for Printing
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Sept., 1887.
Specification Accepted, 21st Oct., 1887
I, JOSEPH HENRY SWIFT of 126 First Place, Brooklyn, in the county of Kings
and State of New York, one of the United States of America Box Manufacturer 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
My invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in Machines for
Printing Boxes, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the
accompanying drawings.
The invention relates to a machine for printing labels upon packing-boxes and the
like; and it consists in the special improvements hereinafter designated.
a
:
In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 represents a plan of the machine; Fig. 2,
plan of the device used for adjusting the position of the ink-distributing roller
Fig. 3, a plan of the device used in holding the ink-distributing roller e' in position;
Fig. 4, an elevation of the rear of the machine; Fig. 5, a plan of the mechanism used
in operating the box-ford warder y'; Fig. 6, a central sectional view of the box-
forwarder and its connecting parts; Fig. 7, a side elevation of the machine;
Fig. 8, a vertical section showing means for adjusting the position of the shaft l,
which supports the type-cylinder k; Fig. 9, a vertical section (in part) of the
shaft l, which supports the type-cylinder k, showing the heads rs of the latter and
the means for adjusting and holding the same in position; Fig. 10, a vertical section
of the lower portion of one of the ink-wells, showing the outlets for the ink.
In the practice of my invention a suitable frame, a, is provided, upon which
are supported the various parts of the machine.
The machine is set in motion by means of power communicated through a
fixed pulley, b, on the shaft c, Fig. 4. The shaft c is provided with a bevelled
pinion, d, by means of which motion is communicated to the bevelled gear-wheel e,
secured to the shaft, the latter shaft, f, also having secured to it at the upper end
a pinion, g, Fig. 7, by which motion is given to the gear-wheel h on shaft i, Fig. 4.
The shaft i has secured to it a cylinder, j, which is arranged on one side of the frame,

page_text: substantially as shown in Figs. 4 and 7. On the other side of the frame is a similar
cylinder, k, the same being secured to the shaft I, to which latter shaft motion is
imparted through the gear-wheels hm and the loose pinions no, Fig. 4, the
gearing being so constructed and arranged as to cause the shafts ; and to
operate simultaneously and at the same rate of speed, but in different directions
axially. Rubber or other suitable type, p, for printing the desired labels are secured
in any suitable manner to the periphery of the cylinders j and k. In Fig. 7 the
type-plates are represented as held in position between the flanged heads » s
of the cylinder k.
In order to adapt the machine for use in printing boxes of different widths, it
is necessary to adjust the position of one of the cylinders, so as to bring them
closer together or place them farther apart, as may be required. Slots t t are
made in the frame α, so as to allow of such adjustment, the form of such slots
being shown in Figs. 7 and 8. The shaft is provided with adjustable bearings u u,
as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, which are moved along flanges or ways by means
of the hand-screws wow, the latter being supported in flanges. By adjusting the
position of the bearings u u, as described, the position of the shaft l, with its supported
cylinder k, is likewise adjusted, there being sufficient play in the gearing to allow of
some adjustment. In cases where the play in the gearing is not sufficient to allow of
the desired adjustment, pinions of less diameter may be substituted for the pinions n o.
The shafts are held in place by means of collars y y, or in any other suitable
manner.
In printing boxes of different heights type-plates of different lengths are used, and
it therefore becomes necessary to adjust the position of the cylinder-heads » s. Tho
upper cylinder-head, which slides upon the shaft, may be secured in any desired
position by means of the nuts, which co-operate with the thread cut upon the
shaft l, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. The lower cylinder-head is held in any desired
position by the co-operation of its own thread with that cut upon the shaft, as well as
by the thumb-screw a', which passes through the collar b¹.
On each side of the frame is provided an ink-well, c¹, provided with a vent-pipe, c³,
and funnel d, substantially as shown in Figs. 4 and 7, the ink being supplied to the
type through the intermediate rollers, de¹ f¹, there being a set of such rollers on
each side of the frame and in connection with each ink-well. These ink-distributing
rollers are coated or covered with gelatine in the usual manner. The flow of the
ink from the wells c' c¹ through the orifices. The rollers are similarly arranged
(shown in Fig. 10) is regulated by
loosening or tightening the screws or plugs h¹
and similarly operate on both sides of the machine. The roller d' is caused to
reciprocate back and forth in contact with an ink-well by means of pitmen, which
at one end connect with the axis of the roller and at the other end are eccentrically
pivoted to either the shaft i or 1, substantially as shown in Fig. 1. The roller d' is
caused to intermittently rotate by frictional contact with the roller e¹, the axis of the
former being free to revolve in the ends of the pitmen . An up-and-down
motion is given to the roller e¹ by means of the co-operation of the cam on the
axis of the roller with the collar on the axis of the roller el, substantially as
shown in Fig. 7. The roller is caused to revolve by means of the pinion, which
is secured to the axis of the roller, and to which motion is given by the gear-
wheel m¹ on shaft l.
