Improvements in Paper Feeding Devices.
Year: 1898

page_text: Improvements in Paper Feeding Devices.
A communication by HUGO LOEWENBACH, of 2816, Wells Street, Milwaukee, State
of Wisconsin, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both
in the County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention 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 improvements in paper feeding devices.
.The objects of this invention are, 1st, to provide means for feeding paper from a
pack in single sheets and at regular intervals; 2nd, to provide means for adjusting
the feeding mechanism for sheets of different thicknesses, and, 3rd, to provide means
for lapping the sheets successively upon the rear ends of those preceding after
they are discharged from the pack.
In the following description, reference is had to the accompanying drawings, in
which―
Figure 1 is a plan view of this invention, showing the same as it appears when
connected with the feeding rollers of a ruling machine.
Figure 2 is a side view of the same.
Figure 3 is a section view drawn on line X-x of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a front elevation of this invention viewed independently of the
conveyor belts and ruling machine.
Figure 5 is a section view drawn on line y-y of Figure 2, looking toward the
front end of the machine.
Figure 6 is a detail side view of the feeding mechanism illustrating the relation
of the parts with reference to each other and to the pack of sheets to be fed, the
construction shown being that used in connection with ruling machines or other
printing machinery.
Figure 7 is a detail view of the eccentric mechanism for actuating the feed
regulator.
Figure 8 is a rear view of the same.
Figure 9 is a detail side view of the gearing for actuating the drawing rollers.
Figure 10 is a top view in detail showing the mechanism for adjusting the feed
platform longitudinally, and also. illustrating a form of detent for regulating the
discharge of the sheets from the pack.
Figures 11 and 12 are section views drawn respectively on lines t t and u u
of Figure 10.
Figure 13 is an enlarged detail showing the relation of the friction roller and
detent to the pack of sheets, feed-platform and carriage.
Figure 14 is a front view of the construction shown in Figure 10.
Figure 15 is a detail top view of the mechanism for actuating the rocking detent
bar shown in Figure 10.

page_text: Figure 16 is a side view of this invention, stripped of all accessories and adjusting
devices, and showing the same as it is adapted to be used in connection with bill,
envelope and toilet-paper holders.
Figure 17 is a cross section view of the envelope slide.
Like parts are indentified by the same reference letters throughout the several
views.
The feed controlling platform 1, friction roller 2, and pressing device 3, are
arranged in such relation to each other as to support the pack of paper with its
forward or lower end engaged between the friction roller and the pressing device,
with the ends of the sheets supported upon the platform and the roller bearing
upon the sheets along a horizontal line above the edge of the platform and a short
distance above the lower ends of the sheets.
The pack of sheets is pushed forcibly against the roller by the pressing device,
and the roller, by its resistance, indents the pack along the line of contact, thus
causing the front sheets to bulge outwardly below the point of contact, while the
friction of the platform tends to retain the edges of the sheets in their original
position. With the sheets in this position it is found that a slight impulse, such as
is imparted by the movement of the roller or the forward push of the carriage after
the withdrawal of the preceding sheet, will individualize the front or top sheet along
its edge below the roller, by causing it to spring away from the pack. As the
friction of the sheets upon the platform tends to detain them, it is also evident that
as soon as the edge of the front sheet springs away it escapes from contact with the
platform and separates positively from the remaining sheets, which remain in
contact therewith and are detained thereby, while the front sheet is drawn down-
wardly over the edge by the friction of the roller, and thus discharged from the
pack.
It sometimes happens that two or more sheets will individualize, but in such case,
they will also separate from each other, for the sheet in contact with the roller will
spring farthest away, whilst each of the remaining sheets will separate to a less
distance from that which precedes it, and will, when the device is properly adjusted,
remain in contact with the platform until the first sheet is nearly or completely
discharged.
