Improvements in and relating to Sheet Feeding Mechanism for . Printing Machines and the like.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd May, 1899-Accepted, 23rd Sept., 1899
America, Manufacturer.]
Improvements in and relating to Sheet Feeding Mechanism for .
Printing Machines and the like.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent
Agents, 45, Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement
My invention relates to pneumatic sheet-feeding machines, and one of its
objects is to improve such sheet-feeding mechanism. Another object of my
invention is to provide a new and improved means by which the feeding forward
of only one sheet at a time by the pneumatic pickers may be insured.
;
Another object of my invention is to provide new and improved means by
which the rear end of the top one of a pile of sheets may be lifted preparatory
to the feeding forward of the same by the pneumatic pickers engaging the front
end thereof, in such a way that the raising of only one sheet at a time is positively
insured, so that only one sheet may be fed forward by the pneumatic pickers
arranged for that purpose.
Another object of my invention is to provide new and improved means by which
the telescopic pneumatic pickers, by which the sheets are successively fed forward,
may be positively lifted, carrying the sheet, with them, before they begin their for-
ward stroke, in order to feed the sheet forward to the forwarding devices. Another
object of my invention is to provide new and improved mechanism by means of
which, when sheets are fed to the cylinder of a printing press, a correct side
register may be accurately made. Another object of my invention is to provide
new and improved mechanism by means of which, in case the side register above
referred to is not accurately made, the power by which the press is driven may
be shut off and the press braked.
Another object of my invention is to provide new and improved mechanism
by means of which, when sheets are fed forward to a printing press, their leading
edges may be accurately in position to be seized by the grippers of the printing-
press cylinder and in case, through any accident, the leading edge of the sheet
is not in such position, the power by which the press is driven may be auto-
matically shut off and the press automatically brought to a standstill by suitable
brake mechanism. Another object of my invention is to provide means by which.
in case. through any accident, more than one sheet is lifted from the pile and
fed forward by the pneumatic sheet-feeding devices, the sheets may be arrested
before they reach the folder or other delivery devices, and the machine auto-
matically stopped. Another object of my invention is to improve the construction
and operation of pneumatic sheet-feeding machines in sundry details of con-

page_text: struction hereinafter described. I accomplish these objects as hereinafter
specified and us illustrated in the drawings. That which I regard as new will be
Bet forth in the claims.
Referring to the accompanying drawings,—
Figure l'is a side elevation, showing the right-hand side of the machine;
Figure 2 is a side elevation, showing the opposite or left-hand side of the
machine;
Figure 3 is a top or plan view of the entire machine;
Figure 4 is a front elevation of the pneumatic sheet-feeding machine discon-
nected from a press;
Figure 5 is an enlarged detail, being a top or plan view of a portion of the
vacuum pipe on the top of that part of the machine shown in Figure 4, showing
the levers by which the valves are operated;
Figure 6 is an enlarged detail, being a front view of the parts shown in
Figure 5;
Figure 7 is an enlarged detail, being a vertical section on line 7-7 of Figure 6:
Figure S is an enlarged detail, being a top or plan view of a portion of the
side registering mechanism;
Figure 9 is an enlarged detail, being a vertical section on line 9-9 of Figure 8;
Figure 10 is an enlarged detail, being a perspective view of the devices by
which the sheets are pneumatically engaged in the process of securing sido
register, viewed from in front and below:
Figure 11 is an enlarged detail, being a top or plan view of one of the sheet-
forwarding, pneumatic picking devices, and the device by which the same is
positively lifted;
Figure 12 is a side elevation of the same;
Figure 13 is a front elevation of the same, partially in vertical section;
Figure 1 is an enlarged detail, showing the forked arm by which the teles-
copic picker is engaged;
Figure 1 is an enlarged detail, showing the mechanism by which a more
slowly moving tape-carrying roller is actuated by one of the feed-rollers which
forward the sheet after the pickers have delivered it thereto;
Figure 16 is an enlarged detail, being an end view of the lower feed-roller, of
the tape-carrying roller, and the gears connecting the same;
Figure 17 is an enlarged detail, being a view of one of the lever by means of
which the devices for insuring proper register with the grippers of the printing
cylinder, are lifted out of the way of the coming sheet, and the cam by which
said lever is operated:
Figure 18 is an enlarged detail, being a view of the lever operating the side-
registering devices, and the cam by which the said lever is operated;
Figure 19 is an enlarged detail, being a view of the lever by which the valves
leading to the side-registering devices are operated, and the cam for operating
said lever:
Figure 20 is an enlarged detail, being a view of the lever by means of
which the rear picker valves are operated, and the cam for operating said lever;
Figure 21 is an enlarged detail; being side elevation of the devices by which the
registry of the leading edge of the sheet is insured in position to be seized by
the grippers of the printing cylinder, or, in case the sheet is not so delivered, the
machine stopped:
Figure 22 is an enlarged detail, being a top or plan view of the same:
Figure 23 is an enlarged detail, being a front elevation of the same;
Figure 24 is an enlarged detail, being a vertical section on lines 24-24 of
Figure 22:
Figure 25 is an enlarged detail; being a vertical cross section on lines 25-25
of Figure 22;
Figure 26 is an enlarged detail, being a perspective view of the lower portion
of one of the pneumatic pickers, showing the cup which engages the sheet;

page_text: Figure 27 is an enlarged detail, being a vertical section on line 27-27 of
Figure 26;
Figure 27 is an enlarged detail, being an isometrical view of the arms by
which the passage of more than one sheet into the feeding mechanism is prevented;
Figure 27 is a modification, being a side elevation of portions of the machine,
showing a different set of devices for engaging the forward end of the sheet
just before it passes to the delivery cylinder of a press, and automatically stopping
the machine in case of any irregularity in the feed; and
Figure 27 is a modification, being a top or plan view of the same devices shown
in Figure 27b
Referring to the drawings,-
28 Figures 1 to 4 indicates the frame of the pneumatic sheet-feeding mechanism,
and 29 the frame of a printing press, to which the frame 28 is secured by means
of cross bars 30, and carrying a feed table 31. 32 indicates a wheel mounted
upon the driving shaft of the press, to which a brake, hereinafter described, is
applied for the purpose of stopping the press. 33 indicates one of the cylinders
of the printing press, which is provided with ordinary gripper mechanism 207,
Figure 2, which is well known and needs no description here, and may be of
any approved form and character.
31 indicates a sprocket wheel geared upon the driving shaft 35. The wheel 34
is shown as driven by a sprocket chain 36 connected with a sprocket wheel 37
upon the same shaft as the cylinder 33 of the printing press, but it, of course,
may be driven in any other way and by any approved mechanism.
38 indicates a table, upon which is mounted a pile of sheets 39. The table 38
is so mounted as to be automatically raised, carrying with it the pile of sheets 39,
so as to preserve the top of the pile constantly at the same level as the sheets
are fed off from the top. This mechanism may be of any approved form and
construction. As this, however, forms no part of my present invention, it needs
no further description here.
40 indicates a vacuum chamber, in which a vacuum is maintained to the desired
extent by any suitable mechanism, and out of which leads a vacuum tube 41,
which is carried upward to the top of the machine, as best shown in Figure 2, and
is provided with a horizontal extension 42, as best shown in Figures 3, 4 and 6.
43 indicates a vacuum gauge, by which the amount of the vacuum in the cham-
ber 40 and tubes 41 and 42 is indicated, and it may be of any approved form and
construction.
44 indicates a carriage which slides horizontally forward and backward upon
guides 45 upon the frame 28, and consists of slide blocks 46 which slide upon the
guides 45 and are rigidly connected by rods 47. 48 indicates tubes which are
adjustably mounted upon the rods 47 and are connected by flexible tubes 49 with
the horizontal portion 42 of the vacuum tube. The carriage 44 is reciprocated
back and forth upon the guides 46 by means of cams 50 mounted upon the shaft 35,
and by levers 51, the lower ends of which engage with the cams 50, the upper ends
being pivotally connected with the carriage.
It will be noted that a portion of the cam 50, by means of which the carriage 44
is reciprocated, as above described, is a perfect circle, having for its centre the
centre of the shaft upon which the said cam is mounted. It therefore follows that
while the bearing of the roller 51 with said cam is bearing upon that portion of
the cam 50 which is a circle. during the rotation of said cam, the lower end of
the lever is not moved, and that the forward movement of the carriage will not
begin until the circular portion of the cam 50 has completed its bearing upon
the lower end of the lever 51 and the cam portion of said cam begins to operate.
The cam 50 is mounted upon the shaft 35, and its movement is so timed that the
circular portion of said cam begins to bear upon the lower end of the rollers
when the carriage 44 is at the extreme backward limit of its motion, and the
pickers, hereinafter described, have dropped upon the lead end of the top sheet
of the pile; and therefore the said carriage will be held stationary at the rearward

