Improvements in Numbering and Paging Machines.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Mar., 1889
Complete Specification Left, 13th Dec., 1889-Accepted, 8th Mar., 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Numbering and Paging Machines.
I, JOHN PHILLIPS, Mechanical Engineer, of 36 Manor Road, Walworth, London,
do hereby declare the nature of my invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates primarily to machines for numbering cheques, by means of
one or more numbering heads adapted to oscillate on a horizontal shaft, each
numbering head having a type disc, or a set of parallel type discs and means for
automatically turning one or more discs on its axis after each impression.
The improvements have for their objects to facilitate the simultaneous printing of
three or more numbers at variable distances from each other, to simplify the construc-
tion of the driving mechanism, to facilitate the correct placing of the sheet on the
feed table or platform, to render the impressions more uniform, to increase the
duration of the type by avoiding wear and tear, and to adapt the machine for
numbering the pages of books.
I prefer to construct the machine in triplicate, by mounting three numbering
hoads on
a horizontal oscillating shaft of rectangular cross section, the second
numbering head being either fixed or inovable sideways, while the first and third
may be shifted on the oscillating shaft, so as to change their distance from the
second.
The handle or operating lever, if the machine is to be worked by hand, is
preferably fixed to one end of the oscillating shaft, and the fulcrum of each ratchet
lever (which serves to turn the discs on their axis) is secured to a separate plate
adapted to slide along a slotted guide (similar to the bed of a lathe) extending across
the entire bed plate parallel to the oscillating shaft and adapted to be fixed at the
required point by means of a set screw projecting into the slot of the said guide.
Each of these sliding plates is provided with a bolt by means of which the ratchet-
lever may be locked when out of gear. The sliding plates to which the ratchet
levers are secured, sorve also as fixed points of support for the links which control the
motion of the inking apparatus.
The axles of the inking rollers of the different numbering heads are joined
together, so that there are only two parallel axles extending across the entire machine
and are secured at their ends in movable frames which press the rollers against the
inking table.
For operating the machine by means of a treadle or a revolving shaft, I pivot to
the disc carrier of the second numbering head one end of a connecting rod extending
to the rear of the machine and connected at the other end with a treadle mechanism or
with a crank disc.
To facilitate the correct placing of the sheet upon which the number is to be
printed, so that the numbers occupy the desired position on the said sheet, I employ
a movable wire situated closely over the feed table or platform and parallel to the
axes of the numbering discs; to this wire 1 impart an intermittent motion, so that
during the greatest part of the oscillating motion of the numbering heads, the wire
remains stationary vertically over the (real or imaginary) base line on which the
numbers are to be printed and that the wire will not commence to recede until the
type has nearly reached the surface of the sheet which is to receive the impression.
For this purpose the wire may be attached at each end (right and left of the machine
frame) to a horizontal guide rod, movable perpendicularly to the axes of the discs, the
said rod being held in its normal position by a helical spring, but moved out of the
way shortly before the type reaches the paper, by means of a vertical lever attached
to a horizontal shaft parallel to the disc axlo. This shaft extends across the entire
bød plate above the same and is set in motion by means of an adjustable sleeve secured

page_text: to the connecting rod mentioned above and a vertically oscillating lever or cam which
is fixed to the said shaft and comes in contact with the said sleeve at the required
moment of every oscillation of the numbering heads.
In order to obtain an elastic printing surface, I may provide the feed table or
platform with a horizontal slot or guide situated vertically underneath said guide
wire and parallel to the same, a short plate of wood lined on its underside with India
rubber or other suitable elastic material, and extending up to the level of the feed table
or slightly above the same. In consequence of this arrangement, the type when
coming in contact with the printing surface will press on an elastic cushion.
For limiting the down motion of the numbering heads, I may employ an adjustable
stop-pin or screw secured to the balance lever of the treadle mechanism or to the
connecting rod or other convenient movable part and adapted to come in contact with
a contact face formed on the bedplate or other stationary part.
