US2408622A

US2408622A - Printing machine

Info

Publication number: US2408622A
Application number: US508676A
Authority: US
Original assignee: International Business Machines Corp
Current assignee: International Business Machines Corp
Priority date: 1943-11-02
Filing date: 1943-11-02
Publication date: 1946-10-01
Anticipated expiration: 1963-10-01

Description

0a. 1, 1946; F, L; FULLER 2,408,622

PRINTING MACHINE Filed Nqv. 2, 1945 9 sheets-sheen FRA'MR K 1.. 'uu. M599;

A TTORNEY L. FULLER PRINTING MACHINE F iled Nov. 2, 1943 MUM 9 Sheet-Sheefi s v FIGAQ ATTORNEY Oct. 1, 1946. FULLER 2,408,622

' PRINT iNG MACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1943 v 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 I NTOH FREUQ'RICK L. FULL ,amn

AITORNEY Oct. 1, 1946. F. FULLER PRINTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1943 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VEN TOR FREDERICK 1.. FULLER ascewsao By aLQPfiIILLI S V- .SBJIAIFR/SON ETECUTOQS A TTORNE Y I 0a. 1, 1946. 7 F.| FPLLER 2,408,622

PRiMING MACHINE I Filed Nov. 2, 1943 '9 Sheets-Sheet 6 IN V NTOR .FREaERIcK i n/1.1.51? 05454550 ATTORNEY Oct.'1, 1946.. F. FULLER 2,408,522

' PRINTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1945 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVEN TOR ATTORINJE'Y FIG-.9.

ct. l, 1946. I I F. LQEULLER 1 08,622

PRINT-INGMACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1943 9 Sheets-Sheet s FEEGERICWYFPJL LER, 874. PHIL L12 E4 f? 1.10M

BY RS A'TTORNEY Oct. '1, 1946. FULLER 2,408,622

PRINTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1943 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 EXECUTORS A TTORNE Y Patented Oct. 1, 1946 UNITED STAT ES PATENT OFFICE PRINTING MACHINE Frederick L. Fuller, deceased, late-of West Orange, N. J., by Schuyler B. Harrisomg East Orange,

N. J., and John G.

executors, assignors I Phillips, New York,

N. Y., International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corpora'tion 6f New York Application November 2, 1943, sea-am, 503,676

This invention relates to printing mechanisms and more particularly to the type coordinated with manually controlled sorting machines which 14 Claims. (01. 101-93) enables the provision of separate printed lists strip and, to effect printing impressions from the printing wheels upon theselected record tape in a novel manner. i h A still further object of the invention is to enable the concurrent radial positioning of thetwogroups of printing wheels as the sorting drum is rotated back and forth to predetermined check receiving positions and to provide an improved are selected ease of detachment of the printed tapes, fin'sert v ing new paper rolls, placing a new inking ribbon in the printing mechanism, etc.

, A further object of the present inventionis to devise a construction of printing" mechanism which can be assembled at each side of the sorting machine, which construction not only possesses the above named virtues but further makes the machine more attractive from a commercial viewpoint by reason of the fact that the rnach'ine 4 may be placedagainst a wall. 'In this respect, the present machine overcomes the "ar'awbaick and objections to the machine shown inthepatent to F. L. Fuller et al., No. 2,142,352 "in which it will be observed that the separatetapefor strip printing mechanisms are m'ounte d'atthe rear of the machine requiring additional overalifioor space. ,1

A further object oi'the present, invention is to provide a printing mechanism which is capable of printing upon aplurality of selected record tapes in which nost of the heavy parts of the pri tingmechanisms arecarried by the stationary framework and emyfajrew parts rel,atively light in weight are requiredito 'move. In this respect the present machine is a maid improve ment over the construction show'njin the patent to 1i. L. Fuller, No. 1,966,623, which construction has-thedrawback in that practically parts of the separate tape printin mChaTiiSm$ ti carried by the rotatable sorting drum. This has been found to greatly increase "the load'onthe motive power of the machine,

A morespeciiic object' of the presentinvention is to provide two separate tape printing 'rriec'ha nisms; one at each side of the machine and each substantially duplicate in construction and operio i r e l\iore-specific ally it is "ang object of the present invention to providejeach printer at each side of the machine with a set of amount printing wheels which are differentially rotated and radially positioned to-be coordinated with a selectedrecord upon the selected record a time for effecting printing "'t'c. "It is to be understoodthat the illustrated in the accompanying i t ai iwe c sim e arrangement whereby the "group of printing wheelsat one side of the machine will be ccordina ed with the related platensof the separate printing mechanisms when certain compartments for operation and vice'versa to coordinate the group of printing wheels at the other side of the machine with the related printing platens when remaining sorting compartmentsv are selected. i

positionwith respect to associated platens when the other group of printing wheels is coordinated witlr associated platens.- This midway position of one group of printing wheels is maintained during the time that the other group of printing wheels is associated'withthe platens for printing tapes and, in a reverse manner; a midway position ofthe other group of printing wheels is maintained during the time that the remaining group of printing wheels'is associated with other platens to efiectprinting impressions upon the selected record --tapes. Hence, by virtue of this-principle of operation, onlyone group of printing "wheels is operable at impressions on the selected record tapex M Further improvements in the machine consist of adjuncts which are in-the-form of aligning mechanisms, means for effecting printing impressions by the group-of printing wheels by a hammer blow so as to make clear line imprints and "other 'additionalimprovements which are incorporated in the" printing mechanism'so that the latter will'oper'ate manemcientmanner.

, "Whiletthepresent "improvements in the printing *mechanismshav'e been coordinated with a manually controlled sorting machine, it is very obvious. that the present improvements may be applied to other forms of'printing machines such as accounting machines, bookkeepingmachines, present em "bodinfent is merelyfillustrative and is set forth to disclose'yvhatis considered as the preferred em- "bodiment of the invention and the specific illustration here should not'b'e considered as restric- I; r ...,1 a Other objectsof the inventionwillbe pointed out in the following description and claims and drawings, which the principle of the invention and the best mode, which has been contemplated, of applying that principle.

In said drawings:

Fig. l is a perspective view of the combined check sorting-accounting machine to which the present improvements in printing mechanisms are preferably incorporated.

Fig. 2 shows the control tape printing mechanism of the combined check sorting and accounting machine and also shows the connections made in the present machine to the printing wheel setting segments herein for setting the two groups of printing wheels.

