IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM OR APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED PROVISIONAL SP
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Marcus Bebro, of the City of London Printing and
Stationery Company, Limited, of City Road, in the City of London, for an
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM OR APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Marcus Bobro at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 11th May 1880.
MARCUS BEBRO, of the City of London Printing and Stationery Company,
Limited, of City Road, in the City of London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM
OR APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED FOR NUMBERING AND PRINTING TICKETS, CHEQUES,
AND OTHER SIMILAR AND LIKE ARTICLES PROGRESSIVELY AND CONSECUTIVELY."
The Invention is designed for the purpose of printing tickets, cheques, labels, or
for other similar and like purposes, and is a further improvement upon Letters
Patent granted to me in England on the 13th day of September 1872, No. 2718,
which said Invention consisted in supporting on a central shaft discs or wheels
supplied around their periphery with a series of rollers, which collectively formed
a multiroller cylinder. These rollers were provided with four longitudinal grooves,
in which numbered type was so fixed and disposed that when the multiroller
cylinder revolved the said type being inked would impress their numbers pro-
gressively and consecutively on a running length or strip of paper carried on rollers
which traversed the length of the multiroller cylinder. It will be seen that in a
machine so constructed each type number, from zero up to the highest figure, must
occupy a separate and distinct space upon the multiroller cylinder, and therefore
necessitates an exceedingly large cylinder for printing the consecutive numbers, in
proportion to those rollers on the traversing frame employed for printing subject
matter. Another objection to such an arrangement was the traversing and
retraversing of the saddle frame supporting the subject matter, printing rollers,
and running length of paper during the time the numbers were being printed from
the lowest to the highest figure. The object of my present Invention is to over-
come these objections and produce a compact machine for consecutively numbering,
printing, and perforating tickets, cheques, labels, or the like in a suitable, effective,

page_text: and expeditious manner. And the improvements consist, first, in the peculiar and
novel construction and arrangement of a cylinder or cylinders containing discs
provided with numbers around their periphery, so disposed and actuated that each
number from cypher to nine will give their impression with each revolution of the
cylinder or cylinders, and the forward or higher numbers will after the first
revolution through the medium of suitable gearing be brought successively into
action in proper consecutive order at times when the changes take place, viz.,
from the numerals to the tens, then to the hundreds, then to the thousands, and
so on.
Secondly. The Invention consists in adapting the before mentioned continuous
consecutive numbering cylinder to a machine designed for printing continuously
tickets, cheques, labels, and the like.
When employing two cylinders for printing the numbers I so arrange them
that one cylinder will print the odd numbers and the other the even numbers.
The primary object of my Invention consists in supporting on fixed shafts or
centres two cylindrical boxes in a manner which will allow them freely to revolve
thereon. To each of these central shafts toothed discs are fixed. Supported in the
side plate of these cylindrical boxes are studs or pins parallel to the axis on which
such boxes revolve. The cylindrical boxes are each provided with five of these
studs or pins, which support an arrangement of numbering discs and gearing, the
disposition and action of which are hereinafter described. Seginental pieces are
securely fixed to the inside of the revolving cylindrical boxes in positions which
will allow their seginental surfaces slightly to protrude through open spaces.formed
therein. The protruding surfaces of these segments are each provided with type
figures, commencing with cypher (0) on one cylinder and numeral one (1) on the
segment of the other cylinder, and so on alternately in numerical order up to the
figure 9, the first cylinder carrying the even numbers and the second cylinder
the odd numbers. The studs or pins supported by and revolving with the
cylindrical boxes have mounted upon them discs, which are provided around their
peripheries with type numbers in alternate consecutive order, viz., the type
numbers on the discs on the cylindrical first box will be 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and those on
the second box will be 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.. The type numbers on the periphery of these
discs when protruding through the holes or spaces formed in their respective
cylinders are on the same plane as on the type numbers on the fixed segmental
pieces before referred to; similar discs. bearing like numbers are also supported in
the same circle on each one of the studs or pins before mentioned surrounding the
central axis of the cylindrical boxes. These studs or pins can be provided with
three, four, or more of these type numbered discs placed side by side, which when
caused intermittently to revolve on their centres, in manner hereinafter described,
will deliver and print on a running strip or length of paper their numbers in con-
tinuous consecutive order from 0 to 99, when one set of discs are used, and from
0 to 999 when two sets of discs are used, and so on in higher numerical order for
each set added.
