Improved Apparatus for Printing and Ruling on Paper or Metal.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 5th May, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 5th Feb., 1894-Accepted, 17th Mar., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Apparatus for Printing and Ruling on Paper or Metal.
I, GEORGE GATTON MELHUISH HARDINGHAM, of 191, Fleet Street, in the
City of London, Civil Engineer and Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention (a communication to me from Angelo Tessaro, of Padua,
in the Kingdom of Italy, Mechanical Engineer,) to be as follows:-
=
This invention relates to apparatus adapted for writing or printing in characters
or type of any shape or description, and in straight lines, either parallel or at any
angle of inclination to the edges of the paper, or in curves. It also enables lines
of any desired thickness, parallel or not, to be drawn, say, on maps, plans or
tracings, printed cards or tables, and the like. It may further be employed for
printing circulars, announcements, notices or books, on metal or paper, which may
or may not have been subjected to a preparatory chemical treatment; the operation
being substantially the same whether finished written or printed matter is produced
at once, or whether the written or printed matter is intended to be first transferred
to, and subsequently reprinted from, stone, zinc or other plates.
Apparatus constructed according to my invention is illustrated in the accom-
panying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a plan of the frame, guides and ring.
Fig. 2 is a section on the line A B.
Fig. 3 is a section on the line C D.
Fig. 4 is a plan corresponding with Fig. 1, but showing the bar and accessory
parts.
Fig. 5 is a view partly in side elevation as seen from the plane of the line C'D'
(Fig. 4) and partly in section on the line A' B' (Fig. 4).
Fig. 6 is a plan of the movable bar and its accessory parts.
Fig. 7 is a cross section of the carriage and adjuncts.
Fig. 8 is a cross section on the line H H' (Fig. 6).
Fig. 9 is a similar view on the line H H
(Fig. 6).
Fig. 10 shows, in side and in end elevation respectively, the spring pertaining to
the indicating device.
Fig. 11 is a side elevation of the sliding index-rod.
Fig. 12 is a rear view of the writing or drawing device proper.
Fig. 121 is a corresponding side elevation.
Figs. 13 to 19 are views of the ruling and printing attachments.
Fig. 20 is a plan of the transferring device.
Fig. 21 is a section on the line M M (Fig. 20).
The improved apparatus comprises a circular frame a mounted to turn in a ring a'.
This frame carries two straight parallel guides E and E'. The frame a and the
ring a' are connected by means of projecting plates b, 61, 6 and 6, which engage
in a groove in the frame and are secured by screws to the ring.
A thumb-screw c acts as a handle for turning the frame in the ring about the
common axis of the frame and ring; the thumb-screw, when turned about its own
axis, serving to lock the frame and ring together in the required relative positions.
The ring always remains stationary. The guide E' is fitted with a rack d' (Fig. 5),
and a flat plate el bearing a graduated scale (Figs. 4 and 5). The guide E is
furnished with a plate c' (Fig. 5). A bar F is arranged to slide in the grooves of
the guides E and E. This bar is preferably made of steel, and of the cross section

page_text: indicated in Fig. 8. On its upper surface there is a longitudinal groove e (Figs. 4
and 6), within which is secured a rack f. The bar F carries at each end a cross-
piece g or g¹ (Fig. 6). The lower parts of these cross-pieces are wedge-shaped and
fit the grooves in the guides E and E', in which they slide. A flat spring h
(Figs. 5 and 6) is secured by screws to the cross-piece g₁; the free end of the spring
carrying a roller l.
The pressure exerted by the spring can, when required, be
increased or regulated by the screw m, which engages with the spring. The degree
to which the roller is pressed against the lower surface of the rack d' determines
the freedom with which the bar F slides along the guides E and E¹; the maximum
pressure firmly locking the bar in position and securing it against displacement.
The bar F also carries near one end a pin n terminating in a ball n' and having a
pinion o, which is in engagement with the rack ', and a milled plate or disc p.
