IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CONNECTED WITH THE MEASURING, AND RECORDING THE MEASUREMENT OF WEB OR WOVEN FABRICS OR PIECE GOODS AND IN ADDADATIS OP ATANISH THEPROD
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Murdoch of Glasgow in the County of Lanark
North Britain for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CONNECTED WITH
THE MEASURING, AND RECORDING THE MEASUREMENT OF WEB OR WOVEN
FABRICS OR PIECE GOODS AND IN
ADDADATIS OP
ATANISH
THEPROD
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Murdoch at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 12th September 1882.
ROBERT MURDOCH, of Glasgow, in the county of Lanark, North Britain,
"IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CONNECTED WITH THE MEASURING, AND RECORDING THE
MEASUREMENT, OF WEB OR WOVEN FABRICS OR PIECE GOODS, AND IN APPARATUS
OR MECHANISM THEREFOR,"
This said Invention has reference to special novel and improved modes and
means and arrangement of mechanism for the simultaneous and automatic
measuring and marking or printing of the measurements in figures, (either with or
without other indicating letters or marks) on finished woven cloths or fabrics, or
other textile or web materials, such as felts and papers, in a regular and continuous
manner without intermission or stoppage, while each web is being wound, rolled,
or lapped up into the usual rolls or bundles for packing, transit, and sale; whereby
much time will be saved in taking off any desired length for sale or use, and at the
same time always show the amount or number of yards left on each piece or roll;
and further enable the exact amount of stock of the largest warehouses to be taken.
in a mere fraction of the time heretofore required for so doing.
The nature and novelty of the Invention consist all as follows;-In passing the
web of fabric (as it is drawn, or delivered, to be lapped or rolled) over and between
a portion of the surface of a measuring and a pressing roller or rollers, all somewhat
longer than the width of the fabric. The measuring roller would be made with
its circumference exactly equal to the length of the desired unit of measurement
(as a yard, or a foot, or a metre, or an aliquot parts of these) into which the fabric is
to be divided off or measured and printed at each revolution of this roller, either
on the outer or inner side of the fabric, preferably near its selvage and end of the
roller, which at each revolution would by a cam, tappet or lever, instantaneously
bring the printing mechanism into action at the completion of each revolution.
The measuring roller would preferably be geared to the pressing roller or rollers,
by close working pitch toothed wheels to prevent the slipping of the cloth between
them and insure the accurate working and measuring of the rollers and mechanism.
According to the texture of the fabric, either or both rollers might be made of hard
Price 11
J

page_text: wood or metal, and to give greater gripping action to prevent any slipping, their
surface might be roughened or covered with vulcanised india-rubber, and have
pinching screws and springs fitted over the bearing bushes of the pressing rollers
to regulate the gripping pressure. The measuring roller might be driven by hand,
or by motive-power gearing, or driving belts and pulleys, to draw and deliver the
fabric through between it and the pressing roller while measuring and printing it ;
or otherwise, the rollers might be driven by the mere action of drawing the fabric
through between them to automatically measure and print it by and while winding
it up into the lap or roll. The new or improved arrangement of mechanism for
automatically and successively printing or stamping the figures on the fabric as
before stated (by the action, and at each revolution, of the measuring roller,
corresponding to the number of its revolutions and yards or other units of the
fabric it has passed over its surface and so measured) is susceptible of various
modifications and arrangements, so as to be either portable and attached to the side
frame of the machine at the end of the measuring roller, so as to be actuated by
and move with it while printing or stamping the measure or number of yards on
the fabric at each revolution of the roller; or otherwise, it may be mounted on the
end of the measuring roller, or it may be on the pressing roller, and so revolve
constantly with it, yet only print the fabric at each revolution of its roller or axis.
One arrangement of this improved numbering and printing mechanism consists of
a series of three or more similar narrow differentially changing and numbering
and printing discs, mounted concentrically close together and loose on a non-.
revolving axis set parallel to the axis of the measuring roller; each with the
printing numerals or digits, from 0 to 9 cut on and equally divided round their
edges, and having a spring retaining and a moving catch, so that the first disc can
turn or move the second disc one number or division each revolution and similarly
the second disc can turn the third one, and so on in succession. The axis of these
dises would be fixed in and project laterally from a sliding plate or frame, oscillated
radially to and at the end of the roller, each revolution, so that the discs would be
turned as stated by a ratchet wheel with ten teeth on the first disc, and a pawl
taking into the teeth so as to print the numbers in succession at each reciprocation
up to 999, for three discs, on one side of the fabric near the selvage.
