Improvements in Machines for Feeding Sheets of Paper.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Oct., 1889-Accepted, 7th Dec., 1889
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Machines for Feeding Sheets of Paper.
I, EDWARD DUMMER, of No. 82 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
of America, Mechanical 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:
or
66
My invention relates to machines for removing sheets of paper singly from a pile
bank" of sheets, and delivering the same as required to be transferred, to ruling
and printing machines, or to any desired position.
My invention consists, primarily, in an instrument having the nature and office and
operated as hereinafter set forth, and which is herein called a finger." The invention
also consists in other novel devices and novel combinations of devices, hereinafter
described.
In the drawings forming a part of this specification,
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a machine, in and by which my invention may be
carried out.
Figure 2 is a plan of the machine.
'
Figure 3 is a side view of the mechanism for obtaining alternately fast and slow'
motion.
Figure 4 is a side view of one of the fingers shown in figure 2, and illustrates the
manner of supporting and adjusting the same.
Figure 5 is a face view of a finger shown in figures 2 and 4.
Figures 6 to 13 inclusive illustrate modifications of the manner of piling or banking
the sheets to be operated upon and of the finger and means of operating the same.
Like letters refer to corresponding parts in the several figures.
at a.
The frame of the machine illustrated by the figures 1 to 5 inclusive, consists of
the side portions A and B suitably stayed by cross-pieces as piece C. It is desirable
that this frame should be of such form as to present no obstruction which would
prevent readily placing the "bank" of paper on the table D. This table is pivoted
A shaft. is supported in suitable bearings at the sides of the machine, and
supports that which, considered as a whole, may be regarded as a cylinder. This
cylinder Eis, preferably, made up of as many pairs of disks c and d, as may be
necessary. Each pair of disks supports and carries a finger F. For feeding narrow
sheets, only one finger is necessary, and, hence, only one pair of disks, but for
wider sheets, two or more fingers may be required. Three fingers and three pairs
of discs are shown in the drawing of the machine, each pair of disks being adjustable
on the shaft b, a set screw being shown in the hub of the disks for that purpose.
Under the cylinder E is a roller G, the cylinder and roller gripping a sheet when
entered between them. When each sheet-after having been removed from the
"bank "is to be carried to a distance, tapes or endless bands e may be employed, as
is customary. These may extend around the roller G and a roller H, the latter
located at the distance required from the roller G.
The motive power may be applied directly to the shaft of the roller G, and
preferably so to make the simplest machine when great speed is not required.
Revolution of the roller G will cause revolution of the cylinder E, the roller H being
revolved by means of the tapes or bands e. But when rapid feeding is desired, a
varying motion is imparted to the cylinder E, so that at one part of each revolution
the motion may be slow-for the purpose hereinafter specified-while the full revolution
may be in a very short space of time. This may be done by means of the well known
mechanism comprising an eccentric toothed wheel fand a toothed cylinder g. The
power being applied to the shaft of cylinder g, by means of the pulley shown on that
shaft, the cylinder E will be revolved, causing revolution of the roller G.

page_text: A shaft h supports a drum and may be revolved by a gear which engages with a
worm k on the shaft b. The drum i is caused to revolve with the shaft h by means of
a clutch fastened to this shaft. The drum may remain stationary or be revolved
independently of the shaft h; by being disengaged from the clutch 1. This clutch and
the drum are adjustable lengthwise on the shaft h, a set-screw being shown in the
clutch for this purpose. A lever I is pivoted at a and is connected rigidly with the
table D, which is done by fastening both the lever and the table to the shaft or pivot a.
A rope or chain m has at the lower end, an adjustable connection with the lever 1, as
shown, and winds at the upper part on the drum i.
Each finger F may swing freely on or in the cylinder E, being pivoted by means
of a shaft or pins n in the disks c and d. The body of each finger F is adjustable
lengthwise, so as to be more or less out of balance on the shaft or pins n, by
means of set-screws o, which extend through a slot in the finger, and into a block
on the shaft or pins n, as shown. The distance which the finger may swing in
either direction, to carry the outer end outward from or inward between the disks c
and d, is gauged by means of set-screws and g. The outer surface of the finger F
should be a friction surface. Rubber slightly corrugated or roughened presents a
good effective surface.