A carriage G is mounted on and can be slid along the bar F. This carriage is
in the form of a rectangular plate having a dovetail groove beneath for the reception
of the bar F, and can be rigidly connected to the bar by a block 9 (Fig. 9) acted
upon by a set-screw provided with an arm or lever. The carriage is traversed by
a spindle (Fig. 7) carrying, at its lower end a pinion s, which engages with
the rack of the bar F. The spindle, which is embraced by a clip t, terminates
in a milled plate or disc u. By rotating the disc u, a minute movement along
the bar F can be imparted to the carriage G.
0
When the bar F is placed between the guides E and E¹ of the frame, the pinion
being in gear with the rack d', a minute movement of the bar along the guides E
and E' can be obtained by turning the plate or disc p; this movement being at
right angles to the movement of the carriage G produced by turning the plate or
disc u.
By means of the four-armed nut v, the writing or drawing device proper,
represented in Figs. 10 to 12', is secured on the carriage G. The said device
comprises a steel frame 1 provided with journals 2 and 2', and supporting a guide 3,
within which a carrier 4 is adapted to slide. This carrier at its upper end has a
bevelled notch or recess 5 and a rib 6, while at its lower end it has another rib
provided with a roller 7. A spring all (Fig. 12), secured to the lower portion of
the frame, retains the guide and carrier in the inclined position in which they are
shown in Fig. 121. The eccentric 8, which is operated by turning the milled
disc 81, is adapted to limit the downward motion of the guide 3 towards the inking
roller 18, while the set-screw 211 serves to adjust the angle of inclination. Two
spiral springs, abutting against the bottom of the guide 3, retain the carrier in
the position in which it is shown in the drawings. One of these springs m' is
visible in Fig. 12. When the carrier 4 has been depressed within its guide, these
springs, as soon as it is relieved from pressure, raise it back to its normal position.
The indicating device comprises a piece 9 pivoted on a screw 10 to the frame, and
carrying a spring secured thereto by screws. In the lower part of this spring is
mounted a horizontal sliding rod e terminating in an index-point attached by
means of a screw 11. This screw enables the point to be readily removed and
exchanged for a different one when necessary. The sliding rod c is fixed in the
end of the spring by the thumb-screw 12. The point or index can be lowered
or raised as required by the thumb-screw 13. A spiral spring 14 keeps the
indicating device in its normal position. By means of the screws 16 and 17, the
device can be adjusted borizontally in two directions at right angles to each other.
The screw 15 serves as a stop for the screw 17. The lower part of the frame 1 has
an open bearing containing a mutilated screw-thread corresponding with the
thread on the shaft of the inking roller 18, which is made of india-rubber.
Fig. 13 is a front view and Fig. 13' a plan of the line-drawing or ruling device
hereinafter described.
Figs. 14 to 19 show printing devices adapted for attachment to the carrier 4.
In Figs. 14 to 16, the device comprises a fork 19, made of steel, and having a
spindle on which is mounted a drum or barrel 20 divided into as many compartments
as there are characters to be printed; twenty-six compartments being shown by

page_text: way of example in the drawings. Each compartment contains one character or
type 21. Several detached types are represented in Fig. 17. The types are fixed
by screws 22. A spring 24 forces a più or stud 25 into one of the notches or
recesses 26 formed on the opposite face of the barrel to that containing the
screws 22. There is one recess to each compartment in the barrel, and the recesses
are arranged at the same distances apart as the compartments. The head or
disc 27 has also the same number of divisions (in the present instance, twenty-six),
against which are marked letters or figures corresponding with the type in the
compartments. Fig. 15 is a plan of a head marked with letters; Fig. 15' being a
corresponding view of a head marked with numerals and other signs. The head is
adapted to turn on a pivot at the upper end of the fork 19. The index 29 is
secured to the pivot by a screw 28. The lower part of the head is provided with a
wheel 30 engaging with a pinion 31 on a rod or spindle 32, at the lower end of
which is another pinion 33 engaging with a crown-wheel 34 on the barrel 20. The
upper end of the rod 32 turns in a bearing-bracket 35. By turning the head or
dial 27, the barrel 20 is also turned through the gearing. It will therefore be seen
that, as the type contained in the barrel corresponds with the letters or figures on
the disc or dial 27, the particular letter or figure to which the index on the dial
happens to point will be in the printing position on the lower surface of the drum.
