US2246336A - Folding and collating machine - Google Patents

Description

June 17, 1941. Q wYRlCK 2,246,336

FOLDING AND GOLLATING MACHINE Filed April. 27, 1939 15 Sheets-Sheet l FIEJ INVENTOR d/WTO/V 5 WHP/CK Bv'a g w ATTORNEYS I. mm

June 17, 1941. c. E. WYRICK FOLDING AND COLLATING MACHINE Filed April 27, 1939 13 Sheets-Sheet 3 lull-1 Arronmzvs June 1'], 1941. Q E, w c 2,246,336

FOLDING AND COLLATING MACHINE Filed April 27, 1959 15 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIE El FIE.7

43 9 43a A 64 o O 42 9/ e3 6| Q 6&. 4 6 o 6 40 Q 38 62 o 35 a as 3! 6 Q 30 as P o 48 32 9 v 92 49 57 O 29 O o r o g G 53 5154 O 28' 5s 52 55 INVENTOR cuvrolvin re/cx BY Arronuevs June 17, 1941. g, E, WYRICK 2,246,336

June 17, 1941. Q wYRlcK 2,246,336

FOLDING AND COLLATING MACHINE Filed April 27, 1939 13 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIE. 11

ATTORNEYS June 17, 1941. c, wm'cK 2,246,336

FOLDING AND COLLATING MACHINE Filyad April 2'7, 1939 13 Sheets-Sheet 7 luvsu'ron. CLAYTON Wye/CA- A'rronnsvs June 17, 1941. c, WYRXCK 2,246,336

FOLDING AND COLLATINGMACHINE Filed April 27, 1939 13 Sheets-Sheet 8 FIE. 1 El J ATTORNEY$ June 17, 1941. Q wYRlCK 2,246,336

FOLDING AND COLLATING MACHINE Filed April 27 1939 13 Sheets-Sheet 9 XGIDIGRHGIBIGID June 17, 1941. C wY 2,246,336

FOLDING AND COLLATING MACHINE Filed April 27, 1939 13 Sheets-Sheet l1 FIE. I3 7 FIE. l2 8 FIG. :5. El

FIE. .3 III INVENTOR CLAVTO/V E. WYAICK 5 m W% ATTORNEYS June 17, 1941. c. E. WYRICK FOLDING AND GOLLATING MACIIINIE.

Filed April 27, 1939 13 Sheets-Sheet l2 FIG. .3 1

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FIE. 3 E1 ATTo RNEYS June 17, 1941. c. E. wYRlcK FOLDING AND COLLATING MACHINE Filed April 27, 1939 13 Sheets-Sheet l3 CLAYTON I. WWW CK a m m-HI H ATTORNEYS Patented June 17, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 22 Claims.

My invention relates to a machine for aligning and folding continuous webs of material into a fan-folded pack.

The invention is particularly adapted for preparing the zigzag folded pack of sheets provided for use in autographic registers, such as illustrated in my copending application Serial No. 142,661, filed May 14, 1937, and similar devices.

My invention, however, is not limited to this particular use as it is obvious the invention is adapted for fan-folding packs of superimposed continuous sheets or webs of material which are to be used in printing machines and other similar recording apparatus. These packs comprise multiple superimposed continuous sheets of paper having spaced printing forms thereon.

Hinge sections are provided between each form for permitting the ready detachment of the individual forms from each other in use.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a machine which will accurately align and fold a plurality of superimposed sheets of printed forms at their hinge joints, regardless of the slight variations in the distance between the hinges. It will be appreciated the hinge portion between the spaced forms may comprise perforations. slits, indentations, or otherwise weakened web portions whereby the individual forms may be detached as by tearing off from the remainder of the continuous sheet of forms.

Another object is to provide a slack producing mechanism so as to permit shifting of the individual superimposed webs of paper being folded so that the corresponding hinge portions in the different webs of paper are brought into alignment even though they do not happen to register exactly with one another.

Another object is to provide a machine of the character described, comprising engaging roller means between which the paper web is drawn having alternate roller web clamping and hinge aligning blade means adapted to cooperate with opposed clamping and hinge aligning blade members for alternately aligning and creasing the superimposed webs of paper, first in one direction, then in the opposite, to produce a fanlike folded strip.

Another object is to provide a machine for folding multiple superimposed continuous paper sheets into a zigzag folded pack comprising counterbalanced web guiding and stacking means.

Another object is to provide means for guiding the webs in a back-and-forth fold across the pack while pressing each of the overlapped webs adjacent the hinge sections to produce a compact aligned fan-folded pack of detachable forms.

Another object is to provide a machine for folding continuous webs having spaced printed forms thereon wherein a variable speed member is arranged between the prime mover and the moving parts of the machine so that the speed at which the web may be moved through the machine may be varied.