Where the sheets are of sufficient length to be bent over upon the pressing device,
as shown in several of the views, the bent position of the sheets increases the
tendency of the first sheet to spring away from the pack, and where the sheets are
long, it is preferable to use a form of pressing device which will permit the sheets
to be bent over upon it. It will be found also, that with this construction, the long
sheets will be much more easily and conveniently placed in position to be fed.
When this invention is used in connection with ruling machines or other printing
machinery, the roller 2 may be actuated from the feed roller 4 of such machinery
by means of a sprocket chain 5 and gear wheels 6 and 7. It is also convenient in
such cases to support the feed mechanism from a stand or table 8 in a position near
to, and somewhat above, the meeting surfaces of the feed rollers of the machine
which is to be supplied with paper. The sheets discharged from the platform 1 are
permitted to pass downwardly and forwardly over a twisted belt conveyor 9 of
ordinary construction, the function of the conveyor being to move the sheets
laterally into contact with a guiding bar 10, thus aligning the sheets preparatory
to their entrance between the feed rollers of the ruling or printing machine.
Underneath the belts of the conveyor 9 there is provided a transverse har 11
upon which a rod 12 is supported in suitable bearings and provided with idler
rollers 13, the upper surfaces of which project slightly above the belts, so as
to lift the paper sheets when passing thereover. The bar 11 is also provided
with inclined lifting plates 14, disposed adjacent to the rollers and adapted to
raise the edge of the sheet slightly before it comes in contact with the roller,
thus facilitating its passage over the latter. The paper feeding device and
belt conveyor 9 are adjusted to move at a somewhat more rapid rate than the
feed rollers of the ruling machine, and it is therefore obvious that as the front

page_text: ends of the sheets are raised successively upon the rollers 13, they will
lap over on the rear ends of the preceding sheets which are entered between
the feed rollers of the ruling machine, and are therefore moving more
slowly.
Comparing the various drawings illustrating this invention, it will be
observed that in all the views with the exception of Figure 16 a pressing
device has been shown constructed in the form of a carriage supported upon
tracks 15 which are mounted upon an inclined track-frame 16 located upon
the stand 8 and adapted to be adjusted by means of one or more adjusting
screws 17 which support its rear end. The pressing device or carriage is, in the
construction shown, actuated on the inclined track by gravity and by means of a
spring 18 attached to the platform 1 at 19, and to the carriage 3 by means of an
adjusting screw 20.
As paper to be fed varies in thickness and elasticity, and as the accuracy of
the feeding depends to a considerable extent upon the adjustment of the
platform 1, in relation to the roller 2 with reference to the thickness and elasticity
of the paper to be fed, means have been provided for adjusting the platform 1
both longitudinally and vertically. The longitudinal movement is communicated
directly to the platform from a right and left screw-threaded shaft 21, provided
with screw blocks 22, having pins .23 projecting into diagonally slotted guide
yokes 24 connected with the platform 1, as best shown in Figures 10 and 14.
It
is obvious that as the shaft is turned, the blocks will be forced to the right and
left respectively and the movement of the pins in the yokes will crowd the
platform to the front or rear according to the movement of the blocks inwardly or
outwardly upon the shaft. The underside of the platform is provided with a
grooved guide member 25 engaging a counterpart tongued member 26 which
projects upwardly from the track frame 16, thus preventing the platform from
becoming twisted while being adjusted.
In order to adjust the platform 1 vertically however, it is necessary to lift also
the track frame and carriage, and for this purpose an adjusting shaft 27 with right
and left screw blocks 28 is provided having pins 29 projecting into diagonally
slotted yokes 30 located on the cross bar 31 of the lower end of the track-frame 16,
the construction of the screw blocks, pins and yokes being the same as that for
adjusting the platform longitudinally, but disposed at right angles thereto. It is
therefore obvious that the movement of the blocks 28 inwardly or outwardly will
be communicated to the track frame to raise or lower it, together with the
carriage 3 and feed controlling platform 1.
As the friction roller 2 is supported
from the stand 8 by means of the fixed brackets 32, it is evident that the
vertical adjustment of the track frame 16 and platform 1 will increase or
diminish the space between the edge of the latter and the roller.
