US2645199A - Paper coating machine - Google Patents

Description

July 14 1953 w. A. zoNNER PAPER comme MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 gn! Lt INVENTOR.l

ATTOKNEYS.

VV: LIAMAZONMER` Filed May ll, 1950 July 14, 1953 w. A. ZONNER 2,645,199

PAPER COATING MACHINE Filed May 11, 1950 6 Sheets-Shea? 2 IN V EN TOR.

WILLIAM .ZoNNEra. BY

Wmpm( ATTORNEYJ.

July 14, 1953 w. A. zoNNER 2,645,199

PAPER COATING MACHINE Filed May 11, 1950 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 M :Janna y/, INVENToR.

BYWILLIAM A ZONNEK.

ATTORNEYS.

July 14, 1953 w. A. zoNNER PAPER COATING MACHINE YVVILLIAM A. ZONNER.

ATTOK/Vffi July 14, 1953 w. A, ZONNER 2,645,199

PAPER COATING MACHINE Filed May 11, 1950 6 Sheets-#Sheet 5 NVENTOR. WILLIAM A. ZONNER.

July 14, 1953 y w. A. zoNNr-:R

PAPER COATING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed May 11, 1950 NVENTOR. W'ILLIAM'A-Z0NNER.

BY 44m/14, T RIVEYS.

o .IPUIJU 0 IL Patented July 14, 17953 2,645,199 PAPER ooAfrING MACHINE William A. Zonner, Watertown, N. Y., assignor to St. Regis Paper Company, New York, N. Y.

Application May 11, 1950, Serial No. 161,302

14 Claims. (Cl. 118--1) This invention relates to the coating of paper and more particularly to apparatus adapted, among other possible uses, to the rapid and economical coating of printing and. publication paper during the process of its manufacture on the Paper making machine, viz by so-called"n the-machine coating` The apparatus of this invention in its preferred form is of the type wherein the coating mixture is transferred successively from one to another of a plurality of distributor rolls to provide a uniform thin film of themixture which is continuously transferred to applicator roll means and thence on to the paper as the latter travels over a back-up roll.V Alsoin its preferred form the machine `is of thetype having lower and upper decksj that is a lower deck comprising fountain roll means, distributor rolls, applicator and back-up rolls for coating the-under surface of the paper web, which then passes to a similar upper deck arranged for coating the other surface of the web.

Apparatus of this general type may bepIaced at an intermediate point within the dryer section of the paper making machine, so that the coating is applied to the paper after it has Ibeen partially dried on numerous of the initial dryer rolls of the paper machine and whereby after the coating is applied, the paper will travel over the remainder of the dryer! rolls for more complete drying of the web with the coating thereon.

Since coating apparatus of this type involves numerous large and heavy rolls of a length corresponding to thewidth of the paper being made, and these rolls must be very accurately positioned and rotate at high speeds appropriatef-or high-speed paper manufacture, the con.

struction, maintenance and efficient operation of such apparatus involves numerous diiliculties. Although certain machines of this class as heretofore installed are highly efficient in normal operation, their construction and maintenance has involved excessive expense. The present invention is particularly directed to improvements for minimizing such expense and for facilitating accurate, rapid and convenient adjustment of the various rolls when necessary, and easy removal and replacement of any worn or damaged roll without disturbing other rolls.

With coating machines of this type, one of the difficult problems is to bring the successive rolls together in proper order and in accurately adjusted positions when the machine is being started, and so that coating mixture will be present between rolls promptly after they come versely of the series of rolls.

together, and thus prevent burning and consequent serious injury to such of the rolls as have to be made of rubber or the like and which, be'

cause .of their different relative speeds, would become quickly overheated by friction in the absence of coating mixture thereon. Also it is important that the rolls be brought together at such a time and 'in such a way that an excess of coating material will not accumulate on any of themor be applied to the baek-up'roll in the absence of paper thereon. Also, when the machine is to be shut down or the paper web breaks, it is important that the various rolls be separated in the proper order to insure that the back-up roll will not be coated in the absence of paper, and so that the supply of coating to the distributor rolls will be promptly 4cut off, but again without the possibility of burning one roll against another. Since the various'rolls arelarge and heavy and their relative adjust# ments have to be highly accurate to insure application of the desired thin uniform smooth coating to the paper clear across the web, the

problem of normally bringing the rolls together between and the bringing of the heavy rolls quicklyV together may sometimes disturb the necessarily accurate adjustment of the spacing or pressure applied between the various distributor rolls and. the applicator roll. These difficulties, however, are overcome with the present invention by a construction so arranged that while the gate rollsfremain undisturbed in normal position, certain of the distributor rolls and the applicator roll means are separated from the others by moving same individually and trans- Thereby any disturbance of the relative normal positions and adjustments of the rolls is minimized by reason of the fact that ralternaterolls only have to be moved, and each roll which is moved may be individually accurately controlled free of the inertia of any other rolls.

been the practice upon separating the rolls, to move the back-up roll, which is heaviest of all, and yet in normal use must be adjusted to a position with highest accuracy. However, with the present invention a novel roll arrangement is provided whereby the back-up rolls do not normally have to be moved or readjusted in starting and stopping the machine, whereas the applicator roll means, which are relatively light and easy to move and maintain in adjustment, are individually moved away from or toward the back-up aand distributor` rolls when stopping and starting the machine.

The machine of the present invention in its preferred form also is provided with four applicator rolls, one pair of which successively applies two coatings to one surface of the web and the other pair of which similarly apply successive coatings to the other surface of the web. The

construction of prior practical machines of this I class have been such that only a single applicator roll could be applied to each web surface and still permit the applicator and back-up rolls to be promptly separated and brought together with accurate adjustment in starting and stopping the machine. Also with the present invention the applicator rolls are preferably made of velvet finished hard metal such as chromium, which will uniformly release the film of coating mixture onto the paper, and the back-up rolls are made with surfaces of resilient rubber or the like. The term velvet finished has reference to a somewhat dulled although even surface which has been deprived of the lustre or glossy appearance of the usual chromium-plated surface. :i

Also the surface speed of the applicator rolls preferably is slightly greater than that of the traveling web. With this combination of features the metal surfaces of the applicator rolls release and wipe smooth coatings with a level surface onto the paper While the resilient back-up roll accommodates any irregularities in the paper and prevents same from interfering with the formation of the desired level coated surface.v

Heretofore in machines of this class the roll arrangement was such that the applicator roll had in some cases would irregularly displace b er from the paper. Since with such rubber applicator rolls a metal back-up roll would be used, it is apparent that the reverse side of the paper would be level and that the irregularities in the paper would be presented on the surface being coated.