The bank J of paper is placed on the table D against a gauge K. One end of the
bank" may be placed against a gauge or bracket L. A pressure-block M bears on
the bank at this end and will move downward-as the sheets are removed from the
"bank"-being guided by the gauge or bracket L. The pressure of the block M
may be increased by means of a weight N. This block prevents the sheets from being
accidentally displaced at this end of the bank. It is preferred that the edge of each
sheet at the other end of the "bank" project somewhat beyond the edge of the
adjacent lower sheet. This may be caused by bending or curving the bank. An
adjustable block O under this end of the bank will, together with the table, support
the "bank" and preserve its bent or curved shape, as shown. The block O may be
regarded as a part of the table D. The outer edges of the sheets forming the bank
and the central line of the cylinder E should be approximately at equal distances
from the pivot a of the table D, and this distance should be such, with reference
to the line of contact of the cylinder E with the roller G, that each sheet of paper
will be gripped by this cylinder and roller before the finger loses its hold upon the
sheet.
Power being applied, as stated above, revolution of the drum i, will cause the
rope m to be wound up, and hence, the table D to be swung upward to bring the edge
of the upper sheet of the "bank" within range of the finger or fingers F. The
drum and clutch being suitably adjusted on the shaft h, and the rope m on the
lever I, the swinging movement of the table and "bank" may be in proportion to the
lowering of the bank caused by removing sheets, therefrom. At a part of each
revolution of the cylinder E, the finger or fingers will be brought in contact with
the edge or edge-face of the uppermost sheet, the outer surface of the finger or fingers
meeting said edge or edge-face will press against the same. The degree of this
pressure will be in proportion to the weight of each finger, that is, in proportion to
the distance of the outer end of the finger from the shaft or pivot-pins n. Owing to
the friction of the finger on the edge or edge-face of the sheet, that portion of the
sheet at and near this edge will be carried along by the finger until the sheet is
gripped between the cylinder E and roller G, the sheet being moved somewhat in a
direction as if rolled or turned back upon itself, substantially as indicated by the
dotted line at r. The sheet will then be lifted and removed from the "bank" by the
cylinder and the roller G, and by the tapes or bands e carried and deposited on a
receiving table or the like. In order that the finger may be sure to engage with the
sheet and not slip thereon, it is desirable that the motion of the finger be moderately
slow when it contact with the sheet. After the sheet has been gripped by the cylinder
and roller, the movement may be very rapid. Such movements are provided for by
the toothed cylinder and eccentric toothed-wheel above specified.
It is the office of the table D to support the "bank" so as to bring the edges

page_text: of the sheets within range of the finger. It should not, however, be understood
that it is necessary that the movement of the table-after the removal of each sheet
-must be just equal to the thickness of a sheet, or just equal to the distance from
the edge of one sheet to that of the next sheet. The edges of quite a number of
sheets may be so brought at once within range of the finger that they may be
operated upon individually by the finger, and removed singly from the "bank." In
fact, were the bank of sheets of not great depth, the table D might be fixed in a
suitable position to remain stationary. When the table D is to be moved during the
feeding, it is convenient to have it in continual motion as set forth, but such motion
need be only approximately proportionate to the lowering of the "bank" owing to
the wide range of the finger. Pivoting the table is mainly for convenience and
simplicity. Any movement of the table for instance, sliding it bodily upward-
so as to bring the edges of the sheets in proper position with reference to the
finger and the cylinder E and roller G, would be sufficient to perform the required
work.
Supporting and carrying the finger or fingers by means of the cylinder E results
in very simple mechanism, the cylinder being of sufficient diameter to allow each
sheet to be carried out of the way before another sheet is moved, and forming with
the roller G a gripper in the most convenient position.
The finger must press somewhat against the sheet. Springs or other contrivances
might be used to get the required pressure, but it is gained in the simplest manner
by gravity. Different thicknesses of paper require different degrees of pressure by
the finger, but the range is quite large for any degree of pressure.
The machine above described is very easily manufactured and operated. Its
movements are mostly continuous and rotary. It provides for adjustments which for
the most part need not be nice but rather approximate, and which adapt the machine
for feeding sheets of paper of wide range with respect both to thickness and super-
ficial area.
In many cases a paper feeding machine is required for only feeding sheets
of nearly one thickness and size. For such work, many of the devices for adjust-
ment may be dispensed with. The machine would thus become very simple for
performing work as difficult as feeding sheets of paper has heretofore been
regarded.