page_text: limit of its motion for a greater or lesser length of time, according to the extent
of the circular portion of said eam 50, thus giving time for the operation of the
pickers hereinafter described before the carriage 44 begins its forward move-
iment, feeding the sheet forward. as hereinafter described.
52 indicates telescopie picker tubes, mounted upon the lower ends of the
tubes 48 and provided at their upper ends with rims or shoulders 58 Figures 12
and 18. 54 indicates cups. preferably formed of rubber or leather, although
they may be formed of any suitable compressible material, and are mounted upon
the lower ends of the telescopic pickers 52. 55 indicates clamps which are mounted
upon each side of the cups 54. One of the clamps 55 upon each cup is screw-
threaded, so as to admit a thumb-screw 50, by the turning of which the distance
between the clamps 55 may be diminished or increased so as to compress or
expand the lower end of the cup 54, as best shown in Figures 26 and 27.
The flexible tubes 49 are connected with the vacuum tube 42 through the
medium of interposed valves 57, which may be of any approved construction, and
are operated simultaneously by a rod 58. connecting cord 59, cam 60, mounted
upon the main shaft 35, and lever 61, which is pivoted upon a rod 62, as is best
shown in Figure 4. One end of the lever engages with the surface of the cam GU,
and the other end is secured to the cord 59. As the lever 61 is moved by the
cam 60, the rod 58 is pulled to the left in Figure 5, opening the valves 57, the
movement being timed as hereinafter described. When the lever GI is released
by the cam 60, a contraction spring 63 returns the rod 5S to its original position.
elusing the valve 57, the timing of which movement is also hereinafter described.
61 indicates cylinders which are mounted on the parallel rods 47 of the
carriage 44, and are connected by flexible tubes 65 with the vacuum tube 42,
through the medium of a valve GG, as is best shown in Figures 5 and 6. The
valve 66 is of any approved form and construction, and is operated by a cam 67,
lever 68, which is mounted upon a shaft 69, and one arm of which hears upon
the cam 67, the other arm being connected with a cord 70 which passes over a
pulley 71 and is connected with the valve 66, as is best shown in Figure 5. As
the cam 67 bears upon the lever GS the rope 70 is pulled to the right in
Figure 5, opening the valve, which is returned to its normal position and closed
by a spring 72. best shown in Figure 5. when the cam is released from the
lever 68. The timing of the opening and closing of the valve GG will be herein-
after described. 73 Figure 18 indicates a piston moving air-tight in the
cylinder 61, and provided with a piston rod 74. 75 indicates a rod the upper end
of which is connected to the upper end of the piston rod 74, and passes downward
through a washer 76 which is mounted upon the upper end of an upright 77
secured to the frame work of the carriage, as is best shown in Figure 13. 78
indicates a compression spring, which bears upon an adjustable washer 79 which is
mounted upon the rod 75 in such a way as to normally hold the rod 75 in the
position shown in solid lines in Figure 13, when there is no vacuum in the cylin
ier 64. The lower end of the rod 75 is bent at right angles, and is provided with
a forked end $0, as is best shown in Figure 14, adapted to engage with the
shoulder 53 of the telescopic picker tube 52. When the valve 66 is open a com-
munication is established between the cylinder 64 and the vacuum tube 42, thus
producing a vacuum in the cylinder 64. The piston 73 is thereupon drawn
down by air pressure against the action of the expansion spring 78. thus lowering
with it the rod 75, and allowing the telescopic picker tube 52 to drop by its own
weight. When the valve 66 is closed, air is admitted below the piston 7 throngh
a small opening which, being small, will allow, in the cylinder 64, a sufficiently
complete vacuin to draw down the piston 78 when communication between it
and the vacuum tube 42.is open, but which, when the connection is closed, will
allow the ingress of air sufficiently for the spring 78 by its expansion to lift the
red 76. and with it, the piston 73, the forks 80 thus engaging with the shoulder 53
of the telescopic picker tube 52, and thus positively lifting the same. The timing
of these movements will hereinafter be described.

page_text: As
82 indicates a valve which communicates with the tube 42 and which may be
of any approved construction. 83 indicates a valve rod, which extends backward,
as shown in Figures 11 and 12, and carries upon its outer end an arm 84.
85 indicates an upright, which is secured to a cross bar SG on the frame 28.
the carriage 44 moves forward, the arm 84 upon the valve rod 83 will be brought
into contact with the upright 85, and the valve 82 thereby opened, so as to admit
air into the tube 48. The timing of this movement will be hereinafter described.
The operation of the devices so far described is as follows:
As the carriage 44 is at the rearward limit of its motion, the valves connecting
the tubes 48 with the vacuum tube 42 being closed, the valve 66 is opened, by
the operation of the cams and levers above described, thus establishing com-
munication between the cylinder 64 and the vacuum tube 42. By means of the
air pressure thus caused above it, as above described, the piston 73 descends,
carrying with it the rod 75, as above described, allowing the telescopic picker
tubes 52 to drop upon the surface of the top sheet near its forward edge. There-
upon the valves 57 are opened, by the operation of the cams and levers above de-
Ecribed, the movements of which are so timed as to open the valves 57 at this
moment. Communication is thus established between the tube 48 and the vacuum,
tube 42, which causes the cups 54 to engage with the surface of the paper. By
the pressure of air below, the telescopic picker tubes 52 thereupon will ordinarily
rise, carrying with them the sheet of paper. To insure this operation, however, as
soon as the cups 54 have, engaged the paper by the vacum in said cups, the
valve 66 is closed, by the operation of the cam and lever above described, which
are timed to so operate. Immediately, air passing into the cylinder 64 through
the small opening S1, causes the piston 72 to be lifted by the operation of the
expansion spring 78, lifting the rod 75, and,, the forks 80 engaging with the
shoulder 53 of the telescopic picker tube 52, positively raise the said picker
tube 52. Owing to the shape of the cam 50, as above described, and to its having
a portion of its bearing-surface circular, the carriage during the above described
operation will be held stationary at the rearward limit of its motion. As the
picker tube 52 is raised, as above described, the circular portion of the cam
ceases its learing, and the cam-bearing upon the lower end of the lever 51 begins,
and thereupon, by the operation of said cam upon the lower end of the lever 51,
the carriage is moved forward. The cams
and levers above described,
which open the valves 57, are so arranged as to keep the valve 57
open during the forward movement of the carriage until it reaches
the forward limit of its motion. Thereupon, by the operation of said cams and
levers, the valve 57 is closed. Just as the carriage reaches this position, how-
ever, the arm 84 coming in contact with the upright 85 has opened the valve 82.
as above described, so as to permit access of air into the tube 48. Freed thus
from the pressure of air below it, the sheet is freed from engagement with the
eups 54. The carriage 44 thereupon is moved backward, by the operation of the
cains and levers above described, to its extreme rearward position.
87-88. as is best shown in Figure 1, indicate feed-rollers, which are driven
in any appropriate manner from the driving shaft of the machine. They are
shown in Figure 2 as driven by a sprocket wheel S9 and sprocket chain 90. These
feed rollers are of the ordinary well known kind. and are adapted to engage the
lead edge of the sheet between them and feed it forward. The position of the
feed rollers 87-88 is such, and the movement of the carriage is such, that the
lead edge of the sheet is fed, by the operation of the pneumatic pickers above
described, between the feed rollers S7 and SS, and the sheet is released from the
pneumatic pickers as above described, just as its lead edge enters the bite of
the feed rollers.
91 indicates a tape-carrying roller, which is journalled in the framework 28
of the machine, and carries tapes 92 Figure 3. by which the sheets are fed forward.
Referring to Figures 15 and 16. 93 indicates a gear wheel, which is keyed or
otherwise rigidly secured to the shaft of the feed-roller SS. 94 indicates an idler

