CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR PRINTING, EMBOSSING, PRESSING, AND PERFORATING
Year: 1849

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, HENRY
KNIGHT, of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Mechanical Engineer, .
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Seventh day of June,
One thousand eight hundred and forty-nine, in the twelfth year of Her reign,
did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me, the
said Henry Knight, my exors, adññiors, and assigns, Her especial licence, full
power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said Henry Knight, my exors,
admors, and assigns, and such others as I, the said Henry Knight, my
exors, adiñors, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times during the term of years therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Invention of
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR PRINTING, EMBOSSING, PRESSING, AND
PERFORATING;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that I, the
said Henry Knight, should cause a particular description of the nature of my
said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, by an
instrument in writing under my hand and seal, to be inrolled in Her sairl
Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next and
immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as in
and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at large,
appear.

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Henry Knight, do hereby declare that the nature of my said Invention,
and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are fully described
and ascertained in and by the following statement thereof, reference being
had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and letters marked
thereon, that is to say:-
My Invention consists, firstly, of an improved number printing machine;
that is to say, of a machine by the operation of which numbers may be printed
either consecutively, as 1, 2, 3, &c., or alternately, as 1, 3, 5, 7, &c., and
which, is also capable of printing duplicate or triplicate numbers of both
series, as 1, 1; 2, 2; 3, 3, &c.; 1, 1, 1; 2, 2, 2; 3, 3, 3, &c.; 1, 1; 3, 3;
5, 5, &c.; 1, 1, 1; 3, 3, 3; 5, 5, 5, &c., which machine is also applicable to
the printing of other characters besides figures.
Secondly, of a machine for effecting the combined processes of printing or
colouring and embossing.
Thirdly, of machines applicable either to pressing, perforating, or embossing.
Lastly, of apparatus to be used with any such suitable machines for
the purpose of pressing into required forms covers for notes or letters, and
other similar purposes.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figures I. to XIII. represent my number printing apparatus. a is a frame
of metal, as shewn in the Drawing; b is an axis passing through the frame a,
and on which the said frame is moveable; c is an axis passing through the
frame a, on which axis are fixed the figure or character discs, consisting of
any required number of such discs; d is an axis also passing through the
frame a, and on which are placed a corresponding number of wheels with
large projections or teeth which engage between the spaces on the discs, and
by the motion given to the frame a when in use, cause the required changes
of characters engraved on the peripheries of the discs.
Figures IV. and V. shew separately the former the character discs, and the
latter the wheels for the axes b and c; e is a metal cover serving for an inking
table or reservoir from which the roll supplies itself with coloring matter;
f is the inking roll which passes over the character discs at every complete
motion or stroke of the frame a on its axis b, this motion of the inking roll
being caused by the intervention of suitable wheels placed concentric on the
axes b, c, and d. The same parts are distinguished by the same letters in each
of the accompanying Drawings; and as I do not claim as of my Invention
cither the frame a or the discs, wheels, or inking roll attached to it, a more
particular description of these parts is here unnecessary.

