Improvements in Machines for Making Book Covers.
Year: 1893

page_text: COLL DELE SI COLTIVATION.
Improvements in Machines for Making Book Covers.
We, CHARLES WILLIAM LOVELL, Bookbinder, and ALFRED BREDENBERG,
Machinist, both of Number 142 Worth Street, in the City of New York, United
States of America, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :—
This invention relates to the manufacture of what are known to the binders
trade as "book cases," but which are hereinafter referred to as book covers.
Such covers consist of two boards forming the sides of the book cover, with a sheet
of paper, cloth or other suitable fabric the overlapping edges of which are folded
down over and gummed to the boards. The boards aro spaced apart a distance equal
to the thickness of the book to bo bound in the cover, aud the intervening portion of
cloth constituting the back of the book is ordinarily stiffened by gumming to it a
sheet of paper or other stiffening fabric. Such covers have heretofore been made
by haud. The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for
manufacturing them rapidly, cheaply, and with accuracy and precision.
In making book covers by hand, it is customary to cut the covering cloth or
fabric into sheets of the proper size, to apply glue or other gum to the inner or
reverse side of each sheet, to then place upon its gummed surface the two side
boards in proper position, to apply to its gummed surface in the space between tho
boards a strip of paper or other stiffening material, and then to fold the over-
lapping edges of the cloth over upon the inner surface of the boards so as to overlap
the end and side edges thereof.
In the operation of our improved machine, the cloth or other covering fabric
cut in a long strip or web of the proper width proportionally to the width of the
book cover to be made, is drawn continuously by either an intermittent or
uniform movement from a roll and pressed against a gumming roll the surface
of which is suitably coated with glue or other gum, whereby a film thereof is
applied to the entire surface of the cloth. The gummed web of cloth is then
carried over suitable rollers or guides, and a pair of boards is fed to it from two
piles of boards cut to proper size and suitably held in any convenient form of
magazine or hopper. The board-feeding mechanism delivers the boards to the
strip of fabric in succession suitably timed relatively to the rate of feed of the
fabric, to apply the pairs of boards against the fabric at proper successive intervals
so as to leave the requisite space between the successive pairs to form the two over-
lapping flaps of proper width. The boards and fabric on being brought together
aro passed between pressure rolls which serve to pross thom tightly together and
thereby cause the boards to adhere to the gummed surface of the fabric, while
these rolls serve at the same time for feeding the web of fabric forward. On
reaching a suitable position, a knife or cutter cuts across the web of fabric midway
between two successive pairs of boards. The corners of the flaps or projecting
edges of covering fabric are also cut off to the proper outline, preferably by the
same operation, by providing the cutting knife with V-knives at its ends. If a
stiffening strip is to be applied to the back of the cover, it is cut by shears from a
web of paper or other material drawn from a roll thereof, and the strip thus
severed is fed against the gummed surface of the cloth between the two boards of
one pair, so that as the incomplete cover is fed along, the strip is applied to or laid
against the gummed surface of what is to become the back of the cover. After
the application of this strip, and either before or aftor the cutting off of the section
ur incomplete cover, the advancing edge or flap severed from the preceding section
is folded over by a suitably constructed folder, being preferably a roller which
1

page_text: turns down the flap upon the advancing ends or edges of the boards and rolls ovor
the downturned flap or lap in order to press it firmly into position. Subsequently
to the cutting operation by which the blank or section is cut off, its roar or following
flap is turned forward and laid against the opposite end portions of the boards by
another similar end folder. Both these end folders are provided with creasers for
indenting the cloth close to the side edges of the boards at the corners to bring the
cloth to conform neatly and exactly to the corners of the boards. These creasers
consist preferably of flanges projecting from the ends of the folder rollers. These
rollers are also provided with portions or bosses of larger diameter at their middles
in order to enter between the two boards of the pair and roll down the portion of
the end flaps overlapping the ends of the back of the cover. The back of the
cover is further pressed in order to cause the stiffening strip to adhere firmly to the
covering cloth, by passing the cover or blauk against a roller which enters between
the boards and presses only the intervening back. The final operation is then
performed by means of aide folders which fold over the projecting side flaps and
lay them down firmly against the side edges of the boards, these folders consisting
likewise preferably of rollers which roll over the turned down flap to press it into
firm adherent contact with the boards. During the operation of the end and side
folders, the cover blank is held firmly by clamps the jaws or members of which
have flat faces which press the boards between them, thus not only preventing their
displacement during the folding operations, but also serving to more perfectly unite
the boards to the covering cloth.
The exact succession of operations is not essential, but it is preferable that the
end flaps be folded over first, either simultaneously or successively, and the side
flaps last, although this arrangement might be reversed.