page_text: The
gear, which meshes with the gear 93 and is journalled upon the frame 28.
gear 94 is larger and contains more teeth than the gear 93. 95 indicates a gear
which is rigidly secured upon the same shaft as the gear 94 and rotates with it.
and contains a fewer number of teeth than the gear 94. 96 indicates a gear
which is keyed or otherwise rigidly secured to the shaft of the tape-roller 91,
and contains a greater number of teeth than the gear 94. 97 indicates a sprocket
wheel which is driven from the sprocket wheel 89 by means of the sprocket
chain 90. It will be obvious from this construction that the feed-rollers 87-88,
being driven from the gear wheel 89 by means of the sprocket chain 90, sprocket
wheel 97 and intermediate gears 94 and 95 operating upon the gear 93, will be
driven at considerably greater speed than the tape-carrying roller 91. The reason
for this is that the tapes 92, being carried at a lower surface speed than the feed-
rollers S7--SS will carry the sheet forward at a diminished speed after the sheet
has left the feed-rollers 87-SS, so that it may not be thrown too rapidly into
connection with the front-registering devices and automatic stopping devices
hereinafter described. I have found that the proportion of difference between
the speed of the feed-rollers and of the tapes, in practice, should be about that
illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, and shown by the different sized gears therein
illustrated. It may, however, vary in practice according to the nature of the
work which is being done and the character of paper which is being fed; the
essence of my invention in this respect being to have the carrying tapes 92 move
nt a surface speed not so great as that of the feed-rollers 87-88, for the purposes
above mentioned. The carrying tapes 92 may be of any approved kind and
method of operation and forward the sheets to the front-registering and auto-
matic-stopping devices hereinafter described.
It has been somewhat difficult, in prior machines of this character, to insure
the proper feeding forward of only one sheet at a time by the pneumatic pickers
above described, and I have found, in practice, that devices and adjustments that
will feed forward with certainly a single sheet of one thickness or a certain
quality of paper, will not accurately feed forward paper of a different quality.
It is to assist in positively securing this that I have devised the form of cups upon
the pickers above described. To insure, however, positively, the accurate feeding
of only one sheet at a time, and to prevent two sheets, or even more, being lifted
by the pneumatic action of the front pickers above described, I have devised the
following mechanism:
98 Figures 1 to 6 indicates flexible tubes which communicate with the vacuum
tube 12 through the medium of interposed valves 99 Figures 5 and 6. The
valves 99 may be of any approved form and construction, and are operated by a
rod 100 connected by arms 101 to valve stems 102, as is best shown in Figure 5.
The rod 100 is connected to a cord 103 which passes over a pulley 104 and is con-
nected to one end of a lever 105 Figures 4 and 20 which is journalled in the
frame 28, and the other end of which is operated by a cam 100 keyed or otherwise
rigidly secured to the shaft 35 of the machine. The shape of this cam is peculiar,
and is best shown in Figure 20. As will be seen by reference to Figure 20, the
cum 106 is of such shape as to first bear in its rotation upon the lever 105 so as to
move its lower end outward and retain it in its outer position momentarily, thus
opening the valves 99 for a comparatively short interval. As the cam rotates, its
first and shorter bearing surface is freed from the lever 105, and, immediately
upon leaving its shorter bearing surface, the rod 100 is returned to its former
position by means of retractile springs 107, Figure 5, closing the valves 99.
Almost immediately the second and long bearing surface is brought to bear upon
the lever 105, the valves 99 are again opened and held open for a comparatively
long time as the second and long bearing surface passes beyond the lever, the
lever is freed from that bearing and the valve rods again move to the left in
Figure 5 by the operation of the spring 107, again closing the valves. The re-
mainder of the cam, as shown in Figure 20, is circular, so that the lever is not

page_text: thrown outwards, and the valves consequently remain closed until the first and
short bearing surface again bears upon the lever, as above described.
The flexible tubes 98 are connected with tubes 108 which are carried by suit-
able supports 109 upon the frame 28, immediately over the rear end of the pile
of sheets 39 Figure 1. 110 indicates telescopic picker tubes slidingly mounted
upon the tubes 108, and having upon their lower ends cups 54, which are pre-
ferably like the cups above described, best shown in Figures 26 and 27, and are
preferably provided also with clamps 55 and thumb screws 56, for purposes of
adjustment above described.
111 indicates a force pump which is mounted upon the frame 28 and is driven
in any appropriate manner. The way in which I prefer to drive it is that shown
in Figure 2, that is, by the sprocket wheel 89, a sprocket chain 112 and sprocket
wheel 113. It may, however, be driven in any other appropriate way. 114 in-
dicates flexible tubes which are connected with the force pump 111, are carried
upon the frame 28, and are provided upon their ends furthest from the pump
with blowers 115 which are supported upon suitable supports 208 from the frame
of the machine 28, and have their blowing nozzles located behind the pile of
sheets and just above the level of the top of the pile, as is best shown in Figure 2.
The operation of the pump 111 is to blow a continuous blast of air through the
tubes 114 and blowers 115 toward the pile of sheets.
The above devices co-operate with the pneumatic sheet-forwarding devices above
described, and their co-operative action is as follows:-
As soon as the carriage 44, which carries the pneumatic pickers
above described, has advanced in its forward movement above described,
carrying the sheet with it, a sufficient distance to free the rear of
the sheet which is being forwarded from the rear of the sheet
immediately below it and leave a portion of the rear end of the sheet below it
exposed, the bearing surface of the cam 106 being free from the lever 105 and
the valves 99 being closed, the rear telescopic picker-tubes 110 fall by their
weight, as above described, upon the rear end of the stationary sheet behind the
rear end of the front sheet which is being forwarded by the pneumatic forwarding-
devices above described, and remain so resting upon the sheet until the shorter
bearing surface of the cam 106 bears upon the lever 105, the movements of the cam
106 and lever 105 being correspondingly timed. As the shorter bearing surface of the
cam 106 bears upon the lever 105, the valves 99 are opened, as above described. The
valves 99 being open, communication is at once established between the vacuum
tube 42 and the rear picker-tube 110. As there is always more or less air between
the superposed sheets of the pile 39, the air pressure below will at once cause the
upper surface of the sheet to engage with the cups 54 upon the rear telescopic
picker-tubes 110, and will cause said telescopic tubes 110 to at once rise upon
the tubes 108, lifting the rear end of the sheet with them. The construction
and shape of the cups 54 upon the rear picker-tubes 110, being that best shown
in Figures 26 and 27, cause the sheet engaged thereby to "crimp" by the engage-
ment of said cups with said sheet. It sometimes happens that more than one
sheet will be engaged and lifted by the action of the cups 54 upon the rear picker-
tubes 110 in this first lifting of the rear end of the sheet. It will
he obvious that the rear end of the sheet is lifted and is held in
its raised position by air pressure, as above described, only as long as the shorter
hearing surface of the cam 106 engages with the lever 105. As this shorter bear-
ing surface of the cam 106 is freed from the lever 105, as above described, the
valves 99 are closed by the action of the spring 107, as above described, and the
sheet, by this shutting off of the communication with the vacuum chamber. is
freed from the pickers 110 and falls. the pickers 110 dropping with the sheet by
their own weight. As was said above, the operation of the cups 54 upon the
sheet in their first lifting is to slightly crimp" the paper, and this
being caused by a slight sideways movement of the top sheet upon the sheet below
4:
crimp
29