page_text: The Figures IV., V., VI., VII., VIII., and IX., which are chiefly illustra-
tions of my improvements in the number printing apparatus, are for the
more distinct Specification thereof drawn of the actual size of my apparatus,
though I do not limit myself to those dimensions.
Figure I.-g is a hollow metal pedestal or base, having on its top two projec-
tions to which the frame a is attached by its axis b. h is a knob or thumb piece; a
similar thumb piece is also placed on the opposite side of the base g. i is a quad-
rant or arc of a circle fixed to the frame a; it has on its external surface two
channels for guiding chains for the purpose of giving motion to the frame a and its
appendages. is a bracket fixed to the back of the base g, and carrying two
guide pulleys for passing the chains over. k is a table top on which the base g is
securely fixed. I are the frame and legs of the table. m is a table in front of
that last mentioned; it is supported by brackets n, and, together with the
brackets, is raised and lowered to suit the position required by the work to be
done. o is a wheel attached to a screw box carried by the arm r, which is,
screwed firmly to the front of the table frame 1. p is a screw connected with
table m and the brackets n, and passing through the screw box. 7 are rods on
which the brackets move freely up or down. On turning the wheel o it turns
the screw box, and causes the screw and the table and brackets connected
therewith to rise or to descend. s is a bracket screwed in front of the base g.
t is a small frame carrying a pad on which the article to be numbered or
printed is placed for receiving the impression, and two small rollers are
attached to this frame, over which a band of paper or cloth is passed freely,
provision being thus made for removing a soiled part from over the pad. u is
a suspension bracket fixed to the under side of the table top k. v are two
pulleys connected together, and moveable on an axis fixed to the bracket u;
one of these pulleys is of a diameter to suit the extent of motion required for
the stroke of the apparatus; the other pulley is of a diameter to suit the
convenient rise and fall of the operator's foot. w is a pedal moveable on an
axis a. y', y, y, are chains. y¹ is attached at one end to the smaller of the
pulleys o, at the other end to a screw connected as shewn to the under side of
the pedal w..
The chain y is attached at one end to the extreme end of one
of the channels in the quadrant i, the other end to a fixed point on the larger
pulley v. The chain y is attached by one end to the other channel of the
quadrant i, and at its other end this chain is attached to a spring z, fastened
as shewn to the frame of the table, or a sufficient weight may be attached to
that end of the chain y³. z, z, z, is a spring attached to the frame a, and
bearing upon the head of a pin z, z, which, when not in use, is removed and
suspended by a line or chain to the side of the base g. When the several

page_text: parts of the machine are adjusted in the manner described, pressure of the
foot on the pedal w causes the frame a to turn on its axis, and bring the peri-
phery of, the character disc, Figüre IV., down upon the pad t, so as to press
one of the characters on the said disc upon the material placed on the said-pad
to be printed. On the raising of the foot the operation of the spring or weight
causes the return of the frame a to its upright position, and 'so often as the
operation by means of the pedal is repeated, an impress of the character
presented by the disc Figure IV. will be effected.
The working of the machine may either be effected by hand or by foot; to.
work it by hand a convenient handle is substituted for the quadrant i at the
back of the frame a.
My machine is so 'constructed as 'to print numbers either consecutively or.
alternately, or in duplicate or triplicate order or succession; my improvements
consist chiefly in the mode of effecting with facility to the operator such
requirements, and are sliewn by Figures VI, VII, VIII., ‘IX., X., XI.,
XII., XIII.
Figure VI, is a view of the interior of the 'base 9, one of its sides being
removed. a is a small bracket or cock screwed to the top of the base 'g; bis
a'click or lever moveable on a stud on the bracket a, the click having an
opposite end enlarged for the purpose of its overbalancing the click end; this.
click has also a projection f on one side of it near its axis; d is a second click,
having an enlarged opposite end to overbalance it, this click being also move-
able'on its axis. In working the apparatus the bringing forward the frame
a with its appendages causes one of the teeth of the wheel Figure V. to
depress the levers b and d'(when they are in the position to be so acted upon),
and to allow the wheel to pass the 'click, and the click then to resume its
On the return action of the
position by the preponderance of its other end.
frame a one of the teeth of the wheel is brought into contact with one or both
clicks, and the clicks not giving way in that direction, the wheel is caused to
turn on its axis, and thereby a change or changes in the characters presented
by the disc is effected. When the two clicks are allowed to be in action, then
two of the disc characters would be moved at each operation of printing, and
the order would necessarily be alternate. To, print, therefore, consecutively, it
is necessary to put the click 6 out of action, and this is done by means of
the thumb piece on the right-hand side of the base g, it having on its inner
end a wing of a shape shewn by Figure X. The long end or projection of
this piece being turned against the lower end of the click b, causes the
click 'to assume a position free from contact with any arm of the wheel,
and the printing is then consecutive. The thumb-piece has the word

