IMPROVE- MENTS IN TOOLS OR APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING PERFORATIONS (GROUPED TO REPRESENT MARKS, LETTERS, FIGURES, OR DEVICES UPON OR) THROUGH PAPER AND-OTHER MATERIALS
Year: 1872

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Joseph Sloper, of Walbrook House, Walbrook, in
the City of London, Civil Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN TOOLS OR APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING PERFORATIONS (GROUPED TO
REPRESENT MARKS, LETTERS, FIGURES, OR DEVICES UPON OR) THROUGH PAPER
AND-OTHER MATERIALS.”
Sealed the 25th February 1873, and dated the 10th December 1872.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Joseph Sloper at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
10th December 1872.
I, JOSEPH SLOPER, of Walbrook House, Walbrook, in the City of
London, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said In-
vention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TOOLS OR APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING PERFO-
RATIONS (GROUPED TO REPRESENT MARKS, LETTERS, FIGURES, OR DEVICES UPON OR)
THROUGH PAPER AND OTHER MATERIALS," to be as follows :—
Certain perforating tools as heretofore constructed, and notably those
in accordance with my own patented Invention (No. 1985, A.D. 1858),
consist of three principal members, namely, a top member herein-after
called "perforator," consisting of or carrying the perforating punches
otherwise called needles or pins; a bottom member herein-after called

page_text: "matrix," being a perforated metal plate into the perforations of which
the perforator works, and from which it is completely withdrawn; and a
middle member herein-after called "clearer;" being a plate or pieco
through which the punches pass, serving partly as a guide for them, and
partly as a clearing plate to hold back the paper or material under
operation (herein-after termed paper) on the withdrawal of the per-
forator from the matrix, the paper being introduced between the clearer
and the matrix which are held apart at a short distance only, and
parallel to each other. The combination of the three parts I call dies.
Hitherto, excepting when suspended from above, the clearer has been
permanently rivetted or fixed at one end to the matrix, and the con-
nection of the two has created a stop which has limited the distance
from the edge (or an edge produced by folding) of the paper at which
the dies could be used. I now propose without suspending the matrix
to use the dies at any distance away from the edge, and sometimes in
several places in succession along a riband or band of the paper, and my
Invention comprises the constructing the tools or apparatus with the
clearer and matrix fixed, or secured together at the two ends or in more
places (instead of as heretofore at one only, and) so as to bridge over the
space or spaces towards, into, or through which the paper is presented or
passed, the width between supports being sufficient for the width of the
paper, so as to allow it to pass completely through the space.
In performing, the Invention the clearer and matrix are to be rivetted,
screwed, or fixed together at the ends, or more frequently with plates
or blocking pieces interposed at the ends or places where the rivetting,
screwing, or fixing occurs. The clearer and matrix thus becoming per-
manently attached may together and along with the perforator be placed
into and removed from a press or machine, and changed for others when
and as often as required. Now hitherto when the clearer has been
suspended so as to allow of free passage of the paper between itself
and the matrix in order to admit of perforating at any part or place on
the paper, no provision in fixing or holding the dies has been made for
changing them for others, but the presses or machines have been fitted
with a constant or permanent device. Changeable devices are much
wanted under the conditions assumed. Some presses or machines it is
true I have fitted up with partly shifting dies, that is to say, for pro-
ducing devices partly constant in design and partly changeable; as for
instance (see Figure 1 in Drawings) the word "paid "may have been

page_text: produced (by perforations) as the constant part of a device and figures
variable at pleasure, say to indicate the date, may have been produced
(similarly) as the changeable part. But in all such cases the changeable
dies have had the clearer and the matrix connected at one end, the effect
of which, as before explained, has been to stop or limit the use of the
dies to a short distance only away from the edge of the paper. More-
over I have not hitherto been able to introduce the changeable dics
between fixed dies, that is to say, between dies producing constant
devices, as for instance, in Figure 2 in the Drawings, in which the top
and bottom lines of a three line device are supposed to be constant and
the Figures in the middle line to be changeable. This also is much
wanted and my Invention provides for changeable dies available for use
at any part of the paper to be perforated, whether near the edge or away
from the edge, and when required between constant or non-changeable
dies, and comprises the constructing the said changeable dies and the
presses or machines in which they are to work so that the punch, the
clearcr, and the matrix may each independently of the others be separ-
ately fixed or held in chases, grooves, channels, or seatings, proper to
each part respectively, and which will permit the three parts to be
together slided or introduced into the press or machine and to be toge-
ther slided or withdrawn therefrom when desired.
In performing the Invention it will be found convenient to employ
V shaped fittings for the clearer, and when changeable dies are used
between constant dies, to support the clearer of the changeable die by or
from the clearers of the adjacent constant dies; or other convenient
fittings instead of V fittings may be substituted.
My Invention further includes the application and use of a removeable
carriage for setting up and holding separate dies (or devices) for the
convenience of their being the more readily (by and with the carriage)
together inserted into or withdrawn from a press or machine. In
practice it is intended that the carriage and the dies should have fittings
properly corresponding with each other, and also that the carriage and
the press or machine should have seatings or fittings properly corre-
sponding with each other.
To meet a requirement greatly in demand for commercial purposes,
my Invention further comprises presses, machines, or apparatus for pro-
ducing the perforations with sets of dies permanently fitted to the said
presses, machines, or apparatus, or changeable at will, the said presses,

