IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CUTTING CONTINUOUS PAPER INTO SHEETS AND IN PILING OR DISPOSING OF THE SAME WHEN CUT
Year: 1869

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LETTERS PATENT to Henry Martyn Nicholls, of 35, Arundel Street,
Strand, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, for the Inven-
tion of IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CUTTING CONTINUOUS PAPER
INTO SHEETS AND IN PILING OR DISPOSING OF THE SAME WHEN CUT."
Sealed the 17th May 1870, and dated the 4th December 1869:
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Henry Martyn Nicholls-
'at the Office 'of 'the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition,
on the 4th 'December 1869.
I, HENRY MARTYN NICHOLLS, of 35, Arundel Street, Strand, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CUTTING CON
TINUOUS PAPER INTO SHEETS AND IN, PILING OR DISPOSING OF THE SAME WHEN
CUT," to be as follows:-
My Invention has reference mainly to apparatus described in the
Specification of a Patent granted to me, and bearing date 30th October
1866, No. 2808, and consists mainly in the improvements thereon.
herein-after stated.

page_text: My first improvement relates to the more effectual stopping of the
passage of the paper into the apparatus while the sheet is being severed
from the web and holding the sheet firmly while the knife or cutter is
driven through it, and consists in forcing one set of the feeding rollers out
of contact with the other set by means of a series of short levers fixed on
a spindle, which at the right moment is actuated as required by a
The same levers are caused to press the web hard against the
fixed surface, past which it travels on its way into the apparatus, and
thereby hold it firm against the action of the knife or cutter. Thus the
one movement effects both objects. In my former Patent the feed
rollers were always in gear.
cam.
My second improvement relates to the mode or modes of actuating
the knife or cutter, together with the securing and carrying down of the
tail end of the sheet on to the pile, and the securing of the tail end of
the pile of sheets from the disturbing influence of the blasts of air.
The knife or cutter is substantially the same as that employed in my
former Patent, having a serrated edge; it is formed in one piece equal
in length to the width of the paper, which is supported by a fixed
blade or, blades on the opposite side to that which is acted upon by the
knife or cutter. The knife or cutter is worked in a vertical direction as
required either by a double-acting cam or a crank, and after completely
severing the sheet it descends and carries the tail of the sheet down with
it by the aid of grippers fixed to the blade. When the sheet is taken
down below the level of the pile the grippers are forced to open, and a
continuous blast of air blows the tail of the sheet out of the grippers and
secures it to the tail of the pile. The knife or cutter may be also
worked by means of endless travelling belts arranged to travel either
vertically with one belt on each side of the apparatus opposite the line
at which the sheet is severed, or horizontally so as to travel round the
table on which the pile of sheets is formed from end to end, one belt
being on each side of the pile. The knife bars are connected to the
travelling belts. In the vertical arrangement the teeth of the knives or
cutters are caused to point always upwards, so that the descending knife
comes down back foremost and rubs down the tail of the sheet against a
fixed surface. In the horizontal arrangement the knife bars are carried
forward with the travelling belts, and the tail of the sheet is carried
down by a gripper bar on another set of belts and rubbed down a
suitably formed fixed surface. The fixed surface in both arrangements

page_text: against which the tail of the sheet is rubbed down below the level of the
back of the pile ceases at the point where the said tail is to be subjected
to the action of the blast of air by means of which it is secured to the
tail end of the pile. When the sheets are piled vertically a double edged
blade cutting alternately in opposite directions is used as in my former
Patent, such double edged blade being formed in one piece, and having.
suitable grippers connected to it for securing the tail of the sheet when
severed, which tail being secured is carried over the top of the pile, when
the grippers being forced to open the same constant blast of air is
employed to secure the tail of the sheet to the top of the pile. The
said knife is actuated by a crank and cuts while the crank is passing
"half stroke."
My third improvement relates to the employment of the apparatus
to pile sheets of paper only without cutting them, and consists in dis-
pensing with the knife or knives while retaining the mechanism for
gripping and carrying down the tail of the sheet modified to suit the
circumstances of the case..
My fourth improvement relates to the piling of the sheets vertically,
and consists in the employment of vertical endless travelling aprons or
horizontal endless travelling ropes over which respectively the sheets
are hung. In both arrangements the tail of the sheet is secured to the
top of the pile by the before named blasts of air issuing from the
blowing nozzles. In some cases the tail of the sheet may be secured
and the sheet supported by being forced on to a set of fine pins or spikes;
and in other cases the end of the web or sheet may be caused to descend
by the force of gravity alone, being guided in its descent first on one
side and then on the other until it is left suspended in a balanced con-
dition across a suitable support.
:
In my former Patent before mentioned I employed two air blasts only,
employ three, or four when two vertical piles are formed opposite
one another..
I now
My fifth improvement relates to apparatus used instead of the air
blasts to pile sheets of paper horizontally, and consists in simplifying
the apparatus for the purpose described in the Specification of my
former Patent above referred to. I dispense with the grippers described
in the said Specification, but retain the bars to which they are attached,

