US627590A

US627590A - Machine for stamping and sealing envelops.

Info

Publication number: US627590A
Application number: US66036297A
Authority: US
Inventors: Laurits M Nielsen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1897-12-01
Filing date: 1897-12-01
Publication date: 1899-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 1916-06-27

Description

Patented lune 27, |899. L. M. NIELSEN.

MACHINE FUR STAMPING AND SEALING ENVELOPS.

(Application led Dec. 1, 1897.)

s sham-sheet l.

(No Model.)

No. 627,590. Patented .lune 27, |899.

L. M. NIELSEN.

MACHINE FOR STAMPING AND SEALING ENVELDPS.

(Application tiled Dec. 1, 1897.) (No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 2.`

W/ TNESS /IVVEN 70H A from/Emi "0,627,590. Patented June 27,1899. L. M. NIELSEN.

MACHINE FOR STAMPING AND SEALING ENVELOPS.

(pplication led Dec. 1, 1897,) (No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 3.

WITNESS /NVENTR Arron/:Erf

-- 1n: Nonms versus co. Pno'mumm. wAsmNoTcN. n, cA

No. 627,590. Patented lune- 27, |899. L. M. NIELSEN.

MACHINE FUR STAMPING AND SEALING ENVELUPS.

(Application led Dec. 1, 1897.)

ml 6W" No. 627,590. Patented June 27, |899.

L L. M. NIELSEN.

MACHINE FOR STAMPING AND SELING ENVELDPS.

(Appliction'med nec. 1, 1997.)

(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 5.

WITNESS INVENTUR 1w: mams Parana no. PNoTuuwo.. wAsHxNGToN, o. c.

No. 627,590. Patented June 27,1899.

L. M. NIELSEN.

MACHINE FOR STAMPING AND SEALING ENVELOPS.

(Application Sled Dec. 1, 1897.)

WITNESS NVENTUI? mi Ncmms PEfERs co. vnoaumo., wAsNms'roN, D. c.

NrrnDv ISrlrrias LAURITS M. NIELSEN, OF NEV YORK, N. Y.

PATENT OFFICE.

MACHINE FOR STAM-PING AND SEALING ENVLOPS SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 627,590, dated J' une 27, 1899. Application filed December l, 1897. Serial No. 660,362'. (No model.)

To all whom, t may concern:

Beit known that I, LAURITS M. NIELSEN, a citizen of the United States, residing at New York, (Brooklym) in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Ma-v its object to provide a simple and improved automatic machine of this character which will effectively operate in one continuous movement to seal the envelop, apply the stamp, and eject the sealed and stamped envelop. l

The invention is-fully disclosed in the following specification, of which the accompanying drawings form a part, in which the separate parts of my improvements are designated by the same numerals of reference in each of the views, and in' which- Figure 1 is a side elevation,'partly in sec, tion, of a machine embodying my improve-l ments. Fig. 2' is an end elevation, partly inv section. section, taken from the end opposite that shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a top or plan view,I partly in section. Fig. 5 is an inverted plan view showing the under side, and Fig. 6 is a detail sectional viewtaken through and on the plane ofv the dampening mechanism.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates a table or platform upon which the envelops are placed and which carries both above and beneath it the operating mechanism. This platform is suitably elevated upon standards or supports 2.

The envelops are placed upon the front central portion of the table or platform in front of and with their top edge against a longitudinally-arranged hinged sealing ap or leaf 3, the envelop-nap being turned up against the front face of said leaf. The leafis hinged at its bottom edge, as at 4, to the table or platform and serves the double purpose of a medium for sealing the envelop-ap and a guide in the placing of the envelop in position. To further facilitate the placing of the Fig. 3 is an end elevation, partly inI envelops with relation to variations in the length or size of the same, I provide an adjustable guide 5 at a point in front of and with relation to the right-hand end of the hinged leaf 3, which guide may consist of a platehaving an u pturned end 6, against which the edgeof the envelop may b e set and provided with a longitudinal slot 7 in which is accommodated a set-screw 8, projecting from the table 1.

At the rear of the table or platform is provided an upright frame 9, having bearings 10 for vertically-operating plungers 11 11, conjointly carried upon the respective ends of a plunger-frame 12, which is arranged in approximately parallel position with relation to the hinged leaf 3. This plunger-frame preferably comprises a top cross-head 13, forming a handle by which it may be depressed, and a lower cross bar or brace 14, extending between the plunger-rods 11 11 at a point intermediatelyvof the bearings of the latter, and coiled springs 15 15 are arranged between said cross-bar land the bearing-frame, the springs being of sufficient tension to return the plunger-frame and its connected operative mechanism in normal position after the pressure on the downstroke is released.

The right-hand plunger-rod is relatively short and terminates at a point above the table or platform, while the left-hand plungerrod is longer and projects through an opening 16 in the platform or table to a point beneath the latter. The stamp feeding and afxing mechanism is arranged beneath the table and is operated by the long plunger-rod, While the moistening device for the flap of the envelop, the moistening device for the stamp, and the sealing-leaf mechanism are arranged above the table and are operated by the short plunger-rod, the ejecting mechanism being connected with the sealing-leaf mechanism and arranged beneath the table, but projecting through the same, all as hereinafter fully set forth.

