Year: 1887

page_text: I HENRY EDWARD NEWTON of the Office for Patents 6 Bream's Buildings Chancery
Lane in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement :—
This invention relates to machines which are employed for perforating paper and
other thin materials along lines or rows, and to machines of the class shown and
described in the specification of British Letters Patent No. 2807 dated March 3rd 1885
and granted to Arthur William Lovell Reddie for an invention communicated to him
by Edwin Ball Stimpson of New York U.S.A.-In that machine a line or row of
comparatively small punches is carried by a reciprocating punch head or holder, and
operates upon the paper or other material in conjunction with a suitable die over which
the paper or material passes.-The punches are held in properly spaced openings or
perforations in a punch plate projecting from the front of the head or holder, and the
punches reciprocate through a stripper which serves to detach from them any scrap
or particles of material which are removed by and which may adhere to the punches.
When designed for perforating the paper for check books and analogous papers, the
punches are very small, and punches for this purpose are frequently made of very
thin strip steel, such as is used for the bow springs of eye glasses. It can readily be
understood that when such fine or thin pounches are used, the formation of the
necessary perforations or openings in the punch plate and stripper, and in the die,
becomes a matter of great labor and expense, in case they are formed in a single bar
or strip of steel, and indeed, when very thin punches, such as may be made from bow-
spring steel are used, it becomes a matter of almost absolute impossibility to form in a
punch plate, stripper, or die, separate openings or perforations for each of the
punches. When a reciprocating punch head or holder carrying a line or row of
punches has been operated in connection with the die to perforate paper, it has been
thought absolutely necessary that each punch should work in a separate die opening

page_text: or perforation, which will support the paper on all sides thereof, but by experiments
it has been demonstrated that if the punches be very thin, say th or and of an
inch in thickness, a single line or row of punches will operate in connection with a
single long and narrow die slot to form perfect and clean cut perforations in the
paper, and there has also been discovered a more simple and less expensive construction
of the punch plate and stripper than the formation by drilling and filling of holes or
perforations in a single strip or bar of metal.
One feature of the invention consists in the combination with the reciprocating
punch-holder, carrying a line or row of punches, of a plate through which the punches
work, and which comprises two straight pieces, secured together with an edge or wall
of one against an edge or wall of the other, the edge or wall of one piece being
straight and plain, and the edge or wall of the other piece being notched at intervals
in its length, so as to form, between the two pieces, when secured together, a line or
row of openings or perforations for the reception of the punches. One of the two
pieces of which the plate is composed is preferably recessed or rebated on one of its
faces, and slotted through the remainder of the thickness coincident with one wall or
edge of the recess or rebate, and the other piece consists of a section or strip notched
at one edge and fitted in the recess or rebate of the body portion, with its notched
edge against the edge or wall of the recess or rebate which is coincident with the
aforesaid slot.
When a machine has a long line or row of punches, say, twenty two inches or
upwards in length, it often becomes necessary to stop off certain of the punches or
render them inoperative, so that when they descend upon the paper they will be
stopped thereby, and the punch head allowed to complete its stroke, while the stopped
punches rise in the head. To this end a reciprocating punch head or holder and a
punch plate projecting from the front thereof, and carrying a row of punches, is
combined with a vertically movable follower on the front of the punch head above
said plate, and composed of sections arranged end to end, having their lower edges
plain and straight surfaces and locking devices whereby the sections of the follower
may be forced down to bring their plain and flat lower edges directly upon the punch
heads, any one or more of the follower sections may then be locked down directly
upon the punch heads, so as to render a desired number of the punches operative, and
any other or others of the sections may be left free to be raised by the punches when
they strike the paper.-If desired, springs may be applied for raising the follower
sections when they are not forced down by the locking devices, and the punches will
then be relieved of performing this function when they strike the paper. The locking
devices for forcing down the follower sections in the punch head may advantageously
consist of cam levers having heads which fit recesses or seats sunk in their faces, and
formed partly in each, and the entire follower sections and. punch head may be covered
by a cap plate having notches through which work operating handles on the cam
levers, which are presented outward of the face of the cam levers. For properly
guiding the follower sections in their upward and downward movement, the sections
are provided with rearwardly projecting tongues, which are received in guiding
notches or grooves in the punch head.
In perforating machines of this character, the punches are commonly of unequal
length, the alternate punches being longer than the intermediate ones, in order that
they shall not all strike the paper and operate at the same instant. For sharpening
punches in these machines, they are commonly adjusted with their ends coincident
and projecting but very slightly from the stripper, and their ends are then filed off
flush with the stripper.