Another object is to provide a paper folding machine wherein a paper web hinge and aligning blade and web clamping roller means operate in a definite predetermined timed relation ship so that after the web to be folded is started through the machine the complementary web hinge aligning members cannot be moved out of alignment relative to each other.

Another object is to provide a machine for aligning perforated sections of multiple superimposed continuous webs and folding said superimposed sheets together in a fan-folded pack.

Another object is to provide in such a machine, means for admitting air between the individual superimposed webs of paper for facilitating the alignment of the hinge sections thereof.

Another object is to provide in a hinged web aligning and folding machine of this nature, means for producing a loop or slack in the continuous web being drawn through the machine, adjacent the entrance to the hinge aligning mechanism at a predetermined time. This permits relative shifting of the individual webs over each other so that the hinged or otherwise weakened sections of the different webs of paper will move into alignment with each other.

Another object is to provide in a machine of this type means for slightly jerking or whipping of the superimposed webs just prior to the instant of folding or creasing the webs as a unit at the hinge sections so that corresponding web hinge portions will move into line or register. In this way each of the webs will be folded at their spaced hinge sections notwithstanding the occurrence of variations in the distance the hinge sections are spaced apart on the several webs.

Another object is to provide means for bringing about the slipping or adjustment of the webs over each other so that their respective hinge or otherwise weakened tear-off sections are placed in register just prior to the instant of folding or creasing the webs as a unit sheet over a blade member positioned transversely of the sheet and in substantial alignment with said sections.

Another object is to provide a paper web hinge aligning and folding machine comprising means for moving superimposed webs of paper therethrough, aligning the webs at their spaced hinge sections and folding of said webs, which mechanisms are driven by a power train comprising a single prime mover.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of this invention with certain portions broken away to show the construction more clearly;

Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the machine illustrated in Figure 1, the bottom portion being broken away for purposes of illustration;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of the complete machine illustrating the principal features of the mechanism for passing multiple superimposed sheets of paper through the machine and the arrangement of the web hinge aligning and folding mechanism;

Figure 4 is a detailed view in elevation of the web hinge aligning and creasing mechanism showing the adjustment for tightening the endless chains carrying the hinge aligning blades and web clamping rollers;

Figure 5 is a similar view to Figure 4, showing the mechanism unlatched and in position for permitting threading of the webs through the machine preparatory to operating the machine;

Figure 6 is a similar detail section view taken through the web hinge aligning mechanism along the line 6-6 of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the driving mechanism of the machine;

Figure 8 is a plan view of a continuous web or sheet having spaced printed forms thereon with perforated hinge joint sections therebetween, which this machine is adapted to align and fold at the hinge sections;

Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the fanfolding and stacking mechanism, the accompanying parts of the machine being omitted;

Figure 10 is a vertical section taken through the web folding and stacking mechanism along the line Ill-10 of Figure 11, and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 11 is a plan view of the mechanism illustrated in Figure 10, taken on the line H-ll and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 12 is a view taken along the line l2-l2 of Figure 10, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 13 is a side elevation view of the slack producing mechanism showing the chain drive means therefor;

Figure 14 is a vertical section view taken on the line l4l4 of Figure 15, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 15 is a plan view of the web slack-producing mechanism shown in Figures 13 and 14, partly broken away, showing the web in section in position between the rolls;

Figure 16 is a plan view of the friction disc driven knurled Web gripper rolls and guide roll means for feeding the webs through the machine, with associated parts being broken away to show the construction more clearly;

Figure 17 is a side elevation view of the web gripper roll friction disc driving means and variable speed mechanism therefor;

Figure 18 is an elevation view, partly in section, with certain parts broken away, showing the gripper and web guiding rolls and lateral aligning feed roller mechanism illustrated in Figure 16;

Figure 19 is a detail view of the fastening means for latching the gripper rolls out of contact with the friction driving disc preparatory to manual operation of the rolls for threading the paper webs into the machine;

Figure 20 is a fragmentary plan view similar to Figure 16, showing the gripper roll mechanism in position for hand operation;

Figures 21, 22 and 23 are diagrammatic views illustrating the coaction of the web hinge aligning and slack-producing mechanism during the passage of webs through the machine;

Figures 24, 25 and 26 are fragmentary sectional views, illustrating in detail the coaction of the web hinge aligning blade and associated clamping or pressing roller mechanism during the operation of the machine;

Figure 27 is a front elevation view of a modified form of foot pedal operated clutch and motor arranged for use in starting the machine;

Figure 28 is a side elevation view of the starting means illustrated in Figure 27 Figure 29 is a fragmentary view of a paper web supply roll showing the means for moving the feeding roll transversely, and accompanying drag wheel for preventing coasting of the roll when the movement of the web through the machine is halted;

Figure 30 is a detail view of the drag wheel mounting illustrated in Figure 29 Figure 31 is a fragmentary plan view showing a modification of a slack-producing mechanism shown in Figures 13 to 15;

Figures 32 and 33 are side elevation views of the modified web slack-producing mechanism shown in Figure 31, partly broken away, showing the details of the modified form;

Figures 34, 35 and 36 are diagrammatic sectional views illustrating the coaction of the web hinge aligning mechanism and the modified form of slack-producing means during operation of the web hinge aligning and folding machine,

General construction Referring to the drawings in detail and with reference particularly to Figures 1, 2 and 3, I have shown, as illustrative of my invention, a machine comprising a frame, generally designated A for supporting the various working parts of the machine.