Having now given a general idea of the nature of our invention, we will proceed
to describe in detail our improved machine for automatically manufacturing book
covers. This machine is shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein
Fig. 1 is a side elevation partly broken away to show certain parts not otherwise
visible;
Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section cut approximately through the middle of
the machine ;
Fig. 3 is a plan of the machine partly in horizontal section cut in the plane of
the line 3-3 in Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a horizontal section cut generally in the plane of the line 4–4 in
Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is an elevation of the rear or entering end of the machine;
Figs. 6 to 11 inclusive are vertical transverse sections cut approximately in the
planes denoted respectively by the like numbered dotted lines 6–6 to 11–11 in
Fig. 2, and all looking toward the right in that figure;
Fig. 12 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal section cut approximately in
the plane of the line 12—12 in Fig. 6, and showing in detail the intermittent feed
mechanism;
Figs. 13 and 14 are further details of this mechanism; Fig. 13 buing a
fragmentary section taken approximately on the line 13-13, and Fig. 14, a
fragmentary section cut transversely thereof on the lino 14-14 in Figs. 12
and 13;
•
Fig. 15 is a fragmentary vertical section in the same plane as Fig. 2, but on a
larger scale, and showing the parts in a different position ;
Fig. 16 is a fragmentary vertical transverse section showing a detail of Fig. 6 ;
Figs. 17, 18 and 19 are fragmentary detail views of tho knife or cutter for
severing the successive cover blanks; Fig. 17 being a section cut in the plane
of the line 17-17 in Fig. 3, Fig. 18 a vertical transverse section thereof on the
line 18-18 thoroin, and Fig. 19 a transverse section on the liue 19-19;
Fig. 20 is a diagram showing the cut made by this knife or cutter;
Fig. 21 is a fragmentary detail view, being a longitudinal section of part of
Fig. 15 on a larger ecale and showing the parts in a different position;

page_text: spram of me muished cover produced by THIS DISCH
an edge view thereof;
Fig. 24 is a plan showing the course of the fabric through the machine and the
successive stages of its manufacture into the book cover;
Fig. 25 is a side view of Fig. 24, showing also certain of the tools or active parts
which perform the successive operations;
Figs. 25 and 25³ are views looking in the direction of the arrow a b in
Fig 25;
Fig. 26 is a fragmentary plan of one end of the cover blank showing it just after
the first end fold has been made;
Fig. 27 is an elevation of the roller which produces this end fold;
Fig. 28 is an edge view of the cover blank shown in Fig. 26;
Fig. 20 is a vertical longitudinal fragmentary section showing a modification of
the end folding mechanism;
Figs. 30 and 31 are similar views showing another modification thereof;
Figs. 24 and 25 show most clearly the successive manipulations which are
performed in the making of the covers. These views may advantageously be
followed in connection with Figs. 2 and 3. The cloth or other covering fabric a,
drawn from the roll A (Fig. 2) is pressed in contact with a revolving glue roll A³,
turning in a tank or vessel A containing glue or other gum or adhesive substance
by which the reverse side of the cloth is gummed, and the web of cloth is drawn
thence to feeding rolls B B, between which it passes. The boards c c are stored
in a magazine C, from which they are fed by reciprocating pushers c¹ c³, the two
boards of one pair being fed from the magazine simultaneously and in correct
position relatively to one another, and pushed forward between the feed rollers
until grasped by these rollers, which then feed them forward and at the same
time press them against the glued face of the cloth. Before the boards pass
entirely through the rollers B B, their advancing onds enter between rollers B B¹,
which continue to feed them forward and again press then into firm contact with
the cloth. Preferably the food of the rollers B B' is intermittent. By these
mechanisms successive pairs of boards ca are glued to the face of the cloth a, as
shown in Fig. 24.
A strip of paper or other stiffening fabric d is drawn from a roll D between
feeding rolls bb, and is cut off by shears D' into lengths_preforably_equal to the
lengths of the boards c c. Each strip as cut off slides down a guideway d' and
beneath a gauge d', the lower end of which extends down close above the glued
surface of the cloth but does not touch it. Thus the advancing edge of the strip
is guided into place and falls against the glued face of the cloth in line with the
advancing edges of the boards and in the space between them, it being cut off
and falling to its position at the instant when the cloth is stationary. At the next
forward feeding movement of the web of cloth, the strip slides down as the cloth
moves forward and spreads itself out on the glued surface of the cloth in the position
shown in Fig. 24, resting lightly thereon.
After each forward feeding movement the web stops with the space between
two successive pairs of boards over a cutting block e, and a knife or cutter E
descends and its edge severs the cloth, thereby cutting off the cover section or
blank as shown in Fig. 24. The cut made by the knife is of the shape shown in
Fig. 20, the knife having V-shaped end portions which form cuts et e", thereby
cutting out triangular pieces from the opposite edges of the web and consequently
cutting off the corners of the overlapping edges or flaps projecting beyond the edges
of the boards, as shown at e" in Fig. 24.
During this cutting off oporation the cover blauk in advance of the knife and
which is severed thereby, is held firmly pressed down against a table ƒ by a clamp F,
and while thus held the advancing edge or flap g is turned up and folded down
upon the ends of the boards and the intervening strip d, by an end-folder designated
as a whole by the letter G. This folder may be variously constructed, but in the
construction shown it is made with two parts, the one for turning up the edge of

page_text: the cloth and holding it firmly against the end edges of the boards, and the other
for folding it down against the upper surfaces of the boards and for rubbing or
pressing it into firm adherence therewith. The end flap g is thus turned down as
shown in Fig. 24.
At the conclusion of this folding operation, the active parts of the folder G
having recoded, the clamp Frises, thereby freeing the cover blank. As this blank
has becu sevored by the knifo from the web, it can no longer be readily fed by
the feed rolls, and therefore in order to feed it forward for the next operation we
provide by preference feeding arms H H terminating in hooks or claws which as
the arms are moved forward engage against the rear ends of the boards and push
or slide the blank forward. For supporting the blank during this movement, a
table or bridge I is provided, which at this time is depressed in the position shown
in Fig. 16, so that as the hooks draw the blank forward it slides from the table f
onto the bridge and is moved along over the latter, again dropping from the
further end of this bridge on to the table j. A clamp J then descends and clamps
the blank firmly down upon this table, and while it holds it there, another end
folder, designated as a whole by the letter G', turns up the opposite end flap g' and
folds this down upon tlie ends of the boards and intervening strip, as shown at gl
in Fig. 24. When the active parts of the end folder G' have receded, the
clamp J rises sufficiently to rolonse the cover blank, which is then fed forward by a
belt or endless apron K. This apron draws it over a table 1, over which is mounted
a heavy roller L of a width just sufficient to enable it to enter between the
boards co and thereby oxert a pressure against the back of the cover blank to
press the stiffening strip d firmly down and glue it securely to the back portion of
the cloth. Displacement of the stiffening strip during this operation is prevented
by its opposite ends being firmly cemented down by the respective flaps g g'.