page_text: "
it, will be confined to the top sheet alone, and this "crimping" or slight rumpling
of the top sheet remains. The carriage 44 being in its rearward position, the
long bearing surface of the cam 106 comes at once into operation, again opens
the valve 99 and establishes communication with the vacuum tube 42. The
cups 54 upon the rear picker-tubes 110 immediately engage the sheet by air
pressure, and the pickers, through the same air pressure, again rise, carrying with
them the sheet. Inasmuch as the top sheet has been crimped or slightly
rumpled, as above described, the air gains access below the sheet through this
"erimping" thereof, and, upon this second rising of the picker tubes 110, will
with certainly cause only one sheet to adhere to the cups 54 upon the rear picker-
tubes 110. The blowers 115, blowing a constant current of air, as above described.
forward toward the front of the pile of sheets, blow a current of air under the top
sheet, held in its raised position for a comparatively long interval of time, assisting
in its separation from the sheet below it from the rear to the forward edge of the
sheet, which has in the meantime become engaged with the front pickers, ag
above described. This second opening of the valves 99 is, as has been said above,
much longer than the first opening of said valves. The operation of the cam 106
is so timed with reference to the operation and movements of the carriage 44,
and with the movement and operation of the rod 75, piston rod 74 and piston 73,
that during the second lifting of the rear end of the sheet, as above described, com-
munication between the front pickers 52 and the vacuum tube 42 is opened, the
rod 75 is raised by the operation of the spring 78, as above described, the pickers 52
are raised, lifting the front edge of the sheet with them, and, as the valves 99
are closed the second time and the sheet freed from engagement with the rear
pickers 110, as above described, the carringe 44 begins its forward movement,
feeding the sheet forward, as above described, into the bite of the feed-rollers
87-SS, as above described. The lever 105 being, as above described, freed from
the operation of the longer bearing surface of the cam 106, the valves 99 are
closed, shutting off communication between the rear pickers 110 and the vacuum
chamber 40, and the rear pickers tubes, freed from the sheet with which they have
just been engaged, and which has been carried forward by the operation of the
front pneumatic forwarding-devices, as above described, drop by their own weight
upon the top surface of the pile of sheets below, near the rear edge thereof, as
above described.
208 Figures 1 and 3, indicates a sleeve which is mounted upon a suitable
shaft 209, which is carried by the frame-work 29. The sleeve 208 is provided
with a set-screw 210 by means of which it can be adjustably mounted upon the
shaft 209. The sleeve 208 carries an arm 211, which, when the sleeve is mounted
in position, projects forward and slightly upward, and can be adjusted by the
set-screw 210 so that its forward end lies nearly on a level with the top of the
tapes 92, as is best shown in Figures 2 and 27. The sleeve 208 is provided with
a second arm 212, which carries at its upper end a rod 213. 214 indicates an
arm which is adjustably mounted, by means of a set-screw 215, upon the arm 213.
When the arm 214 is in position it projects forward and downward, with its
forward end close to and in alignment with the forward end of the arm 211, as is
best shown in Figure 27. The arms 211 and 214 are bevelled to form knife
edges upon their opposing surfaces, and are inclined toward one another, as is
best shown in Figure 27. In the operation of the machine the arms 211 and 214
will be so adjusted that the space between the bevelled or knife edges, at their
forward ends, is just sufficient to allow a single sheet of paper, to pass freely
between them. This distance will, of course, be varied, according to the thick-
ness of the paper which is being fed to the machine. By this construction, it
will be seen that a sheet of paper of such thickness as to just pass freely between
the opposing bevelled edges at their forward points will pass through without
hindrance, and that the knife edges opposing one another at a point only, will
cut or crease through any slight irregularities in the thickness of the paper or any
slight roughness upon the surface thereof, and will still allow the paper to pass

page_text: freely between them. If however, through any accident in the operation of the
feeding devices above described, two sheets should be fed forward, they cannot
both pass through between the arms or jaws 211 and 214, and will be held thereby
and prevented from passing down into the machine, and the machine in such
case, no paper being fed forward, will be automatically stopped by the devices
hereinafter described.
The above description applied to the operation of the pneumatic sheet-forwarding
devices when used, for instance, for forwarding sheets into an ordinary folder, or
some similar machine. When, however, these sheet-forwarding devices are to
be used in connection with a printing-press, and for forwarding sheets into a
press to be printed, it becomes necessary to insure their accurate delivery in
proper register, both laterally and longitudinally, to the cylinder of the press, and
also to provide means by which, in case, through any accident, a proper lateral
register is not insured, or a proper register in exact position to be seized by the grip-
pers of the printing cylinder is not secured, the press may be automatically stopped.
The following described devices are new and improved mechanism by which these
results may be more perfectly secured. As was said above, 29 indicates the frame
of a press, connected by bars 30 with the frame 28, and carrying a feed table 31,
and provided with a gripper cylinder 33. Such presses as that indicated are now
very ordinarily driven by electricity, and I have shown in Figure 2, for the sake
of illustrating the operation of the hereinafter described devices, a switch-board 116
having contact devices 117 and a lever 118, by the movement of which the con-
nection with the dynamo is turned on or shut off, and which may be of any
approved construction. The press may, however, be otherwise driven, and the
power by which the press is driven shut off or turned down on by any other well
known or approved mechanism.
119 indicates a bar which is slidingly mounted in the table 31 in a suitable
slot 120 therein, so that its top surface is flush with the surface of the table, and
so as to slide freely longitudinally of itself therein. The position of this bar 119
in the slot 120 is best shown in Figures 8 and 9. 121 Figure 2 indicates a hell
crank lever which is pivotally mounted upon a bracket 122 upon the table 31.
One arm of the bell crank lever 121 is secured to a cord 128. the other end of
which is secured to the upper end of a lever 124 which is jour-
nalled in suitable bearings on the frame 28. and the other end of which
is operated by a cam 125 keyed upon the main shaft 35, as is best shown in
Figure 18. When the bearing surface of the cam 125 comes into operative
position the lever 124 operates to pull the cord 123, move the bell crank lever 121,
the other arm of which is connected to the slide bar 119, and thus move the
slide bar 119 to the right in Figure S, the same being to the left in Figure 3.
When the lever 124 is freed from the bearing surface of the cam 125 the slide
bar 119 is returned to its former position by a retractile spring 126. (See
Figure 3.) I have shown in Figure 4 two levers 124 and cams 125. one upon each
side of the machine, and have indicated in dotted lines on Figure 3 the bell crank
lever 121, bracket 122 and cord 12%. In operation only the lever and cam upon
one side of the machine will be used. The bracket 122, bell crank lever 121 and
cord 12 may be shifted to the other side of the machine, as indicated, so as to
operate the slide bar 119 from the other side, in which case the spring 126 will
also be shifted to the other side of the machine. The object of this will be herein-.
after stated. The lateral movement of the bar 119 is controlled by a shoulder 127.
best shown in Figures S and 9, and this shoulder may be adjusted in any position
within desired limits, by means of a screw-threaded rod 128, preferably formed
integral therewith, as is best shown in Figures 8 and 9. although it may, of
course, be rigidly secured thereto. The screw-threaded rod 128 passes through
a thumb-nut 129 and lock-nut 130. by the turning of which the desired adjustment
may be secured. One of the adjustable shoulders is placed upon each side of the
machine in the slot 120. the object of the shoulder being to limit the return
motion of the slide bar 119 by means of the spring 126 to a proper position to

page_text: insure lateral registry of the sheets, as above described. 131 (see Figures 8, 9
and 10) indicates a guide, which is removable secured to the slide bar 119 by a
thumb-screw 132 which engages threaded openings 133 in said slide bar 119. The
guide BI is provided with a shoulder 134 adapted to engage with one side edge
of the sheet, as hereinafter described, and is preferably provided with an upturned
and rounded portion 135, so that the sheets fed down by the tapes may be guided
beneath it. The guide 131 is provided with a socket 136 which is adapted to
receive a flexible tube 137 by means of a suitable air-tight connection 137, and
is also provided with openings 131" opening out of the bottom of the socket 136
upon the lower surface of the guide, as is best shown in Figure 10. The Rexible
tube 137 is connected with a valve 138, as is best shown in Figures 2 and 3, and
the valve BS is connected by tubes 189-140 with the vacuum tube 41, as is best
shown in Figure 2. The valve 138 may be of any approved form and construction,
and is operated by a cam 141 Figures 4 and 19 which is keyed to the shaft 35,
and lever 142 having an arm 143 which bears upon the cam 141, and the arm 144
which is connected by a cord 145 with the valve stem. As the cam 141 rotates
the lever 142 is rocked, pulling the cord 145, and thus opening the valve 138.
As the cam surface censes to bear, the valve 138 is closed by a suitable spring 146.
When the valve 138 is opened it will be seen that communication is at once
established between the vacuum chamber and the tube 137 opening into the
socket 136 of the guide 131.
147 Figure 2 indicates a cylinder which is mounted upon the frame 29, and is
provided with a suitable air-tight piston moving therein, which has a piston
rol 148. The cylinder 147 leads by an open connection 149 into the tube 140
which communicates with the vacuum tube 41. There is thus always a vacuum
above the piston in the cylinder 147, operating by the pressure of air below it to
hold the piston in the upper end of the cylinder 147, the piston rod 148 leing
in the position shown in Figure 2, except when open to access of air above the
piston, as hereinafter described. 150 indicates a valve, of any approved con-
struction, having a valve rod 151, and communicating by means of a tube 152
with the tube 140, and thus with the vacuum tube 41. 153 indicates a chain or
other flexible connection, one end of which is connected with the valve stem 151.
and the other end with the lower end of the piston rod 148, passing over a
pulley 154, as is best shown in Figure 2. 155 indicates an expansion spring
which bears upon the lower end of the cylinder 147 and upon a lug 156 carried
upon the piston rod 148, and operating, when air is admitted above the piston
in the cylinder, 147, to force the rod 148 downward and thus, through the medium
of the flexible connection 153 with the valve stem 151, to open the valve 150.
157 indientes a cylinder which is secured to the frame 29, and is provided with
a suitable piston within having a piston rod 158 which is connected by a link 150
with the lever 118, as is best shown in Figure 2. The cylinder 157 is connected by
means of tubes 160-161 with the valve 150), as is best shown in Figure 2.
162 indicates a cylinder which is mounted upon the frame 29, and is provided
with a suitable piston within, having a piston rod 163, one end of which connects
with a rock shaft 164 having an arm 15 which is connected with the outer end
of the piston rod 163. 166 indicates a retractile spring, one end of which is
connected with the upper end of the arm 165, and the other end with the floor
or bed-plate upon which the machine rests, as is best shown in Figures 1 and 2.
167 (see Figure 1) indicates a bell rank lever which is pivotally mounted in
suitable bearings 168 secured to the floor or bed-plate of the machine and having
a long arm 169) and short 170. The long arm 169 is connected with a chain 171,
which is wound around the rock shaft 164 and secured thereto. 172 indicates
a brake which is adapted to bear upon the wheel 32 and is connected at one end
with the short arm 170 of the bell crank lever 167, and at the other end with
a suitable support 173 secured to the floor or bed-plate of the machine. I have
shown this form of brake in Figure 1, and it is the form that I prefer to use.
It is obvious, however, that any other well known form of brake might be used,