Fig. 3 is a chart provided to diagrammatically show the different relative position of the two groups of printing wheels and the manner in which the relative positioning is maintained as different compartments are selected so that only one group of printing wheels will be effective to print, although both groups of printing wheels are concurrently positioned.

Fig. 4 is a detail view showing the manner of efiecting the differential adjustment of the setting segments for the groups of printing wheels and also showing the relationship of a group of printing wheels with several of the printing platens.

Fig.5 is a View in elevation taken at the rear end of the machine, showing the cross connecting jack shafts and the manner in which they have connections for setting the two sets of setting segments for the two groups of printing wheels.

Fig. 6 is a detail view showing the mechanism utilized to align the differentially set segments as well as the radially positionable printer frame.

Fig. 7 shows the operating connections from the main operating shaft for effecting the reciprocation of an operating plate for one of the printers.

' Fig. 8 is a view taken at the right end of the machine, showing the entire construction of the twelve tape printer assemblies provided at the right side of the machine.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the upper portion of the printer provided at the right side of the machine. 7 I

Fig. 10 shows the operating and driving train by means of which the sorting drum may effect the concurrent position of the two printer frames as well as to effect the setting of an indicating wheel and printing element according to the position of the sorting drum.

Fig. 11 is a detail View showing the parts involved for unlatching the type wheels to effect a printing impression.

Fig. 12 is a detail view showing the operating parts involved for operating the aligning mechanism for the group of printing wheels.

Fig. 13 is a detail-view showing the operating parts involved to operate the line spacing mechanism for the selected tape printer.

General. operation of the machine given a general description of the construction of the combined sorting and printing machine.

The assembled sorting and accounting machine is shown in Fig. l and represents except for the tape printing mechanism shown herein the form of machine which is now used commercially in banks to simultaneously list and sort a group of promiscuously arranged checks. The operator is provided with a series of checks which have different classifications and in accordance with their classifications one of the compartment selecting keys 48 is depressed. Through a control mechanism fully shown in the patent to F. L. Fuller et al., No. 2,142,352, a drum is rotated so as to bring a selected sorting compartment into registration with an aperture t6 in which the check to be sorted is manually inserted. The function of the machine in the aforementioned patents is to sheet the entries of the amounts on the checks selectively in a plurality of totalizers and to cause the listing of amounts on the checks upon a control tape is and also upon separate record tapes which are associated with a plurality of sorting compartments. To provide for the entry and listing of the amounts the machine is provided with an ten key keyboard 420, the keys of which are initially depressed so as to control the setting on suitable setup mechanism of amounts equal in value to the keys struck. After sorting compartment has been selected and the amount has been set up on the setup mechanism, the operator having inserted the check in the aperture .5 then depresses a motor release bar 41. A number of functions are then performed, one of which is the feeding of the inserted check into the selected compartment and also the positioning of totalizer actuators in order that amounts may be entered into the grand totalizer and selectively into one of a plurality of totalizers which are associated with the sorting compartments and furthermore one of a plurality of printing mechanisms associated with the sorting compartments will be selected for operation to print the amount on the selected compartment tape. A printing mechanism shown in Fig. 2 is concomitantly adjusted so as to print the same amount printed on the selected compartment tape on the control tape 49.

The machine is provided with twenty-four compartment totalizers which correspond in number to the number of sorting compartments and separate tape printing mechanisms.

In the prior construction of the separate tape printing mechanisms, as exemplified in the patent to F. L. Fuller No. 1,966,623, they were in their entirety-carried by the sorting drum and the item printing wheels were fixed relatively to the tape assemblies. By the differential rotation of the sorting drum the selected tape was associated with the printing wheels and the item printing wheels were impressed against the tape to print the items set up by the keys, In this construction the attachment of the tape assemblies to the sorting drum added considerable weight to the i sorting drum, bringing about difiiculties in the starting and stopping of the drum, clue to momentum and inertia.

This advantage was overcome by the subse quent construction shown in the patent to F. L. Fuller et al. No. 2,142,352 and in this arrangement the tape printing mechanisms were completely divorced from the sorting drum and were fixedly mounted at the rear of the machine. This lessened the weight of the sorting drum and made it still easier to rotate the latter and stop the same Y at selected positions but the tape printing mech anisms -were complicatedi in construction .and relatively expensiveltomanufacture;a" J 7 a";

A'further disadvantagewas .thatto remove the separatelyprinted tapes-it was necessaryfor the operator to get access itothe rear of themachine.

This prevented themountingfof the-check sort.- ingand accounting machine directlyagainstpa wall, increasing-the fioor space necessary for the proper 'operationof the machine and which, in: someinstallations,was' found to be objectionable. The advantage of the tape printingmechanism in Patent No. 1,966,623 is that easy access couldrbe had to the printed tapes from one side of the machine and' in thepresent machine thistsame adva'ntageis gained but, however, avoiding the dis advantages inherent inthe patented construction. The present construction is; therefore, consideredto strike a favorable medium between the construction shown in the aforementioned patents and consists of a design which is relatively simple to manufacture andservice and provides a number of advantages which are attractive froma commercial viewpoint.

The combined check sorting accounting machine shown-herein'is providedwith differentially positionable actuators or slides 535 (Fig. 2) which correspond to those shown in Patent No. 2,142,352 and similarly designated, JIhese actuators are differentially positioned according to the item keys depressed-and carry rack segments 631 for actuating the selected totalizer and also carry type elements 536 of the main or control tape printing mechanism forprinting on control tape 49. For the separate tape printing mechainsms shown in the patented machine there are connections shown in Fig. 26 of this patent. The present machine also includes thesame form of actuating mechanism-for slides 635 but a different form of mechanical connection is made from the actua; tors o'r slides 535 forsetting the'printing wheels of'the' separate tape printing mechanism of the present machine. These connections are shown particularly inFigs, 2 and 4.