The covar blank is fed forward by the apron K until it passes over a table m,
whereupon the apron stops, and a clamp M descends clamping it firmly upon this
table. While it is thus held, its side flaps n n are folded down by the side
folders N N, which may be constructed and operated in similar manner to the
respective end folders G and Gl. These flaps having been folded and firmly
pressed down, the cover is completed. The clamp M rises immediately after the
recession of the side folders, and at the next forward movement of the feeding
apron K the completed cover is fed forward and delivered from the machine by
descending over a slide o Fig. 2.
The completed cover is shown in Figs. 22 and 23.
The specific construction of tho several tools or instrumentalitics which perform
the operations thus described is not essential to our invention in its broader sense.
We will proceed now to describe the preferred construction of these tools or active
parts more specifically, in order that those skilled in the art to which our invention
most nearly pertains may be fully advised of how to construct and operate machines
embodying our invention. In this description we will pay no attention to the
gearing or other mechanical means by which the requisite movements are imparted
to the several active parts, as these specific mechanisms are still less essential to our
'invention and constitute merely specific features thereof which are subject to various
modifications.
The roll of covering fabric A is wound on a suitable arbor which is dropped into
slotted bearings A', Fig. 1, the exterior of the roll resting directly on the glue
roller A' so that its weight serves to press the cloth against the glue roller. As
the cloth winds off and the roll becomes smaller, its arbor descends in the slotted
bearings. The glue-roller revolves intermittently, turning only during the feed of
the fabric, and moving in the same direction as the fabric, so that its movement
assists the feed. The glue-roller is provided with a scraper or strickle A* (Fig. 2)
by means of which the superfluous glue carried up from the bath is scraped off,
leaving on the roller a film of the desired thickness. This scraper is made adjustable
by means of adjusting screws at its ends in a well known manner.
The feed rolls B B¹ are or may be faced with india-rubber or other violding

page_text: material. Preferably the lower rolls which come against the face of the cloth are
rubber faced. The rolls are provided with driving mechanism which causes them
to revolve intermittently, moving each time a periphoral distance equal to the
length of tho cover blank, that is, to the length of the sections between the outs of
the knife.
.
The two feed rolls of cach pair are pressed apart by springs interposed
between their bearing boxes, and are adjusted toward each other by screws.c¹, seen
in Fig. 1. By this means or any other suitable provision for adjustment, the rolls
are spaced apart a distance just sufficient to admit and tightly clamp between them
the combined thickness of the cloth and side boards, this space being sufficient to
avoid contact of the upper roll with the gummed surface of the fabric. This is
practically an important feature of the machine, since by this means the gumming
of the rolls is prevented, while at the same time the fabric is firmly grasped where
the boards lie over it in order to feed it forward. While the space between two
successive pairs of boards is passing between one pair of rolls, the other pair of
rolls is in engagement with a pair of boards and continues the feed of the
fabric.
The side boards c c are arranged in piles in a magazine C constructed in two
compartments. These compartments, shown best in Figa. 3 and 5, are constructed
each of two vertical side walls C¹ C' arranged in longitudinal planes, and having at
their bottom ends inwardly turned or approaching flanges C which support the
pile of boards. There is space enough between the edges of the bottom flanges to
admit the pusher e¹ to work between them. The pusher acts to push one board
out from the bottom of the pile, forcing it forward beneath the front wall C. At
the bottom of this wall is an adjustable gauge e, the bottom edge of which is set
at such height as to admit the passage of only one board beneath it in order to prevent
the pusher from forcing out two superposed boards at a time by reason of their
adhering frictionally to one another. This gauge is made adjustable, because the
boards for different book covers will be made of different thicknesses. The front
wall is preferably mounted on the frame of the machine, and the side walls C'
are attached to it adjustably by means of base flanges ou their front edges
working in a horizontal slideway et in the front wall, and fastoned thereto by set-
bolts working in slots. The object of this construction is to render the magazine
adjustable for different sizes of covers. To fit it for a thicker book, the adjacent
side walls C are set further apart to leave a greater space between the two side
boards of each pair, while to adjust it to a wider book the ontor side walls are
adjusted to a greater distance from the inner ones. The pushers e' are fastened
adjustably to a reciprocating frame or table C' which slides on longitudinal rods c
or other guides.
The roll D of stiffening strip or paper is mounted on an arbor suitably hung
above the machine, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The drawing rolls bb, one of which
is preferably faced with india-rubber, are geared to the rolls BB so that they move
intermittently therowith, moving each time a distance circumferentially somewhat
less than that of the rollers B B in proportion as the length of the stiffening strips d
is less than the length of the sections of covering cloth. The cutter D' for cutting
off the strips is constructed preferably as a shears, one blade of which is fixed and
the other is pivoted at its outer end, being engaged by a fork in an arm D³, Figs. 1
and 6, which is fastened to and moved by the frame of the cutter E.
The cutter E for severing the sections or blanks of cloth, is constructed prefer-
ably with a cutting block e beneath, mounted fixedly on the main frame of the
machine, and cutting knives or blades carried by a rising and falling frame E'
(Fig. 7). To this frame three knife-blades are fixed, namely, the blade e' for
making the straight cross cut, and two V-shaped blades ee for making the corner
cuts. The straight blade e' is fastened to a bar e, Figs. 17 and 19, which is bolted
directly beneath the frame E. The V-shaped knives are fastened to adjustable
blocks, which are fastened in the frame E' in the manner shown in Figs. 17
and 18, Each one enters and may slide longitudinally in a groove ☛ formed in

page_text: the under side of this frame, and a scrow e³ is provided, by turning which the
blocks are propelled toward or from the centre. This screw has right and left
hand threads, so that the two blocks e at opposite ends are moved simul-
taneously and equally toward and from the middle. The purpose of this con-
struction is to facilitate the adjustment of the cutter for cutting cover fabric of
different widths. To change to making wider covora, the blocks are screwed
apart, the knife e'and its supporting bare are removed, another knife of the
proper length is substituted, and the blocks et are screwed together again tụ bring
the V-shaped knives against the opposite ends of the straight knife.
