US2923544A - Token issuing machine - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 2, 1960 Filed June 11. 1956 w. J. HANSON ETAL 2,923,544

TOKEN ISSUING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN TORS l l a/ fer I //a// sa/7 ATTORNEY Feb. 2, 1960 w. J. HANSON ETAL 2,923,544

TOKEN ISSUING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet Filed June 11. 1956 ATTORNEY Feb. 2, 1960 w. J. HANSON EIAL TOKEN ISSUING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 11, 1956 H I I I INVE TORS f mso/r F) E Sch/Wed ATTORNEY Feb. 2, 1960 w. J. HANSON EI'AL 2,92

TOKEN ISSUING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 11, 1956 ATTORNEY Feb. 2, 1960 w. J. HANSON ET AL. 2,923,544

TOKEN ISSUING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 11. 1956 i I i I l I I I I 4 V NTORS /2e .5 7 obcr;

ATTORNEY United States Patent TOKEN ISSUING MACHINE Application June 11, 1956, Serial No. 590,596 7 Claims. (Cl. 2712.4)

This invention relates to the art of ticket issuing and particularly to the issuing of such items as valuable tickets, stamps or other paper value tokens which are to be supplied in accurately counted numbers. The invention finds particular application, for example, in the field of trading stamp issuing where it is often desired to supply stamps rapidly in accurately counted groups of varying size. a

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device so simple in structure and arrangement that it can be readily operated by anyone without danger of error, and furtherof such nature that it can be inexpensively constructed for widespread use. For example, in trading stamp use, the cost should be kept to a low enough figure that the device can be economically furnished to most retailers as a part of a package installation for trading stamp operations. I

An object of this invention is to provide a machine of the character described which is of such size and weight as to be easily carried from place to place and small enough so that it may be used on a counter or table without occupying too much space thereon, and yet Will hold a substantial quantity of stamps to be issued so that frequent refilling is not necessary. 1

A feature of the present invention is the operation of the token feeding mechanism by a device analogous to a telephone dial, wherein the operator merely selects a numbered finger hole in an operating member and draws the same to a terminal position, automatically feeding out the desired number of tokens. I

Another feature of the invention is the provision of an arrangement wherein the aforementioned operating member serves as the drive belt rotating the feedingelements for the tokens in a simple and direct manner. 3 Z 7 Another feature of the invention is an arrangement whereby tokens of a single value denomination can be issued either in units or small groups on one hand, or in accurately gauged bulk quantities on the other, merely by selecting the appropriate operating member.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of a pinwheel feed member constructed in a novel and inexpensive fashion.

Still a further feature of the invention is the arrangement of the feeding mechanism at a point on the device remote from the operator which may be directed towards the person to whom the tokens are issued, and a cut-off means at said remote location but simply operated by means located conveniently for the operator.

Other objects, features and advantages will appear hereinafter as the description proceeds.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan of a token issuing device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the device of Fig. .1;

Fig. 3 is a top plan of the device of Figs. 1 and 2 drawn to a larger scale and with the cover removed;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the device of Fig. 3, but with a fragment of the cover included in section V the receptacle 11 and may ,l atented Feb. 2, 1960.

to illustrate the exitthroat, and showing the token strip supplies in broken lines; Fig. 5 is a partial longitudinal section taken substantially on line 55 of Fig. 3, but showing the cover in place and the cutter mechanism in actuated and locked position;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing the frame raised and the guide plate lowered for threading of stamp strips into the'feeding mechanism, the normal position of the guide plate being shown in broken lines, and a portion of the device being broken away adjacent the feed wheels to expose a detail-section substantially on line 6-6 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is a transverse detail section to a slightly larger scale taken substantially on line 7-7 of Fig. 4, and illustrating the token strip supplies in broken lines; 3

Fig. 8 is a detailsection to a slightly larger scale taken substantially on line 8--8 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 9 is a detail face view of one of the elements making up the pin-feed wheels of the device;

Fig. 10 is a detail section to a larger scale taken substantially on line. 10'-10 of Fig. 8; Fig. 11 is a detail face view of one of the detent wheels; Fig. 12 is a detail face view of the other detent wheel; Fig. 13 is a detail elevation taken substantially on line 1313 of Fig. 5; and

Fig. 14 .is a detail elevation of the cutter bar used in the device of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the. presently preferred form of the invention includes a stamp storage receotacle 11 which serves as a base for the mechanism. At the forward upper end of the receptacle 11 is hinged, as by pin 13, a bracket 15 which depends from and forms a rigidly extending part of the frame 17 of the stamp issuing mechanism. The whole frame 17 overlies the'top opening of be swung upwardly about pin 13 as seen in Fig. 6 to uncover the receptacle for inserting or removing the supplies of starnps. A pair ofpintles 19 (Fig. 7) extend fromthe sides of the frame 17 and are positioned to rest against the upper edge of the receptacle 11, for example in notches 20 therein, when the frame 17 is loweredto closed position.