As shown in Fig. 1, the frame a is provided with slots n' n', through which the
upper ends of the axes of the ink-distributing rollers pass. Provision is thus made
in conjunction with similar slots which are provided in the frame to receive the lower
ends of such axes for the adjustment of the rollers and for the reciprocation of
roller d'. The roller d' is held in position by means of the collars o' o', Fig. 7, or in
any other suitable manner. The roller e¹, as shown, is upheld by means of the collar k¹
and cam
7. The position of the roller f¹ is adjusted by means of two devices of the
pattern shown in Fig. 2. This device consists of the hand-lever p³, pivoted to the
frame a at the point marked q', and provided with a slot, 7, adapted to co-operate
with the stud s¹. These devices are placed in the positions shown in Figs. 1 and 7.

page_text: The hand-lever of the lower device is formed with a seat or step adapted to receive
the lower end of the axis of the roller the latter being thereby or in any other
suitable manner upheld. The roller e is held in position against the roller by
means of two devices of the form shown in Fig. 3. These latter devices, which are
placed in the positions shown in Figs. 1 and 7, consist in each case of a plate, u',
secured to the frame a, and a thumb-screw, t', which screws into and through the
plate ', substantially as shown.
In the case of each of the pitmen the two portions of the same are connected
by means of the coupling, which is provided at one end with a right-handed screw-
thread and at the other end with a left-hand screw-thread, so as to co-operate with
suitable threads cut upon the ends of the divided pitmen, provision being thus made
for lengthening or shortening the latter. The machine is also provided with a
table, w, which extends out beyond the frame, as shown in Fig. 7. The table is
provided with a slot or way,, of suitable form, Fig. 1, in which operates the box-
forwarder y', the latter being a device for pushing or conveying the box into proper
position to have the labels printed upon it.
The form of box-forwarder shown in Figs. 1 and 6 consists of a piece of metal
adapted to slide in the way and provided with a downwardly-projected portion, =',
through which passes the rod a², the latter being secured thereto by means of a set-
screw, a. The forwarder is provided at its front end with a dog, the latter being
pivoted within a recess, substantially as shown in Figs. 1 and 5. The lower end of
the dog, which is in the form of a fork, e, extends down through the way, and in
the position shown loosely clutches the rod a², the latter having at that particular
point a less diameter, substantially as shown in Fig. 6. As shown, the dog stands
vertical, being so balanced as to naturally maintain that position. The box-
forwarder y, when placed in the way ', so far sinks therein as to allow for
the necessary play and projection of the head of its supported dog in the
operation of the machine. The mechanism for operating the dog consists of the
rods a², the lever, and the link g, Figs. 5, 6 and 7.
The link g is pivoted at one end to the rod a² and at the other end to the lever f*,
the opposite end of the lever being pivoted to the frame a. The lever is also
pivoted at about its central portion to the rod e, the other end of the latter rod being
connected with the gear-wheel m, substantially as shown. In order to allow for the
adjustment of the cylinder & and the necessary lengthening or shortening of the rod
the connection between the latter and the gear-wheel m is made by means of a slot, 13,
and screw-nut, the latter co-operating with a threaded pin on the end of the rod.
Devices for guiding the box and for holding it in position are also preferably
employed.
The frame of the machine is provided with two bars, h² and ², Figs. 1 and 4, to
which are secured two flexible strips of metal, j, bent substantially as shown, so as
to rest upon the box and hold it down as it moves along the table.
Another spring guide or holder, Fig. 4, is supported from the bar, the same being
formed of the cross-bar A, rod 1, spiral spring m³, and nut n². The nut n² serves to
hold the rod in position, and by means of it the height of the cross-bar may be
adjusted so as to render the guide capable of use in connection with boxes of different
sizes. This latter spring-guide is of service after the box has passed beyond the
strips. The bar is also provided with two hanging arms, o ², Figs. 1 and 4,
to which are attached two flexible metal strips, p² p², which serve to keep the moving
box in line with reference to the type-cylinders.
