Numbering machine assembly especially adapted for use with printing machinery

At least two numbering machines are connected to be operated simultaneously. Each printing disc in each machine is connected to control an electrical signal in dependence on which of each two consecutive printing faces on said disc is in a position to print. An indicator is provided which compares the signals of the two machines and gives warning if they do not correspond.

In order to carry out certain printing operations it is necessary to 
introduce into the printing machinery a numbering machine which, after 
each printing cycle, is subjected to an impulse which varies the number 
printed by the numbering machine, usually by one digit. These numbering 
machines consist of a series of serrated discs positioned parallel to each 
other on a common axis, each of said discs being associated with a ratchet 
wheel which is controlled by the pawls of a reciprocating pawl carrier. 
The movement of the pawl carrier is itself controlled by a pushbutton on 
which the impulse which actuates the numbering machine is exerted. The 
serrated discs of the numbering machine are thus controlled through a 
mechanical chain of transmission which is fairly complex and may, for this 
reason, be disturbed in various ways. It is possible, for example, that 
the pawl associated with a disc does not move in response to one of the 
impulses because of the presence of a solid particle, in which case the 
disc remains in the position which it previously occupied instead of 
turning by one notch. It is also possible, despite the precautions which 
are taken against it, that, in response to the impulse imparted by the 
pawl associated therewith, a disc will turn through an angle greater than 
the one corresponding to the passage from one number to the next. It is 
also possible that a disc will turn for less than the width of a notch and 
remain locked between two successive printing positions. In these three 
cases an error in numbering is produced. If the printing machine has only 
a single numbering device, the error in the operation of a disc only leads 
to a limited printing error. On the contrary, if the printing machine has 
several numbering machines which must indicate an identical number, the 
error in the operation of one of the numbering machines results in an 
error in all the sheets printed after the original error occurred since 
for these subsequent impressions, the numbers of the different numbering 
machines are no longer identical. In such a case it is therefore necessary 
to check the production of a printing machine, which is particularly 
difficult in the case of machines operating at high speeds. 
It is the object of the present invention to mitigate this disadvantage by 
providing a numbering assembly which makes it possible to automatically 
detect errors in the operation of a numbering machine. In accordance with 
the invention reliance is placed upon the fact that an error in the 
operation of one of the discs of the numbering machine occurs by chance 
and never occurs at the same moment as another operating error in a 
similar numbering machine controlled in a synchronous manner. In 
accordance with the invention information relative to the determination of 
the position of two corresponding serrated discs of two numbering machines 
is compared and, if the information is identical, one is assured that 
there has been no error in operation by the discs of the numbering machine 
being checked, and is thus led to associate a monitoring numbering machine 
with each numbering machine the operation of which is to be checked, and 
to create an error signal when the position of a serrated disc of the 
numbering machine being checked differs in position from the corresponding 
serrated disc of the monitoring numbering machine. On contrary, when the 
printing machine comprises several numbering machines which operate 
simultaneously, the monitoring numbering machine associated with a 
numbering machine being checked may advantageously be one of the other 
numbering machines used in the printing machine in which case the total 
number of numbering machines used is not increased. On the contrary, when 
the printing machine comprises only a single numbering machine, it is 
necessary to add to this numbering machine a monitoring numbering machine 
which is not used in printing. 
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new article 
of manufacture which consists of an assembly of numbering machines adapted 
to be inserted, for example in a printing machine, said assembly 
comprising a numbering machine the operation of which is checked and which 
consists of a plurality of serrated discs capable of being driven in 
rotation to pass from one stop position to the next, characterized by the 
fact that it comprises at least one monitoring numbering machine which 
normally operates in synchronism with the numbering machine being checked, 
each serrated disc of the monitoring numbering machine having the same 
number of stop positions as the corresponding serrated disc of the 
numbering machine being checked, and controlling for each stop position an 
indicator which produces a signal, the signals from two corresponding 
serrated wheels being combined to produce an information signal, all the 
information signals pertinent to all the serrated discs being combined to 
produce an error signal if at least one of the serrated discs of the 
numbering machine being checked is in a position different from that of 
the corresponding serrated disc of the monitoring machine or machines. 