I will now proceed to described the method I adopt for effecting the change in the
discs whilst the cylinders are revolving, so that their numbers can be delivered to
the printing surface in continuous consecutive order.
The segmental pieces fixed to the revolving cylinders deliver and print their
numbers 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, with each and every complete revolution of
the same. Immediately the numerals 8 and 9 have been delivered, and as the
cylinders are completing their first revolution, star wheels on each pin or stud
provided with five teeth each are caused whilst passing to gear with the teeth of
the fixed discs before mentioned. The motion thus given to the star wheels
transmits in succession with every revolution of the cylinder one fifth of a turn
to the first circle of numbered discs printing the tens; the changes in the numbers
are effected in succession immediately the discs have passed the bottom or printing
centre, until the number 99 has been printed off. A second changes is then given
to the second sets of printing discs by reason of internal toothed discs fixed to and

page_text: revolving with the star wheels coming into gear with a second set of star wheels.
The gearing of these discs with the said star wheels gives with each complete
revolution of the star wheels one fifth of a turn to the second series of numbering
discs through the medium of internal gearing, and thus places the numbers
successively in position for printing the hundreds until the number 999 has been
printed, at which time a third and similar change takes place with a third set of
discs, star wheels, and gearing, which, in manner as before described, continues to
print the thousands until the numbers 9999 have been printed off, and the
numbering can be further increased to tens of thousands by the addition of type
numbering discs arranged to gear and work in a similar manner to those previously
described working the hundreds and thousands.
The second portion of my Invention consists in mounting the said numbering
cylinders on a framing, in conjunction with type cylinders, heating cylinders, and
perforators for printing, numbering, and perforating a continuous running length of
paper with tickets, labels, and the like, the arrangement of which may be thus
described. A spool or roller containing the blank roll of paper, cardboard, or other
material to be printed on is mounted on suitable bearings. One end of such strip
or length of paper is then passed between a first set of printing rollers. The strip
of paper receives from these rollers subject matter on its front side; passing on it
next receives, at equal distances apart and in register with the subject matter pre-
viously printed thereon, numbers in consecutive order from the two cylinders
before mentioned, the consecutive and progressive order of printing such numbers
on the running length of paper being effected in manner as hereinbefore referred to
when describing the first part of my Invention. The upper surface of the paper as
it is thus printed upon passes round a heated cylinder, where the ink is dried so as
to prevent any "set off" on a second impression roller and type roller; between
which it next passes, and which print in register on the back of the length of paper
subject matter, advertisements, designs, or devices. From thence the length.of
paper passes between perforators, which nick and divide by perforations the now
numbered and printed forms, tickets, cheques, labels, or the like. After being per-
forated the printed strip is then run on to a receiving spool. The printed rollers
are capable of being adjusted and set up to the impression rollers by means of
sliding blocks and screws.
The inking apparatus for the several tupe cylinders are so arranged that the ink
will be uniformly and evenly distributed to the surfaces of the type before leaving
their impression on the running length of paper. The tickets may be printed
wholly in block or in colours, according to taste.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Marcus Bebro in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 11th November
1880.
MARCUS BEBRO, of the City of London Printing and Stationery Company,
Limited, of City Road, in the City of London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN MECHANISM
OR APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED FOR NUMBERING AND PRINTING TICKETS, CHEQUES,
AND OTHER SIMILAR AND LIKE ARTICLES PROGRESSIVELY AND CONSECUTIVELY."
