US2679799A

US2679799A - Paper feed mechanism for duplicating machines and the like

Info

Publication number: US2679799A
Application number: US119624A
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard W Bailey
Original assignee: MILO HARDING Co
Current assignee: MILO HARDING Co
Priority date: 1949-10-05
Filing date: 1949-10-05
Publication date: 1954-06-01
Anticipated expiration: 1971-06-01

Description

June 1, 1954 R. w. BAlLEY 2,679,799

PAPER FEED MECHANISM FOR DUPLICATING MACHINES AND THE LIKE I iii- 190$ 2 212 15 190 .I. C "I 1 IN V EN TOR. .lQ/CHAQD WBA 0.5x

p aww June 1, 1954 R. w. BAILEY PAPER FEED MECHANISM FOR DUPLICATING MACHINES AND THE LIKE '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed 001;. 5, 1949 III M if! 1| 1| Elm/A20 WTBA LEY,

{QTTORN'EY- June 1, 1954 R. w. BAILEY PAPER FEED MECHANISM FOR DUPLICATING MACHINES AND THE LIKE 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 5, 1949 INVENTOR.

"(BA/LE);

June 1, 1954 R. w. BAILEY PAPER FEED MECHANISM FOR DUPLICATING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed OCT. 5, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 'llllilllllllllllllllll Q Q g "R i INVENTOR. JP/cHARo WBAILEY;

a. Mazd June 1, 1954 R. w. BAILEY PAPER FEED MECHANISM FOR DUPLICATING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 5, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. RICHARD WBA/LEY,

flrroeA/EY.

June 1, 1954 w, BAILEY 2,679,799

PAPER FEED MECHANISM FOR DUPLICATING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed 001;. 5, 1949 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 JNVENTOR. I 1901.420 "(BA/1,5);

June 1, 1954 R. w. BAILEY 2,679,799

PAPER FEED MECHANISM FOR DUPLICATING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 5, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 850aif -k $1 I N V EN TOR. /CHAED W B411. E),

63:1 aa/W JQTTORNEY- Patented June 1, 1954 UNITED STATES RATENT OFFICE PAPER FEED MECHANISM FOR DUPLICAT- ING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Richard W. Bailey, Pasadena, Calif., assignor to Milo Harding Company, Los Angeles, Calif., a

partnership This invention relates to printing or duplicating machines of the type employing a rotatable printing drum; more particularly, it relates to paper feed mechanism for such machines.

It is an object of this invention to provide improved mechanism of this character.

It is another object of this invention to provide paper feed mechanism wherein the loading of the paper magazine is simplified, the paper feed starting thereafter automatically and without attention on the part of the operator. Furthermore, the feed stops automatically just before the paper in the magazine is exhausted. Thus, no further attention on the part of the operator is necessary after once loading the magazine and starting the machine until it is desired to reload the magazine.

It is another object of this invention to provide improved means for accurately registering the printing on the paper.

Duplicating machines commonly employ an impression roller or platen for urging the paper against the printing drum. It is another object of this invention to provide improved means to prevent such roller or the like contacting the stencil on the drum when no paper is interposed, thus avoiding transfer of ink from the drum to the roller and subsequent soiling thereby of the back of the printed sheets.

It is another object of this invention to provide a paper feed mechanism for duplicating machines and the like, capable of handling heavy paper stock, such for example as postal cards.

It is another object of this invention to provide a paper feed mechanism including means for advancing successive sheets from the top of a stack of such sheets contained in a magazine, having means for preventing the sheets from adhering together, thus avoiding the feeding or advancing of more than one sheet at a time.

It is another object of this invention to provide a paper feed mechanism including a paper magazine, having improved means for maintaining the sheets in said magazine in proper posi tion for feeding to the printing drum.

It is another object of this invention to provide paper feed mechanism having simple control means operated by the pressing or release of a control member.

This invention possesses many other advantages and has oth r objects which may be made more easily apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose there is shown one form in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present speci- Cal fication. This form will now be described in detail, illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a duplicating machine incorporating the invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation thereof, partly broken away to show the paper magazine structure;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary bottom plan view, on an enlarged scale, of the bottom of the magazine, taken substantially as indicated by line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a detail section, taken substantially as indicated by line 44 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary longitudinal section on an enlarged scale, taken substantially as indicated by line 5-5 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a detail section showing the paper feed roll and control arm of Figure 5, but in different operating positions;

Figure '7 is a longitudinal section of the paper feed control arm;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary cross section, taken substantially as indicated by line 88 of Figure 5;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal section on a further enlarged scale, taken substantially as indicated by line 9-9 of Figure l, certain parts being omitted to clarify the showing;

Figure 9-a is a detail of one of the cams of Figure 9;

Figure 10 is a transverse section, taken substantially as indicated by line Ill-l0 of Figure 9;

Figures 11 and 12 are views showing different operating positions of the feed roll and control arm actuating mechanism of Figure 9;

Figures 13 and 14 are transverse sections, partly in elevation, taken substantially as indicated by the correspondingly numbered lines of Figure 9;

Figure 15 is a detail section taken substantially as indicated by line l5-l5 of Figure 1;

Figures 16 and 17 are detail views showing different operating positions of portions of the paper advancing mechanism of Figure 9;

Figure 18 is a transverse section taken substantially as indicated by line l8-l8 of Figure 16;

Figure 19 is a detail section on an enlarged scale, taken substantially as indicated by line 19-49 of Figure 18;

Figure 20 is a fragmentary longitudinal section on an enlarged scale similar to Figure but on a further enlarged scale, showing an attachment adapting the paper feed mechanism for heavy stock;

Figure 21 is an elevation partly in section, on an enlarged scale, of the attachment as seen from the right of Figure 20;

Figure 22 is a transverse section taken substantially as indicated by line 22-22 of Figure 21; and

Figure 23 is an enlarged detail of a fragment of Figure 22.

The paper feed mechanism of the invention is shown as incorporated in a duplicating machine having a continuously rotating drum D with a stencil of known type extending partly about its periphery for passing ink from the interior of the drum to print sheets S passed successively between the drum D and an impression roller or platen P, in accordance with the cutting of the stencil, the remainder of the periphery being blank. The sheets S are fed from a magazine M, including an elevatable platform 5 supporting a stack of the sheets and means for properly positioning the stack thereon with respect to the drum D, by feeding means F which is caused to contact intermittently the top of the stack and initiate successively travel of the topmost sheet toward the printing drum. This initial movement of the sheet brings its advancing edge against the contacting surfaces of a pair of gating rollers R, which are normally stationary and stop the advance. However, means synchronized with the rotation of the printing drum D are provided for causing rotation of the gating rollers R to further advance the sheet to engage the printing drum D and impression roller P at such point in the rotation of the drum D as to properly position the printing with respect to the head of the sheet S. The arrangement is such that the feeding means F releases the sheet just after the gating rollers R begin to advance the sheet, which rollers R in turn are caused to release the sheet just after it has been engaged between the printing drum D and the platen P. The printing drum as it rotates thereafter completes the advance of the sheets, during which they are printed, and delivers the printed sheet to a second magazine N on the other side of the printing drum D from the magazine M.

The compression roller P is resiliently urged toward the drum D for confining the sheet received from the gating rollers R thereagainst,

means being provided for cyclically moving the roller P away from the drum D in the interval between the arrival of successive sheets. This means is so arranged that when no sheet is advanced by the gating-rollers R, the roller P is prevented from contacting the printing drum during the succeeding printing cycle, thus preventing an impression directly on the roller surface.

It is desirable that the successive sheets be fed to the gating rollers R from a substantially constant height with respect thereto. Accordingly, automatic means E are provided for elevating the magazine platform 5, controlled by a feeler or arm 7 which is caused to contact the top of the paper stack after each operation of the feeding means F. This arm I also controls the movement of the feeding means into engagement with the top of the stack. If the top is not high enough, the elevating means E is caused to operate and the feeding means F is prevented from engaging the top sheet. When the top sheet reaches the proper height, the elevation of the platform I ceases, and the feeding means F is caused to deliver the top sheet from the stack. Thereafter, the elevation means E is caused to operate as required in accordance with the removal of the sheets S from the stack 6, until the operation of the mechanism is stopped by the operator, or until the platform reaches a predetermined height just before the stack 6 is exhausted, when the elevating means E is automatically rendered inoperative.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the duplicating machine is shown as comprising a frame I providing a horizontal bed plate 2 with the drum D supported at an intermediate point thereon by the aid of longitudinally extending

Walls

3 and 4 respectively adjacent the front and back edges of the frame I. The wall 3 has a horizontal inwardly directed flange S-a forming a protective covering for some of the operating mechanism. The back wall 1 is spaced inwardly from the back edge of the frame I and has a horizontal flange 4-0. extending substantially flush with said frame edge, a sheet metal cover l-b removably secured as by screws 4-c cooperating with the frame and flange 4-a to form a dust proof housing -d for other parts of said operating mechanism.