This space
is increased for heavy or highly elastic paper and diminished for thin or soft
paper.
For feeding sheets of different widths, the carriage is provided with a transverse
slot 33 in which side guards 34 are secured by means of bolts 35 and thumb-
screws 36. These guards are adapted to hold the sheets in a compact block and
prevent them from shifting laterally.
When great accuracy in feeding the sheets is desired, a feed regulator 37 is
provided having a rubber face or tip 38 which bears upon the surface of the paper
above the roller 2. This regulator tends to detain the paper when at rest, and is
actuated at fixed intervals to push the papers downwardly, thus aiding the roller in
individualizing and releasing the sheet from the platform.
A
The regulator is provided with an upwardly projecting arm 39 which is pivotally
mounted on an adjustable supporting arm 40, of an oscillating rod or shaft 41.
spring 42 is adjustably secured to the arms 39 and 40 at the points 43 and 44
respectively and connects the arms above the point of their pivotal attachment, thug
drawing the upper end of the arm 39 backwardly and causing the regulator to bear

page_text: upon the paper. The ends of the spring 42 being adjustably secured the pressure
of the regulator can be adjusted at pleasure.
To oscillate the rod 41, the same is provided with a lever 45 at one side of the
machine, which is secured to the supporting bracket 32 by a spring 46, adapted, by
drawing the lever 45 downwardly, to actuate the rod 41, and cause the regulator 37
to press downwardly upon the paper.
The lever 45 is, however, supported against the tension of the spring 46 by means
of an arm 47 which is pivotally supported from one end over an eccentric wheel 48
and provided with a bearing roller 49 resting on the eccentric periphery of said
wheel.
It is therefore obvious that as the roller 49 lowers and raises on the eccentric
portion 50 of the periphery of the wheel 48, the arm 47 and lever 45 will be
oscillated, thus actuating the rod 41 and feed regulator 37.
In order to provide for adjusting the wheel 48, the same is attached to a circular
disc 51, and in the eccentric or cut-away portion of the wheel, a pair of oppositely
disposed adjusting arms 52 and 53 are secured which are connected at their ineeting
ends to a radially adjustable yoke 54, whereby the arms 52 and 53 may be moved
outwardly or inwardly to alter the peripheral depression or eccentric portion of the
wheel 48 and thus change the length of the movement caused thereby.
Motion is communicated to the eccentric wheel 48 from the roller 2, through the
gear wheels 55, 56 and 57, shaft 58 and adjustable friction pinion 59, the latter
being arranged to bear upon the side of the disc 51 to which the wheel 48 is
secured. The pinion 59 is adjusted on the shaft 58 to change the speed of the
wheel 48, and thus change the interval between the successive oscillations of the feed
regulator to correspond with the length of the sheets to be fed.
In cases where great accuracy is desired, the edge of the platform 1 over which
the
paper is fed is also provided with a raised concave surface 60 which is so secured
as to ensure the frictional contact of the sheet therewith, until it finally escapes
over the edge. Drawing rollers 61 and 62 are also provided which revolve toward
and bear upon each other, and are so disposed as to catch the individualized sheet
as it escapes over the edge and draw it from the pack with a uniform and steady
movement, independent of the detaining action of the regulator 37, or the possible
slipping of the roller 2. Motion is communicated to the drawing roller 61 from the
roller 2, through the gear wheels 63, 64, 65 and 66 and from the roller 61 to the
roller 62 by means of their frictional contact.
It is obvious that the rollers 61 and 62 must always remain in the same relative
position to the platform 1, and they are therefore supported therefrom by means
of side arms 67 and standards 68. In order however, to prevent the gear wheels
from being disengaged when the platform is adjusted relatively to the feed-roller 2,
the gear member 64 has been supported from the roller 2, by means of a swinging
arm 69, and the members 64 and 65 connected by means of a link 70. The member 64
is thus permitted to move inwardly or outwardly as the platform 1 is adjusted,
without disengaging the gears.
