IMPROVEMENTS IN APPLYING TABS OR STRENGTHENING PIECES TO COLLARS, CUFFS, AND OTHER ARTICLES, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN.
Year: 1879

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Charles Reuter, of King Square, Goswell Road, in the
County of Middlesex, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN
APPLYING TABS OR STRENGTHENING PIECES TO COLLARS, CUFFS, AND OTHER
ARTICLES, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN.
1000
17 November 1870
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Charles Reuter at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th November 1879.
CHARLES REUTER, of King Square, Goswell Road, in the County of Middlesex,
Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPLYING TABS OR STRENGTHENING PIECES TO
COLLARS, CUFFS, AND OTHER ARTICLES, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS
EMPLOYED THEREIN."
My Invention relates chiefly to the application of tabs or strengthening pieces
of linen (for example) of an oval or other suitable form to paper collars and cuffs at
the parts where the button holes are to be formed, or at any other required places.
These tabs are usually applied by hand, the process, which consists of pasting or
gumming the tabs, and causing them to adhere to the collars or cuffs, occupying &
considerable time relatively to the maximum price at which the articles are
required to be supplied. Now my Invention has reference to a method of and
machinery or apparatus for performing these operations automatically in order to
economize time and labour, so that it shall only be necessary for an attendant to
introduce the collars or cuffs one by one into the machine and maintain a supply of
tabs and adhesive material in suitable receptacles, and the collars or cuffs will be
gummed, the tabs applied and caused to adhere, and the collars or cuffs provided
with the tabs be discharged from the machine in readiness for the formation of the
button holes. My Invention is, however, also adapted for applying tabs of linen
or other materials to other articles than collars and cuffs where similar tabs or
pieces are required, as for example to boxes, so as to form tickets or labels for the
same.
In carrying out my Invention as applied, for example, to the attaching of tabs to
paper cuffs, the machinery or apparatus is constructed, and the operation is per-
formed in the following manner :-
A table is provided on to which the cuffs are supplied one by one, the said table
having slots for the passage of tines or guides for the purpose of propelling the cuffs

page_text: in order to feed them into and deliver them from the machine. One set of these
tines is attached to a cross piece working in suitable guides, and carried by bars to
which a reciprocating to and fro motion is imparted, by preference, by pins upon
revolving discs working in cam slots in levers jointed to the said bars; and others
of the tines are connected with the said bars, so as whilst partaking of their
reciprocating motion to be capable of rising and falling as required. At a con-
venient place above the table is a trough containing an adhesive solution with a
roller revolving therein; this roller takes up a certain quantity of the adhesive
solution and supplies a portion of the same to gummers which are made of a shape
and material suitable to moisten the cuffs with adhesive solution at the parts
where the tabs are to be applied, a scraper being provided in order to remove any
surcharge from the roller. The gummers are connected to two levers mounted at
opposite sides of the machine on fixed centres on the frame, and operated by cams,
by preference, on the same shaft as the disc, in such a manner that the said levers
are respectively caused to move the gummers into and out of contact with the gum
roller at the requisite periods in order for the gummers to receive a supply of
adhesive solution to descend and deposit it upon the cuff beneath, and then to rise
and move round for a fresh supply. At suitable points beyond the gumming
apparatus are arranged tubes removably connected to the machine and containing
a supply of tabs, in the upper part of which tubes are fitted strikers for the purpose
hereinafter explained.
The tubes are raised at suitable periods by means of the levers herein before
mentioned operated by the cams, and fall by gravitation on to a cuff beneath, and
the strikers are also independently elevated by segmental wheels and racks or
otherwise, and are allowed to fall on to the pile of tabs within the tubes in order
to assist in the discharge of one of the tabs from each tube.