The first of these figured discs prints the units up to 9 revolutions of the
measuring roller and yards of cloth measured or passed over it, by being turned
one tooth of the ratchet wheel and division, after each revolution of the roller and
reciprocation and printing of the discs, the last or tenth motion of the first disc
bringing the cipher (0) into printing position, and also the first figure 1 of the
second disc which in like manner prints all the "tens" up to 90 by the first disc
turning it one tenth or division each rovolution; the third disc in like manner
printing all the hundreds up to 900 by being turned one division each revolution
of and by the second disc, much as by the numbering disc mechanism of book-
paging and ticket-numbering machines.
The sliding plate carrying the fixed axis of the numbering printing discs, is
mounted on the face of a large revolving disc or wheel geared to a corresponding
wheel on the axis of the measuring roller, or it might be the pressing roller, so as
to revolve in unison with this roller, and either above or below the roller on the
surface of which the fabric is to be so numbered and printed, by having the axis
of this carrying disc and wheel mounted on a portable bracket bolted to the end
frame of the machine at the end of the roller as before stated; or otherwise, the
said sliding plate carrying the printing discs may be mounted direct on the end of
one of the rollers and thus revolve with it, and so print the number on the fabric
as measured each revolution of the measuring roller. An inking service plate or
revolving disc surface, having also an inking roller or pad carried on reciprocating
arms, so as to receive the ink from this service plate would ink the surface of the
printing type numbers after each impression and change of the numbers.
This inking mechanisin would be mounted either to revolve with the printing
mechanism or on a bracket secured to the side of the machine close to the printing

page_text: mechanism, so that a lever on the axis or arms of the inking roller or pad would be
actuated by a stationary or a revolving tappet respectively to make it ink the
surface of the types as they come round. As so far described the printing surface
of the numbers on the disc would come round at the same speed as the surface of
the measuring or pressing roller and fabric on which they had to act, and so would
print it at the completion of each revolution of and with the same motion and
pressure given to the rollers. But for giving a quick and more forcible action to the
printing discs, it is preferred to give the revolving plate carrying them a short
reciprocating action at the moment of printing, by a stud or antifriction roller on it
working on or in a stationary cam; which would take and keep the discs out of
action except when printing; the printing being effected by a strong spring
permitted to act at the proper moment by a "drop" in the cam; or vice versa, a
lever and spring action might keep the printing frame and discs out of action, and
as the lever came round against a stationary tappet or antifriction roller it would
bring the slide and disc suddenly down to print the numbers on the fabric each
revolution of the measuring roller. In some cases, or for some fabrics, the printing
surface of the type might be protected from touching the fabric by a thin covering
ring or plate at the printing end of the roller, and have a small opening cut in it at
the part where the type had to print the fabric through this opening.
Instead of giving the printing discs or types the said short quick reciprocating
printing action, this might be done by a projecting or moving platen on the other
roller opposite to the surface of the type and the said opening in the projecting rim.
Under another modification of this improved printing mechanism, instead of the
small fferential printing discs, a single narrow ring wheel might be used of the
same a.ameter as and be mounted loose on the measuring or pressing roller.
The numbers would be cut in a sequence round the outer circumference of this
wheel, as say every half inch, which would give up to 72 on this wheel mounted on
the yard measuring roller, and this wheel would have a ratchet wheel with as many
teeth in it as numbers in the ring wheel, and be turned one tooth each revolution
of the roller, by a spring pawl lever and tappet, or a pinion and spring pawl lever
and tappet, to bring the printing numbers on the ring wheel successively opposite
the opening in the protecting rim each revolution of the measuring roller, so that
the pressing printing pad or platen in the other roller would press down the fabric
through the opening on to the type and thus print it as measured.
Or otherwise, an endless pitch chain with the printing numbers or types cut on
each link in succession might be employed, passed over a pitch chain wheel mounted
loose on one end of either of the rollers, or it might be on a separate axis of its own,
and be turned one link each revolution of the measuring roller by a ratchet wheel
on it with the number of teeth corresponding to that of the chain wheel, and a
spring pawl lever and tappet in an equivalent manner to the ring wheel arrange-
ment herein before described. The endless chain of this arrangement may be made
of any length with as many links as there are yards in the piece fabric or goods
desired to be measured and marked or printed; and have the other loop of the
chain passed over a guide wheel or pulley revolving loose on a shifting stud centre,
secured to a slot or arm on the side frame, so as to tighten up the printing chain to
suit its different lengths.