In a first method of carrying out this invention the serrated discs of the 
numbering machine being checked and those of the monitoring machine 
generate for each stop position an indicating signal which differs from 
one stop position to the next, the signals corresponding to one serrated 
disc of the numbering machine being checked and to the corresponding 
serrated disc of the monitoring numbering machine being fed to a 
comparator which, in the absence of concordance, produces an error signal. 
In a second embodiment, each serrated disc of the numbering machine being 
checked or the monitoring numbering machine is associated with two 
electrically supplied switches, each having an output, the first of said 
switches being in an open position when the face of the serrated disc in 
printing position corresponds to an even number and in a closed position 
when the face of the serrated disc in a printing position corresponds to 
an odd number, while the second switch operates in the opposite way, the 
output of the first and second switches of each serrated disc of the 
numbering machine being checked being connected in series respectively to 
the inputs of the first and second switches of the corresponding serrated 
disc of the monitoring numbering machine or machines, an error signal 
being emitted when at least one of the outputs of the series of the first 
or second switch receives an input different from the outputs of the other 
series of first or second switches respectively. 
In a third embodiment, each disc of a numbering machine being checked or a 
monitoring numbering machine is associated with a switch having two 
outputs, the first putput is not supplied when the face of the serrated 
disc in printing position corresponds to an even number and is supplied 
when the face of the serrated disc in printing position corresponds to an 
odd number, whereas the supply to the second output occurs in the opposite 
manner, the first and second outputs of the switch of each serrated disc 
in the numbering machine being checked being connected in parallel 
respectively to the first and second outputs of the switches of the 
corresponding serrated disc of the monitoring numbering machine, an error 
signal being emitted when the two output lines corresponding to the 
switches of corresponding serrated discs in the numbering machine being 
checked and the monitoring numbering machine are simultaneously supplied. 
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, magnetically actuated switches 
are used, said switches being mounted in each of the numbering machines of 
the numbering assembly and said switches being controlled by means of 
movable magnets, the displacement of which is directly or indirectly 
produced by the serrated discs of the numbering machines. The advantage of 
such an embodiment is that it is economical because it uses a small number 
of inexpensive components and is reliable over a considerable useful 
lifetime. The present invention consequently has as an object the 
provision of a numbering assembly such as the one above described 
characterized by the fact that the indicator consists of at least one 
switch controlled by a movable magnet, the movement of which is produced 
by the serrated discs with which said indicator is associated. 
In all of the embodiments of the invention each monitoring numbering 
machine may advantageously have the same number of serrated discs as the 
numbering machine being checked. The numbering machine being checked and 
the monitoring numbering machine may advantageously be identical and 
simultaneously controlled preferably by the same means. It is also 
possible to provide for the error signal to produce an indication 
permitting the identification of the associated serrated discs for which 
there is no concordance in the indicating signals and/or in which said 
signal is utilized to stop the printing machine with which the numbering 
machine being monitored is associated. 
In the embodiments in which magnetic switches are used, the switch or 
switches which constitute the indicating checking device may 
advantageously be a simple switch having an input and an output. Another 
possibility is for the switch or switches which constitute the indicating 
device to be a two position or double throw switch or switches, each 
comprising an input and two outputs, S.sub.1 and S.sub.2 one or the other 
of which, depending upon the position of the switch, are connected to the 
input. 
This specification will hereinafter provide more specific information 
concerning the preferred embodiment which uses magnetically actuated 
switches. 
In a first variation each serrated disc of the numbering machines 
constituting the assembly of numbering machines carries a plurality of 
magnetic switches. In another variation each serrated disc of the 
numbering machines constituting the assembly of numbering machines is 
associated with a wheel which it drives in rotation, for example, through 
gearing, said wheel carrying a plurality of magnets. For these two 
variations, in the case in which the serrated disc comprises 2n printing 
faces, the magnets are n in number and regularly spaced on the wheels 
which carry them. In another variation each serrated disc of the numbering 
machines constituting the assembly of numbering machines is associated 
with a cam which controls the movement of at least one magnet. In this 
case, if the serrated disc comprises 2n/ printing faces, the cam comprises 
n bosses regularly spaced. If the cam has n bosses directly attached to 
the serrated disc, it is advantageous for the bosses of the cam to each be 
in alignment with the central zone of a printing face of the serrated 
disc. Each cam may control a magnet capable of translational movement. 