Where the paper to be fed consists in envelopes or thick, heavy sheets, it is
expedient to dispense with both the feed regulator 37 and the drawing
rollers 61 and 62, these parts and also the mechanism for actuating the same, being
readily detachable. In such case however, a feed regulating, oscillating bar 71 is
preferably substituted which is disposed along the front edge of the platform 1 and
provided with a notched edge 72. The platform is also provided with a notched
piece 73 which is the counterpart of the edge 72 of the oscillating bar.
The bar 71 is normally tilted by means of springs 74, so that its notched edge
projects above the edge of the platform 1 and prevents the escape of the sheets.
To depress this edge of the bar however, and permit the escape of the sheets, an
actuating wheel 75 is substituted for the eccentric wheel 48 above described, the
motion of which actuating wheel is communicated to tilt the bar 71 through a
striking prong 76, arm 77 and lever 78, the latter being secured at one end to
the axis of the bar 71, as shown in Figures 10 and 15.

page_text: As the wheel 75 is substituted for the eccentric wheel 48, it is obvious that it
will be actuated by the adjustable friction pinion 59 in the same manner.
When it is desired to feed bill-heads, letter sheets, or toilet paper for individual
use, it is not necessary that the sheets should be fed singly, and it is therefore
preferred in such cases to dispense with all the adjusting and feed regulating
mechanism above described, and use simply the feed platform 1, friction roller 2,
and a pressing device, the latter being constructed in a variety of ways which
may be found convenient.
Thus, in Figure 16, a pressing device has been shown consisting in a plate 79
suspended by forwardly projecting arms 80 from pivotally supporting pins 81, so
that the plate swings forwardly of its own weight against the paper, at the same
time supporting the pack of sheets and pressing them forwardly against the
roller.
In case envelopes are fed, it is preferable to provide a slide 82 which is preferably
inclined laterally to a raised shoulder 83, so that the envelopes passing down the
slide will be aligned by contact with the shoulder. This is used where the envelopes
are to be fed into a printing machine or any other structure where it is desired to
have them enter in a uniform position.
Briefly reviewing the operation of this device and assuming that it is desired to
feed sheets of ordinary character into a ruling machine, the pressing device is drawn
backwardly and the sheets placed on end between it and the friction rollers 2 with
the ends of the sheets resting on the platform. The pressing device is then
permitted to move forwardly and engages the sheets between it and the roller, the
sheets, if of sufficient length, being bent over upon the pressing device.
The friction roller 2 is then actuated to draw out a few of the sheets and the feed
controlling platform 1 adjusted so that the sheets will readily individualize to permit
the escape of the front sheet while the second remains in contact with the platform.
The feed regulator is then adjusted by experiment, until it is found that the front
sheet will be started promptly by the downward push of the regulator, and the
second sheet detained until the second impulse is imparted. The friction roller 59 is
also adjusted with reference to the length of the sheets, so that the interval between
the impulses imparted by the regulator will correspond therewith. The machine
being properly adjusted, the roller 2 is actuated and the sheets drawn off in
succession.
If it is then desired to feed envelopes or similar paper articles or heavy paper, the
drawing roller and feed regulator 37 are removed, together with the eccentric wheel
48 and connections between it and the regulator. The rocking bar or regulator 71
is then substituted and proper adjustments of the platform made when the machine
is ready for the designated use.
It will, of course, be understood that the gist of this invention is in the
arrangement of the friction roller, platform and pressing device in the described
relation to each other, although my correspondent considers the adjusting devices
and feed regulator as of great importance where it is essential that single sheets
only shall be fed. But in cases where an occasional feeding of a double sheet is
not objectionable, the feed regulator may be dispensed with, and where the sheets
to be fed are uniform in kind, it is obvious that the adjustment of the platform 1 is
also unnecessary, and his device is then reduced to three essential features, viz. : the
platform, roller, and pressing device.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is
1. The combination of a feed controlling platform, a friction roller located in
proximity to one edge thereof, and a pressing device adapted to engage sheets of
paper between it and the roller, with their lower edges supported by the platform
and with the roller bearing on the sheets along a line above their lower edges,

page_text: whereby the pressing device co-operates with the platform and roller to individualize
the sheets and cause their discharge in succession as the roller is revolved.