The Invention is designed for the purpose of printing tickets, cheques, labels, and
other similar and like articles, and is a further improvement upon Letters Patent
granted to me on the 13th day of September, 1872, which said Invention consisted
of a multi-rollered cylinder provided with longitudinal grooves containing type
numbers, which as the cylinder revolved were delivered continuously and con-
secutively on a running ribbon of paper carried by rollers supported on a saddle or
frame which was caused to traverse and retraverse from one end of the numbered
multirollered cylinder to the other, whilst such cylinder was revolving. It will be
seen that in a machine so constructed each type number from zero up to the
highest figure must occupy a separate and distinct space upon the multi-rollered
cylinder, and therefore would necessitate the employment of an exceedingly large
cylinder for printing the consecutive numbers in proportion to the steryo rollers on
the traversing saddle or frame employed for printing subject matter. Another
objection to the aforesaid Invention was the traversing and retraversing of the
saddle frame supporting the subject matter, printing rollers, and running length of
paper during the time the numbers were being printed from the lowest to the
highest figure.
The object of my present Invention is to overcome these objections and produce
a compact machine which will consecutively number, print, and perforate tickets,
cheques, labels, or the like in a simple, effective, and expeditious manner, and the
improvements consist,-
First. In the novel and peculiar construction and arrangement of a cylinder or
cylinders containing discs provided with numbers around their peripheries so
disposed and actuated that each number from cypher to nine will give their
impression with each revolution of the cylinder or cylinders, and the forward or
higher numbers will, after the first revolution (through the medium of suitable
gearing), be brought successively into action in proper consecutive order at times
when the changes take place (viz.) from the numerals to the tens, then to the
hundreds, then to the thousands, and so on.
Secondly. The Invention consists in adapting the before mentioned continuous
consecutive numbering cylinder or cylinders to a machine designed for printing
continuously tickets, cheques, labels, and the like, and combining in one machine
such numbering cylinders with steyro rollers which will print upon both sides of
such running length of paper subject matter which, with the numbers consecutively
printed thereon, form a length of tickets which are divided one from the other by
perforations previous to the length of printed paper being run on to a receiving
spool.
In order that the Invention may be well understood and explained in detail, I
have hereunto annexed two Sheets of Drawings, Sheet 1 being made on a scale
of about three inches to the foot, and Sheet 2 being made about full size, similar
letters of reference being marked on corresponding parts on all the figures alike.
Sheet 1, Fig. 1, represents in front elevation one of the duplicate cylinders I
employ for printing consecutive numbers upon the running length of paper; this
view shews the arrangement of gearing employed for effecting the changes in the
numbers.
Fig. represents a similar view of the opposite side of the numbering cylinder.

page_text: Fig. 3 represents a longitudinal section of one of the duplicate numbering
cylinders taken through the line x, x, of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 represents the means employed for throwing the lock discs giving the
changes to the numbering discs in to and out of gear, for the purpose of enabling
the operator at any time to adjust the numbering discs so as to print the tickets
consecutively forward from zero or from any advanced number.
Fig. 5 represents a side clevation of the same.
Figs. 6 and 7 represent respectively a front elevation and side section of the
means I adopt for placing the cyphers on the several numbering discs into and out
of position for printing when required at the times the changes are made.
Sheet 2, Fig. 8, represents in front elevation a general view of the improved
number and subject matter printing machine.
Fig. 9 represents an end elevation of the same.
Fig. 10 represents a section of Fig. 8 through the line y, y, and
Fig. 11 represents a plan section of Fig. 8 through the line, z.
In the foregoing Figs. on Sheet 1 which represents the primary object of this
Invention, a, a, is the framing of the machine; b is a shaft supporting and giving
motion to the duplicate numbering cylinder A. Secured to and revolving with the
shaft b are the discs c, c, in which bearings are formed for the spindles d, d, d, d, d.
Each of these spindles support type numbering discs and gearing for driving the
same in the manner and for the purpose as hereinafter described. e is a central
single toothed disc which forms part of the square journal f fixed to the framing a.