The above and other novel features of the invention will appear more fully from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are employed for purposes of illustration only and are not designed as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being had for this purpose to the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a somewhat schematic side elevational view of portions of a paper making machine in which coating apparatus comprising the preferred form of the invention is interposed;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the lower deck of the same apparatus;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of one example of a drive mechanism for the rolls of the lower desk, substantially similar drive mechanism also being provided for the upper deck;

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a somewhat schematic perspective view showing the arrangement of the gears for driving the metering roll;

Fig. '7 is a top view of a typical bearing and associated parts for one end of one of the vibrator rolls;

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view showing in further detail the mechanism of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic connections for the control of the positions of the various rolls; and

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit connections for controlling the solenoidoperated hydraulic valves of Fig. 9.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings in further detail, the coating apparatus embodying the invention is indicated generally at I0, interposed between two groups of the dryer rolls II, I2 of ai Preferably a so-calledpaper making machine. breaker stack I3 is interposed just ahead of the coating apparatus for the purpose of flattening under pressure any slightly protruding fiber or other irregularities on the partially dried paper just prior to its entry into the coating apparatus. A conventional calender I4 is located at the end of the paper machine for machine calendering the nished coated paper.

The apparatus It as here indicated comprises lower and upper back-up rolls I5, I6, around which it will be apparent that the paper travels in succession for receiving first a coating or coatingsv on its under surface and then either one or two coatings on its upper surface, the coatings for the under surface being furnished by the lower deck rolls indicated generally at la, whereas the coatings on the upper surface of the web are furnished by the rolls of the upper deck generally indicated at iSb. These corresponding rolls of the two decks respectively are identified on the drawings by the same reference numerals, the numerals for the upper deck rolls being accompanied by prime marks.

The lower deck as shown comprises a pair of gate rolls, i. e. a fountain roll I8 and a metering roll I9, a first distributor roll 26 beingprovided in a position partially overlying the fountain roll I8 and contacting therewith on one side, whereas its other side contacts with a second distributor roll 2l. A pair of applicator rolls 22, 23 are interposed between the distributor roll 2| and the back-up roll I5.

n the upper deck the rolls are substantially the same and the mounting and control means therefor are substantially the same except that in the upper deck an additional distributor roll 24 has to be provided in order that the direction of rotation of the applicator rolls correspond to the direction of travel of the paper over thc upper back-up roll i6, which rotates in the direction opposite from the rotation of back-up roll I5. Also the surface coverings of certain rolls of the two decks necessarily differ because of the interpositioning of the extra upper distributor roll 24. That is, while both back-up rolls are covered with resilient rubber or the like and the applicator rolls preferably are all made with velvet finished chromium surfaces and the distributor rolls 2|, 2l are rubber covered, yet in order that alternate rolls will have surfaces of metal and rubber, respectively, the extra distributor roll 24 in the upper deck preferably has a metal surface, roll tending coiled springs 26 (Fig. 2).

' a rubber surface, roll I8 a metal surface and roll I9 a surface of rubber or the like. In the lower deck, roll 20 preferably. has a hard metal surface, roll I8 a surface of rubber or thelike, and roll I9 a hard metal surface. The remaining details as to the operation, construction and mounting of the rolls of both decks will be made apparent from the description given hereinafter of Fig. 2 which shows a side elevational view of the lower deck.

It should be mentioned that while various of the successive rolls as described herein and in the appended claims are referred to' as being in contact or being substantially tangent. when in normal use, there is actually, of coursey normally present a thin film of the coating mixture between the gate rolls, distributor rolls and applicator rolls and a layer of paper plusthe coatlng between the applicator rolls and the back-up rolls, and in thus referring to the rolls as being in contact or tangent, it is meant-that they are brought together, usually under pressure, and are separated only by a thin lm of coating, or coating and paper. Also, while certain of the rolls are referred to as being rubber covered, it will be understood that various synthetic resilient materials similar to rubber or artificial rubber may be used.

The paper web; after leaving the breaker stack is nrst preferably passed over an idler roller 25, the bearings for which are resiliently mounted in a known way by means of radially ex- The web is preferably wrapped over a considerable arc about roll and then passes over idler rolls 21, 28, thence over an idler roll 29 which preferably is of a type adapted to flatten out any .wrinkles that may tend to occur in the web. For example, a roll of the type Well known in the art as a Mt. Hope roll may be used for this purpose. From this Ipoint the web passes over another idler roll 30, the bearings 3| for which are so mounted that in normal operation the surface of this roll will be spaced somewhat from the surface of the backup roll I5, but upon breakage of the web, provision is made for bringing this roll down to a position whereby it will grip the Vpaper against the back-up rolland thus keep the web under control until the broken end passes over the back-up roll I5. For this purpose a iiuid pressure operated cylinder and piston unit 32 is provided, having one end connected to the frame of the machine and its other end connected to one arm of a bell crank 33 pivotally mounted on the frame of the machine at 34. The other arm of this bell crank serves to support a bearing 3 I for roll 30. It will be understood that the bearings at both ends of the roll 3,9 are similarly controlled and the uid pressure operated devices as` at 3?. may be energized by` suitable controlv means responsive to photoelectric cells located at appropriate points and sensitive to the breakage of the paper web, as hereinafter explained iny further detail.v

While in describing Fig. 2, reference generally will be made to the bearings and frame parts for only one end of each roll as shown in this figure, it will be understood that corresponding `bearings, operating devices and frame parts of like construction are to be provided at the other ends of the rolls.

In order to subject the paperweb to drying treatment after it is coated on the back-up roll I5 and before the coating can come into contact with the back-up roll I6, a suitable known form of drying apparatus may bepositioned as at 35,

6 and after the upper surface of the'web'is coated on the upper back-up roll, it `may be similarly subjected to drying treatment by drying apparatus positioned as at 36 (Fig. 1). i

Referring now in further detail to Fig. ,2, the back-up roll I5 has bearing blocks as at 31 which have depending lugs at 38 adapted to be adjustably positioned horizontally by `two opposed adjusting bolts 39, 39' equipped with lock nuts-and threaded through a bracket member 40 mounted on the main frame of the machine. In order to confine the movement of these bearingblocks to horizontal adjustments, they may be provided with depending portions 4| slotted as at'42, 42 for receiving bolts fixed in the main frame. In normal use of the machine, once the back-up roll has been adjusted by this means to an appropriate position horizontally, the position of this roll will not vhave to be readjusted or changed unless the thicknessof the rubber coveringon the roll is changed. A

The applicator rolls 22 k23 are supported in bearing blocks as at 45, 46 which are slidablerespectively in slideways 41, 48 formed in a subframe portion 49 suitably bolted to the main frame portion 50. The bearing block 45`is pivotally connected at its lower side to a fluid pressure operated unit 5I for moving the applicator roll 22 either up into normal active position as shown, contacting with both rolls I5 and 2|, or down into withdrawn position, as when the paper web breaks or itis desired to shutdown the machine. Similarly, the bearing block |16l for the upper applicator roll 23 is connected to a fluid pressure unit 52 operative either to lower the roll 23 down into the normal operating position as shown, or to withdraw same upwardly to separate it from rolls I5 and 2 I 4when the web breaks or the machine is to beshut down. The unit 5I as shown may be mounted on the oor and the unit 52 may be suspended froma horizontal frame part 53.