Referring to Figure 3, the essential parts of the machine are diagrammatically illustrated, in which the paper web supply rolls are generally designated B; web guide rolls C; gripper or web feed rolls D; free paper web loop E; lateral web aligning and guide roll F; web separator rolls G; slack-producing roller mechanism H; web hinge aligning and creasing mechanism I, and fanfolding web-stacking means J.

The web supply rolls B, as shown in Figure 2, are mounted one above the other and are attached to their respective axle shafts 2 which rotate in the axle holders 3 provided in the crossbars 4 and secured to the upright frame supports 5. Paper webs 6, which may comprise the hinge printed sheet forms illustrated in Figure 8, are drawn off from the supply rolls B beneath the drag wheel member I and over the individual guide rolls 1a, thence in superimposed engagement through the knurled gripper or feed rolls 8 and 9. From the gripper rolls the webs pass downward around the counterbalanced web loop forming roller [0 which is held between the ends of the levers I l. Levers H are pivoted about the transverse pin 12 secured to the upright frame The counterweight I3 is attached to members 5.

the opposite end of the levers II and is sufficient to balance the weight of the roller I and the greater portion of the attached rod I4 so that as the length of the free paper web loop between the roller Ill and feeding rolls 8 and 9 varies, lever II and attached roller II] will swing about the pivot I2 to accommodate the change and maintain the paper loop taut.

After the superimposed webs 6 pass around the free loop they are conducted over the guide roll I which laterally aligns the superimposed webs so that the edges of the different sheets coincide with each other. Thereafter the multiple sheets are separated from each other by passing the webs of the individual rollers I6. This permits a layer of air to be introduced between the webs so that they can more readily move or shift relative to each other during the web hinge aligning operation which follows.

The superimposed webs are drawn through an intermittent slack-producing means I1 which operates in synchronism with the web hinge aligning and creasing mechanism I8. Thereafter the hinge aligned and creased webs are guided downward and fan-folded upon the counterbalanced platform or table member I9. The weight of the platform and vertical guide means is counterbalanced by the weights which are fastened at opposite sides of the table by means of chains 2I guided by the sprocket wheels 22. The lower ends of the chains 2| are attached to the member 23 which forms a part of the vertically movable under-carriage support for the table, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 12.

Coil tension springs 24 are fastened to the opposite ends of the member 23 and as the weight of the fan-folded paper web builds up, the'table I9 descends until counterbalanced by the increased tension in the springs 24.

Power train The driving motor 25 for operating the machine is provided with a driving cone pulley 26 having a belt 21 which engages a cone pulley member 28. Driving belt 29 running over the pulley 28 operates a similar pulley member 30, which in turn is provided with a drive pulley 3|. Drive pulley 3| rotates the shaft 32 by means of the driving belt 33 and pulley wheel 34. Attached to the shaft 32 is a gear 35 which meshes with gear 36 keyed to the shaft 31. The gears 35 and 36 are adapted to drive the web aligning mechanism of this machine. This hinge aligning mechanism comprises opposed endless chain members carrying hinge aligning blades and clamping roller means, as illustrated in Figure 6, which are generally designated 38 and 39 in Figure '1.

Secured to the shaft of one of the sprocket driven hinge aligning units is an auxiliary sprocket 48 and chain M for driving the sprocket 42 and attached slack-producing roller means 43 and 43a. Sprocket wheel 44, which is driven through the power shaft 32, rotates the sprocket wheels 45 and 46 by means of the endless chain 41. Rotation of the shaft 48 by means of the sprocket wheel 45 operates the web guide rolls 49 and 50. Through the train of gears 5|, 52, 53, 54, and 56 the fan-folding and stacking means 51 and 58 are actuated, as illustrated in Figure 7. Provision for counting the revolutions may be made through an auxiliary attachment geared to the stacking means 58, as illustrated at 58a. The knurled gripper web feeding rolls 8 and 9 are driven through a variable speed friction disc means 59 by power supplied by the shafts 60 and H which are rotated by the sprocket wheel 46 through the reduction gear box 62, as diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 7. The speed at which the gripper rolls 8 and 9 are run is regulated by the distance the friction drive wheel 63 is maintained from the axle shaft 64 which rotates the attached friction disc wheel 59. Normally the gripper web feeding rolls 8 and 9 are driven at a speed which draws paper from the supply rolls at a slightly lower rate than that required so that the paper web loop E formed between the rolls I9 and I5 gradually shortens, causing the roll and supporting member II to rise pushing up the attached rod I4 (Figure 2).

