, cardboard, fabric or other sheet material singly in succession, comprising a horizontally reciprocating table, a matrix having recesses in the face there-- of, mechanism for moving said matrix vertically towards and away from said table so as to clamp a sheet, fed by said table to a position opposite said matrix, between said table and said face of said matrix, conduits-leading pigment under pressure through said matrix to the recesses in the face thereon and onto the sheet whilst the sheet is in the clamped position, means for retaining next succeeding sheet to the position opposite said matrix,

11. Apparatus for applying pigment to the surface of a number of sheets of paper, cardboard, fabric or other sheet material singly in succession, comprising a horizontally reciprocating table, a matrix having recesses iii the face thereof, mechanism for moving said matrix vertically towards and away from said table so as to clamp the sheet, fed by said table to a position opposite the matrix, between said table and said face of said matrix, conduits leading pigment under pressure through the matrix to the recesses in the face thereof and onto the sheet whilst the sheet is in the clamped position, means for retainingv the sheet in position vertically beneath said matrix, after the sheet has been parted therefrom upon a rising movement of said matrix, and during further movement of said reciprocating table, an extension on said table, endless belts supported on said extension with the upper runs thereof in the plane of the surface of said table and means whereby saidbelts are rolled beneath the sheet of material held by the retaining de- 'vice in position beneath said matrix during move- 12. Apparatus for applying pigment to the surface of a number of sheets of paper cardboard, fabric or other sheet material singly in succession, comprising a matrix having recesses in the face thereof, a horizontally sliding table adapted to feed sheets singly to a positlonopposite said matrix, a continuously moving driving member for said sliding table, means for uncoupling said table from and coupling said table to said driving member when said table with a sheet thereon is opposite the face of said matrix, means to effect relative movement between said table and said matrix first to clamp the fed sheet against the face of said matrix and subsequently to release it therefrom, conduits leading pigmentunder pressure through said matrix to the recesses in the face thereof and onto the sheet whilst the sheet is in the clampedposition, means for retaining the sheet in position vertically beneath said matrix after the sheet has been parted therefrom and during further movement of said sliding table and means adapted to move the sheet from beneath said matrix during said movement of said table in said direction to feed the next succeeding sheet to the position opposite said matrix.

13. Apparatus for applying pigment to the surface of a number of sheets of paper, cardboard,

' fabric or other sheet material singly in succession, comprising a matrix having recesses in the face thereof, a horizontally sliding table adapted to feed sheets singly to a position opposite said matrix, driving means for said table including a, fixed rack, a rack wheel adapted to roll to and fro thereon continuously, a second rack engaged by said rack wheel and adapted to be moved to and fro continuously by said rack, wheel, means for coupling said table with and uncoupling said table from said second rack when said table with a sheet thereon is opposite the face of the matrix, means to eflect relative movement between id able and i said matrix first to clamp the fed ee against the face of said matrix and subseouently to release it therefrom, conduits leading pigment under pressure through said matrix to the recesses in the face thereof and onto the sheet whilst the sheet is in the clamped position. means for retaining the sheet in position vertically beneath said matrix after the sheet has been parted therefrom and during further movement of said sliding table and means adapted to move the sheet from beneath said matrix during the movement of said table in the direction to feed the next succeedin sheet to the position opposite said matrix-.-

14. Apparatus for applying pigment to the surface of a number of sheets of paper, cardboard, fabric or other sheet material singly in succession, comprising a matrix having recesses in the face thereof, 'a horizontally sliding table adapted to feed sheets singly to a position opposite said matrix, driving means for said table including a fixed rack, a rack wheel adapted to roll to and fro thereon continuously, longitudinal guides on the underside of said sliding table, a second rack mounted for sliding movements in said guides and adapted to be moved to and fro continuously by said rack wheel, means for coupling said table with and uncoupling said table from said second rack when said table with a sheet thereon is opposite the face of said matrix, means to effect relative movement between said table and said sheet from beneath said matrix during the movement of said table in the direction to feed the next succeeding sheet to the position opposite said matrix.

15. Apparatus for applying pigment to the surface-of a number of sheets of paper, cardboard, fabric or other sheet material singly in succession, comprising a matrix having recesses in the face thereof, a, horizontally sliding table adapted to feed sheets singly to a position opposite said matrix, a continuously moving driving member for said sliding table, means for uncoupling said table from and coupling said table to said driving member when said table with a sheet thereon is opposite the face of said matrix, a latch device adapted to hold the table stationary when in position opposite said matrix and uncoupled from the continuously moving driving member, and to release said table for movement when said table is coupled to the continuously moving driving member, means to effect relative movement between said table and said matrix first to clamp the fed sheet against the face of said matrix and subsequently to release it therefrom, conduits leading pigment under pressure through said matrix to the recesses in the face thereof and onto the sheet whilst the sheet is in the clamped position, means for retaining the sheet in position vertically beneath said matrix after the sheet has been parted therefrom and during further movement of said sliding table and means adapted to move the sheet from beneath said matrix during the movement of said table in the direction to feed the said matrix.

18. Apparatus for applying pigment to the surface of a number of sheets of pape cardboard. '17. Apparatus for app ying element to the f i 1' he beet e i l 8 n m sof a number of sheets of paper, cardboard, sion, comprising a horizontally reciprocating fabric or other sheet material singly in succes-' table, a matrix having recesses in the face theresion, comprising a matrix having recesses in the of. mechanism for moving said matrix vertically 5 false thereof, sheet feeding mechanism adapted and away from said table so as to clamp togfeed sheets singly in succession to a position a sheet, fed by said table to a position ppooppoaite the face of said matrix, means to efsite the matrix, between the table and the face refit relative movement between said matrix and of said matrix, conduits leading pigment under a isheet fed by said feeding mechanism first to t me hmilah laid m l l t0 the messes in 10 bring said fed sheet into clamped surface conthe face thereon and onto the sheet whilst the ta'ct with the face of said matrix and subsequentaheet is in the clamped position, valves for startly'to release it therefrom, conduits leading pigin: and stopping the flow of pigment through merit under pressure through said matrix to the said conduits whilst said matrix is in the lowered recesses in the face thereof and onto said sheet means for retaining the sheet in posi- 15 while it is in the clamped position, means for retion vertically beneath said matrix, alter the ta'inlng the sheet in position vertically beneath sheethasbeenpartedtherefromuponarising said matrix, after ithasbeen released theremovement of said matrix, and during further from. for a time interval to permit pigment fallmovement oi said reciprocating table and means from said matrix to deposit on the approadapted to more the sheet from beneath said go priate areas of said sheet and means for removmatrix during a subsequent movement of said in: said sheet from beneath said matrix when tahlelnthedirectiontoteedthenextsuweeding releasedbysaidretainingmeara.

Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,302,096. November 17, 1942.

ALFRED PIERSSEN E BATTEY It is hereby certified that errors appear in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Column 1, line 43, beginning with the Word singly strike out all to and including applied in line 48, and insert instead rate of feed of the sheets is achieved; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 9th day of November, A. D. 1948.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Commissioner of Patents.

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