"
In order to adjust the uneven punches so that their ends shall be exactly coincident
for filing, it has been usual to place in the punch head above the punches an
evening" strip, having recesses or countersinks spaced so as to receive the heads of
the longer punches, while the heads of the shorter punches bear upon the plain face
of the strip. Difficulty has sometimes been experienced by reason of the punch
heads becoming stuck in the recesses or countersinks, and failing to drop down so
as to release the evening strip and permit its lateral withdrawal. In order to remedy

page_text: this defect, an evening strip is constructed with transverse notches or grooves which
extend entirely across its face from edge to edge, which grooves receive the heads of
the longer punches, and this construction enables the evening strip to be withdrawn
laterally, even if the punch heads stick in the notches or grooves, so as to prevent
their dropping down."
The invention also consists in the combination with a reciprocating punch holder
carrying a row or series of punches separated by spaces, and which, by the reciproca-
tion of the holder, are caused to operate simultaneously, of a die having a slot or long
opening in which the punches operate, and a bed supporting the die, and having an
opening below the die slot for the passage of scrap removed by the punches. In
connection with the die, having its long slot or opening, a base portion or bar having
shorter slots is employed, the ends of which are inclined or bevelled so as to form
triangular bridges having their apexes presented upwards, and in this way the base
portion or bar is constructed so as to properly support the portions of the die on
opposite sides of the long slot, without at all interfering with the free delivery of
scrap froin the die.
According to a modification of the invention to be employed in connection with a
die having a single long slot or opening, the punches are constructed of flat plates
arranged end to end, and having their edges notched to form punches with parallel
edges and intervening spaces with parallel walls; combined therewith is a cap plate
separate from the plates forming the punches, and composed of sections corresponding
in length to said plates, whereby provision is afforded for removing any one or more
of the flat plates on which are the punches, and the corresponding section or sections
of the cap plate.
In the accompanying Drawing,
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a punch head or holder carrying a line or row of
punches, and a follower composed of sections for holding the punches down to
render them operative.
Fig. 2 represents a transverse section of such punch holder or head upon about the
plane indicated by the dotted line Fig. 1, including also a transverse section of
the stripper, stripper beam, die, and its supporting bed for operating in connection
with the punches.
Fig. 3 is a transverse section, upon the plane indicated by the dotted line y y,
Fig. 1.
Figs. 4 and 5 are respectively a plan of one end portion of the punch plate and an
inverted plan of the corresponding portion of the rebated or recessed piece which is
comprised in the punch plate.
Fig. 6 is plan of one portion of the die.
Fig. 7 is an inverted plan of the die portion.
Fig. S is a longitudinal section of a corresponding portion of the die, in a plane
extending through its slot.
Fig. 9 is an elevation of the punch head and appurtenances, illustrating the
formation of the punches by notching the edges of the plates, which are placed end
to end, portions of the punch head between its ends being broken away to reduce
the length of the figure.
Fig. 10 is a transverse section upon a plane indicated by the dotted line z z,
Fig. 9, and including also the stripper, stripper beam, die and bed.
Fig. 11 is an elevation corresponding to Fig. 1, and showing the application of
the evening strip for bringing the ends of the longer and shorter punches coin-
cident, and
Fig. 12 is an inverted plan of one end portion of the evening strip. Similar
letters of reference designate corresponding parts in all the Figures.
In the drawing, those parts only to which the invention particularly relates are
illustrated, and for the remaining parts of the machine, reference may be had to the
aforesaid patent granted to A. W. L. Reddie.
A, designates the cross-head of the press, which has at opposite ends eyes or
sockets a fitted to suitable guides a', parts of which only are shown.-To this cross

page_text: head is secured by bolts a² a punch head or holder B, having secured to its under
side, by screws b, a punch plate B', which has perforations or openings in which are
carried a series of punches B³.-These punches B² work through a stripper C, which
is secured by bolts c to a stripper beam C', and which serves to free the punches from
any scrap which may adhere to them.
D designates the die in connection with which the punches act to perforate the
paper or other material, and which is supported upon a bed E having an opening e
for the free passage of scrap removed by the punches.