Adjustably attached to the upper portion of the rod I4 by the adjusting screws 65 is a plate 66. The opposite end of this plate pivots about the frame support 61. Suitably secured to the plate 66 is a tilting operated electrical switch 68, such as the conventional mercury type switch, commonly used for connecting and disconnecting the source of electric current. By means of the electrical switch 68 current is admitted to the solenoid 69 having an armature 19 for moving the friction drive wheel 63 over the disc 59.

The friction drive wheel 63, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, is connected so as to rotate with the shaft 6| and is also adapted to move longitudinally along the drive shaft 6I. Spring means 1I urges the wheel 63 toward the outer periphery of the disc 59. The drive wheel 63 is provided with a circular portion 12 of smaller diameter than the opposed rollers 13 are adapted to fit. The stub roller shafts 14 are secured to the end of the swingable members 15 which are disposed at opposite sides of the drive shaft 6|. Arranged around the shaft 6I below the drive wheel 63 is a fixed collar 16 which is fastened to the pair of frame members 11. Roller support members 14 are pivoted to the collar 16 as at 16a so that the rollers 13 may be swung in and out of engagement with the lower portion of the drive wheel 63.

The solenoid 69 is attached to the support 11 opposite the roller 13 and the outer end of the solenoid armature 10 is connected by means of the links 18 to the ends of the members 14 supporting the roller 13. When the solenoid is energized the rollers 3 are swung in under the driving wheel 63, as illustrated in Figure 17, forcing the friction drive wheel 63 to move against the spring and approach near the center of the friction driven disc 59. This inward movement of the drive wheel 63 increases the speed of rotating the disc 59 and likewise the attached gripper rolls 8 and 9 so that the webs are fed faster into the machine.

On speeding up the feeding rolls 8 and 9 more paper will be drawn into the machine so as to lengthen the paper web supply loop E (Figure 3) which is maintained taut by the roll I0. After the paper loop E has been lengthened to the desired amount, lowering of the roll I8 and support members II brings about tilting of the triercury switch 68 which breaks the electrical circuit to the solenoid permitting the spring H to force out the rollers 13. These rollers normally tend to swing out from beneath the wheel 63 so that no sticking of the mechanism can take place. On returning the friction drive wheel 63 to its normal driving position the web feed rolls are driven at a slower speed until the web loop E has shortened sufficiently to tilt the mercury switch in the opposite direction when the aforementioned cycle of operation is repeated. This continues during the operation of the machine.

Web hinge aligning mechanism Superimposed webs of paper 6, similar to that illustrated in Figure 8, having spaced printed forms 18 hinged together by perforated or otherwise weakened portions 80 are drawn through the machine and folded at their hinge sections into a fan-folded pack. The distance between the multiple hinge sections 80 may vary slightly so that in fan-folding multiple superimposed continuous sheets, it is necessary to first align the hinges of the different sheet layers prior to creasing them so that each form will be folded along the hinge portions. If the hinges of the webs are not in alignment the webs are folded out of register with the hinge or tear-off sections and cumulative errors throw the superimposed forms out of alignment so that the fan-folded packs cannot properly be used in the machines for which they are made.

The web hinge aligning mechanism as illustrated in Figures 3, 4, and 6 comprises opposed frame units 8| and 82 which are held together at one end by means of the end plates 83, at opposite ends of the plates. These plates engage with the shafts 32 and 31, permitting the units to be sprung apart at the opposite end for threading the paper web into the hinge aligning means preparatory to starting the machine. Keyed to the shafts 32 and 31 are the gears 35 and 36 which are in mesh. Gear 35 is driven by the pulley wheel 34, as shown in Figure '7.

Mounted on the shafts 32 and 31, adjacent the gears, are sprocket chain wheels 84 which are disposed at opposite ends of the shafts. The sprockets drive the web hinge aligning mechanism 38 and 39, as shown in Figure 1. Chain guide wheels 85 and 85a, positioned at the other end of the units 8| and 82, support the endless chains 86. The chains are synchronously driven and arranged so that the opposed chain surfaces travel in the same direction.

The sprocket wheel 40 is mounted on an extension of the driven shaft 40a which is rotatably secured in the outer end portion of the swingable end plate members 81. The members 81 on the units BI and 82 pivot about their respective shafts 88. Inner chain guide wheels 89 are disposed on the shafts 88 so as to guide the chains in a circular parallel opposed path as illustrated in Figure 4.

The plates 81 are provided with a curved slot 90 which accommodates the locking bolt and nut means 9| for maintaining the proper tension on the chains 86. It Will be understood the units 8| and 82 may be made adjustable so as to take chains of varying length for use with different sizes of paper web forms. Ordinarily, however, they will be made of fixed dimensions on machines designed for aligning and folding a particular size of paper web.

