Patent GB-191207988-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Postage Stamping Apparatus.
Inventor: LERCHE JULIUS
Filed: 1912-04-02
Granted: 1913-06-02
Abstract: 7988. Lerche, J. April 2. Postmarking-machines; stopping - arrangements. - A device f o r printing postal marks &c. on packets, of the kind in which the stamping - apparatus is automatically locked after a given number of operations, is so constructed that the locking-device may be reset for delaying the locking until a further number of actuations have been obtained, this further number being equal to the first predetermined number. The device may be reset repeatedly by the aid of a key &c. in charge of the postal authorities. In one e form of apparatus, a pair of catches h, i, Fig. 4, on pivoted arms f, g are adapted to engage notches k, k<1>, Fig. 1, in a counting-wheel b of a train of wheels operated by the stamping - apparatus. Normally one of the catches h, i automatically engages a notch after 10,000 impressions have been taken. If the apparatus has been set for 10,000 impressions and it is desired to obtain a further 10,000 impressions, the automatic locking at 10,000 is delayed by rotating a cam disk m formed with two cam surfaces l, l<1>, the disk being rotated half a revolution by inserting a suitable key, which first moves aside a bolt r held by tumblers g and then rotates the disk m. In a modification, the counting-wheels c, d, d', Fig. 8, are each formed with notches k, k<1>, k<2> adapted to be engaged by a pivoted locking-bar t when a given number of stamps have been printed. The locking-bar t may be kept raised out of locking position when it is engaged by the highest portions of a cam disk m. Normally this disk m is traversed towards the wheel c by a screw v integral with the wheel c, and when the disk m comes under a notch 2 in the bar t locking can occur. To reset the locking-device, the disk m can be moved to the right by rotating a disk z by means of a key inserted past a bolt r held by tumblers q, a stop being provided to limit the rotation of the key. The first effect of turning the disk m is to raise the bar t. Each insertion and operation of the key is adapted to delay the locking by 500 impressions. The apparatus may be reset by a key which can only be rotated one revolution, and so can be entrusted to a messenger &c. A setting-key is required before this key can be used again. In one form, a key 8, Fig. 12, is fixed on a shaft 5 mounted in a casing 7 in such a manner that it can only be rotated in one direction. A pinion 11 on shaft 5 normally engages a rack 12 mounted so as to be capable of sliding on a bolt r<1> until it engages an abutment 15 on the bolt. The cooperation of a person holding a setting-key 17 is then required before the key 8 can be turned again. The key 17 moves the bolt r<1> so as to bring the pinion 11 into engagement with a rack 13 on the bolt, and the shaft 5 can then be turned again. Projections 19 on the case 7 engage recesses in the casing of the stamping- apparatus during the operation of the key 8. In a further modification, the spindle 5 is screwthreaded and actuates a nut which engages a fixed projection after one turn of the shaft 5. The pawl of the ratchet mechanism for limiting the direction of motion of the shaft 5 may be controlled by a bolt, or it may be accessible through a flap controlled by a bolt.