We will now describe the first end folder G and its accessories. The tablo fon
which the blank rests during the first end folding operation, is fixedly mounted on
the frame of the machine and fastened theroto by screws engaging slots"
(Fig. 20) so that it may be adjusted to such position relatively to the feed-
rollers B B that at each forward feeding movement the advancing ends of a pair
of boards e shall be brought into exact coincidence with the front edge of this
table. The clamp F then descends and presses the blank tight against the table.
This clamp is made in three sections as shown in Figs. 8 and 3, in order to leave
two intervening spaces through which the feeding hooks H H may work. The
sections of the clamp F are fastened to a cross-head or supporting-frame F', which
is lifted off from the table and again moved down against it at suitable intervals.
The frame F is provided with transverse cross-heads F extending longitudinally
of the machine and formed with undercut grooves or slideways to provido for the
attachment and longitudinal adjustment of the sections F F of the clamp. This
longitudinal adjustment is designed to provide for adjusting the machine to make
longer or shorter book covers. The table f having been adjusted as described, the
clamp F is adjusted to bring its forward side or edge, which is preferably bevelled,
backwardly sufficiently in the rear of the front edge of the table to expose fully
the turned down end flap of the cover blank. The end folder G consists preferably
of two active parts, namely, a blade or foller-bar h for turning up the edge of the
cloth against the end edges of the boards and holding it firmly and squarely against
these edges, and a folding roller i for subsequently laying down the upturned flap
upon the upper side of the boards and prossing it into adherent contact therewith.
In the preferred construction the blade h and roller i are both mounted on one
shaft G, which is oscillated by suitable mechanism. The roller is moved angularly
in positive manner by this shaft, while the blade is connected to the shaft through
a yielding or elastic connection, so that it is moved angularly with the shaft until
stopped by abutment against the table f, whereupon the continued movement. of
the shaft compresses the intervening spring. In the retracted position of the
folder the blade ½ stands in advance of the roller i, as shown in Fig. 15, and
during the advancing movement they maintain the same relative positions until
the blade h is stopped, after which the roller i continues its motion, passing over
the top of the blade haud rolling over the table and the cover blank to the
position shown in Fig. 2. The blade in advancing encounters the projecting edgo
or flap and throws it up, and as the blade comes against the table it presses the
flap firmly against the edge of the boards and holds it there while the roller rolls
up over the top edge of the blade, and encountering the flap, presses it backward
and lays it down on the boards, rolling over it to press it down thereagainst, and
then on its retractile movement rolling again over the flap so that it presses the
gummed surface thereof into firm adherent contact with the boards. When the
roller has passed entirely off the blank, the blade à moves out of contact with
the edge thereof.
In the preferred construction, the shaft G, which is mounted in stationary
bearings having an invariable relation with the table, has fixed on its ends frames i
which form bearings for radially sliding rods ³, tho upper ends of which carry
bearings for the ends of the shaft iª carrying the roller, as best shown in Fig. 8.
Fixed on the shaft G is a crank-arm g*, which is connected by a link gỗ with a
‚ frame G³, which is moved up and down at proper intervals by suitable mechanism.

page_text: By this means the shaft G³ is oscillated. The frame G³ is provided with a longi-
tudinal slot g' in which the stud to which the link g is pivoted may be adjustably
fastened, the purpose of this adjustment being to admit of the adjustment of the
table and folder G longitudinally of the machine, to provide for blanks of different
lengths. The folding blade is mounted on an arm projecting from a collar **
mounted loosely on the shaft G and connected thereto through a spring h², the
opposite end of which is connected to a collar 4ª fixed on the shaft, as best shown
in Fig. 8.
The other end folder G¹ is constructed in like manner with a folding blade h¹ and
a roller. As the construction of the monuting and operation of these parts is
exactly the same as of the corresponding parts of the folder G, it is not necessary
to repeat the description thereof. This folder G' is shown in Fig. 9, a comparison
of which with Fig. 8 will show at a glance the identical construction of the corre
sponding parts. The only difference is that the shaft of the folder G+' is oscillated
to a less extent on its retractile movement than that of the folder G, as shown in
Fig. 16. To accomplish this, the link ", through which motion is communicated
from the frame G which operates both folders, is formed with a slot at its lower
end engaged by a stud fixed to the frame G³, which stud slides freely in the slot
and acts upon the ends thereof to forco the link up or down.
j
In order to feed the blanks from the table f of the first end folder to the table j
of the second end folder, the transfer bridge 1 is provided over which the blank is
pushed by feeding hooks H H. This bridge consists simply of a flat plate of sheet
metal pivoted at its forward end and movable freely up or down at its rear end.
When the end folder G has receded, this bridge drops of its own weight to the
position shown in Fig. 15, and while in this position the hooks HH push the blank
over it and beyond its forward end until the blank rests upon the fable ƒ with its
advancing edge in contact with a travelling belt K, which is in motion and which
carries the blank forward until it is stopped by a gauge k. The hooks H H do not
pass off the bridge I, stopping in the position shown in Fig. 15. Upon the next
movement of the end folder G, its roller i acts to lift the bridge I, and as the roller
passes beyond the rear end of the bridge, the latter is upheld by spring-arms [¹
projecting from it which rest upon the shaft of the roller, so that the bridge is
held up and out of the way and free from the roller during the time that the latter
is rolling in contact with the blank. While the bridge is thus elevated, the hooks HH
execute their return movement, riding up over the bridge, dropping over the roller i,
and sliding over the blank until their ends stand in tho position shown in Fig. 2
against the rear ends of the boards of the blank.