Each of the chains 86 has attached transversely thereof at predetermined spaced intervals alternate straight edge web hinge aligning blade means 92. The blade means are arranged to fit between opposed roller Web clamping members 93 also disposed on the chains in alternate spaced arrangement so that each blade will be positioned directly opposite a web clamping roller member 93 and will be adapted to engage therebetween as the chains are moved around the web entrance end of the units BI and 82. The individual roller web clamping members 93 are attached to separate adjacent links on the chains 86 so that as the chain passes around the wheel guides and 89 on the angularly disposed plates 81, the rollers will be separated momentarily sufficiently to enable the hinge aligning blade 92 to be introduced therebetween, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 6. Further, the spacing of the alternate web clamping rollers and web hinge aligning blades is approximately a half inch less than the distance between the perforations 80 of the webs in order to provide sufficient slack so that the web hinges can be properly aligned without undue stress being placed on the web between the hinge aligning blades.

On the web hinge aligning unit frame 82 is bolted a stop pin means 94 having the adjusting lock nuts 95 threaded thereon. The members 95 abut against the opposed frame 8| so as to gauge the distance the units may approach each other. Fastened to the frame unit 82 is a chain 96 to provide means for holding the frame in an inclined position when the units are swung about, as shown in Figure 5. A web guide roll 91 is positioned on the frame 8 I, as shown in Figure 4, to guide the paper web into the hinge aligning mechanism.

Means for latching the units 8| and 82 together is provided by the spring pressed lever 98 which is rotatably secured to the member 99 which in turn is bolted to the unit 8| and machine frame, as shown at I00 and |0|, respectively. The lever 98 comprises a reduced end portion |02 which extends through the member 99. A compression spring I03 is positioned around the portion |02 of the lever 98 between the pin I04 and the member 99 and maintains the lever 98 yieldably against the member 99. For fastening the units 8| and 82 together the pin I05 secured to the side of the unit 82 is engaged in a U-slot |06 of the lever 98. In this manner the web hinge aligning units may be yieldably held together, as shown in Figure 4. The upper extended surface portion of the lever 98 which engages over the pin I 05 is curved to assist in moving the latching lever over the pin to lock the units together. A handle I0! is provided to permit manual moving of the lever out of latching position.

Paper web stack producing mechanism As illustrated in Figures 13, 14 and 21 to 23 inclusive, means is provided for producing a loose or slack section in the paper web just prior to its passage into the web hinge aligning and creasing member previously described. The slack producing means is spaced from the web aligning member to provide room for building up the web slack, as shown in Figure 2, and comprises a web gripper roll 43 and contact roll 43a. These rolls are rotated by means of the chain and sprocket members 4| and 42 respectively, which chain is driven synchronously with the web hinge aligning units generally designated 38 and 39.

Roll 43 is geared to the roll 43a through the mesh gears I08 and I09 keyed to one end of the shafts H0 and III, respectively, upon which the rolls are mounted. Support for the shafts and rolls is provided by the frame rod members 2.

The amount of pressure applied to the web passage between the rollers 43 and 43a depends upon the tension in the compression springs 3. This roll pressure may be varied by lossening or tightening the members 4 which varies the compression pressure exerted by the springs II3.

Rods |I5 yieldably hold the ends of the pivot members H6 and Ill apart so as to press the rolls 43 and 43a together, as shown in Figures 1, 14 and 15.

In order to allow for relative shifting of the different webs making up the superimposed web, at the proper time, the roll 43 is provided with the transverse slot I I8 on its circumference. As illustrated in Figures 21, 22 and 23, the roll 43 on each revolution places the slotted section II8 between the rolls with the result that the webs are suddenly freed from the grasp of the rolls 43 and 43a. At the moment this freeing of the web occurs, a slight whipping or backward jerking of the webs over each other is effected due to the taking up of the slack previously formed between the rolls 43, 43a and guide roll 91' by weight of the paper web disposed to the rear of the slack-producing rolls 43 and 43a.

This slight whipping or backlashing of the webs is timed to occur just as the web hinge aligning blade and web roller clamping means are in the position indicated in Figure 25, or a moment thereafter. When the opposed hinge aligning blade 92 and web roller clamping members 93 are in the position shown in Figure 26 the web has been drawn taut and the rollers 43 and 43a are in position to again build up the slack for the next cycle of operation.

In order to prevent the slack portion of the Web from advancing into the hinge aligning mechanism, a slack confining member H9 is arranged to yieldably press the web against the guide roll 91. A suitable weight or equivalent variable means I29 is attached to an extended portion of the member II9 which pivots about the support II2.

It will be understood that other means may be provided for forming a loose web section adjacent the hinge aligning mechanism and shifting of the individual webs over each other during the web aligning operation. A modified form of the slack-producing mechanism is shown in Figures 31 and 36 which will be hereinafter more fully described.