17 designates a bell-crank lever, which is fulcrumed, as at 1S, in a suitable bracket 19, projecting from the table or platform. The bell-crank lever occupies a vertical position between the plunger` rods and is approximately in parallel relation to the plungerframe,and its outwardly-proj ecting top arm 20 IOO has an angular slot engaging a forwardly-projecting pin 21 upon the right-hand plungerrod.

The return movement of the plunger-frame after its downward stroke may be limited by the engagement of either the cross-bar 14 or top arm of the bell-crank lever with the bearing-frame or in any other suitable manner to prevent disengagement of the plunger mechanism from its bearing-frame.

The angular slot in the top arm of the bellcrank lever comprises a straight or horizon- Vtal portion 22, from which' extends downwardly at an approximately vertical angle an end portion 23. The pin 21 preferably projects at an angle with relation to the plungerframe and toward the central part of. the hinged leaf 3, and to facilitate the direct and proper engagement of the top arm of the bellcrank lever with this pin said arm may be turned at an angle, as shown in Fig. 4. The pin 2l is thus projected at an angle by reason of the fact that it operates the mechanism which depresses the hinged leaf 3, which mechanism extends from the short plungerrod mechanism at an angle to the central portion of said hinged leaf.

The lower arm 24 of the bell-crank lever is provided at its lowei end with a horizontal foot-piece 25, )rejecting toward the short plunger-rod and provided with a longitudinal slot 26, which is in transverse relation to theplane of movement of said bell-crank lever and receives a vertical pin 27 upon the rear end 28 of a horizontally-arranged swinging bar or lever29, fulcrumed, as at 30, upon the table or platform 1 at a point in front of the bell-crank-lever mechanism. This lever 29 carries the envelop-Ilap-moistening devices and is of right-angular construction in front of its fulcrum, as at 31, so that its horizontal outer arm is elevated to a plane above the horizontal leaf 3 and will swing over the same in the operation of the machine.

The mechanism for moistening the envelop in the operation of sealing the flap comprises a vertical holder 32, carrying at its bottom a pad 33, of felt or other absorbent material, said pad being approximately on the plane of the top surface of the platform or table and being adapted to travel over the back surface of the envelop when the latter is in position for the purpose of moistening the same preparatory to the sealing of the iiap. The holder` 32 is carried in this swinging movement by a carriage 34, adapted to travel upon a suitably-elevated track 35. This carriage preferably comprises a bottom or base piece 36, from which projects a vertical pin 37, carrying a horizontally-arran ged grooved friction wheel or roller 38, which operates between two cylindrical rails or rods 39 39, comprising the track 35, and from the bottom 36 extend sides 40 40, projecting upwardly at each side of said track and carrying transversely-mounted rollers 41 41 at each track. By this construction and arrangement the carriage is firmly retained in true horizontal position during its travel upon the track and is adaptedto move freely thereon. The top end of the vertical pin 37 engages a longitiulinally-arranged slot 42 in the outer end of the lever 29, so that said leverswings the carriage in its full line of movement.

The track is suitably elevated upon blocks or supports 43 43 and extends longitudinally in a straight line in front of the hinged leaf 3 and is curved rearwardlyaround the left-hand end of the leaf, the purpose of this curved end terminal being to bring the moistcning device carried by the carriage into connection with the water-feeding devices hereinafter described.

From the foregoing description it will he understood that when the plunger is depressed the bell-crank lever 17 will be caused to swing upon its fulcrum by engagement of the pin 21 with the straight portion 22 of the slot in the top arm of the lever, and as the lower arm of said bell-crank lever swings toward the left-hand side of the machine the pin 27 of the lever 29 will be engaged by the transverse slot 26 in the foot-piece of the bell-crank lever, and thus cause the lever 29 to swing around in front of and over the hinged leaf 3, carrying with it in its movement the carriage and its moistcning devices. The springactuated reverse movement of the plunger' mechanism will return the mechanism to normal position. It will be understood that the envelop is placed face downward upon the table', so that the moistcning-pad 33 travels over its back surface, while a corner of its front face is adapted to be moistened from below to enable the aixing of the stamp.

