US3601043A - Adjustable check writer with plural printing station - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a check-writing machine provided with two print stations supported for both lateral and fore and aft adjustment relative to each other. One of the print stations is provided with a signature block and each of the print stations include a series of print elements selectively settable relative to a print line. A platen mechanism is provided on the check writing machine for effecting a simultaneous print out of information set in the print elements and contained in the signature block.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Vernon W. Cook, Jr.

P.O. Box 266, Pearson, Ga. 31642 [21} Appl. No. 829,517 [22] Filed June 2, 1969 [45] Patented Aug. 24, 1971 [54] ADJUSTABLE CHECK WRITER WITH PLURAL PRINTING STATION 8 Claims, 9 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 101/90, 101/95, 101/20, 101/297 [51] Int. Cl .1341119/04, B41f 1/04 [50] FieldofSearch 101/90, 95, 96, 269,45, 297, 316, 317, 318, 20, 19

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,881,578 10/1932 Hinds 101/90 1,911,690 5/1933 Howard 101/90 Primary Examiner-William B. Penn AttorneyNewton, Hopkins & Ormsby ABSTRACT: This invention relates to a check-writing machine provided with two print stations supported for both lateral and fore and aft adjustment relative to each other. One of the print stations is provided with a signature block and each of the print stations include a series of print elements selectively settable relative to a print line. A platen mechanism is provided on the check writing machine for effecting a simultaneous print out of information set in the print elements and contained in the signature block.

Patented Aug. 24, 1971 3,601,043

4 Sheets-Sheet l Patented Aug. 24, 1971 3,601,043

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOZ VERNON w. cooKprz Patented Aug. 24, 1971 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR VEIZNON COOK, JR.

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION that there are several different size checks having varying distances between the two lines for indicating the amount of the check.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide a check writer capable of printing the amount of a check on both of the amount indicating lines.

Another object of this invention is to provide a check writer having two printing stations supported for both lateral and fore and aftadjustment relative to each other.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a check writer having a fore and aft adjustable signature block.

A further object of this invention is to provide a check writer having a fore and aft adjustable stop gauge element.

Another object of this invention is to provide a check writer having two printing stations provided with a common print operating lever.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a check writer simple in construction and operating, economical to manufacture and reliable in operation.

The apparatus of the invention comprises generally a check writer having two print stations which are movable longitudinally of each other along an axis and with respect to each other transversely of the axis. The second print station is stationary and the first print station is moved with respect thereto as specified above. The first print station prints the amount in numbers on the check and the second print-station prints in the amount in words on the check as well a signature. The signature printer is selectively movable in the second print station so that the positions of the amount in numbers, the amount in words, and the signature an be moved with respect to each other.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings illustrating one embodiment wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGS. OF DRAWING FIG. 1 is a right front perspective view of the check writer,

FIG. 2 is a right front perspective view similar to FIG. 1 with certain parts omitted and certain parts broken away and shown in section for clarity in illustrating the lateral and fore and aft adjusting mechanism of a printing station,

FIG. 3 is a right front perspective view with certain parts omitted for clarity in illustrating the platen operating mechanism,

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary section view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary right front perspective view of the signature block support with certain parts shown in section for clarity in illustrating the signature-block-adjusting mechanism,

FIG. 6 is a right front perspective view of the check writer with certain parts broken away and shown in section for clarity in illustrating the relationship of the two print station print elements and signature block,

FIG. 7 is avertical section view taken through one of the printstations to illustrate the operation association of the platen mechanism with print elements,