The drum D and its manner of mounting, may be of any suitable type, for example such as that disclosed in my copending application filed July 21, 1948, under Serial No. 105,942, and entitled Rotary Printing Drum for Duplicating Machines. Thus, as shown in Figures 1 and 13, the drum D is mounted on the members 9 and I0 rotatably supported on the

walls

3 and 4 respectively. The member It normally drives the drum D for which purpose it is fixed on the inner end of a short shaft l i (see Figure 13) which extends through a bushing l2 fixed in the wall 4, to a bearing I3 suitably supported (by means not shown) within the housing 4-03. A pulley l4, fixed on the shaft 1 l, is connected in driving relation by a belt 15, with a pulley [6 (see Figure 2) driven through an appropriate speed reducer I! by a small motor I 8 mounted within the housing 4-d. When necessary, the drum D may be rotated by the aid of the hand crank C and the optionally engageable gearing 8.

The paper feeding means F comprises a cylindrical member or roller 20 having a peripheral band 2| formed of sponge rubber or being otherwise arranged to exert a frictional drag on the sheets to be printed. The band 21 is confined between a pair of end plates 22, having non-circular apertures for slidingly accommodating the shaft 23 and forming a splined connection therewith, for which purpose the shaft 23 and the said openings may be square as shown. The feed roller 20 is retained in adjusted axial position on the shaft 23 by a coiled spring 24 within the roller 20, frictionally engaging the exterior of the shaft 23 and confined between the end plates The shaft 23 has an enlarged cylindrical end portion 25 rotatably mounting the shaft 23 in an arm or lever 26 mounted on the exterior of the bushing l2 for angular movement thereabout to raise and lower the feed roller 20. A pulley 21 fixed on shaft 23 is connected by a belt 23 to a pul ley 29 fixed on the drum shaft i so that the feed roller 20 rotates continuously with the drum D.

The arm 26 is operated cyclically to raise and lower the feed roller 28 in accordance with the rotation of the drum D by the aid of a cam member 30 mounted on the shaft H (see Figures 9, 11, 12 and 13), and which it will be noted has high and low portions 30-0. and 30-h respectively, which are circular about the axis of the cam. A lever member 3! pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on a pin 32 fixed in the wall 4 carries a roller or cam follower 33 at one end which engages the cam 35 and a roller 34 at its opposite end for engaging a surface -11 on the bottom of arm 26. The weight of the arm 26, together with that of the feed roller 2!] and asso ciated parts urges the arm 25 downwardly to engage the roller 35 and swinging the lever 3! to cause the cam follower 33 to engage the cam 38. Thus, as the cam 50 rotates, the lever 3! is oscillated about its pivot 32, raising and lowering arm 26 together with the feed roller 25, the circular cam surfaces a and providing periods of dwell when the roller is at its upper and lower positions respectively. The roller 25 as it moves downwardly is adapted to engage the top of the sheet stack 5 if at the predetermined elevation previously discussed, the rotation of the roller 20 advancing the top sheet S toward the printing drum D. If desired a tension spring 35 may be connected to the arm 25 to increase the force urging the roller 2!) against the stack 5.

As previously mentioned and as will be discussed more fully hereinafter, it is desirable that the sheet S be within a predetermined range of elevation with respect to the drum T when fed from the stack 5. Thus, the platform 5 which supports the sheet stack 5 is formed with depending side and end flanges 5-03 and 5-1) and is supported on a pair of transverse bars 35 and which engage the side flanges 5-5: (see Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9). The bars 39 and extend to points beneath the flanges 3-11 and 5-05 respectively for which purpose slots 55 are provided in wall 4. The

bars

39 and 58 are supported by pairs of cables or tapes ll-42 and 4545 engaging their opposite ends respectively.

Referring to Figure 9, the element or tape 42 extends upwardly from the bar 39, over a rotatably mounted sheave 45, downwardly and about a sheave M to a winding drum 59. Similarly, the element or tape id. extends upwardly from the bar 55 over a rotatable sheave 48, downwardly to the sheave ll and thence to the drum 5!), being wound on the element 52, the slightly increased rate at which the element 44 winds or unwinds due to this arrangement being of no consequence since the elements are very thin. As shown in Figure 5, the elements All and 53 are similarly arranged and wind on a common drum 49.

As shown in Figure 10, the drums 55 and 5B are fixed on a tubular shaft 53 which extends between the walls 3 and being rotatably mounted in

bosses

55 and 55 respectively provided therein. The shaft 55 is arranged to be driven by a ratchet wheel 5? operated by a pawl 55, the ratchet wheel 5? being fixed on one end of a shaft 55 which extends through the shaft 53 and is supported for independent axial and rotary movement therein. The ratchet wheel 5'! is connected in driving relation with the drums 49 and 55, and shaft 55 by means of a pin 55 projecting from drum 55 and engaging an aperture 5| in the ratchet wheel 5?. The shaft 55 extends through the wall 5, having an operating knob 52 secured on its outer end; a compression spring 55 confined between the knob 52 and a suitable abutment in the bearing boss 55 normally maintaining the ratchet wheel 5'! in driving relation with the drum 55. When it is desired to disconnect the ratchet wheel 51, axial force is applied to knob 62 to move the shaft 59 and the ratchet wheel 51 sufficiently to the left to free the ratchet wheel from the pin 65. This will allow the platform 5 to return to its lowermost position by gravity, a counterbalance spring 54 serving to check its fall and assist in its elevation. Release of the knob 52 allows return of the ratchet wheel 5'! and shaft 59 to their normal positions, appropriate angular movement of the ratchet wheel 51 by means of the knob 62 serving to align the pin and aperture 6| for reengagement. It will be noted that the pawl 58 has an elongated claw 53-a for maintaining engagement with the ratchet wheel 51 and supporting the pawl 58 in either axially adjusted position of the ratchet wheel. A pawl 66 which prevents reverse rotation of the ratchet wheel 5'! is similarly arranged to maintain contact with the ratchet wheel at all times. To limit rotation of the ratchet wheel 57 so that upward movement of the platform 5 automatically at an appropriate point ceases, a blank space 57-11 without teeth is provided on the periphery of the ratchet wheel 5'! (see Figure 9). When this space ail-a reaches the pawl 58, movement of the pawl is no longer effective to advance the ratchet wheel 57, the parts being so proportioned that the movement of the platform 5 ceases when the platform 5 is a short distance below the elevation from which the sheets S are fed, so that a few sheets of the stack 6 remain.

The feeler or control arm I for controlling the elevation of the platform 5 (see Figures 5, 7 and 14) is mounted on a square tubular rock shaft 10 for angular movement therewith, being clamped in adjusted axial position thereon by means of a thumb screw H. Arm 1 has an ad justable contact surface 12 for engaging the top of the stack 5 provided by one end of a member i3 pivotally mounted by the aid of pin 74 near the outer end of the arm 3. A light compression spring 15 engages the other end of the arm 13 urging surface 12 toward the arm I, such movement being controlled by a thumb screw 16. In this way, the angular relationship between the rock shaft 15 and the contact surface l2 may be altered.

As shown in Figure 14, the shaft H3 extends between the walls 3 and A, one end being supported by a cylindrical sleeve H fixed on the shaft Hi and rotatably mounted in a hushed hub '78 in the wall 5-11. The other end is supported on a control shaft 85 extending axially through the tubular rock shaft i5 and supported in a hub 8| on the wall 3 by a spacer sleeve 82. Between the end of the shaft and the sleeve 82, the hub of a short lever 53 is secured in angularly adjusted position on the shaft by a set screw 85. A link is connected adjacent one end to the lever 83 and to a tension spring 86 which urges the lever 53 and the shaft 55 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (see Figure 5). The other end of the link 85 has a slot 85-0, engaging a pin 81 carried by one arm 88-a of a bell crank 88 pivotally mounted in the wall structure 3. A tension spring as is connected to the bell crank arm 58-0, in opposition to spring 56 and of such strength as to prevent movement of the link 85 by spring '85.