Fan-folding and stacking mechanism Referring to Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12, there is illustrated the mechanism of this machine for fan or zigzag folding and stacking of the continuous webs in the form of a pack. The web of superimposed sheet forms having passed through the web hinge aligning and creasing mechanism heretofore described is drawn between the rolls 49 and 59 and permitted to fall on to the stacking table I9. The pressure exerted on the web passing between the rolls 49 and 59 is controlled by the adjustable spring pressed means I22 which is similar in construction to that shown in Figure 13 and described heretofore.

The paper web guide roll 49 is driven by the sprocket wheel 45 and endless chain means 41 which in turn is driven by the sprocket wheel 44 keyed to the drive shaft 42. Guide rolls 49 and 59 are geared together by means of the meshed gears and 52 positioned on the ends of the shafts 49 and 59, respectively. Beneath the guide rolls 49 and 59 are the web stacking rolls 5'! and 58, which are driven by the rolls 49 and 59 through the gear train 53, 54, 55 and 59, as shown in vFigures 9 and 11.

Spaced endless band members I23 (Figure 11) are disposed around the rolls 49 and 59 and web stacking roll members 59 and 51 to prevent the paper web from entering the space between the guide rolls and the web stacking rolls. The web stacking rolls 56 and 51 comprise spaced threequarter moon shaped members I24 having auxiliary rollers I25 attached to side plate members I24a. The auxiliary rollers are positioned in a forward open portion of the members I24, as shown in Figure 10. The web stacking rollers are synchronously driven so that the auxiliary rollers I25 and pressing roll portion I24 engage thetop surface of each web fold and move over and pack down the folded web portions alternately as the web folds on to the table or pack in superposed zigzag, fan-like folds, as illustrated in Figure 10.

As heretofore described the table I9 upon which the fan-folded pack of continuous paper sheet is stacked is counterbalanced by the counterweight 29 attached to the rod 23 supporting the table and guide members. The springs 24 take up the added weight as the paper web is folded on to the table I9 their tension increasing to balance the added Weight of the paper as the stack is built up. In this way the top of the fan-folded pack is maintained in close proximity to the stacking and pressure rolls I24 so that they can perform their function properly. Provision is also made for varying the space between the opposed web stacking rolls I24 so that different sizes of folded webs may be accommodated. This adjustment is accomplished by sliding the base block I29, to which the shafts for the rollers I24 are secured, backward or forward in the opening I21 of the frame portion I28. For locking the stacking rolls in proper position in the frame, the bolted plate member I29 is used, as shown in Figure 9. Machine pins I29a are employed for aiding in accurately aligning the parts when setting up the machine.

Guide plates I39 are positioned over the web stacking rolls I24 and comprise finger-like depending strips I39a which extend downward in between the web stacking rolls I24 and engage the edges of the pack so as to keep the outer boundaries of the folded webs straight. The folded web stack guide plates I39 are secured to the cross bar I3I, which is rotatably mounted in the end plate members I32. Rigidly fastened to the member I3I is an extension rod I33 having the attached spring means I33a. Momentary swinging of the guide strips I39a away from the hinge web portions of the folded pack is resisted by the spring member I33 while inward movement of the guides I390, is limited by. the stop pin I34. The tension of the spring I 33a it will be understood will be sufficient to keep, the edges of the packs aligned evenly.

The folded pack of paper webs is supported on the table I9 which is guided vertically between the frame upright angle members I35. Rollers. I36 engage the opposite sides of the track member I3! which is attached to the upright frame members I35. Counterbalancing weight 29 and spring means 24 (Figure 2) are fastened to the cross rod member 23, the outer ends of which are rigidly mounted in the roller assembly plates I38 so as to move therewith as heretofore described. The table support I9 comprises two spaced sections, as shown in Figure 12, and is steadied by the guide members I39 positioned on opposite sides of the folded pack of sheets. As the table descends the members I39 maintain the fanfolded pack of sheets in place.

The upper end of the members I39 are secured to the plates I40 which engage over and are supported by the rods I M. Pins I42 maintain the members I49 in the desired position on the rods MI. The lower ends of the members I39 are secured to the cross bar member I43 which in turn is bolted to the machine frame member I44 by the bolts I45.

Mechanism for threading web into the feeding rolls Referring to Figures 16 and 18, the knurled paper web feed rolls 8 and 9 and web aligning roll I are yieldably forced toward the friction drive disc 59 by the coil springs I46 which are disposed at opposite ends of the roller shafts. Adjustment of the tension in the springs pressing the roll 8 toward the friction disc is provided by the screws I41 and lock nut members I41a. The feed roll 9 is mounted on the auxiliary cross bar members I48 which are attached to the tie bar I49. By grasping the bar I49 it will be observed that the feed roll 9 and associated members I48 can be pivoted about the shaft I50 of the guide roll I5, as shown in Figure 16. In this way the web feed roll 9 is free to swing away from contact with roll 8 so as to make it easy to load the machine.