The forward end of the frame carries three forwardly of the shafts 35, 37 has a central portion square in cross section, designated 39 and 41 respectively. Shaft 35 carries a driving sprocket 43 arranged between two pin- feed wheels 45 and 47, all drivingly associated with the squared portion 39 of the shaft. flanges to separate the sprocket 43 from the pin'fe'ed wheels 45, 47 and may be either separate elements or integral with the body of'sprocket 43 as shown; Shaft 37 is similarly equipped, except that there is only onepinfeed wheel, the parts being arranged as shown in Fig. 8 with an end flange 53, driving sprocket 55 and dividing flange 57,: and a pin-feed Wheel 59 to the right of the driving drum, of the shaft 37.

The pin-feed Wheels each have teethor pins 61arranged in four axially disposed sets. The pins of each sets are peripherally spaced around the shaft at distances 7 equal to a standard stamp pins'is introduced into each subsequent set Wlll fall automatically intothe next length so that oncea set of Disks 49 and 51 act as all being fitted on the squared portion tl a transverse row of perforations,

' they are in driving position adjacent the;

against the bottom of frame 17, and means such as stop 118- prevents-its dropping into the receptacle 11 even though detached from the catch 117 while the frame 17 is raised.

As seen in Figs. 4 to 6, the curved plate 63 which underlies the feeding mechanism may terminate directly beneath the feed wheels and ajflap; or extension 63a is preferably provided w ith slots 65a matching the slots 65 of the plate 63 is rockably' mountedon the frame 17 adjacent As the stamps are fed forward by the pin-feed Wheels they passinto an exit throat 67 formed betweenf the plate 63 and a portion of a cover to be hereinaf er described. A cutter bar 69 slidable on frame 11 ad acentthe; exit throat may e Iais dto t of he i t mu The cutter barj preferably? hasa' serrated c; p o nwar ly wa ds. bo as. se nin 1 so, that it wi l. raw of perforations between: the issu retained stamPStQ pro'gres siyely tear r I between the perforations ofsaid. row-- In order to drive the pin-feed wihjeels', sprockets and 55 include radial lugs, or teeth 71 which. in the case of sprocket 43, engage in openings 73' and' 75,,in a-fdriving' belt, 77, andiin the case of sprocket 55 ,.engagein Lopeni'ng's 79 in a, driving'belt 81.11 The, openings :infthe belts and the lugs 71' are so'sp'aced thata step-.from one lug to, the next (orfrom one. openingto'the: next) .-will progress the pins 61 one: stamp length, which, in the form shown, is equivalent to onequa rte r revolution, of the pin-feed= wheels. The belts 77 and 81-fare trained about the frame 17 with one reach aboveandone below. At. the opposite or rear endof; the frame are-,rearwardly extending vertical it wall portions 83' and 85 which are slotted as shown at 87- in Fig, 4' to receive the ends of a tail shaft 9 1; which in turn rotatably carries tail sprockets 93 and 95 with lugs- 97, similar to the lugs 11 ' ofdrive sprockets 43 and 55, and similarly spaced; The drive belts77 and, 81 are trained about thetailsprockets 93 and 195 respectively, and compression springs ;9.9 are positioned between thef'rame17 and the ends. of'shaft 9. to, urge the same rearwardly and maintainthe belts 77 and 81 taut. The sprockets'93 and 95? are drivingly associated with notcheddetent wheels 94 and 96 respectively which are in turn engaged by spring pressed detents on faas11,rrsaa 1an"at; 139 l p he r arwa dl e tend n v t e' :wa m e s 83 and a 85 p The mountings are preferably; adjustable so 98am 100, respectively, to signal audibly and tactilely definite predetermined positions at Whichlfeeding should be stopped at each operation. On the upper surface of the frame 17. are concave finger guideszor tracks 101 and 103 (Fig. 7) which 'underlie the upper reaches of the belts and which are provided with suitable indicia 105 'and 107'respectivelyr It will be noted that holes 73' in belt 77 and holes 79 in belt 81 are circular finger holes of a size to receive the-tip of theoperators finger so that they canbe readily engaged, when the desired indicia is exposed therethrough,-tand drawn to a terminal position, in themanner -of a -telephone diaL to feed out the desired number of stamps, from which" it can be seen that the belts and-the holes therein in addition to being sprocketactuating means, also constitute a manual operating device for the feeding mechanism. a The belts 77 and. 81 may be of'any suitable material, but are preferably of a smooth surfaced tough,'wear -resistant and tear-resistant plastic, such as polyethylene or nylon.