Each slide 6350f the present machine is provided with a notch receiving a roller 5| on-one arm 52 of a bell crank 53 which is loosely mount ed on a' support rod5 i. Of course; for the-ten amount setting slides 535 of the patented" machine and the present machine there'are-ten bell cranks 53, each having a similar connectionto the related slide. Each bell crank 53-is--a-lsopro vided with an integral rearwardly extending-arm 55 and from the rear'of the machine as shown in Fig. 5 it will be seen that "the arms 55 are grouped together and are disposed as shown in this figure somewhat to the left of the centerof the machine. From these" arms 55 there are operating connections to adjust the two sets of'actu ators for the two sets of printing wheels for-the separate tape printing mechanisms. Theseconnections consist in part of' a group of'five-transversely extending shafts 55' mounted above-the arms 55 and a group of five transversely extending shafts 57 mounted below the-arms 55. These shafts are known as jack shafts for the purpose of extending motion from one point of the machine to another point; The arms'55 for the units, hundreds, tens of thousands, millions, hundreds of millions denominations are connected by links 53 to'arms '59 secured to the lower-jack shafts-5?, whereas the arms 55 for the tens, thousands, hundreds of thousands, tens of millions and'billions denomination are connected through intermediate links 6! (Fig.4) to arms til secured to the shafts 56. Therefore, it will be observed that the

jackshafts

56 and 51 have been assigned denominational values which are indicated in 5;:12T0g'5h8 shafts 56,-for,example, arms 62 are connected and each of such arms has a link connection 53' (Fig- (l) to an-integra'l arm fidof the related setting segment 5-5. :For the I group of shafts 55 there ,is at the right end of Fig. 5 a group of arms'62 and these have link connections 63 to the segments 155- for the printing mechanism at one. side ofthegmachine and the shafts 51 have similararmsfit which have linkconnections 51 torgthe other segments 65 for the printing mechanism at :the same-sideof the machine, It is also toabeunderstood that the shaft s 5 6,,51at the left :end, have similar operating connections from these shafts ;t0;;the' related segments 65 for the printing mechanism at the other side of the ma chine.-

1 Through the connecting means just described,

7 it is evidentthat-a pair of segments 65forthe same denominationwill be adjusted commensurately and ,inaccordance with the differential position-of the related slide 635. Bythe plurality of connections shown in Fig.5.), it is further evident that the two groups of segments 65 are correspondingly positioned for eachoperation of the machine and such position causes the corresponding positioning ingwheels "Aligning mechanism for bell cranks 53 It is preferable as provide the slot 50 (Fig. 4.) somewhat larger than the diameter of; the roller 5.! to enable a free positioning of the slides 635 and theirindependent alignment. To this end,

it is desirable to provide an aligning mechanism for-the group of b-ell cranks 53. Each bell crank 53 as shown in; Figs. i and 6 is provided with a depending segment arm ll! equipped at the bottornywith aligning notches H. Underlying the segments m is an aligningbail consisting of side arms 12, andacrossbail 13 which bail is loosely mounted upon a shaft 'l l. A rock shaft [5 carries. armslfi having linkconnections H to each the cam raceof the -box cam 55 is a follower bell crank 8t pivoted ona rod 82. The bell crank iiihas-a link: connection 83 to an arm 84 loose ona Shfifbfifirz The upper curved portion of the *arm 8d has-a link connection 85 to an arm 87 loose onthe rock shafts. '.An arm 88 secured to-the rock shaft l5 has a spring connection 85 to the arm 8i. 5

- -At substantially 189 rotation of the cam 85 andiafter segments :65 have been positioned, the bell crank 56 i will .=.be rocked, counterclockwise, shifting link 83 to; the-fright, rocking arm 84 .oounterclockwise and shifting linked to the right to rcckthe arm 8?; Through thejnterconnected spring tattle-arm 88 and thereforethe shaft 15 'l, IL;

of thetwo groups of print- 7 l0, elevate the links I! and the bail 13. In the differential position of the bell cranks 53 they will now be positively aligned. It is, of course, obvious that this operation of the aligning mechanism occurs to concurrently align both sets of setting segments 65.

Separate tape printing mechanisms A previously intimated the present machine includes a novel construction of printing mechanism to provide separate listings of the checks sorted in each sorting compartment and upon the associated tape there is printed the amount of the check sorted in the related sorting compartment. The simplification of the manufacture of the present mechanism is provided by having two duplicate printing arrangements, PL and PR; one at each side of the machine and each to the rear thereof as shown in Fig. 1. The operating connections from the differentially positioned slides 635 to the two set of segments for the two printing mechanisms have previously been described. Since the printing mechanisms are duplicate in construction the description will be confined to one, particularly for the arrangement shown at the right side of the machine and shown in Figs. 4, 8 and 9.

The printing mechanism in its entirety is supported by two

parallel side plates

95 and 96 and attached to the frame plate 95 by mounting screws 9? is a plurality of platen carrying castings 9d spaced from each other. At the bottom of each casting 98 there is inserted a, transvers block of impression taking material, such as a block of rubber 99 (Fig. 4). 09 are radially adjusted for an operative correlation with the desired platen 99 to print upon the selected tape, and the series of printing wheels :09 are impressed against the platen by a percussive action to print on the paper tape I00 passing around each platen 99. The support for the paper tape I00 and its movement in step by step increments to space the printed lines will be subsequently explained.

Supported by the

side frame plates

95 and 96 is a rotatable shaft I0! (Fig. 9) and loosely mounted upon the shaft IOI arethe series of ten setting segments 05. Two side frames W2 and I03 argsecured to the rotatable shaft IOI and to provide a rigid framework for the printer the side frame plates I02 and I03 are interconnected by a casting I04 (Fig. 4) which not only gives rigidity to the frame but also provides for the simultaneous positioning movement of the plates I02 and 03 and provides a framework which carries certain parts of the printing mechanism. One

of such parts consists of a rod I85 journalled between the plates I02 and I03 and said rod carries a plurality of pairs of pinions R00 and I07, there being one pair I08 and I01 for each of the ten segments 65. The smaller pinion I06 is in continuous meshing relationship with the segment 65 whereas the related larger pinion I0! attached to the smaller pinion meshes with a pinion 598 to which is secured an associated printing wheel I09. The pinion I08 is in mesh with the larger pinion I01 while the segments 65 are being differentially positioned, thereby causing the differential rotation of the printing wheels I69 in whatever position the printing frame I02I03 happens to be in. Each printing wheel I09 is provided With ten digit type 0-9 inclusive but at the normal position of each printing wheel I09 there is no printing type coordinated with the printing platen 99. Therefore, if the print- The printing wheels 2 ing wheel I09 is not rotated at all, no printing will be effected in the related column of the tape. The omission of printing i effected by cutting away the tooth which would normally carry a type and having this relationship at the normal position of the printing wheel I09. However, any differential rotation of the printing whee] I09 will bring a selected type to print, it being observed that for printing the 0 digit type a, rotation of the printing wheel of one step is effected as is fully described in the aforementioned patents.