Instead of three, any other required number of heads may be employed, and the
discs may be so arranged that while one disc prints a given number, the corresponding
disc of the next numboring head prints another number or a letter or other distinctive
mark. The weight of the oscillating parts is preferably equilibrated by a counter
weight or a spring.
To use the machine for numbering the pages of books or pamphle s, it is constructed
in such a manner, that the oscillating shaft, together with the numbering heads
attached to it and the ratchet mechanism recedes parallel with itself after every
impression, so as to get the numbering heads out of the way and allow the leaves of
the book to be turned over after every impression.
For this purpose the slotted bed-plate which carries the bearings of the oscillating
shaft, as well as the pivotal bearings of the ratchet pawls and the points of support
for the links of the working apparatus, is formed as a slide extending backward
perpendicularly to the disc axles and guided by a pair of cheeks formed on the
stationary main frame of the machine. The oscillating motion of the main shaft may
be produced by means of a pair of lovers movable in a vertical plane and connected
by a link. One lever is shorter than the other and fixed on the oscillating main shaft,
while the other is fixed to one end of a horizontal shaft mounted in the rear end of
the stationary machine frame. On the same shaft is mounted a shorter lever which
produces the to and fro motion of the slotted bed-plate by means of a specially
constructed connecting rod situated near the centre line of the machine frame.
During the last part of the oscillating motion of the main shaft, immediately before
the discs touch the paper, the type discs should move almost perpendicularly to the
paper, consequently the sliding motion of the bed-plate should be stopped before the
oscillating motion of the main shaft. For this purpose I produce an automatic
contraction of the connecting rod in the following manner. The connecting rod is
attached to the lever which moves the same (preferably the upright arm of a bell-
crunk lever, the horizontal arm of which is connected with the treadle and carries a
balance weight) by means of a slotted sleeve, in which the connecting rod is adapted
to slide, being only held in place by a helical spring pressing on a shoulder of the
connecting rod. Near the middle of its length the connecting rod has an adjustable
ring adapted to come in contact with a fixed stop, so as to prevent the connecting rod
from moving further after having, made a certain way, while the sleeve completes its
travel.
In order to give sufficient room for large sheets of paper, the stationary machine
frame carrying the guide cheeks, is connected with the stand of the machine at the
rear end only, so as to leave a sufficient clearance between this overhanging machine
frame and the platform or fixed table of the machine.
The inking apparatus may be modified as follows: It comprises a pair of frames
pivoted to the ends of the outermost disc axles. Each frame is connected with the
fulcrum support of the corresponding ratchet lever by a link and carries the axle of
a bellcrank lever, which axle is parallel to the disc axle and extends the whole
width of the machine frame. In the longer arm of the bellcrank lever is held the
axle of the inking rollers which is parallel to the said lever axle and of equal length.

page_text: The shorter arm of the bellcrank lever is in contact with a piston actuated by a
helical spring, so as to press the inking rollers against the inking table and type
discs, until the bellcrank lever comes in contact with a stop formed on the pivoted
frame of the inking apparatus.
For paging the leaves of books, it is desirable to print only alternate numbers,
for which purpose the ratchet wheel should be fed forward two teeth after every
impression.
This may be produced by changing the fulcrum of the ratchet lever, so as to vary
the distance between the fulcrum and the ratchet teeth, the said lever being pivoted
to its support by means of a bolt passing through one of two alternative holes of the
lever. The lever has a rear extension (beyond its fulcrum) provided with a balance
weight which prevents the pawl from dropping out of gear. Or I may use two
alternative ratchet pawls, one for ordinary numbering and the other for paging.
The treadle motion or the power driving gear is connected with the rear lever in
any suitable manner.
The table which supports the books in front of the printing apparatus is preferably
rendered adjustable in height by means of a screw spindle and hand wheel.