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary left front perspective view showing the relationship of the adjustable stop gauge and one of the print station, and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective exploded view showing the adjustable gauge stop.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT Referring to the accompanying drawings, the check-writing apparatus will be described with reference to a base frame 1, having supported thereon a first and second print section 2, 3, respectively and including a print-operating lever 4.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1-3, the first print station 2 includes a first substantially rectangular shaped sub frame 10 having a pair of fore and aft oriented side members 11, 12, joined on their opposite ends by a pair of laterally oriented front and rear members 13, 14, respectively. Integral with the outside surfaces of front and rear members 13, 14 is a pair of laterally oriented tongue members 15, 16, which are slidably supported in a pair of complimentary grooves l7, 18, formed in base frame 1. Lateral adjustment of subframe 10 along grooves 17, 18, is accomplished by a lateral adjusting means 19 (FIG. 2) which includes an elongated threaded member 20 threaded through in a complimentary threaded bushing 21 fixed to base frame 1. One end 22 of threaded member 20 is connected to subframe side member 12 (by conventional means not shown) for rotatable nonaxial movement relative to the side member 12. A second end 23 of threaded member 20 is provided with an adjusting knob 24 for effecting rotation of the threaded member 20, and thus slidable movement of subframe '10 with respect to base frame 1.

Positioned on main frame 1 and in alignment with checkreceiving notch 55 is check stop S for positioning the right end of the check to be printed so that the printing segments may be adjusted to properly align the numeral FIGS. adjacent to the mark on checks of various sizes. If it is desired to eliminate movement between subframe l0 and main frame 1 to condense the overall width of the machine, an adjustable check stop S (not shown) may be mounted on housing sidewall 58 and adjacent check receiving notch 55 for relative movement with respect to housing sidewall 58 to accomplish the correct positioning of the mark on various size checks within check-receiving notch 55 for printing.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first print station 2 includes a second substantially rectangular shaped subframe 38 having a pair of fore and aft oriented side members 39, 40 joined on their opposite ends by a pair of laterally oriented front and rear members 41, 42. Integral with the outside surfaces of second subframe side members 39, 40, is a pair of outwardly projecting fore and aft oriented tongue members 43, 44 slidably supported in a pair of grooves 45, 46, formed in first subframe side members 11, 12. Fore and aft adjustment of second subframe 38 is accomplished by a fore and aft adjusting gear 47 rotatably supported on first subframe side member 12 by a shaft 48 and including conventional gear teeth in engagement with complimentary gear teeth formed on an upper surface of side member 40.

Printstation 2 includes a platen unit 25 having a horizontally oriented platen surface 26 and a rearwardly extending substantially Y-shaped support arm 27 as best seen in FIGS. 2, 3, and .7. Support arm 27 is rotatably supported on a cross shaft 28 having its opposite ends 29, 30, supported in subframe side members ll, 12, respectively. Formed in second subframe side members 39, 40 is a pair of fore and aft elongated slots 50, 51, which surround cross shaft 28 to permit fore and aft adjustment of the second subframe 38 relative to the first subframe 10. Integral with subframe said members 1 1 I2, is a pair of upstanding support brackets 31, 32 as seen in FIG. 3, having the opposite ends of a tubular cross shaft 33 journaled therein. Fixed to an intermediate portion of cross shaft 33 is a forwardly extending drive link 34. Pivotally connected between an extended end of link 34 and a rearwardly projecting end 35 of platen support arm 27 is a pair of link members 36, 37. Rotation of shaft 33 counterclockwise (FIG. 7) will effect a clockwise movement of platen unit 25 about cross shaft 28 to move platen surface 26 from a retracted inactive position upwardly to an active print position (shown in dotted lines, FIG. 7).