The rotation of the printing wheels I09 is determined in the machine now being described by the depression of the ten digit keys 420 shown in Fig. 1. Thereafter, a cyclic operation of the machine is effected by depression of the manual bar 47 which cycles the machine to differentially position the segments and correspondingly rotate the printing wheels I09. However, prior to the cyclic operation of the machine there is a radial positioning of the frame I02I03 commensurate with the rotation of the sorting drum so as to bring the related printing wheels I09 in coordination with the selected tape I00 to be printed on. The positioning of the sorting drum is determined by the plurality of compartment selecting keys 48 shown in Fig. 1 and upon depression of one of these keys the rotation of the drum is initiated and effected to a predetermined extent and by an arrangement to be subsequently described the frames I02-I03 of both printing mechanisms are concurrently adjusted but only one set of printing wheels I09 of on printing mechanism is coordinated with the tape I00 to be printed upon.

Assuming that the frame I02I03 is in the position shown in Fig. 4 and that the tape I00 just to the left should be printed upon in the next operation of the machine, it is to be understood that the spacing between the adjacent platens 99 are such that with the segments 05 stationary and at normal position and therefore with the blank spaces of the printin wheels I09 coordinated with the platen 99, the positioning of the printing frame I02--I03 concurrent with the rotation of the sorting drum will cause the printing wheels H09 to be driven by the pinions I01 as the pinions I00 roll over the now stationary segments 65. The spacing of the platens 99 is such that the group of printing wheels I09 will make one complete revolution when the frame I02I03 moves from one platen to the next as the sorting drum is positioned to select an adjacent compartment. After the frame I02I03 has been positioned under control of th differentially rotated sortingdrum, the printing wheels I09 are then differentially rotated and by means to be subsequently described will be impressed against the platen 99 to-print upon the selected tape I00.

The sorting mechanism shown in the aforementioned patents consists of twenty-four sorting compartments and since there is one tape printing mechanism for each sorting compartment it is obvious that for each side of the machine there are twelve tape printing mechanisms, as shown in Fig. 8. Since a duplicate arrangement is provided for the other side the machine provides for selective printing upon twenty-four tapes. There will now be described the connection from the sorting drum in the machine shown in the aforementioned patents to the present wheel carrying frames so that the manner in which the printing wheels I09 of only one *9 [printer are positioned to print upon one selected tap IE at a time will be better understood.

Means for radially positioning the two sets of printing wheels 109 The two frames I02 and I03 at each side of the machine'are concurrently positioned by the shaft II4 (Fig. 10) which corresponds to the shaft designated 60fof the machine shown in the Fuller et al. Patent No; 2,142,352. The sorting drum shown in this patent 'is'secur'ed to the shaft BI! and ,is rotated under control of the compartment selecting" keys '48 ineither of the twodirections to. select av compartment to receive a check. Shaft 1M similarly in the present machine is adapted to be rotated clockwise or counterclock- Wise commensurat with the movement given to the sorting drum. The 'two printer frames [I02 l03 are radiall positioned by the arrangement shown in Fig. 10 wherein it will be noted that secured to the shaft H4 is a box cam I having a cam race .I I6 which receives a roller I I1 of a p-itman H8. The lower end of the pitman V hasa forked portion I I9 received b the shaft I I4 whereas the upper portion has rack teeth H9 meshing with a pinion I20. It will be noted that the underside of the pitman H8 rests against a roller I2 I The pinion I is secured to the shaft 54 and the other end of the shaft 54 carries a larger pinion I22 in mesh with a gear I23 secured to the shaft I24. 1 An adjustable coupling I (Fig. 9) of any conventional construction is interposed between the shaft I24 and the shaft'lfll. By the above operating connection between the sorting drum carrying shaft H4 and the shaft IDI the printer carrying frame 102-503 at the right side of the machine will cause an angular or radial position of thisframe according to the compartment selected. rtsnouid also be observed that while not shown shaft I24 also extends to the left side of the machine and has a similar connection to ,the shaft Ill! for the positionable printerframe at the left side of the machlne. Hence, the position of the printer frame IEIZ-IUB at the left side of the machine is also effected by i the position of the cam H5 and acco rding to the compartment selected. Then; will benowexc a e by re ce lih i ie e eh n in 7 Fig. {5 the manner in which thegroup of printing wheels; log at t right side of the machine "W111 be positioned to .print upon the selected tape 1 0 takes by the position'of the sorting drum for selection of compartments are designated in Fig. 10 and the chart shown in Fig. 3 should also be referred to to understand the present arrangement for "selectively printing on the twenty-four printing tapes. It will also be recalled that at the "right side of the machine provision is made for printing upon twelve printing tapes Nos. 1 to 12,

inclusive, and as the sorting drum moves from the sorting compartment positions 1 to 12, the

group "of printing wheels I99 for the printer at the right side of the machine are coordinated in succession with the selected platens numbered 1 to 12, inclusive. This is effected during the clockwise rotation of the cam I I5 to the positions Nos.

l-l2. With the printer frame'IIiZ, I 93 for the right sideof the machine in the position shown in Fig. 8 it will be obvious that the related group of printing wheels I09 are in position to effect printing uponthetapesurrounding platen No. l.

I This relation of the print wheelsand platen No.

1 is shown in the-chart in Fig. 3. At this time, sorting compartment No. 1 is in the check receiving position and cam H5 is in the N0. 1 position shown inFig. 10.

" side is set to be midway between platens numbered'Z l and 23 as diagrammatically'shown in Fig. 3. While the'construction for the left side ofthe machine has-not been shown in the draw- 'ings this relative positioning can be clearly vis- 7 ualized by assumingthat for this left side of the machine the printing wheels- I69 are between platens corresponding to

platens

1 and 2 for the "right side of the machine.- The adjustable coupling I25 therefore enables the midway positioning of the'p'rinting'wheels "H29 for-the left side of the machine whereas the group of printing wheelsfor the-right side of the machine are in I operative correlation with the platens Nos. 1-12 when compartments l-l2 are selected forreceiv- I relative positionof the two printer frames by 7 means of which one group of wheels I 09 always when compartments l-12 are selected. Assuming that the "operator should desire to select compartment number 2 for receiving a check to be'sortedflthe related compartment selecting 'key No. 2 will be depressed to effect a clockwise rotation of thesorting drum and at the same time the shaft 1 I4 'and therefore the cam H5 rotates counterclockwise 15 from No. 1 position to No. 2

position. 1 The portion of the cam race II5 for this 15 movement of'cam I I5will coact with the has a midway position with respect to its platens.