page_text: machines, or apparatus, and sets of dies being arranged and fitted up so
that one or other set of dies may be separately brought into action, the
intention being to afford the opportunity of selection in the use of such
sots of dies as are provided. For example I may wish to perforate the
combined device consisting of one letter, three numerals, and a mark, as
in Figure 3, producing it by the five separate devices as in Figures 4, 5,
6, 7, and 8. If now I have a press, machine, or apparatus with dies
arranged for producing the said one letter and the said mark, and any
numeral device, I can select and separately use in succession those and
only those parts proper to the special combined device required to be
produced.
And in performing the Invention I contemplate in some cases to
arrange the press, machine, or apparatus, and sets of dies thus; namely,
with one continuous matrix and one continuous clearer, each providing
the several devices required (say for instance one letter and all the
numerals), and with separately moveable corresponding perforators.
.
And also I contemplate in some cases to arrange thus; namely, with
separate matrices, clearers, and perforators, for all the said several
devices respectively. In either case a selection may be made, and the
use of separate plungers or levers or any convenient equivalent is
intended.
•
I would remark generally that (when desired) guide pins are to be
fixed to the perforator which are to work in or through the clearer, but
not to pass into the matrix. The expressions "top member," "bottom
inember," "
above," "below," and other expressions consistent with them
herein used are not to exclude a reversed or altered signification as
applicable (if circumstances demand) to upward or other perforating
instead of ordinary downward perforating, nor the movement in any case
of the matrices and clearers towards the punches, instead of the punches
towards the matrices and clearers.
I consider that presses or machines with plungers or lifters worked by
à cam or eccentric motion are specially suitable for the use of my In-
vention with or without a feed motion for the paper to be perforated.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Joseph Sloper in the Great Scal Patent Office on
the 7th June 1873.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOSEPH
SLOPER, of Walbrook House, Walbrook, in the City of London, Civil
Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Tenth-day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, in the thirty-sixth year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant
unto me, 'the said Joseph Sloper, Her special licence that I, the said
Joseph Sloper, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others
as I, the said Joseph Sloper, my executors, administrators, and assigns,
should at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and
at all times thercafter during the term therein expressed, should and
lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle
of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TOOLS OR APPARATUS FOR PRO-
DUCING PERFORATIONS (GROUPED TO REPRESENT MARKS, LETTERS, FIGURES, OR
DEVICES UPON OR) THROUGH PAPER AND OTHER MATERIALS," upon the condition
(amongst others) that I, the said Joseph Sloper, my executors
administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one
of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be
performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the
said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Joseph Sloper, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement, that is to say :—
Certain perforating tools, as heretofore constructed, and notably those
in accordance with my own patented Invention (No. 1985, A. D. 1858),
have three principal members, namely, a top member herein-after called
'perforator," consisting of or carrying the perforating punches, other,
wise called points or pins, a bottom member herein-after called "matrix,”