At the upper end of the slideway 41 andl at the lower end of the slideway 48 respectively, stop means 54, 55 are provided for limiting the movement'of the bearing blocks 45, 46. These may comprise threaded stud-like members adjustable vertically 'inthe sub-frame member49, in order to determine the positionswhich the rolls 22, 23 will assume when in normal operation, as will be more fully explained below in connection with the similar bearings for roll 2li.

The rolls I 8, I9, 20 and 2| are allv carriedl in bearing blocks which are mounted on al tiltable frame part 56 which is pivotally mounted at y51 at the region below the gate rolls. The Yend of this frame part. adjacent the roll 2| is supported so asl to be vertically adjustable in position Lin order that the same may be tilted about the pivot 51. formed with a lug portion 58 containing a set screw 59, the upperend of which bears against a protruding'part 60 on the member 56. Thus by adjusting the set screw 59, the vertical position of the distributor roll 2| may be adjusted for proper contact with both of the applicator rolls 22, 23. This adjustment is of a semi-permanent nature, and once vproper vadjustment is made, it ordinarily will not have to be altered except in case the coverings for the rolls are altered or replaced, or in case there should be irregular set- For this purpose, the sub-frame part 49 is if rolls I8, I9 and 20, will be altered to the extent necessary to keep same in contact, in view of the fact that they are all carried by the pivoted frame part B. v

In order to adjust the position horizontally of the group of rolls |8-2I inclusive, so that roll 2| will properly engage the applicator rolls, the pivot 51 is made adjustable horizontally. That is, this pivot may be carried on a bearing block-like structure 6I through which a shaft 62 extends, such shaft being free to rotate but being suitably fixed against relative longitudinal movement in the portion 6|. This shaft may be supported in bearing structures as at 63, 64, the latter having threaded engagement with the shaft so that when the shaft is turned as by a capstan-like means 65, the pivot 51 will be adjusted in horizontal directions. This adjustment also may be of a semi-permanent nature, subject to the same factors as the adjustment by set screw 59.

The distributor roll 2| is carried by bearing blocks as at 6T, adjustable horizontally by means substantially the same as above described for adjusting horizontally the position of the backup roll I5.

The bearing blocks for the distributor roll 20 are carried in slideways as at 16, which are positioned at an angle directed upwardly and rearwardly from the applicator rolls. That is, the center line of this slideway is preferably approximately at right angles to a line connecting the axes of the rolls I8 and 2| so that when this roll 26 is moved out of normal position contacting with the rolls I8 and 2|, such movement will be transverse to the series of rolls. The bearing blocks for roll 20 are normally held down to hold the roll in normal active position by gravity, supplemented by adjustably tensioned helical springs as at 1 I. Thus these springs, as aided by gravity,

normally hold the bearing blocks for this roll 1.

down against adjustable stop means as described hereinafter in further detail in connection with Fig. 8. For moving the roll 20 out of normal position, viz upwardly and rearwardly, huid-operated pressure units as at 14 are provided attached to the frame part 56. The fluid pressure units I4 (one being provided for each end of roll 2U) are preferably connected to a source of pressure supplyso as to act only in one direction', viz to :move the roll 20 out of normal position. In order to bring the roll back down into normal position and hold it there with a predetermined pressure independent of whatever the fluid pressure supply may be, the springs I I, as aided by gravity, are relied on.

APreferably the roll 20, as well as the correspending roll 29' of the upper deck, have mechanisms of known type within or on their bearing blocks for causing these rolls to oscillate in position longitudinally for more effectively distributing uniformly the coating' as received from the fountain roll I8 and transferred to the distributor roll 2|. One suitable form of such mechanism for this purpose is more fully described hereinafter.

The bearing blocks for the fountain roll I8 and the metering roll I9 are slidable horizontally along slideway 'I6 forming a part of frame portion 56. The position of roll I8 in horizontal directions may be semi-permanently adjusted by devices at TI the same or similar to those above described for adjusting horizontally the back-up roll. The bearing blocks for the metering and fountain rolls I8 and I8 are interconnected by a double ended adjustable threaded stud 'I8 which may be adjusted by turning same so as to adjust the nip of the gate rolls.

. In the upper deck, the extra distributor roll 24 (as will be apparent from Fig. l) has its bearing blocks mounted in a slideway 'I8 directed upwardly and rearwardly at the same angle as the slideway I0 for the roll 20'. Also the sliding of the roll 24 downwardly into position may be controlled by the same spring arrangement as shown at 1| in Fig. 2 for roll 20, and roll 24 may be pushed out of normal position by a fluid pressure unit as at 'I9 acting in the same way as the units 14, 'I4' for the rolls 20, 20.

With the above-described arrangement of the rolls, it will be apparent that all of the applicator and distributor rolls may be quickly moved by fluid pressure units individual to each of the movable rolls, out of contact with each other, and out of contact with the gate rolls and backup rolls without disturbing either the positions of the heavy back-up rolls and without disturbing the positions of the gate rolls, which might cause alteration of the fine adjustment of the fountain nip. Thus the problems arising from the inertia involved in moving a whole group of distributor and gate rolls together, as was necessary with prior practice, is avoided, and when the rolls are brought together, any pounding effect against the stop means therefor is minimized, since each stop means has to resist only the inertia involved with an individual roll, rather than a group of rolls. Thus any tendency of jamming the stop means out of proper fine adjustment is avoided. Furthermore, the arrangement is such that at least one of the distributor rolls in each deck (2 I, 2 I does not have to be moved at all in starting and stopping the machine. These factors all contribute to reduction of the expense of constructing and maintainlng the machine, as well as facilitating the easy accurate adjustment of the various roll positions and the proper accurate retaining of such adjustments. f

It will be further apparent that, with the above-described roll arrangement, each of the distributor and applicator rolls may be individually removed for repair or replacement without disturbing other rolls. This may be accomplished by the use of an overhead crane, supplemented by any suitable simple carriage means for supporting certain of the rolls as they are moved vertically and then endwise out of the machine. The rolls 23, for example, may be moved individually first upwardly and then endwise out of the machine upon disconnecting the fluid pressure operating units therefor. Similarly the applicator roll 22 may be removed by rst lowering it below slideway `ITI and then moving it end- Wise on a carriage out of the machine. To remove the rolls 2|, 2|', the rolls 23, 23 are first moved up to their upper positions, whereupon clearance will be available for moving rolls 2 I, 2 I upwardly and slightly rearwardly out of contact with the other rolls. To remove the extra distributor roll 24 of the upper deck, the roll 20' is first thrust upwardly by its pressure operating units, whereupon sufficient clearance will be available for removing roll 24 upwardly and rearwardly. It will be apparent that rolls 20, 20 may be readily removed upwardly and rearwardly. The gate rolls I8, I9 may be removed by sliding them rearwardly on slideway i6, and then lifting them upwardly. It will be apparent that the back-up rolls I5 and I6 also may be slid forwardly and removed upwardly without disturbing any other rolls.