I The combined check sorting and acc ounting machine to which the present improvementsare applied has provision for sorting papers or checks into twenty-four sorting compartmentsand these are referred to herein as 1 to 2d and areselected under control ofthe twenty-four compartment selecting keys v 58 shown in Fig. 1. Obviously,

since the sorting drum is fixed to thefshaft" H4,

the movement of the sorting drum from one sortmg compartment position to the adjacent comv "portment position will cause an angular movement of the sorting drum, andtherefore, theshaft H4 onwhich the drum issecured, to an extent of 15. The different positions that the cam II5 roller I Il'and through the positioning mechanism shown in Fig. 10 will'rotate shaft I24 to now cause the printing Wheels I09 at the right side of the machine to be coordinated with platen No. 2.

However; sincethe group of printing wheels I99 at the'left side Of the machine is still one-half step ahead theywill be midway between platens Nos. 23"and 2'2; In th'e machine now being described, the" sorting drum remains in the last ad- I justed position and if sorting compartment No. 6

should'then be selected, the drum will be rotated to the No. 6 compartment position and cam I I5 will cause the further counterclockwise positioning of the printer frame I92, I03 at the right side I of the machine to coordinate the printing wheels I09 fOrthiS side With platen N0. 6 and this will bring th'printing wheels for the left side of the machine between platens Nos. shown in the diagram of Fig. 3.

Summarizing therefore, by the selection of any of the compartments Nos. 1 to 12, inclusive, the group of printing wheels IE9 at the right side of themachine will always be coordinated with the platens Nos. 1-12 to print upon the associated printing tape. Concurrently with such positioning, due to the half step ahead positioning of the print wheels I09 for the left side of the machine, such wheels will always occupy an intermediate and one-half step position ahead with respect to the associated platens Nos. 13124. Assuming now that the sorting drum is in the position for selection of No. 12 compartment to receive a check, it is evident that the group of printing wheels I09 at the right side of the machine will be coordinated with platen No. 12 whereas the group of printing wheels I09 for the left side of the machine will be a half step beyond platen No. 13, which has the same relative position as No. 12 platen. If the operator desires to select the compartment No. 13, a 15 movement of cam II will ensue but the cam formation for this angular movement of the cam H5 from No. 12 to No. 13 (Fig. 10) is such that only a half step of movement of the printing frames at the right and the left sides of the machine takes place and such movement will be reverse or clockwise as viewed in Fig. 8, for both sides of the machine. This half step of movement of the printing wheels I09 for the right side of the machine will now position the printing wheels I09 between the No. 11 and No. 12 platens whereas the group of printing wheels N19 for the left side of the machine will now be coordinated with platen No. 13 (see Fig. 3) and hence the latter wheels will effect printing upon the tape surrounding platen No. 13. For furthr clockwise positioning of the cam II5, each successive angular step of movement of cam II5 for 15 will move the printing wheels for both sides of the machine a single step, and for the left side of the machine the wheels I09 will 19 and 18, as

always be coordinated with a platen, whereas,

for the right side of the machine the group of printing wheels I09 will maintain their midway positions with respect to the associated platens. The chart shown in Fig. 3 shows diagrammatically the coordination of the printing wheels for the left side of the machine for platen No. 24 whereas the group of printing wheels for the right side of the machine has moved a half step clockwise away from platen No. 1. When the sorting drum moves from compartment No.

24 to compartment No. 1 this again effects only a half step of movement of the group of printing wheels N39 for both sides of the machine to coordinate printing wheels I09 for the right side of the machine with platen No. l and to bring the printing wheels for the left side of the machine midway of platens Nos. 24 and 23.

The possibility of causing the printing wheels at the right side of the machine to be coordinated with platens Nos. 1 to 12 during the Nos. 1-12 positions of the cam H5 and to cause the print wheels I89 at the left side of the machine to be coordinated with platens Nos. 13 to 24, inelusive, during the N05. 13-24 positions of cam I I5 results from the relative positions of the two frames and from the construction of the cam race H6. The cam contour of cam II5 makes it possible to offset the two printer frames I02, I03 for the right and left sides of the machine so that the group of printing wheels I09 at the right side of the machine willbe beneath any platen Nos. 1 to 12, inclusive when sorting compartments 1 to 12, inclusive are selected. Further, the printer frame H22, H13 at the left side of the machine will be positioned so that the related group of printing wheels I69 will be coordinated with platens Nos. 13 to 24 when sorting compartments Nos. 13 to 24 are selected for receiving the sorted checks or papers.

It has been assumed in the preceding description that cam H5 is only rotated clockwise but this is because of the description for the selection of compartments 1 to 24 in the order named. However, this may not be the actual operation of the machine because the checks which are to be sorted occur promiscuously with regard to their numbered classifications. The machine shown in the aforementioned patents and herein enables the sorting drum to be rotated directly from one position to the other either counterclockwise or clockwise, the drum always taking the shorter position to bring the next selected compartment to a check receiving position. Hence, the printer frames'IfiZ, I93 at the right and left sides of the machine will follow such clockwise or counterclockwise movement of the sorting drum but it is obvious that the relationship shown in the chart of Fig. 3 will be maintained in selecting compartments according to the presently adopted principle of operation. Whether the sorting drum rotates backwardly or forwardly, the selection of compartments 1 to 12 will cause the printing wheels IE9 at the right side of the machine to always print upon the tapes surrounding the related platens 1-12 and the same statement can be made for the selection of the printing platens 13-24 at the left side of the machine when the compartments 13 to 24 are selected for check reception.

Aligning mechanism for printer frames When the printer frames are adjusted to their predetermined radial positions it is desirable that they be aligned in such positions and to this end an aligning mechanism is provided which is shown in Fig. 6.

As shown in the drawings for the printer at the right side of the machine, each of the printer side frame plates Ill2-Ill3 is provided with a depending segment I 38 provided at the periphery with aligning notches I3I, there being one alignin notch for each radial position of the printer frame. In the radial position of a printer frame a selected notch I3I of both plates I132, I93 is engaged by an aligning bail I32. This aligning bail is of the customary form consisting of two side arms and the cross bail member I32 and the bail is loosely pivoted on a support shaft One side arm of the bail has an extension which has a link connection I34 to an arm I35 loosely pivoted on a support shaft 135. An arm IS? integral with the arm I35 has a link connection I38 to an arm I39 attached to the rock shaft I5. The means for rocking the shaft so as to operate the aligning mechanism for the actuating segments II has previously been described and obviously when the shaft I5 is rocked to effect this aligning function, arm I39 will also be rocked clockwise, link I38 will be moved downwardly and through the rocking of the arm I31 and the link I34 bail I32 will be moved upwardly to aligning position. The cross member of this bail will engage the aligning notches I3I for both printer side frame plates I02, I63, thus aligning them in the radial position of the printer frame.