And the printing surface of the numbers or types on the large printing ring wheel
previously described and also that of this printing chain arrangement would be
inked, after each change of the numbers, substantially as described in reference to
that of the former differential numbering and printing discs; or otherwise, the type
might be inked after each change some distance before they come round on the
wheel or chain to the part to be printed, by passing the inking pad down through
the opening for printing through in the guard ring or plate over the printing
surface of the type, or it might be through a separate opening in this ring for the
purpose.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Robert Murdoch in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
12th March 1883.
ROBERT MURDOCH, of Glasgow, in the County of Lanark, North Britain,
"IMPROVEMENTS IN AND CONNECTED WITH THE MEASURING, AND RECORDING THE
MEASUREMENT OF WEB OR WOVEN FABRICS OR PIECE GOODS, AND IN APPARATUS
OR MECHANISM THEREFOR
"
My said Invention has reference to special novel and improved modes and
means and arrangements of mechanism for the simultaneous and automatic
measuring and marking or printing of the measurements in figures (either with
or without other indicating or accompanying distinguishing letters or marks) on
finished woven cloths or fabrics, or other textile or web materials, such as felts
and papers, in a regular and continuous manner, without intermission or stoppage
for the purpose, while each web is being wound, rolled, or lapped up into the usual
rolls or bundles for packing, transit, and sale;—whereby much time will be saved
in taking off any desired length for sale or use, and at the same time always show
the amount or number of yards left on each piece or roll; and further, enable the
exact amount of stock of the largest warehouses to be taken in a mere fraction of
the time heretofore required for so doing.
The nature and novelty of the Invention consist all as follows;-In passing the
web or fabric (as it is drawn, or delivered, to be lapped or rolled) over and between
a portion of the surface of a measuring and a pressing roller or rollers, both
somewhat longer than the width of the fabric. The measuring roller is made with
its circumference exactly equal to the length of the desired unit of measurement
(as a yard, or a foot, or a metre, or an aliquot part of these) into which the fabric
is to be divided off or measured and printed at each revolution of this roller, either
on the outer or inner, or the right or wrong, side of the fabric as desired, but
preferably near its selvage and the end of the roller (where the printing figures
and mechanisin would be fitted) which, at the point and instant of completing
each revolution would bring the printing mechanism (consisting of figured dises or
chains) and the proper figures in sequence on these into action, through or by a
cam, tappet, or lever, or combination of these.
The measuring roller would preferably be geared to the pressing roller or rollers
by close working pitch toothed wheels to prevent the slipping of the cloth between
them, and ensure the accurate working of the measuring rollers and printing
mechanism. According to the texture of the fabric, either or both rollers might
be made of hard wood, or of metal, and to give greater gripping action, their
surface might be roughened, or be covered with vulcanised india-rubber, or other
equivalent, which would prevent any slipping of the fabric in passing between the
ollers, pinching screws and springs being also fitted over the bearing bushes of
the rollers to regulate the gripping pressure on the fabric.
The shaft of the
measuring roller, or the pressing roller might be driven by hand, or by motive
power gearing, or driving belts and pulleys, to grip, draw, and deliver the fabric
through between them, while measuring and printing it; or otherwise, the rollers
might be driven by the mere action of drawing the fabric through between them,
so as to automatically measure and print it by the action of the measuring roller
while winding up the fabric into the lap or roll.
The new or improved arrangement of mechanism for automatically and
successively printing or stamping the figures in sequence on the fabric as before
stated (by the action and at each revolution of the measuring roller corresponding

page_text: to the number of its revolution and yards, or other units of the fabric it has
passed over its surface and so measured) is susceptible of various modifications and
arrangements or combinations, so as to be either portable and attached to the side
of the frame of the machine at the end of the measuring roller, so as to be actuated
by and move with the roller while printing or stamping the measure, or number
of yards on the fabric at each revolution of the roller; or otherwise it may be
mounted on the end of the measuring roller, or it might be on the pressing roller,
and so revolve constantly with the roller, and yet only print the fabric at each
revolution of its roller or axis.
And in order that the full nature and novelty of my said Invention, and the
mode of performing, or putting it into effect or practice, may be properly understood,
I shall now proceed to describe the several figures and the different modifications
of the improvements shown on the accompanying sheet of Drawings, which I have
hereunto appended for that purpose, the same reference letters and numerals
indicating the same or equivalent parts in the corresponding Figures.
Figures 1 and 2 represent an end and a side elevation respectively of one
modification of a machine, or general arrangement or combination of the improved
mechanism, all constructed in accordance with, and for carrying out the new or
improved purposes of my said Invention.