page_text: and I do not limit myself to the use of the form shown. The cylinder 162 is
connected by means of a pipe 17-4 with a valve 175 which is provided with a valve
stem 176. and may be of any approved form and construction. The valve 175
is connected by means of a pipe 177 with the pipe 161. as is best shown in
Figure 2. 178 indicates a flexible connection, one end of which is secured to
the piston rod 158 and the other to the valve stem 176.
179 indicates a rock shaft which is journalled in suitable bearings above the
table 31, as is best shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, and in detail Figures 21 to 25
inclusive, and has rock arms 180-181, the arms 181 being secured to the rock
shaft 179 by a set-screw 182. as is best shown in Figures 21 and 22. The arm 180,
as is best shown in Figure 1, is connected by means of a cord 183 to a lever 184
which is journalled in suitable bearings in the frame 28, and the lower end of
which engages with a cam 185 Figure 4 which is keyed upon the main shaft 35.
186 Figures 3. 21, 22 and 24 indicates air tubes which are mounted in sleeves
18. The sleeves 187 are rotatably carried upon the rock shaft 179, as is best
shown in Figure 24. A portion of the rear end of the tubes 186 is screw-threaded,
as is best shown in Figures 21 and 22. ISS indicates thumb nuts which engage
with the screw-threaded portions of the tubes 186. 189 indicates split sleeves
which are mounted upon the tubes 186, so that the tubes 186 pass freely there-
through, and are provided with hugs 190 projecting from one side thereof, as
is best shown in Figures 21 to 25 inclusive, and are secured upon the tubes 186
by means of thumb screws 191, as is best shown in Figure 25. 192 indicates a
bearing which is rotatably mounted by means of a pin 193 in the outer end
of the arm 181, and is secured therein by means of a split pin 194, as is best
shown in Figures 21, 23 and 25. 195 indicates thumb screws which are carried
in suitable openings in the bearings 192, their lower ends being screw-threaded
and engaging with suitable screw-threaded openings in the lugs 190*, as is best
shown in Figures 21, 23 and 25. 196 indicates flexible pipes which communicate
with and open into the valve BS. 197 indicates bent arms which are secured
upon the tubes 1St near their forward ends by set-screws 198, as is best shown
in Figures 21 and 22. 199 indicates levers which are pivotally mounted upon
the lower ends of the bent arms 197, as is hest shown in Figure 21. The longer
arms of the levers 199 are provided at their upper ends with caps 200, preferably
formed integral therewith, as is best shown in Figures 21 and 23, though they
may, of course, be secured thereto in any appropriate manner, and adapted, when
brought in contact therewith, to close the forward ends of the tubes 186. As
will be seen in Figure 21, the journaled ends of the bent arms 197 which support
the levers 199 are a short distance back of the forward ends of the tubes 18ti, so
that the levers 199 will, until acted upon by the sheets as hereinafter described,
fall backward by their own weight into the position indicated by dotted lines in
Figure 21. being prevented from falling further back by a stop 201 mounted
upon the bent arm 197. The short armis of the levers 199 are provided with
rods 202 having adjustable counterpoises 203 mounted thereon, and adjustably
secured thereto by set-screws 201. The weight of the counterpoises and their
position upon the rods 202 are such as to allow the levers 199 to fall backward
into the position indicated by dotted lines in Figure 21. but at the same time
to counterbalance their weight in such a way that the forward thrust of the sheet
of paper against the lower ends of the levers 199, as the sheets are carried down
by the tapes, will be sufficient to throw the lower and short arms of said levers 199
forward, bringing the caps 200 in contact with the forward ends of the tubes 186,
as is shown in solid lines in Figure 21. which shows the sheet with its forward
edge bearing upon the lower arms of the levers 199. The lower arms of the
levers 199 are also provided with bent guides 205, which operate to insure the
bringing of the forward ends of the sheets against the lower ends of the levers 199
and to close the tubes 186 with the caps 200, as above described. These levers 199
coming in contact with the forward ends of the sheets, as above and as hereinafter
described, operafe as forward guides to deliver the oncoming sheet accurately and

page_text: in register with guides of the printing cylinder 33, which are of the ordinary
form and construction such as are always found in printing presses, and which
operate to insure the forward edge of the sheet being in exact alignment to be
seized by the grippers 207 of the printing cylinder when they come into operative
position. To insure this proper delivery of the forward end of the sheet in
position to be seized by the grippers 207, (which, being of the ordinary and
usual construction, need not be further described) it is necessary that the lower
ends of the layers 199, at the point at which the forward end of the sheet engages
them, should be in alignment with the printing-press guides. It is also necessary
that the lower ends of the levers should be vertically adjustable. To that end 1
have provided the tubes 186 with the screw-threaded portions, the nut 188, the
split sleeve 189, set-screw 194 and the respective bearings thereof, above described.
In order to adjust the lower ends of the levers 199 vertically, the set-screw 194
is turned, thus by its engagement with the lug 190 lifting the tube 186, and with
it the levers 199, to the desired position, the thumb screw 194 bearing upon
the bearing 192 carried in the armi 181, as above described. It will be obvious
that when the screw 194 is turned in the opposite direction, the forward end
of the arm 186 will fall of its own weight as the screw is turned. To longi-
tudinally adjust the tube 186, and with it the levers 199, the thumb nut ISS is
turned, which, engaging with the screw-threaded portion of the rod 186, hears
against either the sleeve 187 or the split sleeve 189, according to the direction in
which the nut is turned, moving the tube 186 longitudinally the required dis-
taner, through the sleeves 187 and 189, forward or backward according to the
direction in which the thumb nut ISS is turned.
The operation of the devices last above described is as follows:-
The sheet fel forward by the pneumatic sheet-forwarding devices above
described, into the bite of the rollers S7 and SS, is by them fed upon the feed
tapes 92. and carried forward down the table 31 above the slide bar 119, until
its forward edge engages with the lower arm of the lever 199, throwing it forward
and closing the ends of the tubes 186 by the caps 200. The forward end of the
sheet is then, as above described, in alignment with and against the guides
of the press, in accurate position to be seized by the grippers 207 of the cylinder
33 when they come into operative position. I will be noticed here that as the
lower arm of the lever 199 is considerably shorter than the other, a very slight
movement of the paper against it will operate to close the tubes 186 by the
caps 200; and thaf, on the other hand, if the forward edge of the sheet of paper
is a very slight distance away from the lower ends of the levers 199 at the time
that the grippers 207 come into operative position, the tubes ISG will not be closed
by the caps 200. I have found in practice that the proper proportion between
the two arms of the lever, in order to make it best operative, should be about
that shown in detail Figures 21 and 23. The sheet being thus in position, with
its forward edge in accurate alignment against the lower ends of the levers 199,
and with the caps 200 closing the tubes 186, the cam 125 bearing upon the
lever 124 operates to move the bar 119 longitudinally to the right in Figure 8.
thus bringing the shoulder 134 of the guide 1935 info contact with the sides of
the sheet, and moving the sheet bodily over to the right in Figures 8 and 9, being
to the left in Figure 3. As soon as the slide bar 119 has reached the limit of
its motion in that direction, the cam 141 is so timed as to operate the arm 143
of the lever 142, and, by means of the armis 144 and cord 145, to open the valve
138, thus establishing connection between the openings 18" in the guide 131
and the vacuum tube 41, through the medium of the Tubes 139 and 140, above
described. The pressure of the air at once causes the sheet to adhere to the
lower surface of the guide 131, and the lever 124 being at the same time freed
from the hearing of the cam 125, the spring 126 returns the slide bar 119 to
its original position against the shoulder 127, which is adjusted, as above
described, by means of the screw-threaded rod 128, thumb nut 129 and lock
nut 130, in such position that when the slide bar 119 is against the shoulder 127