prevented by cooperation of the roller I18 in the bottom portion of the notch I19 in the operatin plate I50. The tension on the spring I13 and the cooperation of the projection I14 with the extension I15 of the operating plate I maintains the .printing wheel carrying frame in such position that pinions I03 are maintained in mesh with the actuating pinions I01 and spring I13 is ineffective to rock the printing wheel carryin frame to impress the printing wheels I09 against a selected platen 99. However, the printing wheel carrying frame is released or unlatched to effect this printing impression by means to be described.-

By the aforesaid rocking movement of the operating plate I50 effected by' means previously described the operating plate I50 is first rocked counterclockwise as viewed in Fig. 11, bringing the extension I15 away from the extension I14 and since this cooperation normally restrains the rocking of the printing wheel carrying frame by the normally .tensioned spring I13, such frame would be released for a rocking movement at this time but such action is prevented by cooperation of the extension I14 with a latch pawl 205 pivoted on the plate I03. As the operating plate I50 rocks counterclockwise the cooperation of the lower part of notch I19 in the plate I50 with the roller I18.carried by the release lever I11 causes roller I18 to be moved concentrically about the pivot point I16 of the release lever I11. This results in the rocking of the release lever I 11 in a clockwise direction about its pivot stud I16 so that at a certain point in this rocking movement a projection 206 of the release lever I11 will hit a stud 201 of the latch pawl 205, rocking the latter so as to disengage it from the extension I14. During the rocking of the release lever I11, spring I13 is further extended and tensioned and at the time it is sufficiently extended the latch pawl 205 is completely disengaged from the latch extension I14 and the spring I13 is effective to rock the printing wheel carrying frame about the journal pins I69 to impress the group of printing wheels against the selected platen with a hammer blow.

In any customary manner an inking ribbon 208 (Fig. 4) may be interposed between the group of printing wheels I09 and the paper tapes so that in any position of the printer carrying frame the printing impression will be effected on the selected paper tape.

In the reverse rocking movement of the operating plate I50 which is clockwise as viewed in Fig. 11, the extension I15 will engage the extension I14 and rock the printing wheel carrying frame about its journal pins I09 until the parts are in the normal position shown in Figs. 4 and 11. By reverse action the print release lever I11 will also be brought back to its normal position.

Hence, in any radially adjusted position of either printer frame the common operating means of the machine will effect the unlatching of the group of printing wheels to be selected for a printing impression to cause the selected group of printing wheels to be impressed against the platen,

Aligning mechanism for printing wheels It is desirable that the group of printing Wheels I09 be aligned and firmly held to secure a straight line of print on the paper tape because when moved to effect the printing impression the related gears I08 are out of mesh with the actuating gears I01 and therefore are not restrained or locked. To this end, there is provided an aligning bail 2I0 pivoted between frame plates I66, I61 and having aligning fingers 2 (Figs. 4 and 9) which aligning fingers are adapted to fit within the interdental spaces of the pinions I08. The aligning fingers 2| I are normally out of engagement with pinions I08 because in the normal position of the print release lever I11 a lateral extension or lug 2I2 (Fig. 12) thereof is in contact with a pin 2i3 extending from the bail 2I0. This retains the bail in such position that fingers 2H do not engage pinions I08.

However, when the print release lever I 11 is rocked clockwise the lug 2I2 will be shifted away from the pin 2I3 and a spring 2I4 (Fig. 4) will now rock the bail about its pivot pins 2I5 on the printing wheel carrying frame I65, I67 and aligning fingers 2H will now look pinions I08 and the printing wheels I09. Of course, when the print release lever I11 is restored, reverse action will take place and hail 2I0 will be brought to the normal position shown in Fig. 12, enabling the free rotation of the printing wheels I09,

The print release lever I11 is provided with a cam slot 2E8 (Fig. 13) cooperating with a roller ZI'I carried by a reciprocable arm 2I8 pivoted at 2I8 on the printer side frame plate I03, The ca'm formation 2I5 is such that the rocking of the print release lever I11 clockwise will rock the arm 2:8 downwardly and then by the restoration of the print release lever the arm 2I8 will be returned upwardly to normal position. As will be subsequently described, the reciprocation of arm 258 will effect the paper feed operation.

Paper tape carrying devices for the printing mechanisms and paper tape feeding devices For each side of the machine there are twelve identical printing mechanisms each of which includes means for carrying and feeding the record tapes against which the printing wheels I09 are impressed. The arrangement of the printing mechanisms for the right side of the machine is shown in Figs. 8 and 9 and the specific construction of each will now be given.

Each printing mechanism consists of the casting 88 which carries the individual platen 99. Pivoted upon a stud I (Figs. 8 and 9) carried by the side frame plate 95 is an arm IHI and said arm carries a spindle I82 on which is placed a supply roll of paper I83. The paper tape I00 leads off the roll I83 and'extencls downwardly as indicated by I84 (Fig, 8), thence passing around the platen 99, upwardly from the platen as indicated by I85, thence around a feeding roller I88 and is then guided by a guide plate I81. As the paper tape is fed upwardly or outwardly it drops by gravity over a circular plate I88 (Fig. 1). It is pointed out that all of the paper tapes for the twelve printing mechanisms emerge in this manner exteriorly of machine over the circular plate I88 and as they are printed and fed in increments they drop over the plate I88 in an overlapping manner to be detached by the operator at will.

It is, of course, necessary to feed the paper tape an increment after each printing operation and to this end the paper supply roller I83 is spring-urged so that the paper tape at I85 is between the feeding roller I86 and the periphery of the supply roll E88. By rotating the roller I86 in increment it is obvious that it shifts or feeds the paper a step and at the same time rotates the supply roll I83 clockwise to unwind the paper tape. For the above described frictional engagement, surrounding the stud I80 is a coil spring 17 I 90 (Figs. 8 and 9), one end of which bears against a fixed stud ISI and the other against the spindle iBZ, With the arrangement of the spring shown in Fig; 8 it'is obvious that the desired frictional relationship is secured. 1

I To provide the step by step increment of the feeding roller I86 the latter'has secured thereto a ratchet wheel I92 (Fig. 9) which is engaged by the operating end I93 of "a reciprocating plate I84. Av spring I95 urges the operating end of the plate I94. against the ratchet wheel I92 and the plate 194 is slotted at I96 to be received by the lower stud" 9L rsee Fig. 13.) Each plate I94 carries a stud I98. Obviously, by depressing each plate I92 its operative relationship with the ratchet i923 of the feeding, roller I86 of the related printing mechanism willfeed the paper tape of that printing mechanism a step to space the printed items. Obviously, since the only paper tape of the platen which is selected for Operation should be operated, means is provided to selectively operate each of'the'plates I92 To this end the reciprocating arm 2I8 is provided with lateral lugs I99. (Fig. 13.) In accordance with the radial position of the printer frame the lugs I99 will be underneath and over the stud I98 c-fthe plate I95 of the selected platen and when said arm 2 i s is rocked the upper lug I99 will contact the stud Hi3 and depress the plate I94 to feed the paper'strip'. The arm M8 is rocked prior to the snapping of the printing Wheels Hi9 against the platen t9 and therefore the paper tape of the selected platen is fed to bring the last printed line away from the platen 99 and present a fresh portion of the paper tape to the platen 99.