Beneath the frame17 is provided a generally horizonl. u e plat .10 s hinsed abou i n o swi g downwardlya ay fr m he frame, n whic is p of: the levers}1 21 and at the other 30 gear 71. 7 "an r spss ix -iwr p of thetightening actio e. ermina else fi at 6 he; flap 6 4 1 a free edge 63b which, is -norm ally 'in contact with a portion of guide plate 109 so as to:be held infuppermostposition and in substantially abutting relation to plate 63. However, when the frame 17 is in raised 'position with guide plate 109 loweredas-seen in Fig. 3,,the flap 63a is permitted to drop slightly so as to provide improved access to the pins 61 on the feed wheels forthreading a new fsra r ns etsdi #9 12; he

I. 1 .Jan arf k d oiw r e 1.2.3:. 352b .embr i ne: o the ear .11 as i i p sui ab eps ots n' the forward portion of the frame 1 7. -The rearwardly e endin en s of e e er, ar aa as ted t i a p a mtib' n er b .2 as a a e? we dly, b r r spr a s. 25;. e ch an atone e e Alsq dr v na y a ta to hQfiQ PQkQts 23. a 95 re canibe meshed ms ini nr j 3 e with the a] a t to secure 'a proper f preserymg the. full effect :elt's177jand 81 effected" by n 9 Thi c un er 3 and W r -de i n 9 register either the number of stati ips or th'evalue of the ,ee'n fed from, the: supply, in the dwill preferably be arranged in a known.

stamps which have e eptacle 1.1, an. p I manner for ready.resettingwhenthe supply, is renewed. The counters may. of course be .eit'her'addingaor sub} tracting'counters.running either fromzer'o upwardly, or from an initial setting corresponding t olthefnumb er of value of a new sh re; a WP-t3 dt n ei y e r zero... H a .7

Ih .-f, n 1j 1 n he-m qhan sm sawed th eb a protected by a, cover suitably secured to the flame 17 a a flan e flam n at 1 15548 to Hausa al s sifli Adia eut hem t-cnd. e cover a rie -int gr sarwardlr an -dow w d y d e cu ved plate- .45156 Ri a-4 m w i h iappr e the curved-plate; 63 when the coverisin-place', and. forms therewith the exit throat 67 heretofore described.

3 Preferably the" edge ,ofqthe plate :145woverlap's-the path of pins 61 and is notched to mesh with 'pins ofthe pin- . feed wheels 45,47 and 59' so as topositivel'y separate theflst-amps from the feeding pins at thqproper time. Thecover 143 also preferably includes areinovable' upper forward section 147 which permitsinspection of the feed mechanism especially during the t lirealding of a new stamp supply. Elongate'opefiings 149 an d 15 1 'are provided in the cover 143 at a locationlto overlie the finger tracks 101 and 103 and expose the tracks and h u e ru s the belt 77 and 1 fqrd'viewl and vided onjits' upper surface With guide chutes l 13, andit lw for guiding strips ofs't'amps from the receptacle 11 to the pin- feeclwheels 45, 47 and 59. A- spring catch normally holds the guide plate 109 in upper positign operation. 1 The rearward ends of openingslljQiand are pa itiqnesl. teproud finger .stQRs n i ee ainee the mitiq new a which t e-belts should be pulled whenoperating the device.

Q un e i w ne Wind ws 157%?! .52; a o r a ly amused at an appr pri te qsat gp i 91111 the over.

aid-"1,41 f rmin 5 v A't'ransverse opening 161 at the rear 'e'rid ofth'e cover exposes the finger har12 5 for. cutteroperation p The receptacle "11 preferably includes partitions or dividers 163 and 165 (Fig. 7) for positiohingstamp supplies'such as S and S, and keeping thei'nin approximate alignment with their respective feedirig'wheels. As shown in the drawing, these supplies arepreferabl'y fanfolded packs.

