Improvements in Stamping Machines for Printing.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Mar., 1891-Accepted, 9th May, 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Stamping Machines for Printing.
A communication from abroad by Thoмsox HANKEY ALEXANDER, of. Seventh
Street, Washington, in the District of Columbia, United States of America,
Attorney.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street,
Manchester, both in the County of Lancaster, and 323, High Holborn, in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, 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 is for an improved stamping machine, its objects are to provide a
stamp carrier, whereon a number of stamps can be mounted and which can be
quickly adjusted so as to print from either one of said stamps, to removably secure
the stamps to the carrier and to accurately guide and reciprocate the carrier so as
to move a stamp thereon from the inking pad to the point where the impression is
made and automatically return the same to inking position.
The invention consists essentially in an oscillatory stamp carrier mounted
upon a rotatable cam or crank by which it is lifted and reciprocated, a guide
rod therefor and inking devices, substantially as illustrated in the drawings, in
which
Figure 1 is a side view of the stamping machine showing the carrier in different
positions by the aid of dotted lines.
Figure 2 is a plan view of the same.
Figure 3 is a transverse vertical section through the stamp carrier.
Figure 4 is a side view thereof.
Figure 5 is a detail view of the ink pad operating devices.
Figure 6 is a detail view of the guide rod support.
Figure 7 shows a geared operating handle.
Figure 8 shows a modification of the guide rod connections.
Figure 9 is a top plan view showing modifications of the machine.
A designates a revolvable shaft journaled horizontally in bearings in the sides
of a frame W of any suitable construction mounted on a base W. B is a cam disc
secured eccentrically on said shaft, and C an annulus fitted loosely on the periphery
of disc B. To the periphery of annulus C are attached a series of radially pro-
jecting holders D and a similar number of socket pieces d. The holders and socket
picees may be formed alike and provided with suitable devices for engaging the
stamp shanks. S S designate stamps such for instance as those used in post offices
for cancelling, etcetera, or ordinary business stamps, provided with shanks & engaged
in holders D as shown. The annulus C with its socket pieces and holders is called
the stamp carrier."
E represents an oscillating guide rod, its upper end plays through a rocking
nute in the upper end of the frame, which extends above and over the carrier as
shown. The lower end of rod E engages either of the socket pieces d. Below the
carrier and to the inside of shaft A is a revolvable ink pad 1 mounted on a dise
having a serrated rim which is engaged by a dog J that may be pivotally
connected to the lower end of an oscillatory lever K fulcrumed on a pin on the side
of the frame, and having its upper slotted end engaged by a cam k on shaft A, or
otherwise arranged so that when shaft. A is rocked the ink pad will be rotated.
The pad is covered by a plate having an opening in it however through which the
stamps contact with the pad. Shaft A may be rotated by a crank (Figures 1 and 2)
or gearing (as in Figures 7 and 9) or by a treadle and cord or other convenient
manner, so as to impart rotatory movements thereto.

page_text: When rod E is engaged with a socket piece it will prevent the carrier rotating
with the shaft, but will allow it to move transversely thereto. Each socket piece
corresponds with a certain holder so that when the rod is engaged with such socket
piece the stamp attached to such holder will be brought into working position, and
will be normally kept in contact with the ink pad, then when shaft A is rotated in
such direction as to turn the disc or crank upward and outward, the stamp will be
moved through a nearly semi-circular are, up from the inking pad beneath
shaft A, and forward and downward to the point of impression as indicated in
dotted lines, Figure 1. About a one-half revolution or less, of shaft A is
sufficient to properly operate the carrier. The shaft A is automatically thrown
back to normal position as by spring F attached thereto as indicated in
Figures 2 and 9, so as to be tensioned when the shaft is rotated forwardly, and
when the shaft is released, automatically turns it back and thus returns the carrier
to normal position.
If it is desired to bring another stamp into use, it is only necessary to shift
rod E into engagement with the socket picce having relation to the stamp to be
used. This shifting of stamps into and out of working position can be done easily
and quickly. The stamps can be easily removed from the carrier and replaced
by others. The guide rod may be arranged at various angles to the base; the
position of the rod however determines the distance apart of the socket pieces and
holders. As shown in Figure 1, the rod is vertical, so the socket pieces and
corresponding holders are diametrically opposite; if the rod was horizontal the
socket pieces would be set about one quarter circle distant from the corresponding
holders.
The rod might pass through a slot in the frame or be otherwise arranged, provided
it was permitted an oscillatory and reciprocating movement. The rod might be
socketed and engage studs on the carrier as in Figure 8.
In front of shaft A and below the carrier is a platen upon which the matter to
be marked is laid while an impression is being taken thereon.
Any desired number of socket pieces and holders may be attached to the carrier
according to its size, the machine being equally well adapted for a single stamp or a
number of changeable stamps. In Figure 9 the socket pieces and holders are secured to
the disc mounted loosely on a crank shaft, the crank takes the place of the eccentric
disc and will give the movements described to the stamps; in this figure the guide
rod is horizontal.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. In a stamping machine the combination of a rotatory shaft, a stamp carrier
suspended therefrom, and a guide for said stamp carrier, all constructed and
arranged so that when the shaft is operated the stamp will be reciprocated between
an ink pad and a platen, substantially as described.
2. In a stamping machine the combination of a rotatory shaft and an ink pad;
with an adjustable stamp carrier mounted on said shaft, and operated by the rotations
thereof so as to cause one of the stamps thercon to alternately contact with the pad
and make an impression, and a guide rod for said carrier, all constructed and
arranged to operate substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
3. The combination of the spring controlled rotatory shaft, a dise eccentrically
mounted thereon, and an annulus surrounding said dise having holders attached to
its periphery to receive the stamp shanks; and a guide rod engaging said annulus;
with the ink pad and devices for revolving the same by the action of the shaft, all
arranged to operate substantially as described.
Dated this 23rd day of March 1901
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.