Each cam may also control a magnet through an intermediate pivoting lever. 
In all cases the switches are positioned in the same manner with respect 
to the serrated disc or the components driven by these discs, for each of 
the numbering machines constituting the numbering machine assembly, so 
that the two corresponding switches have an identical behavior when the 
two corresponding serrated discs with which they are associated are in 
identical positions. 
In a first embodiment each serrated disc of the numbering machines 
constituting the assembly of numbering machines is associated with two 
simple switches which are diametrically opposed with respect to the 
serrated wheel, one of the switches being open when the other switch is 
closed. Each of the two switches associated with a single serrated disc is 
connected through its input terminal to one of the terminals of a source 
of direct electric current and at its outlet terminal to the terminal of 
the same polarity of an alarm adapted to utilize the error signal which is 
produced, the two switches of the same serrated disc not being connected 
to the same polarity of the supply source and the two corresponding 
switches of corresponding serrated wheels of the numbering machines 
constituting the assembly of numbering machines having their outputs 
connected in parallel to the same terminal of the alarm. 
In a second embodiment also, two simple, diametrically opposed switches for 
each serrated disc of those numbering machines constituting the numbering 
machine assembly, the two switches associated with the serrated disc of a 
first numbering machine having their input terminal connected to the same 
pole of the DC supply, the output of one of these switches is connected to 
the input of the switch which does not correspond thereto but which is 
associated with the corresponding serrated disc of the second numbering 
machine, the two outputs of the two switches of the second numbering 
machine being connected in parallel to the terminal of corresponding 
polarity of an alarm system adapted to utilize the error signal which may 
be furnished. 
In a third embodiment comprising a single simple switch for each serrated 
disc of the numbering machines constituting the assembly of numbering 
machines, the switch associated with each two discs is interposed between 
an electrical supply terminal and the corresponding terminal of a 
comparator controlling an alarm system adapted to respond to the error 
signal which may be produced, the switches associated with the 
corresponding serrated discs being positioned in parallel between the 
comparator and the electrical supply. 
When two position or double throw switches are used, each of which 
comprises an input and two outputs, S.sub.1 and S.sub.2, it is generally 
sufficient to use a single switch for each serrated wheel being checked or 
each monitoring wheel. In a first variation the reversing switches 
associated with the two corresponding serrated wheels of two numbering 
machines constituting an assembly of numbering machines comprising a 
checked numbering machine and a monitoring numbering machine are connected 
at their input to the two polarities of the electrical supply, the outlet 
S.sub.1 of one of the reversing switches and the outlet S.sub.2 of the 
other two position or double throw switch being associated to be connected 
to the supply terminals of two alarm devices. In a second variation the 
reversing switch associated with one of the serrated discs has its input 
terminal connected to one of the electrical supply polarities, the two 
switches associated with the two serrated discs corresponding to two 
numbering machines constituting the numbering machine assembly having 
their output terminals connected to each other so that the output terminal 
S.sub.1 of one is connected to the output terminal S.sub.2 of the other. 
The input of the two position or double throw switch which is not directly 
connected to one of the polarities of the electrical supply is connected 
to the terminal of corresponding polarity of an alarm device, the other 
terminal of which is permanently connected. 
The switches used may be of different types but must always be of small 
size in view of the fact that the numbering machines are themselves small. 
Hall effect probes may advantageously be used as switches but these probes 
must necessarily be associated with certain electronic components so that 
the cost of such an embodiment is, in general, considered too high. It is 
preferred to use as switches those switches consisting of a sealed ampoule 
enclosing two flexible magnetic blades, the relative positions of which 
are modified when the ampoule is within the field of a magnet. These 
flexible blade switches are known in the state of the art and are, in 
particular, sold commercially by Orega, C.C. 
