Improvements in Hand Stamping Apparatus, and Indicating Devices connected therewith.
Year: 1894

page_text: '
Date of Application, 4th June, 1894
Complete Specification Left, 4th Mar., 1895-Accepted, 6th Apr., 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Hand Stamping Apparatus, and Indicating Devices
connected therewith.
A communication to me from abroad by ROBERT KRAYN, of 27, Karl Strasse,
- Berlin, in the Empire of Germany, Engineer.
I EDMUND EDWARDS, of the Firm of Edwards and Co., Patent Agents and
Engineers, of 65 and 66, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My present invention has for its object an improved stamping apparatus, which
instead of using adhesive stamps of different values such as have been hitherto
ordinarily used for postal and other purposes, impresses or prints stamps repre-
senting the value of different amounts. The apparatus can be so arranged that the
stamping only takes place after the introduction of one or more pre-determined
coins, or so that the stamping can be effected at any time, the number of the
successive stamps being indicated upon a clockwork device attached to the
apparatus. The stamping itself can be effected either by mechanical or electrical
means, the construction and operation remaining the same in both cases.
The accompanying drawings are in illustration of the invention,
Figure 1 being a longitudinal section through the apparatus:
Figure 2 a cross section through the stamp above the lever d;
Figure 3 a cross section through the money indicating device;
Figure 4 a cross section through Figure 1;
Figure 5 a longitudinal section through the apparatus, with the loaded lever d
depressed after the introduction of the coins for the succeeding stamping
operation;
Figure 6 a longitudinal section through the apparatus at the moment of
stamping, and
Figure 7 a side view of the bell-crank lever o at the moment when the spindle
of the pressure knob, under the influence of the spring ", is coming back to its
original position.
The stamp s is guided in guides so that it can move up and down in a case and is
fitted with a helical spring the object of which is always to press the stamp
upward. The spindle of the stamp is at its upper end guided in a fixed case q
in which the tubular piece q', which is closed at its upper end, can move up and
down.
Inside the case is arranged a sufficiently strong helical spring r. Upon the upper
closed end of the tubular piece q' presses a bell-crank lever o with a hinged upper
end o' which can only turn in one direction.
With the latter engages a projection or pin upon the spindle which is provided
at its outer end with a handle or knob K. A helical spring serves to press the
knob of the spindle into its furthest outer position. The spindle of the stamp s
is in its highest position held by teeth w, w¹, which are fixed upon a double ended
balanced lever d, d¹. The arm d of this lever ends in a fork d², which is suitably
connected with the small tube or case b. The other arm d' of the lever has jointed
to it the coupling rod f which carries at its upper end a coupling piece g which has
for its object the coupling of the spindle with the indicating clockwork. The
coupling rod f is guided in a fork or guide f¹.

page_text: The working and method of operation of the arrangement of the mechanical
automatic stamping and checking and indicating apparatus shewn on the drawings,
is as follows:-
According to the value of the marks which the stamp is to impress and indicate,
the required number of coins are introduced through a suitable opening or slot y
(Figure 1), four such coins being shewn in the drawing.
Smaller coins than those required, fall in passing through the tube a, through the
slit a', into a receptacle a³, which either returns the coin from the apparatus or
conducts it into the money box or drawer of the apparatus. When all the four
coins have been introduced (Figure 5) they press by their own weight upon an
casily moveable tube or case-b=provided-with a hinged door c, and force it down
until the fork d² rests upon the moveable stop or tube g¹. In this position the
hinged door c of the moveable tube 6 is prevented from opening, as its hinge 61 is
still just inside the tube a. By the moving down of the lever arm d the coupling
rod, which is jointed upon the other arm d' of the lever,-is, pressed up (Figure 5),
and the coupling piece g is introduced between the end of the knob spindle and
the lever i which operates the indicating clockwork. In this position therefore a
pressure upon the knob k actuates the hinged lever n and by means of the pall m
carried by the latter actuates the ratchet wheel m, with the teeth of which the pall
engages. Whilst is coupled as described and k pressed in (Figure 6), the bell
crank o is also turned through a determined angle by the pin p, and as the spring r
is stronger than the spring the stamp s is pressed down and a stamping operation
effected. The pin is so adjusted that after the stamping it escapes past the
hinged upper end or catch o¹, so that the spring r¹ can come into operation and the
stamp is brought up again sharply. A further stamping without the insertion of
additional coins is therefore prevented.