The mechanism for moistcning the envelop to enable the aflixing of the stamp comprises an 4arm 44, having its end pivotally connected, as at 45, with the bottom portion of the lower arm of the bell-crank lever 17. This pivoted arm 44 projects in horizontal position from its pivot toward the left-hand side of the machine and in a position approximately parallel to the bell-crank lever, anditis provided at its outer end with an approximately rightangular slot 46, engaged by an upwardly-projectingpin 47 upon a lever-bar4S,fulcrumed, as at 49, in horizontal position upon the table. This lever-bar 48 is provided with an angular outer end 50, projecting downwardly and accommodated in a segmental slot 51 in the table l, and from its angular outercnd projects a horizontal finger 52, carrying a pad 53 of fibrous or other absorbent material, which is accommodated in a segmental slot or opening 54 in the table 1, the right-hand end of which opening terminates a short distance beyond the left-hand end of the hinged leaf 3. The outer end of the lever-bar 43 thus swings in a segmental line of movement between the water-feedin g devices and the terminal righthand end of the segmental opening 54, with end, which rollers bear upon the top of the I its pad 53 projecting upwardly to approxi- IOO IIO

mately the plane of the top surface of the table, and in this movement the pad will meisten the corner of the face of the envelop to which the stamp is to be affixed, which corner, when the envelop is in position upon the table with its face down, will be exposed at the end of the opening 54'.

The pad 53 projects both above and below its carrying-arm 52, so that its bottom comes in contact with a wick or feeder 55, arranged in a reservoir 56, arranged beneath the table or platform at the rear end of the segmental opening 54. This reservoir may comprise a body portion 57, in which the water is contained, and have a raised end portion 58, forming a platform,-upon which the wick or feeder 55 may be folded into position for contact with the bottom edge of the pad 53. It will be understood that the wateris fed to the pad 53, so that the latter is kept in suitably-moistened condition. Vhen the mechanism is in normal position, the pad 33 ofthe flap-moistening mechanism will be in contact with the top edge of the pad'53, and thus be suitably moistened by the latter. Y

A recess 59 may be provided in the under side of the table, at the front terminus of the opening 54, to accommodate the pad 53 after it has passed beyond the end of said opening.

In the operation of the mechanism when the plunger is depressed the lever-bar 48 will remain stationary until the carriage 34 has passed the front end of the opening 54 and reached a point in front of the hinged leaf 3, during which time the pivoted arm 44 moves independently of the lever-bar 48 by reason of the longitudinal slot 46; but as soon as the pin 47 engages with the end of said slot 46 the lever-bar 48 is swung upon its pivot, so that its outer end carrying the pad describes a segmental movement and moistens the under surface of the envelop at its edge. The Iiap and stamp. moistening mechanisms are relatively returned to normal position by the springactuated return lnovements of the plunger and the angular slot 46 permits free play of the lever-arm 48 in describing either of the movements during its operation.

The stamp-feeding mechanism embodies feed-rollers 60, journaled one above the other in a suitable frame 6l at the under side of the platform and at a point adjacent to the front end of the slot or opening` 54. These feed-rollers are in transverse relation to the hinged leaf 3 and between them a strip ofst-amps is adapted to be fed from a suitable guide-incline 62, extending from the top surface of the table at its left-hand end. The stamp-strip passes from between the feedrollers through slots 63 in the top Walls of a rectangular plunger-box 64, vertically mounted in the frame Gl at a point directly beneath-- the front end of the opening 54. This plunger-box corresponds in its transverse dimensions to a single stamp, and within it operates a vertically-movable plunger 65, which is adapted to carry the stamp from the plungerbox and operate in conjunction withthe hinged leaf 3 to affix the same in position upon the envelop.

For the purpose of feeding single stamps consecutively to the box G4 a gear-wheel 6G is mounted upon a shaft-67, bearing in the frame 61 in parallel relation 'to the feed-rollers 60, and upon the rearfaceof said gearlwheel are provided laterally-projecting pins 68, equidistantly arranged in an annular series surrounding the hub or bearing. The arrangement of said pins is relatively such that travel of the gear-wheel 66 a distance corresponding to the space between each pin will move the stamp-feeding mechanism a sufficient distance to carry the stamp into position upon the plunger65, said gear-wheel G6 being engaged by a pinion G9 upon the shaft 70 of the lower feed-roll 60.

The feed-rolls may have their peripheral surfaces formed of rubber or other elastic or hard material. It will be understood that in a vertical operation of the plunger 65 it will automatically cut or tear the stamp at its perforated edge to separate the same from the strip of stamps which is fed from the incline 62. A fiat spring 71, having a curved free end, as at 7 2, is arranged to bear against and with relation to the lateral pins 68 and successively engage the same, but at the same time permit of their release when the gearwheel 66 is operated. This spring may project from the under side of the reservoir-box 56, and it serves to retain the gear-Wheel (36 and the stamp-feeding mechanism in locked position during the intervals between its successive operation.

The stamp-feeding gear is intermittently operated by means of a lever 73, fulcrumed, as at 74, in a suitable bracket 75, depending from the under side of the table l, this lever being arranged to extend transversely with respect to the table and in a position at right angles to the main plunger-frame 12 and the gear-Wheel 66. The free front end of the lever 7 3 carries a pivoted catch 7 6, adapted to engage the pins 68 on the upstroke of the lever to carry the gear-wheel 66 in a part revolution against the tension of its governingspring7l, said catch being adapted to pass from engagement with the pin when the desired extent of movement of the gear-wheel has been attained. To hold the catch 7G in fixed position during the upstroke of the lever, it is provided with a rear end lip 77,

IOO y IIO adapted to engage a shoulder 78 on the end at its lower end with a laterally-projecting pin 82, engaging an angular slot 83 in the rear end of the lever 73. l

It will be understood from the foregoing description that on the downstroke of the lnain plunger-frame 12 the lever 73 will be operated simultaneously with the movement of the flap and stamp moistcning mechanisms to turn the gear-wheel GG and cause a stamp to be fed into position above the stam p-plun ger G5, and that in the reverse movement of the springactuated main plunger the said lever 73 will be returned to normal position.

