US2643879A - Control system for folding machines - Google Patents

Description

June 30 1953 E. H. sPRr-:cKELMEn-:Fen 2,643,879

CONTROL SYSTEM FoaV FOLDING MACHINES Filed Dec. 2e, 1947 4 sheets-sheet 1 INVENTOR I EDWIN HENRY sPREcm-:LMEIER ATTORNEYS E. H. SPRECKELMEIER CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FOLDING MACHINES June 30, 1953 Filed Dec. 26, 1947- 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR EDWIN HENRY SPRECKELMEIER AT TORNEYS June 30, 1953 E. H. sPREcKELMr-:lER 2,643,879

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FOLDING MACHINES Filed Deo. 26, 194'? 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG-5 INVENTOR EDWIN HENRY SPRECKELMEIER BYW/ ATTORN EYS June 30, 1953 E. H. sPREcKr-:LMEIER 2,643,879

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FOLDING MACHINES 4' sheets-'sneer 4 Filed DeC. 26, 1947 OO m00 NOD mm mmm mmm mm lNS/NTOR EDWIN HENRYSPRECKELMEIER BY K WIWI w ATTORNEYS Patented June 30,4 1953 CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FOLDING MACHINES Edwin Henry Spreckelmeier, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignor to The American Laundry Machinery Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application December 26, 1947, Serial No. 794,049

Claims. 1

This invention relates to electronic control devices for folding machines, such as are used for folding sheets of paper, or flatwork in connection with laundry operations. One common use of machines of this kind is for automatically folding in succession a large number of like rectangular hat articles, such as sheets, tablecloths, pillowcases, towels or the like, which are generally of the same sia-e but actually may vary somewhat in length and width. The control mechanism forv such a machine causes it to produce one or two cross folds in the article at points proportionate to its length, regardless of its actual length. The folds may be produced, for example, at the quarter and half points, or at the one-third and twothirds points, or at other places.

The present invention is an improvement upon that described, shown and claimed in Letters Patent No. 2,374,779, granted May l, 1945, to John E". Preston for Sequence Timer and Measuring Control, as well as to the invention of an application length. The control system accordingly includes either one or two electronic measuring devices@ controlled by one or two trips actuated by the leading and trailing edges of the traveling articles. When only a single fold is produced, means is provided to prevent a second closely following article from interfering with the measuring and folding operations upon its predecessor, but such an arrangement involves the use of two trips, spaced apart along the path of article travel.

When but one trip is used, it is possible to produce only one fold either at a definite distance from the leading edge or at a point proportional to article length.

According to the invention of the said Doran application two pairs of electronic measuring devices are alternately employed, together with two trips for controlling them and producing the measuring effect and a third selector trip to cause alternate operation of the two pairs, but only for producing a single fold.

One object of the present invention is to provide improved control mechanism for a folding machine of the kind described, in which but a single trip is necessary, and which includes two or more sets of measuring devices employed successively, or in order, each set being adapted to cause the production of two cross folds in the article at points proportionate to their length, regardless of their actual length.

A further object is to provide improved means,

in a control system of the kind described, for producing two cross folds in an article, proportionately to its length, but in which a closely following article does not interfere with the measuring or folding of its predecessor.

Still another object is to simplify the control mechanism 4by reducing the number of trips affected by the traveling articles, but retaining all advantages of proportional folding on a series of articles differing in length.

A further object is to provide improved control mechanism, including two or more sets of measuring devices, employed alternately or in succession, in which the operation or actuation of one set, by one article, prepares another set for actuation or operation by a second or following article, and so on, so that the sets may be used successively, -by selection, or in order, thereby preventing one article from interfering with another.

Further objects of the invention in part are obvious and in part will appear more in detail hereinafter.

In the drawings,

Fig; l represents a central longitudinal section through one form of machine embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a detail end View of a controlling drum switch mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a detail plan View of the parts shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. is a front elevation of the same parts.

Fig. 5 is a diagram of the controlling circuits and other parts;

Fig. 6 is a detail diagram, on `a larger scale, showing the circuits for a typical electronic measuring device; and

Fig, 7 is an end View of an article completely folded by the present machine.

The invention may be applied for use as a part of any type of folding machine in which several fiat articles of the kind referred to are folded in succession, each ata plurality of points located proportionately to the length of the article, regardless of its actual length, such at the third and two-thirds points, the quarter and half points, or in anyother proportion. For convenience, and in no sense of limitation, the invention will be described as applied to a machine for folding sheets at the quarter and half points, thus producing an article which, viewed endwise, is of the form illustrated in Fig. 7.