When the blank has been fed forward and stopped by the gauge A, it is held in
position thercagainst and its correct engagement therewith assured by the belt K,
which continues to travel for a short distance after bringing the blank against the
gauge. The clamp then descends and clamps the blank firmly in position against
the table just as or soon after the belt K comes to rest. The end folder G then
folds over the second and flap as described. Meanwhile the gauge & moves down
out of the way of the blank. As the folder Grecedes, the olamp J lifts slightly
sufficiently to free the blank, and the belt K again moves forward so that it feeds
the blank off from the table j. In order to give the blank sufficient frictional
engagement against the belt K to start it, we provide for pressing it down into
contact with the belt by means of heavy rollers j' mounted on an arbor which rests
in open-slotted bearings, as shown in Fig. 2, carried by the clamp J. These slotted
boarings are so deep that when the clamp J has risen sufficiently to release the
blank, the bottoms of the bearings do not lift the rollers j' but leave the weight of
these rollers resting on the blank, (see Fig. 21) which consequently is pressed down
thereby upon the belt K, so that as this belt starts it carries the blank forward with
it. When the blank has thus been started and fed a sufficient distance, the clamp J
rises to its uppermost position as shown in Fig. 15.
There are two gauges k k as shown in Fig. 10, and they are mounted on arms k¹

page_text: fixed on an oscillating shaft. The gauges are longitudinally adjustable on these
arms in order that they may be accommodated to covers of varying lengths.
As the blank is carried by the apron or belt K under the roller L, the latter
presses down the stiffening strip of the back and the belt brings the blank against
gauges m', over the tablo m, which stop the blank in the correct position. As the
belt stops, or soon thereafter, the clamp M descends and holds the blank, while the
side folders N N fold over its side flaps. These side folders are of precisely the same
construction as the end folders G G already described (except in one respect to be
hereinafter described). Each side folder consists (see Fig. 11) of a folding blade n¹
answering to the blado h, and a roller n answering to the roller i. The blades n'
are mounted on the oscillating shafts N' through the medium of springs n³, Fig. 2.
The rollers are pressed down at their ends by springs applied to the eliding
picces on which their shafts are journalled. The shafts N' are oscillated by arms a
fixed to them, connected by liuks n' to a frame N' beneath, which is caused to move
up and down at proper intervals of time by any suitable mechanism. All these
parts being substantially counterparts of the corresponding parts of the end folder G,
require no detailed description.
In order to adjust the machine to blanks of different widths, the table m is mado
in two parts, each of which is mounted adjustably on cross-bars m³ formning part of
the main frame of the machine, so that their outer edges may be moved to the same
distance apart as the total width of the finished cover to be made. The clamp M
also requires to be similarly adjusted, and for this purpose is made likewise in two
sections which are movable laterally in slideways formed on the uuder side of a
cross-frame M', which is moved up and down at proper intervals by suitablo
mechanism. The clamp M, table m, and side folders N, are made as long as the
longest book cover that the machine is designed to make. The tablo m and
alamp M are made of a width when closed together no greater than the width of
the narrowest cover that the machine is to make, and for wider covers they aro
moved apart. The table m has a recess in its top through which the feeding.
belt K may travel. The shafts N' of the side folders are mounted in bearings fixed
relatively to the sections of the table m, so that the adjustment of the table effects
Bimultaneously the proper adjustment of the side folders. The frame N' beneath
is provided with an elongated horizontal slot n', the pivotal connections of the
lower ends of the links n being made with studs which are adjustable in this slot
to admit of the varying adjustments of the sirle folders laterally to accommodate
different widths of book covers. The end gauges m' are carried by the respective
sections of the clamp M and are adjustable and wise thereon. When the clamp M
lifts to release the blank after the side folds have been made, it consequently carries
up the gauges m' with it, so that when the belt K again starts it feeds the finished
cover out of the machine.
It will be observed in Fig. 24 that in cutting out the corners e" the latter aro
cut back only part way toward the corners of the boards c. In turning over the
end flaps g git results that the portion of cloth forming these flaps and extending
beyond the side edges of the boards c is thrust down upon the side flaps n, forming
a double thickness, as shown at o' in Fig. 24. In subsequently turning over the
sido flaps there would be liability of buckling this double thickness of cloth at o'
close to the corners, thereby making a bad finish for the corners of the cover. To
avoid this, we provide the means best shown in Fig. 27, for creasing down the
overlying portion of cloth o' at the corners of the side flaps. Fig. 27 is a detail
view on a larger scale of the first end-folding roller i. This roller is provided at
its opposite ends with creasers consisting of flanges projecting approximately as
far beyond the circumference of the roller as the thickness of the boards c. Theso
creaser flanges are arranged with their inner surfaces exactly in line with the outer
edges of the respective boards, so that as the roller i approaches to lay down the
upturned end flap, these flanges by slightly preceding it, break or crease the cloth
against the corners of the boards, and as the roller progresses and turns down tho

page_text: Hap, the creasers by running against the side edges of the boards continue the
crease entirely across the double thickness o'. By the indenting of the cloth at
the corner the creaser turns up a fold of cloth marked o' in Figs. 26 and 28, which
by the action of the roller i is pressed down flat upon the flap g. Or, by slightly
grooving the roller i at its ends, close to the crensers, this fold o³ may be left
standing instead of being pressed down. By thus tucking in and creasing and
folding down the material at the corners the blank is prepared for the final folding
over of the side flaps n, so that when this is done the cloth folds over neatly and
makes a mechanically finished corner. In order to press down the cloth at the
back portion of the cover, the roller is formed at its middle with a projection d³ of
larger diameter than the main portion i of the roller, so that this portion enters the
space between the cover boards c c and presses the overturned flap down tight
against the back portion of the book cover so as to confine the ends of the stiffening
strip d and gum the flap 9 securely thereto. The second end folder roller i' is of
precisely the same construction, these two rollers being counterparts as shown in
Fig. 3, whereas the side folder-rollers are simply plain rollers devoid of any
creasers P or projecting portion d³. In adjusting for different widths of covers the
end-folding rollera are removed and replaced by others having their creasers
differently spaced.