Dated this 12th day of March 1889.
FAIRFAX & WETTER,
433, Strand, London, Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Numbering and Paging Machines.
I, JOHN PHILLIPS, Mechanical Engineer, of 36 Manor Road, Walworth, London, do
hereby declare the nature of my invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in und by the following
statement :-
My invention relates to numerical printing machines, and more especially to
multiple numbering machines of the class described in the Specification of my letters
patent No. 13,420 dated the 17th of September, 1888.
The principal objects of my improvements are, to adapt the said machines for the
paging of books by imparting to the numbering heads an automatic receding motion
after every impression, so as to move out of the way and allow the leaves of books
to be turned over, also to facilitate the correct placing of the sheet on the feed
table or platform, to simplify the general construction of the machine, and to render
the impression more uniform and to increase the duration of the type.
In the following description, reference will be made to the annexed drawings in
which Fig. 1 is a plan of a triple numbering machine embodying my invention.
Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same in the act of printing.
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section along line Y Y of Fig. 1 with the numbering
heads raised.
Fig. 4 is a front elevation.
Fig. 5 is a cross section along Z-Z of Fig. 1.
Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate details.
The under frame or stand of the machine and the treadle mechanism are not
shown in these drawings. The machine chiefly comprises a series of numbering
heads, A, B, C, mounted on a horizontal shaft D, preferably of rectangular cross-
section and adjustable thereon so as to vary the distance between contiguous
numbering heads. Each numbering head has a set of parallel numbering discs
(a to a, b to b, c to e) each of which is provided with 10 projecting type, from
to 9, equally distributed over the circumference, as in ordinary numbering
machines.
On the axle of each set of discs, is mounted a ratchet wheel K, which during
the upward motion of the numbering head (when it recedes from the printing table),
comes in contact with a pawl L and is thereby turned on its axis,

page_text: The pawl is pivoted at m to a bracket M, and has a long rear extension which
serves as a counterweight to prevent the pawl from dropping out of gear.
The ends of the oscillating shaft D are held in a pair of brackets E, E screwed
to the right and left side of the slide F, which is supported by the bed plate H and
is movable thereon in a direction perpendicular to the shaft D. This bed plate forms
part of the projecting upper frame H' which is secured at its rear end to the main
frame or base plate J.
The main shaft D, which carries the numbering heads and imparts motion to the
samo, is adapted to receive an oscillating motion around its axis, by means of a
lever P, connecting rod P', and lever P2 mounted on the horizontal shaft R which is
connected with the treadle mechanism.
In addition to its oscillating motion, the shaft D receives an intermittent to and fro
motion through the intermediary of the slide F, which is connected with the operating
shaft R by means of a specially constructed connecting rod S, S', and a lever S.
As shown in Fig. 1 the rear part S' of the connecting rod, has the shape of a sleeve
with a slot passing diametrically through the same and of sufficient size to admit an
adjustable collars together with a helical spring scoiled round the rod S. The
cylindrical rod S is adapted to slide in the sleeve Slongitudinally as far as the ring s
and springs will allow. The rod S carries also an adjustable ring & adapted to come
in contact at the required moment with a detent s fixed to the overhanging upper
frame H¹.
This connecting rod acts as follows: At the beginning of the forward motion of
the slide Frepresented by Fig. 3, the pressure of the spring will keep the ring s
at the right hand end of the slot (furthest from the lever S), as shown in Fig. 1, and
the total length of the compound connecting rod S, S¹ will be a maximum. But as
soon as the ring meets the detent, the rod S is stopped, while the sleeve S
continues its movement by compressing the springs, until the lever S³ has completed
its forward travel. During the return motion of the lever S the spring & is allowed
to expand again, until the compound connecting rod regains its maximum length.
The axle R is mounted in bearings at the rear end of the upper frame H'.
S' is a connecting rod worked by the treadle and acting on the long arm of the
bellcrank lever S provided with a balance weight shown by a detached view in
Fig. 2.