It is clear that the device according to the invention makes it possible to 
emit an error signal as soon as one of the serrated discs of the numbering 
machine being checked ceases to have the same position as the 
corresponding serrated wheel of the monitoring machine. This error signal 
may be used to actuate an indicator showing which pair of serrated wheels 
are out of synchronism. This error signal may also be used to start a 
sound warning signal for stopping the printing machine in which the 
numbering machine being checked is inserted. Nevertheless it should be 
noted that the malfunctions in operation of the monitoring numbering 
machine are added to the malfunctions in operation of the numbering 
machine being checked which, when the monitoring numbering machine is not 
used for printing, doubles the number of stops as compared with those 
which correspond solely to malfunction in the operation of the printing 
numbering machine. This disadvantage need not be taken into consideration 
when the monitoring numbering machine is a numbering machine also used for 
printing in the typographical composition. 
When an error signal is emitted, it is desirable to be able to quickly 
detect which is the serrated disc of the numbering machine being checked 
which does not have the same position as the corresponding serrated disc 
of the checking numbering machine. For this purpose it is possible to 
arrange for the error signal emitted to produce an indication identifying 
the two serrated discs which are not properly synchronized. This 
indication limits the time work is stopped and consequently the down time 
of the machine. On a printing machine it is desirable that the checking of 
the good operation of the printing numbering machines be carried out after 
the end of a printing step, that is to say after all the coupled numbering 
machines of the typographic composition have operated, for example, in the 
case of an alternating machine, a check may be carried out at the moment 
at which the movable member is at one end of its reciprocating path of 
travel.

Referring to the drawings, it will be seen that, on all the figures, the 
numbering machines of the numbering assembly according to the invention 
have been shown in transverse section perpendicular to the common axis of 
the serrated discs of the numbering machine. On all the figures reference 
numeral 101 designates the frame of the numbering machine and 102 the 
particular serrated printing disc just below the plane of the section. The 
disc 102 is adapted to turn about the shaft 103. The numbering assemblies 
which will be hereinafter described each comprise a checked numbering 
machine and a monitoring numbering machine, said two numbering machines 
being identical. Each numbering machine comprises a certain number of 
printing discs 102 positioned side by side on the same axis 103. There 
may, for example, be seven printing discs 102 in each numbering machine. 
Each disc 102 comprises 10 printing faces on which are engraved the 
numbers from 0 to 9. Each disc 102 may be driven by a known device, not 
shown, so that the 10 printing faces are brought successively into the 
printing position (to wit, on all the figures, the one which is turned 
upwardly). 
FIGS. 1 to 5 show the serrated discs 102 each comprising 5 micro-magnets 
104 positioned radially and separated from each other by two printing 
faces. These micro-magnets 104 are samarium-cobalt magnets inserted in 
seats formed in the body of the serrated disc. 
FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 show the use of switches consisting of simple switches 
having an input terminal and an output terminal and indicated by reference 
numeral 105 associated with a letter which constitutes a distinctive 
indicia. The variations shown on FIGS. 3 and 4 utilize two position or 
double throw switches comprising an input terminal and two output 
terminals S.sub.1 and S.sub.2. These two position or double throw switches 
have been designated by reference numeral 106 and can be single pole 
double throw switches. Switches 105 and 106 are flexible blade switches 
called ILS and sold by the Orega Company of the Thomson CSF group. These 
switches comprise a glass ampoule inside which are two flexible magnetic 
metal blades which may contact each other at their ends, the relative 
position of the two blades being modified when the ampoule is in a 
magnetic field. The ampoule contains a controlled atmosphere to avoid 
oxidation of the contacts and the ends of the flexible blades are soldered 
to the ends of the ampoule and constitute the terminals of the switch. In 
all the embodiments the switches 105 and 106 associated with two 
corresponding serrated discs 102 are identically positioned with respect 
to each serrated disc 102 of two numbering machines of the same numbering 
assembly. The arrangement adopted is such that, when a printing face which 
is out of synchronism is in printing position the switches are in a first 
state whereas when a properly synchronized printing face is in printing 
position the switches are in a second state. 