Figures 3 and 4 are corresponding end and sectional side views of the measuring
and pressing rollers, and the printing and inking mechanism to a large scale to
show these more clearly than they can be seen in the general arrangement, Figures
1 and 2. While Figures 5 and 6 are an end view and a sectional edge view of the
figured printing discs a, a, a, a", and the moving ratchet wheel c of the printing
mechanism; and Figure 7 indicates an end and side view of the fixed axis b on
which the printing discs are mounted and turn.
Referring to these Figures 1 to 7, the machine consists of two side or end
frames 1, secured at a proper distance apart by transverse stays or bars 2, 2¹, and
by basement flanges and bolts at 3 to any suitable foundation or floor; all so as to
carry the shaft A² of the measuring roller A in stationary bushes at 4, in the side.
frames 1, and that of the upper pressing roller A¹ above it, in slide bushes 5,
mounted in slotted guides at 6 by regulating pressure screws 7, either with or
without springs or blocks of india-rubber, to give an elastic yielding effect at or
between the working surfaces of the rollers A, A', where they grip the cloth or
fabric Z, while passing through between them. The lower printing and measuring
roller A is driven by a fast and loose pulley 8 mounted on the outer end of its
spindle A through a belt passed over these from a drum on any convenient
adjacent motive power shaft. Both rollers A, A³, in this case are preferably made
an exact yard in circumference, and geared together by two corresponding sized
fine pitched spur wheels 9, 91, at one side of the frame 1, so that the rollers will
work at the same surface speed; and also have a small pressing pad or platen at A"
mounted on the roller A', so that it will come round over and at the same time as
the printing inked surface of the printing numbers a of the discs a¹, a¹¹, on the
lower roller A, and so press the fabric down on these through a small exposing
recess B over them for the purpose, formed in their protecting rim B₁, and so
print the fabric on the under side near one edge at A" each revolution of the
rollers, and yard of the fabric passed through between them.
The arrows in the Figures show the direction in which the rollers A, A¹ are turned,
and the fabric Z is passed through between them, preferably over one or two guide
rollers A3 shown as mounted to revolve loose on the upper stay bars 2¹, so as to
keep the fabric close to the upper, or it might be the lower, roller, although, when
preferred it may be fed straight in to, or out from, the gripping surface of the
rollers, as indicated by the dotted lines Z' in Figure 1.
The improved arrangement of numbering and printing mechanism shown in
these Figures 1 to 7, consists of a series of two, three, or more similar narrow
differentially or decimally changed numbering and printing discs a' a" (seen
detached in Figures 5 and 6) mounted concentrically close together and loose (as

page_text: seen in Figure 4) on a non-revolving axis 6 (seen detached in Figure 7) and secured
by the pins and holes b' and a central screw bolt or stud and nut b¹¹ to the carrying
plate or portable containing and protecting case B, B, fitted and secured by
screws B¹ into a recess in the printing end of the measuring roller A, and with the
axis b of the printing discs a, a" parallel to the shaft A2 of the roller A, and with
the printing surface of the discs nearly tangential or coinciding with that of the
surface of the roller A, as seen in Figures 3 and 4. Each disc'a, a", has the ten
printing digits or numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, cut on and equally divided
round its edge at a, as seen in Figures 5 and 6, and they have each a spring retaining
catch a², which takes into angled grooves 62 in their axis b, and also a moving
lateral spring catch a³; all fitted so that the first disc a' can, each revolution
turn or move the second disc a one division and number, while the moving
catch a³
passing the fixed pressing cam piece 63; and similarly when there are
three discs, cause the second disc, by its corresponding catch a³ each revolution to
turn the third disc one division and number, and so on in succession for as many
numbering discs as there are so mounted on the spindle b. The discs a¹, a", are
held in their printing position, as they are shifted, by the spring catches a² taking
into their retaining notches 62 in the fixed axis b; and there is a single intermediate
notch b* for holding them when set, as before starting to print, with their
ciphers (0. 0.) in line, and all out of printing position ready for being shifted in
sequence into printing position at every revolution of the measuring roller as will
hereinafter be explained. The first numbered disc a¹ has an intermittent acting
ratchet wheel c mounted on it, with ten teeth c¹ divided to correspond to the
printing numbers a on the disc, and has an actuating pawl c" working out through
a slot for it in the case B and roller A, and so jointed to a reaching spring pressing
lever c² that it always brings it back, but so secured and mounted on the surface of
the roller A that at each revolution after the printing the roller A' presses it down
or in, and so turns the ratchet wheel c, and the first disc al one tooth at a time in
the direction indicated by the darts on the ratchet wheel c and printing discs a¹ a¹¹
all so as to print the numbers in succession,-at each revolution of the rollers and
reciprocation of the pawl cl, up to 9 yards with the first disc a', and up to 99 with
the two dises a¹, a" shown, and up to 999 with three discs-on one side of the
fabric near its edge. The first of these figured or numbered discs a¹ prints the
units up to 9 in succession, at each revolution of the measuring roller A, marking
the number of yards of cloth measured or passed over or between it and the pressing
roller A', by being turned one tooth of the ratchet wheel c coinciding with the
divisions of the numbers on the disc after each revolution of the roller A, the last
or tenth motion of the first disc bringing the cipher (0) into printing position, and
also the first figure 1 of the second disc a", which thus prints the 10 yards, and in
like manner prints all the "tens" up to 90 by the first disc a¹ turning it by the
spring catch a one tenth or division at each revolution, and so giving the units to
print up to 99 yards equal to a very long roll or piece of cloth; and with a third
disc, in like manner, all the hundreds up to 900 can be printed by being turned
one division each revolution of and by the second disc a" (in this respect much as
by the numbering disc mechanism of book-paging and some kinds of ticket-
numbering machines.)
