Improvements in Envelope Machines, and particularly to the Gumming, Folding, Conveying, Counting, and Bunching о
Year: 1884

page_text: Improvements in Envelope Machines, and particularly to the
Gumming, Folding, Conveying, Counting, and Bunching
о
[Communicated by James Ball, Mechanical Engineer, of Holyoke, County of
Hampden, State of Massachusetts, United States of America.]
I RAPHAEL HUNTER BRANDON of 1 rue Laffitte, Paris, France, and 114* Queen
Victoria Street, London E.C. Engineer and Patent Agent do hereby declare the
nature of the Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN ENVELOPE MACHINES, AND
PARTICULARLY TO THE GUMMING, FOLDING, CONVEYING, COUNTING AND BUNCHING
MECHANISM OF SUCH MACHINES," 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 envelope machines, and particularly
to the gumming, folding, conveying, counting and bunching mechanism of such
machines, the object being to simplify the construction of the gumming devices,
and to facilitate their rapid operation, to improve the manner of hanging the
wings of the folding-box, to provide improved mechanism for conveying folded
envelopes from the drying chain to the table, and for counting each envelope so
conveyed, and for arranging the counted envelopes in convenient groups of a
certain number preparatory to banding them.
Another part of my Invention relates to pneumatic mechanism for automatically
retaining and actively delivering the envelope from the bed under the folding-
wings.
Another part of my Invention relates to improved means for feeding up the
table upon which the blanks are held under the picker.
:
In the Drawing forming part of this Specification, Figure 1, is a side elevation
partly in section of certain main parts of an envelope machine having applied
thereto gumming, folding, conveying and counting mechanism, constructed
according to my Invention. Figure 2, is an end elevation. Figure 3, is a plan
view. Figures 4, and 5, are details of the counting mechanism detached from the
machine, and Figure 6, illustrates details of certain parts of the conveying and
grouping mechanism, also detached from the machine.
In the Drawing, B, indicates parts of the usual frame of the machine, of which c,
is the driving-shaft, D, the driving-pulley, and c¹, a cam-shaft.
The gum-box is indicated by 3, and the usual rotating gum roller therein by 4.

page_text: The picker-gumming roller 5, is hung in boxes 7, in which it is capable of a
reciprocating movement in the direction of its length. The boxes 7, are adapted
to have a reciprocating movement upon their supporting rods 8, by means of two
swinging levers 13, which are secured to a rock-shaft 14, the latter being actuated
by its connection with shaft c¹, by the lever 17, rod 16, and arm 15. Any
convenient retracting spring holds lever 17, in contact with cam 17. The levers 13,
are connected to the roller boxes 7, by the connecting-rods 12.
The movement given to the gumming roller 5, under the pickers 10, whereby
the latter are gunmed, causes roller 5, to be moved against the gum-roller 4, thence
from the latter under and against the face of the pickers and beyond the latter,
where it rests an instant while the picker descends and rises, and then back again
next to the gum-roller 4, where it again rests while the picker moves as before,
but previous to the return movement of roller 5, to roller 4, the former is given
the aforesaid movement in the direction of its length, as it also is just before it
'comes in contact with roller 4.
The purpose. of said shifting movement of the gumming roller 5, is, to cause
different parts of its surface to be rolled against the face of the picker as it moves
back and forth under the latter, and said movement is imparted to it by the
guide-strips q, q, one being so located that the end of the roller-shaft will strike it
after, in moving from the gum-box, it has passed under the picker; and the other
is placed opposite the other end of said shaft and in such position that the end of
the latter will strike it as the roller moves towards the gum-box, carrying roller 5,
back to the position it occupied in boxes 7, before the first-named guide-strip
shifted it.
The above-described arrangement of gumming-roller and shifting devices obviates
the requirement of the gum. rollers and boxes for gumming roller 5, so that the
surface on it which rolls against the picker shall be supplied with gum for its
two movements; for, after having been in contact with the picker in going from
box 3, it is moved endwise before it goes back, to cause that part of its gummed
face which has not been rolled against the picker, to be brought against the latter,
in its return movement, thus a well-gummed surface is carried against the picker
at each movement of roller 5, although it has been subjected but once to a contact
with the gum-roller 4.
The back flap-wing w, of the folding-box 25, is hinged in bearings which are
attached to the ends of flat-springs w², w², which are secured to the machine by
bolts, x, which pass through their ends.
It often occurs from some cause, that the thickness of the combined paper and
gum which comes under said wing when the envelope is folded, varies more or
less, and it is desirable that the wing or wings of the folding-box be hung in
yielding bearings, rigid enough to hold the wing against ordinary resistance, but
capable of yielding if the latter be too great, hence the use of the said springs w²,
or other suitable means for accomplishing the object described. Wing w, is
operated by arm w³.
After the envelopes have been gummed and folded, they are dropped into the
usual'chain A, between the fingers of which'they are carried from the folding-box
and finally brought towards the table 19, on the front side of the machine, and for
taking the envelopes from the chain, counting and grouping them upon table 19,
fas shown in Figure 3, where said groups are indicated by 21, the following devices
are employed.
A series of spiral carriers, each lettered a, are hung on the ends of shafts a²,
which are properly supported on the frame of the machine.
The shafts a², are given a rotary motion by gear connection with a shaft a³, see
Figures 1, and 6.
.
The carriers a, see Figure 2, are arranged at such distance from center to center,
that the ends of the envelope can enter them as shown in said Figure, and the
rear ends of the carriers reach back a little each side of the chain A, so that an
envelope which is brought along to the carriers by the latter has its ends engaged