The folding machine itself might well be of the form shown in the aforesaid Preston patent, but, as illustrated, is generally similar to that shown in a prior application for By-pass Mechanism for Folding Machines, Serial No. 677,368. filed June 17, 1946, by Clifton S. Malott, Jr., to which reference may be had if desirable or necessary.

Brieiiy described the folding machine includes a suitable frame Ill in which are mounted rollers l over which travel three sets of endless belts or tapes I2, ifi for advancing the articles in succession so that finally they emerge at and over the last roll IIa, the advancing edge moving down in front of an oscillating folding arm l5 pivoted at IG and actuated by a cam Il rotatable on a suitably driven constantly rotating shaft It, said cam engaging a second arm I9 fastened to and moving with folding arm I5. A. blade 20 at the upper end of arm I5 serves as a support over which the articles are draped in succession, and also as a knife for introducing the draped article to the bite between two folding rolls 2l, between which it passes under roll pressure to produce and compress the folds. Movement of the folding arm I5 back and forth, together with the rate of travel of the article and the 'timing of its movement with reference to arm movement, determines the exact points at which the cross folds are produced, while the folding rolls, together with the blade on the arm which introduces the article to the bite of the rolls, constitute the folding devices.

Cam Il is rotated intermittently, or tervals, by any suitable half revolution mechanism. rlhat shown includes a ne tooth clutch including two members 22, 22a, the former fast with shaft lo and the latter rotatable and movable endwise upon said shaft. Also mounted upon the shaft are two cams E23, 24, members il', 22a, 23 and 2!!- being fastened together so that they all turn and move endwise as a unit upon the shaft. The unit is biased toward clutch closed position by a compression spring 27.5.

To operate the clutch I provide a solenoid 25 (Fig. 2) the movable core or armature 2l of which is connected by a link` 28 to an arm 23 mounted on a rotatable shaft 35B, having a second arm 3! connected by link 32 to a lever 33 pivoted at 34 and provided with a pin or pawl. This pin cooperates with an annular shoulder 35i upon cam 23, said shoulder having two inclined portions 31 each terminating in a stop recess 25S, the two recesses being diametrically spaced with respect to the shaft center.

Cam 24 is provided with a single lobe 39 to cooperate successively with a roller il@ and a switch arm 43a., each connected to the operating arm of a small spring closed or normally open electric switch, such switches being marked 4I, Ma respectively.

Normally the clutch is open, as in Fig. 4, pin lying alongside the shoulder 36 and entering the recess 3R concealed on the far side of Shaft it in that view. Thus, the pin holds the clutch open. Whenever solenoid 25 is energized, it pulls down the lever 2S and through members 3l, 32, turns lever 33 clockwise in Fig. 2 and withdraws the pin from recess 38, thus releasing the clutch unit for endwise movement. Thereupon spring 25 expands and closes the clutch.

in the normal position of the parts, shown in 4, the roller of the upper switch 4I lies on the cam 3l?, which holds that switch closed. As soon as clutch 22, 22a, closes, the several cams and both clutch parts rotate with the shaft through 180". Almost immediately, when these arts start to rotate, cam 39 leaves roller 40 and switch. 4l opens. As the parts approach cornpletion of 180 movement, solenoid 26 having been deenergized a torsion spring 42 (Fig. 3) returns the solenoid core, links, lever, and pin at into their original positions, with the pin 35` alongside the shoulder 3E, so that when the inclined portion 3l of said shoulder comes around, the clutch and several cams of the unit return to clutch open position and terminate the half revolution cycle, the nal effect being for the cam 39 to engage the switch arm 40a of the second switch 4Ia and close it, leaving the parts as they were before, but advanced and ready for the next clutch operation.

Thus, each time solenoid 26 is energized, one of the two switches is immediately opened; then the cam Il moves the folding arm I5 is one direction or the other, then the other switch is closed, and the parts stop. The purposes of the switches will be referred to later.

The measuring devices, for determining the points where cross folds are to be produced, may be either electrical or electro-mechanical in form, both. arrangements being illustrated in the aforesaid Preston patent. For convenience only, and in no sense of limitation, the present application shows electronic measuring devices.

The electronic control system includes but a single trip device, shown at 53, Fig. l, and also in Fig. 5.

Referring now to Fig. 5, the electronic control and measuring system includes live electronic tubes numbered respectively I, 2, 3, tl and all of the four element type including plate, grid, cathode and filament, as shown. The circuits for the tubes I to 4 inclusive are quite similar while those for tube 5 are somewhat different, so that it will be described first.