The other arm 88-?) of the bell crank 88 is connected to a vertically extending link which projects above the wall structure 3 and carries 7 anoperatingbutton 9| at its upper end. A stop pin 92 serves by engagement with the wall flange 3-a to limit upward movement of the link 90, thereby limiting movement of the bell crank 88 by spring 89 and determining the angular position of the shaft 80.

A tooth 90a provided on the link 90, is adapted to engage beneath a fixed stop or lug 93 upon appropriate downward movement of the link 90, the link thereafter being swung to the left about its pivotal connection with the bell crank arm 88-2) and the downward force released to cause the tooth Bil-a to engage the stop 93. This locks the link 90 and the operating button 9| in their lower positions.

This downward movement of the link 90 swings the bell crank arm ES-a to the right, freeing the link 85, by virtue of the slot 35a, for movement to the right in response to the force of the spring 86 which movement turns the lever 83 and shaft 80 counterclockwise.

The swinging or latching movement of the lever Sc toward the lug s3 is opposed by a tension spring 85 connected to an extension 90-1) of the link 90 below its point of attachment to the bell crank arm 38-h. Thus, when the link 90 is locked in its lower position upon exertion of momentary downward pressure to free the tooth Eli-a from the lug 93, the spring 95 will swing the link to the right so that the tooth 90-a clears the lug 93, and allowing the spring 89 acting through the bell crank 88, to return the link 98 to its upper position. Shaft 80 at the end remote from the lever 83 is supported by a bushing 96 in the sleeve H for rotation independently thereof, the shaft 80 projecting from the sleeve I1 and having an upwardly directed holding member 91 secured thereon. (See also Figures 9, 11 and 12.)

As clearly shown in Figure 14, an operating arm Ice is suitably secured on a reduced extension :i-a of the sleeve I? for angular movement therewith. This arm I00 has a downwardly directed portion IilI pivotally connected to one end of a link I02 which is connected for operation by an arm I03 by means of a slot 32-11 at its other end engaging a pin I03-a at an intermediate point on the arm I83. This arm I03 is pivotally supported within the housing 4-d as by a pin Hi l secured to wall 4. The upper end of the arm I 33 rotatably supports a roller or cam follower E35 which is urged toward the cam 30 by a tension spring I 35 connected to the arm I03. Thus, the cam 30 rotates, the arm I is raised and lowered cyclically with the rotation of the drum D between positions respectively above and below the predetermined elevation of the top of the stack unless downward movement of the arm I is checked by contact of the surface I2 thereon with the stack 6. When the downward movement of arm I is thus checked, the slot I02-a allows the arm I03 to continue movement under the influence of spring I06 so that roller I05 remains in contact with the cam 30, insuring more quiet and smoother operation of the mechanism. As previously discussed, the cam 30 also operates to raise and lower the feed roller 20 by means including the cam follower 33. As clearly shown in Figures 9, 11 and 12, the cam follower I 05 which operates to raise and lower the arm I is angularly displaced about the cam 35 from the cam follower 33 so that arm 1 is raised out of contact with the stack before the feed roller 20 engages the stack 8 to advance the top sheet S.

The pawl 58 which operates the ratchet 5.1 for elevating the platform 5 is pivotally secured to the link I02 and depends therefrom into releasable engagement with the ratchet wheel 5! due to the Weight of the pawl. As the link I 02 moves back and forth in accordance with the movement of the arm I03 operating the control arm I, the pawl 58 advances the ratchet wheel 51 and the winding drums 49 and 50 in a clockwise direction (see Figure 9), elevating the platform 5 and the stack 5 of sheets S thereon. When the top of the stack 6 reaches the proper or predetermined elevation, the travel of the arm I together with the connected parts is so restricted by engagement of the arm surface I2 with said top that the pawl 58 does not have sufiicient travel to engage successive teeth on the ratchet wheel 57. This may be termed conveniently the normal limit of movement of the arm I. Thus, rotation of the ratchet wheel 51 and

drums

45 and 50 ceases and the elevation of the platform 5 stops. reverse rotation and lowering of the platform 5 being prevented by the pawl 66. However, as the sheets S are fed from the top of the stack 6 by the feeding means F, the elevation of the top decreases and the travel of the arm I and connected parts increases beyond said normal limit, the increased travel of the pawl 58 soon becoming sufiicient to enable the pawl to engage the next tooth on the ratchet wheel 51, imparting rotation to the ratchet wheel and raising the platform 5. By appropriate proportioning of the parts, the top of the stack 6 may be maintained at the proper elevation within close limits.

To prevent feeding of sheets S by the means F when the sheets are not at the proper elevation, means responsive to movement of the arm 1 past the previously mentioned normal limit are provided for preventing the feed roller 20 from contacting the stack 5. Thus, a hook member I09 is provided on the arm 2% which supports the feed roller 20, and is adapted for engagement by a latch member H0 pivotally mounted on an eccentric bushing III adjustably secured to the wall 4 by a screw II2. Rotation of the bushing III serves to adjust the height of the latch IIO with respect to the hook I09. A tension spring H3 maintains the latch H0 normally out of the path of travel of the hook I69. However, the lever I00, operating the rock shaft I0 and arm I etc has an upward extension H4 adapted to engage the latch member H0 upon movement of the control arm 1 past its normal limit of movement, to swing the latch member I I0 to bring the latch surface IIO-a thereof into a position immediately beneath the hook I09 when arm 20 is at the upper limit of its movement. Thus, as the arm 26 starts down, hook I09 engages the surface IIO-a which prevents further downward movement and maintains the feed roller 20 out of contact with the paper stack 5 during the succeeding cycle of operation. Thereafter, at every cycle the cam 30 lifts the arm 26 enough to release the latch member I I0 for movement out of the path of hook i 09 by spring H3, but if the top of the stack 6 is still too low, arm I I4 returns the member IIO to latching position, preventing movement of the feed roller 20 to engage the stack. However, if the top of the stack 6 is at the proper elevation, the movement of arm 7 and connected parts is so limited as to prevent the lever extension I it moving the member I I0 to latching position. This extension H4 is angularly adjustable with respect to the rock shaft I0 and the lever I00, being pivotally mounted at II5 on the lever I00 and retained in adjusted position by a screw H6 on the lever I engaging a slot H1 in the extension I I4.

A second. hook member I is provided on the arm 25, engageable by the holding member 91 on the control shaft 80 when operated to holding position, to prevent downward movement of the arm 26 causing the feed roller 20 to engage the paper stack 5. When the control button 9| is in its upper position, the member 91 is in said holding position, with the arm 26 just below the upper limit of its travel. Movement of the control button 5i to its lower position, as previously discussed, by virtue of slot 85-11, releases link 85 and lever 83 for movement to the right (Figure 5) to cause counterclockwise rotation of the control shaft to in response to spring 86 upon release of the member 51 by upward movement of the arm 25. The slot 85-0! prevents positive movement of the member 91 by downward movement of the control button 5! and possible damage to the parts which would be apt to occur if the member 91 were moved positively before release by the upward movement of the arm 25. The gating rollers R, for delivering the sheets S in proper registry with the printing drum D are indicated by the numerals I23 and I24 (see Figures 5, 16, 17 and 18). Each of these rollers may comprise a rubber shell E25 and I25 to insure against slippage of a sheet S when gripped between the rolls, formed on shafts I21 and I28 respectively. The upper roller I23 is supported for rotation about a fixed axis by the aid of bosses I29 and I provided in the wall structures 3 and I respectively. The lower roller I2 3 is supported for movement toward and away from the roller I23 by arms I3l and I52 pivotally mounted in bosses I33 and I32 provided on the walls 3 and (see Figure 18). One of the arms, such as arm I32, has an angularly offset extension I32a to which a tension spring 135 is connected for urging the lower roller 52d upwardly and against roller I23 (see Figure 9) A pair of members I31 and 38 depend from the opposite end portions of the shaft I28 of the lower roller, having slots I31-a and I38-a respectively engaged by pins I39 and I4!) on the oscillatable arm members MI and I42 for urging the lower roller I24 away from the upper roll I 23 as will be more fully discussed hereinafter. Adjusting screws I314) and I38-b are provided respectively in the members I31 and I38 to alter the timing of the release of the sheet by the rollers 23 and I25. The upper roller I23 is rotated through a definite angle and cyclically with the drum D by the aid of a gear sector Hi l formed on an arm I55 pivotally mounted at M15 in the wall structure 4. This arm I45 has a roller M1 rotatably mounted thereon for engaging a cam I58 fixed on shaft II, a tension spring M9 connected to the arm serving to urge the roller Hi1 toward the cam I48.