When the paper web breaks or the machine is toY be stopped, the applicator rolls are nrst and Aflexibly coupled telescopic `connections such as Kindicated generallyat. That is, each of these z; lconnections maycomprise a pair of flexible couplings gas at 8|, 8 2 ofany suitable known type,

permitting i a considera lmovement, these couplings being interconnected by telescoping shaft portions as at 83, 84, which are splined against relative rotational movement, but are free to telescope longitudinally, so that immediately withdrawn from normal operaties s in view of the flexible couplings, each of the rolls position, so that coating composition will not be of thecoating machine may be adjusted in posirapplied to the rubber back-up rolls. Then the .tion and also moved into and out of active posioscillating distributor rolls 20, 20 are promptly vtion as above described, without disconnecting movedup toan inactive position to discontinue 'the drive means therefor. `the supply of coa-tins to the Subsequent rolls. and, loA The back-up roll I5 may be driven from the in the Case 0f the upper deck, this is OllOWed 'same source of power as used to drive the paper promptly by moving the extra distributor roll 24 machine, out of contact with roll 2|', or the rolls 20', 24 The flexible drive connections for each of the may he mOVed up Substantially Simultaneously, applicator rolls, as at 23, etc., may be driven from roll 20', however, going up Slightly further than 15 individual variable speed motors ask at 85, conroll 24 so that they will come out of contact. In nected through suitable reduction gearing 86. starting up the machine', t0 bring the rolls to- The drive gearings for the distributor rolls, in- -gether, the order of movement of the various rolls @hiding the vibrator m11 and also for the gate is reversed. y rolls, are preferably all contained in a gear hous- While it Will generally be preferred t0 use beth 20 ing r8l (one such housing for each deck), the Dail's Of ap'DliCatOI' IOlls in Offler t0 apply SuCCeS- gearing therein all being driven by a single Vari- SVely tWO coatings to each side of the papel, it able speed motor as at 88, so that if, for example, -Wllbe apparent that ,either 011e 0f ea-Ch 0f such the speed ofthe gate rolls is either increased or pairs maybe Withdrawn from HOImal DOSitiOh hy decreased, then the speeds of the distributor rolls the fluid pressure operating units therefor, S0 as g5 will all beincreased or decreased in proportion, tO'aDply Ohly a single Coating, tO each surface Of which is desirable for the proper control of the the web. transfer of coating material from the gate rolls .The back-up rolls are provided With suitable onto Successive distributor rolls, drive means whereby they Will have a Surface Referring now more particularly to Fig. 4, the speed equal t0 that .0f the papel running through :lo shaft 88 of motor 88 extends into the housing 81 lthe paper maehine- The aPDliCatOI. IOllS, hOW- andy has fixed thereon a pair of Worm gears 89, ,eVeI'i are preferably driven by suitable means s0 90, which respectively mesh with gears 9|, 92, aslto have Surface speeds slightly different from which are xed to shafts 93, 94, respectively. `that of the paper, for example, ve feet per min- Shaft 94l has sprocket and chain connections, as ute faster in the case of, applicator rolls 23, 22', 3:, indicated at 95, 96, 91, 98, with lshafts 2Is, 20s. vapplicator rolls 22, 2 3 preferably running faster The latter shafts are for driving the distributor still. This insuresV that the coating will be aproll 2| and the vibrator roll 2|). Suitable means plied with a slight WiDingaCtiOIly COltl'ibuting t0 of known type, as indicated at 99, are provided the obtaining of a smooth level coat. The drivfor adjustabiy, tightening the chain 95, ing of the applicator rolls slightly faster than 4u Shaft 93 has' sprocket and chain connecting the paper, and the second of each` pair Slightly means, as indicated at |00, I0| and |02 for drivfaster than the first, also assures that the paper, ing shaft |8s, the latter shaft serving to drive where'it is being coated, will be maintained unthe fountain roll I8. Suitable means of known der .slight extra-tension, thus preventing any type are provided, as indicated at |03 for adjustbulging or wrinklingeiects and insuring that the 45 ably tightening the chain IDI. a lp'aper surfaces being coated will be held firmly uA shaft|9s is providedfor driving the metering --spread out against the velvet finished hard metal roll I9 and such drive is dependent upon the drive iapplica'tor rolls, whereas any irregularities in the -lor `the fountain 17011.18.` The arrangement of ..thicknessof th'egpaperwill be pressed into the gearing for this purpose will be readily apparent rubber back-.up rolls and thus not interfere with 50, from Fig. 6 (see gears |04|08 inclusive). This forming the desired level coating. Since no rubarrangement of gearing insures that if anything .ber rollsare brought into contact with the paper should happen to interrupt the rotation of the esurfaces beingcoated, thetroubles due to tackifountain roll, the rotation of the metering roll ness of rubber applicator rolls as heretofore will likewise be interrupted. Thusirregular Wear fused in this class of machine, are avoided. 55 or abrasion of one against the .other Will be -Distributor rolls 2|,- 2l may be driven by suit-` avoided, for example, if the drive chain l0l or able means to have surface speeds approximating other parts of the drive for the fountain roll that of rolls 23, 22,', While the extradistributor should break or become disconnected. --vroll 24 isdriven somewhat slower, and the oscil- Reference will now be had to Figs. 7 and 8, latingrolls fountain rolls, and metering rolls still 6U which illustrate in further detail a typical bear- :siower in succession.` ing and associated parts as arranged for sup- Reference will now be had particularly to Figs. porting and controlling the vibrator rolls. 13;'6 inclusive, which 'illustrate a preferred ar- The vibrator rou shaft end is indicated in Figs. rangement of driveY gearing for the various rolls, 6 and 7 at ||0 and same is mounted for rotation, elio/se rfigures showingsuch arrangement as ap- 65 as well as for endwise reciprocation in bearing lplied'to the lower dem but it will be under- III, such bearing being carried in housing Darts stood that similar driving means is to be provided as at ||2, l|3 Which haVe internal Walls 0f fdr 'the'rous of the' upp'er decky spherical shape as shown, and these housing AS will ,be apparent from pig 3,J the 'Shafts for parts being carried inthe slideway 10, hereinleachyof .the rolls respectively may be drivenby 70 above referred to, for permitting the roll to be shifted from active to inactive position and vice versa under the control of the hydraulic devices, such as at 14 (see Fig. 2). That is, device 14 acts to thrust the vibrator roll up to inactive posi- 5' tion whenthe machine is stopped, the springs 1| 1l serving to supplement gravity, if desired, in returning the roll down to active position when the fluid is withdrawn from the hydraulic devices 14.