Two guards 36 and 37, secured to the fork 19, serve to protect the type from
injury. 38 and 39 are adjusting screws. The stud 40 slides along the inclined
groove 5 (Fig. 12) of the carrier 4 in such a manner that one side of the fork 19 is
pressed against the rib 6 of the carrier, while the arm 41 (Figs. 14 and 16) draws
the device into contact with the surface of the carrier.
The rod or spindle shown in Fig. 18 is provided with means for enabling it to be
attached to, or mounted on, the drawing device, and also with screws 38 and 39 for
effecting adjustment. This spindle is fitted at its base with a holder 42 into which
type of any suitable size can be inserted. The holder is represented in end
elevation in Fig. 19. The dimensions of the holder may be varied, and different
holders may be attached to the same spindle. Each holder is preferably secured
by simply pushing the spindle into a hole therein; a stud 54 engaging in a groove
to ensure the correct relative position. To enable the holders to be readily freed
and removed, a thumb-nut 55 is provided.
The line-drawing or ruling device (Figs. 13 and 131) is secured to the carriage G
by means of the four-armed nut v. It comprises a base or platform 43 provided
with a sleeve 44 within which slides a spindle 45 terminating at its upper end in a
knob or head 46, while its lower end is fixed to a supporting bracket 47, to which
is secured an L-shaped bracket 49 adapted to carry the drawing pen 50. The
bracket 49 is pivoted on the screw 48 and supported by the screw 51, which passes
through a slot in the lower part of the bracket 49 and enters the supporting
bracket 47. The sleeve 44 has two vertical slots in planes passing through the
axis of the spindle 45 at right angles to each other. Within either of these slots,
the stud 53, projecting from the spindle 45, is adapted to slide. By means of the
stud and slots, the drawing pen can be brought into either of two different.
positions; these two positions being at right angles to one another.
For the purpose of transferring the apparatus to any desired point of the map or
plan to be printed upon, the special device, shown in Figs. 20 and 21, is provided.
This device, which can be fitted to any well-planed drawing board, consists of two
guides and a of steel, supported by plates m secured to the table. A circular
frame B is adapted to slide in the grooves ell and e. This frame is raised about
millimeters above the surface of the table, so as to permit the free passage under
it-both in a longitudinal and a transverse direction-of a sheet of paper mounted
on a plate or board. The apparatus first described is placed against lugs r
projecting within the crown of the frame, and is secured in position by set-screws 8.
To enable the apparatus to be properly inserted, plates u", marked with lines u",
are provided. The screw o' serves to hold the frame B" in the desired position in
relation to the guides between which it slides.

page_text: By pushing the knob 27 of the writing device, the type-barrel is lowered
sufficiently far for one of the type 21 to meet the surface of the inked roller 18.
The writing device is thereupon caused to assume a vertical position. The knob 27
is then again pressed until the inked type, which for the time being is the lowest
type contained in the drum or barrel, meets the surface to be printed upon. The
impression which that surface thus receives will be that of the character or sign to
which the index-hand 29 points on the knob 27. By means of the screws 12, 13, 16
and 17, the end of the rod c" (Fig. 12) of the indicator-device 9 is adjusted until it
takes up a position corresponding with the spacing required. After turning one of
the milled plates or discs to the extent determined by the index-point, a fresh
impression can be made, and the printing may thus be proceeded with as long as
necessary, care being taken to keep the inking roller supplied with ink.
in
It will be readily understood that any writing in straight or curved lines may
this manner be readily reproduced, it being merely needful, for each succeeding
letter, figure or sign, to move the index 29 on the disc or dial 27 up to the division
corresponding to the desired character or mark. Any lines required can be drawn
by means of the ruling device, which would take the place of the writing or
printing device on the carriage G.
Dated the 5th day of May 1893.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Apparatus for Printing and Ruling on Paper or Metal.
I, GEORGE GATTON MELHUISH HARDINGHAM, of 191, Fleet Street, in the
City of London, Civil Engineer and Chartered Patent Agent, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention (a communication to me from Angelo Tessaro, of
Padua, in the Kingdom of Italy, Mechanical Engineer,) 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 apparatus adapted for writing or printing in characters
or type of any shape or description, and in straight lines, either parallel or at any
angle of inclination to the edges of the paper, or in curves.