The gear sector I42 meshes with a pinion 455 (see Figures 9 and 13) rotatably mounted on the upper roller shaft I21 by the aid of a cup shaped member or shell [5! which forms the driving element of a conventional one-way clutch (see also Figure 19) The other element of the clutch comprises a cylindrical member I52 telescoped within the member i5! and fixed to the shaft 521. A plurality of axially extending recesses l52-a are formed in the exterior of the member $52, which cooperate with the inner surface of the shell I5i to form pockets I53 having converging surfaces between which the rolling elements I54 are confined.

Clockwise rotation of the shell I5I, in accordance with rotation of the pinion I caused by operation of the sector I44 and arm I65 to the right by the cam I 38, will urge the rolling elements I54 into wedging relation between the shell l5I and member I52 in a well understood manner, so that the roller I23 is rotated in sheet advancing direction. Reverse rotation of the shell IEiI caused by return movement of the sector and arm I44 and I45 frees the rolling elements I54 so that the member I52 and roller I23 do not rotate in the oposite direction. The lower roller I25 is driven in sheet advancing direction simultaneously with the upper roller I23 by a pair of gears I55 and I55 respectively fixed on the shafts I21 and 28 (see Figures 5 and 18).

Since the gating rolls I23 and I24 determine the position of the printed matter with respect to the head of the sheet 5, it is important that their rotation advancing the sheet to the printing drum D be accurately timed with respect to the rotation of the drum D. For this purpose the cam I48 (see Figure 9-a) has a depression I48-a which allows the arm I45 and parts operated thereby to return past the normal position or dwell at the end of the return stroke. Thus, when advanced to the normal dwell position, all back lash and lost motion between the parts is taken up, so that when the use or feed 148-12 becomes effective, rotation of the rollers I23 and I24 and advance of the sheet will start immediately and accurately in the required relation with the drum D.

The impression roller or platen P comprises a resilient body I59 of rubber or the like, fixed on a shaft I60 which extends beyond the opposite ends of the body I59 and rotatably engages the arms IBI-a and I62-a respectively of the bell cranks Nil and IE2 (see Figures 5, 16 and 17). The bell cranks I5I and I62 are pivoted at I63 and !64 in the walls 3 and d respectively for movement to cause the roller P to move toward and away from the drum D, a pair of tension springs I65 and IE6 adjustably connected respectively to the other bell crank arms I6 1-17 and 162-1), urging the roller P toward the drum 1).

The previously mentioned arm members Iii and I42 for lowering the lower gating roll I24 are secured on a rotatably mounted shaft 561 extending transversely between the

walls

3 and 4. A pair of arm members I69 and I10, oppositely directed with respect to members I41 and I42, are also secured to the shaft I61, the outer ends thereof upon downward movement being adapted to engage respectively lateral projections IBI-c and I62-c on the bell crank arms IBI-a and I52-a urging the bell cranks clockwise so that the roller P is spaced from the drum D.

The arrangement is such that movement of the shaft 61 in one direction from an intermediate position causes separation of the gating rollers I23 and I25 and releases the impression roller P to urge the sheet to be printed against the printing drum D, movement in the opposite direction from said position allowing the gating rollers I23 and I25 to engage and causing lowering of the roller P to a position clear of the drum D.

An operating arm I12, fixed on the shaft I61 (see also Figure 9) and actuated by a cam member I13 on the shaft II, serves to operate the shaft I51 cyclically in accordance with the rotation of the drum D and operation of the feed roller 20. Arm I12 carries a roller I14 for engaging the cam I13 and is urged in a direction to 11 cause the roller I14 to approach the cam I13 by a tension spring I15.

The cam member I13 has a circular portion I13-a and a lobe I13-b. When the cam follower or roller I14 is in engagement with the circular portion I13-a, the parts are so positioned that the gating rollers I23 and I24 are spaced apart, and the impression roller P is free to engage the drum D (see Figure 17). When rotation of the cam I13 in a clockwise direction brings lobe I13-b into engagement with the roller I14 (see Figure 9), the parts are so positioned that the gating rollers I23 and I24 are in contact and the roller P is restrained from engaging the drum D (see Figure Further rotation of the cam member I13 causes the lobe I13-b to move from engagement with the cam follower I14, allowing arm I12 to move clockwise. This allows the impression roller P to engage the drum D, the parts being so proportioned and arranged that the roller P engages the blank portion provided on the surface of the drum D, as shown in the previously identified copending application, This occurs just before the edge of the sheet S advanced by the pressure rollers R reaches the roller or platen P, so that when the sheet S enters between the roller P and the drum D, the roller P will be revolving at the proper speed.

The impression roller 1? and the gating rolls R are held in this position by engagement of the cam follower I14 with the advancing surface of a rise or lobe I13-c on the cam member I13, which surface may be substantially concentric with the axis of the cam member. Thereafter rotation of the cam I13 causes the gating rollers I23 and I24 to separate just after the sheet is engaged between the platen P and the drum D.

To prevent release of the impression roller P when no paper has been advanced from the magazine M a latch member 416 is provided, having a tooth I16-a for engaging an extension ITE-a of the lever I12 and releasably maintaining the lever I 12 and associated parts against movement to release the roller P (see Figures 5, 9, 16, 1'1 and 18). The latch member I16 is pivotally mounted at I11 for movement between a position engaging the extension I12-a and a position releasing said extension, and is connected by a link I18 with a circular member I19 secured on the end of a shaft I80 extending parallel with and just below the contacting portions of the gating rollers I23 and I24. This shaft I80 is rotatably supported by a boss I8I on the wall 3 and a boss I82 through which it extends, on the wall 4. A short arm I83 is fixed on the shaft I80 adjacent the bearing boss I8I, a tension spring I84 connected thereto resiliently urging the shaft I80 in a counterclockwise direction (see Figures 5 and 18) and maintaining the latch member I16 in position for engaging the extension I12-a.

A plurality of axially spaced radially extending fingers I85 are provided on the shaft I88 and normally extend across the line of contact between the rollers I23 and I24, providing an inclined surface I85-a for engagement by a sheet S advanced by the rollers (see Figure 16). As the sheet S advances, the fingers I85 are depressed, rotating the shaft I80 clockwise and causing the latch I16 to release the lever I12 which in turn releases the impression roller P, as previously discussed (see Figure 17).

The platform 5 which supports the stack 6 of the sheets S has a pair of side members I81, I88 thereon, providing spaced parallel surfacesfor 1 2 laterally positioning the stack 6 and guiding the sheets S as they are fed to the drum D (see Figures 1, 2 and 5). These members I81 and I88 are slidably mounted on the platform 5 by the aid of horizontal extensions or feet I89 and I90. As clearly shown in Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5, the foot extension I90 has the end portions bent down at the opposite ends of the platform 5 to form depending lugs I90-a and I90-b rotatably supporting a shaft I9I on which are mounted gears I92 and I93 engaging respectively racks I94 and I95 fixed on the under side of the platform 5. A light compression spring I9I-a appropriately confined on the shaft I9I against the gear I93 prevents axial looseness of the shaft. The opposite side member I81 is similarly arranged, the foot extention I89 thereof providing depending lugs I89-a and I89-b (Figure 1) rotatably supporting shaft I91 (see also Figures 20 and 21), carrying gears, one of which is shown at I98, respectively engaging the racks I94 and I95 which extend across the platform 5. In this way, the side members I81 and I88 are maintained parallel with each other in all adjusted positions.

The members I81 and I88 are adapted to be secured in adjusted spaced relation on the platform 5 by the aid of a clamping plate 200 extending across the under side thereof (see Figures 1, 3, 5 and 15), and guided for transverse movement by a pair of rectangular blocks 20I and 202 slightly thicker than plate 5, which slidingly engage the

slots

203 and 204 in the platform 5. The plate 200 also has a pair of through

slots

205 and 206 and is supported by the aid of headed

rectangular pins

281 and 208 which extend upwardly through the

slots

205 and 206 respectively, through the blocks MI and 282, and through clearance openings 209 and 2I8 in the foot extensions I89 and I90 of the members I81 and I88 for pivotal attachment of their upper ends between the arms of forked locking levers 2I I and 2I2 respectively. The lower end of lever 2I2 is formed as a cam surface 2I2a, a convex spring member 2I3 through which the pin 209 extends being confined between the cam surface 2I2-a and the foot I90. The other lever 2| I is similarly arranged.