page_text: being a perforated metal plate, into the perforations of which the
perforator works, and from which it is completely withdrawn, and a
middle member herein-after called "clearer," being a plate or piece
through which the punches pass, serving partly as a guide for them, and
partly as a clearing plate to hold back the paper or material under
operation (herein-after termed "paper") on the withdrawal of the
perforator from the matrix, the paper being introduced between the
clearer and the matrix, which are held apart at a short distance only
and parallel to each other. The combination of the three parts I call
"dies." Hitherto, excepting when suspended from above, the clearer
has been permanently rivetted or fixed at one end to the matrix, and the
connection of the two has created a stop which has limited the distanco
from the edge (or an edge produced by folding) of the paper at which
the dies could be used. To explain this more clearly, I have shewn at
Figures 1 and 2 in the accompanying Drawings a side elevation and
plan of the two lower members of a set of dies (not new, but such as I
have used before) with a piece of paper a introduced as far as it will go
between the matrix b and the clearer c preparatory to perforating. The
dimension a* is evidently the extreme distance from the edge of the
paper at which the device can be made; Figures 3 and 4 are corre-
sponding views of the perforator d belonging to the same set of dies.
I now propose without suspending the clearer to use the dies at any
distance away from the edge, and sometimes in several places in
succession along a riband or band of the paper.
And my Invention consists in and comprises, firstly, the constructing
the tools or apparatus with the clearer and matrix fixed or secured
together at the two ends or in more places (instead of as heretofore at
one only and) so as to bridge over the space or spaces towards, into, or
through which the paper is presented or passed, the width between
supports being sufficient for the width of the paper, so as to allow it to
pass completely through the space. In performing this part of the
Invention, see illustration at Figures 5, 6, and 7, the clearer c and
matrix 6 are to be rivetted, screwed, or fixed together at the ends, or
more frequently with plates or blocking pieces e interposed at the ends
or places where the rivetting, screwing, or fixing occurs. The clearer
and matrix thus becoming permanently attached may together and along
with the perforator d be placed into and removed from a machine and
changed for others when and as often as required. Now hitherto, when

page_text: the clearer has been suspended so as to allow of free passage of the
paper between itself and the matrix in order to admit of perforating at
any part or place on the paper, no provision in fixing or holding the dies
has been made for changing them for others, but the machines have
been fitted with a constant or permanent device. Changeable devices
are much wanted under the conditions assumed. Some machines it is
true I have fitted up with partly shifting dies, that is to say, for
producing devices partly constant in design and partly changeable, as
for instance (see Figure 8 in Drawings) the letters X, Y, Z, may
have been produced (by perforations) as the constant part of a device,
and numbers variable at pleasure, say to indicate the date, may have
been produced (similarly) as the changcable part. But in all such cases
the changeable dies have had the clearer and the matrix connected at
one end, the effect of which, as before explained, has been to stop or
limit the use of the dies to a short distance only away from the edge
of the paper. Moreover, I have not hitherto been able to introduce the
changeable dies between fixed dies, that is to say, between dies producing
constant devices, as for instance in Figure 9 in the Drawings, in which
the top line (a crown), and the bottom line (the letters H, M, S,) of a
three line device are supposed to be constant, and the numerals or date
in the middle line to be changeable. This also is much wanted, and my
Invention provides for changeable dies available for use at any part of
the paper to be perforated, whether near the edge or away from the
edge, and when required between constant or non-changeable dies (as
explained in describing Figure 9), and consists in and comprises,
secondly, the constructing the said changeable dies and the machines in
which they are to work so that the perforator, the clearer, and the
matrix of cach die may cach independently of the other parts of each
dic be separately fixed or held in chases, grooves, channels, or seatings
proper to each part or member respectively. This will permit the three
parts or members to be slided or introduced into the machine when.
desired, and to be slided or withdrawn therefrom when desired.
In performing the Invention it will be found convenient to employ
V shaped fittings for the clearer, and when changeable dies are used
between constant dies to support the clearer of the changeable die by
or from the clearers of the adjacent constant dies; or other convenient
fittings instead of V fittings may be substituted. The following Figures
illustrate this part of the Invention:-Figures 10 and 11 are elevations