page_text: consecutive engraved on the one, side, and the word alternate on the other
side of it, and the word presented to the eye of the operator is made to denote
the order of numbering that the apparatus will then effect. The operation of
numbering, either in duplicate or triplicate order, is effected by turning a
thumb-piece. or knob on the left-hand side of the base g. I will explain the
manner of effecting this by reference to Figures VI., VII., VIII., and IX.
Figure VI. h is a bolt, sliding on two screws, attached to the small bracket
or cock a, the upper end of this. bolt acting against the projection f on the
click d, and when the bolt is moved upwards it depresses the click d, putting
it thereby out of action, and whilst it is out of action the working of the
machine would effect the printing by the same characters without any changes.
The printing would be in duplicate order when the click was kept from action
during two operations, and in triplicate order when kept from action during
three operations, by the apparatus. is a frame of metal, screwed to the inner
side and front of the base g, and to it are attached various pieces. k is an
axis, on which are two discs and m, cut into shapes distinctly shewn hy
Figures VIII. and IX. n is a notched pulley on the same axis. o is a roller
'carried by an arm, and pressed against the notched pulley by a spring, as
shewn. p is a small toothed wheel on the axis k. q is an axis, supported also
by the frame i. is a toothed wheel on the axis q for driving the wheel p.
a is a ratchet wheel attached to the axis q. t is a disc moving freely on the
axis q, and having a projecting arm on one side of it. u is a click on the pro-
jecting arm of (t), and it is kept in contact with the ratchet by means of a
spring, as shewn. v is a spring keeping the disc t and its arm in due position,
as shewn in the Drawing. wis a hollow socket fixed in the top of the base g.
x is a stem of metal moveable in the lower part of the socket w, its lower end
resting on the extremity of the arm of the disc t. 2, 2, is a small stem of metal
moveable in the upper end of the socket w, and projecting above it.
It is sus-
pended, when not in the socket, by a line or chain to the side of the base, and
must be removed from the socket when the duplicate and triplicate process
is not required. 2, 2, Figure 1, is a bent spring, attached to the frame a, in a
position to cause it to pass down the stem y when in its socket.
Figure VI. It will be evident, on inspection of this Figure, that the spring v
on the arm of t will cause the end of the arm under the socket w to be elevated,
and thereby cause the stems x and y to be raised also; it will also be evident
that on the alternate motion of the frame a the spring (,,,) would act
against the head of the stem y, and thereby give motion to the arm of the
disk t, and cause it, by the intervention of the click and the ratchets, to turn
the wheel r, giving at the same time motion to the axes k, and the disks shewn

page_text: by Figures VIII. and IX. fixed thereon, and that when by such operation the
elevated portion of either of those discs are under the bolt (h), and thereby
elevating it, the click d would put out of action; but that when the lower or
smallest part of the discs are under the bolt h the click & would be operated on,
and thereby cause a change in the position of the character disc, and a corre-
sponding change of character. Such operations would occasion the character
to be repeated in printing either twice or thrice, according as the disc
Figure VIII. or the disc Figure IX. was under the bolt h, and the changes
and regulation in this respect are effected by means of the thumb-piece on the
side of the base g, the inner end of this piece being formed as shewn in
Figure VII., whereby the axis k (which is moveable lengthwise, but pressed
by a spring against the end of the thumb-piece) is, together with its appurte-
nances, moved so as to bring either of the disks or m under the bolt hat
pleasure, by turning the thumb-piece half round, the corresponding effect being
denoted by engraving on the thumb-piece, shewing the word two on the one
side, and the word three on the other side. The small stem z, z, must be
removed from the sockets V when the machine is not used for numbering
in duplicate or triplicate order; it is suspended for convenience by a small cord
or chain to the side of the base, in which also is a hole for its reception when
not in use; it is represented in Figure I. by z, z, z. It will thus be evident
that the half turn of the thumb-piece on the right-hand side will effect the
changes of consecutive and alternate order of numbering; and thus the same
simple operation, by the thumb-piece on the left-hand side, will effect the
arrangement for duplicate or triplicate order with the aid of the small stem z, 2,
suspended on that side for such occasional use.
-
Figure XI. represents a frame and appendages to be used with the number
printing apparatus, when it is required to operate upon any part or parts of the
surface of a sheet of paper. a is a frame, having a pad with rollers, as
used with the bracket before described, fixed to a convenient point upon it. b
is the pad and rollers. c, c, are two guides, sliding and adjustable on the
frame, for the purpose of guiding the paper or other material. When this
apparatus is required, the brackets is removed from the box g, and the pads
in the apparatus, Figure 11, brought into the position for being operated upon
by the frame a and the character disk.
Figures XII. and XIII. represent views of a carriage with axes, to supply
in the apparatus the place of the character disk, and to be used in printing
labels and similar articles. Figure XII. is an end view, wherein is seen the
method of fixing the label to the carriage, or other blocks or forms for giving
the impression. a represents the dovetail channel, in which character plates