page_text: and I cause the said bars to take hold of the front edge of the web
or sheet thus:-I place a series of rails above the pile extending in
the direction of the paper's motion and inclined downwards towards
the outer extremity of the pile of sheets; the paper on entering the
apparatus is passed for a short distance over the said rails, when the
gripper bar carried round by the endless belt comes down on it just
beyond the rails and curls or hooks it round itself, and so carries it
forward underneath the rails and over the pile. The rails terminate
at the point where the sheet is to be delivered up. Or I dispense with
the gripper bars but retain the use of grippers, which are made to take
hold of the two front corners of the sheet and carry it over the pile.
I actuate the gripper thus:-I mount one pair of endless travelling belts
on axles vertically or nearly so to the pile of sheets, one belt on each side
of the pile. The sides of these belts next the pile move in the direction
of the paper. To these belts at proper intervals projecting pieces which
correspond to the under jaw of the gripper are attached; these project
over the edge of the pile. Above the side edges of the pile another
pair of travelling belts are mounted on horizontal axles. The under side
of these belts move in the direction of the paper; they are furnished with
corresponding attachments to the projections on the lower set of belts
which answer to the upper jaw of the gripper. The two sets of belts
are caused to move in unison. The web or sheet is secured at the two
front corners on entering into the apparatus between the projecting
pieces on the belts and so is drawn forward over the pile; both sets of
belts terminate at the point where the sheet is to be delivered
strain the front edge of the paper so as to pass it out as near the surface
of the pile as possible without touching it. I employ the same method
of cutting as when I pile horizontally with the air draughts, and form
the pile on the same endless travelling apron.
up.
I
And my last improvement relates to the use of mechanism such as
that described under the second head for cutting paper to perforate the
sheet without cutting it so as to facilitate its ready separation after being
removed from the pile.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Henry Martyn Nicholls in the Great Seal Patent
Office on the 4th June 1870.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HENRY
MARTYN NICHOLLS, of 35, Arundel Street, Strand, in the County of
Middlesex, Civil Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Fourth day of December, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, in the thirty-
third year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give
and grant unto me, the said Henry Martyn Nicholls, Her special licence
that I, the said Henry Martyn Nicholls, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said Henry Martyn Nicholls, my
executors, administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with
and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during
the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "Iм-
PROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR CUTTING CONTINUOUS PAPER INTO SHEETS AND
IN PILING OR DISPOSING OF THE SAME WHEN CUT,' upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Henry Martyn Nicholls, my executors
or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or
one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was
to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal
Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately after
the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE that I, the said Henry Martyn Nicholls, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement, reference being had to the Drawings here-
unto annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is
to say);-
My Invention of "Improvements in Apparatus for Cutting Continuous
Paper into Sheets, and in Piling or Disposing of the same when Cut,"
has reference mainly to apparatus described in the Specification of a

page_text: Patent granted to me, and bearing date Thirtieth October One thousand
eight hundred and sixty-six, No. 2808, and consists mainly in the im-
provements thereon herein-after stated.
My first improvement relates to the more effectual stopping of the
passage of the paper into the apparatus while the sheet is being severed
from the web, and holding the sheet firmly while the knife or cutter is
driven through it, and consists in forcing one set of the feeding rollers out
of contact with the other set by means of a series of short levers fixed on
a spindle, which at the right moment is actuated as required by a
The same levers are caused to press the web hard against the
fixed surface, past which it travels on its way into the apparatus, and
thereby hold it firm against the action of the knife or cutter; thus the
one movement effects both objects. In my former Patent the feed
rollers were always in gear.
cam.
My second improvement relates to the mode or modes of actuating
the knife or cutter, together with the securing and carrying down of the
tail end of the sheet on to the pile, and the securing of the tail end of
the pile of sheets from the disturbing influence of the blasts of air.
The knife or cutter is substantially the same as that employed in my
former Patent, having a serrated edge; it is formed in one piece equal
in length to the width of the paper which is supported by a fixed
blade or blades on the opposite side to that which is acted upon by the
knife or cutter. The knife or cutter is worked in a vertical direction as
required either by a double-acting cam or a crank, and after completely
severing the sheet it descends and carries the tail of the sheet down with
it by the aid of grippers fixed to the blade. When the sheet is taken
down below. the level of the pile the grippers are forced to open, and a
continuous blast of air blows the tail of the sheet out of the grippers and
secures it to the tail of the pile. The knife or cutter may be also
worked by means of endless travelling belts arranged to travel either
vertically with one belt on each side of the apparatus opposite the line
at which the sheet is severed or horizontally so as to travel round the
table on which the pile of sheets is formed from end to end, one belt
being on each side of the pile. The knife bars are connected to the
travelling belts. In the vertical arrangement the teeth of the knives or
cutters are caused to point always upwards so that the descending knife
comes down back foremost and rubs down the tail of the sheet against a
fixed surface. In the horizontal arrangement the knife bars are carried

page_text: forward with the travelling belts, and the tail of the sheet is carried
down by a gripper bar on another set of belts and rubbed down a
suitably formed fixed surface. The fixed surface in both arrangements
against which the tail of the sheet is rubbed down below the level of the
back of the pile ceases at the point where the said tail is to be subjected
to the action of the blast of air, by means of which it is secured to the
tail end of the pile. When the sheets are piled vertically a double edged
blade cutting alternately in opposite directions is used, as in my former
Patent, such double edged blade being formed in one piece, and having
suitable grippers connected to it for securing the tail of the sheet when
severed, which tail being secured is carried over the top of the pile, when
the grippers being forced to open the same constant blast of air is
employed to secure the tail of the sheet to the top of the pile. The
said knife is actuated by a crank and cuts while the crank is passing
"half stroke."
My third improvement relates to the employment of the apparatus
to pile sheets of paper only without cutting them, and consists in dis-
pensing with the knife or knives while retaining the mechanism for
gripping and carrying down the tail of the sheet, modified to suit the
circumstances of the case.
My fourth improvement relates to the piling of the sheets vertically,
and consists in the employment of vertical endless travelling aprons or
horizontal endless travelling ropes, over which respectively the sheets
are hung. In both arrangements the tail of the sheet is secured to the
top of the pile by the before-named blasts of air issuing from the
blowing nozzles. In some cases the tail of the sheet may be secured
and the sheet supported by being forced on to a set of fine pins or spikes,
and in other cases the end of the web or sheet may be caused to descend
by the force of gravity alone, being guided in its descent first on one
side and then on the other until it is left suspended in a balanced con-
lition across a suitable support.
In my former Patent before mentioned I employed two air blasts only,
now employ three, or when two vertical piles are formed opposite
ne another four blasts are used.
My fifth improvement relates to apparatus used instead of the air
lasts to pile sheets of paper horizontally, and consists in simplifying
he apparatus for the purpose described in the Specification of my