The arms of o are removable from the frame, longer or shorter ones being used,
according to the different sizes of the boxes upon which the labels are to be printed.
The arms oo are placed adjacent to the cross-bar ³, and so serve to keep it from
swinging.
In operating the machine a box is first placed on the table in front of the box-
forwarder y', and the machine is then started. As the gear-wheel m turns the
box-forwarder is drawn forward and the head of the dog, serving as a shoulder, pushes
the box along the table until brought into position to be caught between the type-

page_text: cylinders k, by which latter the labels are printed upon the box. The gearing is so
timed that the boxes as fast as they are brought forward shall be caught betweeen the
type on the cylinders jk, the labels being thus printed on as the box passes through,
and the cylinders turning in time to catch the next box. The box-forwarder is both
drawn forward and pushed back during a single revolution of the type-cylinders. 5
In case there should be any boxes resting on the table when the forwarder is pushed
back, the head of the log (the latter being loosely pivoted) would be forced down by
the weight of the boxes to a level with the top of the table, and so enabled to slide
under the same. Suitable play for the lower end of the dog when its head is thus
depressed is provided by making the rod a of less diameter at that point, as before
set forth. After passing the boxes, the dog assume its vertical position. The boxes
may be supplied to the table by hand or by an automatic feeder. As the box is drawn
along the table and passed between the type-cylinders it is held in position by the
guiding devices before described. During the operation of the machine the set of
ink-distributing rollers del on each side of the frame is of course kept in motion,
the roller being pushed back and forth in contact with the orifices g' g', and
receiving ink therefrom to be distributed to the other rollers. The roller e¹ which has
an up-and-down motion, as described, takes the ink from the roller d' and spreads it
upon the roller 1, from which latter it is again taken by the type on the
cylinders j k.
In the practice of my invention the form of the machine or of its different parts
admits of variations without change of character and without affecting the result to be
accomplished, and I do not, therefore, limit myself to the exact forms shown and
described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is :-
1. The combination, in a rotary printing-machine, substantially as described, of a
table for the support of the box to be printed upon, two vertical ink-wells, two set of
vertical ink-distributing rollers, and two vertical type-cylinders, the ink-wells,
ink-distributing rollers, and type-cylinders being arranged on opposite sides of the
table, substantially as shown, and for the purpose set forth.
2. The combination, in a rotary printing-machine, substantially as described, of a
table for the support of the box to be printed upon, two vertical ink-wells, two sets of
vertical ink-listributing rollers, two vertical type-cylinders, and a box-forwarder, the
ink-wells, ink-distributing rollers, and type-cylinders being arranged on opposite sides
of the table, substantially as shown, and for the purpose set forth.
3. The combination, in a rotary printing-machine, substantially as described, of a
table for the support of the box to be printed upon, two vertical ink-wells, two sets of
vertical ink-distributing rollers, two vertical type-cylinders, and guides for directing
and holding the box in its course on the table, the ink-wells, ink-distributing rollers,
and type-cylinders being arranged on opposite sides of the table, substantially as shown,
and for the purpose set forth.
4. The combination, in a rotary printing-machine, substantially as described, of a
table ', formed with a way, a', the box-forwarder y', provided with the dog and
with a downwardly-projecting portion, ³, secured to the rod a², the link g, the lever f
and the rod e², secured to the gear-wheel m, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
5. The combination, in a rotary printing-machine, substantially as described, of the
table w', formed with a way, ', the box-forwarder y', provided with a dog, 2, and
suitable operating mechanism, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
6. The combination, in a rotary printing-machine substantially as described, of a
table w', the bars ², and flexible metal strips *, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
7. The combination, in a rotary printing-machine, substantially as described, of the
table w², the two opposite type-cylindersk the bar, and the guide or holder formed

page_text: of the cross-bar k², rod 1, spiral spring m³, and nut n², substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
8. The combination, in a rotary printing-machine, substantially as described, of the
table wl, the box-forwarder y', the bar, provided with the arms oo, and the two
flexible metal strips p³ p², secured to the arms o² o³, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
9. The combination, in a rotary printing-machine, substantially as described, of the
vertical roller e¹, slots n', the adjusting device formed of the plate u', secured to the
frame a, and the thumb-screw t¹, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
10. The combination, in a rotary printing machine substantially as described, of the
roller d', slot n', the adjustable pitmen i¹¹, and the shaft i, substantially as and for
the purpose set forth.
HORN & SON,
Agents on behalf of Applicant