In the operation of the apparatus a cuff is placed upon the table and carried
forward by the first set of tines beneath the gammers, which having received a
supply of adhesive solution descend and deposit dots of such solution upon the cuff
beneath at the places where the tabs are to be applied. The bars with the first set
of tines in the meantime return to bring forward a fresh cuff; the second set of
tines which had previously been elevated being first depressed by connections with
the levers before referred to operated by the cams, so as to escape the cuff which
is under operation, and then elevated again so as to occupy a position behind the
said cuff. The second set of tines then carry the cuff forward so as to bring it into
such a position that the dots of adhesive solution which it has received will be
brought beneath the tab tubes which are now in their elevated position; whilst the
first set of tines propel the second cuff so as to bring it underneath the gumming
apparatus. The tab tubes then descend so as to bring the lowest tab of each pile
upon one of the dots of adhesive solution, and the strikers having also been
elevated are allowed to fall upon the piles of tabs, after which the tab tubes with
their strikers are raised again leaving one of the tabs adhering to each of the dots
of adhesive solution. In the meantime the second cuff has been gummed, the bars
with the first set of tines have returned for a third cuff, the second set of tines
have engaged the second cuff, and a third set of tines has been brought behind the
first cuff. When the next movement takes place the first cuff is carried between
pressing rollers, by means of which the tabs are pressed down upon the cuff, and is
thence delivered from the machine, the second cuff which has been gummed is
advanced to the tab tubes, and the third cuff is brought beneath the gumming
apparatus, and the whole series of operations are then repeated, and so on in
succession during the working of the machine.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Charles Reuter in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 17th May
1880.
CHARLES REUTER, of King Square, Goswell Road, in the County of Middlesex,
Engineer. " IMPROVEMENTS IN APPLYING TABS OR STRENGTHENING PIECES TO
COLLARS, CUFFS, AND OTHER ARTICLES, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS
EMPLOYED THEREIN.
"
My said Invention relates chiefly to the application of tabs or strengthening
pieces of linen (for example) of an oval or other suitable form to paper collars, cuffs,
and other articles at the parts where the button holes are to be formed or at any
other required place. These tabs have hitherto been applied by hand, the process
which consists of pasting or gumming the tabs and causing them to adhere to the
required surface occupying a considerable time relatively to the maximum price at
which the articles are required to be supplied.
Now my Invention has reference to a method of and machinery or apparatus for
performing these operations automatically in order to economize time and labour,
so that it shall only be necessary for an attendant to introduce the collars or cuffs
one by one into the machine and maintain a supply of tabs and adhesive material
in suitable receptacles, and the articles will be gummed, the tabs will be applied
and caused to adhere, and the articles provided with tabs will be discharged from
the machines in readiness for the formation of the button holes.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to
the several Figures on the annexed Sheets of Drawings, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the Figures.
Figure 1 of the accompanying Drawings represents a side elevation of a machine
constructed according to my said Invention, and Figure 2 is a plan of the same;
Figure 3 is an elevation of the opposite side of the machine to that represented in
Figure 1, and several of the parts are shewn in Figure 3 in different positions to
those represented in Figures and 2; Figure 4 represents a longitudinal section
taken along the line 1-2, Figure 2, the position of the parts being as in
Figure 3.
The machine illustrated in the accompanying Drawing is constructed for
gumming two tabs upon cuffs, one tab upon each end of the cuff, and I shall
describe the machine as applied for performing this operation.
The cuffs are placed one by one upon a table A which is formed with two parallel
slots a, a, for the passage of two rows of tines or feeders B1, B2, B³, arranged
underneath the table, as shewn in the Drawings, for the purpose of propelling the
cuffs in order to feed them into and deliver them from the machine. The first set
of the tines which is marked B¹ is attached to a cross piece b, carried by bars b²,
capable of horizontal motion within grooves b³ formed in the sides of the frames
C, C³, of the machine. A to and fro reciprocating motion is imparted to the bars b*
and thence to the tines in the following manner :-
Upon imparting motion to the driving shaft 1 by the pulley 2, Figure 2, in the
direction of the arrow motion is communicated by the toothed wheels 3, 4, and 5
to a toothed wheel 6 keyed upon the shaft d, upon the extremities of which at the
sides of the two frames C, C¹, are keyed discs D', D. A pin or roller d formed
upon the disc D¹ works in a cam slot de formed in a lever d³ which is jointed to the
said bars be at the side of the frame C¹, as shewn in Figures 1 and 2, and the reci-
procating to and fro motion of the bars and consequently of the tines or feeders is
thence obtained (the functions of the disc D³ and other functions of the disc D' will
be hereinafter explained).