page_text: former Patent above referred to. I dispense with the grippers described
in the said Specification, but retain the bars to which they are attached,
and I cause the said bars to take hold of the front edge of the web
or sheet thus:-I place a series of rails above the piles extending in
the direction of the paper's motion, and inclined downwards towards
the outer extremity of the pile of sheets; the paper on entering the
apparatus is passed for a short distance over the said rails, when the
gripper bar carried round by the endless belts comes down on it just
beyond the rails and curls or hooks it round itself, and so carries it
forward underneath the rails and over the pile. The rails terminate
at the point where the sheet is to be delivered up. Or I dispense with
the gripper bars, but retain the use of grippers, which are made to take
hold of the two front corners of the sheet and carry it over the pile.
I actuate the grippers thus:-I mount one pair of endless travelling belts
on axles vertical or nearly so to the pile of sheets, one belt on each side
of the pile. The sides of these belts next the pile move in the direction
of the paper. To these belts at proper intervals projecting pieces which
correspond to the under jaw, of the gripper are attached; these project
over the edge of the pile. Above the side edges of the pile another
pair of travelling belts are mounted on horizontal axles. The under side
of these belts move in the direction of the paper; they are furnished with
corresponding attachments to the projections on the lower set of belts,
which answer to the upper jaw of the gripper. The two sets of belts
are caused to move in unison. The web or sheet is secured at the two
front corners on entering into the apparatus between the projecting
pieces on the belts, and so is drawn forward over the pile; both sets of
belts terminate at the point where the sheet is to be delivered up.
strain the front edge of the paper so as to pass it out as near the surface
of the pile as possible without touching it. I employ the same method
of cutting as when I pile horizontally with the air draughts, and form
the pile on the same endless travelling apron.
I
And my last improvement relates to the use of mechanism such as
that described under the second head for cutting paper to perforate the
sheet without cutting it, so as to facilitate its ready separation after being
removed from the pile.

page_text: such of the working parts of the apparatus as are necessary to explain
the means by which the said improvements are carried into effect.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
In the accompanying Drawings similar letters of reference indicate
corresponding parts throughout each set of Figures. Motion is indicated
(as to direction) by arrows, a reciprocating motion being shewn by
two arrows joined. The paper is everywhere represented by red color.
The air currents or blasts are represented by arrows of a blue colour.
I will first describe the combination of mechanism and the operation
thereof by means of which my first improvement is effected, which, as
stated, has for its object the more effectual stopping of the supply of
paper to the apparatus while the sheet is being severed, and the holding
of the paper firm so as to enable it to resist the thrust of the knife while
being driven through it.
Fig. 1 represents a sectional elevation (or rather enough of the same
for my purpose) of apparatus for cutting and piling the paper in a
horizontal position as described in my former Patent, but upon which I
have effected improvements which form part of my present Invention;
Fig. 2 a plan of the same, some parts shewn in Fig. 1 being omitted;
Fig. 3 is a repetition of a portion of Fig. 1 for the purpose of shewing
some of the moving parts in a different position; Fig. 4, a front view of
the knife and its appurtenances.
The combination alluded to consists principally of the following parts,
viz., the small roller a mounted free to revolve at one extremity of the
double ended lever b, which is furnished on each side of the said roller
with the projecting pieces c which reach nearly to the level of the
circumference of the said roller a; the opposite extremity of this lever is
drawn down by the spring d which tends to force the roller a against.
the larger roller e; f represents a spindle extending across the apparatus
and mounted free to turn in suitable bearings in the framework thereof.
On this spindle are fixed the series of short arms g, g; on the said spindle
at one extremity are also fixed the two levers h and i, the lever h is con-
stantly acted on by the spring k in the direction indicated, while the
lever i is acted on at the right time by the circular projection fixed to
the inside of the cam m; n represents a thin elastic plate of metal

page_text: its
attached to the back edge of the surface over which the paper passes on
way into the apparatus, which surface marked o covers the air passage
p. This plate extends along the said air passage and projects forward
somewhat beyond the rollers a, a, and it is made to rest on the pro-
jections c whence its front edge is slightly elevated above the surface o
of the said air passage p.
The operation of this mechanism is as follows:-The roller e (herein-
after called the feed roller) is kept constantly revolving in the direction
indicated while the apparatus is in operation, and the roller a being
pressed against it if the end of the web of paper be introduced
between them is advanced into the apparatus. At the moment the
resist the
The moment
allows the
paper is to be cut and before the knife strikes it the circular piece lon
the cam m comes in contact with the extremity of the lever i and depresses
it together with the arms g, g, which latter press the paper down on the
plate o by which the roller a is forced out of gear with the roller e, thus the
supply of paper is stopped, and the paper and plate n being pressed hard
down on the surface o the paper is thereby enabled to
action of the knife while it is driven through. it.
the knife is out of the way. the circular piece
spring to lift the lever i together with the arms g, g, and
the roller a coming in contact with the roller e the paper again advances.
I have here spoken for the sake of clearness of one pair of feed rollers
only, their number in the case of printed paper will depend on or be
limited by the number of the unprinted margins on which only they can
If the paper be white their number and position is a matter of
pleasure. The lower set of rollers are covered with leather or like
material. The feed rollers are geared so as to take up rather more
paper than is supplied to them so as to ensure the true length of sheet
being delivered by them, and having delivered which they slip the
difference or remainder. The same combination of mechanism I employ
in all the following arrangements whenever I cut as well as pile the
paper, and I do not think it necessary to repeat the description of it in
each instance or to illustrate it by Drawing. In some of the arrange-
ments the paper has to be stopped for a longer and in some for a shorter
period. This is regulated by the length given to the circular piece Z.
be run.
The object of my second improvement is, first, the more effectual cut-
ting of the sheet from the web, and, secondly, the securing the tail of
it and taking it out of the air blasts employed to pile the sheet and