The particular form of the invention shown is designed for the issuing of'trading stamps whose value is normally related to the value of a retail purchase, the stamps being normally of one denomination, for example ten cents, meaning that one stamp is to be issued for each ten cent value purchased. V

Since ma ny purchases will require the issuance of large numbers of 'such small denomination stamps, the left hand side of the device looking from the operators end, is devoted to the issuing of bulk lots, preferably in an amount representing multiples of one dollar of purchase at a time. Thus the pin-feedwheelsfiiand 47 which rotate together are capable of spanning a column five stamps wide and, if a strip two stamp rows in length is fed forward, a one dollar stamp issue will be effected. This is the reason for forming openings 7 75 in belt 77 as narrow rectangles instead of circles. While the openings 75 could also be circular if desired, the shape shown prevents the operator from inadvertently selecting an opening which would feed out an odd number of stamp rows. located to indicate the number of dollars in thestarnp issue which will result if the indicated opening is {engaged by the operators finger and the latter drawn rearwardly until it strikes the stop 153. The detent wheel The indicia 105 are, of course,

94 (see Fig. 11) is also preferably arranged to provide 7 a detenting action only between the issuance of each two rows of stamps, while wheel 6 (Fig. 12) will provide a detenting action after each single stamp.

The arrangement at the right hand side of the device is designed to handle a strip of stamps one stamp wide and hence can issue individual stamps from one at a time to nine at a time, i.e. in amounts which are designated at ten cents or in multiples thereof up to ninety cents.

The pin feed wheels 45, 47 and 59 are all similarly constructed so that a single description will suffice for an understanding of the makeup of each. Four identical elements 167 like the one shown in Fig. 9 are prepared, for example by a simple stamping process. One edge of each element is formed with the teeth or pins 61 arranged therealong, while the opposite edge includes a T-shaped locking lug or extension 169 and the central portion has a T-shaped locking slot 171. Four of the elements 167 can be arranged to form a wheel by inserting the lug 169 of the first through the longer side of the slot 171 of the second, and sliding the lug 169 to locking position in the shorter side of slot 171. This process is repeated with the second and third elements, third and fourth elements and fourth and first elements,

until all four elements are arranged in right angular relationship defining a hollow central rectangular "tube as seen in Fig. 10. The parts are so dimensioned that the size of the tube thus formed is a light push fito'n the squared portion 39 of shaft 35 (or squared portion 41 of shaft 37). The shaft, when in place, rigidly maintains the elements 167 against unlocking displacement and provides a rigid pin-feed wheel which can be'v'ery economically manufactured. If desired the arrangement may further include, as shown, the disk 4h (or 51 e1- 57) provided with grooves 173 in one face and arranged in a pattern to receive a small marginal portion of each element 167 for further guiding and steadying the same. In addition, a wire snap ring 175 is preferably arranged. peripherally about the wheel centrally located in a notch 177 in each'element 167. The ring 175 sefves to fill arrayed "about a'square shaft, equivalent wheels can be constructed on thebasis of anyshaftof polygonal cross section u sing as manyelements 167 as there are major faces onthe shaft. 7 v In"orde"r"to'prevent tampering with the machine and removal of stamps by unauthorized persons during periods when the deviceis'not v supposed to be in use, a locking mechanism 178 is preferably provided. This is bestseen inFigs. 4, 5, and 13 and includes a key-controlled bar'rel 179 whichcarri'e's a swin gable hook 181. locked in upward operative locking position by the barrel and movable to inactive position bya clockwise rotation of the barrel whichcan be effected only when the proper key is inserted. In'the upward position of the hook 181v it' overlies an abutment 183 suitably con-' nected to the frame 17 through the orifices of the cover 143, 'if the frame is inlowered position, and thus holds the 'same closed against access to the interior of receptacle. 11. This prevents removal of the packs S and S from the'receptacle. In order to prevent unauthorized issuance of stamps, advantage is 'taken of thefact that thecutter bar 69 .closes the exit throat 67 when in actuated position. Thus the finger bar 124 carries a depending spring pressed hook 185 which automatically engages under hook-181 whenever the latter is in up- 'ward or locked position. Thus locking of the'issuin'g mechanism'may be brought about by merely pressing the bar 124 atany time after the frame 17 has'b'een locked in lowered position. Unlocking motion of the barrel 179 and hook 181 due tokey-controll'ed rotation thereof will automatically both unlock the'frame'17 and release the 'cutter mechanism'to permit normalstamp issuance. v