The stamp-plunger G5 is operated by a lcver S4, fulcrumed, as at S5, upon a bracket 86, depending from the under side of the table. The lever 84 extends in parallel position with relation to the lever 73, and it is provided with a slotted front end, as at 87, engaging a transverse piu SS, carried by the stamp-plunger 65, the front end of said lever being adapted to travel in a vertical slot S0 in the rear wall of the plunger-box G-l. The rear end of the lever S4 is provided with an angular slot 90, engaging a lateral pin 91 upon the bottom end of the long plunger-rod 11 at the left-hand side of the machine.

The slot 00 in the stamp-plunger lever Si is arranged in approximately reverse position with relation to the slot 83 in the lever 73 of the stamp-feed m echanism,and both of said levers are operated on the downstroke of said long plunger-rod. Therefore in the simultaneous operation of the different mechanisms by the downstroke of the main plun ger-f rames while the lever 73 is being operated upon its pivot to cause its front end to rise and turn the stamp-feeding mechanism and while the flap and stamp moistening mechanisms are performing their operations the lever S4 remains stationary, during which time the pin 91 travels in the base of the top angle of the slot 90. Then when said three mechanisms-to wit,the stamp-feeding, flap-moistening, and stampmoistening devices-have completed their functional operation the pin 91 bears in the lower wing or angle of the slot to force the rear end of the lever 84 downwardly and correspoudingly raise its front end, so that the stamp-plunger rises within and from the plunger-box G4 and aflixes the stamp to the moistened cornerof the envelop. This latter operation of aiiixing the stamp is accomplished by the plunger in connection with a simultaneous operation of the hinged leaf 3, as will be hereinafter described.

The stamp-plunger mechanism returns to normal position simultaneously with the mechanisms on the spring-actuated return stroke of the main plunger.

The hinged leaf 3 is adapted to be turned downwardly to press the flap of the envelop against the surface which has been moistened by the pad 33, and thus seal the envelop, this operation being simultaneous with the operation of the stamp-aliixing plunger. The hinged leaf is thus operated by an arm 92,

lment to normal position.

which is arranged at an angle on a line bctween the central portion of the hinged leaf y and the short plunger-rod at the right-hand side of the machine. The front end yof said arm 02 is pivotally connected, as at 93, to the back of the hinged leaf, while its rear end is pivoted, as at 94, to a vertically-mounted lever 95, fulcrumcd,.as at 9G, to a standard or bracket 07, projecting from the platform or table 1. The arm 02 may be curved downwardly and rearwardly, as shown, and a coiled spring 0S extends between the pivotcd-

arm mechanism

92 and 95 to a lixed portion of the platform or table to return said mechanism to normal positlon.

The pivoted arm 95 is provided at a point in rear of and above its fulcrum 06 with a shoulder or projection 99, adapted to be engaged by the lateral pin 2l. upon the plungerrod 1l to throw the lower portion of the lever 05 forwardly, and thus cause the pivoted arm 92 to force the hinged leaf 3 downwardly into llat or horizontal position.

The relative construction and arrangement are such that the pin v2l does not engage the shoulder of the lever 95 on the downstroke of the main plunger mechanism until the flapmoistening,the stam p-1noistening,and stampfeed mechanisms have virtually completed their movement. When the flap-moistening devices have passed beyond the hinged leaf 3, the latter will be forced forwardly and downwardly simultaneously with the upward movement of the stamp aiiixing plunger. Upon the release of pressure upon the main plunger mechanism the hinged-leaf mechanism immediately returns to normal position by action of the spring 08 (this movement being simultaneous with the return of the stampafixing plunger to normal position) before the other mechanisms start their return move- In carrying out this function the pin 21 will travel upwardly in the lower wing or angle 23 of the angular slot in the top arrn ofthe bell-crank lever 17 during the return movement of the hingedleaf mechanism, so that no power will be exerted upon the bell-crank level' up to this point in the movement or operation.