page_text: securing the tail of the sheet together with the pile itself from the
disturbing influence of the said air blasts.
I will now proceed to describe with the aid of the accompanying Draw-
ings five combinations in succession, the first four of which are shewn
applied to the apparatus when employed to cut and pile the sheets of
paper in a horizontal position, and the fifth when it is employed to deal
with paper descending into it in a vertical direction.
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 already alluded to exhibit the first of these com-
binations, which consists of the following principal parts, viz., the double-
acting cam m which actuates through the double ended lever q the square
spindler to which the knife frame s is attached, which latter carries
the knife t, which consists of a straight serrated blade of steel of a
length somewhat greater than the greatest width of paper to be cut by
the apparatus. The spindle is suitably mounted and free to turn in
the framework of the apparatus. The gripping mechanism consists of a
light tube which extends along the face of the knife t near the points
of the teeth, and is pressed against them by a series of springs w, w;
these springs are bent into the form shewn and pass through perforations
in the blade underneath the teeth and projecting in the manner shewn
are secured to the frame s; x, x, represent fixed inclines which actuate
at the required time the said springs. A fixed straight and thin blade
of steel y is stretched across the apparatus and strained by the screws z, z,
vertical projections a', a¹, corresponding to the positions of the springs w
secure it also to the frame of the apparatus. This blade is truly parallel
with the knife blade t; c¹ represents a blast passage directed as shewn
somewhat below the apron roller d'..
The mode of operation is as follows:-Power having been applied to
the shaft e and a portion of the web of paper having been passed out
over the pile of the required length the projection on the cam m raises
the roller f', which through the lever q turns the spindle r, and so drives
up the knife t, just before the latter strikes the paper; the arms g, g,
have descended as before described and secured the paper. The knife
strikes the paper just behind the fixed blade y across which the gripper
tube u strains it tight, the tube passing up the outside of the said blade
and forcing the paper before it. The continued rotation of the cam m
now causes the knife to descend and the gripper tube u draws down the
tail of the sheet with it off the blade y and secures it to the knife blade t,
with which it descends below the level of the roller d, when the gripper

page_text: springs w being compressed by the incline x force the tube u away from
the knife blade t (as shewn in Fig. 3), when the air blast issuing from
the passage c blows the tail of the sheet round the roller d¹, and so
secures it and the pile from the disturbing influence of the air blasts g¹
and h. The springs w where they take hold of the tube u are covered
with leather or like material to prevent slip, and increase the strain
on the paper while it is being cut.
The second combination differs from the last only in the mode of actu-
ating the knife. Fig. 5 represents the arrangement. Here the crank
fast on the extremity of the shaft e¹ takes the place of the cam m in
the last arrangement. The crank pin is attached to the extremity
of the arm by the connecting rod m¹. The said arm is fast on
the outer extremity of the spindle r. The fixed incline x is here
prolonged down farther in consequence of the greater traverse up and
down of the knife. As the shaft e¹ revolves the crank i¹ gives a to-and-
fro motion to the arm and consequently an up-and-down motion to
the knife t. As the knife passes by the roller a¹ the incline a causes the
gripper tube to let go the tail of the sheet, which is blown round the
said roller by the blast from passage c'. The greater traverse up and
down of the knife is rendered necessary in consequence of the nature of
the crank movement, the cutting taking place while the crank is passing
the "centre," and it being an object to stop the paper for as brief a
period as possible. The frame which carries the knife may move
vertically up and down in suitable vertical guides when preferred.
The peculiarity in the third combination consists in the employment
of endless bands to actuate the knife and gripping movements, the mode
of securing the tail of the shect being identical with that last described.
Figures 6, 7, and 8 (Sheet II.) exhibit this combination, and the same
letters of reference indicate the corresponding parts in the three views.
Fig. 7 is drawn to a smaller scale than the other two. Two endless
bands a, a, or their equivalent mechanism are mounted one on each
side of the apparatus in a vertical position; they surround the rollers b
and c and are actuated by them. The rollers b, b, are fast on the spindle
d to which the power is applied to move the belts; the lower rollers c, c
run loose on the fixed studs e, e. The spindle d is truly parallel with
the front edge of the blast passages close to which the paper must be
cut. Two round bars f, f, extend from one belt to the other and are
made secure to them, they are truly parallel with the spindle d. Eac