The punches are of uneven lengths, as shown clearly in Fig. 1, alternate punches
being longer than intermediate ones, so that they will not all operate at the same
instant to perforate the paper, although they do all operate at the same movement of
the reciprocating punch head B.-The punches are held down in operative position
by a follower which is composed of sections F fitted end to end in a rebate in the
front of the punch head B. These follower sections F are operated by locking devices
which, as here represented, consist of cam levers having approximately circular
heads F, which fit within corresponding recesses or countersinks & formed partly
in the head B, and partly in the follower sections IF.-The levers are pivotted by
screws, and have cam shaped slots", which receive pins f upon the follower
section F, and the levers have handles f³, which are presented at the front of a cap
plate B³ covering the follower sections and head, and which has notches * receiving
the handles of said levers F*. It will be readily understood that by swinging the
cam levers into either of the positions shown in Fig. 1, the follower sections may be
raised away from the punch heads, so as to permit the punches B2 to rise readily
when they strike the paper, or may be held down with their plain and flat lower edges
directly upon the heads of the punches, so as to render the punches operative.
For the purpose of grinding the follower sections F in their upward and downward
movements, such sections are provided with slots f³, which receive pins fe projecting
from the front of the punch head B, and the follower sections are also provided with
rearwardly extending tongues or projections 7, which enter grooves or recesses, /,
in the punch head, and serve to guide the follower sections in their upward and
downward movement. Springs are applied below these tongues, which serve to
lift the follower sections, and thus take their weight off the heads of the punches.
These springs may be employed or not as seems desirable.
Turning now to a description of the punch plate B₁ and the stripper C, it would be
obvious that the formation of the separate perforations or openings in these plates
for the reception of the punches would be a matter of great labor and expense, if
each consisted of a single bar or piece. To lessen the cost for any plate through which
the punches work, a construction which is shown best in Figs. 4 and 5 may be
employed. Said figures represent in this instance the punch plate B¹, which is
narrower than the stripper C, but the description of this punch plate applies equally
to the description of the stripper C, and may in some cases apply also to the die D.
The punch plate B', of which a portion only is shown in Figs. 4 and 5, is composed
of a main piece or bar, which is rebated or recessed upon one face as indicated
at 3, and which has a plain straight shoulder or wall at one edge of the rebate or
recess, and coincident with this edge or wall is a slot 6. Into the rebate or recess, 63
is fitted an additional strip or bar 66 having its edge formed with notches at intervals
in its length, as is represented in Fig. 4, and it will be understood that when this
strip or bar is secured by screws with its notched edge against the wall or
edge of the base portion, there will be formed coincident with the slot 6 a series
of perforations or openings which receive the punches B².
Referring now to the construction of the die D, it is, as here shown, composed of
two strips or straight parallel portions d which form between them a long narrow
opening or slot d¹, and are secured by rivets d² or otherwise to a base piece or
portion ; as here shown the strips or bars d are represented as fitted in a recess d³
in the base portion D', and thereby the limited width of the slot d' is maintained. The
base piece or portion D' has opposite the slot d' shorter slots d' which have their ends
inclined or bevelled, as shown best in Fig. 8, so as to form between such slots the

page_text: triangular bridges d³. These triangular bridges serve to strengthen the part D¹,
and to maintain the slot d¹ of proper width, and at the same time they do not in
anywise interfere with the free escape of scrap removed by the punches.
In the modification of the invention shewn in Figs. 9 and 10, the punches B2 are
represented as formed by notching the edges of plates B which are secured end to
end upon the face of the punch head B, and are properly gauged in position by
steady pins 68. Opposite each section of the plate B is a section of cap plate B³
secured by a screw 6º, and consequently it will be seen that any one or more of the
cap-plate sections B³ and the sections B, on which are the punches, may be removed
without interfering with the other sections. The die D shown in Fig. 10 may be
constructed as previously described, but the stripper C is there shown as a single
piece with separate openings, or a long slot for receiving the punches.
In Fig. 11 the method of employing an evening strip G, which has notches g
extending entirely across its face from edge to edge, is illustrated. When the
punches are to be filed off, and therefore when their ends are to be brought coin-
cident with each other, the ovening strip G.is to be introduced below the follower
sections F, and the recesses or notches 9 then receive the heads of the longer
punches, and serve to bring the ends of these punches into coincidence with the
ends of the shorter punches. It will be clearly understood that inasmuch as the
notches or recesses g extend from edge to edge of the strip G, the punches cannot
interfere with the lateral withdrawal of the strip G from position, even though
some of the punch heads may become so stuck or fast in the recesses or notches, as
to prevent such punches from dropping out of the strip G.