The variation shown on FIG. 1 shows that two diametrically opposed switches 
105a and 105b are used for each of the serrated discs of the two numbering 
machines of the numbering assembly according to the invention. In this 
embodiment the inputs of the two switches 105a are connected to the 
negative supply terminal. The inputs of the switches 105b are connected to 
the positive supply terminal. The outputs of the switches 105a are 
connected in parallel to the negative terminal of an alarm device 107 and 
the outputs of the switches 105b are connected in parallel to the positive 
terminal of the alarm device 107. With this arrangement, if the printing 
surfaces of the two serrated discs 102 occupy the same position a single 
terminal of the alarm 107 is supplied. If, on the contrary, there is a 
difference in position between the printing surfaces, or even if one of 
the two serrated discs has turned too far or too little and is not in a 
position suitable for printing, the two terminals of the alarm 107 are 
supplied so that the alarm goes off. 
In the embodiment of FIG. 2 each serrated disc 102 is also associated with 
two simple switches 105a, 105b which are diametrically opposed. In the 
first numbering machine the inputs of the switches 105a, 105b are 
connected to the positive supply. In the second numbering machine the 
outputs of the switches 105a, 105b are connected to the positive terminal 
of an alarm device 107, the negative terminal of which is permanently 
supplied. The output of the switch 105a of the first numbering machine is 
connected to the input of the switch 105b of the second numbering machine. 
The output of the switch 105b of the first numbering machine is connected 
to the input of the switch 105a of the second numbering machine. When the 
two corresponding serrated discs 102 of two numbering machines which are 
being compared have properly synchronized printing faces, the positive 
terminal of the alarm 107 is not supplied. On the contrary if these faces 
are not synchronized or if one of the serrated discs has not turned to an 
angle suitable for printing (in which case it is said that there is a 
serrated disc straddling) the positive terminal of the alarm is supplied 
and the alarm is set off. 
In the device of FIG. 3, each serrated disc 102 is associated with a single 
two position or double throw switch 106. When odd-numbered printing 
surface is in printing position the outlet S.sub.1 of the switch 106 is 
connected to the input terminal and the terminal S.sub.2 is not supplied. 
The opposite takes place when an even numbered printing face is in 
printing position. The input terminals of the two switches 106 are 
respectively connected to the positive and negative supplies. The device 
comprises two alarms 107a and 107b. The alarm 107a has its positive 
terminal connected to the output S.sub.1 of the first numbering machine 
and its negative terminal connected to the output S.sub.2 of the second 
numbering machine. The alarm 107b has its positive terminal connected to 
the output S.sub.2 of the first numbering machine and its negative 
terminal connected to the output S.sub.1 of the second numbering machine. 
If both the printing surfaces which are in a printing position are odd or 
both are even, only one of the terminals of each of the two alarms is 
supplied so that the alarm is not set off. On the contrary, if one of the 
surfaces in printing position is odd and the other even (or if a serrated 
disc is in a straddle position), one of the two alarms 107a or 107b has 
both its terminals supplied and is therefore set off. 
In the embodiment of FIG. 4 a two position or double throw switch 106 is 
also used in association with each of the serrated discs 102 of the 
numbering machine. With respect to the position of the serrated discs 102 
the operation of the switches 106 is identically the same as in the 
embodiment of FIG. 3. The input of the switch 106 of the first numbering 
machine is connected to the positive supply and the input of the switch 
106 of the second numbering machine is connected to the positive terminal 
of the alarm 107, the negative terminal of said alarm being permanently 
connected to the negative supply. The output S.sub.1 of the switch 106 of 
the first numbering machine is connected to the output S.sub.2 of the 
switch 106 of the second numbering machine and the output S.sub.1 of the 
switch 106 of the second numbering machine is connected to the output 
S.sub.2 of the switch 106 of the first numbering machine. If both the 
numbers on the printing surface in a printing position are odd or both are 
even for two numbering machines the positive terminal of the alarm 107 is 
not supplied. In the contrary case, or if one of the serrated discs is 
straddling, the positive terminal of the alarm 107 is supplied and the 
alarm is set off. 