The voltage applied to the grid of tube 5 is A. C. voltage from the secondary S5 of a transe former, the primary P5 of which is in a circuit from L1 to L2. The energizing circuit is from the point la through the sheet contact 43 to resistor R21 to the grid, thence to the cathode and thence through the secondary back t0 the starting point, with consequent flow from grid to cathode of tube 5 during the half cycles when terminal Eil is positive with respect to the center terminal. The grid and cathode elements in this instance function as a rectifier in which the grid acts as an anode. Tube 5 is blocked from passing current as long as the sheet contact 43 is closed, but as soon as that contact is interrupted or opened by the passage -of the passage of the leading edge of a traveling article, the tube passes suflicient plate current to immediately energize the coil of relay E, later to be referred to.

The other four tubes, I to I inclusive, are generally alike, one typical tube (e. g. tube I) being illustrated on a larger scale in Fig. Similarly to tube 5, each of these tubes is energized by the secondary of a transformer, the primary of which is connected to L1, La Each tube includes a condenser and resistor connected in the grid circuit to produce and control a time delay in the firing of the tube after the charging circuit to the condenser is opened. The arrangement is similar to that followed in regular standard vacuum-tube time-delay relays, with exceptions now to be noted. The capacitor 45 shown in the grid circuit is charged with the polarity indicated and to the peak of the voltage from the central 'terminal of the transformer to resistor R2. The current for charging capacitor 45 flows from terminal 4G through resistor R2, through potentiometer l to its slider, thence through normally closed switch contacts (here marked AAa) of a relay AA shown in Fig. 5, thence through capacitor 45 to the grid, and thence to the cathode of the tube, and to the center terminal 48 of the transformer, during the half cycles when terminal 46 is positive withV respect to terminal 48. This charging circuit, it will be observed, includes but a single switch AAa, which is true of all of the nrst four tubes. The grid and cathode elements of the'tube in this instance function as a rectifier in which the grid acts as an anode.

The voltage applied to the grid of the tube consists of two parts, to wit, the A. C. voltage from terminal 46 to resistor R2 and to the slider of the potentiometer 4l, and also the D. C. voltage across capacitor 45. If the D. C". voltage in the grid circuit is greater than the A. C. voltage in the grid circuit, the tube is blocked and does not pass current. However, as soon as the charging circuit to the condenser is opened, as at switch AAS, the D. C. voltage immediately starts to decrease, because capacitor 45 now discharges into and through resistors R4 and Rs. After a definite time interval, the tube becomes unblocked and passes sufficient current to energize the coil of relay A, in this typical instance.

Recharging of the capacitor 45 occurs when the normally closed switch contacts AAa (now open) are again closed to their normal position.

The length of timing may be varied by adjustment of the potentiometer 41. c

Still referring to the four like tubes I, 2, 3 and 4, as typically illustrated for tube I in the circuit, Fig. 6, it will be noted that the resistance R5 is shunted by a circuit including a normally open switch, here marked DDz. If this switch is open when capacitor 45 begins to discharge, then the discharge is through both resistors R4, R5; but if or when such switch is closed, then the discharge is through only one of said resistors, R4. When the discharge is through R4 alone, the length of time delay then occurring is proportional to the ratio of resistance R4 to the earlier total of resistances R4 and R5. sequent accelerated rate of condenser discharge is utilized in the present system.

rlhus, summing up, it will be observed that .in each of the tubes I to 4 inclusive, the condenser 45 is controlled by three circuits, to wit, the charging circuit, including switch AAE, before referred to, which may be characterized as circuit X, the primary or first discharge circuit, including both of resistors R4, R5, which may be characterized as circuit Y, and the secondary or accelerated discharge circuit, including switch DB2 and resistor alone, and which may be characterized as circuit Z.

Still referring to the typical tube I and its related circuit elements, when such tube is unlocked and passes sufficient current to energize its relay coil (A in this instance) the effect is to actuate a controlling switch M1. Corresponding switches for the other three tubes are marked lVlz, M3 and M4.

Switch M1 is a single p ole double throw switch with two contacts A1, A2.

Switch M2 is a double pole double throw switch with four contacts B1, B2, B3, B4.

Switch M3 is also a double pole double throw switch with four contacts C1, C2, Cs, C4.

Switch M4 is a similar switch with contacts D1, D2, D3, D4.

Incidentally, it may also be observed that the relay coil E of tube 5 actuates a similar double pole double throw switch M5, having four contacts E1, E2, E3 and E4.

The movable right-hand blade of each of the ve switches M1 to M5 inclusive is connected, by conductors, to L1, as shown. Where the switches The con- L 6 have a second or left blade (all except M1) the second blade receives its supply through other conductors to be later referred to.

