IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR PRODUCING WORDS AND OTHER CHARACTERS IN PERFORATIONS IN PAPER OR SIMILAR MATERIAL
Year: 1878

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for the Invention of
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS OR MACHINES FOR PRODUCING WORDS AND
OTHER CHARACTERS IN PERFORATIONS IN PAPER OR SIMILAR MATERIAL" A
communication from abroad by Jacques Laurent Poirier, of Paris, France.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd October 1878.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. 'IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS OR MACHINES
FOR PRODUCING WORDS AND OTHER CHARACTERS IN PERFORATIONS IN PAPER OR
SIMILAR MATERIAL." [A communication from abroad by Jacques Laurent Poirier,
of Paris, France.]
This Invention relates to apparatus or machines for composing or arranging in
any desired order words, numbers, or other characters, and then obtaining by a
single direct blow or stroke the reproduction of the said words, numbers, or other
characters in perforations in paper or other material.
The said apparatus or machine comprises,-
First. Mechanism for effecting the perforations, and which may consist of any
number of parts so arranged together upon a common support or frame as to
operate independently of each other, and thus provide means for composing or
arranging the cords or other characters, the said parts being also so connected as
to participate in the downward and upward movements of the said support or
frame to which they are attached, and thus provide means for obtaining by a single
blow the representation of the words or other characters which have been composed.
Each one of the said parts or pieces has upon its edge or upon one of its faces a numbeṛ
Prine 1071

page_text: of punches representing the letters, figures, or other characters which it is desired
to represent in perforations.
Secondly. The pressure device for causing the perforating mechanism to descend
vertically with sufficient force to effect the desired perforations.
Thirdly. A fixed counterpart consisting of a flat plate provided with the same
number of apertures as there are punch holders carrying the punches, those
apertures being of such dimensions that each group forming a letter, figure, or
other character may enter therein to effect the perforations.
The various parts of the mechanism, whether fixed or movable, are attached to
one common frame.
I am aware that apparatuses have heretofore been used, by means of which and
by different operations composing has been effected and the composition reproduced
either in dots or points, or otherwise ;. but I am not aware that any apparatus has
heretofore been constructed with devices upon which letters, figures, or signs are
represented by means of punches arranged in suitable number for the purposes of
composition, and by means of which without an intermediate agent the reproduction
in perforations of the said word, number, or other character is effected.
In the accompanying Drawings I have represented as specimens two apparatuses
or machines somewhat different in construction, but both of which embody the
essential features of the said Invention.
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, refer to one of these machines.
Figure 1 is a side view of the said machines, and
Figure 2 is a front view of the same.
Figure 3 shews detached a ratchet wheel which transmits a rotary motion to a
circular punch holder, and this ratchet wheel, which is pinned to a solid disc; is
designed to fit into a circular opening in the said punch holder.
Figure 4 is a side view of an annular punch holder, shewing the manner in which
the perforating punches are fixed upon its periphery.
Figure 5 shews in plan and in longitudinal vertical section the counterpart pro-
vided with as many apertures as the apparatus has punch holders.
The punch holders are formed with an annular rim a bored cylindrically inside
and provided on the outside with prisms b separated by channels_c.
These prisms
are pierced with small holes, within which are placed the punches d, which are
of equal length and project outwards. The rear portion of the punches is furnished
with a head, which prevents them from falling out. In each prism the punches are
so arranged as to represent the series of ten figures, also the twenty-six letters of
the alphabet, and all possible signs, this arrangement permitting the operator to
compose numbers, words, hieroglyphics, or other signs.
e is a solid disc, which is placed in the circular space within the punch holder;
it is furnished on its periphery with a small key or stud f, which serves to unite
the two pieces; on the disc e is pinned a ratchet wheel g. It will be seen that
with a punch holder so constructed the punches may be readily replaced when they
are worn, and also that they may be grouped in the prisms so as to change the
characters to be reproduced in perforations.
Any number of these punch holders may be employed, and they are placed side
by side on a shaft h, the two ends of which rest in bearings i attached to a
supporting piece j; k is a a piston for operating the pump holders, and there are
as many pistons as holders. These pistons have at one end a finger l, which is kept
in contact with the. teeth of each ratchet wheel by a spring m.
The piston is
surrounded between its head and the upper surface of the supporting piece ; by
a spiral spring n, which causes it to ascend when pressure is removed. Every time
a piston is pressed the corresponding punch holder advances one tooth. Flat
springs o fixed to the rear portion of the supporting piece j form stopping pawls for
each ratchet wheel. There are the same number of springs as holders.
It will be seen that each holder may be separately controlled, and thus the com-
posing may be effected.