The ejecting mechanism is connected with the mechanism for operating the hinged leaf 3, and for the purposes of this connection the lever 95 has its lower end extended below the platform or table 1,`as at 100, which extended end operates in a slot 101 in the table and is preferably turned rearwardly at an angle to the main or top portion of the lever. This end engages an angular slot 102, correspondingly arranged in a lever 103, which occupies a horizontal position beneath the table 1 and is in approximately parallel position with relation to the main plunger meollanism. This lever 103 has its inner end pivotally connected with the under side of the table, as at 104, while its other end is pivotally connected, as at 105, with an outwardlyprojecting arm 106, having an angular slot ICO IOS

IIO

it. I r

107 in its other end. The slots 102 and 107 are relatively arranged at an angle to each other, as clearly shown in Fig. 5, and withinV the slot 107 operates a pin 108, carried upon a lever 109, which is fulcrulned upon the under side of the table, as at 110, and is arranged in approximately parallel relation to the lever 103. The free inner end of the lever 109 carries an upwardly-projecting finger or stud'11l, which projects through a segmental slot 112, intersecting a slot 113 in the lower edge of the hinged leaf 3. When in normal position, the projecting finger 111 is just within the plane of the front face of said hinged leaf. A coiled spring 111 is arranged between the table or platform and the ejector-lever 109, connecting with the latte-r at a point between its fulcrum and the inner free end to return said lever to normal position. Pins or studs 115 may be provided upon the under side of the table to limit the movement of the pivoted arm 106.

In the operation of the ejector mechanism the downstroke of the plunger will be completed, as will also the ensuing movements of the flap-moistening, stamp-m oistening, sta mp feed and afiixing, and sealing mechanisms, without moving the ejector-lever 109; but when the plunger mechanism engages the hinged sealing-leaf mechanism and during the operation of the latteras the downwardlyprojecting end 10Q moves forwardljT said end 100 will travel in the slot 102 until it engages the front end of said slot, when it will operate the lever 103 to force the pivoted arm 106 toward the end of the machine, during which operation said pivoted arm 106-will slide upon the pin 109 a distance equal to the length of its slot 107, and the end 100 and pin 108 will pass into the angular ends of their respective slots 102 and 107. This relative position is reached just as the sealing hinged leaf 3 reaches itslimit of downward movement, and immediately as thehinged leaf rises upwardly by action of the spring 98 the end 100 and pin 108 in the angular ends of their respective slots 102 and 1'07 draw upon the lever 103 and pivoted arm 106 and cause the ejector-lever 109 to describe a swinging line of movement against the function of its spring 114, during which movement the upwardly-projecting finger 111 moves outwardlyin the segmental slot 112 and ejects the sealed and stamped envelop from the surface of the table 1. As soon as the end 100 and the pin 108 pass from the angular ends of their respective slots 102 and 107 intothe main wing of said slots the ejector-lever 109 is released and immediately flies back to normal position by action of its 109 is quick and positive in both directionsy by reason of the spring connections which govern its movement, and thus while the sealing hinged flap 3 is returning to normal position the ejector-lever 109 operates in a quick outward and inward movement and is returned to normal position simultaneously with the hinged leaf and ready for operation upon another envelop.

It` will be understood that the lever 103 and pivoted arm 100 conjointly form a toggle-joint connection between the table or platform and the ejector-lever 109, this toggle mechanism being in connection at its intermediate joint or pivot with the lever 95,'by which it is operated.

The operation and advantages of my invention will be readily understood from the foregoing description when taken in connection with the annexed drawings. 'The machine combines in compact and convenient form a complete mechanism, which by a single movement of the main plunger or operating device will actuate in proper simultaneous or successive order devices for moisten# ingthe back face of the envelop in prepara' tion for sealing the flap, for moistening the corner of the front face in preparation for afiixing the stamps, for feeding the stamps, for separating and affixing the stamps, for sealing the Hap, and for ejecting the sealed and stamped envelop, the complete operation being automatic and all the mechanisms being respectively and relatively returned to normal position on the return stroke ofthe main plunger or operating mechanism. In the complete operation as thus set forth while all the mechanisms are interrelated and coact the construction and arrangement are such that the direct operation of the separate mechanisms is performed at different times and in proper Sequence, it being understood that the flap-moistening mechanism will first move in its operation. Then at a proper relative point the stamp-moistening mechanism moves, while at the same time the stamp is fed into position, and then when the moistening and feeding devices have finished their respective operations the stamp-aflixing plunger and Hap-sealing mechanism simultaneously operate, and as the sealing and stampafxing mechanism is returned to normal position the ejector mechanism operates.

Having fully described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent-- l. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprisinga vertically-operating main plunger mechanism, a Hap-sealing mechanism, a moistening mechanism having a line of travel longitudinally in a cross-swing with relation to the iiapsealing mechanism, a moistening mechanism adapted to operate with relation to one corner of the envelop, and a stamp feeding and aflixing mechanism, all of said mechanisms having lever connections with the main plunger mechanism whereby they are relatively operated, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising a vertically-operating plun- Ico ger mechanism, a vertically-operating apsealing mechanism, horizontally-operating moistening mechanism having a cross-swing or line of travel with relation to said Hapsealing mechanism and with respect to opposite sides of the envelop, a vertically-operating stamp feeding andafiixing mechanism, and vertical and horizontal lever-joint connections between said mechanisms and the vertically operating plunger mechanism, whereby all of said mechanisms are operated in their respective different movements by one stroke of the main plunger mechanism, substantially as shown and described.

3. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising a series of moistening, stamping and sealing mechanisms, a main operating mechanism common to all, and connecting-levers extending between the series of operative mechanisms and the main operating mechanism, said levers having sliding joint connections operating in curved or angular planes, whereby said operative mechanisms are simultaneously operated in a relatively successive movement, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

4. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, com prsinga platform or table, a vertically-operating plunger mechanism mounted above said table and projecting therethrough, a moistening and sealin g mechanism arranged above the table and adapted to operate in a horizontal swinging movement and with respect to one face of the envelop when the latter is laid upon the table, a moistening and stamp-aixing mechanism operating from beneath and through said table with respect to the opposite face of the envelop, and lever mechanisms connecting said respective operating mechanisms with the main plunger mechanism above and below the table, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

5. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising a platform or table, a vertically-operating plunger mechanism mounted upon and projecting through said table, a horizontally-moving moistening mechanism adapted to travel above said table, and lon gitudinally across the flap-surface of an envelop laid upon the table, and having lever connections with the main plunger mechanism above the table, a flap-sealing mechanism arranged above the table and adapted to be operated by the main plunger mechanism, a horizontally-operating moistening mechanism having leverconnections .with the main plunger mechanism and adapted to move in a slot or opening in the table, and a stamp feeding and affixing mechanism arranged beneath the table and operating through aslot or opening therein and having lever connections extending beneath the table to the lower projecting portion of the main plunger mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

6. An envelop stamping and moistening mechanism, comprising a vertically-operating main plunger mechanism embodying two plunger-rods, a horizontally-operating moistening mechanism having lever connections with one of said plunger-rods, a vertically-operating sealing mechanism having lever connections adapted to be operated by the same plunger-rod, a horizontally-operating Incistening mechanism arranged with relation to -the other moistening mechanism and having lever connections with the same plunger-rod, a vertically-operating stamp feeding and allxing mechanism having lever connections with the other plu nger-rod, whereby the respective mechanisms are all operated by one stroke of the main plunger mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

7. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising a table or platform, a vertically-operating plunger mechanism projecting through openings in said table and elnbodying two plunger-rods, a horizontally-operating moistening mechanism having slotted joint-lever connections with one of said plunger-rods, a flap-sealing mechanism having lever connections adapted to be operated bythe same plunger-rod, a horizontally-operating moistenin g mechanism arranged with relation to the other moistening mechanism and moving in a slot or opening in the table and having slotted joint-lever connections with the same plunger-rod, and a vertically-operating stamp feeding and aliixing mechanism operating from beneath and through the opening in said table and having slotted lever connections extending beneath the table to the other plunger-rod, whereby all of said respective mechanisms are simultaneously operated in a relatively successive movement by one stroke of the main plunger mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

8. In a machine of the class described, a moistening device adapted tol travel over the face of an envelop, a horizontally swinging lever carrying said moistening device, a vertically-arranged bell-crank lever having a sliding bearing connection at its foot at the inner end of said carrying-lever in a transverse plane with relation to the plane of the swinging movement of the latter, and a verticallyoperating plunger having a sliding bearing connection with the other arm of said bell-crank lever, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

9. In a lnachine of the class described, a table or platform, a sealing mechanism comprising a leaf hinged at one edge to the table or platform and projecting vertically therefrom and adapted to fold downwardly upon the face of the table, in combination with an operating-lever, a connecting-arm having one end pivoted to said lever and its other end pivoted to the side of said hinged leaf, and means for operating said lever to force the leaf over in its downward swing upon its hinge, substantially as and. for the purpose set forth.

l0. In a machine of the class described, a sealing mechanism comprising a leaf hinged IOO IlO

to a table or platform, in combination with a lever having a shoulder orvprojection, a connecting-arm pivoted to said lever and having its end pivoted to the rear side of the hinged leaf, and a vertically-operating plunger mechanism adapted to engage said shoulder or projection, substantiallyas and for the purpose set forth.

11. In a machine of the class described, the combination witha table or platform, a leaf project-ing vertically therefrom and having its lower edge hinged to said table, and means for operating the leaf to fold it over downwardly against the face of the table, of a moistening device adapted to travel longitudinally in front of and with relation to said hinged leaf, and in the plane of its downward swing, and means for carrying said moistening device in its operative movement, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

l12. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with a table or platform, a leaf projecting vertically therefrom and having its lower edge hinged to said table whereby the leaf is adapted to fold downwardly against the face of the table, of a moistening device adapted to travel longitudinally in front of and with relation to said hinged leaf and in the plane of its downward swing, operating mechanisms extending respectively from the moistening device and the hinged leaf, and-a main operating mechanism successively and respectively engaging the mechanisms of the moistening device and hinged'leaf, whereby when the moistening device has been carried past the leaf, thelatter is thrown in its downward movement, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.'`