The arrangement is such that when the lever 2 I 2 is inclined to the right as shown in Figure 15, a high portion of the cam surface 2 I 2-a engages the resilient member 2 I3, compressing the member 2I3 and urging the pin 208 upwardly, so that the foot I90 is clamped against the plate 200 by the aid of block 202. The member 2I3 has an extension 2 I3-a, acting as a stop and cooperating to maintain the lever 2 I2 in clamping position. Thus, relative movement between the member I88 and the plate 200 is prevented, the member I88 and the plate 200, however, being readily movable on the platform 5, the gears I 92, I93 in connection with the racks I94, I95 serving to maintain the member I88 in parallelism for all adjusted positions.

Movement of the lever 2I2 to the left to bring the low portions of the cam surface 2 I2-a against the member 2I3, lowers the pin 204, releasing the member I88 from clamping engagement with the plate 200 so that the member I88 may be adjusted on the platform 5 independently of the plate 200. Corresponding operation of the lever 2I I serves similarly to clamp the member I81 for movement with the plate 2 00 or independently thereof.

To facilitate proper lateral positioning of the sheets S with respect to the drum D, means are provided foradjusting-the plate 200, transversely 13 of the platform 5. Thus, after the members I 87 and 88 have been secured in adjusted position to the plate 239, they may be shifted without altering their spacing.

For this purpose, the plate 2% has a short rack 216 secured thereon intermediate its ends and engaged by a gear 2i? mounted on a shaft 2l8 rotatably supported beneath the platform by suitable bearing means 2

l

5 and 220 thereon. The shaft 258 extends rearwardly of the latform 5 and has an operating knob 22i secured thereon exteriorly of the platform. Rotation of the shaft 218 will shaft the member 2% together with the members 58? and H88 if clamped thereon, in an obvious manner.

To locate the forward edge of the stack 6 in the magazine M a stacking post 222 is provided a short distance ahead of the platform 5 and is engageable by the stack 3. The post 222 terminates just below the top of the stack when at the predetermined elevation, so as not to interfere with the feeding of the top sheet S (see Figures 1 and 5). Further, the upper end of the post 222 iS beveled, as at 222a.

The stacking post 222 is mounted for horizontal adjustment on a vertically disposed transversely extending plate 223 by the aid of a bolt 224. The plate 233 is suitably secured to a cross member 228 of the frame I and has its upper end portion bent through a large radius to form an upwardly and forwardly inclined surface 2 3-a cooperating with a transverse member 22%; supported thereabove and having a downwardly and forwardly inclined surface, to form a converging throat 22? for accurately directing the sheets from the top of the stack 5 between the gating rollers E23 and i2 3.

To reduce the possibility of the stacked sheets S sticking together in the magazine M so that more than one sheet is fed at a time, means are provided adjacent the rear of the stack 6 for curving or buckling the sheets in non-uniform manner to partly separate them. For this purpose, a supporting element 230 is provided on each of the side members [8? and I88 having a foot 23! at its lower end for engaging the outer edge portion of the bottom of the stack 6 and supporting it above the platform 5 (see Figures 1, 5 and 8). Each of the elements 239 has a vertically extending portion 232 with the foot 23! at its lower end and projections 233 engageable with the top edge of the side member l8! or ltd near its upper end for suspending the element 232 therefrom. A clip 234 operated by a thumb screw 235 serves to clamp the element 236 in place.

For maintaining the upper sheets of the stack 3 at a difierent curvature than the bottom, a wedge shaped element 237 is resiliently urged between the top portion of the stack 8 and each of the side members i8? and 88 (see Figure 8). This element 237 is carried by the outer end of an arm 238 pivotally mounted on a bracket 239 supported on the upper edge of each of the members i8! and I83, and secured in adjusted position therealong by means of a clip and thumb screw 2A0 and 2M, as before. A weight 242 urges the arm 238 downwardly so that the arm exerts substantially a constant lateral pressure on the upper portion of the stack 5 as the sheets are fed therefrom. The means including the wedge shaped elements 231 and the supporting elements 230 may be adjusted longitudinally of the stack 6 as desired.

For handling heavy paper stock, such as postal cards for example, supplemental means controlling the movement of the sheets from the stack may be desirable. As shown in Figures 20-23, this means comprises a rectangular block 250 having a convex, forwardly and downwardly inclined bottom edge 25fi-a adapted to rest on the top of the stack G-a, when at substantially the proper elevation. The block 250 is guided for limited vertical movement by a pair of pins 25! depending from a bracket 252 and extending downwardly through clearance holes 253 in the block 250, the lower ends of the holes being counter-bored to accommodate the heads 25l-a of the pins 251 and providing shoulders 253-11 which by engaging the heads 25! limit downward movement of the block 25%.

The bracket 252 comprises a narrow inverted U-shaped portion 252-a adapted to engage the vertical portion of the cross member 226 and be releasably retained thereon by the aid of a spring clip 254 secured to one of the legs of the portion 252-a and engageable beneath the inclined portion of the cross member. The parts are so proportioned and arranged that when mounted, the forward face 258-1) of the block 250 is substantially aligned with the stacking post 222 and the forward edge of the stack 6-11.

A plate 255 having a hook like extension 255 providing a slot 25'? is supported on the front face of the block 2% for vertical adjustment with respect to the block 250. As clearly shown in Figure 23, the width of the slot 25? is substantially greater than the thickness of the sheets S-I to be fed, the arrangement being such that by suitable adjustment the lower surface 25l-a of the slot 25! cooperates with the bottom edge 255% of the block 258 to form a restricted opening of such width as to pass only a single sheet. As shown in Figure 21, the surface 25l-a is upwardly convex and, as previously mentioned, the surface 250-a is downwardly convex as well as inclined. Thus, only a limited area of the sheet is contacted, and the frictional drag thereon is reduced.

For adjusting the plate 255, an eccentric 258 engaging a suitable opening in the plate 255 is rotatably mounted on the block 250 b means of a shaft 259 extending through the block and having an operating knob 26!! on its outer end. A pair of screws 25i threaded into the block 25K) and engaging suitable slotted openings 262 in the plate 255, serve to guide the plate 255 for vertical movement, and when tightened to secure the plate 255 in adjusted position.

The operation of the mechanism may now be reviewed. The platform 5 is first lowered to its lowermost position by manipulating the knob 62 to disengage the winding drums 49 and 50 from driving connection with the ratchet wheel 5?.

The knob 52 is then manipulated to reconnectthe winding drums 49 and 5B in driving relation with the ratchet wheel 5'1, and th stack 6 of the sheets S to be printed is placed in the magazine M on the platform 5 between the side members I8! and I88 and against the stacking post 222. To facilitate this loading operation, the arms 238 carrying the wedge elements 231 may be swung upwardly about their mountings 239 to a position in which the elements 23? clear the stack 6. These Wedgeelements 23'! together with arms 238 etc., and the supports 230 are not needed with heavy stock, post cards, and the like, and hence may be removed when using the supplemental heavy stock handling means.

The motor I8 is then energized, causing the shaft II to rotate together with the cam members 3D, I 48 and I I3 thereon and the drum D. The rotation of the cam operates the control arm mechanism to cause the arm I to oscillate between its upper and lower positions, operating the ratchet Wheel 57 to elevate the platform 5 with the stack 6 thereon. When the top of the stack 6 reaches the proper, predetermined elevation for feeding the sheet S therefrom to the printing drum D, downward movement of the arm I is reduced and the mechanism is rendered ineffective to operate the ratchet wheel 57 further.

Rotation of the shaft II also causes the feed roller 20 to rotate, but the roller 20 may b maintained above the stack 6 and out of contact therewith optionally by having the control button III in its upper position so that the member 9'! is positioned to engage hook I20 and prevent downward movement of the roller 26. Depression of the button 9| to its lower position moves the member 91 to release the hook I20, downward movement of arm 26 and roller 20 however being prevented by the latch member IID operated by the control arm mechanism unless or until the top of the stack ii is at the proper elevation. With the top of the stack at such elevation, the latch member II II is caused to release the arm 26, roller 28 etc., which thereafter intermittently engages the top of the stack 5, successively advancing sheets S therefrom toward the drum D. This arrangement has important advantages in that it enables the operator to load the magazine M, set the machine in operation, latch the button 9| in its lower or feed position, and proceed with other work, since the paper feed mechanism starts automatically at the proper time.