In using the device of the present invention, after unlocking as just described, the frame 17 may be swung upwardly about pivot 13' to open the receptacle 11, whereupon stamp supplies Sand S maybe placed within the :same in their proper locations. Then guide plate 109 is withdrawn from catch 117 and swung downwardly to give access to the feed mechanism as seen in Fig. 6. The strips leading from supplies S and S are introduced into guide chutes113 and respectively and progressed into contact with the lowermost pins 65 of the feed wheels 45, 47 and 49. While'urging the stamps'forward manually the feed wheels are moved through via belts 77 and 81, or by direct contact with the 'wheels when removable section 147 of cover 143 has been opened, thus placing a row of pins 65 through the-first transverse row of perforations of each stamp strip and finally progressing the leading edge of the strip up to the cut-off point, ready for issue. The guide plate 109, resting against stops 118, then automatically 'reengages with the catch 117 as the frame 17 with its cover 143 'is'dropped to receptacle closing position. i

-In' order to issue'stampsthe belts 77 and 81.are manually actuated to feed out the required number. In case a purchase totaling $2.60 has been made, for example, the operator will place a finger in the number two-hole of the left hand belt 77 and draw the same towards him until arrested by stop 153. This will feed out four rows of stamps, five stamps to a row, having a total designation of two dollars. The operator then places a finger in the number sixty hole of the right hand belt $1 and draws the same towards until arrested by depressing the finger bar 125, the stamps which have been fed out are cutoff andmaybe delivered to the purchaser. i a When the operaton-wishesto" secure the device for temporary disuse, aukeyfisplaced in the barrel ,179 and the hook 181 turned to locking position, thus locking the frame 17 in receptacle closing jposition. Depress'iono'f the finger bar 124 permits the hook 185 to latchover hook 181, thus holding cutter bar 69 in positiontdpfevent issuance of stampsthrough the'exit throat 67. .I

It will be readil'y'seen fro'm thegforegoing thatthe present invention provides a handy portablemachine in the nature of a top-opening box for holding apack of stamps arranged as a zigzag folded, 's tripiand with a hinged cover unit All of the operatingmeans for the strip feed is arranged on the cover unit for-raising therewithwhen the latter is swung upwardly .fortloading with additional stamps. The whole device, by virtue of these features, is arranged within a small compass and so made ifvthe finger, after being placed inthe designated opening,

is drawn to' a position against said'stop.

, '3. A strip feeding device comprising a frame; a strip V feeding wheeland a drive sprocket connected for simulas to be sufficiently lightinweight that it can be readily taken from one; counter to'another or removedto a safe place for storage.

While the foregoing description has proceeded primarily to discuss the inventionwith reference tothe V issuing of trading stamps, it will be understoodthat many aspects of the invention will be fully applicable to the issuing of stamps, tickets and' strip stored value tokens of various sorts. For instance, the counting out of and issuing of postage stamps for sale at post offices could be expeditiously handled in this fashion.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claims and portions of the improvements may be used without others.

What is claimed is:

1. A strip feedingdevice comprising a frame; f a strip feeding wheel and a drive sprocket connected for simultaneous rotation on said frame; said sprocket having large radiating lugs of peripheral extent sufiicientsubstantially to reach across a finger hole; a drive belt trained about said sprocket and having openings therealongof a size to receive said lugs and spaced to mesh" therewith, at

least some of said openings also being of fingerhole size to receive the operators finger; means for, keeping said belt ,in relatively taut condition .so as;to maintain :driving contact with said sprocket; means on said frame a underlying a length of said belt for guiding the operators finger; a stop on said'frame adjacent one end of said guiding means; and indicia carried by said last named' means and visible through said openings for indicating the opening to beentered by the operators finger for feeding forward various lengths of strip if the finger, after being placed in the designated opening, is drawn to a position against said stop; a p