The second set of tines B2, B3, are also connected to the bars 62 by a cross piece b*,
and moved simultaneously with the first set of tines B'; but in addition to their

page_text: reciprocating motion these tines B, B³, are capable of rising and falling, this move-
ment being obtained in the following manner:-The tines B2, B3 are fixed in slots
in cross pieces 68, which are attached to hinge arms be supported upon a bar b',
the latter being carried upon a cross bar 68 working in slots or guides c formed in
'the two frames C, C', of the machine. The cross bar 68 is connected through the
connecting rods e to levers E mounted at opposite sides of the machine, as shewn
in plan, Figure 2, the said levers working in fixed centres E at the sides of the
fraines C, C¹, and being operated by cams D³ on the discs D1, D2, which come into
contact with anti friction rollers Es upon the said lever E, and thus impart a
rising and falling motion to the levers E and thence to the tines B2, B3, at suitable
periods.
Above the table A is a trough F, Figures 2 and 4, containing an adhesive solution
with rollers revolving therein; these rollers take up a certain quantity of
adhesive solution and supply a portion of the same to the gummers f¹, operated as
hereinafter described, a scraper f' being provided to remove superfluous adhesive
solution from the rollers. The rollers are mounted upon a shaft f' to which
motion is imparted in the direction of the arrows by a pinion x keyed upon the
shaft d, and engaging with a wheel f³ keyed upon the roller shaft f³, and the
rotary motion of the rollers is thus obtained. The gummers f¹ are keyed upon a
rod f, which is capable of vertical movement in guides c¹ formed in the frames
C, C³, of the machine, and is connected at both sides of the machine to one extremity
of the levers E by a pin working in a slot, as shewn at fe, Figures 1 and 2. By
the action of the cams D³ and levers E the gummers are raised and lowered from
and to the surface of the cuffs, this vertical movement being necessary in order to
allow the gummers to describe a motion of partial rotation when the said gummers
are about to receive a supply of adhesive mixture from the rollers, and also to
enable the gummers to fall vertically upon the cuffs in order to prevent any
smearing or uneven laying on of the adhesive mixture. The gummers are kept in
true vertical position during their descent by a short rod fo which engages in a
guide block f10. The motions of partial rotation to bring the gummers into and
out of contact with the gum rollers are effected by a cam f7 of peculiar construction
through the intervention of suitable levers upon the opposite side of the machine
to that on which the mechanism is arranged for imparting the reciprocating motion
to the tines. The cam f' is formed upon the lever f8 mounted upon a centre or
fulcrum y, and is actuated by pins or rollers d', d, in the disc D³, the said pins
at a given stage of the revolution of the disc D² coming into contact with the
cam f, and the pins allowing the cam f' to pass between them. Motion is thus
imparted to the lever f8 by the pins or rollers d', d³, coming into contact with the
cam f, and the motion thus obtained is communicated through the intervention
of a connecting rod z and crank &¹ to the rod ƒ³, so as to cause the gummers f' to
move into and out of contact with the gum rollers fat the requisite periods, and
thus receive and deposit a dot of adhesive solution upon the cuff beneath and then
to rise and move round for a fresh supply. The hereinbefore described gummers
are preferably formed in two pieces, connected together by a screw in order that
the length of the gummers may be adjusted when necessary.
At a suitable distance beyond the gumming apparatus are arranged tubes Q&
containing a supply of tabs g, shewn in the longitudinal section, Figure 4. These
tubes which are removeably connected to the machine are held within the sockets gl
upon the cross bar g². These sockets are preferably made in two parts connected
together by a hinge in order to facilitate the removal and adjustment of the
tubes.
The cross bar g³ which is capable of vertical movement within guides & formed
in the frames C, C¹, of the machine is raised at the required period by means of
projecting pins g, which rest upon blocks e¹ formed on the backs of the levers E
which are operated by the cams D³, and the said cross bar then falls by gravitation,
these movements being necessary in applying the tabs to the gummed surface of
the cuff,

page_text: In order to assist in the discharge of the tabs one by one strikers g³ are provided
consisting of racks which are independently elevated by the two segmental
pinions g keyed upon the shaft d, as shewn more especially in the plan, Figure 2.
The strikers are allowed to fall upon the pile of tabs g within the tubes through
the intervention of rods or plungers g within the tubes, as shewn more particularly
in the longitudinal section, Figure 4.
Rollers H are provided at the discharging end of the machine for pressing the
tabs upon the cuffs after the completion of the operation of depositing the adhesive
solution and the application of the tabs to the gummed surface.