Although it will be seen by the arrows and darts on the figures that the ratchet
wheel c¹ and numbering discs a¹ a¹¹, are arranged and fitted to turn in the opposite
direction to that of the roller A carrying them, yet still it will be understood that
they could easily be turned in the same direction by reversing the shape and action
of the teeth of the ratchet wheel c, c¹ and making a pulling pawl c¹ connected
through an intermediate reversing lever to the spring pusher c³, and instead of
actuating the ratchet pawl and lever by the pressure of the other roller A', this
might be done by the free end of the ratchet lever at each revolution, coming
against a fixed cam or tappet secured in the end of the other roller, or in the side
frame 1 of the machine.
'
When these printing discs a¹, all, are mounted, all portably, as described on their

page_text: plate or case B, B¹¹¹, direct on the end of the roller A, they would revolve with it,
and print the number of yards as measured upwards on the underside of the cloth
or fabric upon the upper roller at each revolution; or they might be mounted in
an equivalent manner on the end of the upper roller A', so as to print the numbers
on the upper side of the fabric, on the under roller A, at each revolution of the
rollers, as measured in passing through between them.
And further, although the plate or box B, carrying all the printing discs and
mechanism has been described as fixed to the end of the measuring roller, it might
be mounted so as to slide radially on the end of the pressing roller, and be
reciprocated on its guides out to the periphery and recess B" when printing, and
inwards to give a more quick and forcible action as well as leave more room and
freedom for inking the printing surface of the discs a¹, a¹, either by a revolving
cam on the other roller, or a fixed cam on the side of the frame, acting positively
in both directions, or in one direction against the force of a spring which would
move it in the other direction and this same reciprocating motion of the plate B,
could be made to actuate the ratchet pawl to turn the ratchet wheel of the printing
dise, and by a link or lever also actuate the oscillating or a sliding frame of the
inking rollers.
Instead of giving the plate B and printing discs a, a, the said short quick
reciprocating printing action, this might be done by attaching the pressing pad A"
on a moving plate as a platen fitted in a groove in the roller opposite to the surface
of the type and the opening B" in the protecting rim B which pressing plate or
platen could be worked substantially in the same manner as just described for
working the plate B of the printing discs a¹, a¹¹,.
Instead of mounting the plate or case B, B, either fixed or sliding, as described,
and carrying the fixed axis b, of the numbering printing discs at all, and printing
and inking mechanism, on the end of the measuring roller, as described, it might
be mounted on the face of a large revolving disc or wheel, carried on a stud or
other axis on a portable bracket bolted to the end frame 1 of the machine, over the
end of and geared by spur wheels to the axis of the measuring roller A, or it
might be the pressing roller A¹, analogous to the wheels 9, 91, so as to revolve in
unison with this roller, and either above or below it over the surface of the fabric Z
so that the numbering discs a¹, al, would print the number of yards on the fabric
while it was passing over it without being mounted on either of the rollers as in
the arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 7.