page_text: p'is a piston connected with the supporting piece j, and which slides in a hollow
part of the front portion of the frame of the apparatus, being actuated by a cam q,
which acts upon an inclined plane forming the upper face of the last-named piston.
A spiral spring r which surrounds the piston raises the latter when the cam is
brought to its first position; it has for this purpose its point of support upon an
interior projection provided at the foot of the piece upon which the piston
slides.
8 is the spindle of the cam 9; t is a support for the spindle s and forms part of
the frame; u is a handle for operating the cam; v represents front lateral arms of
the frame and support the fixed counterpart x provided with as many apertures y
as there are punch holders, and which serve as guides for the prisms carrying the
fixed punches; z is a table connected with the frame, it has below the counterpart
a matrix w formed of a kind of grating, between the bars of which the punches.
penetrate. Upon this matrix is placed the sheet of paper which is to be perforated,
and it is sufficient after having composed the formula to be reproduced in per-
forations to press down the lever, which will cause the aforesaid supporting piece
with the punch holders to descend and the punches will pierce the paper, and
passing through into the grating of the matrix the desired perforations will have
been made with one single stroke.
Instead of using the above-described independent punch holders placed side by
side on a common spindle I may employ a continuous cylinder, the exterior surfaco
of which is provided, as in the case of the holders, with a certain number of pieces
separated by channels, the said cylinder being made long enough for each piece to
serve for perforating an entire phrase or pre-determined number. The punches
are arranged in the prisms or projecting pieces in the same manner as in the
holders herein-before described. With this cylinder the composition is on each
projecting piece, and one single operation is necessary to bring the phrase which it
is desired to reproduce in position with regard to the counterpart, which in this
arrangement consists of a plate having only one opening of the same length and
width as the said projecting pieces on the cylinder.
Figures 6, 7, 8, & 9 show another form of apparatus or machine constructed
according to this Invention.
The only difference between this apparatus and the one first herein-betore
described is that instead of using revolving punch holders I employ straight square
bars provided on their lower face with punches grouped in such a manner as to
represent the different characters or signs required. These bars are held in a plate
provided with divisions at its lower part, so as to form channels or compartments
in which the bars are arranged to slide at pleasure as may be required for the
purpose of composition. I will proceed to describe these parts only, and no change
being required in the other portions of the apparatus, the same letters of reference
refer to the corresponding parts which are common to both the machines or
apparatuses shewn in the Drawings.
1 represents the said plate, provided on its lower side with divisions and corre-
sponding channels or compartments, within which slide the bars 2, the latter being
provided for this purpose with lateral ribs 3 which fit into corresponding grooves
provided in the divisions between the compartments of the plate 1. The punches,
as shewn in section in Figure 10, are kept in the bars 2 by means of a sliding
covering plate, against which the heads of the punches bear. Any unserviceable
punches may thus be readily replaced by others.
Each of the said bars is furnished with a small handle b for oporating the same.
The plate 1 is provided with lateral arms 7, which are received within openings S
of the front parts v of the frame, and in which they may be moved vertically; the
rms are supported by springs 12, which tend constantly to raise them. A slot 9
raverses the plate 1 and extends across the whole width of the same.
With this arrangement the composition is effected by bringing the signs which
t is desired to reproduce in a line under the slot in such a manner that it corre-