page_text: of the working parts of improved dies and apparatus constructed
accordingly. In Figure 10, 6¹, c', and d', are the matrix, the clearer and
the perforator respectively of a constant or non-changeable die, say to
produce the top line (the crown) in Figure 9, and b², c³, and d³, the
corresponding parts respectively of another constant or non-changeable
die, say to produce the bottom line (H,M,S.) in Figure 9 ; and between
the respective members of the two constant dies spaces are left with V
and other fittings for receiving and sliding in and sliding out when
required, the respective members of one or more changeable dies, say to
produce as may be desired the particular (date, numbers, or) device in
the middle line in Figure 9, or by changing to produce any other
particular device instead thereof.
Figure 11 shows a detached view of one of the changeable dies b, c, d,
shaped as to fittings to correspond with the y and other fittings of the
constant dies. The clearers c¹ and c being suspended by or from the
frame of the machine or fittings thereon, and the clearer c by or from
the clearers c¹ and c³, the paper may be passed freely between the clearers.
and the matrices to receive the perforations in any desired position
thereon: One or both of the dies described as constant may also bo
made changeable if desired. It is of course essential that a proper
register or relative working position of the several parts be observed in
respect of the sliding motion of the changeable dies, and which may
be effected by stops, bolts, blocking pieces, or in any convenient
manner.
Figure 12 is a modification of Figure 10, and the several Figures 12
to 15 explain a means of effecting this object, and also shew a variation
from the above described V fittings for the clearers of the changeable
dies. The matrix is compound, that is to say, consists of a sliding bed-
plate or carrier B (Figure 13) with steady pins to hold thoreon in correct
position any required number of matricos proper b, and with openings
to allow the small pieces of paper removed by the perforators to escape.
Figure 13ª shews one such matrix detached. The clearor is also com-
pound, that is to say, consists of a sliding frame or carrier C (Figure 14)
with steady pins to hold thereon in correct position the required corre-
sponding number of clearers proper c, and with an opening to allow the a
punches of the perforators to pass through and act upon the paper to be
punched. Figure 14 shows one such clearer detached. The parts c lie
in a recess in C, the top and bottom surfaces being flush. Figure 14°

page_text: shows a plate or cover C* being also a part of the compound clearer,
the said plate sliding and locking on to pins C provided for the purpose.
The several parts are to be put together for sliding into the machine.
B in B, and C in C and in O*, are holes gauged to correspond exactly
with bolts or fastenings (not shewn) with which the machine is to bo
provided to determine the proper extent of the sliding motion above
referred to.
Figure 15 is a detached view of one of a set of perforators to.
correspond in number and otherwise with the clearers and matrices.
In Figure 12 are to be noted two small plates c³ which serve to
complete the fittings for the compound clearer, and hold it (downwards)
in its place.
My Invention consists in and comprises, thirdly, the application and
use of a removeable carriage for setting up and holding separate dies (or
devices) for the convenience of their being the more readily (by and
with the carriage) inserted into or together withdrawn from a machine.
In practice it is intended that the carriage and the dies should have
fittings properly corresponding with each other, and also that the
carriage and the machine should have seatings or fittings properly
corresponding with each other.
An illustration of my intention is afforded in the Figures 16 and 17,
which shew an improved removeable carriage or bed plate for sliding in
or on to the true bed plate of a machine, and made with dovetailed edges
or fittings at k, k, to correspond with the said true bed plate, and itself
having dovetailed recesses or fittings for receiving a number of separate
dies (or devices) with fittings to correspond.
It is to be understood that any other convenient description of fittings
may be employed.
The dotted lines k in Figure 18 also shew a removeable carriage
or bed plate as above described, and the full lines the side view of a die
placed or slided therein.
Figure 18* is a plan of the die.

page_text: by and along with the plunger, which itself is to be lifted by a spring
provided to the machine or otherwise. A dovetailed or other convenient
fitting may be substituted for the claw and button.
Figure 19 shews a die with different fittings for attaching the per-
forator to the plunger, and with flat springs or wire springs m between
clearer and perforator.
Figure 20 shews a die, the perforator of which is to be pressed upon
but not lifted by the plunger, and having steady pins on the clearer (or
perforator, as the case may be) engaging into holes in the perforator (or
clearer, as the case may be) and around such pins spiral springs m for
lifting the clearer.
In the two last-mentioned cases, springs may be or may not be used with
the plunger of the machine, but the flat, or wire, or spiral springs m, or
any other similar and convenient description of spring between the
clearer and perforator will permit the die to be used by hand, and this is
my special intention in some instances, instead of using a machine for
working it.
Figures 21 and 21* shew fittings applied to separate dies which with-
out the special fittings represented aro intended for use in a removeable
carriage or bed plate and to be worked by a machine, but when these,
fittings are removed and the said fittings applied the said dies may be
worked by hand.
To meet a requirement greatly in demand for commercial purposes my
Invention, fourthly and lastly, consists in and comprises machines or
apparatus for producing the perforations with sets of dies permanently a
fitted to the said machines or apparatus, or changeable at will, the said
machines or apparatus and sets of dies being arranged and fitted up so
that one or other set of dies may be separately brought into action, the
intention being to afford the opportunity of selection in the use of such
sets of dies as are provided. For example, I may wish to perforate the a
combined device consisting of one letter, three numerals, and a mark, as
in Figure 22, producing it by the five separate devices as in Figure 22*.
If now I have a machine or apparatus with dies arranged for producing
the said one letter and the said mark, and any numeral device I can (if
I please) select and separately use in succession those and only those 3
parts proper to the special combined device required to be produced.