The mechanism in this arrangement, Figures 1 to 7, for inking the numbers a of
the printing discs a¹ all is also mounted all portably on the plate or box B, B, and
consists of a small service distributing plate d on the outer extremity of the flat
end or covering-in plate d¹ of the box B, B, and secured thereto by the screw nut
and bolt 611, and is curved at a tangent to and in front of the surface of the printing
numbers a, in the position in which they print. The serving and distributing
ink rollers e, e¹, are mounted loose at the outer end of a small double lever frame e¹¹,
fulcrumed at the inner end on a joint pin e² on the bottom of the box B, B¹¹, and
is oscillated to and fro by the action of the spring and pawl c¹¹, c², of the ratchet
wheel c, c', at each change of this and the printing discs a', a¹¹, through the connecting
link f jointed to the pawl c", and to one arm f' of the bell-crank f¹ƒ", fulcrumed on
a bracket f secured to the bottom of the box B, B, and having the other arm f
of the bell-crank connected by the short link f2 to one arm of the lever frame el;
all so as to traverse the inking roller e forward from the ink plate & through the
opening B", over the face of the printing numbers a of the discs a' a" and back
again after each change of the number, so as to ensure their printing the changed
numbers on the cloth Z when they come round with the roller A to the printing
position over it. The ink to be used may be of any desired colour and consistency
suitable for the fabric, to be easily seen and washed off, or otherwise removed from
it when desired; and it would preferably be filled into a small supply box, as
dotted in at e³, secured to the outer end of the arms of the inking frame e" with a
tight closing and a spring compressing cover, so as to press out the ink through a

page_text: narrow service slit at the bottom on to the feed roller e¹ which also distributes it
over the plate & while being reciprocated as described. Instead of the stationary
plate & when desired a small revolving disc might be used turned by a friction or
toothed wheel on the underside, actuated intermittently by the motion of the
ratchet wheel c and be supplied with the ink in a similar manner to that described,
but in this case the feed boxes and the roller e¹ may be stationary, and not recipro-
cated with the inking roller e. Instead of using the oscillating frame el carrying
the inking and distributing rollers e, e¹, a small reciprocating frame or carriage
might be used, working on wheels and guides, or in slides, carrying the said inking
and distributing rollers to and fro over a distributing plate d, and over the surface
of the type a, or with a supply ink fountain without a distributing plate d and
reciprocated by an equivalent arrangement of levers either from the notion of the
ratchet pawl c, as shown and described in reference to Figures 3 and 4; or either
of these arrangements of oscillating or sliding inking frames might be actuated by
a revolving cam or tappet on the spindle of either of the rollers, or by a stationary
cam or tappet secured to the side of the frame to make it traverse to and fro over
the printing figures or types a to ink them after each shift and revolution of the
roller carrying them.
Figures 8 and 9 are an end elevation and a plan respectively, of another arrange-
ment or combination of the parts of the improved printing and inking mechanism
from that shown in Figures 1 to 7, for printing the yards (or other measurements)
in sequence on web fabrics while passing over the surface or circumference of a
measuring roller, or between two such rollers at each revolution, all in accordance
with this Invention. In this modification of the improvements, the two measuring
rollers A, A, are made equal to a yard in circumference and geared by spur
wheels 9, 91, as in Figures and 2, but turning in the reverse direction, having the
web or fabric Z shown as guided or led close over the upper surface of the lower
roller A, by the guide rollers A³, and has the yard measurements printed on the
upper surface. The numbering printing discs a¹, all, in this arrangement are made
in the form of large rings, with the printing surface of the ten numbers or figures a
just a little less in diameter than the upper measuring roller A¹, so as to be mounted
concentrically there with on the flanged ring centre b, and protecting rim Bl
screwed or otherwise secured on the end of this upper roller A¹, so as to turn loose
thereon, but held in their normal non-printing, and their printing positions, by
their spring pins a² and notches 6* and 62 in the centre b, as in the former arrange-
ment. In this arrangement, the first figured ring disc a' (which prints the units)
is shifted each revolution of the roller A', to bring the figures 1 to 9 and 0 in
succession into printing position opposite the space B¹¹ in the protecting case or
rim B by the ring flange c and lateral projecting pins c¹ (instead of the ratchet
wheel c, c', in the former arrangement) and by a double reverse acting spring pawl
lever c1, c2, fulcrumed on a fixed stud centre c¹ secured to a convenient part of
the stationary frame 1. A segmental cam piece C is screwed in proper position to
the eye b or roller A¹, so that after each revolution and printing is effected, it
presses out the lower arm c² of the lever against the power of the spring c³, and
presses in the other end c¹ of the lever c1, c2, so as to come under one of the
pins c', and so turn the first printing disc a¹ to the extent of one division and
number, the pawl lever c¹¹ being instantly pushed out of action by the spring c³, as
soon as the cam piece C has passed the acting projection on the inner extreme
end c of this lever. The said action of the pawl lever c¹¹, c³, after each ninth
revolution of the roller A¹ and divisional movements of the first numbering disc
ring a¹, brings its lateral projecting spring catch a³ round, so as to be pressed in by
the inner surface of the said cain piece C, and enter a notch in the second numbering
disc a corresponding to each number on its edge perimeter, the catch a³ springing
back as soon as it has passed the cam piece C; thus causing the inner second
ring disc a to change decimally in sequence with the first disc a', so that the latter
prints the units each revolution of the roller A³, and the former prints the tens
each tenth revolution of the roller in yards, but it might be in metres or other

page_text: measurements, when the circumference of the roller is made to suit such.