The provision of the end folders with means for effecting these creases to
properly fold down the overlapping portion of the Haps at the corners, is an
important feature of our invention. The creasers for this purpose need not
necessarily be rotary creasers, nor need they be carried by the roller i, but they
may be independent thereof, and may perform their work either before or after
the action of this roller, but to mount them on the roller itself we consider the
simplest and most effective construction.
We have stated that the end folders G G and side folders N N may be greatly
varied in construction. As one example of a modification that may be applied for
this purpose we will refer to Fig. 29, where p' designates a folding plate moving
upwardly against the front edge of the table to fold the flap g up and hold it
against the edge of the board c, and p' represents a horizontally moving plate which
subsequently travels in the direction of the arrow to fold down the flap g, and by
rubbing across it to press it into firm adherent contact with the board. These
folders may be operated by any suitable cums. The sanie construction may be
applied to either end folder or the side folders. Another means is shown in
Fig. 80, where the roller i is mounted to move from the position shown in
dotted lines upwardly along the edge of the table to turn up the flap and roll
it against the edge of the board, and same roller being constructed to move
around the upper corner of the board, and then horizontally to lay down the
Hap in the manner shown in Fig. 31. This roller i may be mounted on a
frame to which movement is imparted by any suitable cams for imparting to
the roller the requisite movement first upwardly and then laterally buck and
forth, and finally downwardly to its starting point.
Wo will now proceed to describe the operating mechanism for driving the
5 several active parts of our machine. It will be understood that the description
which we will proceed to give is of the specific apparatus which we have adopted,
but which may be variously modified without departing from the essential features
of our invention. In future machines embodying our present invention, we
may largely or wholly depart from the mechanical movements hereinafter
O described.
Power is applied to the machine by means of a belt-pulley Q (Figs. 1, 4 and 6)
which is fixed on a sleeve Q' (Fig. 16) turning freely on a shaft Q. On the inner
und of the sleeve Qis formed a pinion Q which, driven by the belt-pulloy Q,
meshes with two gears R' and S' which are fixed respectively on shafts R and S
5 arranged above and below the shaft Q. On the shaft 8 is fixed a mitre-gear s
inealing with a similar mitre-gear t fixed on the end of a ahaft T which extends

page_text: longitudinally through the machine, and on which are mounted the several cams
for driving the active parts. The several shafts are mounted in bearings in tho
general frame of the machine, which consists of two longitudinal side frames OO
and intervening cross-ties or braces at intervals.
The feed motion is given in the following manner: On the end of the shaft Q
is loosely mounted a large gear-wheel U (Figs. 6, 12 and 13) and inside of this
wheel is arranged a lever or crank-arm U which is fixed on the shaft Q.
The
lever U¹ is given a vibratory motion by means of a crank U³ (Figs. 12 and 14)
fixed on the shaft R. The crank-stud 9 of this crank turns in a block q' which
slides in a slideway formed in the lever U. As the crank U revolves in the
direction of the arrow in Fig. 12, it moves the lever U' slowly toward the left
in Fig. 12 during a little over half the revolution, and more rapidly to the right
on its return stroke during the remainder of the revolution. To the end of the
lever is pivoted a friction-pawl Us having an eccentric wedging face which enters
a V-shaped groove y' formed within the Aange of the feed-driving wheel U. The
pawl U is counterweighted so that its wedging end is kept always pressed into this
groove. During the working or leftward stroke of the lever U, this pawl U'
wedges itself fast in the groove q', so that during this stroke it carries the wheel U
with it, but on the return stroke of the lever the pawl frees itself and slides back
freely in the groove. The wheel U is moved forward intermittently a distance
corresponding to the angular swing of the lever U, which in turn is dependent
upon the throw of the crank U'. The feed rolls B B are driven from the gear U
by the direct engagement therewith of the gear-wheel 'on the spindle of the lower
roll, which in turn drives a gear & on the spindle of the upper roll, and this in turn
drives a gear on the spindle of one of the rolls bb. The second pair of feed-
rolls B B is driven from the gear by an intermediate gear. The glue-
roll A' is also driven from the gear Ụ through the medium of gears a' a', so that
it advances intermittently, moving only when the web of fabric is fed forward.
In order to adjust the feed to varying lengths of cover blanks, it is necessary to
drive the rolls B B', and A' a greater or lesser peripheral distance at each feeding
movement. This is accomplished by driving the gear U a greater or lesser distance.
To do this the crank U' is made adjustable so that its throw may be increased or
diminished. Its adjustability is best effected in the manner shown in Figs. 12
to 14. The crank-arm U is slotted, and in its slot is mounted a sliding block q³
carrying the stud q and which may be set in any position by a screw g. To adjust
the throw this screw is looseued, and by turning a screw the block is propelled
out or in to the desired position.
The movement of the slide C, carrying the pusher c' for feeding the boards, is
effected as follows: This slide is connected by links to levor-arms C fixed on a
rock-shaft C' and to which is fastened the lever-arm C, the lower eud of which
carries a roller working in a cam-groove in a cam C' carried by the shaft S. The
shape of this cam-groove is shown in Fig. 12. In adjusting the machine for longer
or shorter blanks, it is necessary to adjust the time of the throw of the lever Cin
order that the boards may be fed forward and delivered between the rolla B B at
the proper iustaut to be applied in the correct position on the cloth. As the feed
of the roll is changed so that it starts sooner and continues longer, the time of the
stroke of the pushers must be correspondingly altered. To accomplish this, means
are provided for setting the cam C' to different angular positions around the shaft S.