It also enables lines of
any desired thickness, parallel or not, to be drawn, say, on maps, plans or tracings,
printed cards or tables, and the like. It may further be employed for printing
circulars, announcements, notices or books, on metal or paper, which may or may
not have been subjected to a preparatory chemical treatment; the operation being
substantially the same whether finished written or printed matter is produced at
once or whether the written or printed matter is intended to be first transferred to,
and subsequently reprinted from, stone, zinc or other plates.
Apparatus constructed according to this invention is illustrated in the drawings
accompanying my Provisional Specification.
Referring to those drawings,
Fig. 1 is a plan of the frame, guides and ring.
Fig. 2 is a section on the line A B.
Fig. 3 is a section on the line C D.
Fig. 4 is a plan corresponding with Fig. 1, but showing the bar and accessory
parts.
Fig. 5 is a view partly in side elevation as seen from the plane of the line C¹ D¹
(Fig. 4) and partly in section on the line A' B' (Fig. 4).
Fig. 6 is a plan of the movable bar and its accessory parts.
Fig. 7 is a cross section of the carriage and adjuncts.
Fig. 8 is a cross section on the line H H (Fig. 6).
Fig. 9 is a similar view on the line H H (Fig. 6).

page_text: Fig. 10 shows, in side and in end elevation respectively, the spring pertaining to
the indicating device.
Fig. 11 is a side elevation of the sliding index-rod.
Fig. 12 is a rear view of the writing or drawing device proper.
Fig. 12 is a corresponding side elevation.
Figs. 13 to 19 are views of the ruling and printing attachments.
Fig. 20 is a plan of the transferring device.
Fig. 21 is a section on the line M M (Fig. 20).
The improved apparatus comprises a circular frame a mounted to turn in a
ring a'. This frame carries two straight parallel guides E and E'. The frame a
and the ring a" are connected by means of projecting plates 1, 61, 6 and 6, which
engage in a groove in the frame and are secured by screws to the ring. A thumb-
screw c acts as a handle for turning the frame in the ring about the common axis of
the frame and ring; the thumb-screw, when turned about its own axis, serving to
lock the frame and ring together in the required relative positions. The ring
always remains stationary. The guide E' is fitted with a rack (Fig. 5), and a
Hat plate el bearing a graduated scale (Figs. 4 and 5). The guide E is furnished
with a plate c (Fig. 5). A bar F is arranged to slide in the grooves of the
guides E and E. This bar is preferably made of steel, and of the cross section
indicated in Fig. 8. On its upper surface there is a longitudinal groove e (Figs. 4
and 6), within which is secured a rack f. The bar F carries at each end a cross-
piece g or g' (Fig. 6). The lower parts of these cross-pieces are wedge-shaped and fit
the grooves in the guides E and E¹, in which they slide. A flat spring (Figs. 5
and 6) is secured by screws to the cross-piece g; the free end of the spring
carrying a roller 1. The pressure exerted by the spring can, when required, be
increased or regulated by the screw m, which engages with the spring. The
degree to which the roller is pressed against the lower surface of the rack d'
determines the freedom with which the bar F slides along the guides E and E¹;
the maximum pressure firmly locking the bar in position and securing it against:
displacement. The bar F also carries near one end a pin a terminating in a ball n¹
and having a pinion o, which is in engagement with the rack d, and a milled plate
or disc p.
7"
.
A carriage G is mounted on and can be slid along the bar F. This carriage is
in the form of a rectangular plate having a dovetail groove beneath for the
reception of the bar F, and can be rigidly connected to the bar by a block y
(Fig. 9) acted upon by a set-screw provided with an arm or lever. The carriage
is traversed by a spindle (Fig. 7) carrying at its lower end a pinion s, which
engages with the rack of the bar F. The spindle, which is embraced by a clipt,
terminates in a milled plate or disc u. By rotating the disc u, a minute movement
along the bar F can be imparted to the carriage G.
When the bar F is placed between the guides E and E¹ of the frame, the '
pinion o being in gear with the rack d', a minute movement of the bar along the
guides E and E' can be obtained by turning the plate or disc p; this movement
being at right angles to the movement of the carriage G produced by turning the
plate or disc u.