2. The combination of a feed controlling platform, a friction roller located in
proximity to one edge thereof, and a pressing device adapted to engage sheets of
paper between it and the roller, with their lower edges supported on the platform
and their upper portions bent over and supported on the pressing device, whereby
the pressing device co-operates with the platform and roller, to individualize the
sheets in succession.
3. The combination of a feed controlling platform, a friction roller located in
proximity to one edge thereof, means for adjusting the platform with reference to
the roller, and a pressing device adapted to engage sheets of paper between it and
the roller, with their lower edges supported by the platform, and with the roller
bearing on the sheets along a line above their lower edges, whereby the pressing
device.co-operates with the platform and roller to individualize the sheets and cause
their discharge in succession as the roller is revolved.
4. The combination of a feed controlling platform, a friction roller located in
proximity to one edge thereof, means for adjusting the platform both vertically
and longitudinally with reference to the roller, and a pressing device adapted
to engage sheets of paper between it and the roller, with their lower edges
supported by the platform, and with the roller bearing on the sheets along a line
above their lower edges, whereby the pressing device co-operates with the platform
and roller to individualize the sheets and cause their discharge in succession as the
roller is revolved.
5. The combination of a feed controlling platform, a friction roller located in
proximity to one edge thereof, and a pressing device adapted to engage sheets of
paper between it and the roller, with the lower ends of the sheets in contact with
the platform, and with the roller bearing on the sheets along a line above their
lower edges, whereby the sheets are individualized at the edge of the platform, the
edge of the platform being raised slightly to ensure the continued contact of the
individualized sheets therewith, until they escape over the edge.
6. The combination of a feed controlling platform, a friction roller located in
proximity to one edge thereof, and a pressing device adapted to engage sheets of
paper between it and the roller, with the lower ends of the sheets resting on the
platform, and with the roller bearing upon the sheets along a line somewhat above
their lower ends, whereby the same are caused to individualize at their lower ends,
together with a feed regulator for permitting the discharge of the sheets at regular
intervals.
7. The combination of a feed controlling platform, a friction roller located in
proximity to one edge thereof, and a pressing device adapted to engage sheets of
paper between it and the roller, with the lower ends of the sheets resting on the
platform, and with the roller bearing upon the sheets along a line somewhat above
their lower ends, whereby the same are caused to individualize at their lower ends,
together with a feed regulator for permitting the discharge of the sheets at regular
intervals, said regulator being so arranged that it will tend, when at rest, to
detain the sheets, and when actuated will impart an additional impulse to the sheet
upon which it bears.
8. The combination of a feed controlling platform, a friction roller located in
proximity to one edge thereof, and a pressing device adapted to engage sheets of
paper between it and the roller, with the lower ends of the sheets resting on the
platform, and with the roller bearing upon the sheets along a line somewhat above
their lower ends, whereby the same are caused to individualize at their lower ends,
together with a feed regulator for permitting the discharge of the sheets at regular
intervals, and a set of drawing rollers adapted to receive the end of the sheet as it
escapes from the platform, and ensures its withdrawal with a uniform movement.
9. The combination of a feed controlling platform, a friction roller located in
proximity to one edge thereof, and a pressing device adapted to engage sheets of
paper between it and the roller, with their lower edges supported by the platform,

page_text: and with the roller bearing upon the sheets along a line above their lower edges,
whereby the pressing device co-operates with the platform and roller to individualize
the sheets, and cause their discharge in succession as the roller is revolved, together
with means for lapping the sheets upon each other at their rear ends.