To this end a cup S³ is keyed to the shaft and provided with a set-screw s'ongaging
the hub C of the cam, as shown in Fig. 6, so that by loosening this set-screw
the cam may be turned around to any position and the screw again tightened to
fix it.
For operating the frame E' of the cutter E, we provide by preference a toggle
motion. The cross-frame E' is connected by vertically sliding bars E' (Fig. 7) to
a lower cross-head E which is forced down by the straightening out of toggle-
arins E (Fig. 2) which react nowardly'against a cross-frame E. The togule is

page_text: operated by a cam E' fixed on the shaft R, and which acts against a roller E'
carried by a frame E' having arms which extend forward and are jointed to the
toggle. The frame E is guided by having forked arms which straddle the shaft B,
as shown in Fig. 2. As the shaft turns the toggle is opened by springs E' applied
5 thereto, whereby the lower cross-frame is pulled up, thereby elevating the knife.
The frame of the clamp F is connected by vertically sliding side rods F³
(Fig. 8) with a lower cross-frame F carrying a roller which is acted on by a cam T¹
on the shaft T. This cam acts to lift the frame, and as the cam lowers it, it descends
by its own weight and by springs F' of sufficient tension to press down the clamp F
with the requisite firmness.
The frame G which operates the end folders is connected by vertical sliding
rods G (Fig. 8) with a lower cross-frame G carrying a roller against which acts a
cam T on the shaft T. The cam acts to lift this frame and it descends by its own
weight.
"
The clamp J is carried on a cross-frame J₁ which is connected at its ends by
vertical sliding rods J' to a lower cross-frame J³ carrying a rollor which is acted on
by a cam T. This cam acts to lift the frame, and it is lowered by its own weight
and by the tension of springs J to push down the clamp J with the requisite
pressure.
The rising and falling movements are imparted to the ganges by means of a
cam T on the shaft T. One of tho gauge carrying arms on the shaft A³ is con-
nected to a rod extending downward as shown in Fig. 10, and carrying at its
lower end a roller which is acted on by said cam. The rod and roller aro guided by
forked arms embracing the shaft T.
The frame M' carrying the clamp. M is connected at its ends to vertical sliding
rods M' which are fastened beneath to a cross-frame M³ (Fig. 11) on which is a
roller m³ against which acts a cam T' on the shaft T to raise the frame, it being
lowered by its own weight and the tension of springs M' to press down the clamp M
with the requisite pressure.
The cross-frame N' operating the side folders N N is connected at its opposite
ends with vertical rods N, as shown at the left in Fig. 11, with a lower cross-frame N*
carrying a rollern (Fig. 2) which is engaged by a cam-groove in a cam T* fixed
on the shaft T. The groove in this cam acts both upwardly and downwardly to
impart the requisite movements to the frame N* N*.
The several vertical sliding rods E³, F³, Gʻ, J', M³ and_N' are all arranged
outside the main side frames O of the machine, and all slido vertically in
bearings applied thereto, with the exception of the rods E which slide through
eyes at their upper parts and are guided at their lower ends by the cross-
frame E, which slides in vertical guideways in the side frames, all as shown in
Fig. 1.
The feeding hooks H are operated by means of lever-arms H'H¹ on opposite
sides of the machine, the upper ends of which are connected together by a rod to
which the hooks H are pivotally connected. These arms are fixed on a abaft H
extending transversely of the machine, to which is fixed a lever-arm H projecting
downwardly, so that the arms H H H and intervening rock-shaft H' constitute
one lever. The ond of this arm H is connected to a bar H' which extends longi-
tudinally beneath the machine and is fixed at its rear end to a frame H³ having a slot
which embraces the shaft S, whereby it is guided. This frame carries a roller s³,
which is engaged by a cam-groove in a cam 8 fixed on the shaft S, see Figs. 1
and 6. The action of this cam is to move the rod H longitudinally and thereby
vibrate the lever H'H' in proper intervals of time to impart the requisite forward
and backward movement to the hooks H H.
The feeding belt or apron K travels intermittently, remaining stationary while
the clamps J and M are down, and moving after these clamps are lifted and during
part of the time that they remain elevated. This belt is carried over pulleys or
drums VV above, and it passes under drums V₁ V' beneath. Between these
drums is mounted a roller hung in bearings from the frame N°, so that when this
"

page_text: •
framo is lifted by the cam T this roller is carried up with it. The belt passes over
this roller, so that this upward movement draws it tight against the drums_V¹ V'.
The drum V' is mounted on a shaft which is driven continuously by any
suitable means, preferably by a belt g' from a pulley 7 on the sleeve Q₁ of the
driving pulley (Fig. 16), this belt passing over a pulley fixed on the shaft v
(Fig. 4). While the clamp M is down, the belt K is dropped by the roller v out of
contact with the driving drum V', as shown in Fig. 2, but after the clamp M has
been raised the ascent of the frame N' to retract the side folders causes its roller v
to tako up the slack in the belt and draw the latter tight against the drum V', so
that this drum drives the belt as long as the frame N' remains thus elevated.
When the belt has travelled for a sufficient time, the frame N' is moved down
Bufficiently to release the belt from the traction of the drum V' thereby stopping it,
and immediately thereafter the clamp M is brought down upon the table m to
clamp the blank, after which the frame N' completes its descent and thereby moves
the aide folders N N against the blank. Thus the frame N' in its descent
dwells for a moment in approximately its mid-position, so that the first half of its
movement is effective to release and atop the feeding belt, its dwell being sufficient
to give the clamp M time to come down, after which it executes the remainder of
its movement which causes the side folders to act.