When the oscillating shaft R. begins its forward motion, the levers P² and S² occupy
the position shown in Fig. 2 by dotted lines, and the shaft D receives simultaneously
a rectilinear motion at right angles to its axis, and an oscillating motion round the
same; but, before the type-discs touch the paper, the rectilinear motion ceases, so that
the type now reaches the paper in an almost porpendicular direction and produces a
clear impression. This position is shown in Fig. 2 by full lines.
The inking apparatus is constructed as follows:-
The axle of the first and of the last numbering head carries a lever O' adapted to
turn on the said axle and provided at its extremity with two pins or studs o, o¹, one of
which serves as fulcrum for the arm O, while the other is connected with the
bracket M by a link 0. The extremity of each arm O forms a bearing for the axle n
of the inking rollers N, which is held therein by a set screw n¹.
As shown in Fig. 6 which represents the principal parts on a larger scale each
inking roller is composed of a sleeve N¹ mounted on the axle n, and a jacket N
mounted on the sleeve. The sleeve N has at each end a shoulder, and at one end a
circular groove into which fits a semicircular rim formed on a separate ring n³ fixed to
the axle n by a set screw n*.
The ring, or loose collar n³ prevents the accidental shifting of the inking roller on
the axle n and serves to secure the said roller at any desired point of the axle, while
allowing it to turn on the same.
The inking table is formed by the cylindrical surface of the numbering head, which
has the shape of a casing surrounding the greater part of the circumference of the
numbering discs.
The inking rollers are held in contact with the inking tables, and then with the

page_text: type discs, by means of two elastic bands n³, of indinrubber, one for each arm N.
Each band passes at one end around the corresponding arm N, and at the other around
a screw fixed to the hub of the arm O'.
As the links O prevent the arms 01, and therefore the inking roller also, from
taking part in the oscillating motion of the numbering heads on the axle D, the
inking rollers will roll over the cylindrical surface of the inking tables at every
ap-motion of the numbering heads, take up ink from the same, and distribute it
to the type discs, as indicated by Figs. 2 and 3, which show the two extreme positions.
When the numbering heads are shifted on the axle D, in order to change their
distance from each other, it is necessary to shift also the ratchet pawls. For this
purpose the bracket M can be shifted along the bed-plate M' parallel to the shaft D,
and fixed at any desired point by means of screws m¹ passing through a slot m² which
extends the whole length of the bed plate. The inking rollers N must be shifted the
same distance on the axle n by means of the rings n described above and are then
fixed by the said screws n*. Set screws are also employed for fixing the numbering
heads on the shaft D.
The ratchet gear is similar to that described in the specification of Patent No. 13,420
of 1888. Provision is made for changing the length of the pawl L between its fulcrum
and the ratchet teeth, in order to turn the ratchet wheel either one or two divisions at
every oscillation of the numbering head, and consequently to print either consecutive
or alternate numbers as may be required. As shown in Fig. 7, the pawl L has two
alternative sockets 12, and 13 for the fulcrum m. According as the socket 12 or lis
used, the effective length of the pawl is changed, and also the distance between the
toothed extremity of the pawl and the axis of the ratchet wheel, so that the ratchet
wheel will come in contact with the pawl earlier or later, according to the position of
the pawl. After the pawl has been put on, it is secured by means of the screw
nut m³. As shown in Fig. 1, the fulcrum of the paw! L is formed by a stud m, fixed
to the bracket M and provided with a screw nut m².
The printing table X or platform of each uumbering head, has the shape of an angle
plato, Figs. 2 and 3 and is secured to the vertical face plate of the lower frame plato J,
by means of a screw bolt which passes through a slot; extending the entire length
of the said plate, as shown in Fig. 4.