Supported in this fixed journal and passing through the fixed disc e is the shaft b,
to which is keyed the discs c, c, carrying the type numbering discs B, C, D, and the
gearing B, C, C². D¹. The type numerals from cypher to nine are fixed to the
disc c, as shewn at g, g, Fig. 3, and are arranged as hereinafter described, to deliver
their numbers with every revolution of the shaft b.
The type discs B, C, D are each provided with printing numbers around their
peripheries, commencing with cypher and ending with nine, each disc having an
independent and separate motion around their axis & transmitted to them, and
governed by the gearing B¹, C1, C2, and D. The action of the discs B, C, and D
whilst delivering their numbers may be thus described :-
The first revolution of the shaft b and discs c, c, causes the fixed numerals g to
deliver their numbers from 0 to 9, but immediately the 9 is printed the space 1 in
the lock discs h gears with the tooth of the fixed disc e, and so gets one tenth of a
turn, which amount of turn is likewise transmitted to each one of the said discs
with each and every revolution of the shaft b; the intermittant motion thus given
to the discs h is transmitted to the type disc B, printing the tens, and also through
the spindles & to the single toothed disc B¹. On the completion of the revolution
of the numbering disc B and the disc B₁ the tooth of the latter disc gears into one
of the ten spaces of the lock disc B³, and so gives it one tenth of a turn, which
being fixed to the spur wheel B³ transmits the same amount of motion through the
medium of the wheel C¹ to the type disc C, printing the hundreds, and so on suc-
cessively to the series of discs C through the gearing B', B2, and B³ until the single
toothed discs B¹, B', have completed one revolution round their axis, at which time
the single toothed disc C, which has been carried round by the wheel C', gears with
one of the spaces in the lock disc C³, and transmits thereto one tenth of a revolution,
which through the wheels D2 and D¹ is intermittantly communicated to the
numbering disc D, printing the thousands, and in like manner to the series of discs
D the same motion is transmitted as the shaft b and discs c, c, revolve.
It will thus be seen as the discs c, c, revolve, the type discs B, C, and D, through
the medium of the gearing with which they are connected, are caused intermittantly
to revolve on their own axis in such a manner that they in conjunction with the
fixed type g and themselves will deliver their numbers in continuous consecutive
order from zero to the highest number on the disc D.
In order to prevent the cyphers printing only at the times at which they are
required, I prefer to adopt the method. shewn at Figs. 6 and 7. In these Figs. the

page_text: type representing the cyphers are made of separate pieces i, which are placed in
grooves in the printing discs in which they can slide, so that when they are not
required to print each sliding type is held down below printing surface by means
of the projecting pins i, the last one of which is held down by an inclined pro-
jecting surface fixed to the disc c; this inclined surface 2 when the type discs are
at zero keeps the whole series of pins and sliding cypher type in their depressed
position, consequent upon the pins being then in a line and resting one upon the
other, each pin of the numbering discs C and D being provided with an inclined
surface piece of metal, which are so arranged that the pin holding down the cypher
of the ten disc B is released from under the incline of the disc C immediately the
said disc B receives its first tenth of a revolution, the position for printing when
released being assumed by means of the spring ; the same action takes place
successively with each of the other discs immediately they receive their first tenth
of a movement in manner herein before described. On the completion of the
highest number of the combined dises being delivered the stud or pin on the
cypher of the disc D passes under the fixed incline surface of the disc c, and
so becomes depressed, the action of which, as the pins are then in a line resting on
each other, they are simultaneously depressed so as to assume their lowest
position, at which time the printing discs are again in position for a fresh start.