The sheet 5 is advanced by the roller 26 so as to be urged between the gating rolls I23 and I24, but since these are stationary at this moment further advance of the sheet is prevented. However, when the printing drum D reaches the proper point in its rotation, the sector arm I imparts sufficient rotary movement to the rollers I23 to advance the sheet 5 to printing relation between the drum D and the impression roller release the sheet which is thereafter delivered by rotation of the drum D to the magazine N. Th operation of the gating rolls I23, IZ-i to advance the sheet is accurately correlated to the angular position of the printing drum D, and hence insures proper registry of the printed matter on the sheet S. If no sheet is advanced between the rollers I23 and I24, the latch member HE is operated to prevent movement of the roller P toward the drum D.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the magazine N which receives the printed sheets may comprise a suitable supporting surface 21L formed on the frame I with upstanding side and end members 2H and 212 for restraining the sheets therein as delivered by the printing drum D. An interleaving mechanism generally indicated by the letter I of any suitable type, such for example as that disclosed in my copending application filed August 25, 1947, under Serial Number 770,410, and entitled Interleaving Machine, may be provided for the magazine N.

I claim:

1. In paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum: .an impression roller rotatably mounted for movement toward and away from said drum and resiliently urged toward said drum for confining a sheet to be printed thereagainst; means forming a magazine for supporting a stack of sheets to be printed in predetermined spaced relation with said drum; feeding means for successively advancing sheets from said stack toward said drum; means interposed between said stack and said drum for restricting advance of the sheets by said feeding means; means including a cam and a cam follower operable responsive to arrival of said drum at a predetermined angular pcsition about its axis for causing said interposed means to advance said sheets to printing relation between said drum and said roller and to thereafter cause said roller to confine said sheet against said drum; said last named means including a lost motion connection for causing said interposed means to release said sheet after arrival in printing relation.

2. In paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum with an impression forming portion extending partly about its periphery: an impression roller rotatably mounted for movement toward and away from said drum and resiliently urged toward said drum for confining a sheet to be printed thereagainst; means forming a magazine for supporting a stack of sheets to be printed in predetermined spaced relation with said drum; feeding means for successively advancing sheets from said stack toward said drum; means interposed between said feeding means and said drum for receiving the sheets advanced by said means and advancing them independently thereof to printing relation between said drum and said impression roller; means retaining said roller spaced from said drum and responsive to arrival of said drum with said portion at a predetermined angular position about the drum axis for releasing said roller to engage the drum; means including a latch member preventing operation of said retaining means to release the roller; and means responsive to the advance of a sheet by said interposed means for causing said latch member to release said roller retaining means.

3. In paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum; an impression roller rotatably mounted for movement toward and away from said drum and resiliently urged toward said drum for confining a sheet to be printed thereagainst; means forming a magazine for supporting a stack of sheets to be printed in predetermined spaced relation with said drum; feeding means for successively advancing sheets from said stack toward said drum; means including a pair of normally stationary gating rollers interposed between said feeding means and said drum for receiving the sheets advanced by said feeding means; means responsive to a predetermined angular movement of said drum for operating said gating rollers to advance said sheets independently of said feed means to printing relation between said drum and said impression roller; means including a pivoted latch member normally maintaining said roller spaced from said drum; and an angularly movable element connected to move with said latch member and projecting into the path of advance of said sheets from said gating rollers for operation by an advancing sheet to cause said latch to release said roller.

4. In paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum; an impression roller rotatably mounted for movement toward and away from said drum and adapted to resiliently urge a sheet to be printed against said drum; means forming a magazine for supporting a Staci; of sheets to be printed in predetermined spaced relation with said drum; feeding means for successiveiy advancing sheets from said stack toward said drum; means interposed between said feeding means and said drum for engaging the sheets advanced by said feeding means and advancing them inde pendently thereof to printing relation between said drum and said impression roller; and means operating in accordance with the rotation of said drum for causing said roller to confine the sheet against drum and thereafter operating said interposed means to release said sheet.

5. In paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like hav ng a rotatable printing drum: impression roller rotatably mounted for movement toward and away from said drum and adapted to resiliently urge a sheet to be printed against said drum; means forming a magazine for supporting a stack of sheets to be printed in predetermined spaced relation with said drum; feeding means including a rotating member for successively advancing sheets from said stack toward said drum; means interposed between said feeding means and said drum for engaging the sheets advanced by said feeding means advancing them independently thereof to printing relation between said drum and said impression rolls; and means including a cam rotatable with said drum for causing said roller to confine the sheet against said drum and thereafter operating said interposed means to elease said sheet.

6. In paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum with an impression forming portion extending partly about its periphery; an impression roller rotatably mounted for movement toward and away from said drum and resiliently urged toward said drum for confining a sheet to be printed thereagainsu; means forming a magazine for supporting a stack of sheets to be printed in predetermined s aced relation with said drum; feeding means for successively advancing sheets therefrom to printing relation between said drum and said impression roller; means interposed between said feeding means and said drum for gripping the sheets advanced by said means and advancing them independently thereof to printing relation between said drum and said impression roller; and means retaining said roller spaced from said drum; means including a cam rotatable with said drum operable responsive to arrival of said drum with said portion at a predetermined angular position about the drum axis for actuating said retaining means to release said roller for movement toward said drum; said mean including a lost motion connection for causing said interposed means to release said sheet alter arrival in printing relation.

'7. In paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum with an impression forming portion extending partly about its periphery: an impression roller rotatably mounted for movement toward and away from said drum and resiliently urged toward said drum for confining a sheet to be printed thereagainst; means forming a magazine for supporting a stack of sheets to be printed in predetermined spaced relation with said drum;

feeding means for successively advancing sheets from said stack toward said drum; means interposed between said feeding means and said drum for receiving the sheets advanced by said means and advancing them independently thereof to printing relation between said drum and said impression roller; means retaining said roller spaced from said drum including a cam rotatable with said drum and operative upon arrival of said drum with said portion at a predetermined angular position about the drum axis for releasing said roller for movement toward the drum; and means preventing operation of said retaining means to release the roller responsive to failure of said. interposed means to advance a sheet.

8. In paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum with an impression forming portion extending partly about its periphery; an impression roller rotatably mounted for movement toward and away from said drum and resiliently urged toward said drum for confining a sheet to be printed thereagainst; means forming a magazine for supporting a stack of sheets to be printed in predetermined spaced relation with said drum; feeding means for successively advancing sheets from said stack toward said drum; means interposed between said feeding means and said drum for receiving the sheets advanced by said means and advancing them independently thereof to printing relation between said drum and said impression roller; means retaining said roller spaced from said drum including a cam rotatable with said drum and operative upon arrival of said drum with said portion at a predetermined angular position about the drum axis to release said roller for movement toward the drum; means including a latch member preventing operation of said retaining means to release the roller; and means responsive to the advance of a sheet by said interposed means for causing said latch member to release said roller retaining means.

9. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum: means forming a magazine for positioning and guiding a stack of sheets to be printed with respect to said drum and including an elevatable platform for supporting said stack with the top sheet at a predetermined elevation with respect to said drum; feeding means; means mounting said feeding means for movement toward and away from the top of the stack; said feeding means being engageable therewith when the top is at said elevation for successively advancing sheets therefrom toward printing relation with said drum; a control arm; means mounting said control arm for movement toward and away from the top of the stack; means moving said arm toward and away from said stack in accordance with the rotation of the drum; means for elevating said platform by small increments responsive to movement of said arm toward said stack in excess of a predetermined amount; and means including a pair of interengaging latch elements respectively on the feeding means and a stationary support operated by said arm to engage upon such excess movement for restraining said feeding means from engaging said stack.

10. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum: means forming a magazine for positioning and guiding a stack of sheets to be printed with respect to said drum and including an l9 elevatable platform for supporting said stack with the top sheet at a predetermined elevation with respect to said drum; feeding means; means mounting said feeding means for movement toward and away from the top of the stack; said feeding means being engageable therewith when the top is at said elevation for successively advancing sheets therefrom into printing relation with said drum; a control arm; means mounting said arm for movement toward and away from the top of said stack; means moving said arm toward and away from said stack in accordance with the rotation of said drum and for elevating said platform in accordance with the movement of said arm; means operated in response to movement of said arm toward said stack in excess of a predetermined amount for restraining said feeding means from engaging said stack; and optionally operable means for restraining said feeding means from engaging said stack independently of movement of said control arm.