Cooperating with the four tubes are four controlling relay coils marked respectively AA, BB, CC and DD, each provided with a series of contacts which it actuates and controls.

For example, relay AA is provided with normally open contacts AA1, AAz and AA4 and normally closed contacts AAs and AAs.

Relay coil BB controls normally open contacts BB1, BBz and BB4 and normally closed contacts BBS and BBs.

Relay coil CC actuates normally open contacts CC1, CCs, C Cs and normally closed contacts CC`4.

Relay coil DD actuates normally open contacts DDfi, DB2, DDS and DB4 and normally closed contacts DDs Tubes Nos. i and 2 work in conjunction with each other, or as a set or pair, to accomplish measuring for and cause the first and second folds of the same article, while tubes 3 and 4 work in conjunction with each other, as a set or pair, to accomplish like service for the first and second folds of an article following the rst article. In other words, the two sets are used alternately, and the control system is arranged to so operate them.

The timing to be provided by tubes Nos. I and 3, fcr the first fold, is the same, so that the capacities and resistances are chosen and adjusted alike for these two tubes. The timing to be provided by tubes Nos. 2 and 4 is also to be the same, but differing from that provided by tubes I and 3, so that the capacities and resistances for these two tubes are chosen and adjusted alike, but usually to different values from those for tubes l and 2.

A detailed description of the various circuits involved, during folding operations, will clarify the purposes of the various sets of tubes, relays and other controlling devices, as follows:

Let us assume that the system has been designed to fold sheets with a maximum length of ninety-four inches and that the capacities and resistances have been adjusted to produce folds at the quarter and half points. In other words, assuming the folding bar I5 in the position shown in Fig. l the sheet will advance until approximately twenty-five per cent of it, or one-quarter, hangs below the folding blade 20, whereupon a folding operation occurs in the sense that solenoid 26 is energized to cause the arm I5 to advance, away from the folding rolls 2I, to its outermost position, the sheet thereupon falling or draping in front of the blade in a double loop. Advance of the sheet continues until approximately the three-quarter point of the sheet has reached the level of the folding blade, whereupon the trip solenoid 25 is again energized and the folding blade returns to its original position, thus advancing the sheet, now draped or divided into four plies or layers, as shown in Fig. 7, into the bite of the folding rolls, between which it passesfthus completing one folding operation. The folding operation therefore requires two movements of the folding arm and bar.

At the beginning of a day, or whenever starting the machine into operation, all circuits are open and all tubes, capacitors and coils are deenergized. Switches 4I, Ma should be in the positions shown in Fig. 5. If not, they will immediately assume that position, by an idle half revolution cycle, when the main switch 49 is closed, as will later appear. But in any event,

closure of the main switch immediately energizes the several tube filaments and closes the several charging circuits to charge the capacitor l5 for each thereof.

Now, when the leading edge of a sheet engages the trip tube No. fires immediately. 'Ihat is to say, it becomes unblocked and passes current to the relay E, which thereupon actuates the switch M5, moving its blades from the position shown, on contacts E2 and E4, to its other contacts E1 and E3.

The only effect, at switch M5, is to complete a circuit from L1 to the contact E3, then through a blade of switch M2 to and through relay coil AA to contacts Ada, but not through them, 'thence through the normally closed contacts DDr, of relay DD to Lz. Relay AA is thereby energized. A maintaining circuit for relay AA is immediately established from Li through a blade of relay E to its contact B4, thence through the normally open. contacts AAi of relay AA (now closed), thence through the coil of relay AA, and on as before.

Relay AA moves its several sets of contacts to their second positions, with two effects.

First, the charging circuit X for tube i is opened at contacts AAs, and the capacitor for said tube begins to discharge through its primary discharge circuit Y.

Second, the charging circuit X for tube 2 is opened at contacts AA5, and the primary discharge circuit Y for its capacitor becomes operative.

ln order to accomplish the first fold in the article it is necessary to energize the clutch trip solenoid 26 to produce motion of the folding arm and blade, and since this action is to occur at the quarter point, or, in other words, at a vpoint proportional to the length of the article, but regardless of its actual length, it is necessary to taire the actual length of the article into account. This is accomplished by the passage of the trailing edge of the sheet past the trip ccntact enabling it to close.

If the sheet is of the maximum length which the tubes will take care of at the chosen capan cities and resistances, and adjustments thereof, 'then the capacity lili for tube l will become fully discharged at the time the trailing edge of the sheet permits switch d3 to close, and tube i will fire without any acceleration of the rate of discharge of its condenser. But that situation is not frequent. Usually some acceleration of the rate of discharge is necessary. In other words, the trailing edge of the sheet will permit trip Contact i3 to close before the condenser t5 of tube l is fully discharged. The effect of closing of trip contact in that event, is to again block the flow of current through tube E, dcenergizing its relay coil E, and permitting its switch M5 to return to its original position.