The outer end of shaft H carries a bearing H5, with respect to which the shaft is free to rotate, but with respect to which the shaft is not free to reciprocate. This bearing is held against rotation by guide pin I IS, fixed at one end in the bearing block portion H3, the other end of pin H6 extending slidably through an opening I I1 in a lug portion I I8, which protrudes up from bearing H5. In order longitudinally to oscillate or vibrate the shaft H0 and consequently, the roll carried thereby (or the roll 20'), a pair of hydraulic devices are provided as at |20, |2|. One end of each of these devices, as shown, is suitably fixed as at |22, |23 with respect to the bearing assembly I5, and the other end of each of these devices is pivotally connected as at |24, |25 to the housing portion H3. It will be understood that the hydraulic devices |20, |2| comprise suitable well-known forms of cylinder and piston assemblies, so that when the pistons therein are reciprocated by control arrangements (hereinafter described in connection with Fig. 9), the bearing assembly H5, together with the shaft H0, will be reciprocated back and forth longitudinally.

As shown in Fig. 8, a control switch I 21 may be secured at a suitable point along the guide pin H6 for controlling an electrical circuit, as hereinafter described, which in turn controls the valves for the hydraulic system for actuating the hydraulic devices |20, |2|. The switch |21 may be actuated by a lever |28, which in turn is actuated by stops |29, which are secured in adjustable positions along a rod |3I, one end of such rod being xed to the bearing assembly I I5. The switch |21 may be of a suitable known type which, after the operating lever has been moved substantially to the limit of its travel in one direction, will snap into a position to connect one circuit, and when the operating arm is moved to the limit of its travel in the other direction, the switch will snap over to connect an alternative circuit. Preferably, the construction of the switch and the adjustment of the members |29, |30 are such that the alternative circuits will be connected in each case after the roll shaft H0 has travelled lengthwise for a distance of r about one inch. 'I'he electrical connections for the switch |21 and their relationship to the hydraulic control apparatus will be hereinafter further described in connection with Fig. 9.

Referring now to the lower portion of Fig. 8, a piston rod extension for the hydraulic device 14 is indicated at |34. The upper end of this rod extension is suitably fixed with respect to the bearing block portion I I2 as by hollow threaded member |35, which in turn is secured to the member H2 as by a flange portion |36, welded thereon and carrying threaded pins |31 which extend into the member |35, as shown. The member |35 is surrounded by a threaded nut |38, which may be adjusted longitudinally of the member |35 by engaging a wrench in radial apertures as at |40. The nut |38, as shown, is formed with a peripheral ange I4I, adapted to engage the upper surfaces as at |42 formed on fixed frame portions |43. The iiange portion IIII thus provides a stop means which determines the lowest position of travel of the bearings for the roll 20 (or roll 20') and the position of the adjusting nut I 38 with respect to the rod extension |34, may be very accurately adjusted to determine the pressure with which roll 20 bears against the adjacent rolls I8, 2| (or in the case of roll 20', the pressure with which same bears against rolls I8' and 24). Generally similar accurately adjustable stop means is provided for positioning each of the above-mentioned applicator rolls. as well as the additional distributor roll 24 of the upper deck However, it will be understood that in the case of the applicator rolls 22, 23, 22', 23', springs as at 1| will be omitted, inasmuch as the hydraulic devices for these rolls are double acting, whereas the hydraulic devices for the rolls 20, 20' and 24 are preferably single acting and serve only to thrust these rolls up to inactive position when the machine is stopped.

rl'he provision of means for accurate adjustment of the applicator rolls when in active position is of particular importance, in that by this means one may accurately adjust the relative amounts of coating which pass, for example, from the roll 2| onto the rolls 22 and 23 and thence onto the paper. Usually it will be desired to apply about the same amount of coating by means of the two applicator rolls 22, 23 (as also in the case of the upper "deck rolls 22', 23'). However, if desired, the stop means for rolls 23 and 22 may be so adjusted that these rolls, which are the first to apply coatings respectively tothe two surfaces of the sheet, will apply a thicker coating; and, at the same time, rolls 22 and 23 may have their stop means so adjusted that they will apply a thinner finish coating. Conversely, if desired, the positions of rolls 23, 22' may be adjusted so that these rolls will apply the thinner coatings. The provision of individually adjustable stop means for each end of each of the adjustable rolls as herein described, makes it possible for the operator to very finely adjust the thickness of the coating along the length of each of the rolls quite independently of the adjustment of the other rolls, and without interfering therewith.

Referring now to the diagram of Fig. 9 showing the hydraulic control equipment, a fluid reservoir containing oil, for example, is indicated at |58. A motor driven pump |5| connected to this reservoir serves to provide, with the aid of an accumulator tank |52, a continuous supply of oil under pressure to line |53, having a plurality of branches. one for each control valve for each of the hydraulic control devices for the various rolls which have such devices. For example, a branch line |54 runs through a pressure reducing valve |54 and a shut-off valve, as indicated, and past a pressure gauge, into a four-way valve |55 which is operated in one direction by a solenoid |58 and in the other direction by a spring |51. This valve, normally when the machine is in operation, is held in one position by the solenoid then being energized and in this position, the valve permits fluid to be supplied to hydraulic device 52' for roll 23 in a direction so as to hold this roll down in active position. Then, when the current in solenoid |56 is cut ofi, the spring |51 will shift the position of valve |55 so as to admit fluid to the underside of the piston and hydraulic device 52' and to allow fluid to escape from the upper side of such piston, the escaping fluid passing through a return line |58 back to the reservoir |50. Similarly, when the solenoid |56 is again energized at the time the machine is to be started, the position of the valve |55 is shifted to allow fluid pressure to thrust the piston of device 52' downwardly while allowing fluid to escape from the underside of the piston back to the return line and reservoir.

An adjustable volumetric control valve |59 is preferably inserted in the line which admits the fluid into the hydraulic device 52' for forcing the roll 23' down into active position, this valve being adjustable so as to bring the roll into position as gradually as desired to prevent the stop means for its bearings from being jammed or injured. Also, the upper end of the cylinder of hydraulic device 52 lmay be connected to a small vchamber as at |60 which will normally be lled partly with air and partly with liquid to provide cushioning means in the body of fluid so that the downward thrust of the roll 23' against the stop means for its bearing will be cushioned. even though the fluid is admitted at a quite rapid rate to insure prompt positioning of the roll.