page_text: of these bars is surrounded by a tube g which is free to turn on it; to
each of these tubes a serrated knife blade h is attached at a tangent.
The outer extremities of these bars are confined to the vertical guides i, i.
Fig. 6, which, as shewn, force them towards one another so that the
tubes g, g, pass in contact with the fixed plate k which extends across
the apparatus and is secured on either side. This plate is perforated by
openings opposite the blast passages, across which openings ver-
tical ribs , l, extend, down which the tail of the sheet is rubbed. It is
necessary that the teeth of the knives should point upwards both in
ascending and descending; to effect this object I attach an arm m fur-
nished with a pin n to one extremity of each tube, which pin moves up
and down as the bands move in the channels o, o, one of which is fixed on
each side of the apparatus. These channels have the effect of compelling
the arms m and consequently the knife blades h to point upwards both
in ascending and descending. The pin is prevented from fouling the
bottom of the fixed plate k where the channel divides itself into two by
the pressure of the fixed plate p, Fig. 8, which causes the pin to press to
the left in ascending, the same arrangement being made use of to prevent
its fouling the corresponding point above the shaft d where the channel
also divides. Power having been applied to the spindle d and the belts
put in motion in the direction indicated, the ascending knife just arrives
underneath the paper at the moment the sheet is to be severed and passes
through it together with the bar and tube. Immediately before the
knife struck the paper the tube of the descending knife came in contact
with the paper on the outside of the plate k over the top edge of which
it strained it, and then continuing to descend it rubs it down the
vertical ribs l, l, till at the termination of these its hold on the sheet
ceases and the tail of the sheet is blown round the roller q as before
described. The next sheet will be cut with this knife, which will now
be the ascending knife. The tubes g, g, are at intervals (corresponding
with the ribs 1, 1,) covered with leather or like material. It is necessary
here and in the succeeding combinations in which I have made use of
these endless bands or belts that positive means be taken to maintain
their working in unison, such as is shewn in these Figures, where the
bands are formed at intervals with holes r, r, into which fit conical
pins s, s, fixed at corresponding intervals in the circumference of the
pulleys. There is a point of difference between this and the other com-
binations for cutting the paper, which consists in this, that the blade or

page_text: edge over which the paper is strained while being cut is on the same
side with the knife instead of the opposite side.
In the fourth combination I attach the knives and grippers to endless
bands, and the chief difference between this and the last, described
arrangement consists in the position of the said bands, which here are
placed on each side of the table on which the pile is formed and carry
the knives and grippers round the table from end to end.
Figures 9, 10, and 11, represent this combination; Fig. 9 is a sectional
view shewing a knife in the act of cutting; Fig. 10 represents a side
elevation; and Fig. 11 a part plan on a smaller scale exhibiting the
arrangement of the belts and tables.
a represents the driving shaft, which is mounted free to revolve in
bearings in the framework of the apparatus on each side thereof. On
this shaft the apron roller b runs loose; on this shaft also are the fast
pulleys c, one on each side of the apparatus, and inside of these the
somewhat smaller fast pulleys d. A pair of studs e are fixed in the side
frame of the apparatus one on each side, on these studs are the loose
pulleys f and g. The endless bands h and i surround these pulleys and
are actuated by the pulleys c and d on the shaft a. The knives k, k,
here consist of thin steel blades, one edge of which is serrated; they
are stretched across the apparatus and secured to the bands h. The
serrated edge points in the direction in which the bands are moving.
The gripper tubes or bars 1, 1, also cross the apparatus, and are secured
to the inner bands i and they are slightly in advance of the knives.
The plate m is here curved to correspond with the circular motion of
the knife and grippers in passing it, otherwise it corresponds substan-
tially with that described in the last combination; it is secured to
the side frames of the apparatus in the manner shewn, see
plan, Fig. 11. n represents a second table at each extremity of which
are rollers o and p, and also surrounded by an endless travelling apron
from which and between the pulleys c, d, and f, g, the sheets are
removed. Power is applied to the shaft a, and the bands h and i being
set in motion the gripper bar is timed to reach the top edge of the
plate m; just as the paper is stopped for the purpose of being cut the
knife immediately behind the plate strikes the paper and passes down
through it, the gripper bar in its descent rubs down the tail of the
sheet along the face of the plate m, till losing its hold at the bottom of

page_text: it the tail is blown by the blast round the roller q. The pile of sheets
travelling along the table pass over the roller b and descend on the
table n, which carries it in the opposite direction, where it is removed
from between the pulleys c, d, and f, g. The number of knives and
corresponding grippers here employed manifestly depends on the relative
speed of the paper and the bands h and i.. The tables and side frames
of this apparatus are supported from below by suitable framing between
the pulleys c, d, and f, g, here omitted, which allows of the removal
of the sheets through it.
The fifth combination is for cutting and gripping where the web of
paper descends in a vertical direction and is so cut and piled. Here
also a crank is employed to actuate the knife and gripper as in the
second combination, but in this case the knife cuts while the crank is
passing "half stroke."
Figures 12, 13, and 14 (Sheet III.) exhibit this combination, they
are drawn to one scale. Fig. 12 shews a sectional side view of an
apparatus for cutting and piling the web of paper descending into it
vertically; Fig. 13 is a plan of the same, some, parts shewn in. Fig. 12
being omitted; Fig. 14 is a front view of the knife and gripping
mechanism shewn separately.
a represents the crank shaft on which are fixed the cranks b, b, these
are united by the connecting rods c, c, with the outer extremities of the
stay d which serves to unite the two slides e, 'e, together, these slide to
and fro on the fixed horizontal guides f, f. The knife g consists of a
thin steel blade having both its edges serrated, it is strained from one
to the other of the slides e, e. 'The stay d also serves as the gripper
bar, and on it the gripper h is mounted and is pressed upwards from
the stay by springs i, i; k represents a thin steel plate strained across
the apparatus from one guide f to the other, over this plate the knife g
passes and underneath it the gripper h, which latter rubs its lower surface
in passing; 1, 1, represent wedges fixed to the guides f, f,
which actuate the grippers h. Power is applied to the crank shaft a,
and the cranks b, b, bring one edge of the knife y against the paper at
the moment it is to be cut, the gripper h at the same moment strains
the paper over the edge of the opening in the plate through which
the paper descends. The knife having passed through the paper, the
gripper continues to travel forward, rubbing the tail of the sheet along
the under surface of the plate k' till passing off it secures it to the under