One effect is to open the initial energizing circuit for relay AA at contacts E3. Another effect is to establish a circuit as follows:

From L1 through the right-hand blade of switch M5 to contact E4, thence through the normally open but now closed contacts AAz of relay AA, thence through the coil of relay DD to L2, thus energizing relay DD and moving its several contacts to their second positions, from the positions shown.

A maintaining circuit for relay DD is immediately established as follows:

From L1 through the normally open contacts (now closed) DB4 of relay DD, through the nor- 8 mally closed contact CC4 of relay CC, and thence through the coil of relay DD. Thus, coil DD is and remains energized.

linergization of coil DD has three effects. First, it opens the initial energizing circuit for relay AA at normally closed contacts D335. Sec-u ond, it closes normally open contacts DB2, DDz, which, respectively, are the secondary or accelerating circuits Z for the condensers of tubes i and 2. Third, it prepares the initiating circuit for energizing relay BB by closure of contacts DDi, thus preparing the second set of tubes 3, i for use in measuring a second article.

When the article is of maximum length, as stated, the effect is felt at tube I at the same instant that its condenser becomes fully discharged, so that there is no real accelerated rate of discharge and the tube I fires immediately. But when the article is of shorter length, the rate of discharge is accelerated at the instant the trailing edge of the sheet passes the trip contact 43 and the tube -fires after condenser discharge is completed at the end of the period of accelerated discharge.

In either case, upon firing of tube l, switch M1 is moved from'the position shown, on contact A2 to contact A1. This completes a circuit as follows:

From L1 through the blade of switch M1 to contact A1, thence through the drum clutch trip contact 4| a (now in closed position) and through clutch trip solenoid 25 to L2.

Energization of the clutch trip solenoid closes the clutch in the manner before described and starts a half cycle operation of shaft I8, which is completed, even though the switch Mc almost immediately opens.

During half revolution of shaft I8 the folding arm and blade are advanced to a position away from the folding rolls. The first draping or folding operation terminates when the arm reaches its outermost position and the shaft has rotated As it terminates, switch il closes, but without electrical eifect.

Discharge of the condenser 45 of tube 2 is still going on, but at the accelerated rate, because its accelerating circuit Z is closed at the contacts DDB of switch DD. When that condenser is completely discharged, tube 2 fires with effects as follows:

Coil B is energized, actuating the switch Mz, thus moving its right-hand blade from its position shown, on contact B4, to its other position on contact B3, thus establishing a circuit as follows:

From L1, through the right-hand blade of switch M2, to contact B3, thence through the drum driven switch il (now closed), and through the clutch trip solenoid 26 to L2.

The effect is to again cause actuation of the clutch, and haltF revolution of the shaft IS and other parts, returning them to their original positions. llihis operation is accompanied by return of the folding arm Iii and blade 2li to their original positions, feeding the article to the bite of the folding rollers, where it is pressed into the form shown in Fig. 6, thus completing fold of this article.

Energization of coil B also opens the circuit through switch M2 to its contact B4, thus de energizing relay AA and reestablishing the charging circuits X for tubes I and 2.

Tubes 3 and 4 function to produce the first and second folds in a second closely following article in exactly the same manner as tubes l fore the folding operations on the rst article have been completed. The arrangement and operation to that end will now be described.

Again assuming that a full length ninety-four inch article has just passed the sheetcontact 43, and that a second article is following closely behind, it can be appreciated that the second article will interrupt the sheet contact and would interfere with the accelerated rate of discharge of the capacitor 45 on the tube 2, unless some means is provided to prevent such interference.

It will be noted that when the trailing edge of the rst article passed trip 43 relay DD was energized, and its coil then was maintained energized through its own normally open contacts DDr (now closed) and the normally closed contact CC4 of relay CC. Also, when relay DD is energized, the initiating circuit for energizing relay AA is opened at contacts DD5, and the initiating circuit, for setting tubes 3 and 4 into operation, is preliminarily prepared at conta-cts DDr.

Now when the sheet contact 43 is opened by the leading edge of a closely following article, circuits are established as follows:

From L1 now through the left-hand blade of switch M5 (now in its second position) to con-A tact E1, thence through normally closed contacts D2 of relay D, thence to but not through the contact BB1 of relay BB, through the coil of relay BB, thence through the normally open contacts DDi of relay DD (now closed) to L2. This closes relay BB. The maintaining circuit for relay BB is now established from L1 through the righthand blade of switch M4 of relay D to its contact D4, through the normally open contacts BB1 of relay BB (now closed), next through the coil of relay BB, and so on as before.