13. A machine of the class described, comprising a hinged scali ng-leaf, a moistening device adapt-ed to travel longitudinally in front of the same, a lever carrying said moistening device, and traveling above the hinged leaf, a bell -crank lever vertically arranged and having an elongated bearing connection at its foot with the rear end ot' said swinging lever, an independently-mounted lever having a' shoulder or projection, an arm pivotally connected with said independent lever and having its other end pivotally connected with the hinged leaf, and a plunger mechanism having a lateral pin moving in an elongated bearing in t-he bell-crank lever and adapted to engage the projection upon the independent lever, whereby the moistening and sealing flap devices are successively operated, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

14E. In a machine of the class described, a moistening mechanism embodying a horizontally-operating lever carrying a pad at its outer end, a vertically-arranged bell-crank lever, a pivoted connecting-arm extending between the lower arm of the bell-crank lever and the horizontal lever and having an angular elongated bearing connection with the latter, and an operating-plunger having an elongated bearing connection with the top armof the bell-crank lever, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

15. In a machine ofthe class described, connprising a table having a slot or opening, the combination with a moistening reservoir mechanism arranged at one end of said opening and beneath the same, of a moistening mechanism embodying an arm or lever having its outer end moving in said opening and carryin pad projecting above and below its end, whereby the lower projecting portion of said pad is adapted to be fed by contact with the reservoir moistening mechanism and the projecting top portion ot' said pad is adapted to contact with the under surface of an envelop placed upon said table and over said opening, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

16. In a machine of the class described, comprising a table or platform having a slot or opening, moistening mechanisms respectively i arranged to operate in a horizontal and relatively parallel line of travel above said table and a similar line of travel in the slot or opening beneath said table, said moistening devices correspondingly operating in a longitudinal swing or movement in linewith the respective faces of the table and an envelop placed upon the table with respect to the slot or opening will be moistencd on both its upper and under surface, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

17. In a machine of the class described, the, combination with a lever carrying a moistening device adapted to travel over one face of the envelop, of a similar lever comprising a moistening device adapted to travel over the opposite face of the envelop, said levers having a line of travel in parallel planes, and means for correlatively operating said levers, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

v1S. In a machine of the class described, comprising a lower horizontal lever carrying an upwardly-projecting moistening-pad at its outer end, an upper horizontal lever carrying a downwardly-projecting moistening-pad at at its outer end, said pads being adapted to respectively operate upon dierent faces of an envelop and being arranged to contact when the said upper and lower mechanisms are in normal position, whereby the upper pad is moistened from the lower pad, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

19. A machine of the class described, comprisin g a horizon tal lowerlever carrying an u pwardly-proj ectin g moistening-pad, a horizontal top lever carrying a moistening device embodyin g a downwardly-proj ectin g pad,a vertically-arran ged bell-crank lever having a tra-nskverse elongated bearing connection at its foot with the rear end of said top lever, a pivoted connecting-arm extending from the lower arm of the bell-crank lever to the said lower hori- Zontal lever and having an angular elongated bearin g connection with the latter, and means for operating said bell-crank lever, substantially asand for the purpose set forth.

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20. In a machine of the class described, the combination, with a reservoir having feeding devices, of an absorbent moistening-pad adapted to contact with said feeding devices, an absorbent moislening-pad arranged with relation to and adapted to contact with said first absorbent pad, whereby said pads are respectively fed from the reservoir by said relative contacts, and mechanisms for independently carrying and operating said pads in their respective functions, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2l. An envelop stamping and sealing machille, comprising a platform or table having a slot or opening, a hinged sealing-leaf mounted upon said table and operating with respect to said slot or opening, a moistening device arranged to travel in a longitudinal plane in front of said hinged leaf and above the table, a moisiening device arranged to .travel below the top plane of the table so that it will project upwardly with relation to the opening therein, and a vertically-operating plunger mechanism for carrying and aliixing the stamp, said plunger being arranged to operate upwardly through said opening in the table and with relation to the downward movement of the hinged leaf, and mechanism for relatively operating said moistenin g, sealing, and stamp-allixing devices in their respective movement, said machine being adapted to receive the envelop between the sealingleaf and stamp-aixin g plunger and between the respective upper and lower moistening devices, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

22. In a machine of the class described, an ejector mechanism comprising a lever having an ejector end or finger, a lever carrying a pivoted arm having an elongated angular' bearing connection with the ejector-lever, spring mechanismfor governing the action of the ejector-lever, and mechanism for operating the lever carrying the pivoted arm, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

23. In a machine of the class described, an ejector mechanism comprising a lever having an ejector end or finger, a lever carrying a pivoted arm having an angular elongated bearing connection with the ejector-lever, spring mechanism for governing the action of the ejector-lever, and a lever comprised in an operating mechanism and having an elongated bearing connection with the lever carrying the pivoted arm, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

24. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a hinged leaf forming a sealing and guide device, of an ejector mechanism embodying a projecting end or finger operating with respect to said hinged leaf, and vmechanism for conjointly operating the hinged leaf and ejector mechanism in a relatively successive movement, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