page_text: surface of the knife blade g, and so carries it over the top of the pile,
when the wedges 1, 1, passing between the blade and the gripper compel
the latter to let go the sheet when it is blown down on the pile. The
next sheet will be cut off by the other or opposite edge of the knife,
and so on.
In the view in section here given, Fig. 12, passages marked m will be
observed which are also shewn in some of the other combinations; these
are to allow the air blast to blow the front edge of the sheet clear of
the edge of the plate against which it is cut.
The object of my third improvement is to employ the apparatus to
pile sheets only, as when it is required to pile the separate sheets
coming from a printing machine which is supplied or fed with separate
sheets.
I have shewn in Fig. 15 (Sheet II.) enough of a modified form of the
third combination (second improvement) which I employ for this purpose
Here a
as is sufficient to render the necessary modification clear.
represents one of the pair of vertical bands to which are secured the
gripper bars b, b, which are surrounded with the tubes before described,
to which the knife blades however are not attached. The bands a, a,
pass over pulleys as before described, and the ascending gripper passes
up through a vertical opening c through the blast passages. In lieu of
the plate (k, Fig. 6) separate ribs d are attached to the face of the blast
passages at intervals; these are curved inwards as shewn at their upper
extremities. The gripper tubes e are furnished at each extremity with
discs of india-rubber or like material, which when the gripper is des-
cending are caused to bear against the inner face of the vertical rails g,
one of which is fixed on each side of the apparatus. The belts being
set in motion the descending gripper arrives at the point indicated just
as the feed rollers are about to let go the sheet, and it rubs it down to
the bottom of the said ribs d. On its way down the gripper tube is
compelled to revolve in the direction indicated by the action of the fixed
rails g on the discs f; this causes the gripper to free itself from the tail
of the sheet when the blast blows the latter round the roller h.
The
ascending gripper passes in the interval between two sheets.
revolution of the gripper tube is here rendered necessary in consequence
of its laying hold of the sheet at a greater distance from its extremities
than in the instance where the paper was cut as well as piled. Extra
feed rollers are here rendered necessary in consequence of the apparatus
The

page_text: having to deal with separate sheets instead of the continuous web. Here
the fourth combination (second improvement) is shewn so modified as to
effect the same object.
Fig. 16 exhibits as much of the said modified apparatus as will render
it clearly understood. The outer set of bands h, Figures 9, 10, 11,
Sheet II., are dispensed with, together with the knives; the inner set a
are retained with the grippers b. The ribs c in front of the blast
passages are curved to suit the movement of the gripper round the
pulley, and the fixed rails d are, as shewn, also curved the opposite way.
The bands a bring the gripper b to the point indicated just as the feed
rollers were about to deliver the sheet up, and it rubs down the tail of
the sheet to the bottom of the ribs c, c, revolving as it descends and losing
its hold on it the blast secures it.
Having thus described two modifications of the apparatus for gaining
this object I do not think it necessary to point out the alterations neces-
sary to the fifth combination (second improvement), which is equally
well adapted to the purpose. The first and second combinations (second
improvement) are not so well adapted as the third, fourth, and fifth.
The object of my fourth improvement is the effectual piling of the
sheets and their removal where the web of paper or the sheets descend
vertically into the apparatus.
Figures 12, 13, and 14, Sheet III, will explain this combination.
These Figures have already been alluded to in explaining the fifth com-
bination (second improvement). Fig. 12 represents a sectional side cle-
vation of the apparatus, part of the framework being removed for the
sake of clearness; Fig. 13 is a plan of the same, some parts shewn in
Fig. 12 being omitted; Fig. 14 has already been explained.
the
n, n, represent the vertical endless aprons which surround
rollers o, o, and p, p, and are actuated by the two former o, o; q, q, are
another set of endless aprons surrounding the rollers r, r, and s, s, and
put in motion by the latter; these latter aprons remove the piles. The
web or sheet of paper, as the case may be, descends vertically between
the two piles urged by the air blasts on each side of it. When secured
by the gripper h it is carried by it over the top of one or other pile and
there secured by the air blast. The aprons n, n, move the piles up as
shewn and over the rollers p, p, from which they pass on to the tables

page_text: t, t, from which they can be removed. The method of cutting off and
securing the sheet employed in this arrangement has already been
described (fifth combination, second improvement). The apron rollers
are all geared with one another, so that the aprons may move in unison
and with the crank shaft a to which the power is applied.
In a second combination the sheets are piled on two horizontal endless
ropes which are caused to remove them laterally.
Figures 17, 18, and 19, Sheet III., exhibit this combination. Fig. 17
represents a front view of one of the piles suspended on the ropes; and
Fig. 18 a plan of both piles; Fig. 19 represents a sectional view taken
through the line A, B, Figures 17 and 18.
.
a, a, represent the endless ropes; these surround the pulleys b and c,
the latter of which actuates the ropes. The pulleys 6 are mounted as
shewn so as to be capable of adjustment as to height. The paper is cut
and piled here just as in the last arrangement, and the pulley c moving
so much for each sheet gradually moves the piles away in the direction
shewn; they pass beyond the pulleys b so as to overhang them and are
there removed. It will be observed that the ropes a, a, are inclined;
this is done in order that the sheets as they are piled may lie on the ropes
with the edges of their sides truly vertical and parallel as shewn; beyond
the point where the pile is actually in process of formation extra means
may be employed to maintain the piles on the ropes, as, for instance,
rollers revolving in the same direction.
In a third combination I fix each sheet successively on pins projecting
from endless bands which gradually lower the piles on horizontal aprons
placed underneath to receive and carry them away.
Figures 20, 21, and 22, Sheet IV., exhibit this combination. Fig. 20
represents a vertical side elevation, some of the framework being removed,
and Fig. 21 is a plan of the same; Fig. 22 represents a sectional view
of the knife and gripping mechanism..
a, a, represent the vertical endless bands, in which fixed at equal dis-
tances are the pins b on which the sheets are hung, these bands surround
the rollers c, c, and d, d, and are put in motion by them. The rollers
e, e, are employed to bend the bands in the manner shewn. f, f, repre-
sent the endless horizontal aprons for the removal of the sheets; these
surround the rollers g, g, and h, h, and are put in motion by them; i, i.