page_text: the character plate, with the
Figure XIII. is the carriage
are slided on the carriage Figure XIII., and
projection at back for holding it in its place.
with its axes, on one of which a ratchet is placed, by which it is retained
in a required position by a click or bolt on the frame a; Figure I., Drawing
No. 2.
I now proceed to the description of my improved apparatus for the combined
purposes of printing or colouring and embossing. Figure I.. represents a
front view of my apparatus. Figure II. represents a side view. Figure III.
represents a sectional view of the same. Figure IV. represents a sectional
view of the apparatus for printing or colouring, distinct and apart from the
press. Figure 5 represents a plan of the same.
Figures I., II., III-a is the frame of the press. b, the base. c is the
guide or frame for the bolt to work in. d is the bolt. e is a receptacle for the
die or seal. f is the die or seal. g is the counterpart to the die or seal. h is
a roll, of suitable material, on an axis, for the purpose of inking or colouring
the surface of the die or seal. i is an axis moving in collars in each side of the
frame a.
k is a projection on the axis i, for pressing down the bolt d. 7 is an
intermediate piece or joint for transmitting the force to the bolt d. m is a
pulley on one end of the axis i. n is a table or bench and frame on which the
apparatus is fixed.
o is an axis working in collars attached to the frame of
the table n. p, p, p, are pulleys fixed to the axis o; and moveable with
it. These two pullies are of different diameters (" differential pullies"); the
diameter of the one is suited to the distance of motion or length of stroke
of the bolt d, that of the other to the convenient rise of the operator's foot. 7
is a pedal for giving motion to the apparatus by the pressure of the operator's
foot. r is a chain, one end of which is attached to the periphery of the
pulley m, the other end of it is attached to the periphery of the pulley p. s is
a pulley on the axis i, on the opposite end to that on which the pulley mis
fixed. t is a chain, attached at one end to the periphery of the pulley s, at its
other end to the small pulley v. u is a weight for drawing forward the slide a;
Figure V., on the return stroke of the bolt d, the weight u being suspended
by the chain t attached to the pulley v, v. v, v, v, is a double pulley, fixed to
the outer end of an axis carrying the pulley h, h, Figures IV. and V. w is a
chain, the one end of it attached to the pulley v, the other end to the weight u.
Figure III. is a sectional view through the centre of the press, shewing its
internal construction. i is the axis, carrying a pulley on each end of it. k is
a projection on the centre of the axis i. is an intermediate piece or joint
for transmitting the force to the bolt d. Round the bolt d, as shewn by
Figure III., and within its guide or case c, is a spiral spring, which by its force