If so desired the guide plate "I8?" (Fig. 8) of each printing mechanism may be equipped at its outer end with a serrated edge whereby the operator may detach the printed portion of the paper tape from the remainder. The construction is such that it is possible for the operator to pull outwardly on the printed and projecting part of the tape to unroll it from the supply roller sufficiently so that the last printed item is away fromthe severing point at which his detached. To facilitate such feeding operations each spindle its-carries a'knurle'd knob 2% (Fig. 9) which is Ribbon feed and associated feeding mechanism I It has been indicated that themachine is provided with a wide ribbon strip designated by reference numeral 238 and such ribbon passes beneath all of the twelve platens 953 for each side of the machine. Any suitable ribbon reversing mechanism maybe provided so that the ribbon is fed in one direction and then to the other to continuously present afresh supply of inked ribbon to the printing wheels and platens. No description is given herein of'the presently used ribb'on'ie'edirrg"mechanismsince it is conventional in structure and operation;

Means for indicating and printing a designation indicating compartment at check receiving position As in Patent No. 2,142,352 the present machine also includes an arrangement which sets up printing elements indicating the particular compartment in which a check is sorted and to also set a visible indicator which the operator may look at to checkthe compartment selected before he depresses the motor release bar ii to cycle the machine. The present construction is somewhat different from that shown in the machine of Patent No. 2,142,352 and is shown in Fig; 10.

- 'Rotatable with the pinion lid is a larger pinion 235 which is in mesh with a slidably mounted rack 235andthe latter has an integral rack slide 231' meshing with agear 2-33 secured to an indicating-wheel 239'. This, as in the patented machine; is provided in the front of the machine 4 (see Fig. 1') so that characters on the wheel will accessible to the operator and can be rotated to iced the paper tape the desired amount inde-,. pendently of the-operation of the machine. Eirhausted compartment tape signal The present machine also includes the arrangement fully shown and'described in the patent to F. L; Fuller, etali, No. 2,142,352 by which the machine is locked up and the operator receives tension 225 (Fig. 8) in the plane of a related stud 226. The'studs 226 are carried by an arcuate portion 22 of aframe which consists of the arcuate portion 221 and

radial arms

228 and 229, which frame is pivoted upon a stud axially with respect to the shaft IIJI. Obviously, as the diameter of each paper roll reduces, the arm 225*will approach the stud 2 26 and the reduction in the size of th'e'roll which occurs when the last of the paper strip has been drawn from the roll causes the counterclockwise rocking of'the aforementio'ned segment frame. It will be" observed that this frame also carries anextra pin or stud 230" indicate the position that the sorting drum is in.

A supplemental rack portion 248 of the slide 237 meshes with a pinion 242 secured to a shaft 245. The shaft 2-4! also carries another pinion like the. pinion 242 which'meshes with the rack teeth 243 ofv a; type bar 2M. This type bar will print uponithe' controltape a numeral indicatingwhich compartment has been selected for check sorting operations. last selected position and is rotated in either direction to bring the next selected compartment to position. Consequently, the type bar 2% may be moved ;.upwardly and downwardly and the indicator 239 may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise/bringing both to such numeral designating'positions'that a character will be printed andindicated thatcorresponds to the positionof the sorting drum.

Meanafor indicating-the taking of a total and designating compartment tape number upon prin-iing atotal on each COMpOZTtmGTLt tape The machine in. which the present improvements' are incorporated is provided with means it being observed that this is initiated by the The s'orting drum remains in the depression of a total taking key. The operation of this key arranges to set a character to print T alongside of the total amount and to also print the number of the compartment when the total is taken. This compartment number on the tape identifies the classification of the amounts and the related totals.

By any suitable means, depression of the total key may be arranged to shift a link 2611 (Fig. 4) which, through an arm 26], rocks a shaft 5ST. This shaft as observed in Fig. 4 is the top shaft of the series and by connections previously described in connection with the setting up of the segments 65 for each printer, two additional segments fitN and 85T (Fig. 9) are adjusted to the position of a single step.. The segment 225T will, through pinions I05, I61 and IE8, turn the Wheel 169T a step to bring the printing character T to printing position. This character will be printed on the record tape selected for printing of the total of the amounts of checks sorted in the related compartment.

The segment 65N will, through similar pinions Hi8, I01 and IE8, turn or adjust a disk 262 which is loosely mounted on the shaft I10. This disk is provided with a lug 263 (Fig. 9) which, in the adjusted position of the disk 262, will be beneath a printing type 264 (Fig. 4) which is carried by a spring plate 265. Hence, when the group of printing wheels 39 is unlatched and strikes the platen 99 with a hammer blow, the lug 253 will strike the type 264 to print the related compartment number on the control tape. This provides for not only printing the total on a line but also the number of the compartment and the designation T, meaning that the amount printed is a total of the items printed on the tape.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as 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 printing machine, two sets of printing wheels, separate movable frames each carrying one of the sets of printing wheels, said movable frames being connected together so as to cause said frames to have such relative positions that one set of printing wheels has a normal printing position in a series of printing positions when the other set has a position one-half step away from the normal printing position in another series of printing positions, and reciprocating means for said frames to simultaneously move both of said frames in either direction to position one set of printing wheels at a series of printing positions as the other set is maintained a one-half step away from its series of printing positions, and said last named means including means operable at the termination of the full extent of movement in either direction to reverse the direction of movement of said frames and to cause a concurrent one-half step of movement of both frames to now move the set of wheels previously onehalf step away from a printing position to printing position, and to now move the other set of wheels previously at printing position to a posi tion one-half step away from printing position.