page_text: are horizontal tables for supporting the piles, and k, l, corresponding
vertical supports. The knife is the same as that employed in the two
preceding combinations, but the gripping mechanism is somewhat modi-
fied; it is shewn separate in section in Fig. 22, and fixing
a sheet on the pins b; it does not in this instance wholly leave the plate l,
its traverse being here much more limited than in the two preceding
combinations; it is formed with indentations m, m, Fig. 21, which
correspond in position with that of the pin 6 and enable it to force the
paper on them. On the sheet being severed the tail of it is rubbed along
the plate till it is forced by the gripper on the pins b; it is lowered
gradually by the bands a, a, till it is left on the horizontal tables i, i,
below where it can be removed. The next sheet is of course fixed on
the pins opposite. Here I prefer to employ a cam corresponding to that
described in the first combination (second improvement), to actuate
the knife and gripping movement, but the mode of mounting and
guiding the knife is the same as described in reference to the combination
shewn in Figures 12, 13, and 14, Sheet III. It is obvious that no blast
is here required to secure the tail of the sheet, that being effected by

page_text: marked d and g, Figures 15 and 16, Sheet II. The web or sheet, as the
case may be, is allowed to descend through the guide b, which acted on
by a suitable cam causes it to descend to about half its length on one
side of the pile, it then moves across the top of the pile (the sheet still
descending), and then directs it down the opposite side of the pile, on
which side the process is completed, the tail of the sheet having been
stripped from the gripper by the revolution of the gripper tube as soon
as the sheet was cut off. The succeeding sheet now follows and begins
to descend on the same side completing the descent on the opposite side,
and so the sheets are left suspended across the rope a.
In my Patent of One. thousand eight hundred and sixty-six I have
described a mechanical combination for forming the sheets of paper into
a horizontal pile on the same endless apron on which the air blasts are
made to pile it.
The object of this improvement is to simplify the said mechanical
combination, which I effect in the following manner: —
Figures 25 and 26 represent one improved combination for effecting
the object. Fig. 25 is a side elevation of the apparatus, the framework
being removed, and Fig. 26 represents a part plan of the same.
Here a represents the table; b, the endless apron which surrounds it;
c, one of a pair of endless bands which are mounted one on each side of
the table; they surround the pulleys d and e which are fast on the
horizontal spindles f and g; h and i represent two tubes or bars extending
across the apparatus from one bell to the other and secured firmly
thereto, a grating & formed of parallel rails polished on the under side,
and united at their extremities is fixed as shewn at a short distance above
the pile, the said grating is inclined downwards towards its outer ex-
tremities. The knife here shewn is the same as that described (first
combination, second improvement), and needs no description here.)
Power being applied to one of the spindles and the belts c put in motion
one of the tubes h is brought by the motion of the belts into the position
shewn, where it is seen in the act of bending the front edge of the
sheet (which was directed in the first instance over the front edge of the
grating) round itself, in which manner it draws the sheet forward over
the pile, and at the termination of the said grating loses its hold on it.
The front edge of the following sheet will in like manner be passed

page_text: over the top edge of the said grating, and the second tube i coming.
round will take it out over the pile, and so the process is continued.
This and the following modification can be used to pile separate sheets
also.
I have here shewn but two of the gripping tubes, but more can be
employed; two is the minimum number.
In the last combination it may be said that the grippers shewn attached
to the belts in my former Specification are dispensed with, but the bars
to which they were attached are retained; so in the second modification
it may be said that the gripper bars are dispensed with and the grippers
retained. Figures 27, 28, and 29 represent this modification.
Figures 27 and 28 correspond with the views given of the combina-
tion last described, and Fig. 29 shews a view of the belts and grippers
on one side of the pile, together with the edge of the side of the pile
looking at the same from the tail end of the pile or the end next the feed
roller.
Here a represents one of a pair of endless bands which are mounted
one on each side of the pile in the position shewn; they surround the
pulleys b and c which are fast on the horizontal spindles d and e; to
these bands are attached the projections f, f, which are placed at half
the length of the bands apart g which surround the pulleys and i, which
pulleys are fast on the vertical spindles, ; these latter are mounted
free to revolve, as are also the horizontal spindles d and e in suitable
bearings in the apparatus. On the bands g which are of the same length
as the upper set a, and at half the length of the bands apart from one
another are fixed the projections 1, 1; m represents a fixed rail, one of
which is fixed on each side of the pile to give support to the projections
f, f, as they pass forward over the pile.
paper be cut as
The bands a
It is not necessary here to shew the knife, which if the
well as piled is the same as that represented in Fig. 25.
and g having been set in motion by power applied to the spindles d, e,
and k, k, which are geared together so as to work in unison, the pro-
jections passing round the pulleys h pass underneath the two front
corners of the advancing sheet, and at the moment they arrive at the
point indicated, the projections f come down on them and the sheet is
secured between them, and so carried out over the pile when the pro-