page_text: elevates the bolt or causes its return upon the raising of the foot, or the-with-
drawal of it from the pedal after the blow or impress has been given upon
the die or seal f. On the operator's foot pressing down the pedal 7 and
causing the pullies and the axis i to revolve, the bolt d with its appendage g is
forced down upon the die h, and the embossing and colouring is effected;
on raising or removing the foot, the bolt is again raised by the force and action
of the spiral spring around it.
The inking or colouring process is effected in the following manner:-
Figures IV. and V.-a is a frame of metal, to be attached to the frame of the
press or apparatus (a), as shewn by Figure II. bis a plate of metal with a pro-
jection (b, b,) on its under side. The plate covers a portion of the frame (a).
C
is an ink or colour plate, covering another part of the top of the frame (a),
and serving as a receptacle or reservoir for the colouring matter for the roller (h).
d is a plate sliding in channels, formed on the inner sides of the frame (a), and
carrying an axis connected with the coloring roll (h), and its stem and frame.
e is the stem and frame of the coloring roll h. f is a friction roll at the back
end of the stem of the roll (h). 7 is the coloring roll; with its frame, at the
other end of the stem. N.B.This same coloring roll is marked (h) in
Figures I. and II. (h), (h, h), are pullies on axes, passing through the sides
of the frame (a). The pulley (h, h), having projections on its periphery, which
engage in open. links in the chains (i), the axis of the pulley (h, h,) projects
through the side of the frame (a). i is an open linked chain, the two ends
of which are attached to the under side of the sliding plate (d); this
chain is passed over the two pulleys (h) and (h, h), and the connection
on the projections on the pulley (h, h,) causes it to move a plate (d)
with its appendages backward and forward withinside the frame (a).
(V), (V, V), is a double groove pulley on the axis of the pulley (h, h), but
outside the frame (a). One end of the chain (t) is attached to the peri-
phery of the pulley (8), and the other end of it to the smaller groove of the
double pulley (o). The return of the bolt (d) causes the pulley (h, h,) to
revolve, and the chain (i) to draw the sliding plate (d) forwards, and carry the
roll (h) over the die or seal (f), and deposit upon it the necessary colouring
matter. On the foot being pressed upon the pedal (9) the sliding plate (d)
with its appendages are drawn back, and the friction roll at the back end of
the roll stem (e) then coming in contact with the projection b, b, causes the
elevation of the colour roll (h), and its pressure against the colour plate or
reservoir (c), whereby the roll acquires a renewed supply of coloring matter.
(e) is a chain, one end of which is attached to the groove (V) of the pulley, on
the axis of that denoted by h, h; to the other end of this chain is suspended

page_text: a weight (u); or a spring of sufficient force is substituted for the weight to
effect the return of the sliding plate (d), with the roll (f), so soon as the
colouring of the die or seal has been effected. It will be apparent, from this
description of separate parts, and the accompanying Drawings, that at each
depression of the pedal by the operator's foot embosing and colouring or print-
ing may be effected; and at each rise of the pedal the inking roll will be
carried over the die or seal, giving the necessary colouring matter for repeated
action.
Figure VI. represents, with the exception of the table and its appendages,
which are the same as those for Figures I., II., a lever press applicable to the
general purposes of pressing and perforating, as well as embossing; but for
pressing and perforating the circular bolt would be found inefficient. A six-sided
bolt, or one of some other poligonal form, is necessary; and as a spiral spring
would not be suitable to such form of bolt, the bolt requires to be otherwise
elevated, and a weight or balance ball (as shewn in the accompanying Draw-
ing, Figure VI., is attached to one end of a lever moving on an axis on the
frame of the apparatus, the other or shorter end of the lever acting in a
chanel in the bolt for the purpose of raising it.
'
Figure VII. is an improved lever press, adapted for its being worked by
hand.
Figures I., II., III., Drawing No. 3, represent a press of my Invention.
It is moved by means of a rack and pinion, and provides a larger stroke than
would be obtained by lever or screw press. Fig. 1. and II., (a) is the frame of
the machine or press; (b) is the base; (c) is the case or guide for the bolt;
(d) is the bolt, Figure III. (e) is the rack attached to the bolt; (f) is an axis
passing through the sides of the frame, Figure III. (9) is a pinion, fixed on the
axis (f); (h) is a pulley, fixed on the projecting end of the axis f, Figure III.
(i) is a tube fixed to the bolt frame (e), Figure III. (k) is a spiral spring within
the tube (i); the lower end of this spring is attached to the upper end of the bolt
(d), its upper end to a plate (f) on the top of the tube (i), Figure III. (2) is a
metal plate on the top of the tube for carrying the upper end of the spring (k);
(m) is an external covering, of any convenient shape, for putting over the
tube and spring (n) is a table, on which the press is fixed; (o) is an axis
working in collars, attached to the frame of the table (i); (p) is a lever fixed
to the axis (o); (9) is a chain connecting together the pulleys (h) and (s);
is a chain connecting together the pulley (s, s), and the pedal (t); (s), (5, 5),
are differential pullies on the axis (p), similar to those described with the other
press; (t) is a pedal, similar to that before described; (u) is a spring for
causing the rise of the pedal on the raising or withdrawal of the foot. The