It is well known that, in the art of feeding sheets of paper by machinery, the
most difficult part of the operation is to lift or separate each slicet-or a portion
thereof from the bank without moving two or more sheets. After such separation
has been effected the sheet may be comparatively easily gripped and placed wherever
desired. Therefore, I deem. it desirable to set forth more fully those elements of
my invention by which this difficult operation may be successfully performed, and
which constitute the fundamental and most important features of the invention. While
doing this, I shall refer particularly to figures 6 to 13 of the drawings, wherein
certain devices, though different in form are designated by the same letters as those
devices, in figures 1 to 5, which have similar functions.
At this point I call attention to the location or formation in the machine of the
pile of sheets, or "bank," J. When each sheet is quite thick, there is no necessity
for forming the bank differently from the ordinary way, namely: so that it is of the
shape of a rectangular block, as illustrated in Figure 6. If, however, the paper is
not very thick, but still so thick that it is not desirable or practicable to curve or
bend the sheets, 1 shape the bank so that each sheet-while it remains flat-projects
at one side or end of the bank beyond the adjacent, underlying sheet. This may
be done by simply dropping the mass of sheets on a support consisting of an
inclined table D and a gauge or bracket L at an acute angle with the table, as
illustrated in Figure 7. If the paper is still thinner, but so thick that while the
bank may be bent, it is desirable that the bank be flat while being operated upon.
in the machine, the bank may be formed by suitably manipulating the mass of
sheets so that each sheet will project as above specified, and then placed in the
machine, on a flat table, as illustrated in Figure 13.

page_text: A pile of sheets of ordinary paper is quite flexible, and it is practicable to curve
or bend it, and by such curving or bending to cause each sheet to project beyond
the adjacent sheet. The bank thus formed may be curved through a part of its
length, or width, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 10. The bank may, however, be
curved throughout, as illustrated in Figure 9. Figures 9 and 11 illustrate the
combination of both methods of forming the bank, namely, by first manipulating
the mass so as to cause each sheet to project as above stated, and then curving the
same. This way is desirable and may sometimes be necessary when the sheets have
very ragged edges, or vary somewhat in size, in order to have sheets project one
beyond another a sufficient distance.
I now proceed to set forth more in detail the nature, mode of operation and
modifications of the instrument herein called a finger." This finger may be a stiff
piece, as illustrated in Figures 6, 7, 8, 10 and 13. It may he flexible throughout, a
simple flexible piece attached to a carrier, as illustrated in Figure 9, or a band
passing about pulleys, as illustrated by Figure 11. In Figure 10 the finger is
shown attached to an endless band passing around pulleys, and in Figure 12 as a
cylinder or shell-roller of small weight, which, being revolved by the roller under-
neath, will seize the edge of the sheet and move the same, which in turn will force
the roller-finger backward as indicated by the dotted lines.
",
The finger should be carried in one continuous direction during that part of its
passage, where it comes in contact with a sheet, as it would be when connected
with the cylinder or endless band. The return movement of the finger is simply to
bring it in position for action on the next sheet. In each of the figures 6 to 13
the position of the finger and of the portion of a sheet at and near the place of
contact with a finger, after the finger has done its work, preparatory to the action of
suitable grippers, is indicated by dotted lines. The finger may have a reciprocating
movement, as is supposed to be the motion of the finger shown in Figures 6, 7,
and 13. Mechanism for such motion of the finger is illustrated in each of the
Figures 6 and 13, in which the finger F is shown pivoted to a rod which is itself
pivoted at v. This rod may be swung by means of a connecting rod w and a crank a.
By the action of this crank and a parallel rod y, shown in Figure 6, the finger will
be lowered to be in contact with the edge of a sheet when at and moving away from
the bank of paper, and will be raised on its return, so that the finger will touch and
hold the edge of each sheet by friction, and release the sheet when required. If the
sheets are of quite stiff material, as is supposed to be the case as illustrated in
Figures 6 and 7, then each sheet, on being carried to or slightly beyond a perpen-
dicular position and released by the finger, will drop, and may be received on a
suitable table or other place of deposit. But when the sheets are easily bent, then a
roller G, as in Figure 1, may be employed to form part of a gripper to seize and
convey the sheets.