In the operation of the apparatus a cuff is placed upon the table A in front of the
first set of tines B¹, and between side guides a¹, a', which consist of strips of metal
extending along the length of the table upon which they are adjustably secured, as
shown in Figures 1 and 2, grooves being formed in the sides of the said guides for
the reception of the edges of the cuffs. The several parts of the machine at this
period are in the positions shewn in Figures 1 and 2, the gummers and tab tubes
being already elevated to their highest position by the cams D³ on the discs D'
and D2, and the gummers being also partially turned upon their axes.
Upon imparting motion to the machine the tines B1, B2, B3, are brought forward
to their furthest forward position by the action of the lever d³, as hereinbefore
described, the tines B2, B3, having been previously raised to their highest position
by the action of the cams D³ and levers E.
By the longitudinal motion of the tines B¹, the cuff which was placed upon the
table A is conducted beneath the gummers f¹. During the time that this motion
is taking place the lever f8 is acted upon by the pins or rollers d³, d³, on the disc D³,
the said pins coming into contact with the cam f' formed on the lever f8, whereby
motions of partial rotation are communicated to the gummers in which the said
gummers are supplied with portions of adhesive solution from the rollers and
return to their original vertical position, whereupon under the control of the
cams D³ in the discs D¹ and D3, the guminers are lowered by gravitation upon the
cuff brought beneath them, thus applying dots of adhesive solution thereto, as
herein before described.
At this stage of the operation the several parts assume the position shewn in
Figures 3 and 4, the tines B2, B3, having been lowered in order to clear the cuff
during their return motion, as hereinafter explained.
Upon the continued motion of the machine the tines are by the action of the
cam Ds and lever E, as hereinbefore described, returned to their original position
and a second cuff is now placed upon the table and carried forward by the first set
of tines B¹ in this manner and brought underneath the gummers f¹, in the nanner
described with reference to the first cuff. During this operation the tines B², B³,
having been again raised the tines B2 have moved forward the first cuff from
beneath the gummers to below the tab tubes G, and the latter having been raised
are now lowered upon the cuff by gravitation under the control of the cams D³,
the second cuff simultaneously receiving a dot of adhesive mixture from the
gummers.
The strikers g³ are now in their highest position, having been raised thereto by
the segmental pinions g*, and are so arranged that immediately the tab tubes coine
into contact with the cuff the racks gs are disengaged from the pinions g* and fall
upon the rods or plungers g³ protruding from the tab tubes, a tab being thus forced
out from each tube on to the gummed surface of the cuff.
The tines B³, B³, having been again lowered the whole of the tines B¹, B³, B³, are
during the next movement of the machine returned to their original position, and
a third cuff is now placed upon the bed of the machine and the same operations as
hereinbefore described are repeated, meanwhile the first cuff has been carried
forward from beneath the tab tubes which, together with the gummers, are now in
their raised positions to the rollers H.
These rollers which receive motion from the main shaft now seize the first cuff
as it is pushed forward by the tines B³ and draws the cuff in between them, and

page_text: then discharges it from the machine with the tabs firmly attached and the cuff
ready for the formation of the button holes.
In order to keep the cuffs flat upon the table during the successive operations
springs J are provided beneath which the cuffs pass, as shewn in Figures 2
and 4.
Beneath both the gummers and the tab tubes indian rubber or other elastic
cushions are fixed in recesses on the table A in order to more effectually operate
upon the cuffs. For the purpose of adapting this machine to cuffs of different
lengths the side guides, gummers, tab tubes, and tines, are made capable of lateral
adjustment.
In the case of shirt fronts, collars, and the like, in which three or more tabs are
required, three or more gummers and tap tubes are fixed upon the machine.
My said Invention is also adapted for applying taps of linen or other materials to
other articles than those above mentioned, where similar strengthening pieces are
required, as, for example, to boxes so as to form tickets or labels for the same.
In lieu of using tabs which require to be gummed to the articles, as hereinbefore
described, tabs previously coated with an adhesive solution may be employed, in
which case the trough F is filled with water. If desired the articles may be
placed in a pile and be fed into the machine one by one automatically by any of the
well known devices for that purpose.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into effect, I
would observe in conclusion that 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,―
Applying tabs or strengthening pieces to collars, cuffs, and other articles
automatically by the aid of machinery or apparatus constructed and arranged so as
to operate substantially in the manner hereinbefore described and illustrated in the
accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof, I, the said Charles Reuter, have to this my Specification
set my hand and seal, this Fifteenth day of May, One thousand eight
hundred and eighty.
CHARLES REUTER. (L.S.)