25. A machine of the class described, comprising a hinged sealing-leaf, a lever mechanism for operating the same, an ejector-lever having an ejector end or finger operating with relation to said hinged leaf, a supplementary lever having an elongated bearing connection with the lever for operating the hinged leaf, an arm pivoied to said supplementary lever and having an angular elongated bearing connection with the ejector-lever, and spring mechanism for governing the action of said lever mechanisms, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2G. A machine of the class described, comprising a table or platform, a hinged leaf mou'ntcd thereon, an operating-lever projecting through an opening in said table, a connection-arm pivotally extending between said hinged leaf and the operating-lever, an ejector-lever mounted beneath the table in approximately longitudinal position with relation to the hinged leaf and havingl an upwardly-projecting end or linger moving in a segmental slot in the table with relation to said hinged leaf, a supplementary lever having an elongated bearing connection with said operating-lever and arranged in approximately parallel position with relation to the ejector-lever and beneath the table, an arm pivoted to the supplementarylever and having an elongated bearing connection with the ejector-lever at a point beyond the fulcrum of the latter, and spring mechanism for governing the operation of said lever devices, whereby the main operating-lever actuates both the hinged lever and the ejector mechanism in a relatively successive movement, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

27. In a machine of the class described,com prising a table or platform upon which the envelop is adapted to be placed, a spring-actuated ejector mechanism embodying an ejector-lever having a swinging movement beneath the table and carrying an ejector end or finger projecting upwardly through a segmental slot in said table and adapted to operatively engage the envelop, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

28. In a machine ofthe class described,com prising a table or platform, the combination, with a hinged sealing-leaf mounted upon said table, of an ejector mechanism embodying a lever arranged beneath said table in approximately longitudinal position with relation to the hinged leaf and having an ejector end or finger projecting upwardly through a slot or opening in the table and adapted to travel to and from said hinged leaf, and mechanism for operating said hinged leaf and ejector-lever in a relative movement, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

29. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising a suitable table or support, a vertically-operating plunger mechanism, a flapmoistening mechanism operating in a horizontal plane at right angles to the plane of movement of the vertically-operatingplunger mechanism, means for feeding and affixing the stamp, the stamping device for seal- IOO IIO

ing the flap and mechanism for ejecting the stamped and sealed envelop, all of said parts being in operative connection with the main plunger mechanism whereby they are relatively operated by one stroke of the latter, substantially as shown and described.

30. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising a suitablel table or support, a longitudinally-arranged flap-sealing mechanism, a moistening device adapted to swing crosswise of the line of movement of the iiapsealing mechanism and in front thereof, a

moistening device adapted to operate in connection with one end of said nap-sealing mechanism, a stamp feeding and aflixing'mechanism adapted to operate in connection with said moisteningdevice and means for operating ,said parts,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

3l. An envelop stamping and sealingmachine, comprising a suitable table or support,

a vertically-operating plungermechani'sm, a vertically-operatingV Hap-sealing mechanism, horizontally-operating devices which operate in connection with said sealing mechanism, a vertically-operating stamp feeding and afliXing mechanism, and'vertical and horizontal lever-joint connections between-said mechanisms and the vertically-operating plunger mechanism, whereby all of said mechanismsv and devices are operated in their respective different movements;k by one stroke of kthe main plunger mechanism, substantially a shown and described. 4 32. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprisinga suitable table or supportY provided with mechanism for moistening one end of t-he envelop, mechanism for sealing the flap, devices for moistening the opposite surface of the envelop, mechanism for feeding and afiXing the stamp, 'mechanismfor ejecting the stamped and sealed envelop and devices for operating said mechanisms and the i chine, comprising a suitable table or support, a vertically movable plunger mechanism mounted above said table and projecting therethrongh,devices formoistenin g and sealing the envelop arranged above the table and adapted to operatelongitudinally thereof, de-v vices for moisten'ing and afixing the stamp supported beneath and operating through said table and lever mechanisms connecting said devices with the main plunger mechanism above and below the table, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

y 35. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising a suitable table or support, a vertically operating plunger mechanism mounted uponl and projecting through said table, a horizontally-movable moistening device adapted to operate above said table and to .move horizontally across/the flap-surface of the envelop, and having lever connections with the main plunger mechanism above the table, a nap-sealing device arranged above the table and adapted to be operated by the plunger mechanism, horizontally-operating moistening devices having lever connections` with the main plunger mechanism and adapted to move in a slot or openingin the table, and stamp feeding and aftixing devices arranged beneath the`table and operating through an i slot or opening therein, and operating-levers extending beneath the table and connecting said devices and the main plunger mechanism, substantially as shown and described.

36. An envelop stamping and sealing machine, comprising'a suitable table or support, a main plunger mechanism, a series of moistening and stamp aflxing and sealing devices in direct operative connection with said plunger mechanism whereby they are simultaneously operated by a single downward movement of said plunger mechanism, and spring devices connected with said main plunger mechanism and operating to return the latter to its normal position and with it the connected set of operative devices, substantially as shown and described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have signed my name, in presence of the subscribing Witnesses, this 29th day of November, 1897'.

g LAURIrs M. NIELsnN.

Witnesses:

L. M. MULLER, A. C. MCLOUGHLIN.