US513887A - Device for affixing postage-stamps - Google Patents

Description

(No Model.)

9.3. CONRAD. DEVIGBFOR- AFPIXING POSTAGE STAMPS. No. 513,887.

Patented Jan. 30, 1894.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE EDGAR CONRAD, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

DEVICE FOR AFFIXING POSTAGE-STAMPS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 513,887, dated January 30, 1894. Application filed February 16, 1893 Scrial No. 462,545- (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, GEORGE EDGAR CONRAD, of Chicago, county of Cook, and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Device for Affixing Postage-Stamps, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

The object of my invention is to provide a machine comprehending a magazine of stamps, and adapted to feed down successively, so that they may be applied to an envelope, for example, by simple pressure upon a moistened surface. The machine also preferably includes a moistening sponge.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of my machine, showing the sponge cap in place. Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the same. Fig. 3 is a transverse section through the machine, showing a longitudinal section of the magazine. Fig. 4 is a cross section showing the slots.

Referring to the figures on the drawings, 1 indicates a frame, which may be made of metal, wood, or any other suitable material. It may be conveniently formed in the shape of a cross, as illustrated, having upon opposite ends a stamp magazine, and an intermediate sponge cup 2, and opposite the sponge cup a handle 3. The cup is made of any suitable design adapted to contain a moistened sponge 4, and preferably provided with a cap 5. The magazines shown are entirely independent, and one is a counterpart of the other. The two are employed in order to increase the capacity of the machine, and to lend symmetry thereto.

The magazine preferably consists, in combination with the core 6, which forms a part or wing of the frame, of a case 7, loosely fitted to the core, and susceptible of a certain limited longitudinal motion thereon. For the purpose of limiting the movement, slots 8, in the ends of the core, may be provided, within which pins 9, projecting from the case, are located.- The opposite ends of the case are provided with overhanging flanges 10, which are preferably as narrow as they may be made to hold with sufficient security the stamps carried in the case. Thedimensions of the case and core are such that a stamp, for which the machine is adapted to be used, will fit snugly within it, and have its opposite ends project under the flanges 10, so that that is not essential.

they cannot accidentally escape. The dimensions shown are adapted for use in the new Columbian stamp series of the United States. i

In practice the stamps are placed with the gummed sides outward in a pack upon top of the core, and are held in place by the flanges 10. In this condition the case will be drawn out beyond the end of the core, so that the space between the vflanges upon the end of the core will accommodate the number of stamps employed.

In practice the sponge is used to moisten the surface to which the stamp is to be applied, and the magazine filled with gummed stamps is pressed against the moist surface. The adhesion of the gummed surface to the moist surface will be sufficient to retain the stamp when the magazine is taken away, so that one stamp is set in place, and another presents itself ready to be applied in the same manner.

For convenience of filling, the case may be made removable from the core or frame, but For better retaining the stamps in the magazine I prefer to make the pins 9 spring-actuated, as shown, so that they tend constantly to draw the case over the core, so that there is a constant tension of the flanges 10 upon the edges of the stamp, and as each successive stamp is taken off the case takes firm hold upon the nextone. The springs should not be of such. power as might prevent the ready separation of the stamp from the magazine.

I do not confine myself to the details of construction herein shown and described, but reserve the right to modify and vary them at will Within the scope of my invention.

What I claim is- The combination with an angular frame, of a handle spring actuated flanged casings oppositely actuated laterally with respect to the handle and a metallic sponge receptacle secured upon the frame opposite to the handle, and a metallic cap for said sponge cup, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony of all of which I have hereunto subscribed my name.

GEORGE EDGAR CONRAD.

Witnesses:

F. S. HESTER, J. R. GOOD.

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