The hydraulic control means for the other applicator rolls 22', 22 and 23, as will be apparent from Fig. 9, are the same as for roll 23', all being controlled through four-way solenoid and spring operated valves as at |55. Also, similar equipment may be used for operating the soi-called pinch roll 30 in the lower deck by the hydraulic device 32 hereinabove mentioned, this device being also controlled by a four-way solenoid and spring-operated valve |55'. That is, when the lmachine is running and the solenoid of valve |55' is energized, the piston of hydraulic device 32 will be held in the left-hand position shown for holding the pinch roll away from the back-up roll I; and when the solenoid valve is deenergized upon stopping the machine, this valve will be shifted to allow iluid to operate the piston of device 32 in the direction for bringing the pinch roll down to apply pressure to hold the paper against the back-up roll I5.

The hydraulic devices 14', 14' and 19 for moving the rolls 2U, 2D' and 24 act only in one direction, that is, to move the rolls out of position, and accordingly, these are controlled by three-way solenoid and spring-operated valves, as at I6`I. That is, with these valves, the solenoids are normally energized while the machine is operating and the solenoids act to hold the valves in a position such that the hydraulic devices 14, 14', 19 are simply connected to the liquid return line |58; but when the solenoids for valves |6| are released upon stopping the machine, they act to shift the valves under the influence of the valve springs to positions such that fluid pressure is one direction, but an adjustable limited rate of flow in the other direction. Thus, these valves may be arranged and adjusted so-that, upon the application of liquid under pressure thereto from the valves |6|, liquid may be admitted to devices 14, 14' at a faster-` rate than to the device 19, whereby rolls 20, 20 will* be moved up more quickly and further than` roll 24.

It may also be here noted that the pressurereducing valves |54', as connected in the several branch pressure lines |54, l54a, etc., are each independently adjustable depending upon the weight of the corresponding roll structure which is tovbe elevated or held in place by the liquid under pressure flowing therethrough. That is, for example, applicator rolls 22 and 22 have to be held up under pressure yagainst the rolls which contact therewith and against the action of gravity, and hence a relatively high pressure will be necessary in the pressure lines to devices 5|, 5| during their normal operation while the machineis running. On the other hand, applic-ator rolls 23,,23' in normal operation will be helddown in position by the action of gravity so as to apply pressure to the rolls which contact therewith and consequently, only a relatively low pressure is required through the pressure lines to devices 52, 52 during normal operation, yet the fluid pressure should, of course, be suflicient to raise these rolls 23, 23' fairly promptly against the action of gravity when the machine is tobe ends thereof, so as to accommodate further movement of the pistons downwardly in the event' the roll surfaces become worn or are re-covered and the above-described stopmeans has to be readjusted to -permit further downward travel of these pistons. Hence, if the liquid were allowed to drain completely out of these extra spaces in the lower ends of these cylinders, air might accumulate therein, thereby causing the pistons to operate with a jumpy movement when liquid pressure is again applied. To avoid this and to insure that these spaces always remain filled with liquid, the inlet connections thereto are preferably formed with upwardly directed gooseneck-like portions as at |62.

The pressure connections to the devices 14, 14,' and 19 also preferably include adjustable volumetric control valves as at |63 of a'suitable known type which will permit free flow therethrough in stopped. n

The volumetric control valves |59 whichv are located in the pressure lines to the hydraulic devices for the applicator rolls may be readily so adjusted as compared with the adjustments of the volumetricv control valves |63 (for rolls I2|), 20' and 24) that the several rolls will be moved to inactive position in the proper sequence as hereinabove described, assuming that al1 of the solenoids of valves |55V and |6| are deenergized concurrently.

The hydraulic circuits for oscillating the socalled "vibrator rolls 20, 20' will now be described with particular reference to the control oi roll 20' in the upper deckf (Like control means is provided for roll 20 in the lower deck and thus need not be separately described, although shown lin Fig. 9.) A branch pressure line runs into a four-way double solenoidoperated valve |66, this valve being movable to one position by solenoid I'61 and to its other position by solenoid |168. These solenoids are normally energized alternatively by the two-way switch |21 (operated in themanner above described in connection with Fig. 8), so that when the roll 20 is to be oscillated longitudinally in `one direction, solenoid |61 will be energized, and during the reverse longitudinal movement of this roll, solenoid |68 will be energized. When valve |66 is in one position, pressure from branch line |65 will be admitted to pipe line |10, thence through branch linejs |19a and 4|1l1b to hydraulic devices |2|, |29 to operate these devices in one direction while liquid from the low pressure'sides of the pistons thereof is allowed to escape through connections |1|a, |1|b and |1I, back to valve |66, thence to branch return line |12. When the switch |21 is moved to its `other position, say at the end of a one inchlongitudinal travel of roll 20', then the position of valve |66 will be reversed, and the hydraulic devices |20, |20' will operate in the opposite direction.

Variable volumetric control valves |13 are preferably inserted in the lines |10 and I1| to permit 'adjustment of the rate'of oscillation of the oscillator roll.

v It will be understood that the arrangement of control apparatus, as shown in Fig. 9, is for controlling the ends of the rolls at one side of the coating machine, and that a similar arrangement of controlling apparatus is provided for the other side of the machine, although the same reservoir, pump, and accumulator may be used for both sides, and, if desired, the branch line pressure regulating valves |54', and also valves |55, I6|, etc., may be common to both sides of the machine.

The electrical control circuits for the solenoids of valves |55, |55', |6| and |66 will now be described with reference to Fig. 10.

As schematically indicated, a suitable known type of photoelectric relay apparatus |80 may be provided, the photocells of which may be located, as indicated at |8l, at the left hand side of Fig. 9, in a position adjacent the sheet of paper passing through the machine, so that upon breakage of the sheet, the photoelectric relay is actuated. Normally, during operation of the paper machine, the photoelectric relay apparatus is conditioned to apply current to lines |82 (Fig. 10). For convenience, we will now refer rst to that part of the circuit of Fig. 10 which is provided for the control of the lower applicator rolls. A relay |83 having three contacts is so connected that, when the contacts are closed. solenoids |56 will be energized, these being the solenoids accompanying the valves |55, which control the connections for hydraulic devices 5|, 52 for the lower applicator rolls (Fig. 9). As will be apparent from Fig. l0, relay |83' is under the control of st-art and stop buttons; that is, the stop button is held normally closed by a spring, and the start button is held normally in open condition also by a spring. With the connections as shown, it will be apparent that when the start button is momentarily pressed, a circuit will be established through the magnet of relay |83 (assuming that lines |82 are energized and thus this relay will be closed and will be maintained closed upon release of the start button by reason of a holding circuit provided through the normally closed contacts of the stop button. Thus, solenoids |56 will continue to be energized through relay |83 until such time as the holding circuit through the relay is interrupted by momentarily pressing the stop button, whereupon the relay contacts will be opened and the solenoids |56 deenergized. As above explained, whenever the solenoids |56 are energized, the hydraulic control devices for the applicator rolls will be subjected to pressure in a direction to hold the applicator rolls inactive position.