By means of the four-armed nut r, the writing or drawing device proper,
represented in Figs. 10 to 12¹, is secured on the carriage G. The said device
comprises a steel frame 1 provided with journals 2 and 2, and supporting a
guide 3, within which a carrier 4 is adapted to slide. This carrier at its upper
end has a bevelled notch or recess 5 and a rib 6, while at its lower end it has
another rib provided with a roller 7. A spring a" (Fig. 12), secured to the lower
portion of the frame, retains the guide and carrier in the inclined position in which
they are shown in Fig. 12. The eccentric 8, which is operated by turning the
milled disc 8', is adapted to limit the downward motion of the guide 3 towards the
inking roller 18, while the set-screw 2¹¹ serves to adjust the angle of inclination.
Two spiral springs, abutting against the bottom of the guide 3, retain the carrier
י

page_text: in the position in which it is shown in the drawings. One of these springs m¹ is
visible in Fig. 12. When the carrier 4 has been depressed within its guide,
these springs, as soon as it is relieved from pressure, raise it back to its normal
position. The indicating device comprises a piece 9 pivoted on a screw 10 to the
frame, and carrying a spring secured thereto by screws. In the lower part of
this spring is mounted a horizontal sliding rod terminating in an index-point
attached by means of a screw 11. This screw enables the point to be readily
removed and exchanged for a different one when necessary. The sliding rod c" is
fixed in the end of the spring by the thumb-screw 12. The point or index can be
lowered or raised as required by the thumb-screw 13. A spiral spring, 14 keeps
the indicating device in its normal position. By means of the screws 16 and 17, the
device can be adjusted horizontally in two directions at right angles to each other.
The screw 15 serves as a stop for the screw 17. The lower part of the frame 1 bas
an open bearing containing a mutilated screw-thread corresponding with the
thread on the shaft of the inking roller 18, which is made of india-rubber.
Fig. 13 is a front view and Fig. 13' a plan of the line-drawing or ruling device
hereinafter described.
い
Figs. 14 to 19 show printing devices adapted for attachment to the carrier 4.
In Figs. 14 to 16, the device comprises a fork 19, made of steel, and having a
spindle on which is mounted a drum or barrel 20 divided into as many compartments
as there are characters to be printed; twenty-six compartments being shown by
way of example in the drawings. Each compartment contains one character or
type 21. Several detached types are represented in Fig. 17. The types are fixed
by screws 22. A spring 24 forces a pin or stud 25 into one of the notches or
recesses 26 formed on the opposite face of the barrel to that containing the
:screws 22. There is one recess to each compartment in the barrel, and the recesses
are arranged at the same distances apart as the compartments. The head or
disc 27 has also the same number of divisions (in the present instance, twenty-six),
against which are marked letters or figures corresponding with the type in the
compartments. Fig. 15 is a plan of a head marked with letters; Fig. 15' being a
corresponding view of a head marked with numerals and other signs. The head is
adapted to turn on a pivot at the upper end of the fork 19.
The index 29 is
secured to the pivot by a screw 28. The lower part of the head is provided with
a wheel 30 engaging with a pinion 31 on a rod or spindle 32, at the lower end of
which is another pinion 33 engaging with a crown-wheel 34 on the barrel 20. The
upper end of the rod 32 turns in a bearing-bracket 35. By turning the head or
dial 27, the barrel 20 is also turned through the gearing. It will therefore be seen
that, as the type contained in the barrel corresponds with the letters or figures on
the disc or dial 27, the particular letter or figure to which the index on the dial
happens to point will be in the printing position on the lower surface of the drum.
Two guards 36 and 37, secured to the fork 19, serve to protect the type from
injury. 38 and 39 are adjusting screws. The stud 40 slides along the inclined
groove 5 (Fig. 12) of the carrier 4 in such a manner that one side of the fork 19
is pressed against the rib 6 of the carrier, while the arm 41 (Figs. 14 and 16) draws
the device into contact with the surface of the carrier.