page_text: action of this rack press will be evident on inspection of the Drawings, and it
will be found applicable to a variety of operations in embossing, pressing,
perforating, &c. Its peculiar construction, whereby the range of action of the
bolt is considerable, renders it applicable where the ordinary presses would not
be efficient for such purposes.
I claim also as of my Invention apparatus to be used with the rack press
(or with any other that may be suitable) for the purpose of forming covers
for notes or letters and boxes, frames, and other similar articles (by the
necessary modifications of the apparatus), and I illustrate the use thereof by
its application to the pressing into the required form the material for making
covers for notes and letters. I do not confine myself to the exact contour of
them to suit the application of such apparatus
the several pieces, but vary
to particular purposes.
Figure IV. represents a mould having a recess of suitable depth, the bottom
of the mould corresponding in shape and dimensions with the article to be
formed. (h) is a plate or deliverer let into a recess in the bottom of the
mould, and having underneath it a projection or stem which passes through
the bottom of the mould and the base of the press (see Figure 6).
Figure V. represents a piston with a screw by which it is attached to the
bolt (d) of Figure I., II., and III. The form of this piston is made to
correspond with that of the mould, allowance being made for thickness of the
material to be pressed.
a, a, a, a, are
Figure VI. is a sectional view of the mould Figure 4.
chanels in the substance forming the sides of the mould, and they are made
with an inclination or dip towards the bottom of it or at an angle of about ten
degrees from a horizontal line. b, b, b, b, are small instruments (shewn
separately in Figure VII.) for travelling the channels (a) of the mould and
pressing inwards the sides of the material standing up within the mould. (c)
are brackets attached to each side of the mould. (d) are levers on axes held
by the frames (c). The upper ends of the levers (d) are connected with the
outer ends of the instruments (6), the lower ends of the levers passing through
the base of the press and projecting below it. Any motion given to the lower
ends of the levers (d) causes them to move by their upper end the instruments
(b) in the channels of the mould. (e) is a frame and axis attached to the
under side of the base (b) of the press Figure I.; (f) is a lever moving on an
axis in the frame (e); (g) is a pin or stud projecting from the side of the
lever (f); (h) is a projection from the delivery plate (a), Figure IV.; (i) is
a frame carrying an axis, and fixed also to the under side of the base of the
press; (k) is a lever moving in the frame (i), and one end of it carrying a stud.

page_text: for raising the lever (f), and by that means the delivery plate (h), Figure IV.;
() is a stud at the other end of the lever (k) by which it is acted upon by the
wing (), Figure IX.; (m) is a stud on the opposite side of the lever (k) by
which it is retained in position by the action of the wing (i, i), Figure 10.
Figure VII. shews one of the small instruments (6), Figure 4. These
parts e, f, g, h, i, k, l, and m, and also represented in Figure 8 by the same
letters.
Figure 8 represents apparatus fixed to a plate and also to the under side
of the base of the press. a, a, a, a, are four axes connected together by bevil
wheels, as shewn in the Drawing. Each axis has upon it an arm carrying a
friction roller at the end of it. (6) is one of the arms with its friction roller
(c); (c, c,) are arms fixed to the two extremities of one of the four axes (a)
by the elevation or depressing of which the four axes with their arms are put
in motion, and by contact of the friction roller against the lower ends of the
levers (d), Figure VI., motion is communicated to the instruments (h),
Figure VI., in the channels (a), Figure VI., and the material standing up.
inside the mould (Fig. 6) is pressed inwardly, and towards the bottom of the
mould (d) is a box containing a spring; the box is made fast to the frame that
carries the axes with the bevel wheels. The outer end of the spring is
attached to the box, and its inner end to the axis. The elasticity of the
spring causes the return of the axis after its having been moved from its
position. The parts e, f, g, h, i, k, l, and m have been enumerated with
Figure VI., and are the same parts as are there shewn..
Fig. IX. (a) is a frame screwed to the under side of the bars of the press;
(6) is an axis supported by the frame (a); (c) is a ratchet wheel fixed to the
axis (b); (d) is a metal plate with a projecting arm; it is moveable freely on
the axis (b); (e) is a click and a spring attached to the arm of the plate (d);
the click is kept by its spring in contact with the ratchet (c);, when the arm
on (d) is moved in one direction, the ratchet (e) with its axis b is driven
forward, but the ratchet is not moved when the arm moves in a contrary
direction. (f) is an indented pulley fixel to the axes (b); (9) is a frame
carrying a roller which acts upon the pulley (f); (h) is a spring attached
to the frame (a), and by which the roller is pressed against the indented
pulley (f); (i) are wings on the axis (6) outside its frame (a) for action on
the arm (e) and on the stud (1) of the lever (k), shewn in Figure VIII.;
(i, i, are wings on the corresponding axis Figure X. for retaining the arm
(c, c,) and the stud (m) of the lever (k), Figure VIII.; (j) is a frame con-
necting together the projecting arms of the frames (d), (d), Figures IX.
and X., and attached to this frame is a rod continued down to the lever (p)
upon the axis (0), Figure 1 by which the red is moved.