page_text: by the spirals, and is by them carried forward towards the table 19. The plate H,
Figure 6, supported between the carriers a, and the bottom edge of the envelope
rests thereon, as it moves. The table 19, is located so that envelopes moving
forward as above-described, will slide on to it as seen in Figure 3.
Under table 19, hung on a shaft K¹, is a ratchet-wheel K, provided with
25 teeth, and having on its side a cam n. A pawl-lever m, is also hung on
shaft K, and has an oscillating motion imparted to it by a cam on shaft c, through
the connecting-rod j. The lever m, extends above the upper edge of wheel K.
A spring o, rests on wheel K, to restrain its rotation so that it shall not turn any
farther than the pawl carries it.
A pawl-supporting device h, consisting of an arm z, on which the pawl i, is
hung, and an arm z', on arin z, to one end of which is secured a balance weight a³,
is delicately hung on shaft K¹, so that the preponderance of weight is slightly on
the pawl-side of the device. A pin y, on which the pawl is hung extends far
enough over the edge of wheel K, to have the end of arm m, strike it when it is
within the reach of the oscillating movement of said arm.
Shaft K', has its bearings in the hangers 8, 8.
A rock-shaft d, is hung in supports e³, above the carriers a, and has thereon two
wings e, which extend downwards between the carriers so that an envelope which
is being moved along by them as above described will hit the ends of said wings
and rock the shaft d, on which is an arm f, which is connected with the arm z¹, by
the connecting-rod f. Thus an envelope being moved along by the carriers a,
strikes wings e, rocking shaft d, and causing the pawl-arm z, to swing back, the
pawl i, engages with a tooth on wheel K, and brings pin y, where lever m, strikes
it, and rotates the wheel the extent of one tooth, this operation taking place each
time an envelope goes under wings e, and wheel K, is not acted upon by lever m,
unless pawli, is first caused to take a proper position by the passage of an
envelope as aforesaid.
Two grouping guides r, r, are pivoted between the carriers a, one between each
pair, and are capable of a lateral movement as indicated by the dotted lines in
Figure 6. The front ends of the guides r, are made to engage with two vertical.
arms t, t, which are secured on a sliding rod,v, to which a spring v³, is attached,.
and on which is an arm v², which .extends down by the side of wheel K, and bears
against the edge of the cam n, thereon. When wheel K, is turned, as above
described, rod v, is made to slide to the right (looking at Figures 2 and 6) as each
envelope passes in the carriers, until, (wheel K, having made one revolution,)
arm v, drops off from the high end of cam n, and allows spring v³, to draw rod v,
to the left, swinging the guides r, r, as indicated by the dotted. lines.
Thus the envelopes, one by one, are given a different position in the carriers, by
the position, relative to the latter, of the edges of the guides r,
the latter continuing
to swing laterally to the right while the envelopes in passing cause wheel K, to be
turned, and when the wheel has once rotated, dropping back, leaving just twenty-
five envelopes in one or several groups 21, on the table, as shown, and in convenient
position to be seized by the right hand back corner thereof by the operator,
separated from the group behind it, and banded.
The envelopes, after having passed between the guides r, r, are struck from
behind by oscillating arms or wings 23, which are secured on shafts 24, 24, and
pushed forward between the guide-strips 20, on the table, and against the stop 22.
The shafts 24, are operated by any convenient connection with other parts of the
machine, as indicated by dotted lines in Figure 1.
The bottom, or base plate of the folding-box 42, is hinged under the latter, as
shown in Figure 1, and is made hollow and has air holes 43, through its upper
side. The base is given a vibratory motion through its connection by rod 4+, with
a cam-shaft below.
Connected with the said base 42, by a flexible tube 33, is a hollow pump-
piston 32, which is pivoted on the frame of the machine, on which is the pump