page_text: the side edge of the sheet is in accurate lateral alignment with the printing press.
The bearing surface of the cam 141 is then freed from the arm 143 of the
lever 142, the valve 138 is closed, and the sheet freed from engagement with
the guide 131. All these movements are so timed that as the sheet is freed from
pneumatic engagement with the guide 131 the grippers 207 of the press come
into operative position and seize the leading end of the sheet.
In order to accommodate the devices above described to varying widths of paper,
I construct the guide 131 so as to be capable of being mounted at different
points upon the slide bar 119, by means of the thumb screw 132 and screw-
threaded holes 133, above described. It is sometimes desirable to make the
register from the other side of the press from that shown in solid lines in the
figures and to that end the guide 131 may be turned around and secured to
the other end of the slide bar 119, in which case the cord 123 will be disconnected
from the left-hand side, in which it is shown in Figure 3, and connected upon
the right-hand side, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 3, the bell crank lever 121
being mounted upon the right-hand side and the spring 126 upon the left-hand
side of the machine, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 3.
In case, through any accident, a sheet is not delivered so as to be engaged by
air pressure with the guide 131, as above described, the operation of the devices
above described will be as follows:-
When the valve 138 is opened, as above described, there being no sheet below
the openings 131 in the guide 131 so as to close said openings by the engagement
of the sheet with the lower surface of the guide, the air from the outside will
pass through the openings 131, and, the valve 138 being open, will pass through
the pipe 139 into the cylinder 147 above the piston, thus permitting the spring
155 to force the piston rod 148 downward. As the downward movement of the
piston rod 148 continues, the flexible connection 153 is made taut, operating
upon the valve rod 151 and opening the valve 150. The valve 150 being open,
communication is established between the cylinder 157, through the pipes 160,
161, 140 and 41, with the vacuum chamber 40, causing a vacuum in the rear end
of said cylinder 151, and drawing the piston inwards. By means of the connec
tion 159 between the piston rod 158 and the lever 118 the power is shut off from
the machine. As the piston rod 158 passes still further inward after shutting
off the power, the chain 178, operating through the valve rod 176, opens the
valve 175. thus establishing connection between the cylinder 162 and the vacuum
chamber 40, by means of the pipes 174 and 177, through the open valve 150 and
pipe 140 to the pipe 41. A vacuum being thus established in the forward end
of the cylinder 162 the piston contained therein is drawn inward, thus pulling
forward the arm 165 of the rock shaft 164, and tightening the brake 172 upoň
the wheels 82, and stopping the press.
In case the lead edge of the sheet, through some accident, does not come far
enough forward to engage with the lower ends of the levers 199 so as to be,
as above described. in accurate alignment with the guides upon the press and in
position to be seized by the grippers, the operation is as follows:-
The lead edge of the sheet not coming far enough down to engage with the
lower ends of the levers 199, there is nothing to throw the lower ends forward
and to close the ends of the tubes 186 by means of the caps 200, and the levers 199
remain in their normal position, shown in dotted lines in Figure 21. When
therefore the valve BBS is opened by the devices above described, for the purpose
of making side registry of the sheets, as above described, the air passes from
the outside into the open ends of the tubes 186 through the valve BS, through
the tube 139 above the piston in the cylinder 147. Freed thus from the vacuum
above it, the spring 155 forces the piston rod 148 downward, and the power by
which the press is driven is automatically thrown off. and the press braked in
the same manner as last above described.
As I have said above, I have indicated in the drawings electrical shut-off
devices 116, 117, 118, in case the machine is driven by electricity, which is the

page_text: method of driving it which I prefer to use. I do not wish to confine myself,
however, to these devices, as it is obvious that the machine could be driven in
any other suitable way by any other appropriate power, and the power could be
shut out of operation by any appropriate device connected with the devices which
I have described. For instance, the piston rod 158 could be connected with any
suitable belt-shifting mechanism such as that hereinafter described.
Figures 27 and 27%, as stated above, illustrate a modification of the devices
above described, and other means for insuring a proper registry of the sheets in
position to be seized by the grippers 207, and for automatically stopping the
machine in case the sheet fed forward should not be in necurate alignment and
registry to be seized by the said grippers.
Referring to said figures.-216 indientes a cylinder carried on a tube 217 which
connects with the vacuum chamber 40 and has open communication therewith.
The cylinder 216 is provided with a suitable piston moving air-tight within it
and having a piston rod 218, the cylinder 216 being left open at the bottom so
as to permit free access of air below the piston. 219 indicates a spring carried
by the piston rod 218, and operating, when allowed to freely exert its force, to
draw the piston rod downward, and with it the piston. toward the lower end of
the evlinder 216. Unless air, however, is admitted into the cylinder 216 above
the piston, as hereinafter described, the free communication of said cylinder
with the vacuum chamber 40 causes the pressure of the air below the piston to
overcome the pressure of the spring 219 and force the piston upward in the
cylinder. 220 indicates a valve communicating with the cylinder 216 between
it and its opening into the tube 217, and normally closed by the operation of a
spring 221. 222 indicates a toggle lever connected with the valve stem of said
valve 220. 223 indicates a cord connected at one end with the toggle lever 222
and at the other end with the piston rod 218.
224 indicates a pipe connecting said valve 220 with a cylinder 220. The
cylinder 225 carries a piston moving airtight within it, and provided with a
piston rod 226 which is connected by a cord 227 with a lever 228 which is pivotally
mounted upon the frame 29. The lever 228 is connected at its lower end with
a lever 220 which is pivotally mounted upon any suitable support in the machine,
and carries at its other end a belt-shifter 240 which is adapted to engage with
the driving belt 231 which operates the driving pulley 232.
In case, for any reason, a sheet of paper fails to come forward so as to be
engaged by air pressure above the openings 11 in the guide 131, above described,
and mounted upon the movable har 119 above described, in proper position to
be seized by the said bar, as above described, air will he admitted through the
said openings, as above described, causing the admission of air into the cylinder
216 above the piston, which is then forced downward by the operation of the
spring 219, thus opening the valve 220. This causes a communication between
the vacuum chamber 40 and the cylinder 225, and the air pressure forces the
piston in said cylinder 225 backward, drawing with it the piston rod 226, by
the cord 27. The lever 228 is thus vibrated. vibrating with it the lever 229,
and the bell-shifter 230 engaging with the belt. 231, the said belt 231 is moved
off from the driving pulley 232, and the machine is stopped.
233 indicates tubes which are mounted so as to swing freely laterally on
supports 234 which are carried upon the framework 29. "as is best shown in
Figures 27 and 27° 245 indicates guides which control the swinging of the
Tubes 23 in such a way as to limit their lateral movement to conform with the
lateral movement of the sliding bar 119. The tubes 233 are provided at their
lower ends with shoes 236 which are extended rearward and are slightly turned
upward to guide the forward edge of the sheet of paper beneath them. The
tubes 233, when in position, hang as is shown in Figure 27, above the cylinder 3
and close to the grippers 207 when said grippers come into operative position.
The tubes 233 are connected by flexible tubes 287 with the valve 13S, above
described, in such a way that when the said valve 13S is opened the tubes 233