page_text: sponds exactly with the depression or hollows which separate two successive signs
of the same bar; then the lever is pressed down, and causes a plate 10 provided
with a knife 11 to descend. This knife penetrates into the depressions which
separate the signs in such a manner that the composition cannot be disarranged
during the pressure. The plate 1 descends, and the punches enter the counterpart
and the matrix situated underneath and before the slot 9. The perforation is
effected as herein-before described. In raising the operating lever the pressure
plate rises, and the plate carrying the bars is brought to its first position by the
spring 12 which acts on the guiding arms.
I may modify the form of the apparatus without departing from the essential
novel features of the said Invention, and I may also adapt the direct-acting per-
forating compositor above described to any apparatus suitable for effecting the
necessary pressure, whether operated by means of a screw, by hand, or otherwise.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Robert Lake in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 2nd
April 1879.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS OR MACHINES
FOR PRODUCING WORDS AND OTHER CHARACTERS IN PERFORATIONS IN PAPER OR
SIMILAR MATERIAL." A communication from abroad by Jacques Laurent Poirier,
of Paris, France.
This Invention relates to apparatus or machines for composing or arranging in
any desired order words, numbers, or other characters, and then obtaining by a
single direct blow or stroke the reproduction of the said words, numbers, or other
characters in perforations.
The said apparatus or machine comprises,-
First. Mechanism for effecting the perforations, and which may consist of any
number of parts or pieces so arranged together upon a common support or frame as
to operate independently of each other, and thus provide means for composing or
arranging the words or other characters, the said parts being also so connected as to
participate in the downward and upward movements of the said support or frame
to which they are attached, and thus provide means for obtaining by a single blow
the representation of the words or other characters which have been composed.
Each one of the said parts or pieces has upon its edge or upon one of its faces a
number of punches representing the letters, figures, or other characters which it is.
desired to represent in perforations.
Secondly. The pressure device for causing the perforating mechanism to descend
vertically with sufficient force to effect the desired perforations.
Thirdly. A fixed counterpart consisting of a flat plate provided with the same
number of apertures as there are punch holders carrying the punches, these aper-
tures being of such dimensions that each group forming a letter, figure, or other
character may enter therein to effect the perforation.
The various parts of the mechanism, whether fixed or movable, are attached to
one common frame.
I am aware that apparatuses have heretofore been used by means of which and
by different operations composing has been effected and the composition reproduced
either in dots, or points, or otherwise; but I am not aware that any apparatus has
heretofore been constructed with devices upon which letters, figures, or signs are
represented by means of punches arranged in suitable number for the purposes of
composition, and by means of which, without an intermediate agent and by a single
blow, the reproduction in perforations of the said word, number, or other character
is effected.
In the accompanying Drawings I have represented as specimens two apparatuses
or machines somewhat different in construction, but both of which embody the
essential features of the said Invention.
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 show one form of machine constructed according to this
Invention.
Figure 1 is a side view of the said machine, and
Figure 2 is a front view of the same.
Figure 3 shews detached a ratchet wheel which transmits a rotary motion to a
circular punch holder, and this ratchet wheel is pinned to a solid disc which is
designed to fit into a circular opening in the said punch holder.
Figure 4 is a side view of an annular punch holder shewing the manner in which
the perforating punches are fixed upon its periphery.
Figure 5 shews in plan and in longitudinal vertical section the counterpart pro-
vided with as many apertures as the apparatus has punch holders.
•
The punch holders are formed with an annular rim a bored cylindrically inside,

page_text: and provided on the outside with prisms b separated by channels c. These prisms
are pierced with small holes, within which are placed the punches d, which are
of equal length and project outwards. The rear portion of the punches is furnished
with a head which prevents them from falling out. The punches are so arranged
as to represent the series of ten figures, also the twenty-six letters of the alphabet
and all possible signs, this arrangement permitting the operator to compose numbers,
words, hieroglyphics, or other signs.
e is a solid disc, which is placed in the circular space within the punch holder; it
is furnished on its periphery with a small key or stud f, which serves to unite the
two pieces; on the disc e is pinned the ratchet wheel g.
It will be seen that with a punch holder so constructed the punches may be
readily replaced when they are worn, and also that they may be grouped in the
prisms so as to change the characters to be reproduced in perforations.
Any number of these punch holders may be employed, and they are placed side
by side on a shaft h, the two ends of which rest in bearings i attached to a sup-
porting piece j. k is a piston for operating the punch holders, and there are as
many pistons as holders. These pistons have at one end a finger l, which is kept
in contact wich the teeth of each ratchet wheel by a spring m. The piston is sur-
rounded between its head and the upper surface of the supporting piece j by a spiral
spring, which causes it to ascend when pressure is removed. Every time a piston
is pressed down, the corresponding punch holder advances one tooth. Flat springs o
fixed to the rear portion of the supporting piece j form stopping pawls for cach
ratchet wheel. There are the same number of these springs as holders.
It will be seen that each holder may be separately controlled, and thus the com-
posing may be effected.
p is a piston connected with the supporting piece j, and which slides in a hollow
part of the front portion of the frame of the apparatus, being actuated by a cam g,
which acts upon an inclined plane forming the upper face of the piston p. A spiral
spring which surrounds the piston raises the latter when the cain is brought to its
first position; it has for this purpose its point of support upon an interior projection
provided at the foot of the piece in which the piston slides.
8 is the spindle or shaft of the cam 7. t is a support for the shaft 8, and forms
part of the frame. u is a handle for operating the cam. v represents front lateral
arms of the frame, which support the fixed counterpart, provided with as many
apertures y as there are punch holders, and which serve as guides for the prisms
carrying the fixed punches. z is a table connected with the frame; it has below the
counterpart a matrix w formed of a kind of grating, into the openings of which
the punches enter. Upon this matrix is placed the sheet of paper which is to be
perforated, and it is sufficient, after having composed the formula to be reproduced
in perforations, to press down the lever, which will cause the aforesaid supporting
piece with the punch holders to descend, and the punches will pierce the paper,
and passing through the openings of the matrix the desired perforations will have
been made with one single stroke.
Instead of using the above-described independent punch holders placed side by
side on a common spindle, I may employ a continuous cylinder, the exterior surface
of which is provided, as in the case of the holders, with a certain number of pieces
separated by channels, the said cylinder being made long enough for each piece to
serve for perforating an entire phrase or predetermined number. The punches are
arranged in the prisms or projecting pieces in the same manner as in the holders
herein-before described. With this cylinder the composition is on each projecting
piece, and one single operation is necessary to bring the phrase which it is desired
to reproduce in position with regard to the counterpart, which in this arrangement
consists of a plate having only one opening of the saine length and width as the said
projecting pieces on the cylinder,
Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 shew another form of apparatus or machine constructed
according to this Invention.
The only difierence between this apparatus and the one first herein-before