By the pressure upon the knob k the coupling g which is then between h and i is
compelled to follow the movement of the spindle 1. By this means the coupling
rod is pulled upward and a further raising of the lever arm d¹ is caused
(Figure 6). By this raising the fork d³, together with the small tube d, is pressed
further down and the hinged door c is released so that the pieces of money fall out,
and are either directed into a money box or drawer below, or are conducted into a
money checking device. This last device may be used to ascertain and check the
last coins which were introduced into the apparatus.
When the pressure knob k is released the spring presses the spindle / back
into its original position (Figure 1), the coupling piece 9 is released, the balance
weight upon the lever arm d¹ brings down the coupling rod f, and at the same time
raises the tube d at the other end of the lever arm up into the tube a.
In Figure 3 is shewn the checking apparatus by which the coins last introduced
into the slot are checked. One or both sides of the tube must be of glass or
other transparent material. The coins falling from a and b are first conducted
through an inclined guide into the tube x, in which they are held by the hinged
and weighted door 2, until a small additional weight is introduced by the action
of which upon the door 2, the latter is opened and the piece or pieces of money
are released.
The inking of the stamps is effected by a pad working upon a hinge as shewn at t
(Figures 1, 5, and 6), which by the downward pressure of the stamp is pushed
aside and by suitable guides upon the stamp is prevented from coming back before
the next stamping operation.
A support u fixed to the case or frame of the apparatus, serves to carry a table u¹
upon which the stamping is effected. A tube or guard t¹ reaches nearly to the
stamping table u¹, and guides the stamp, whilst it serves to prevent the latter being
used for fraudulent purposes.
In place of the mechanical apparatus for the automatic stamp, an arrangement
operated by electricity may be substituted. In such case the apparatus is so
arranged that by the tilting of the lever d by the weight of the introduced coins,
an electrical circuit is made or broken, by means of which an electro-magnet in the

page_text: circuit is set in operation or its operation stopped. By means of this arrangement
a suitable armature is attracted or released, and the working of the latter operates
upon the stamp or the stamp spindle. In this method of construction the clockwork
must be in direct connection with the stamp in order to indicate the numbers of the
successive stamping operations.
The backward movement of the stamp into its position of rest may be effected
by a balance weight or spring.
As the contact is suddenly effected by the introduction of the coins and is
arranged so that it lasts only a short time, the stamping operations may follow each
other very rapidly without danger of the apparatus being fraudulently used.
In order that the improved apparatus may be used for various purposes required,
and for the stamping of letters or other postal documents, and to stamp very rapidly
without the insertion of a coin or coins every time, the automatic apparatus may
be omitted and the lever d, d', retained in its working position. The coupling g
therefore is constantly inserted, so that every pressure upon the knob operates the
clockwork. The amount of the successive stamps must therefore be indicated by
the clockwork.
יוה
EDWARDS & Co.,
65 and 66, Chancery Lane, London, Agents for the Applicant.
Improvements in Hand Stamping Apparatus, and Indicating Devices
connected therewith.
A communication to me from abroad by ROBERT KRAYN, of 27, Karl Strasse,
Berlin, in the Empire of Germany, Engineer.
I, EDMUND EDWARDS, of the Firm of Edwards and Co., Patent Agents and
Engineers, of 65 and 66, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, 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 and accompanying drawings, that is to say :-
My present invention has for its object an improved stamping apparatus, which,
instead of using adhesive stamps of different values such as have been hitherto
ordinarily used for postal and other purposes, impresses or prints stamps repre
senting the value of different amounts. The apparatus can be so arranged that
the stamping only takes place after the introduction of one or more pre-determined
coins, or so that the stamping can be effected at any time, the number of the
successive stamps being indicated upon a clockwork device attached to the
apparatus. The stamping device can be effected either by mechanical or
electrical means, the construction and operation remaining the same in both
cases.