With reference to Fig. 1, and also Fig. 11, it may be remarked that the cam
levers F may be used singly or connected in pairs by rods 10. Where the follower
sections are short, like some of those shown in Fig. 1, a single cam lever will be
sufficient, but where they are longer, it may be wise to employ two cam levers
connected by a rod f¹º.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said Invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me by my Foreign
Correspondent, 1 declare that what I claim is
1. The combination with a reciprocating punch holder carrying a line or row of
punches, of a plate through which the punches work, and which comprises two
straight pieces secured together with an edge or wall of one against an edge or wall
of the other, the edge or wall of one piece being straight and plain, and the edge or
wall of the other piece being notched at intervals in its length so as to form between
the two pieces, when secured together, a line or row of openings or perforations for
the reception of the punches, substantially as herein described.
2. The combination with a reciprocating punch holder carrying a line or row of
punches, of a plate through which the punches operate, comprising a body portion
recessed or rebated upon one of its faces, and slotted through the remainder of the
thickness at one wall or edge of the recess or rebate, and a section or strip notched at.
one edge and fitted in the recess or rebate of the body portion, with its notched edge
against the edge or wall of the recess or rebate, substantially as herein described.
3. The combination with a reciprocating punch head or holder and a punch plate
projecting from the front thereof, and perforated to receive a row of punches, of a
follower movable vertically on the front, of the punch holder or head above the said
plate, and composed of sections arranged end to end, and having their lower edges
plain and straight surfaces, and locking devices whereby the sections of the follower
may be forced down to bring their plain and flat lower edges directly upon the punch
heads, substantially as herein described.
4. The combination with a reciprocating punch head or holder, and a punch plate
projecting from the front thereof, and perforated to receive a row of punches, of a
vertically movable follower, composed of sections arranged end to end upon the face
of the punch head, and having plain and flat lower edges, springs for raising the
follower sections, and locking devices whereby the follower sections may be forced

page_text: down to bring the lower edges of its sections directly upon the punch heads, substantially
as herein described.
5. The combination with a reciprocating punch head or holder, and a punch plate
projecting from the front thereof, and perforated to receive a row of punches, of a
vertically movable follower composed of sections arranged end to end in a rebate in the
face of the punch head and having plain and flat lower edges, the punch head and
follower being provided with recesses or seats sunk in their faces, and formed partly
in each, and cam levers having heads fitting the said seats, and serving to force the
follower sections down to bring their plain and flat lower edges directly upon the punch
heads, substantially as herein described.
6. The combination with a punch head rebated in its face, and a punch plate
projecting forward from the under side of the punch head, and carrying a row of
punches, of a vertically movable follower composed of sections arranged end to end in
the rebate, a cap plate covering the entire face of the punch head and follower, and
cam levers engaging the follower sections within the cap plate, and having operating
handles which are outwards of the face of the cap plate, and swing in notches formed
in the cap plate, substantially as herein described.
I
7. The combination with a punch head provided with guiding notches or grooves,
and a punch plate secured to the under side and projecting forwards at the front of the
punch head, and perforated to receive a row of punches, of a vertically movable
follower composed of sections arranged end to end on the face of the punch head, and
having plain and flat lower edges, and provided with rearwardly projecting tongues,
which are received in the guiding notches or grooves of the punch head, and locking
devices for forcing the follower sections down to bring their lower edges directly upon
the punch heads, substantially as herein described.
8. The combination with a punch head having a punch plate projecting forwards
beyond its front, and perforated to receive a row of punches of uneven lengths, of a
vertically movable follower on the face of the punch head, locking devices for forcing
the follower down in contact with, and directly upon the punch heads, to make the
punches operative, and an evening strip of a thickness to be introduced between the
punch heads and follower when the latter is raised, and having transverse notches or
grooves extending entirely across its face from edge to edge to receive the heads of the
longer punches, substantially as herein described."
9. The combination with a reciprocating punch holder carrying a row or series of
punches separated by spaces, and which, by the reciprocation of the holder, are caused
to operate simultaneously, of a die having a slot or long opening in which the punches
operate, and a bed supporting the die and having an opening below the die slot for
the passage of scrap removed by the punches, substantially as herein described.
of
10. The combination with a series of reciprocating punches separated by spaces,
a die consisting of an upper portion having a slot or long opening for the punches, and
a slotted base portion or bar D₁ having shorter slots d, the ends of which are inclined
or bevelled so as to form the triangular bridges d substantially as herein described.
11. The combination with a punch holder and punches which are formed by flat
plates arranged end to end, and having their edges notched to form the punches with
parallel edges and intervening spaces with parallel walls, of a cap plate separate from
the plates forming the punches, and composed of sections corresponding in length to one
flat plates forming the punches, whereby provision is afforded for removing any one or
more of the flat plates on which are the punches, and the corresponding section or
sections of the cap plate, substantially as herein described.
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.