The
inking mechanism in this arrangement does not revolve with the roller and printing
mechanisın, but consists of a rocking lever en fulcrumed on a stud centre e³ on a
bracket secured to the end frame 1 of the machine, having the inking roller e, and
it might be also a distributing roller, so mounted on its upper free end as to be
reciprocated in the one direction, over a stationary segmental inking plate & secured
by a bracket d to the frame 1 of the machine, by a cam E on the axis A2 of the
lower roller A, to bring the inking roller e up towards the printing discs a¹, a¹¹, to
ink the printing figures or types a which had been last shifted into position for the
next printing at the proper moment while they are passing the position of the
inking roller e (as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 8) and so that they will have
fresh ink at each revolution to print on the fabric as they come round to it; the
spring El acts in the reverse direction towards the cam E to keep the lever e" up
against it with a roller E¹ and so traverse the lever e¹¹ in the outward direction,
the roller e passing over the surface of the inking plate d so as to distribute the
ink properly over the plate and roller to serve it to the printing surface of the
discs a', a,.
The
Under another modification of this improved web fabric printing mechanism
shown in end views and enlarged edge section respectively in Figures 10 and 11, I
use (instead of the differential or decimally divided and shifting printing discs
a, a", of the former arrangement Figures 1 to 9) a single narrow ring wheel all of
the same diameter, or preferably a very little less than the measuring roller A, (or
it might be the pressing roller A¹) on which I mount it to revolve on or within a
turned ring B, B, screwed or otherwise secured on the end of the roller A. The
printing numbers or types a in this case are cut in a regular numerical sequence
round the outer circumference of this ring wheel a", as say every half inch, which
would give up to 72 on this wheel mounted on the yard measuring roller A. This
wheel a has an internal toothed wheel G with the same number of teeth as there
are numbers of printing types a cut in the ring wheel a, and it is preferably
actuated by a pinion g, geared into it and a ratchet wheel c, c', with the same
number of teeth c¹ on it as in the pinion g, both secured on the same axis on a
screw stud b with friction washer within a recess in the end of the roller A.
ratchet wheel c is turned one tooth cat each revolution of the roller A, by the
ratchet pawl c¹ and spring lever c³ (analogous to that shown in Figure 3) as these
come round and are pushed in by the roller A' and as a consequence turn the
pinion g and printing ring wheel a one tooth each revolution of the roller A, and
so bring the printing numbers a 1 to 72 on the ring wheel a successively opposite
the opening B" in the protecting rim B each revolution of the measuring roller A
and pressing roller A¹, these being geared together by wheels 9, 91, as in Figures 1
and 2, so that the pressing printing pad or platen A" on the roller A', would press
down the fabric Z through the opening B on to the printing type a, and thus
print it as measured. In this arrangement the wheel g might be made in the form
of a ratchet wheel, and have a ratchet pawl working direct into it, and a con-
necting acting spring and lever, so as to either push or draw it round one tooth
and number of the printing type a each revolution of the roller A, by a tappet in
the other roller or cam piece or pulley carried on the side frame.