page_text: are put in connection with the vacuum chamber 40. The operation of these
tubes is as follows:-
"
-
The adjustments of the mechanism operating the sliding bar 199 and its
pneumatic connections with the sheet to insure side registry, as above described as
as best shown in Figures 8 and 9, are such that the sheet of paper is not engaged
by said side-registering devices until the forward edge of the paper is brought
below the tubes 233 and in position to be seized by the grippers 207 when they
come in operative position. When the sheet of paper is in this position the
valve 138 is opened, as above described, which causes the sheet of
paper, as above described, to be engaged by the pneumatic devices
on the sliding bar 119 and brought into proper side register, as above described.
At the same time, being controlled by the same valve, the swinging tubes 283
are open to communication with the vacuum chamber 40, causing at the same
instant a vacuum in said tubes 233, which causes them to engage with the forward
edge of the sheet of paper, the tubes 233 being allowed to swing laterally, as
above described, are swung from side to side while in engagement with the sheet,
as the sheet is given side register by the operation of the side registering devices
above described. The same movement of the mechanism above described, which,
as soon as the sheet is in proper lateral register, causes the closing of the valve 138
and the freeing of the sheet from the guide 131 of the side registering devices,
shown in detail in Figures 8 and 9. as above described, also frees the sheet from
the swinging tubes 233. The position of the said tubes 233, as above described,
is such that when the sheet is released from engagement therewith its forward
edge, is accurately in position to be engaged by the grippers 207.
In case,
through any cause, the forward edge of the sheet of paper is not properly brought
in position to be engaged by both of said swinging tubes 233 when the valve 138
is opened, there being no paper below one or both of said tubes 233, air will be
admitted to one or both of said tubes, and, inasmuch as said tubes are connected
with the cylinder 216, the effect of this will be to admit air above the piston
in the cylinder 216, causing the spring 219 to force the piston downward, thus
opening the valve 220 and establishing communication between the cylinder 225
and the vacuum chamber 40, as above described, shifting the belt as above
described, and stopping the machine. It will thus be seen that by the above
described operation of the swinging tubes 283 and their connections with the
several valves, the proper delivery of the sheets to the grippers 207 with the
forward edges of the sheets in proper alignment to be seized by said grippers
is effected, or, in case the sheet is not so delivered or in such alignment, the
machine is stopped.
It is obvious, too, that, instead of being connected with a belt-shifting
mechanism such as that above described, the swinging tubes may be connected
with the electrical shut-off devices described in the main part of my foregoing
application.
In the above specification I have used the words forward and backward.
Wherever those words are used they refer respectively to directions to the right
and to the left in Figure 1, that is, toward the press end of the machine and
toward the end of the machine containing the pile of sheets. I have also used
the words front and rear. Wherever found, those words are to be taken as
referring respectively to a position or direction toward the right in Figure 1 and
toward the left in Figure 1.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is:-
1. In a pneumatic sheet-feeding machine, the combination with a reciprocating
carriage, a pneumatic picker mounted upon said carriage, and means for auto-
matically controlling the air pressure in said picker, of mechanism adapted to

page_text: reciprocate said carriage and to temporarily hold said carriage stationary at its
rearward position before moving it forward, substantially as described.
2. In a pneumatic sheet-feeding machine, the combination with a reciprocating
carriage, an extensible pneumatic picker mounted on said carriage and adapted
to engage with the surface of a sheet of paper, means for automatically controlling
the air pressure in said picker, and means for automatically raising said picker
as soon as it engages with the sheet, of mechanism adapted to reciprocate said
carriage and to temporarily hold it stationary at its rearward position before
moving it forward, substantially as described."
3. In a pneumatic sheet-feeding machine, the combination with a reciprocating
carriage, an extensible pneumatic picker mounted on said carriage and adapted
to engage with the surface of a sheet of paper, means for automatically con-
trolling the air pressure in said picker, and means for automatically raising said
pieker as soon as it engages with the sheet, of mechanism adapted to reciprocate
said carriage and to temporarily hold it stationary at its rearward position before
moving it forward, and means for blowing a blast of air under the sheet while
said carriage is held in its rearward position, substantially as described.
4. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with a carriage, mechanism for
reciprocating the same, extensible picker mechanism enrried by said carriage and
adapted to engage a sheet of paper, valves controlling said pickers, and mechanism
adapted to automatically open and close said valves as said carriage reciprocates.
of pneumatically-operated mechanism adapted to positively lift said picker
mechanism before the forward movement of said carriage begins and to allow
said picker mechanism to drop at the rearward limit of the motion of said carriage,
substantially as described.
5. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with a carriage, mechanism
for reciprocating the same, extensible picker mechanism carried by said carriage
and adapted to engage a sheet of paper, valves controlling said pickers, and
mechanism adapted to automatically open and close said valves as said carriage
reciprocates, of a spring-actuated rod adapted to engage said picker mechanisin
and normally raise and hold the same in a raised position, pneumatically-operated
mechanism adapted to temporarily force said spring-actuated rod downward to
allow said picker mechanism to fall and engage with the sheet, valves controlling
said pneumatically-operated mechanism, and inechanism adapted to automatically
open and close said valves, substantially as described.
6. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with a carriage, mechanism
for reciprocating the same, extensible picker mechanism carried by said earringe
and adapted to engage a sheet of paper, valves controlling said picker mechanism,
and mechanism adapted to automatically open and close said valves as said carriage
reciprocates, of a spring-actuated rod adapted to engage said picker mechanism
and normally raise and hold the same in a raised position, pneumatically-operated
mechanism mounted on said earringe and adapted to temporarily force said spring-
nctuated rod downward to allow said picker mechanism to full and engage with
the sheet. valves controlling said pneumatically-operated mechanism, and
mechanism adapted to automatically open and close said valves, substantially as
described.
7. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with a carriage, mechanism
for reciprocating the same, extensible picker mechanism carried by said carriage
and adapted to engage a sheet of paper. valves controlling said picker mechanism.
and mechanism adapted to automatically open and close said valves as said
carriage reciprocates, of a spring-actuated rod adapted to engage said picker
mechanism and normally raise and hold the same in a raised position, a cylinder
mounted on said carriage, a piston mounted in said cylinder and connected with
said spring-actuated rod, a vacuum tube connected with said cylinder below said
piston, valves controlling said vacuum tube, and mechanism adapted to auto-
matically open and close said last-named valves as said carriage reaches its rear-
ward position, substantially as described,

page_text: S. The combination with a pneumatic picker, of a flexible cup mounted on
said picker and adapted to engage with a sheet of paper, and a clamp adapted
to adjustably compress said cup laterally, substantially as described.
9. The combination with an extensible pneumatic-picker, of a flexible cup
mounted on said picker and adapted to engage with the surface of a sheet of paper,
clamps bearing on said cup, and a thumb-screw engaging said clamps and adapted
to adjustably compress said cup laterally, substantially as described.
10. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with mechanism adapted to
engage the front of a sheet and feed the same forward, of extensible picker-
mechanism adapted to engage the rear end of the sheet, a vacuum tube connected
with said extensible picker-mechanism, valves controlling said vacuum tube, and
mechanism adapted to automatically open and close said valves a plurality of
times before said sheet engaging and forwarding mechanism begins to forward
the sheet, substantially as described.
11. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with mechanism adapted to
engage the front end of a sheet and feed the same forward, extensible picker-
mechanism adapted to engage the rear end of the sheet, a vacuum tube connected
with said extensible picker-mechanism, valves controlling said vacuum tube,
and mechanism adapted to automatically open and close said valves a plurality
of times before said sheet engaging and forwarding mechanism begins to forward
the sheet, of blowers adapted to blow a current of air forward from the rear
beneath said sheet as the same is raised, substantially as described.
12. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with mechanism adapted to
engage the front end of a sheet and feed the same forward, of extensible picker-
mechanism adapted to engage the rear end of the sheet, a vacuum tube connected
with said extensible picker-mechanism, valves controlling said vacuum tube,
and mechanism adapted to automatically open and close said valves twice before
the sheet-forwarding mechanism begins to forward the sheet, the first of said
openings of said valves being for a shorter and the second for a relatively longer
interval of time, substantially as described.
13. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with mechanism adapted to
engage the front end of a sheet and feed the same forward, of extensible picker-
mechanism adapted to engage the rear end of the sheet, a vacuum tube connected
with said extensible picker-mechanism, valves controlling said vacuum tube,
mechanism adapted to automatically open and close said valves twice before the
sheet-forwarding mechanism begins to forward the sheet, the first of said openings
of said valves being for a shorter and the second for a relatively longer interval
of time, and blowers adapted to blow a current of air forward under the lifted
sheet, substantially as described.
14. The combination with a longitudinally-movable bar. and mechanism
adapted to reciprocate the same, of a guide removably mounted thereon adapted
to engage the side edge of a sheet of paper, and having one or more openings,
a vacuum tube connected with said guide and with said openings, valves con-
trolling said vacuum tube, and mechanism adapted to automatically open and
close said valves as said bar reciprocates, substantially as described.
15. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with a longitudinally-movable
bar, and mechanism adapted to reciprocate the same, of a guide removably
mounted on said bar adapted to permit the passage of a sheet between it and the
said bar and to engage the side edge of said sheet, and having one or more
openings, a vacuum tube connected with said guide and with said openings,
valves controlling said vacuum tube, and mechanism adapted to automatically
open and close said valves as said bar reciprocates, substantially as described.
16. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with a longitudinally-movable
bar. mechanism adapted to reciprocate the same, a guide removably secured
thereto adapted to engage the side edge of a sheet of paper and having one or more
openings, a vacuum tube connected with said guide and with said openings, a
valve controlling said vacuum tube, and mechanism adapted to automatically