Supported on the second subframe 38 of the first print station is an inverted substantially U-shaped housing 54 provided with a check-receiving notch 55. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first print station housing 54 includes a series of print elements 56 rotatably supported on a cross shaft 57 which is mounted in housing sidewalls 58 directly above print opening 53. Each of the print elements 56 includes an upwardly extending setting arm 59 which projects through an elongated slot 60 formed in housing 54. A depending arcuately shaped surface of each of the print elements 56 includes a series of character forming elements 61 formed thereon. A second rearwardly extending arcuately shaped surface 62 of each of the print elements 56 has formed thereon a series of detent elements 63, one for each of the character forming elements. The peripheral spacing of the detent elements 63 is detailed to correspond to the angular spacing of the character forming elements 61. The detent elements 63 are to corporate with a conventional detent mechanism 64 to hold each of the print elements in a set position relative to a printing line. The vertical spacing of the print element 56 is detailed such that a print character positioned at the print line will be impacted by platen surface 26 when moved to an upper print position to effect a print out. Reference is made to US. Pat. No. 2,826,140 for more detailed description of the print element setting mechanism, detent means and a conventional ribbon inking means to be used in combination with the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, the first print station housing 54 includes a pair of fore and aft oriented elongated slots 65 in walls 58 which surround cross shaft 33 to ermit fore and aft adjustment of the housing 54 and second subframe 38 relative to first subframe 10.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the check writer includes a second print station 3 supported on a base portion 70. Mounted on base portion 70 is a baseplate 71 having a print opening 72 formed therein. Also supported on base portion 70 is a substantially inverted U-shaped housing 73 provided with a check-receiving notch 74 in coplanar alignment with first print station check-receiving notch 55. As shown in FIG. 6, the second print station housing 73 includes a series of print elements 75 rotatably supported on a cross shaft 76 which is mounted in housing sidewalls 77, 78. Each of the print elements 75 include an upwardly extending setting arm 79 which projects through an elongated slot 80 formed in housing 73. A depending arcuately shaped surface of each of the print elements 75 include a series of character forming elements 81 formed thereon. A second and rearwardly extending arcuately shaped detent surface 82 if formed on each of the print elements 75 and is detailed in construction the same as first print station detent surface 62.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second print station 3 includes a platen unit 83 having a substantially horizontal platen surface 84 and a rearwardly extending substantially Y-shaped support arm 85. Support arm 85 is rotatably supported on a cross shaft 86 which has its opposite ends 87, 88, mounted in base portion 70, below base plate 71. Supported directly above the rear end 89 of support arm 83 is a cross shaft 90 which is joumaled for rotation in pair of bushings 91, 92, mounted on housing sidewalls 77, 78, respectively. Connected to an intermediate portion of cross shaft 90 directly above the rear end 89 of arm 83 is a forwardly extending drive link 93. The extending end is pivotally connected to the rear end 89 of arm 83 by a pair of link members 94, 95.

It is obvious that a counterclockwise rotation of cross shaft 90 (FIG. 3) will effect a clockwise rotation of platen unit 83 about shaft 86 to move platen surface 84 from a lower inactive position up through print opening 72 to an upper active printing position in the same manner as the platen unit of the first print station. The relative position of second print station platen surface 84 is detailed such that it is in coplanar alignment with first print station platen surface 26. The lateral dimension of platen surfaces 26 and 84 are detailed to span all of its associated print elements and platen surface 84 is additionally detailed to span and effect a print from a signature block 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the second print station cross shaft is provided with an externally splined extended end 96 which extends into a complimentary internally splined opening 97 formed in the tubular cross shaft 33. Cross shaft 33 and cross shaft 90 are coaxially supported relative to each other and the extended end 96 of shaft 90 and complimentary opening of shaft 33 are detailed to permit nonrotational but an axial sliding movement relative to each other. The axial sliding,

movement between shaft 90 and shaft 33 will permit lateral adjustment of the first print station 2 relative to a second print station 3. As shown in FIG. 3, a print-operating lever 4 is fixed to cross shaft 90 and includes a rearwardly extending end 5 connected by a tension spring element 6 to base portion 70.

Referring now to FIG. 5 and 6, the second print station 3 includes a conventional check signature block100 slidably supported on a pair of fore and aft extending rods 101, 102, having their opposite ends mounted in housing front and rear walls 107, 108. Block 100 has a bottom surface 103 containing signature information. Fore and aft adjustment of signature block 100 is accomplished by a threaded shaft 104 being threaded through a complimentary threaded opening in block 100. Opposite ends 105, 106, of threaded shaft 104 are journaled by conventional means (not shown) for rotational non axial movement in housing front and rear walls 107, 108. Threaded shaft 104 is provided with an adjusting knob 109 fixed to an extended end 106 for effecting fore and aft adjustment of signature block 100.