Hereinbefore, I have employed the words "edge" and "edge-face" and in the
following claims the word "edge-face" to signify that part of each sheet with which
the finger first comes in contact to move the sheet from the "bank," meaning by
each of these terms to express one and the same idea, namely, to distinguish said
place of contact from that surface of the sheet which is wholly parallel with the plane
of the sheet.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, 1 declare that what
I claim is,
1. In a machine for feeding paper, the combination of a shaft b, two disks c
and d, adjustable thereon, and a finger F pivoted' between said disks, substantially as
specified.
2. The combination of a shaft b, two disks c and d thereon, a finger F pivoted
to said disks, and devices, as set screws p and q, for gauging the distance through
which the finger may swing, substantially as set forth.

page_text: 3. In a paper feeding machine a finger F pivoted to a cylinder and adjustable in
a direction transverse to its shaft or pivot pins, said finger being provided with an
exterior friction surface, substantially as and for the purpose-set forth.
4. In combination with a finger F and carrier therefor means, as toothed. wheel f
and toothed cylinder g, for imparting a varying movement to said carrier, said
finger being provided with an exterior friction surface, substantially as specified.
5. In combination with a cylinder E carrying a finger F, a table D for supporting
a "bank" of paper in such relation to the cylinder that the finger will come in
contact with the edge-face of the sheet, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
2
6. In combination with a cylinder carrying a finger F, and a roller G to co-operate
with said cylinder as a gripper, of a table D, for supporting a
bank" of paper in
such relation to the cylinder that the finger will engage with the edge-face of the
sheet, substantially as set forth.
7. The combination of a cylinder carrying a finger F, a roller G to co-act with
said cylinder as a gripper, a roller H, tapes or bands e extending around said rollers,
and a table D located under the roller G and said tapes or hands, substantially as
and for purpose set forth.
8. In combination with a support for a "bank" of paper, a finger and carrier
therefor, whereby the finger is caused to touch the edge-face of the sheet, and carry
the edge of the sheet, substantially as specified.
"
9. In combination with a pivoted table D for supporting a
"bank of paper, a
finger and carrier therefor, whereby the inclination of the bank is changed and the
finger is caused to touch the edge-face of each sheet, and carry and bend the sheet,
substantially as specified.
10. In combination with a finger and carrier therefor, a table, so located as to
present an edge-face of a sheet to said finger, said table being provided with a raised
portion or block O to form or maintain a bend or curve in the "bank" of paper,
substantially as specified.
11. The combination with a finger and carrier therefor, of a table so located as to
present an edge-face of a sheet to said finger, said table being provided with a raised
portion or block O for supporting a curved "bank" and with a bracket or gauge L,
substantially as and for the purposes specified.
12. The combination of a cylinder E bearing a finger F, pivoted table D for
supporting and moving the "bank," a chain or rope m, a shaft h bearing a drum i
on which said chain or rope winds, and a worm and gear j, substantially as
described.
13. In a paper feeding machine a table D provided with a raised part to support
the "bank" of paper at or near the end and with a bracket L whereby the "bank
is maintained in a bent or curved form, the upper sheet prevented from sliding under
the action of a finger pressing against its edge-face and so that an edge of each sheet
projects or extends beyond the corresponding edge of the adjacent sheet, substantially
as set forth.
"
[
"
14. In a paper feeding machine, a movable instrument-herein called a finger
in combination with a support or table for a "bank of paper located with reference
to said instrument so as to present an edge of a sheet of said bank to the same,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
66
"
15. In combination with an instrument-herein called a finger '-a support
located with reference to said instrument so as to present the edge-face of a sheet of
paper to the same, said instrument being movable, whereby it will engage with said
edge-face, and adjustable whereby the pressure on said edge-face may be gauged,
substantially as set forth.
16. In combination with an instrument-herein called a finger"a support
located with reference to said instrument, so as to present the edge-face of a sheet
of paper to the same, said instrument being automatically adjustable with reference
to said edge-face, and movable transversely with reference to the edge of said sheet,

page_text: whereby it will touch said edge-face and carry.and bend the sheet, substantially as
specified.
وو
17. In combination with an instrument-herein called a "finger -a support
located with reference to said instrument so as to present an edge-face of a sheet to
the same, said instrument being movable, its movement being variable, whereby it will
engage with said edge-face and while in contact therewith, have a comparatively slow
motion, substantially as set forth.
Dated this Sixteenth day of September 1889.
EDWARD DUMMER.