page_text: cylinder 30, which is given a reciprocating motion by its connection with the
rock-shaft 41, by the arm 40.
The envelope-blank is folded upon the perforated face of the base 42, in the usual
way, but while it is being folded the pneumatic action of the pump is to exhaust
the air from the base, thereby making the envelope adhere thereto, and keep in
proper position while the base swings down as shown, when a reverse movement of
the pump drives the air into the base, and forcibly through its perforated side,
causing the envelope to surely leave the base and drop into suitable delivery
mechanism, whereby it is conveyed to the table, at the front of the machine, as
described.
The table 34, on which the envelope-blanks are piled under the pickers and
gummers 10, is made to rise up gradually to keep the top of the pile always the
same distance from the pickers, while the blanks are being removed one by one
from the pile.
Said table is supported on the frame-parts 35, to the lower part of which are
attached two steady posts 45, which have a vertical movement in two cylindrical
receivers 46, and through the table of the machine, as the said frame-parts move
up and down, whereby the latter are properly guided.
The said table and frame parts are connected with the rock-shaft 37, which has
two arms 38, on it, by the connecting rods 36, which are pivoted to the frame and
to said arms.
The shaft 37, is given an intermittent rocking motion by means of a ratchet 39,
on one end, actuated by a suitable pawl connected with some of the moving parts
of the machine, whereby the ends of the arms 38, are gradually elevated, moving
table 34, up. The table is lowered to receive piles of blanks by disengaging the
pawl 47, from the ratchet-wheel.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
Invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. In an envelope machine, mechanism for receiving folded envelopes and
carrying them to the table of the machine, consisting of a series of rotating spiral
carriers and operating mechanism substantially as described, adapted to engage
with each end of the envelope, and a supporting-plate located intermediately
between the carriers, combined and operating substantially as set forth.
2. The combination in an envelope machine of a series of rotating spiral carriers
substantially as described, of pivoted grouping-guides to swing in the plane of the
rotation of the carriers and of operating mechanism substantially as described
operated by the passage of envelopes between the carriers for causing said guides
to swing to and fro while envelopes are passing between them, substantially as
set forth.
3. The combination in an envelope machine, of a ratchet-wheel, of a pawl and 'of
pawl-supporting devices substantially as described, adapted to have an oscillating
movement by the side of said wheel, of a pawl-lever having an oscillating
movement by the side of said wheel independent of said pawl-supporting devices,
and of mechanism substantially as described, actuated by the passage of envelopes
through the machine for bringing said pawl-supporting devices into engagement
with said oscillating pawl-lever whereby said wheel is made to rotate
intermittently, substantially as set forth.
4. The combination, in an envelope machine of a series of rotating spiral
envelope-carriers substantially as described, of pivoted grouping-guides substantially
as described, to swing in the plane of the rotation of the carriers, of a ratchet-wheel
having a cam thereon, of a pawl supported by the side of said wheel, of a pawl-
lever having an oscillating movement by the side of said wheel independent of the
pawl supporting devices, and of mechanism substantially as described, whereby, by
the passage of an envelope between said carriers said ratchet-wheel is caused to be
turned, and said grouping-guides to be swung on their pivots, substantially as set
forth.

page_text: 5. In combination the spiral carriers, the shaft d, connected with arm 2¹, and
having wings e, e, thereon, the pawli, pawl-supporting devices h, the ratchet-
wheel k, and lever m, substantially as set forth.
6. The combination with the spiral carriers a, the grouping-guides r, r, and the
ratchet wheel having the cam n, thereon, of the rod v, connected with said guides,
and having the arm³, thereon, and the spring v³, substantially as set forth.
7. The combination with the ratchet-wheel K, and pawl i, of the oscillating pawl-
supporting device consisting of the arm z, having thereon the arm 2¹, and the
weight 2, on the latter, of the pin y, through arm z, the lever m, and mechanism
substantially as described for oscillating the arm z, and the lever m, substantially
as set forth.
8. The combination with the folding wing of an envelope machine, of hinge-
connections therefor substantially as described, whereby said wing is yieldingly
connected to the machine by the side of the folding-box, substantially as set forth.
9. The combination with the folding-wing w, and with bearings therefor, of the
spring-strips, supporting said bearings and secured by one end only to
the machine, substantially as set forth.
10. The combination with the picker-gumming roller of an envelope machine,
and with means substantially as described for moving it back and forth past the
picker, of mechanism substantially as described for moving said roller endwisé
after passing the picker, substantially as set forth.
11. The combination with the picker-gumming roller of an envelope machine,
of bearings therefor capable, by means substantially as described, of reciprocating
movements past the picker, and of shifting-guides, substantially as described to
move said roller endwise after passing the picker, substantially as set forth.
12. The combination with the picker-gumming roller 5, and mechanism
substantially as described for supporting and moving it reciprocally past the
pickers, of the inclined guides g, located near the ends of the shaft of said roller
substantially as set forth.
13. In an envelope machine the combination of an air-pump with the hollow
perforated base of the folding-box, and operating to retain and deliver the envelope
as set forth.
14. The combination with the blank-table 34, and with its supporting-frame, of
a rock-shaft 37, having arms 38, thereon, actuated by pawl and ratchet devices,
and connected with said frame by the rods 36, substantially as set forth.
Dated this 1* day of March 1001.
Witness:
P. SCHOLTUS.
R. •H. BRANDON.