Referring now to FIG. 8 and 9, the second print station 3 includes an adjustable gauge stop means 110 consisting of a gauge block 111 and a pair of rearwardly extending support arms 112, 113. Arms, 112, 113 are slidably supported in a pair of channel-shaped support brackets 114, 115, which are mounted on the second print station housing sidewalls 77 78. Gauge block 111 is supported relative to check-receiving notch 74 to present and adjustable blocking surface to the rear of notch 74 to gauge the position of a check being printed. Fore and aft adjustment of gauge stop 110 is accomplished by a pair of gear elements 116 (only one of which is shown in mesh with complimentary gear racks 117, 118, formed on the bottom surface of support arms 112, 113. Gear elements 116 are rotatably supported in openings 119 (only one of which is shown) by a shaft 120. Shaft 120 includes a laterally extending end 121 having fixed thereto an adjusting knob 122.

OPERATION To begin a check-writing operation, the check writer is first adjusted to insure correct alignment of a check to the print line. The adjustment is accomplished by first rotating knob 122 to adjust the gauge stop means 110 within check-receiving notch 74 to position the check written amount line to correct alignment with the second print station print elements 75. Next, the first print station is adjusted laterally, relative to second print station, by adjusting knob 24 and then fore and aft by adjusting knob 24 and then fore and aft by adjusting knob 47 to position the first print station print elements 56 correct alignment with the check-printed amount line. Correct alignment of signature block is then effected by adjusting knob 109. After the check writer has been adjusted for correct alignment of a check, the print elements 56 and 75 of both print stations 2 and 3 are then set to position the correct amounts to be printed to the print line. A check is then inserted and print-operating lever 4 is pulled downwardly to cause the platen units 25 and 83 to move to an active printing position to effect a simultaneous print out of information set in the print elements 56 and 75 and contained in signature block On the return of the operating lever 4 to its upright position, the selected printing segments are cleared by conventional methods.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to one embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit of and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is: 1

1. In a check-writing capable of effecting a simultaneous print out of information set in two printing stations, the improvement comprising, in combination:

a. a first printing station mounted on said check-writing machine and including a series of print elements selectively settable to a printing line;

. a second printing station mounted on said check-writing machine and including a series of print elements selectively settable to a printing line;

c. an adjusting means mounted on said check-writing machine operatively associated with one of said printing stations, said adjusting means including lateral adjusting means for adjusting said one printing station laterally relative to said other printing station laterally relative to said other printing station and fore and aft adjusting means for effecting a fore and aft adjustment of said one printing station relative to said other printing station; and

d. platen means mounted on said check-writing machine and operatively associated with said printing elements for effecting a simultaneous print out of information set in said printing elements, said platen means including an independent platen unit operatively associated with each printing station and wherein said check writing machine includes a single operating lever operatively associated with said two platen units for effecting a simultaneous printing operation with said platen units.

2. In a check-writing machine as described in claim 1 further including a signature block carried by one of said print stations and operatively associated with said platen means for simultaneous printout of information contained in said signature block with said information set in said printing elements.

3. In a check-writing machine as described in claim 2 further characterized in that one of said printing stations is provided with a fore and aft adjustable stop gauge laterally oriented for gauging the fore and aft position of a check relative to said print elements.

4. In a check-writing machine as described in claim 3, further characterized in that said signature block includes fore and aft adjusting means operatively associated therewith for adjusting the fore and aft' position of said signature block relative to said printing elements.

5. In a check-writing machine as described in claim 1, further characterized in that said platen unit operatively associated with printing station having said lateral and fore and aft adjusting means is detailed such that said platen unit is supported on said printing station for lateral adjustment with said printing station and is supported in a fixed fore and aft position and provided with to permit relative fore and aft adjustment between said platen unit and said printing station print elements.

6. In a check-writing machines as described in claim 5, further characterized in that said laterally adjustable platen unit is detailed in fore and aft dimensions to effect a print out from said associated pn'nt elements in all of the fore and aft adjustable positions of said print elements.