Energization of relay BB opens the charging cir-cuit X to capacitor 45 of tube 3, by opening the normally closed contacts BB3 of relay BB. This terminates charge of the capacitor 45 of tube 3 and initiates discharge of said capacitor through its primary charging circuit Y, including resistances R14 and R15.

At the same time the charging circuit to the capacitor 45 of tube 4 is opened by opening a second set of normally closed contacts BB5 of relay BB, in the charging circuit X for tube 4. This starts the discharge of capacitor 45 of tube 4 through its primary discharging circuit Y, including resistors R19 and R20.

When the trailing edge of the second article leaves the sheet contact 43, such contact again closes, which deenergizes relay E with results as follows:

First, the initial circuit for energizing relay BB is opened at contact Ei. Second, relay CC is energized by a circuit as follows:

From L1 through the left-hand blade of switch M5 to its contacts E2, thence through the normally open ycontacts BBz of relay BB (now closed), through the coil of relay CC to L2. A maintaining circuit for relay CC is immediately established as follows:

From L1 through the normally open contact CC1 of relay CC (now closed) through the no1'- mally open vcontacts BB2 of relay BB (now, closed) and through the coil of relay CC to L2.

Energization of relay CC closes its normally open contacts and thus completes the accelerated discharge circuits Z of tubes 3 and 4, by short circuiting the resistances R15 and R20 of the condensers of such tubes. It also opens normally closed contacts CCi in the initiating circuit for energizing relay BB.

As in the case of tubes Nos. I and 2, accelerated rate of discharge at tubes 3 and 4 is different, producing firing operation of said tubes successively, tube 3 to produce the first drape or fold and tube 4 to produce the second drape or fold. The operation of producing these folds, as the result of ring of tubes 3 and 4 is exactly the same as with tubes I and 2, and requires no detailed description.

Speaking generally, the purposes of certain of the elements of the control system described may be stated as follows:

Clutch trip contacts or switches 4i, fila are closed alternately at the. ends of each of a series of half `cycle operations. These two switches, acting in concert because of their operation from a single cam on shaft I8, serve to produce the appropriate direction of motion of the folding or draping arm I5. When one of them is closed the arm advances, and when the other is closed it is retracted, and that is true regardless of whether the particular folding operations are being produced or controlled by the first set of tubes I and 2, or the second set, 3 and 4.

Switch M5, controlled by tube 5 and sheet contacts 43, is really a double switch, or, in other words, two switches coupled together for simultaneous actuation by coil E. Each of the blades of said switch can produce two foldingl operations, the first by advance to its second contact and the second by return to its first contact. However, only one of the blades or members of this double switch is eifective at any particular time.

The -coil DD and twoyof its sets of contacts, normally open contacts DDi and normally closed contacts DD5, in cooperation with switch M5, serves as a selector mechanism, or means for determining which pair of tubes I and 2 or 3 and 4, is put into operation for the folding of a given article. Whether switch DD1 is open and DB5 closed, or DDi is closed and DD5 open, depends upon whether relay DD is deenergized or energized. Because contacts DD5 are in the initiating circuit for energizing relay AA and contacts DDi in the initiating circuit for energizing relay BB, the relays AA and BB, respectively, set into operation either the rst set of tubes I and il orthe second set of tubes 3 and 4. Thus, if coil DD is deenergized the` right-hand blade of switch M5 is effective, through normally closed contacts DB5, to energize relay AA when that blade is advanced to contact E3. Thereupon relay AA opens the charging circuits of tubes i and 2 and subsequently energization of relay DD initiates accelerated rate of condenser discharge, at the same time reversing the positions of the contacts DDi, DD5.

Then, a second or following article, causing actuation of switch M5, becomes operative through its lefthand blade, which now initiates energization of relay BB, by its engagement with contact E1. vLater relay CC initiates the accelerated rate of discharge for the condensers of the second pair of tubes 3, li.

Even if the successive articles are spaced widely apart, the two pairs of tubes I, 2 and 3, 4 are put into operation successively or in turn. That is because completion of the folds on the rst article leaves the relay DD energized, with the left-hand blade of switch M alone effective to initiate tube operation, a condition which persists so long as the main switch remains closed. Therefore, a second article is always measured by the second set of tubes, unless in the meantime the main switch has been opened or relay DD has otherwise been deenergized.