page_text: Figure X. shews a frame with appendages similar to those of Figure IX.,
except that the ratchet wheel is made for acting in an opposite direction to that
of Figure IX., and that the wings in this Figure are differently constructed to
those of Figure IX., also the wings in this Figure being made to expand, which
is not the case with those on Figure IX.; Figure XI. represents one of the
wings on Figure IX:; Figure XII. represents one of the expanding wings on
Fig. X. It will be seen that the wings on Figure IX. are single, and that the
wing in Figure X. is double or made of two parts, the one fixed to the axis,
other jointed to the fixed part and caused to expand by the operation of a
small spring, but which a small force is able to close. The operation of the
wings on Figure IX. being to raise the parts (c) and (c, c), the operation
of the wing in Figure X. to retain in position those parts when so raised till
removed by a succeeding operation. The lever (k) is also acted upon by the
wings (i) and (i, i,) by means of the projecting studs (1) and (m), elevating
the same or retaining it in position in a like manner. The regulation by
which these parts are alternately raised and retained is effected by the relative
position of the wings upon their axes. The operation of the rack press in
conjunction with the apparatus that has been described may be briefly stated
thus: On the pressure of the foot upon the pedal, the piston is brought down
upon the material previously cut into shape and placed upon the mould. The
piston gives to the material the impress consequent to its shape and that of the
mould, leaving the four sides or angles of the material in a vertical position.
On raising the foot the piston is raised from the mould, leaving the impressed
material at the bottom of it, and in the ascent the four wings are propelled in
their channels and press the sides or angles towards the bottom of the mould,
retaining that position till another pressure of the pedal by the foot brings
the piston near to the bed, when the wings retire within the channels, and the
completion of the pressure by the piston is effected. On the second elevation
of the piston, it is followed by the piece called a deliverer rising from the
bottom of the mould bearing upon it; the formed letter cover to be casily
removed preparatory to a repetition of the operation.
Having given a full Specification of my improvements in apparatus for
Printing, Embossing, Pressing, and Perforating, I claim as of my Invention,
First, the apparatus herein described for number and character printing,
with the exception of the parts described by me as not being of my
Invention.
Second, the apparatus described to be attached to a press for colouring or
printing in connection with embossing.
Third, the lever press described for embossing, pressing, and perforating.
Fourth, the rack press for the same purposes.

page_text: Fifth, the apparatus for use in connection with a rack or other suitable
press in pressing and forming covers for notes, letters, and for similar
purposes.
Sixth, the adaptation of differential pullies for conveying and regulating
motion to such apparatus by foot.
Seventh, the construction of apparatus or presses by lever, by rack, or by
screw, such apparatus having the bolt and its case situate and fixed at a
convenient distance in front of an open frame or support instead of the same
parts being placed in the centre between two supports or frames, or by the
side of a single pillar.
In witness whereof, I, the said Henry Knight, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Fifth day of December, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.