7. In a check-writing machine as described in claim 2, further characterized in that said platen unit operatively associated with said print station having said signature block is detailed in dimensions such that said platen unit will effect a simultaneous print out from said print station print elements and said signature block.

8. In a check-writing machine as described in claim 4, a further characterized in that said signature block and said adjustable stop gauge are operatively associated with one of said print stations and said print station adjusting means operatively associated with said other print station.

Claims (8)

1. IN A CHECK-WRITING CAPABLE OF EFFECTING A SIMULTANEOUS PRINT OUT OF INFORMATION SET IN TWO PRINTING STATIONS, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: A. A FIRST PRINTING STATION MOUNTED ON SAID CHECK-WRITING MACHINE AND INCLUDING A SERIES OF PRINT ELEMENTS SELECTIVELY SETTABLE TO A PRINTING LINE; B. A SECOND PRINTING STATION MOUNTED ON SAID CHECK-WRITING MACHINE AND INCLUDING A SERIES OF PRINT ELEMENTS SELECTIVELY SETTABLE TO A PRINTING LINE; C. AN ADJUSTING MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID CHECK-WRITING MACHINE OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH ONE OF SAID PRINTING STATIONS, SAID ADJUSTING MEANS INCLUDING LATERAL ADJUSTING MEANS FOR ADJUSTING SAID ONE PRINTING STATION LATERALLY RELATIVE TO SAID OTHER PRINTING STATION LATERALLY RELATIVE TO SAID OTHER PRINTING STATION AND FORE AND AFT ADJUSTING MEANS FOR EFFECTING A FORE AND AFT ADJUSTMENT OF SAID ONE PRINTING STATION RELATIVE TO SAID OTHER PRINTING STATION; AND D. PLATEN MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID CHECK-WRITING MACHINE AND OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID PRINTING ELEMENTS FOR EFFECTING A SIMULTANEOUS PRINT OUT OF INFORMATION SET IN SAID PRINTING ELEMENTS, SAID PLATEN MEANS INCLUDING AN INDEPENDENT PLATEN UNIT OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH EACH PRINTING STATION AND WHEREIN SAID CHECK WRITING MACHINE INCLUDES A SINGLE OPERATING LEVER OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID TWO PLATEN UNITS FOR EFFECTING A SIMULTANEOUS PRINTING OPERATION WITH SAID PLATEN UNITS.

2. In a check-writing machine as described in claim 1 further including a signature block carried by one of said print stations and operatively associated with said platen means for simultaneous printout of information contained in said signature block with said information set in said printing elements.

3. In a check-writing machine as described in claim 2 further characterized in that one of said printing stations is proVided with a fore and aft adjustable stop gauge laterally oriented for gauging the fore and aft position of a check relative to said print elements.

4. In a check-writing machine as described in claim 3, further characterized in that said signature block includes fore and aft adjusting means operatively associated therewith for adjusting the fore and aft position of said signature block relative to said printing elements.

5. In a check-writing machine as described in claim 1, further characterized in that said platen unit operatively associated with printing station having said lateral and fore and aft adjusting means is detailed such that said platen unit is supported on said printing station for lateral adjustment with said printing station and is supported in a fixed fore and aft position and provided with to permit relative fore and aft adjustment between said platen unit and said printing station print elements.

6. In a check-writing machines as described in claim 5, further characterized in that said laterally adjustable platen unit is detailed in fore and aft dimensions to effect a print out from said associated print elements in all of the fore and aft adjustable positions of said print elements.

7. In a check-writing machine as described in claim 2, further characterized in that said platen unit operatively associated with said print station having said signature block is detailed in dimensions such that said platen unit will effect a simultaneous print out from said print station print elements and said signature block.

8. In a check-writing machine as described in claim 4, a further characterized in that said signature block and said adjustable stop gauge are operatively associated with one of said print stations and said print station adjusting means operatively associated with said other print station.

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