IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MOISTENING STAMPS, LABELS AND SImilar Articles
Year: 1884

page_text: 1, BERNHARD GRÜNDLER, of Petersdorf, Germany, do hereby declare the nature
of said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MOISTENING STAMPS,
LABELS AND SImilar Articles," and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This Invention relates to a moistening apparatus for stamps, labels and similar
articles.
In describing this Invention reference will be made to the accompanying
Drawing, Figs. I to VIII, which represent various modifications and details of
apparatus embodying this Invention.
The improved apparatus essentially consists of two liquid receptacles and a
moistening surface placed between the same.
The two liquid receptacles may be placed vertically over each other, or sido by
side but at different levels, and by turning the same for one half a revolution or
one quarter revolution (more or less) the action of the apparatus may be constantly
renewed after the liquid has run from the upper receptacle across the moistening
surface F into the lower receptacle. The moistening surface F is covered with
felt or other suitable material adapted to act by capillary attraction.
In the apparatus represented by Figs. I to III the liquid receptacles are so
arranged that for the purpose of causing the same to operate alternately the
apparatus must be turned 90° only instead of 180°, the receptacles A and B being
placed side by side at different levels. The two receptacles rest on an angular
base F, G and are connected by a tube O, and the tube O is so arranged that the
two ends of the same are constantly situated in the air space of the receptacles
A and B, whereby an uninterrupted exchange of air takes place between the two
receptacles, so as to permit a steady discharge of water from the upper to the
lower receptacle. In this arrangement (in which the receptacles are placed side by
side on different levels) the tube O may be completely omitted, in which case the
receptacles A and B are provided with apertures at ss (as shown by dotted lines)
which serve as feed openings for the apparatus and permit a free communication of
the atmospheric air with the receptacles A and B, without escape of the liquid
contained in the receptacles, because the openings always remain in communication
with the air and are never below the level of the liquid when the apparatus is
turned for 90° for the purpose of renewing the action.

page_text: The moistening surface C may be of any suitable length, and may form a
straight line or an angle, as shown in Fig. III by dotted lines.
The same result, although imperfectly, may be obtained by the arrangement
represented by Fig. IV, the apparatus being adapted to be turned upside down.
The receptacles A and B are provided with tubes a and b, arranged in such
manner that the tube (a) of the upper receptacle (A) allows an automatic suction
of air, while the tube (b) of the lower receptacle B prevents the egress of liquid
from the latter. If the apparatus is turned after the liquid has passed over the
moistening surface C from the receptacle A to B, the same result is obtained by
means of the tubes a and b, the action of which is now reversed. The tubes a
and b may be lengthened and bent at a second place as shown by dotted lines i.
The same Figure (IV) represents another arrangement by which the apparatus
is completely closed. The tubes a and b are omitted and replaced by the tube d.
The tube a terminates at e e, so as to compensate for the differences of pressure
during the function of the apparatus.
The tube & may be lengthened as far as e¹ e¹.
A moistening apparatus of the same construction, but of adequate size, may be
used for cooling rooms.
In the apparatus represented by Fig. I the passage of the liquid may be controlled
by providing the apertures & with suitable stoppers or valves.
Figs. V and VII represent another arrangement of the moistening cloth f which
is fed by its capillary attraction; the liquid rises from the receptacle B, runs
down along the outside and is received by the receptacle A.
Fig. VI represents an arrangement in which the receptacles are mounted on a
cradle by means of which the apparatus may be made to oscillate.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of iny said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
In moistening apparatus consisting chiefly of two receptacles acting alternately
as feed vessels and as receptacles for the discharged or used liquid:
1. The arrangement of the receptacles A, B, (being placed side by side at different
levels) in combination with the angular base plates or stands F, G.
2. A tube O or openings s applied so as to constantly communicate with the air
spaces of the receptacle, for the supply and circulation of air.
3. The open or closed tubes for the admission and circulation of air as illustrated
by Fig. IV.
4. The combination of two obliquely arranged receptacles A B, with the
moistening surface ƒ adapted to act by its capillarity.
5. The rocking arrangement of the receptacle A B, as illustrated by Fig. VI.
"
Dated this 30th day of May 1884,
BERNHARD GRÜNDLER.
By Herbert & Co., Agents
67, Strand.