The rod or spindle shown in Fig. 18 is provided with means for enabling it to be
attached to the carrier of the drawing device, and also with screws 38 and 39 for
effecting adjustment. This spindle is fitted at its base with a holder 42 into which
type of any suitable size can be inserted. The holder is represented in end
elevation in Fig. 19. The dimensions of the holder may be varied, and different
holders may be attached to the same spindle. Each holder is preferably secured
by simply pushing the spindle into a hole therein; a stud 54 engaging in a groove
to ensure the correct relative position. To enable the holders to be readily freed
and removed, a thumb-nut 55 is provided.
The line-drawing or ruling device (Figs. 13 and 13¹) is directly secured to the
carriage G by means of the four-armed nut o. It comprises a base or platform 43

page_text: provided with a sleeve 44 within which slides a spindle 45 terminating at its upper
end in a knob or head 46, while its lower end is fixed to a supporting bracket 47,
to which is secured an L-shaped bracket 49 adapted to carry the drawing pen 50..
The bracket 49 is pivoted on the screw 48 and supported by the screw 51, which
passes through a slot in the lower part of the bracket 49 and enters the supporting
bracket 47. The sleeve 44 has two vertical slots in planes passing through the
axis of the spindle 45 at right angles to each other. Within either of these slots,.
the stud 53, projecting from the spindle 45, is adapted to slide. By means of the
stud and slots, the drawing pen can be brought into either of two different positions ;:
these two positions being at right angles to one another.
For the purpose of transferring the apparatus to any desired point of the map
or plan to be printed upon, the special device, shown in Figs. 20 and 21, is
provided. This device, which can be fitted to any well-planed drawing board,.
consists of two guides a" and all of steel, supported by plates m secured to the
table. A circular frame B" is adapted to slide in the grooves e" and el. This.
frame is raised about 5 millimeters above the surface of the table, so as to permit
the free passage under it-both in a longitudinal and a transverse direction-of a.
sheet of paper mounted on a plate or board. The apparatus first described is placed
against lugs r projecting within the crown of the frame, and is secured in position.
by set-screws s. To enable the apparatus to be properly inserted, plates ull marked
with lines, are provided. The screw serves to hold the frame B¹¹ in the
desired position in relation to the guides between which it slides.
By pushing the knob 27 of the writing device, the type-barrel is lowered
sufficiently far for one of the type 21 to meet the surface of the inked roller 18..
The writing device is thereupon caused to assume a vertical position. The
knob 27 is then again pressed until the inked type, which for the time being is the
lowest type contained in the drum or barrel, meets the surface to be printed upon.
The impression which that surface receives will be that of the character or sign
to which the index-hand 29 points on the knob 27. By means of the
screws 12, 13, 16 and 17, the end of the rod c¹ (Fig. 12) of the indicator-device 9.
is adjusted until it takes up a position corresponding with the spacing required..
After turning one of the milled plates or discs to the extent determined by the
index-point, a fresh impression can be made, and the printing may thus be
proceeded with as long as necessary, care being taken to keep the inking roller
supplied with ink.
It will be readily understood that any writing in straight or curved lines may in.
this manner be readily reproduced, it being merely needful, for each succeeding
letter, figure or sign, to move the index 29 on the disc or dial 27 up to the division:
corresponding to the desired character or mark. Any lines required can be drawn
by means of the ruling device, which would take the place of the writing or printing-
device on the carriage G.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I claim :-
1. The improved apparatus for printing and ruling on paper or metal constructed
substantially as described with reference to the drawings accompanying the
Provisional Specification.
2. For printing and ruling on paper or metal, apparatus comprising a circular
frame mounted to turn in a ring and carrying two straight parallel grooved guides,.
one of which is furnished with a rack, a bar arranged to slide in the grooves of
the guides, the bar being provided with a pinion in engagement with the rack and.
with a friction spring, and a carriage on the bar moved to and fro by band or by
means of a rack and pinion, the carriage holding the writing, drawing ruling or
other device, substantially as berein described.
3. The improved writing or drawing device substantially as described with
special reference to Figs. 12 and 12' of the drawings accompanying the Provisional
Specification.

page_text: 4. In printing or ruling on paper or metal, the employment of a transferring
device substantially as described with reference to Figs. 20 and 21 of the drawings
accompanying the Provisional Specification.
Dated the 10th dor of Ionu 1804