From inspection of Fig. 10, it will be apparent that similar circuits are provided for the control of the upper applicator rolls, the upper distributing rolls, the upper vibrating roll; also for the pinch roll and for the lower Vibrating roll. In the control circuits for all the upper rolls, the stop and "start button equipment may be duplicated at upper and lower levels, as schematically indicated at |84 and |85, for example, to permit the operator to control the upper rolls, either while he is standing at the upper deck, or while he is at the floor level.

As indicated at the left hand end of Fig. 10, a similar stop and start button and relay control circuit is provided for controlling a solenoid |86, which in turn controls a valve |81, located in the pipe line through which the coating 16 mixture is being fed to the fountain rolls of the machine.

It will be understood that each of the several lower stop buttons of the circuits of Fig. l0 may be operated individually, or, if desired, any simple bar or the like may be mechanically arranged so that all of these "stop buttons may be pressed simultaneously; and similarly, all of the lower start buttons may be arranged to be pressed individually or simultaneously.

Although certain particular embodiments of the invention are herein disclosed for purposes of explanationy various further modifications thereof, after study of this specication, will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. Reference should accordingly be had to the appended claims in determining the scope of the invention.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. In a machine for coating sheet material, the combination comprising a series of contacting rolls for metering the coating composition and then distributing same onto applicator means, a pair of side frame members on which said rolls are journalled, pivots adjacent the metering roll means for supporting said frame members for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the roll'axes, adjustable screw means for moving said pivots in a direction transverse to the roll axes to move the frame members and rolls as a unit toward or from the applicator means, and adjusting screw means adjacent the applicator means for there supporting said frame members f at a variable height, whereby adjustment of said latter screw means acts to tilt the frame members and rolls as a unit about said pivots to vary the distributor roll elevation with respect to the applicator means.

2. In a machine for coating sheet material, the combination comprising a distributor roll journalled on a horizontal axis, means for delivering coating composition at a predetermined rate onto said roll, a back-up roll around which the sheet material is carried while being coated, said backup roll being journalled on an axis parallel to that of said distributor roll and having its surface spaced substantially to one side from the surface of said distributor roll, a pair of applicator rolls journalled normally in positions whereby the surface of each is substantially tangent to the surfaces of both said distributor roll and said back-up roll, the axes respectively of said applicator rolls being above and below the plane which is common to the axes of said distributor and back-up rolls, frame means constructed and arranged to slidably receive the journals for said applicator rolls and permit movement thereof upwardly and downwardly, and power means connected to the applicator roll journals for slidably moving each of same, whereby either or both of said applicator rolls may be brought into said normal tangential relationships with the other rolls or in separated relation thereto.

3. In a machine for coating sheet material, the combination comprising a distributor roll journalled on a horizontal axis, means including a metering roll for delivering coating composition at a predetermined rate onto said distributor roll, a back-up roll around which the sheet material is carried while being coated, said back-up roll being journalled on an axis parallel to that of said distributor roll and having its surface spaced substantially to one side from the surface of said 17 distributor roll, a pair of applicator* rolls journalled normally in positions whereby thesurface of each is substantially tangent to the surfaces of both said distributor roll and said back-up roll, the axes respectively of said applicator rolls being above and below the plane which is common to the axes of said distributor .and back-up rolls, frame means constructed and arranged to slid'- ably receive the journals for said applicator rolls and permit movement thereof respectively upwardly and downwardly from their normal positions, and power means connected respectively to the journals of said applicatorrolls for slidably moving each of same, whereby the upper applicator .roll may be forced up into spaced relation to the distributor and back-up rolls or lowered to said normal tangential relation thereto, and the lower applicator rollmay be forced up into its said normal tangential position or lowered into spacedrelationto the distributor and back-up rolls.

e. In a machine for coating sheet combination comprising a rubber-covered distributor roll journalled ron4 a horizontal axis, means for delivering coating composition ata predetermined rate and as a thin layer onto said roll, a rubber-covered back-up roll around which the sheet material is carried while being coated, said back-up roll being journalled on an axisv parallel to that of said distributor roll and having its surface spaced substantially to one side from the surface of said distributor roll, and a pair of chrome-plated applicator rolls journalled normally in positions whereby the surface of each is substantially tangent to and under pressure against the surfaces of both said distributor roll and said back-up roll, said distributor roll serving to distribute the layer of coating composition carried thereby, partly on each of said applicator rolls in succession in the form of lms, each of substantially uniform thickness, said chromeplated applicator rolls serving to release and apply thelms carried thereby onto the sheet material as successive level coatings while pressing the sheet surface areas being coated, into level coni dition, the rubber on the back-up roll being sufficiently resilient to meanwhile accommodate irregularities in the thickness of the sheet.

5. In a machine for coating sheet material, the combination comprising a rubber-covered backup roll around which the sheet material is carried while being coated, and a pair of chromiumcovered applicator rolls journalled normally in positions whereby the surface of each rotates under pressure against the sheet material on said l back-up roll, means for delivering coating composition at a predetermined rate onto each of said applicator rolls in the form of films, each of substantially uniform thickness, said chromiumcovered applicator rolls serving to release and apply said films onto the sheet material as successive coatings while pressing the sheet surface areas being coated, into level condition, the rubber on the back-up roll being suflicientlyresilient to acommodate irregularities in the thickness of the sheet while same is thus under pressure.

6. In a machine for coating sheet material, the combination comprising a rubber-covered distributor roll journalled' on a horizontal axis, means for delivering coating composition at a predetermined rate and as a thin layer onto said roll, a rubber-covered back-up roll around which the sheet material is carried while being coated, said back-up roll being journalled on an axis parallel to that of said distributor roll and having material, the.

its surface spaced substantially to one side from the surface of said distributor roll, and a velvetflnished chromiumcovered applicator roll journalled. normally in position whereby its surface is substantially tangentrv tor and 'under pressure against the surfaces of both said distributor roll and said back-up roll, said distributor roll serving to di'stribu'tecating composition carried thereby in'thefform of a film of substantially uniform thickness on' said applicator roll, the chromium covering of the applicator roll serving to release* and 'apply'su'ch fllin ontothe sheet material as a level coating while 'pressing thesheet surface areas being coated, into level condition, the rubber on the back-up-r'oyll beingsuicien-tly resilient to accommodate virregularities in the thickness of the sheetwhil'e same 'is thus under' pressure.

` 7. In av machine for 'coating' paper and the like sheet material, the combination comprising a plurality ofnormally substantially contacting rolls journalledside-by-side irf aseries and including a distributorV roll, l'a back-up roll spaced to one side therefromand around which the paper is carried during coating thereof, gate roll means spaced to theother side from said distributor roll, at least oneint'ermediate distributor roll for carrying coating composition from vsaid gate roll means onto said first-named distributor roll, an

applicatorroll for' carrying coating from said f first-named ldistributor roll and applying it to ythe paper on'said back-up roll, "frame means having slidewayswhichextend transversely of the series ofv rolls for slidably receiving the journals for said intermediate distributor and applicator rolls, and power meansconnected respectively tothe journals of each of intermediate distributor and applicator rolls to movev same'along said slideways for opening'the nips between all'the rolls while the other rolls remain in normal position.