The movement of the clamp M is first immediately upward upon the finishing of
a blank, and before the next blank is fed to it it moves downward to nearly its
final position, but remaining sufficiently elevated to enable the next blank to pass
readily under it. The purpose of the movement of the clamp to this position is to
bring the gauges m' down to where they will stop the entering blank, and the
clamp dwells in this position during the latter portion of the feed of the belt K to
give time for the blank to pass beneath it and be stopped and brought into correct
position by the gauges. Immediately after the apron K comes to reat and during
the dwell of the frame N' in its downward movement, the clamp M completes its
descent and clamps the blank against the table.
Our invention may be modified in many ways as will be apparent to any skilled.
mechanician. For example the feeding of the fabrio forward by feeding rollers is
not essential as it might be fed forward by any other kind of feeding mechanism,
for example, by any means whereby two grasping or clamping members engage it
above and beneath. Our invention is not absolutely limited to the feeding of the
fabric through the medium of the pairs of boards applied to it, this being done not
because it is essential, but because it obviates the difficulties attending the grasping
of a gummod surface. A portion of the fabric might be left ungummed to be
engaged by the feeding mechanism. Other means than the drawing hooks H may
be provided for transferring the blanks from the first to the second end folder.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said 'inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what wo
claim is :-
1. The described machine for making book covers, comprising means for
gumming a web of covering fabric, for applying pairs of boards thereto, for feeding
the web, for cutting it off between the pairs of boards, for folding the projecting
flaps of fabric upon the ends and sides of the boards, and for feeding the cover
blanks between the flap-folding operations, in substantially the manner specified.
2. Feeding forward a continuous gummed web of covering fabric by a feeding
mechanism ongaging it after the side boards have been applied to it, and grasping
the boards and fabrio, so that the feeding mechanism need not touch the gummed
surface of the fabric, substantially as set forth.
3. The special means for feeding forward the web of fabric, consisting of pairs
of rollers BB and B' B', the two pairs so spaced apart that when the space
between successivo boards is between oither pair the other pair is grasping the
boards to feed the web.

page_text: 4. The specific feeding mechanism for driving the feeding rollers, adapted to
revolve them intermittently, and adjustable to vary the length of feed, substantially
as described with reference to Figs. 12, 13 and 14.
5. In a machine for making book covers, means for applying a stiffening strip
to the covering fabrio between the two side boards of each pair, substantially as
described.
6. The special means for applying the stiffening strip, by drawing it from
a roll D, cutting it off, and directing it to the correct position on the fabric,
as described.
7. The roller L for rolling down the stiffening strip, operating substantially as
described.
8. The cutter E having a straight knife and two V-knives for simultaneously
cutting across the web of fabric, and cutting off the corners of the flaps, as
described.
9. The construction of the cutter E with adjustable blocks carrying the
V-knives, to facilitate adjusting it to different widths of covers.
10. The special toggle driving mechanism for operating the cutter E, substan-
tially as described.
11. The special construction of the double magazine C for holding the side
boards cc, so that its compartments may be adjusted to hold different widths
of boards, and may be moved to different distances apart, substantially as
described.
12. The mechanism for feeding the side boards c c, constructed to be adjustable
relatively to the feed of the covering fabric, so as to adapt it to different lengths
of covers, substantially as described.
13. In a machine for making book covers, means for folding the projecting flaps
of covering fabrio around the edges of the boards, consisting of a tablo and clamp
for holding the cover-blank, and a flap-folder having two active parts, the first of
which turns up the flap, and the second of which turns the flap down upon the
board, substantially as described.
14. The flap-folders constructed with a folding blade to turn up the flap of
fabric, and a roller for folding down the flap upon the board, and rolling over it,
substantially as described.
15. The flap folders, constructed with an oscillating shaft, a folding blade
carried yieldingly thereby, and a roller carried by the shaft and moved positively,
so that when the blade strikes the table it stops and the roller moves over it to fold
down the flap, substantially as described.
16. The first end folder G, the second end-folder G¹, the side-folders N N, and
feeding mechanism for moving the cover-blank from one folder to the next
successively, substantially as described.
17. The described construction of the table f, clamp F, and end folder G, to be
adjustable to different lengths of cover-blanks.
18. The described construction of table j, clamp J, end-folder G¹ and stop-
gauges k, adjustable to different lengths of cover-blanke.
19. The feeding mechanism for carrying the cover-blanks from the end-folder G¹
to the side folders N N, with mechanism for moving the gauges & out of the way,
substantially as described.
20. The described construction of table j, clamp J, feeding belt K and weighted
roller &¹ for starting the feed of the cover-blank, after the end-folder G' has
operated.
21. The table m, clamp M, and reciprocating side-flap folders N N, and driving
mechanism therefor, operating substantially as described.
22. The described construction of table m, clamp M and side folders N N to be
adjustable to different widths of cover blanks.
23. The gauges m' for stopping the blank in the correct position to be engaged.
by the clamp M and acted ou by side folders N N, as described.

page_text: 24. The driving belt K for advancing the cover-blanks, moving forward
intermittently when the clamps J and M are raised, as described.
25. The means for feeding the cover blanks from the first end-folder to the
:second, consisting of bridge-plate I and movable hooks H H, operating substan-
tially as described.
26. A special creaser for crimping in the double-thickness of of covering-
fabric at the corners of the boards, substantially as and for the purpose described.
27. The rollers or having creasing flanges p p for arimping in the fabric at
the corners of the boards, as described.
28. The rollers i or
having an enlarged middle portion for rolling the
covering-fabric down against the stiffening strip d, substantially as shown in
Figs. 26, 27 and 28.
J. C. MEWBURN,
55 & 66, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agent. –