It should be noted that if at any time the: machine is started when the switches 4I, 4 la are in the wrong positions, or out of phase, i. e., with switch d! closed and Ma open, as might occur if the machine is stopped at the end of the wrong half cycle, with the folding arm away from instead of close to the folding rolls, the first effect of closing main switch 63 is to put them in phase. In such case, current flows from L1 to blade and contacts A2 of switch M1, thence through the left-hand blade of switch M3 to its contacts C2, thence through switch 4| to clutch trip coil 2t and to L2, initiating a half revolution cycle of the clutch and cam mechanism and advancing or returning the folding blade to its proper position.

Thus, in conclusion, the present invention may be summarized as follows:

The means which performs an operation upon each of a series of articles fed or traveling along a path, is here typined by the draping or folding arm l5 and its blade 2li, each movement of which produces a fold in an article. That means, whatever its form., is `here actuated to perform two operations upon the article at different points located upon it proportionately to its length, regardless of its actual length.

Performance of the operations is controlled by two governing units each arranged to accomplish measurement of the article and to cause actuation of the operation performing means.

Operations of the two units referred to are controlled by a single trip device, here typ-ined by the trip contacts 43, which in turn actuate a primary selector means, such as the relay El and the switch M5 actuated by it. This selector means, by its operation as a consequence of the passage of one article past the trip device, selects one or the other of the two units as the immediate controller for the operation performing means. Its operation to that end is determined by a secondary selector means, to wit, the relay DD and its normally open contacts DB1 and normally closed contacts DDs. That is to say, each time the primary selector means is operated it not only chooses or selects one of the units as the immediate controller for the operation performing means, but it also adjusts the secondary selector means, as the result of actuation of the trip device by passage of the trailing edge of an article past it, so that, the next time the primary selector means is operated, it now selects another of the units, specifically the second one in the form shown and described. The secondary selector means hence is operated by the first but is also sensitive to passage of the trailing edge of an article past the trip device B3.

The system described prevents interference by a following article with measuring of the next preceding article or performance of an operation thereon. Nevertheless it involves but a single trip and consequently makes the entire machine shorter than when two trips, spaced along the path of article movement, are employed. The mechanism is readily adjusted for measurement of the articles in any desired proportions and is accurate in the performance of its duty.

Further advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

What I claim is:

l. in apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause actuation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, movable selector means controlled by said trip device and operatively connected to said measuring units and adapted by its movement to cause one of said units in cooperation with said trip device to rst measure an article and then to cause actuation of said operating means, and a controller also sensitive to travel of an article along said path for designating which of said units becomes operative upon operating movement of said selector means in response to the next following article.

2. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause actuation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, and movable selector means controlled by said trip device and operatively connected to said measuring units and adapted by its movement to cause one of said units in cooperation with said trip device to first measure an article and then to cause actuation of said operating means to perform an operation, each of said units including means for causing separate actuations of said operating means at dierent points spaced apart upon the article.

3. In apparatus of the type in which an operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause actuation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, movable selector means controlled by said trip device and operatively connected to said measuring units and adapted by its movement to cause one of said units in cooperation with said trip device to first measure one article and then to cause actuation of said operating means to perform an operation, and means whereby movement of said selector means to cause operation of one of said units with respect to said one article causes Asaid selector means to become effective upon another unit when the next following article affects the trip device, each of said units including means for causing separate actuations of said operating means at different points spaced apart upon the article.

4. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause actuation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, movable selector means controlled by said trip. device and operatively connected to said measuring units and adapted by its movement to cause one of said units in cooperation with said trip device to first measure an article and then to cause actuation of said operating means, and a controller also sensitive to travel of an article along said path for designating which of said units becomes operative upon operatinfr movement of said selector means in response to the next following article, each of said units including means for causing separate actuations of said operating means at different points spaced apart upon the article.

5. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause actuation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, `and selector means controlled by said trip device and having two-step movement, one step produced by movement of the leading edge and the other step by movement of the trailing edge of an article past the trip device, the first step initiating operation of one of said units and the second adjusting said unit in proportion to article length, to thereby measure each article and produce an op-v eration upon it in proportion to its length.

6. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs two operations, both proportionate, but in different ratios, with respect to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each unit including two controlling members upon said operating means to cause two actuations thereof, one for each ratio of article length, a single tripdevice sensitive to travel of an article along said path, and selector means controlled by said trip device and having twostep movement, one step produced by movement of the leading edge and the other step by movement of the trailing edge of an article past the trip device, the first step initiating operation of one of said units and the second adjusting both of the members of said unit in different proportions to article length.

independently effective "1. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs two operations, both proportionate, but in different ratios, with respect to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each unit including two controlling members independently effective upon said operating means to cause two actuations thereof, one for each ratio of article length, a single trip device sensitive to travel of an article along said path, selector means controlled by said trip device and having two-step movement, one step produced by movement of the leading edge and the other step by movement of the trailing edge of an article past the trip device, the first step initiating operation of one of said units and the second adjusting both of the members of said unit in different proportions to article length, and a controller also sensitive to travel of an article past said trip for designating which 0f said units becomes operative upon operating movement of said selector means in response to the next succeeding article.

8. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs two operations, both proportionate, but in different ratios, with respect to article length, upon each of a series of articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each unit including two controlling members independently effective upon said operating means to cause two actuations thereof, one for each ratio of article length, a single trip device sensitive to travel of an article along said path, selector means controlled by said tripdevice and having two-step movement, one step produced by movement of the leading edge and the other step by movement of the trailing edge of an article past the trip device, the first step initiating operation of one of said units and the second adjusting both of the members of said unit in different proportions to article length, and a controller sensitive to the second step of movement of said selector means upon passage of one article past said trip for designating which of said units becomes operative upon operating movement of said selector means in response to the next succeeding article passing said trip.

9. In apparatus of the type in which operating means performs an operation, proportionate to article length, upon each of a series ofl articles fed in succession along a path, improved controlling means for said operating means, comprising a plurality of article measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, each operatively associated with said operating means to control and cause actuation thereof, a single trip device cooperating therewith and so located as to be sensitive to travel of an article along said path, primary movable selector means controlled by said trip device and operatively connected to one of said measuring units and adapted by its movement to cause one of said units in cooperation with said trip device to first measure an article and then to cause actuation of said operating means to perform an oper-ation, and secondary selector means rendered effective by each operation of said primary selector means for operatively connecting the latter to another measuring unit.

10. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has a single trip located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said' operating means including a plurality of articlemeasuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, an actuating switch operatively responsive to operation of said trip, selector means operatively responsive to respective positions of said actuating switch for designating which of said units 1becomes operable in response to actuation of said trip by the next article, and means operatively connecting each of said units with said operating means.

11. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is :fed in succession .along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has a single trip located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality of articlemeasuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, an actuating switch, said actuating switch having a plurality of operating positions, a selector means tor designating which one of said article-measuring units becomes operable in response to actuation oi said trip by an article in the series, operative connections between said trip and said actuating switch, operative connections between said actuating switch and said selector means, operative connections between said selector means and each of said article measuring units, and operative connections between each of said article measuring units and said operating means.

12. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has article sensitive means located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality of articlemeasuring units, each capable oi independently performing a measuring operation, an actuating switch, a selector for designating which one of said article-measuring units becomes operable in response to actuation of said article-sensitive means by an article in the series, operative connections between said article-sensitive means and said actuating switch, operative connections between said actuating switch and said selector means, operative connections between said selector means and each of said article-measuring units, and operative connections between each of said article-measuring units and said operating means.

13. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has article-sensitive means located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality of article-measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, a rst selector consisting of a switch movable to any one of several positions, a second selector for designating which one of said article-measuring units becomes operable in response to actuation of said article-sensitive means by an article in the series, operative connections between said article-sensitive means and said first selector, operative connections between said rst selector and said second selector, operative connections between said second selector and each of said article-measuring units, and operative connections between each of said article-measuring units and said operating means.

14, A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has a single trip located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality of article-measuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, an actuating switch operatively responsive to operation of said trip, selector means operatively responsive to operation of said actuating switch for designating which of said units becomes operable in response to actuation of said trip by the next article, and means operatively connecting each oi said units with said operating means.

yl5. A timing device for use with an apparatus of the type wherein a series of articles is fed in succession along a path, and an operating means performs an operation proportionate to article length on each article, and wherein said apparatus has article sensitive means located adjacent said path so as to be sensitive to and responsive to travel of said articles therepast, said timing device comprising controlling means for said operating means including a plurality of articlemeasuring units, each capable of independently performing a measuring operation, a first selector consisting of a switch, a second selector for designating which one of said article-measuring units becomes operable in response to actuation of said article-sensitive means by an article in the series, operative connections between said article-sensitive means and said rst selector, operative connections between said rst selector and said second selector, operative connections between said second selector and each of said article-measuring units, and operative connections between each of said article-measuring units and said operating means.

EDWIN HENRY SPRECKELMETER.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,313,713 MacFarland Aug. 19, 1919 1,581,753 Mayer Apr. 20, 1926 1,597,010 Jones et al. Jan. 1, 1929 2,034,040 Johnson Mar. 17, 1936 2,362,753 Huck Nov. 14, 1944

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