The accompanying drawings filed with my Provisional Specification are in
illustration of the invention,
Figure 1 being a longitudinal section through the apparatus ;
Figure 2 a cross section through the stamp above the lever d;
Figure 3 a cross section through the money indicating device;
Figure 4 a cross section through Figure 1 and
Figure 5 a longitudinal section through the apparatus, with the loaded lever d
depressed after the introduction of the coins for the succeeding stamping
operation;
Figure 6 is a longitudinal section through the apparatus, at the moment of
stamping, and

page_text: Figure 7 a side view of the bell-crank lever o at the moment when the spindle of
the pressure knob, under the influence of the spring ", is coming back to its original
position.
The stamps is guided in guides so that it can move up and down in a case
and is fitted with a helical spring r the object of which is always to press the
stamp upward. The spindle of the stamp is at its upper end guided in a fixed
case in which the tubular piece q', which is closed at its upper end, can move
up and down.
Inside the case is arranged a sufficiently strong helical spring r. Upon the upper
closed end of the tubular piece q¹ presses a bell-crank lever o with a hinged upper
end o which can only turn in one direction.
With the latter engages a projection or pin upon the spindle / which is provided
at its outer end with a handle or knob KA helical spring serves to press the
knob of the spindle into its furthest outer position.
The spindle of the stamps is in its highest position held by teeth w, w¹, which
are fixed upon a double ended balanced lever d, d'. The arm d of this lever
ends in a fork d², which is suitably connected with the small tube or case b.
The outer arm d¹ of the lever has jointed to it the coupling rod f, which carries
at its upper end a coupling piece g which has for its object the coupling of the
spindle with the indicating clockwork. The coupling rod f is guided in a fork
or guide f¹.
The working and method of operation of the arrangement of the mechanical
automatic stamping and checking and indicating apparatus shewn on the drawings,
is as follows:-
According to the value of the marks which the stamp is to impress and indicate,
the required number of coins are introduced through a suitable opening or slot y
(Figure 1), four such coins being shewn in the drawing.
Smaller coins than those required, fall in passing through the tube a, through
the slit a¹, into a receptacle a², which either returns the coin from the apparatus or
conducts it into the money box or drawer of the apparatus. When all the four
coins have been introduced (Figure 5), they press by their own weight upon an
easily moveable tube or case b provided with a hinged door c and force it down
until the fork d² rests upon the moveable stop, or tube y'. In this position the
hinged door c of the moveable tube b is prevented from opening, as its hinge 61 is
still just inside the tube a. By the moving down of the lever arm d the coupling
rod, which is jointed upon the other arm d' of the lever, is pressed up (Figure 5),
and the coupling piece g is introduced between the end of the knob spindle / and
the lever i which operates the indicating clockwork. In this position, therefore, a
pressure upon the knob k actuates the hinged lever n and by means of the pall m
carried by the latter actuates the ratchet wheel m, with the teeth of which the pall
engages. Whilst g is coupled as described and k pressed in, (Figure 6) the bell
crank o is also turned through a determined angle by the pin p, and, as the spring r
is stronger than the spring, the stamp s is pressed down and a stamping operation
effected. The pin p is so adjusted, that after the stamping it escapes past the
hinged upper end or catch o¹, so that the spring r¹ can come into operation and the
stamp is brought up again sharply. A further stamping without the insertion of
additional coins is therefore prevented.
By the pressure upon the knob k the coupling g which is then between h and i is
compelled to follow the movement of the spindle 1. By this means the coupling
rod is pulled upward and a further raising of the lever arm d¹ is caused (Figure 6).
By this raising the fork d² together with the small tube d, is pressed further down
and the hinged door c is released so that the pieces of money fall out, and are
either directed into a money box or drawer below, or are conducted into a money
checking device. This last device may be used to ascertain and check the last
coins which were introduced into the apparatus.