By another arrangement or modification of this improved printing mechanism, I
use an endless pitch chain a, a' with the printing numbers or types a cut on each
link, or by preference on each solid or alternate link in succession, and passed over
a pitch chain wheel or ring, mounted loose on one end of either of the rollers A
or A¹, analogous to and instead of the pitch ring wheel a", shown in Figures 10
and 11. Or otherwise, as I have shown in end and edge views in Figures 12 and 13
respectively, this pitch chain a' may be mounted on a pitch chain wheel g¹ having
a ratchet wheel c, c', with the same pitch and number of teeth agreeing to that
of the numbered printing links a of the chain a, a, passing over it. These wheels
g', c are mounted so as to be retained in the position they are set to by a screw
and friction washer, or other equivalent, on a stationary axis 6" secured in this

page_text: case to the side or end frame of the machine, under the upper roller A' on which
the fabric is measured in this case, and these wheels are turned one ratchet tooth
and link a of the chain a a' each revolution of the upper measuring roller through
the spring c³, ratchet pawl c", and lever c² by the action of a tappet c¹ in the end
of the upper roller A' at the proper instant the number on the chain is to print the
fabric on that roller A³, and all in sequence, substantially in an equivalent manner
to that of the ring wheel arrangement a described in reference to Figures 10
and 11. The endless chain a, a, of this arrangement may be made of any desired
length, with as many of the alternate numbering solid links a in alternate
succession (with the double links at which take on to the teeth of the pitch
wheel g¹) as there are yards in the piece of fabric or goods desired to be measured
and marked or printed. The other or lower loop of the chain a, a, would be passed
over a guide wheel or pulley h revolving loose on a shifting stud centre h¹ secured
to a slot h¹¹ or arm on the side or end frame 1 of the machine, so as to tighten up
this printing chain to suit the différent lengths being measured and printed for the
time being.
The printing surface of the numbers or types a on the large printing ring
wheel a in Figure 10, and also that of the type links in this arrangement, when
not wholly covered in by a guard rim B, may be inked after each change of the
numbers by the lever and cam inking arrangement, substantially as described in
reference to Figures 8 and 9 of the former differential or decimal numbering and
printing discs. Or the inking might be effected by passing the inking roller e or
an inking pad carried on an equivalent lever arrangement, down through the
opening B (for printing through) in the rim or plate Bill over the printing surface
of the type a, or it might be down through a separate opening in the plate B™ for
this purpose.
By another arrangement, the inking of the type a in this chain arrangement
shown in Figure 12 might be done while inking the chain some distance before
the type comes round on the chain wheel g¹ to the part to be printed, by an
arrangement of inking roller e, and a service and distributing roller e¹, e¹, mounted
on the upper front part of a small ink-supplying trough e secured to the side
frame of the machine, all under the printing end of the pressing roller and the
plate B up through the recess B" in which the chain prints, and which is fixed to
the frame also in this case, Other equivalent or ordinary arrangements or com-
binations of inking mechanism may be employed than those herein described and
shown for merely inking the surface of the printing figures or numbers a on the
changing discs, rings, wheels, or chains of the new or improved machines or
combinations of mechanism for simultaneously measuring and printing the woven
web fabrics or piece goods in accordance with and forming essential improvements
of my Invention.
Having thus described my said Invention, and the manner of performing the
same, I have to state that I do not restrict myself to the precise details herein
described or delineated, but what I consider to be novel and original, and
therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the hereinbefore in part recited
Letters Patent is ;-
First. The simultaneous measuring of and recording or printing the measurement
on woven web fabrics or piece goods, substantially in the new or improved manner,
and for the purposes and advantages, all as herein described.
Second. The general construction or combination of the parts of a machine or
mechanism, substantially as herein described and distinguished in reference to
Figures 1 to 7, or Figures 8 and 9, with decimal changing numbering and printing
discs, rings or wheels a, a¹ mounted on a measuring roller or on an axis geared to
such roller and their moving mechanism, and shifted at every revolution of the said
measuring roller (either in combination or not with the inking arrangements herein
described and shown, or other equivalent or known inking arrangements used in
other printing machines) for the purposes of and so as to simultaneously measure
and print such measurements on woven web fabrics or other piece goods, while

page_text: passing over a measuring roller, or between this and a pressing roller, all as berein
specified.
Third. The new or improved general construction or combination of the parts of
printing rings or wheels with the numbers in succession on their circumference or
equivalent pitch chain wheels with numbering and printing endless linked chains,
passed over their periphery and mounted on a measuring roller, or on an axis
adjacent thereto, and actuated one step, pitch, and number by and at each
revolution of the said roller, for the purposes of and so as to simultaneously
measure and print such measurements on woven web fabrics or other piece goods,
while passing over a measuring roller, or between this and a pressing roller, all as
herein specified, in reference to Figures 10 to 13.
In Witness Whereof, I the said Robert Murdoch, have hereunto set my hand
and seal this eighth day of March, in the year of our Lord One thousand,
eight hundred and eighty three.
Witness,
W. R. M. THOMSON,
Patent Agent,
Glasgow.
RO. MURDOCH (L.S.)