11. In a paper feed mechanism: means forming a magazine for a stack of sheets comprising spaced side walls and an end member for positioning said stack and an elevatable bottom for supporting the stack with the top sheet at a predetermined elevation with respect to said mech anism; a feed roller mounted for movement toward and away from said stack and when activated adapted to engage the top sheet thereof when at said predetermined elevation and advance said sheet from the stack; means for driving said roller; a control arm movable toward and away from the top of said stack; the top of said stack when at said elevation serving as a limit to the travel of said arm in one direction; means moving said control arm toward and away from said stack top; means operated by said arm upon movement past said limit preventing activation of said feed roller; and means for elevating said bottom to maintain the top of said stack substantially constant at said elevation.

12. In a paper feed mechanism: means forming a magazine for a stack of sheets comprising spaced side walls and an end member for positioning said stack and an elevatable bottom for supporting the stack with the top sheet at a predetermined elevation with respect to said mechanism; a continuously rotating feed roller; means mounting said roller for movement toward and away from said stack; said roller being adapted to engage the top sheet of said stack when at said predetermined elevation and advance said sheet from the stack; a control arm movable toward and away from the top of said stack; the top of said stack when at said elevation serving as a limit to the travel of said arm in one direction; means moving said control arm toward and away from said stack top; means operated by said arm upon movement past said limit preventing movement of said feed roller to engage said stack; and means for elevating said bottom to maintain the top of said stack substantially constant at said elevation.

13. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machin or the like having a rotatable printing drum: means forming a magazine for locating a stack of sheets to be printed with respect to said drum and having an elevatable bottom for supporting the stack with the top sheet at a predetermined elevation with respect to said drum; means including a feed roller for advancing successive sheets from said stack to printing relation with said drum; means driving said feed roller; a first pivoted member rotatably mounting said roller for movement toward and away from the top of the stack; said roller being resiliently urged toward said stack; a control arm; a rockable member mounting said arm for movement of its outer end portion toward and away from the top of said stack; engagement of said end portion with said top when at its predetermined elevation serving as a normal limit to movement of said arm in one direction; means resiliently urging said arm toward said stack; means for elevating said bottom controlled by said arm; a cam member mounted for rotation with said drum; a lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends and having a cam follower at one end engageable with said cam and means at its other end engageable with said pivoted member whereby rotation of said cam causes movement of said roller with respect to said stack; a second pivoted member having a cam follower engageable with said cam at a point angularly spaced about the axis of the cam from the first mentioned cam follower; means connecting said second pivoted member and said rock shaft whereby rotation of said cam causes movement of said arm with respect to said stack; means forming a latch surface on the first pivoted member; a latch member mounted for movement into and out of engagement with said latch surface and when in engagement supporting said roller out of contact with said stack; means resiliently urging said latch member out of engagement with said surface; and an element fixed on said rock shaft engageabl with said latch member for urging said member into engagement with said surface upon movement of the control arm past said normal limit.

14. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum: means forming a magazine for locating a stack of sheets to be printed with respect to said drum; said means providing an elevatable bottom for supporting the stack with the top sheet at a predetermined elevation with respect to said drum; means including a feed roller for advancing successive sheets from said stack to printing relation with said drum; means driving said feed roller; 21 first pivoted member rotatably mounting said roller for movement toward and away from the top of the stack; said roller being resiliently urged toward said stack; a control arm; a rockable member mounting said arm for movement of its outer end portion toward and away from the top of said stack; engagement of said end portion with said top when at its predetermined elevation serving as a normal limit to movement of said arm in one direction; means resiliently urging said arm toward said stack; means for elevating said bottom controlled by said arm; a cam member mounted for rotation with said drum; a lever pivotally mounted intermediat its ends and having a cam follower at one end engageable with said cam and means at its other end engageable with said pivoted member whereby rotation of said cam causes movement of said roller with respect to said stack; a second pivoted member having a cam follower engageable with said cam at a point angularly spaced about the axis of the cam from the first mentioned cam follower; means connecting said second pivoted member and said rock shaft whereby rotation of said cam causes movement of said arm with respect to said stack; means forming latch surfaces on the first pivoted member; a latch member mounted for movement into and out of engagement with one of said latch surfaces and when in engagement supporting said roller out of contact with said stack; means resiliently urging said latch member out of engagement with said surface; an element fixed on said rock shaft engageable with said latch member for urging said member into engagement with said surface upon movement of the control arm past said normal limiting position; a second element mounted adjacent said rock shaft for movement independently thereof into and out of engagement with another of said latch surfaces and when in engagement maintaining said roller out of contact with said stack; and optionally operable means for moving said second element into and out of said engagement.

15. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum: means forming a magazine for locating a stack of sheets to be printed with respect to said drum; said magazine having an elevatable bottom for Supporting the stack with the top sheet at a predetermined elevation with respect to said drum; means including a feed roller for advancing successive sheets from said stack to printing relation with said drum; means driving said feed roller; a first pivoted member rotatably mounting said roller for movement toward and away from the top of the stack; said roller being resiliently urged toward said stack; a control arm; a rockable member mounting said arm for movement of its outer end portion toward and away from the top of said stack; engagement of said end portion with said top when at its predetermined elevation serving as a normal limit to movement of said arm in one direction; means resiliently urging said arm toward said stack; a cam member mounted for rotation with said drum; a lever pivotally mounted intermediate its ends and havin a cam follower at one end engageable with said cam and means at its other end engageable with said pivoted member whereby rotation of said cam causes movement of said roller with respect to said stack; a second pivoted member having a cam follower engageable with said cam at a point angularly spaced about the axis of the earn from the first mentioned cam follower; means connecting said second pivoted member and said rock shaft whereby rotation of said cam causes movement of said arm with respect to said stack; means forming a latch surface on the first pivoted member; a latch mel ber mounted for movement into and out of engagement with said latch surface and when in engagement supporting said roller out of contact with said stack; means resiliently urgin said latch member out of engagement with said surface; an element fixed on said rock shaft engageable with said latch member for urging said member into engagement with said surface upon movement of the control arm past said normal limit; means for elevating said bottom including a rotatable member; a ratchet wheel for driving said member; and a pawl engaging said wheel and connected to move with said second pivoted member.

16. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum: means for successively advancing sheets toward printing relation with said drum; a pair of rolls; means rotatably mounting said rolls in the path of sheet advance; the mounting of one of said rolls permitting movement of said r011 toward and away from the other roll; means resiliently urging said one roll against the other roll; said rolls being normally stationary and in contact to prevent passage of said sheets; means including a gear sector for imparting predetermined angular rotation to one of said rolls in sheet advancing direction; gear means connecting said rolls for simultaneous rotation in opposite direction; a cam member rotatable with said drum for operating said gear sector upon arrival of said drum at a predetermined angular position about its axis; and means responsive to a predetermined angular advance of said drum from said position for moving said one roll from the other roll.

17. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum: means for successively advancing sheets toward printing relation with said drum; a pair of rolls; means rotatably mounting said rolls in the path of sheet advance; the means mounting one of said rolls being operable to move said roll toward and away from the other roll; means resiliently urging said one roll to contact the other roll; said rolls being normally stationary and in contact to prevent passage of a sheet; means for imparting predetermined angular rotation to said rolls in sheet advancing direction including means connecting said rolls for simultaneous rotation in opposite directions; a gear sector engaging a pinion rotatably mounted on one of said rolls and resiliently urged in one direction; cam means rotatable with said drum for operating said gear sector in the opposite direction upon movement of said drum to a predetermined angular position about its axis; means forming a one way clutch for causing said pinion to drive its associated roll upon movement of said gear sector in said opposite direction; and means responsive to a predetermined angular advance of said drum from said position for moving the movably mounted roll away from the other roll.

18. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum: means for successively advancing sheets toward printing relation with said drum; a pair of rolls; means rotatably mounting said rolls in the path of sheet advance; the means mounting one of said rolls being operable to move said roll toward and away from the other roll; means resiliently urging said one roll to contact the other roll; said rolls being normally stationary and in contact to prevent passage of a sheet; means for imparting predetermined angular rotation to said rolls in sheet advancing direction including means connecting said rolls for simultaneous rotation in opposite directions; a gear sector engaging a pinion rotatably mounted on one of said rolls and resiliently urged in one direction; cam means rotatable with said drum for operating said gear sector in the opposite direction upon movement of said drum to a predetermined angular position about its axis; said cam means having a surface providing a period of dwell during which the gear sector and rolls are stationary; a rise for moving the sector in roll operating direction; a return for allowing the sector and pinion to resume their initial positions; and an offset allowing overtravel of the sector and pinion past said initial positions whereby lost motion between the gear sector and roll is prevented during said period of dwell; means forming a one-way clutch for causing said pinion to drive its associated roll upon movement of said gear sector in said opposite direction; and means responsive to a predetermined angular advance of said drum from said We tau position for moving the movably mounted roll away from the other roll.

19. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplieating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum: means for successively advancing sheets toward printing relation with said drum; a pair of rolls; means rotatably mounting said rolls in the path of sheet advance; the means mounting one of said rolls being operable to move said roll toward and away from the other roll; means resiliently urging said one roll to contact the other roll; said rolls being normally stationary and in contact to prevent passage of a sheet; means for imparting predetermined a rotation to said rolls in sheet advancing direction including means connecting said rolls for simultaneous rotation in opposite directions; a gear sector engaging a pinion rotatably mounted on one of said rolls and resiliently urged in one direction; cam means rotatable with sai drum for operating said gear sector in the opposite direction upon movement of said drum to a predetermined angular position about its axis; means forming a one clutch for causing said pinion to drive its associated roll upon movement of said gear sector in said opposite direction; a second cam rotatable with said drum; a pivoted arm resiliently urged in one direction and movable in the opposite direction by said cam; said arm having an extension; and means forming a lost motion connection between said extension and said movable roll mounting means whereby operation of said arm by said cam releases said mounting means ror movement to roll contacting position.

20. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like having a rotatable printing drum: an i 1 "SS1GZ1 roller; means i'nounting said roller for movement toward a from the drum; said roller being resiliently urged toward said drum to confine a sheet thereagainst during printing; means for successively advancing sheets to printing relation between said and said roller including a pair of gating rolls between which the sheets are passed; a member mounted for angular mo ement adjacent said rolls and having a projection extending transversely or said rolls; said her being movable between positions in projection extends across the path of sheet advance between said rolls and a position in which cl path is unobstructed; said member re, itly urged to position the projection across path; said projection having a su .ce engage-able by a sheet advancing between rolls and movable thereby to clear path impart angular movement to said member; means including a pivoted arm for moving said impression roller away from said drum when said drum reaches a. predetermined angular position about its axis; a latch member connected for movement with said angularly movable member engageable with said arm for maintaining impression roller spaced from said drum when said projection is in path obstructing position.

21. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine or the like ha 3" a rotatable printing drum: an impression roller; means mounting said roller for movem nt toward and away from the drum; said ro ler being resiliently urged toward said drum to con ne a thereagainst during printing; means for successively advancing sheets to printing relation between saiddrurn and said roller including a pair of gating rolls between which the sheets are passed; means for driving said rolls in accordance with the angular position of said drum; means rotatably mounting one of said rolls for movement toward and av; y from the other roll; said one roll being resiliently urged toward the other roll; a member mounted for angular movement adjacent said rolls and having a projection extending transversely of said rolls; said member being movable between positions in which said projection extends across the path of sheet advance between said rolls and a position in which said path is unobstructed and resiliently urged to pcn in jection across said path; said projection having a surface engageable by a sheet advancing between said rolls and movable thereby to clear said path and impart angular movement to said member; a pivoted arm having onpos' ely directed extensions engageabie respectiveiy with said impression roller mounting means and the means movably mounting said one roll; means including a cam rotatable with said drum for operating said arm to r ase the impression roller for movement toward said and thereafter move said on pressure roll from contact with the other roll; and a latch member connected for movement with said angularly movable member engageable with arm for preventing movement thereof to release said impression roller and move said one roll when said projection is in path obstructing position.

22. In paper feed mechanism for a. duplicating machine or like having a rotatable printing drum: an impression roller rotatably mounted for movement toward and away from said drum and resiliently urged toward said drum for confini g a sheet to be printed thereagainst; means forming a magazine for supporting a stack of sheets to be printed in predetermined spaced relation with said drum; feeding means for successively advancing sheets from said stack toward said drum; means interposed between said stack and said drum for restricting advance of the sheets by said feeding means; said int rposed means being adapted to grip successive sheets and initiate advance thereof toward printing relation between said roller and said drum; means including a cam member rotatable with said drum and having a pair of angularly spaced lobes; and means including a cam follower operated by one of said lobes upon arrival of said drum at a predetermined angular position about axis to cause said interposed means to grip and advance successive sheets toward printing relation between said drum and said roller; advance or said cam thereafter causing said cam follower to engage the cam intermediate said lobes whereby to cause said roller to engage said drum and impart rotation to the roller before said sheet reaches printing relation therewith; further advance of the cam causing the other of said lobes to engage said cam follower after arrival of said sheet in printing relation whereby said interposed means is caused to release said sheet.

23. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplieating machine having a rotatable drum; an impression roller; means mounting said roller for movement toward and away from said drum; means resiliently urging said roller toward said drum; means for feeding a paper sheet between the drum and the roller eluding a pair of feed rolls; means mounting one of said feed roll-s for movement toward and away from the other feed roll; a movable member having a lost motion connection with said mounting means for said one feed roil and having contact with said mounting means for said impression roller; means mounting said movable member for movement between a position for maintaining said one feed roll in operative relation to the other feed roll and for contacting said mounting means for said impression roller to hold the impression roller spaced from the drum and a position for releasing said mounting means for said impression roller and holding said one feed roll out of operative relation to the other feed roll; an operating arm connected with said movable member operable for controlling movement of said movable member into and out of said positions; and means operated by rotation of said drum for so operating said arm.

24. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine having a rotatable drum; an impression roller; means mounting said roller for movement toward and away from said drum; means resiliently urging said roller toward said drum; means for feeding a paper sheet between the drum and the roller including a pair of feed rolls; means mounting one of said feed rolls for movement toward and away from the other feed roll; a movable member having a lost motion connection with said mounting means for said one feed roll and havin contact with said mounting means for impression roller; means mounting said movable member for movement between a position for maintaining said one feed roll in operative relation to the other feed roll and for contacting said mounting means for said impression roller to hold the impression roller spaced from the drum and a position for releasing said mounting means for said impression roller and for holding said one feed roll out of operative relation to the other feed roll; an operating arm connected with said movable member operable for controlling movement of said movable member into and out of said positions; means operated by rotation of said drum for so operating said arm; latch means for restraining operation of said arm by said drum operated means and holding said arm in the position to hold the impres sion roller spaced from the drum as well as to hold said one feed roller in operative relation to the other feed roller; and means operated by a paper sheet between said rolls for releasing said latch means.

25. In a, paper feed mechanism for a duplicats ne having a rotatable drum; an impression roller; means mounting said roller for movement toward and away from said drum; means resiliently urging said roller toward said drum; means for feedin a paper sheet between the drum and the roller includin a pair of feed rolls; means mounting one of said feed rolls for movement toward and away from the other feed roll; a movable member having a lost motion connection with said means for mounting said one feed roll and having contact with said mounting means for said impression roller; means mounting said movable member for movement between a position for maintainin said one feed roll in operative relation to the other feed roll and for contacting said mounting means for said impression roller to hold the impression roller spaced from the drum and a position for releasing said mounting means for said impression roller and holding said one feed roll out of operative relation to the other feed roll; a cam mounted to rotate with said drum; an operating arm connected with said movable member for controlling movement of said movable member into and out of said positions, a cam follower on said arm, and means resiliently urging said arm into a position in which said cam follower is engageable by said cam.

26. In a paper feed mechanism for a duplicating machine having a rotatable drum; an impression roller; means mounting said roller for movement toward and away from said drum; means resiliently urging said roller toward said drum; means for feeding a paper sheet between the drum and the roller including a pair of feed rolls; means mounting one of said feed rolls for movement toward and away from the other feed roll; a movable member having a, lost motion connection with said mounting means for said one feed roll and having contact with said mounting means for said impression roller; means mounting said movable member for movement between a position for maintaining said one feed roll in operative relation to the other feed roll and for contacting said mounting means for said impression roller to hold the impression roller spaced from the drum and a position for releasing said mounting means for said impression roller and holding said one feed roll out of operative relation to the other feed roll, a cam mounted to rotate with said drum; an operating arm connected with said movable member for controllin movement of said movable member into and out of said positions, a cam follower on said arm; means resiliently urging said arm into a, position in which said cam follower is engageable by said cam; latch means for normally holding said arm in a position with the follower spaced from contact with the cam and with said movable member in the position in which the impression roller is spaced from the drum and said one feed roll is in operative relation to the other feed roll; and means operable by the presence of a sheet of paper between said feed rollers for releasing said latch means.

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