Lateral alignment of the superimposed webs as they pass over the roll I5 is effected by the beveled side portions I5! which are adapted to engage the opposite edges of the webs causing them to shift over each other until the superimposed webs coincide exactly with each other.

In order to permit of manual rotation of the knurled web feed rolls 8 and 9 a hub portion I52 is formed on the extended shaft I53 adjacent the frame support member I54. The hub portion I52 is provided on the inner side with a beveled or inward sloping portion I52a. The outer end of the roll shaft I53 is provided with a pin I55 which is adapted to interlock with a removable hand crank I56 inserted over the end of the shaft I 53 for manually rotating the feed rolls 8 and 9, as shown in Figure 20.

A latch means I51 is disposed over the lock nuts I51a and comprises a cut-away portion I58 and I59 which is adapted to fit over the beveled surface I52a of the hub I52 and the lower spring adjusting member I51, respectively. The latch may be pivoted about the upper adjusting spring screw member I41 and when the lever I51 is clamped in position, as illustrated in Figure 20, the shaft I53 and feed roll 8 are moved against the springs I46, disengaging the friction disc 59 from its drive wheel 63. This permits manual rotation of the feed rolls 8 and 9 so that the threading of the paper webs into the machine may be accomplished without difiiculty. After the machine is loaded the latch member I51 is swung out of engagement with the beveled hub surface I52a and the springs I 46 then shift the feed roll friction disc means 59 into engagement with the friction drive wheel 63 for normal operation of the machine.

S farting clutch means The preferred form of starting the clutch mechanism is illustrated in Figure 2, wherein the motor 25 is mounted on a .base support I60 which is pivoted to the frame as at I6 I. Attached to the forward ends of the motor base support I60 is the rod I62 which is moved vertically by the hand lever I63. Means for locking the lever I63 in the desired position is provided for by the notched latch member I64. It will be appreciated that other suitable latching means may be employed.

For operating the machine after the webs to be aligned are threaded into the machine, the motor 25 is first started and then the drive belt 21 tightened by lowering the motor away from the fixed drive pulley 28 by operating the lever I63. In order to effect disconnection of the auxiliary electric circuit to the solenoid 69 by the tilting mercury switch 68 when the operation of the machine is stopped, an additional tilting mercury switch I65 is placed in series with the switch 68 so as to open the electric circuit to the solenoid when the motor is declutched.

A modified form of starting clutch is illustrated in Figures 27 and 28 wherein the motor I66 is mounted on a base frame I61 pivoted about the support I68. Normally the motor is maintained in the raised declutched position by the coil spring means I69. To connect the motor, when it is running, to the machine it is only necessary to press down on the foot pedal I10 drawing downward the motor and tightening the belt I1I which is disposed over a fixed pulley. The motor may be locked in clutched position by any suitable means such as by spring pressed hand lever I 12, as shown in Figure 27. The clutch mechanism for operating the machine, as illustrated herein, provides a smooth starting mechanism which does not put undue stress on the machine parts or webs passing through the machine so as to avoid breakage of the webs or other parts.

Modified web slack producinr mechanism A modified form of web slack producing means is illustrated in Figures 31 32 and 33. This mechanism comprises the rollers I13 and I14 which are diametrically spaced from each on the rotatable disc member I15. The paper web being folded is passed between the rollers, as shown in Figures 34, 35 and 36. Disc member I 15 carrying the rollers rotates about the central shaft I16 which has suitably fastened to its outer end a ratchet wheel I11. A crank I18 is rotatably mounted on the ratchet wheel axle and is adapted to be moved over the ratchet wheel by means of the pitman I19 connected to the crank pin Crank pin I has pivoted thereto a bell crank pawl member I 0| which is arranged to engage in the notch I82 on the ratchet wheel I11 and rotated together with the disc I15 and attached rollers I 13 and I14. This rotat on is opposed by the spring I83 which is suitably attached to the shaft extension of the roller I14, as shown in Figure 31. A spring I84 fastened to the pawl member is adapted to urge the same against the periphery of the ratchet Wheel and maintain it in the notch I82 The flange portion I85 of the bell crank pawl member is positioned so as to strike the pin I86 on the adjacent frame member I81 after the disc I11 has been rotated a sufficient distance so as to force the pawl I8I out of the notch I82 allowing the spring I83 to return the rollers and disc to their original position.

The pltman I19 is given a reciprocatory motion and is synchronously driven with the web hinge aligning members I, as illustrated in Figures 34, 35 and 36. In this modification rotation of the disc I15 and attached rolls I13 and I14 pulls extra paper from the free loop E as the hinge aligning blade 92 and web clamping rollers 93 are approaching engagement with one another (Figure 34), and releas s this excess of paper by tripping of the ratchet means I8I an instant before the closing of the web clamping rollers over the hinge aligning blade member, as illustrated in Figure 35.