page_text: :
And in performing the Invention I contemplate in some cases to
arrange the machine or apparatus and sets of dies thus, namely, with
one continuous matrix and one continuous clearer, each providing
the several devices required (say for instance one letter and all the
numerals) and with separately moveable corresponding perforators.
And also I contemplate in some cases to arrange thus,-namely, with
separate matrices, clearers, and perforators for all the said several devices
respectively.
•
paper
is
Figures 23, 24, and 25 are several views of a machine or apparatus in
further illustration of the said fourth and lastly mentioned improve-
ment, the particular illustration representing the use of separate
matrices, clearers, and perforators respectively, in the case of cach
separate die or device. Any convenient number of dies is to be
employed. A separate lever q is furnished to each die, and the
to be offered to the particular die or dies selected to be used. The levers
act on plungers which work the perforators, and are to be used some-
what similarly to the keys of a musical instrument. In Figure 23 two
descriptions of springs are shown for lifting the plunger, either of which
may be used. Also springs are shown as applied to the perforators of
the dies, but if the perforators be held or carried by the plunger in any
of the ways herein described or represented, or in any other convenient
manner, such lastly mentioned springs will not be required.
•
The Figures 23, 24, 25, also shew the clearers suspended at the front
and by a plate z, which affords great firmness to the apparatus.
In come cases I propose to employ dies mounted in a sliding carriage,
as herein thirdly set forth as a means of performing this fourth im-
provement, the machine being supplied with only one (or more) lever 9,
and plunger instead of with one to each die. Then the carriage con-
taining the dies is to be slided so as to bring the selected die under the
operation of the lever. In all such cases the plunger should be made
with a claw or other convenient fitting to engage with the perforator of
any die, and such perforators should have fittings to correspond. And
the dies for these machines and generally should have springs for lifting
the perforators from the clearers in all cases when the dies are to be used
by hand out of the machines.
The Figures 26 and 27 are introduced as indicating a circular ar-

page_text: rangement or modification of the above-described machine or apparatus,
one lever being available for any of the several dies.
The construction may be varied, either so that the dies may be turned
round or bring any one under the action of the lever, or so that the
lever may be turned round and brought over any particular die.
In all machines and apparatus of the class or description contemplated
under this fourth or last division of the Invention, it is convenient that
each particular die should have an index or label 8 (to correspond with
the numeral or device it is intended to make) as represented in the
several Figures 23 to 27, or some of them.
I would remark generally that (when desired) guide pins are to be
fixed to the perforator, which are to work in or through the clearer, but
not to pass into the matrix, or the guide pins may be fixed to the clearer
and work in or through holes in the perforator. This is illustrated in
connection with spiral springs around the pins in Figures 20 and 23.
I would also remark generally that in cases in which the dies or some
classes of them are liable to be used roughly, whether in a machine or
by hand out of a machine, I purpose constructing the clearers with a
small rib or projection on the under side, touching, or nearly touching,
the matrix, and intended to rest thereon and support the clearer when
the perforator is brought into action. This intention is illustrated at t
in Figures 21 and 21*. Sufficient elasticity or sufficient actual space
must however be left to introduce the paper to be perforated, and I
would also remark that in cases where a thin clearer is desirable, and a
spring is desirable between the clearer and perforator, I purpose some-
times that the spring should be made with holes through it to serve the
double purpose of spring and clearer.
"
. The expressions "top member," "bottom member," " above,"
'below,” and other expressions consistent with them hercin used are not
to exclude a reversed or altered signification as applicable (if cir-
cumstances demand) to upward or other perforating instead of ordinary
downward perforating, nor the movement in any case of the matrices.
and clearers towards the perforators instead of the perforators towards
the matrices and clearers.
I consider that machines with plungers or lifters worked by a cam or
eccentric motion are specially suitable for the use of my Invention with

page_text: or without a feed motion for the paper to be perforated when a serics of
perforations are to be made, and that any convenient, ordinary, or
approved feed motion may be employed.
In witness whereof, I, the said Joseph Sloper have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Third day of June, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-three.
JOSEPH SLOPER. (L.S.)