When the pressure knob k is released, the spring presses the spindle / back
into its original position (Figure 1), the coupling piece g is released, the balance

page_text: weight upon the lever arm d¹ brings down the coupling rod f, and at the same time
raises the tube d at the other end of the lever arm up into the tube a.
In Figure 3 is shewn the checking apparatus by which the coins last introduced
into the slot are checked. One or both sides of the tube x must be of glass or
other transparent material. The coins falling from a and b are first conducted
through an inclined guide into the tube x in which they are held by the hinged
and weighted door, until a small additional weight is introduced, by the action of
which upon the door E the latter is opened, and the piece or pieces of money are
released.
The inking of the stamp s is effected by a pad working upon a hinge as shewn
at t (Figures 1, 5, and 6), which, by the downward pressure of the stamp, is pushed
aside, and by suitable guides upon the stamp is prevented from coming back before
the next stamping operation.
table
A support u fixed to the case or frame of the apparatus, serves to carry a
upon which the stamping is effected. A tube or guard t¹ reaches nearly to the
stamping table u¹, and guides the stamp, whilst it serves to prevent the latter being
used for fraudulent purposes.
In place of the mechanical apparatus for the automatic stamp, an arrangement.
operated by electricity may be substituted. In such case the apparatus is so
arranged that by the tilting of the lever d by the weight of the introduced coins,
an electrical circuit is made or broken by means of which an electro-magnet in the
circuit is set in operation or its operation stopped. By means of this arrangement.
a suitable armature is attracted or released and the working of the latter operates
upon the stamp or the stamp spindle. In this method of construction the clockwork
must be in direct connection with the stamp in order to indicate the numbers of the
successive stamping operations.
The backward movement of the stamp into its position of rest may be effected by
a balance weight or spring.
As the contact is suddenly effected by the introduction of the coins and is.
arranged so that it lasts only a short time, the stamping operations may follow
each other very rapidly without danger of the apparatus being fraudulently used.
In order that the improved apparatus may be used for various purposes required,
and for the stamping of letters or other postal documents, and to stamp very
rapidly without the insertion of a coin or coins every time, the automatic apparatus
may be omitted and the lever d, d' retained in its working position. The coupling g
therefore, is constantly inserted, so that every pressure upon the knob operates the
clockwork. The amount of the successive stamps must, therefore, be indicated by
the clockwork.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. Automatic and checking stamping apparatus in which the stamping can be
effected after the insertion of a determined coin or coins either mechanically or
electrically, the number of operations being indicated by clockwork connected with
the apparatus, substantially as described and illustrated.
2. The arrangement of the stamp releasing and stopping devices for mechanical
stamping, consisting of the combination of a tube or case weighted with the required
coins, with a lever arm, in such manner that by the depression of the latter the
stamp is released for a single stamping operation, whilst only in the lowest position
of the lever the discharge of the money is possible, substantially as described and
illustrated.
3. An arrangement of the device for stopping the stamp described in Claim 1,
consisting of the combination of the weighted lever arm with a coupling piece in
such manner that the latter only after the depression of the lever caused by the
5 weight of the coins effects the connection of the pressure spindle with the clockwork,
substantially as described and illustrated.

page_text: 4. An arrangement of stamp mechanism for automatically stamping by means of
electricity, so that the depression of a lever caused by the weight of the introduced
coins either makes or breaks an electrical circuit and operates the armature of an
electrical magnet contained in such circuit, in such manner that a single stamping
operation can be effected, substantially as described.
5. In the automatic and checking apparatus described and claimed in Claim 1,
the modified form in which the automatic devices are omitted, so that without the
previous insertion of coins any desired number of stamping operations may be
effected which at the same time operate the checking device, substantially as
described and illustrated.
1 2
6. In the automatic and checking apparatus described and claimed in Claim 1,
the arrangement for the simultaneous checking of the last inserted coins, consisting
of an inclined transparent guiding tube having its end closed by a hinged door,
which, by the addition of sufficient weight allows as many coins to escape as
have been freshly introduced into the apparatus, substantially as described and
illustrated.
Dated this 1st day of March 1895.
EDWARDS & Co.,
65 and 66, Chancery Lane, Agents for the Applicant.