Patent GB-304657-A (GB)
Abstract: 304,657. Hasler Akt.-Ges. vorm. Telegraphen-Werkstõtte von G. Hasler. Jan. 23, 1928, [Convention date]. Franking-machines; tripping-arrangements.- In a franking-machine of the kind comprising a printing-cylinder driven through a one-revolution clutch, the clutch mechanism comprises a lever, which is rocked at each revolution of the cylinder into a position where the clutch is disengaged and the cylinder is locked, and which is released when an envelope &c. is inserted in the machine. Mechanism is also provided for locking the machine (1) while a variable value-die is being adjustd; (2) before a cover for the inking- apparatus can be raised; and (3) when a prepaid amount is exhausted. As shown, a horizontal cylinder 1 shown in plan in Fig. 1 is rotated by a clutch comprising a toothed wheel 8 fixed to a rotary gear 7 and a pawl 15, Fig. 5, pivoted on a disc 9 fixed to the shaft of the cylinder 1. A cam 21 on the cylinder periodically rocks a lever 18 about a pivot 17 into a position where a tooth 18<1> on one end obstructs and disengages the pawl 15. A shoulder 9<1> on the disc 9 immediately afterwards engages the tooth 18<1> so that the cylinder 1 is locked against rotation. The other end 18<11> of the lever 18 engages a pin 33 on a bell crank 24, Fig. 3, and rocks it about its pivot 23 so that a lug 29 on its vertical arm engages over the lever 18 and locks it against reverse movement; a spring 27 retains the crank 24 in either of its extreme positions. An envelope inserted in the machine engages the end 32, Fig. 1, of a. push rod 31, which strikes against a spring plate 30 fixed to the crank 24, and by removing the lug 29, releases the lever 18, which is rocked by a. spring 19 into the disengaged position to allow a single revolution of the cylinder 1. (1) The value die is adjusted by the same mechanism as that described in Specification 304,201. This comprises a handle 42, Fig. 1, which must first be freed by pressing a central knob 41 to release the end of a rod 37 from a socket 39. The opposite end of the rod 37 is simultaneously projected into a hole in a stationary disc 13 whereby the cylinder 1 is locked against rotation. As an additional precaution, an arm 46 extending laterally from the rod 37 engages an arm 47 on the pivot shaft 35 of a lever 36, Fig. 3, so as to swing this lever into a position where its lower end lies in the path of a lug 24' on the bell crank 24 and prevents its return to the clutch release position. (2) The inking apparatus is enclosed by a hinged cover 55, Figs. - and 7, extending over the top of the cylinder 1. In the closed position, one end of a rod 49 engages a hole 52 in a disc 53 fixed to a hinge pin 54, and, before the cover can be raised, the rod 49 must be withdrawn by pressing a plate spring 51 having a forked end engaging a groove in the rod 49, the opposite end of which strikes against the upper end of the lever 36 which is caused to obstruct the bell crank 24 as before. (3) When the prepaid limit is exhausted, a counter 57 zeroizes whereupon a shaft 58, Figs. 1 and 3, rotates and an arm 59 on one end moves a rod 60 downwardly out of the path of one end of a lever 64 pivoted at 63 which, under the influence of a spring 62, swings round and by engaging the lever 36 causes it to obstruct the bell crank 24 as before.