page_text: open and close said valve as said bar reciprocates, of power-shifting mechanism,
and mechanism connected with said valve and with said power-shifting mechanism
and adapted to automatically operate said power-shifting mechanism in case
no sheet of paper is opposite the openings of said guide when said valve is
open, substantially as described.
17. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with a longitudinally-movable
bar. mechanism adapted to reciprocate the same, a guide removably secured
thereto adapted to engage the side edge of a sheet of paper and having one or
more openings, a vacuum tube connected with said guide and with said openings,
a valve controlling said vacuum tube, and mechanism adapted to automatically
open and close said valve as said bar reciprocales, of power-shifting mechanism.
mechanism connected with said valve and with said power-shifting mechanism
and adapted to automatically operate said power-shifting mechanism in case no
sheet of paper is opposite the openings of said guide when said valve is open, a
brake, and mechanism connecting said brake with said valve and adapted to be
thrown into operation and brake the machine in case no sheet of paper is opposite
the openings of said guide when said valve is open, substantially as described.
18. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with a longitudinally-movable
bar, mechanisin adapted to reciprocate the same, a guide removably secured thereto
adapted to engage the side edge of a sheet of paper and having one or more openings,
a vacuum tube connected with said guide and with said openings, a valve con-
trolling said vacuum tube, and mechanism adapted to automatically open and
close said valve as said bar reciprocates, of power-shifting mechanism, mechanism
connected with said valve and with said power-shifting mechanism and adapted
to automatically operate said power-shifting mechanism in ease a sheet of paper
is not opposite the openings of said guide when said valve is open, a brake, and
mechanisin connecting said brake with said power-shifting mechanism and adapted
to be operated by said power-shifting mechanism and to brake the machine after
the power is shut off. in case no sheet of paper is opposite the openings of said
guide when said valve is open, substantially as described.
19. The combination with a longitudinally-movable bar, mechanism adapted
to reciprocate the same, and an adjustable shoulder adapted to contact said bar
and limit its longitudinal movement, of a guide removably secured to said bar
adapted to engage the side edge of a sheet of paper and having one or more.
openings, a vacuum tube connected with said guide and with said openings, a
valve controlling said vacuum tube, and mechanism adapted to open and close
said valve as said bar reciprocates, substantially as described.
20. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with a longitudinally-movable
bar, mechanism adapted to positively move said bar longitudinally in one direc-
tion, a spring engaging said bar and adapted to return said har to its first position,
and an adjustable shoulder adapted to contact said bar and limit its spring-
return movement, of a guide removably secured to said bar adapted to engage
the side edge of a sheet of paper and provided with openings, a vacuum Tube
connected with said guide and with said openings, a valve controlling said vacuum
tube, and mechanism adapted to open said valve at the moment that the spring
return movement of said bar begins and to close the same at the end of said
spring-return movement, substantially as described,
21. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with sheet-forwarding devices,
guides adapted to contact and align the lead edge of a sheet, a tube open at one
end, a valve connected with said tube, a vacuum chamber connected with said
valve, mechanism adapted to automatically open and close said valve, and
mechanism placed in alignment with said guides and adapted to automatically
close the open end of said tube upon being contacted by the lead edge of the
sheet, of power-shifting mechanism connected with said valve and adapted to be
thrown into operation and shut off the power in case the open end of said fube
is not closed when said valve is open, substantially as described.
22. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with sheet-forwarding devices,

page_text: guides adapted to receive a sheet from said sheet-forwarding devices and align
the same, of a longitudinally and vertically adjustable tube open at one end
means for longitudinally and vertically adjusting said tube, a valve connected
with said tube, a vacuum chamber connected with said valve, mechanism adapted
to automatically open and close said valve, and mechanism placed in alignment
with said guides and adapted to automatically close the open end of said tube
upon being contacted by the lead edge of the sheet, of power-shifting mechanism
connected with said valve and adapted to be thrown into operation and shut off
the power in case the open end of said tube is not closed when said valve is open,
substantially as described.
23. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with sheet-forwarding devices,
guides adapted to receive and align the forwarded sheet, a tube open at one end,
a valve connected with said tube, a vacuum chamber connected with said valve
and mechanism adapted to automatically open and close said valve, of a lever
carried by said tube, having one arm provided with a cap adapted to close the
open end of said tube, and having the other arm close to said guides and adapted
to be contacted by the leading edge of a sheet so as to swing said lever and close
said tube by said cap when the lead edge of the sheet is in alignment with said
guides, and power-shifting mechanism adapted to be thrown into operation and
to shut off the power in case said lever is not contacted by the lead edge of said
sheet when said valve is open, substantially as described.
24. In a pneumatic sheet-registering mechanism, the combination with a
vacuum chamber, a swinging pneumatic tube adapted to engage the lead edge
of a sheet of paper, a valve connecting said swinging pneumatic tube with said
vacuum chamber, and mechanism for automatically opening and closing said
valve, of a machine-stopping device, and pneumatically-operating mechanism
connectied with said swinging tube and with said machine-stopping device, and
adapted to operate said machine-stopping device if the said swinging tube is open
to permit access of air thereto when the connection with the vacuum chamber
between said tube and the vacuum chamber is open, substantially as described.
25. In a pneumatic sheet-registering mechanism, the combination with a
vacuum chamber, a swinging pneumatic tube adapted to engage the lead edge of
the sheet of paper, a valve connecting said swinging tube with said vacuum
chamber, and mechanism for automatically opening and closing said valve, of
a belt-shifter and pneumatically-operating mechanism connected with said swing-
ing tube and with said belt shifter, and adapted to operate said belt-shifter if
the said swinging tube is open to permit access of air thereto when the connec-
tion with the vacuum chamber between said tube and the vacuum chamber is
open, substantially as described.
26. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination of pneumatic sheet-registering
mechanism, swinging pneumatic tubes adapted to engage the lead edge of a sheet
of paper, a valve connecting said swinging pneumatic tubes with said vacuum
chamber, and mechanism for automatically opening and closing said valve, of
a machine-stopping device, and pneumatically-operating mechanism connected
with said swinging tubes and with said mechanism-stopping device, and adapted
to operate said machine-stopping device if either of said swinging tubes is open
to permit access of air thereto when the connection between said tubes and said
vacuum chamber is open. substantially as described.
27. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with sheet-forwarding devices,
of a pair of relatively-adjustable jaws provided with knife edges upon their oppos-
ing surfaces, arranged in the path of the sheets and adapted to be adjusted to
permit the passage of only one sheet between them, substantially as described.
28. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with sheet-forwarding tapes,
of a pair of relatively-adjustable converging jaws provided with knife edges upon
their opposing surfaces, arranged in the path of the sheets and adapted to be
adjusted to permit the passage of only one sheet of paper between them and to

page_text: stop the sheets in case two or more sheets are carried by said forwarding tapes,
substantially as described.
29. In a sheet-feeding machine, the combination with sheet-forwarding devices,
of a shaft carried by the framework, a sleeve adjustably mounted on said shaft.
an arm 27 carried by said sleeve and extending upward and outward therefrom:
and having an upper knife-edge an arm 28 carried by said sleeve, a rod secured
at one end in said arm, and an arm 30 adjustably mounted on said rod and
extending downward and outward therefrom and having a lower knife-edge, the
knife-edges of the arms 27 and 30 opposing each other and the outer ends of said
arms being normally arranged at such distance apart as to permit but a single
sheet of paper to pass freely between them, substantially as described.
1
1
1900
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.