Patent GB-690840-A (GB)
Title: An interlock between a laundry listing and laundry marking machine
IPC: B41K3/42
Filed: 1951-01-01
Abstract: 690,840. Typewriters &c. NATIONAL MARKING MACHINE CO. Jan. 1, 1951 [Jan. 24, 1950], No. 83/51. Classes 100(ii) and 100(iv) An interlock between a laundry listing machine having list printing means and resetting means, and a laundry marking machine having a plurality of type-bearing elements each individually adjustable from a normal to a selected marking position and power-operated marking means operable to print a mark from said elements, comprises the combination of means, controlled by operation of the list printing means, for disabling the marking means, and means, including a device controlled by the listing machine resetting means, for rendering said marking means operable. The listing machine 12, Fig. 1, is of the construction described in Specification 647,263. The marking machine 10 comprises a marking head 30 pivoted at 32 and carrying a plurality of wheels 34 carrying type 37 and each adjustable by one of the levers 40, and a platen 38 on which an article to be marked is placed. Compressed air is admitted through a valve, not shown, controlled by a solenoid 101, Fig. 4, to a cylinder 70, and a piston 73 acts through arms 79 to cause the type to be inked by an inking-device 52. Compressed air admitted to a cylinder 55 through a valve 127 controlled by a solenoid 100 causes the head 30 to tilt and perform the marking operation. In operation, the designation of an article is set up on the listing machine, and if the article requires a mark it is placed on the platen 38 and two buttons 133 are depressed to close switches 118, 120, Fig. 4, whereupon solenoid 101 is energized from supply source 18, 19 to ink the type. The piston 73 at the end of its stroke also closes a switch 110 to energize solenoid 100, whereupon marking takes place. This process is repeated for each article in a bundle, and the list printing means is then operated, and this closes a switch 142 to energize a relay 140, set up a holding circuit therefor through switch 147 and contact 143, and actuate keyboard locks, as described in Specification 647,263. Closing of contact 144 by relay 140 causes energizing of a relay 114, setting up of a holding circuit therefor through contact 160 and switch 164, and illuminating of a sign indicating that the set-up of the marking machine should be changed. Opening of contact 116 by the relay 114 renders the solenoids 100, 101 and thus the marking mean inoperable. In order to enable the marking means to be again used, the listing machine resetting means must first be operated, opening switch 147 to de-energize relay 140. Secondly, arms 45 connected by bails 47, 48 must be pulled back to reset the control levers 40 of the wheels 34 and open switch 164 to de-energize relay 114. Alternatively, the switch 164 may be separately manually operated. In another form, the buttons 133 open a valve directly to admit air to the cylinder 70 and actuate the inking-mechanism, the piston 73 rocking a shaft 75, Fig. 6, clockwise to rock a dog 245 and release a shoulder 246 thereon from a plate 247 on an arm 221, which is swung clockwise by a spring 220 and engages a clutch 213, whereupon a pulley 206 continuously driven by an electric motor rotates shaft 211 and by means of a crank arm 232 rocks the head 30 to operate the marking means. When the head returns to normal position, a cam 240 acts through roller 242 and dog 245 to disengage the clutch, swinging of arm 221 causing a brake band 227 to be tightened to stop the shaft 211 rotating. A normally open control valve is provided in the air line and when relay 114 is energized, a solenoid is energized to close this valve and cut off the air supply to the piston 73, so that the same operations as in the first form must be performed before the marking means can be again actuated. Inking-mechanism.-The inking-mechanism is of the construction described in Specification 461,785.