The printing surface underneath each numbering head is supported by a wooden
plate or bar resting on a sheet of indiarubber and sunk in a
platform, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.
recess of the
The indiarubber serves as an elastic cushion, to ensure uniform contact of the row
of type with the paper, and allows for differences in the thickness of the paper and the
number of sheets placed upon each other. This device renders the impression more
uniform and reduces the wear and tear of the type-discs. T are the usual
endless bands of linen or other cloth (one for each numbering head) running
over roller U and u and serving as immediate support for the paper which is to receive
the impression.
The object of this endless band or smut belt is to prevent the type from reaching the
wooden supporting bar z and soiling it with ink, if the paper should not be in its place
for printing. In this case the type rollers reach only the band, and the latter is
subsequently drawn along, so as to have a clean surface under the type discs and keep
the under side of the paper from being soiled, when it is put on the table in position
for printing.
To ensure, that the sheet upon which the number is to be printed, will be placed
correctly, so that the numbers occupy the desired position on the said sheet, I employ
a movable wire situated closely over the feed table or platform and parallel to the axes
of the numbering discs; to this wire I impart an intermittent motion, so that during
the greatest part of the oscillating motion of the numbering heads, the wire remains
stationary vertically over the (real or imaginary) base line on which the numbers are
to be printed, and that the wire will not commence to recede until the type has nearly
reached the surface of the sheet which is to receive the impression.

page_text: The device for attaining this object is illustrated in the annexed drawing by Figs. 8
and 9, which represent in side elevation and plan a numbering machine having a
single oscillating numbering head without the rectilinear to and fro motion described
above. In this drawing, A represents a set of numbering discs. B the cylindrical
inking table and dise holder. (the connecting rod set in motion by the arm d of the
sleeve D which serves as a driving shaft, another arm d of the lever being connected
with the treadlo mechanism.
E is the front plate of the machine frame, which supports the principal moving
parts. is the overhanging main frame to which is screwed the plate E, as shown.
G is the printing table with a slot containing a wooden bar or cushion g which supports
the printing surface; H, H' are a pair of brackets screwed to the side of the plate E
and carrying the bearings h, h, for the oscillating shaft I; J is the guiding wire held
at its ends by the oblique sliding rods K. (one at each end) which are guided in
bearings formed on the said brackets H, H'.
The drawing shows the wire J and rods K in their rearmost position,
while the extended or foremost position is indicated by dotted lines and the
letter J¹.
Each of these sliding rods K is provided in front with a helical spring L which tends
to withdraw the rod, and at the back with a pair of pins h, k, between which is placed
the lower end of a lever M mounted on a horizontal sliaft N parallel to the shaft L.
This shaft N is held in a pair of bearings n formed on the plate and carries in the
centro a lever O. To the upper end of this lever is pivoted a sleeve o, through which
passes a rod P carrying an adjustable collar and connected at its rear end with an
arm of the sleeve D mentioned above.
e is the transverse slot in the plate E which serves for fixing the fulcrum
support of the ratchet pawl as described in the first part of this specification.
The mechanism shown by Figs. 8 and 9 acts as follows:
As soon as the numbering head A is lifted from its lowest position shown by the
drawings, the rod P together with the collar Qrecedes, and allows the spring L to
expand. This spring now draws the rod K and lever M forward until the wire J
rod K, levers M, and N have reached the position shown by dotted lines. In the
rearunost position of the lever d¹, the collar Q is at some distance from the sleeve o, as
shown by dotted lines, consequently the guide wire remains in its foremost position
immediately over the printing surface until the numbering head has made a part of its
down stroke.
Figs. 10 and 11 represent a single paging machine of simpler construction than that
represented by Figs. 1 to 5.
A is the numbering head and inking table. D is the axle or centre of oscillation of
the numbering head; F is a sliding block which carries the axle D and is guided
between checks HH formed on the overhanging upper frame H. S represents a
collapsible connecting rod (similar to that shown in Fig. 1) which drives the slide F
and receives motion from the hollow shaft R, which is operated by a treadle mechanism
not shown in the drawing.