page_text: jections rising up with the revolution of the pulleys lose their hold on
the sheet, which is left on the pile, the lower projections 1, 1, passing
outward with the rotation of the rollers i. The second set of grippers or
projections are now arrived and take hold of the next succeeding sheet,
and so the process is continued. It is an advantage to mount the bands
a and g so that they (the pairs) diverge slightly from one another as
they recede from the feed rollers, as the front edge of the sheet is
thereby strained in passing out over the pile.
The object of my sixth improvement is to perforate the middle of a
printed sheet such as a newspaper transversely, so as to facilitate its
separation after it is taken from the pile.
Fig. 30 (Sheet V.) represents a side view of the knife I employ with
part of the mechanism attached for actuating it.
a represents a side view of the knife which has a sharpe serrated edge,
and is attached to a frame b resembling that described already (see first
combination, second improvement) but without any gripper attached, it
is actuated by a cam of the same description as that there described the
motion of which is applied to it through the rod c and the arm d. The
points of the teeth are just maintained underneath the paper so as to
reduce the stroke of the knife as much as possible. The paper just over
the knife is caused to pass between two smooth metal plates e and f, in
each of which there is a narrow slot just wide enough to allow the blade
of the knife to pass. These plates are placed close to the printing
cylinders which are delivering the paper to the apparatus to be filed with
the bell mouth next to them. These arrangements having been made
and the paper passing between the plates e and at the moment the
middle transverse margin passes the slot in the said plates the knife
blade is suddenly driven up into the paper and withdrawn again which
leaves the sheet perforated across the middle. It is not necessary to
stop the paper to effect the object, and for this reason, vizt, that between
the plates e and f and the feed rollers of the apparatus there is slack
paper, which occurs in consequence of the accumulation of paper which
takes place during the process of cutting, which prevents the feed rollers
from stretching the paper while it is being perforated. The precision
with which the sheets are piled and laid with their transverse edges
truly parallel with one another and "shingled" by the action of the
creeping apron, so that the said transverse edges fall behind one another

page_text: an exactly equal amount, suggests the employment of the sheets so dis-
posed to facilitate the feeding of ordinary printing mechines mechani-
cally. The sheets are clamped together as they lie on the table and then
taken and laid on a table (see Fig. 31, Sheet V.) somewhat similar. to
that on which they are piled, which table is the "feed board" of the
printing machine, the clamps being then removed the pile can be fed
into the machine sheet by sheet in the following manner, viz', the table a
is surrounded by an endless apron which passes round the rollers c
and d, the latter of which gives motion to it. This roller is actuated by
a ratchet movement which imparts an intermittent motion to it and the
apron and consequently to the pile. The said ratchet motion is worked
by a suitable cam on the driving shaft of the printing machine;
e represents part of the impression cylinder of the printing machine
and is furnished with the usual grippers f for taking hold of the front
edge of the sheet, g represents one of a series of grippers for securing
the pile from disturbance on removing the top sheet from it.
J
The mode of operation is as follows:-The cylinder e having come
round for a sheet with the grippers f open, the before named cam causes
the ratchet motion to move forward the pile a small amount, which
advances the front edge of the top sheet between the grippers f and
the edge of the opening in the cylinder e, when the said grippers f
close upon it and the cylinder carries it away to be printed. At the
moment the pile moved forward the grippers g were raised off the pile,
and the moment the forward motion of the pile ceased the said grippers
descended, as shewn on the back edge of the second sheet on the pile,
and secured it from disturbance from the withdrawal of the top sheet
by the cylinder, and so the process is continued till the pile is disposed
of.
When I employ the apparatus to pile sheets only where they descend
vertically into it, I prolong the plate (see Fig. 12, Sheet III.) in both
directions, so as to enable the gripper to carry the tail of the sheet a
sufficient distance across the top of each pile by pressing it against the
under side of the said plate k. When forming a pile where the sheets
descend under the influence of gravity only if the sheets are not cut in
the apparatus no gripping movement is required.
Two air blasts may be employed in the said arrangement and directed
down the guide b, Fig. 23, Sheet IV., one on each side of the sheet.

page_text: In Fig. 24A, springs marked a are shewn, the object of which is to
prevent the front edge of the web from adhering to the edge of the
plate against which it is pressed in the process of cutting.
The rollers shewn in Fig. 30, Sheet V., are for the purpose of drawing
forward the paper through the plates f and e. The lower.roller is driven
positively and the upper just presses on it sufficiently to draw the paper
forward but not so as to interfere with the process of perforating.
Having now fully described my said Invention, and the manner of
performing the same, I wish it distinctly to be understood that I do
not confine myself to the exact details described; but what I claim is
as follows:-
First. The application of the combination of mechanism described
under the first head of my said improvements, having for its object the
more effectual stoppage of the supply of paper to the apparatus, and
the holding of it firmly as required during the action of the knife in
cutting.
Secondly. The application of the five foregoing combinations of
mechanism described under the second head of my improvements, having
for their object the cutting of the web of paper into sheets and the
securing of the tail of each sheet in succession and bringing the same in
contact with the pile, thereby enabling the blasts to flatten the sheet on
the pile and then securing the tail of the sheet together with the pile
itself, by means of the additional air blast (not described in my former
Patent) from the disturbing influence of the air blasts.
Thirdly. The application of the apparatus, modified substantially as.
described, to the purpose of piling sheets of paper only, whether the
sheets pass horizontally or vertically into the apparatus.
Fourthly. The application of the four combinations herein-before
described, having for their object the forming of the sheets into piles
should
and removing the same where it is preferred that the paper
descend in a vertical direction, and where it is required to be dealt with
when in that position.
'
Fifthly. The application of the two mechanical combinations herein-
before described for the purpose of piling the sheets in a horizontal
pile.
And, lastly. The application of the mechanical combination herein-
before described, having for its object the perforation of a printed sheet

page_text: in the manner described so as to facilitate its separation after being
removed from the table of the apparatus.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Martyn Nicholls, have here-
unto set my hand and seal, the Fourth day of June, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy.
HENRY MARTYN NICHOLLS. (L.S.)
Witness,
WILLIAM SPENCE,
8, Quality Court,
Chancery Lane.