8. In a machine for coatingv paper and the like sheet material, the combination comprising means for metering, distributing and forwarding vcoating composition to an applicator, said means including-a series of normally substantially sideby-side contacting rolls; viz. a metering roll, a fountain rollytwo intermediate distributor rolls and a final distributor rolljone of said intermediate rolls partially overlying said fountain roll, a pair of side frame members on which said rolls are journalled, 'said frame members having slideways for'the roll journals, the slideways for said fountain and metering roll journals being directed horizontally, andftliose forthe intermediate roll n journals being directed lupwardly and rearwardly, wherebythe.nipsbetween all said rolls may be independently adjusted or opened.

r9. lIn a machine for coating paper and the like sheet material, the combination comprising a plurality of normally substantially contacting rolls journalled side by side in aseries for metering,'distributing` and applying coating material to thesheet material', fluid-operatedY cylinder and piston devices connected to the bearings of certain of said l,rolls forjthrusting same out of contact with adjacent rolls 'when the machine is to be rendered inactive, Va source of fluid under pressure for'actuatingv said devices, connections 'from' 'said source individualV to said devices for each yof said certain rolls; an adjustablejpressure reducing valve and also an adjustable volumetric control valve'in each of said connections, and additionalfvalvemeans in eachof said connections for alternatively admittingiluid to said devices for each of said certain rolls to actuate same in one direction or to release'such fluid from said devices when the pistons therein reverse direction.

10. In a machine for coating paper and the like sheet material, the combination comprising means for guiding the sheet material through the machine, a plurality of normally substantially contacting rolls journ'alled side by side in a series for metering.. distributing and applying coating material to the sheet material, duid-operated cylinder and piston devices connected to the bearings of certain of said rolls for thrusting same out of contact with adjacent rolls when the machine. is to be rendered inactive, a source of uid under pressure for actuating said devices, connections from said source. individual to said devices for each roll, solenoid-operated. valve means in each of saidconnections for. alternatively admitting uid to each ofA said devices to actua-te same in one direction or to releasesuch fluid from said devices when. the pistons therein are to be moved in the' reverse direction,.photoelectric relay apparatus operable in responsev to breakage of the sheet material running through the machine, and electrical circuits controlled by said relay apparatus andl connected to control the solenoids of said valve means to actuate the latter and thus cause actuation of said devices upon said breakage of the paper.

1l. In a machine for coating paper and the like sheet material, the combination comprising a distributor roll, means for supplying coating material thereto, a back-up roll spaced to one side from said distributor roll and around which the paper is carried during coating thereof, a pair of applicator rolls for carrying coating from said distributor roll and applying it to the paper on said back-up roll, frame means having slideways which extend transversely of the rolls for. slidaare to be lmoved in the bly receiving the journals for said applicator rolls, duid-operated cylinder and piston devices connected to the journals of said applicator rolls for thrusting same in. opposite directions out of contact with said distributor and back-up rolls when either applicator roll. is tov be rendered inactive, a source of uid under pressure for actuating said devices, connections from said source individual to said devices for each. applicator roll, adjustable pressure reducing valves in each of said connections, solenoid-operated valve means in each. of saidconnectlonsfor alternatively admitting fluid to said devices. to actuate same in one direction or to release such. fluid from said devices when the pistons are tobemovedin the reverse direction, and electrical connections controlling said solenoid-operated valve means for each applicator roll concurrently or, individually, whereby the applicator rolls may both bemoved to inactive position or one may be moved to inactive position when but a single. coating is to be applied to the paper.

12. In a machine for coating paper and the like sheet material, the combination comprising means for guiding the sheet. materialv through the machine, a plurality of normally substantially contacting rolls journalled side by side. in a series for metering, distributing and applying coating material to the. sheetmaterial, fluid-operatedv cylinder and pistonY devices. connected to the bearings of certain of. said rolls.- for thrusting same out of. contact with adjacent rolls .when the machine is to be rendered inactive, a. source of iluid under pressure for actuating said devices, connections from said source individual to said devices for each. roll, solenoid-operated valve means in-'each of said connections forV alternatively admitting fluid to said devices to actuate same irr one direction or to release such fluid from said devices when the pistons thereof are to be moved in the reverse direction, and electrical control means for simultaneously operating the solenoids of said valve means upon breakage of the sheetl material, and said fluid connections having therein adjustable volumetric ,control valves whereby the rate of movement of said devices for each roll may be controlled individually.

1'3. In a machine for coating paper and the like sheet material, the combination comprising a.v distributor .roll covered with resilient material, means. for4 supplying coating material thereto, a back -up roll'. covered with resilient material and spaced to one' side from said distributor roll and around which the. paper is carried during coating thereof, a velvet-finished metal-covered applicator roll for carrying coating from said distributor roll and applying it to the paper on said back-up roll, means for normally holding said applicator roll under substantial pressure against said distributor roll and against the paper on the backup roll, and driving means for said rolls respectively, the driving means for the applicator roll normally driving same at a surface speed somewhat greater than the surface speed of said backuproll.

14. In a machine for coating paper, the combination comprising a distributor roll having a resilient covering and journalled on a horizontal axis, means for delivering coating composition at a predetermined rate and as a thin layer onto said roll, a back-up roll having a resilient covering and around which the paper is carried while being coated, said back-up roll being uiournalled on an aXis parallel to that of said distributor roll and having its surface spaced substantially-,f to one side from the surface of said distributor roll, and an applicator roll having a metal covered surface and journalled normally in a position whereby its surface is substantially tangent to and under pressure against the surfaces of both said distributor roll Yand said back-up roll, said distributor rollserving to distribute coating composition carried .thereby in the form of a lm of substantially uniform thickness on said applicator roll, the metal covering of the applicator roll serving to release and apply sucn film onto the paper as a level coating while pressing the paper surface areas. being coated, into level condition. the resilient surface on the back-up roll accommodatingirregularities in the thickness of the paper while same is thus under pressure` WILLIAM A. ZONNER.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number N ame Date 472,286 Clause Apr. 5, 1892 726,473 Smith Apr. 28, 1903 2,089,524 Abrams et al Aug. 10, 1937 2,105,981 Massey et al. Jan. 18, 1933 2,167,430 Booty et al. July 25, 1939 2,236,239 Lipton Mar. 25, 1941 2,398,844 Muggleton et al. Apr. 23, 1946 2,406,057 Barrett et al. Aug. 20, 1946 2,520,768 Kunicki Aug. 29, 1950 2,555,536 Faeber June 5, 1951 2,556,032 Faeber June 5, 1951

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