2. A strip feeding device comprising a frame; a'strip feeding wheel and a drive sprocket connected for simultaneous rotation on said frame; said sprocket having large flatradiating lugs of peripheral extent sufiicient substantially'to reach across a finger hole but substantially narrower in the axial direction of the sprocket; a drive belt trained about said sprocket and having openings therealorig of a, size to receive said lugs and spaced to mesh therewith, a first set of said openings also being of fingerhole size to receive the operators finger, others of said openings interspersed between the opening of said first set, andregularly spacing the same, being shaped to fit approximately said lugs and prevent inadvertent .entry by the operators finger so as to simplify the manual selection of theproper opening; means for keeping said belt in relativelyttaut condition so as to maintain driving contact with said sprocket; means on said frame underlying ,a length of said belt for guiding the operator's finger; a stop on said frame adjacent one end of said guiding means; and indicia carried by said last named means and visible'through the openings of said first set for indicating the. opening to be entered by the opera- 7 tors finger for feeding forward various lengths of strip taneous r a ion qnnsa ftam i s p k hay n large radiating Jngs' f,peripheral. extent sufi'icient sub-" stantiallyf to reaehacross a'finger .hole;,a.,drive belt trained about'said procket and having openings :there- 'along of a size to receive said lugs and spaced to mesh therewith,at'least some of said openings also being of finger hole sizeito receive the operators finger; means for keeping said belt in relatively taut condition so as to maintaindriving contact with said sprocket; a detent wheel rotatable coordinately with the operation of said belt, sprocket and strip feeding wheel; and detent means engaging said wheel for indicating the point at which the feeding of predetermined increments of strip is com- 4. A pin-feed wheel. for feeding perforated strip comprising a shaft of polygonal cross-section; anda plurality of identical flat elements each having a toothed operating edge, a locking extension projecting oppositely from said toothed edge and an intermediate locking opening, all ar rayed about said shaft each against a facetthereof, said locking projection of eachelement cntering the locking opening of the adjacent element, and the elements when thus assembled in locked position forming among them a hollow tube which is a press fit on said shaft which holds the elements in suehposition relative to each other that the extensionof each element is maintained in locking relation to the opening of the adjacent element;

5. A device for selectively feeding successive numbers of transversely, perforated stampsin strip form, apin-feed wheel engageable' with the stamp perforations while'feed- 7 ing stamps, a sprocket, connected with said pin wheel, a

the total value of stamps desired and movingifrom the finger engaging position to'the stop position will rotate the pin wheel and feed stamps accordingly.

6. -A device for selectivelyfeeding successive multiple numbers of perforated stamps in strip form, pin-feed .Wheels engageable with transverse stamp perforations while feeding stamps, a sprocket connected with said pin wheel; a second sprocket spacedyrelative to- 'thetfirst named sprocket, a belt supported by the sprockets and having sprocket drive openings therein with alternate openings of SllifiClGHt size tobe engaged by an operators finger, a stationary element positioned beneath the upper reach of the belt and having numerals thereon positioned beneath certain. of the finger openings, and a cover over the upper reach of the belt having an elongate opening exposing thenumerals and associated belt openings, said elongate opening terminating at one end in a stop position, whereby an operatorsfinger upon engaging an opening .in the belt which exposes the numeral designatw ing the total value of stamps desired and moving from the finger engaging position to the stopposition will 1 rotate the pin wheel and feed stamps accordingly;

7. A strip feeding device comprising a frame-and a cover supported thereby; a strip feeding wheel' and a drive'sprocket connectedrfor simultaneous rotation on said frame;jsaid sprockethaving radiating lugs; a drive belt trained about said sprocket and having openings therealong, at leastsoine of saidbpenings being of :a

size to receive said lugs and spaced to mesh therewith, at least some of said openings being of finger hole size selectively to receive an operators finger preparatory to movement of said belt thereby; means for keeping said belt in relatively taut condition so as to maintain driving contact with said sprockets; said cover providing access from the exterior of the device to a reach of said belt, said reach of the belt providing a plurality of said lastmentioned openings of finger hole size; and stop means supported by said frame for engagement by said operators finger to determine the terminal position of said operators finger and thereby the extent of rotation of said strip feed wheel depending upon the particular one of 10 said last-mentioned openings in which the operators finger is selectively received.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,062,427 Zanetti May 20, 1913 1,650,556 Weber NOV. 22, 1922 1,789,688 Rast et al. Jan. 20, 1931 2,496,080 Wimer Jan. 31, 1950 2,663,196 Davidson Dec. 22, 1953 2,712,442 Hanson July 5, 1955 2,724,280 Davidson Nov. 22, 1955

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