It will be understood that the above described structure is merely illustrative of the manner of practicing my invention and that I desire to comprehend within my invention such modifications as come within the scope of the claims and the invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a machine for folding superimposed webs of material, means for continuously drawing said webs through the machine, means for aligning and creasing said webs at predetermined spaced sections, means for providing web slack prior to aligning said webs, and means for retaining the web slack from advancing into the web aligning means.

2. In a machine adapted to align and crease superimposed hinged webs at their hinge sections, means comprising opposed endless chain members between which said superimposed webs are guided, said endless chain members having disposed thereon alternate blade and opposed web roller clamping means at spaced intervals therealong, said chains being driven in synchronism and arranged so that the blade members on each chain are adapted to engage said superimposed webs adjoining said hinge sections and position the same in between the opposed web roller clamping means on the adjacent endless chain member.

3. In a machine adapted to align and crease superimposed hinged webs at their hinge sections, means comprising opposed endless chain members between which said superimposed webs are guided, said endless chain members having disposed thereon alternate blade and opposed web roller clamping means at spaced intervals therealong, said chains being driven in synchronism and arranged so that the blade members on each chain are adapted to engage said superimposed webs adjoining said hinge sections and position the same in between the opposed web roller clamping means on the adjacent endless chain member, and means for adjusting the distance between the opposed endless chain web aligning members.

4. In a machine for aligning and creasing superimposed webs of paper at predetermined hinge joint sections, mechanism comprising opposed endless chain members having alternate blade and opposed web roller clamping means disposed at spaced interyals therealong, said chains being driven in synchronism and arranged so that the blade members on one chain engage in between the web roller clamping means disposed on. the other chain, and means for yield ably fastening the web hinge aligning and creasing members in predetermined spaced relationship.

5. The combination, in a machine for fanfolding continuous paper web having perforated sections spaced longitudinally of said web, of means for feeding the paper web into said machine, means for creasing the paper web at said spaced perforated sections alternately on one side, then the other, and moving said creased web bodily therealong.

6. The combination, in a machine for fanfolding continuous superimposed webs of paper having perforated sections spaced longitudinally of said webs, of means for feeding the webs in superimposed relationship into said machine,

means for aligning and creasing said superimposed webs at said spaced perforated sections alternately on one side, then the other, and moving said creased webs bodily therealong.

'7. The combination, in a machine for fanfolding continuous superimposed Webs of paper having weakened tear-off sections at spaced intervals, of means for feeding the webs in superimposed relationship into said machine, means for aligning and creasing said superimposed webs at said spaced weakened sections alternately on one side, then the other, and moving said creased webs bodily therealong, and means for guiding and folding said creased webs into a zigzag fan-folded pack.

8. In a paper web aligning, creasing and folding machine, means comprising rolls for guiding a plurality of webs in superimposed relationship, means for building up paper web slack adjacent said aligning and creasing mechanism and automatically releasing the superimposed .webs to effect a whipping action of the webs so as to bring about relative adjustment of the webs over said aligning mechanism just prior to creasing said superimposed webs at predetermined weakened sections.

9. In a machine for aligning and folding superimposed webs of paper having spaced weakened sections, means for building up paper web slack adjacent the aligning means and automatically releasing said webs to effect a relative adjustment of the individual webs over each other whereby the weakened sections of said webs are brought into alignment regardless of any slight variation in distance between said weakened sections, and means for creasing said superimposed webs at said weakened sections.

10. In a machine for aligning and folding superimposed webs of paper having spaced weakened sections, means for building up paper web slack adjacent the aligning means and automatically releasing said webs to effect a relative adjustment of the individual webs over each other whereby the weakened sections of said webs are brought into alignment regardless of any slight variation in distance between said weakened sections, and means for creasing said superimposed webs at said weakened sections, said web aligning mechanism comprising means for bodily moving said creased webs therealong.

11. In a machine for aligning and folding superposed webs of paper having spaced weakened sections, means for building up paper web slack adjacent the aligning means and automatically releasing said webs to effect a relative adjust-- ment of the individual webs over each other whereby the weakened sections of said webs are brought into alignment regardless of any slight variation in distance between said weakened sections, means for creasing said superimposed webs at said weakened sections, said web aligning mechanism comprising means for bodily moving said creased Webs therealong, and means for guiding and fan-folding the webs into a pack.

12. In a machine for folding superimposed continuous webs of paper in the form of a fanfolded pack, means comprising a ratchet controlled reciprocable member for alternately drawing and releasing said webs to form a slack or loose section adjacent the folding means to provide for relative shifting of the webs over each other during folding.

13. In a machine for aligning and creasing superimposed continuous webs of material and stacking them in the form of a fan-folded pack,

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