page_text: described is that, instead of using revolving punch holders, I employ straight square
bars provided on their lower face with punches grouped in such a manner as to
represent the different characters or signs required. These bars are held in a plate
provided with divisions at its lower part, so as to form channels or compartments in
which the bars are arranged to slide at pleasure as may be required for the purpose
of composition. I will proceed to describe these parts only, no change being
required in the other portions of the apparatus. The same letters of reference refer
to the corresponding parts which are common to both the machines or apparatus
shewn in the Drawings.
1 represents the said plate provided on its lower side with divisions and corre-
sponding channels or compartments, within which slide the bars 2, the latter being
provided for this purpose with lateral ribs 3, which fit into corresponding grooves 4
provided in the divisions between the compartments of the plate 1. The punches,
as shown in section in Figure 10, are kept in the bars 2 by means of a sliding
covering plate 5, against which the heads of the punches bear. Any unserviceable
punches may thus be readily replaced by others. Each of the said bars is furnished
with a small handle 6 for operating the same.
The plate 1 is provided with lateral arms 7, which are received within openings 8
of the front parts of the frame, and in which they may be moved vertically;
these arms are supported by springs 12, which tend constantly to raise them. A
slot 9 traverses the plate 1, and extends across the whole width of the same.
With this arrangement the composition is effected by bringing the signs which it
is desired to reproduce in a line under this slot in such a manner that it corresponds
exactly with the depressions or hollows which separate two successive signs of the
same bar; then the lover u is pressed down and causes a plate 10 provided with a
blade 11 to descend. This blade enters the slot 9, and penetrates into the depres-
sions which separate the signs in such a manner that the composition cannot be
disarranged during the pressure. The plate 1 descends, and the punches enter the
counterpart and the matrix situated underneath and in front of the slot 9. The
perforation is effected as herein-before described. In raising the operating lever the
pressure plate rises, and the plate carrying the bars is brought to its first position
by the spring 12, which acts on the guiding arms.
I may modify the form of the apparatus without departing from the essential
novel features of the said Invention, and I may also adapt the direct-acting per-
forating compositor above described to any apparatus suitable for effecting the
necessary pressure, whether operated by means of a screw, by hand, or otherwise.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,-
In an apparatus for composing and producing signs or characters, and which is
formed with a frame, the upper part of which carries the piece for effecting the
pressure, and whose lower part forms a table upon which the impression is per-
formed,
First. The combination of any desired number of rotating punch holders carried
by the same shaft, around which they can turn independently of each other, the said
shaft being supported in a piece which forms part of the pressure piston.
Second. The arrangement of the fixed punches divided into groups representing
respectively each of the figures, letters, signs, or other characters to be composed,
these punches being placed on the edge or face of the punch holders, as above
described and as shewn in the accompanying Drawings.
Third. The counterparts serving as guides for the punches in the descent of the
punch holders.
Fourth. The matrix formed in the frame table, and on which is placed the piece
of paper or other material to receive the perforations, this matrix being formed as a
grating, into the openings of which the punches penetrate.
Fifth. The adjusting mechanism for setting each of the punch holders in the

page_text: desired position, and arranged independently of the said punch holders, as above
described and as shewn in the accompanying Drawings.
Sixth. The substitution for the rotary punch holders above described and their
adjusting mechanism of a plate provided with partitions and with sliding bars
carrying on their under side fixed punches, which are divided into groups repre-
senting respectively each of the figures, letters, signs, or other characters to be com-
posed, the said plate effecting the same object as the aforesaid rotary punch holders,
being constructed and operating as above described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set iny
hand and seal, this Twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.
TAN