10. The combination of a feed controlling platform, a friction roller located in
proximity to one edge thereof, and a pressing device adapted to engage sheets of
paper between it and the roller with the lower ends of the sheets resting on the
platform, and with the roller bearing upon the sheets along a line somewhat above
their lower ends, whereby the same are caused to individualize at their lower ends,
together with a feed regulator for permitting the discharge of the sheets at regular
intervals, said regulator being so arranged that it will tend, when at rest, to detain
the sheets, and when actuated will impart an additional impulse to the sheet upon
which it bears, together with means for changing the interval between the succes-
sive movements of the regulator, to correspond with the time taken to feed each
sheet.
11. The combination of a feed controlling platform, a friction roller located
in proximity to one edge thereof, and a pressing device adapted to engage sheets
of paper between it and the roller, with the lower ends of the sheets resting on the
platform, and with the roller bearing on the sheets along a line somewhat above
their lower ends, together with a feed regulator in frictional contact with the front
sheet above the roller, said regulator being located upon a yielding, oscillatory
support, and adapted to be actuated at intervals to start the sheets.
12. The combination of a feed controlling platform, a friction roller located above
the same and in proximity thereto, a pressing device adapted to engage and support
sheets of paper between it and the roller, when the latter are placed on edge
upon the platform, and a feed regulator provided with a frictional bearing surface
and adapted to exert a downward push on the front or exposed sheet at regular
intervals, whereby the same is individualized and drawn off by the roller.
13. The combination with a feed controlling platform, friction roller, and a
pressing device arranged to engage sheets of paper between the roller and pressing
device, with their edges in contact with the platform, of a feed regulator provided
with a frictional bearing surface resting upon the paper, means for actuating the
regulator at intervals to impart a downward impulse to the sheet.
14. The combination with a feed controlling platform, frictional roller and a
pressing device, arranged to engage sheets of paper between the roller and pressing
device with their edges in contact with the platform, of a feed regulator provided
with a frictional bearing surface resting upon the paper, and means for actuating
the regulator at intervals to impart a downward impulse to the sheet, and means
for changing the interval between the successive impulses.
15. The combination with a feed controlling platform, friction roller, and a
pressing device, arranged to engage sheets of paper between the roller and pressing
device with their edges in contact with the platform, of a feed regulator provided
with a frictional bearing surface resting upon the paper, means for adjusting the
pressure of the regulator upon the paper, and means for actuating the regulator at
intervals to impart a downward impulse to the sheet.
16. The combination, with a feed controlling platform, friction roller, and a
pressing device, arranged in such relation as to engage the paper between the
roller and pressing device, with the edges of the sheets in frictional contact with
the platform, a conveyor for receiving the discharged sheets, and a series of idler
rollers interposed in the path of the sheets carried by the conveyor, whereby the
sheets are lifted successively and lapped partially over the preceding sheets.
17. The combination with a feed controlling platform and friction roller, of
a pressing device mounted upon wheels or rollers and adapted to engage sheets of
paper between it and the roller, with their edges resting on the platform near one
edge thereof, together with means for actuating the pressing device, and means for
actuating the friction roller.

page_text: 18. The combination with a feed controlling platform and friction roller, of
a pressing device mounted upon wheels on an inclined track or platform, and
adapted to engage sheets of paper between it and the roller with their edges resting
on the platform, said platform being provided with a raised concave surface over
which the sheets are adapted to be discharged by the movement of the roller.
19. The combination with a feed controlling platform and friction roller, of
a pressing device adapted to engage sheets of paper between it and the roller, with
their edges resting on the platform, near one edge thereof, said pressing device
being provided with adjustable side guards adapted to keep the sheets in
alignment.
20. The combination with a feed controlling platform, and friction roller, of a
pressing device adapted to engage sheets of paper between it and the roller, with
their edges resting on the platform, and a set of drawing rollers adapted to engage
and draw off the sheets as they are individualized and released from the platform
with the revolutions of the friction roller.
1
01
C T. 1 1000