If at any time after the machine has delivered a number below the maximum
amount it is capable of printing it should be necessary to start again at zero, I
prefer to adopt the method shewn at Fig. 4 and 5 of the Drawings, in which / is
a ring or circular piece of metal let into the disc c; this said ring forms the bearing
or support for the gearing revolving on the fixed studs m, and as such gearing is
placed in a position concentric to the wheels and discs with which they gear, a
slight movement to the left would throw the whole series out of gear, and in order
to effect this with facility fingers 1, l, projecting from the ring k are provided; these
fingers contain a slot or slots through which studs project, so that when the handles
n, n, are taken hold of and forced to the left the extent of motion is determined
which will throw the wheels out of gear, and so releave the type numbering discs,
at which time they can be placed so as to commence printing the numbers at zero
or from any other number at which it would be requisit to start. There are two
type numbering cylinders required for printing numbers continuously and con-
secutively, both of which are exactly duplicates, one being designed for printing
the odd and the other the even numbers. The type printing the numerals are fixed,
as shewn at g, Fig. 3, to the revolving discs c, the numbers in advance being
printed by the type numbering discs B, C, and D, as they are intermittantly and
successively caused to revolve around their axis, in manner as hereinbefore
described, that is to say, after the numerals have been delivered on the completion
of the first revolution. The numbering discs B, as in manner described, is brought
intermittantly into action to print the tens until the number 99 has been printed
off, at which time the discs C come into action and print the hundreds up to the
number 999, at the completion of which the disc D prints the thousands up to the
number 9999, on the completion of which, and immediately the last number is
delivered, the numbering discs assume their first position, placing the numbers at
The cyphers of the discs B, C, and D, when arriving at this position are
automatically depressed or lowered, as shewn and described at Figs. 6 and 7 of the
Drawings. The action of the numbering discs in combination with the rollers
printing the subject matter upon the running strip of paper will now be understood
on reference to the Drawings on Sheet 1. In the Figs. on Sheet 1, a, a, is the
framing of the machine supporting the printing rollers and apparatus, hereinafter
described, necessary for printing, numbering, and perforating on a continuous strip
or length of paper, tickets, cheques, labels, or the like.
zero.
A spool or roller o containing the blank roll of paper, cardboard, or other
material to be printed on, is mounted in suitable bearings p. One end of such
strip or length of paper is then passed in the direction indicated by arrows between
a first set of printing rollers q, q', q being the printing roller and q³ the impression

page_text: roller. The strip of paper receves from these rollers subject matter on its front side.
Passing on, it next receives at equal distances apart, and in register with the subject
matter previously printed thereon, numbers in consecutive order. from the two
cylinders A and A', the consecutive and progressive order of printing such numbers
on the running length of paper being effected in manner as hereinbefore referred to.
The upper surface of the paper as it is thus printed upon passes round the heated
cylinder r, where the ink is dried so as to prevent any "set off" on the impression
roller 8, between which and the type roller s¹ it next passes, and which print in
register.on the back of the length of paper subject matter, advertisements, designs,
devices, and the like; t, t, are the perforators which divide the length of paper into
tickets; v, v, v, v, v, are inking troughs from which the ink is uniformly distributed
to the type by the rollers x.
The machine is driven by the pulley w and gearing E, E.
Having now described the nature of my said Invention, together with the manner
of performing the same, I wish it to be distinctly understood in conclusion that
I claim,
First. The novel construction, arrangement, and combination of the duplicate
cylinders, marked A and A¹ on the Drawings, when employed for printing and
numbering consecutively and continuously, in the manner and for the purpose as
herein substantially set forth and described.
Secondly. The adaptation to such machine or machines of a like nature, which
print on both sides of the paper, a hot cylinder, marked in the Drawings, when
employed for drying the impression, so as to prevent any set off" on the rollers
printing the advertisements on the back of the paper, and
Lastly. I claim the general construction and arrangement of parts composing the
machine forming the subject of this Invention when employed for printing and
numbering consecutively and continuously tickets, cheques, labels, and the like,
in the manner as herein substantially described and set forth in the Drawings
annexed.
In witness whereof, I, the said Marcus Bebro, have hereunto set my hand
and seal. this the Eighth day of November. in the year of our Lord 1880.