P is a connecting rod which receives motion from lever P2 and turns the numbering
head on its axle D, L is the ratchet pawl having a fulcrum m mounted on a bracket M.
N is the inking roller mounted on an axle held by a pair of arms O, O'. The latter
are mounted on the axle of the type discs and held in position by a rod 02.
The axle of the inking roller must, however, be mounted in such a manner, that
the said roller can be kept in contact with the inking table by a spring. This
contact device may include a longitudinally movable spindle and a holical spring,
similar to those described in the Patent No. 13420, of 1888. It is not claimed as
part of the present invention and therefore not shown in the drawing. The surface
of the numbering head or inking table is curved cylindrically but excentric to the
type discs, as shown by Figs. 8, 9, and 10, so that the inking roller will gradually
approach the centre of the type disc while it rolls over the inking table.

page_text: Having now particularly described the nature of my invention, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, I declare that I claim :-
1. In a numerical printing machine, a horizontal shaft carrying one or more
numbering heads, together with corresponding inking apparatus, and receiving
simultaneously an oscillating motion around its axis and an intermittent to-and-fro
motion parallel to the printing surface, substantially as described.
2. The combination of a machine frame and printing table, with one or more
numbering heads, together with inking apparatus and ratchet gear; a horizontal
main shaft carrying the said numbering heads and situated outside their axis; a pair
of shaft bearings and a supporting plate adapted to slide perpendicularly to the main
shaft; an oscillating driving shaft mounted at the rear of the machine frame; a pair
of levers and a connecting rod adapted to transmit the oscillating motion of the
driving shaft to the main shaft; and a lever and collapsible connecting rod,
adapted to transmit motion from the driving shaft to the sliding plate, substantially
as described.
3. In a numerical printing machine, the combination with the machine frame and
printing table, of a horizontal main shaft carrying a numbering head, together with
inking apparatus and ratchet wheel, and receiving simultaneously an oscillating
motion around its axis and a to-and-fro motion perpendicular to the same; and a
multiple ratchet pawl pivoted to a stationary bearing and adapted to turn the
ratchet wheel during the return motion of the oscillating shaft, substantially as
described.
4. In a numerical printing machine a multiple ratchet pawl provided with counter-
weight and with means for changing the distance between the extremity of the pawl
and the ratchet wheel in its position of rest, substantially as described.
5. In a numerical printing machine having numbering heads mounted on a
horizontal shaft and adapted to oscillate with the same, the inking mechanism,
comprising in its construction a cylindrical inking table formed by the casing of each
set of numbering discs a pair of lever arms O¹ adapted to turn on the axle k of the
numbering discs, a pair of links 0 connecting the said arms with a stationary
support, a pair of arms O pivoted at one end to the arm 0¹ and provided at the other
end with bearings for the roller axle n, a series of inking roller (one for each
numbering head) mounted on the said axle n and adapted to be fixed thereon at
variable distances apart, and the pair of springs adapted to keep the inking rollors
in contact with the inking tablo and types substantially as described with reference to
sheets I and II of the drawings.
6. In a numerical printing machine a printing table or platform containing a
wooden plate or bar a adapted to receive the pressure of the type discs and an elastic
cushion situated underneath the plate ¹, substantially as described with reference
to sheets I and II and for the purpose specified.
7. A numerical printing machine, having a guide wire which receives an
automatic and intermittent motion, substantially as described and for the purpose
specified.
8. In a numerical printing machine with oscillating numbering head, the
combination of a guide wire placed immediately over the printing surface and
parallel to the axis of the numbering discs, with means substantially as described
with reference to sheet III for imparting to the said wire an automatic and intermittent
motion perpendicular to the axis of the numbering head.
Dated this 12th day of December 1889.
JOHN PHILLIPS.
By Fairfax & Wetter,
433, Strand, London, Agents.