The embodiment of FIG. 5 uses, for each of the serrated discs 102 of the 
two numbering machines, a simple switch 105. The switches 105 are closed 
when the printing faces which are in printing position are matched and 
open in the contrary case, or one of the serrated discs is in a straddling 
position. The two inputs of the two switches 105 belonging to the two 
corresponding serrated discs 102 are connected in parallel to the positive 
supply and the two outputs are connected in parallel to a comparator 108 
the output of which is adapted to set off an alarm 107. When the two 
surfaces in printing position have the same value, the two inputs of the 
comparator 108 are either both supplied or both unsupplied. In this case 
the output of the comparator 108 is not supplied and the alarm is not set 
off. On the contrary if there is a difference between the values on the 
two printing surfaces of the two serrated discs being compared (or if one 
of these serrated discs is in a straddling position) one of the inputs of 
the comparator 108 is supplied while the other is not, so that the output 
of comparator 108 is supplied and consequently the alarm 107. Alarm 107 
can be connected to an interrupter 130 which is activated along with the 
alarm to stop the printing machine when a difference occurs. 
In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 the magnets which control the switches 
105 and 106 are carried directly by the serrated discs 102. In certain 
cases it may be difficult to mount the magnets in the serrated discs. In 
such a case the serrated discs may be caused to indirectly control one or 
more magnets, the movement of which actuates the switches, such as the 
switches 105 and 106 of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5. FIGS. 6 to 8 show 
such indirect means for controlling one or more magnets from a serrated 
disc 102. 
On FIG. 6 it will be seen that each serrated disc 102 is associated with a 
cam having five regularly spaced bosses 109, each boss being in alignment 
with the central zone of one printing face. The cam 109 cooperates with a 
roller 110 which is biassed against its edge by a spring 111. The roller 
110 is positioned at the end of a rod 112, the other end of which carries 
a magnet 113. The rod 112 is adapted to move translationally, 
perpendicular to the axis 103 of the roller, in alignment with a flexible 
blade switch 105. It will be seen that rotation of the cam 102 changes the 
relative position of the magnet 113 and the switch 105. When an odd 
printing face is in printing position, the magnet 113 is moved away from 
the switch 105 and the switch is closed. In the contrary case, or if the 
serrated disc is in a straddling position, the switch 105 is opened. It 
will thus be seen that the result obtained is the same as in the 
arrangement previously described in the case of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 
to 5. 
The embodiment of FIG. 7 is a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 6. In 
this variation each serrated disc 102 is associated with a cam 109 
identical to the one in the embodiment of FIG. 6. The cam 109 cooperates 
with a roller 114 positioned at the end of a pivotally mounted lever 115 
subjected to the action of a spring 116. The pivoting lever is mounted to 
turn about the shaft 117 and carries at its end adjacent the roller 115 a 
magnet 118 which cooperates with a flexible blade switch 105 positioned 
opposite said magnet and carried by the chassis of the numbering machine 
101 to which the serrated disc 102 belongs. The rotation of the serrated 
disc 102 results in oscillation of the lever 115 and consequently an 
alternating modification of its position relative to the magnet 118 and 
the switch 105. When the printing faces are of unequal value, the switch 
105 is in open position. In the contrary case, or if the disc is in a 
straddling position, the switch 105 is in closed position. It will be seen 
that by means of this arrangement a result analagous to the one obtained 
in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5 may be obtained. 
Finally, on FIG. 8, a variation is shown in which each serrated disc 102 of 
a numbering machine 101 is associated with a gear 120 which cooperates 
with an intermediate pinion 121, the shaft of which is carried by the 
chassis of the numbering machine 101. The intermediate pinion 121 
cooperates with a gear 122 fixed to a wheel 123 about the periphery of 
which five magnets are regularly distributed. When the serrated disc 102 
is driven in rotation the wheel 123 is also rotated and the magnets 124 
move opposite the diametrically opposed switches 105a and 105b. The 
switches 105a and 105b and the pinions 120, 121 and 122 are so positioned 
that when printed surfaces of unequal value are in printing position the 
switch 105a is open whereas the switch 105b is closed. The converse is the 
case when the printing surfaces are of the same value. This arrangement 
makes it possible to utilize control schemes analagous to those which are 
utilized in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 without having to position the 
magnets radially with respect to the interior of the serrated discs 102. 
It will of course be appreciated that the embodiments hereinbefore 
described have been given purely by way of illustration and example and 
may be modified as to detail without thereby departing from the basic 
principles of the invention. In particular, the flexible blade switches 
105 and 106 may be replaced by Hall effect switches.