2. In a printing machine, two sets of printing wheels, each carried by a separatemovable frame,

means connecting each of said movable-frames to cause said frames to have such relative positions that one set of printing wheels has a normal printing position. in a series of printing positions when the other set has a position onehalf step away from the normal printing position in another series of printing positions, reciprocating means for said frames including cam means to simultaneously move both of said frames in either direction to position one set of printing wheels at a series of printing positions as the other set is maintained a one-half step away from each. of its series of printing positions, and said cam means including means operable at the full extent of movement of the frames in either direction to reverse the direction of movement of both frames and tocause a concurrent one-half step of movement of both frames to move a set of wheels previously one-half step away from a printing position toprinting position and to move the other set of wheels previously at printing position to a position one-half step away from printing position.

3. In a printing machine, two sets of' printing wheels, each carried by a separate movable frame, means connecting each of said movable frames to cause said frames to have such relative positions that one set of printing wheels always has a normal printing position in a series of printing positions when the other set has a position onehalf step away from the normal position in another series of printing positions, reciprocating means for said frames including rotatable cam means to simultaneously move both of said frames in either direction and for successive equal angular movements of said cam means to position one of the sets of printing wheels at a series of printing positions as the other set is maintained a one-half step away from each of its series of printing positions, and said cam means including diametrically opposite means operable at the full extent of movement of the frames in either direction to reverse the direction of movement of said frames and to cause a concurrent one-half step of movement of both frames to move a set of wheels previously one-half step away from a printing position to printing position, and to move the other set of wheels previously at printing position to a position one-half step away from printing position.

4. In a printing machine, two sets of printing wheels, each carried by a separate movable frame, means connecting each of said movable frames to cause said frames to have such relative positions that one set of printing wheels always has a normal printing position in a series of printing positions when the other set has a position one-half step away from the normal printing position in another series of printing positions, reciprocating means for said frames including cam means operable through 360 to simultaneously move both of said frames in either direction for successive equal angular movements of the cam means to position one of the sets of printing wheels at a series of printing positions as the other set is maintained at one-half step away from each of its series of printing positions, and said cam means including diametrically opposite cam means operable at the full extent of movement of said frames in either direction to cause the direction of movement of said frames to be reversed and to cause a concurrent onehalf step of movement of both frames to move a set of wheels previously one-half step away from a printing position to printing position, and

.set of printing wheels, means connecting said movable frames to cause said frames to'have such relativepositions that one set of printing Wheels is always coordinated with a platen ofone series two sets of printing when the other set of printing wheels occupies V a position a one-half step away froma platen of the'other series, and means for simultaneously moving said framesin either direction to cause the first of said sets of printing wheels tobe successively coordinated with the related series of platens as the other or second set of printing wheels maintains its one-halfstep position away fromtherelated series of platens, and including means operable at the full extent of movement in either direction to then reverse the direction of movement of said frames-and to cause concurrently a one-half step movement of both ofs aid frames to coordinate the second set of printing wheels with one of the related series of platens asthe first of said sets of printing wheels is moved to occupy a one-half step position away from one of the related series of platens.

6. In a printing machine, two sets of printing wheels, each set carried by a related movable frame, two series of platens, one for each set of printing wheels, means connecting said movable frames to cause said framesto have such relative positions-that one set of printing wheels is always coordinated with a platen of the related series when the other set of printing wheels occupies a position one-half step away from a platen of the other series,- and reciprocating means including cam meansfor moving-the connecting means to simultaneously move said frames in either direction to cause the first of said sets of printing wheels to he successively coordinated with the related series of platens as the other or second set of printing wheels maintains its one-half step position away'from the related series of platens, and including means operable at the full extent of movement in either direction to" reverse the direction of the movement of said connecting meansand-said frames a'ndconcurrently effecting a one-half step movement of'both of said frames to coordinate the second set of printing wheels with one of the related series of platens as the first of said sets of printing Wheels is moved to occupy a one-half step position away from one of the related series of platens.

'7. In a printing machine, two sets of printing movement of both ofsaid frames to coordinate one set of printing wheels with one of the related series of platens as the other of said sets of printing wheels is movedto occupy a one-half step position away from one ofthe related seri'es of platehsl v In a printing machine, two sets of printing wheels, each set carried by a related movable frame, two series of platens, one for each set of printing wheels, means connecting said movable frames to cause said frames to have such. relative positions that one set of printingwheelsis always I to'be moved to be successively coordinated with the related series of platens as the other or second set, of printing wheels maintains itsvone-ha'lf step I position away from the related series of platens,

' relatedoseries of platens as the other. of 'said s ets wheels, each set carried by a related movable frame, two series of platens, one for each set of printing wheels, means connecting'said movable frames to cause said frames to have such relativepositions that one set of printingjwheels is always coordinated with a platen of one series as the other set of printing wheels occupies a, position one-half step away from a platen of the other series and means for simultaneously moving said frames in either direction to cause one of said sets of printing wheels in either direction of movement to be successively coordinated with the related series of platens as the other set of printing wheels maintains its one-half step position away from the related series of platens, and including means operable as the full extent of move ment of said frames in either direction is completed to reverse the direction of movement of said frames and to cause an initial one-half step of printing wheels occupiesa one-half step position away from one of the relatedseries of platensj 9. In a printing machine, having two setsof printing wheels, a movable frame for-each set of printing wheels, means for connecting said frames so thatthey normally have such; relative positions that one set of printing wheels is always at a normal printing position as the other set of printing wheels is a one-half stepaway from a printing position, a set of 'dilierentiallyactuated racks for each set of wheels, means for concurrently setting bothof said sets of rackslto difierentialpositions while bothof said: frames and wheels are at rest, to. thereby set said wheelsto represent a value. to be printed frornone' of said' sets of -wheels, means.for moving saidrframes in one direction while said differentially actuated racks are at rest to cause one of the sets of printing wheels .to occupy successive printing-positions as the other set occupies succe'ssivepositions one' half step away from printing position and for then reversing the direction of movementof the frames and concurrently causing the printing 1 wheels which were one-halfstep away from printing position to now occupy a printing position as the printing wheels previously at printing position are now positioned one-half step away from printing position, and means for positioning said wheels and the related sets of racks so that as each set of wheels is moved from one printing position to an adjacent printing position the printing wheels will roll over the now stationary racks to maintain the value representing positions of the wheels effected by the differential actuation of the racks.

10. In a machine having the structure defined in the preceding claim 9 in which each set of printing wheels has a coordinated series of platens, and means to position each series of platens so that at printing position one of the sets