US2782714A - Printing means in autographic registers - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 26, 1957 J. T. DAVIDSON 2,782,714

PRINTING MEANS 1N AUTOGRAPHIC REGISTERS Filed Feb. 28, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet l I INVENTOR J//A/ Z' 0A l//DSON H5 ATTO NEY Feb. 26, 1957 J. T. DAVIDSON PRNTING MEANS 1N AUTOGRAPHIC REGISTERS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 28, 1952 INVENTOR J JaH/v 70m/m50# B MQW,

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ATTO NEY Feb. 26, 1957 J. T. DAVIDSON 2,782,714

PRNTING MEANS IN AUTOGRAPHIC REGISTERS Filed Feb. 28, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR JOHN 2' DA I//D50/V wwlm Feb- 26, 1957 J. T. DAVIDSON PRINTING MEANS IN AUTOGRAPHIC REGISTERS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 28, 1,952

' INVENTOR JOHN T DA V/QS/V Smwl VUM ATTO NEY Feb. 26, i957 J. T. DAVIDSON 2,782,714

PRINTING MEANS 1N AUTOGRAPHIC REGISTERS Filed Feb, 28, 1952 e sheets-sheet 5 mvENToR JOHN Z- DV/SO/V NEY Feb 26, 1957 J. T. DAVIDSON PRINTING MEANS 1N AUTOGRAPHIC REGISTERS 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Feb. 28. 1952 w D cnw mm m7 im um ATT RNEY PRINTING MEANS EN AUTGGRAPHIC REGESTERS .lohn T. Davidson, Dayton, Gilio, assignor to The Stand- Register Company, Dayton, Ohio, .a corporation of io Application February 2S, 1952, Serial No. 274,021

Claims. (Cl. lill-274) This invention relates to autographic registers and like machines, and particularly to devices of the kind noted adapted for imprinting upon the record forms, as from personal address or identification plates.

The purpose of the invention is to achieve in imprinting devices operable upon the "chargea-plate type of printing plate the advantages of an autographic register, some of these being the positive advancement and alignment of forms for registration and imprinting, the elimination of excessive handling of carbon for record copies, and the use of continuous forms c-onsecutively numbered with the automatic issuance of any desired number of copies.

While for illustrative purposes the invention is herein shown and described as embodied in a manually operated autographic register mechanism, it is not necessarily limited thereto, but may be embodied in an electric register of the semi-automatic type. The invention forming the subject matter hereof involves the inclusion in a register or other type of transaction recording mechanism of the charge-a-plate system of identification together with the means of insuring the imprinting of the identification indicia at predetermined areas upon the record material and the proper sequential operation of the various parts of the mechanism.

The object of the invention is to improve the construction as well as the means and mode of operation of register mechanisms whereby they may not only be economically manufactured, but will be more eflicient in use, uniform in action, having a minimum number of working parts, and be unlikely to get out of repair.

Another object of theinvention is to provide for the retaining of a locked in copy. of the imprinted forms for audit purposes.

A further object of the invention is to provide a simple and easily operated imprinting unit which occupies the position in the register normally taken by the tear bar and hold-down clamp and which performs its own function and those of the parts replaced without occupying any more space than the replaced elements.

Still another object of the invention is to provide for suspension of imprinting operations and use of the device as an ordinary autographic register, when that may be desired.

A still further object of the invent-ion is to provide for simple, error proof carrying out of the imprinting andl other operations of the machine.

Still another object of the invention is to insure against wrinkling or distorting of the forms during imprinting.

Still another object of the invention is to introduce in the imprinting unit a generally new ribbon feeding and reversing mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide a register mechanism embodying the advantageous structural features, the inherent meritorious characteristics and mode of operation herein set forth, or their equivalents.

With the above primary and other incidental objects in view as will more full-y appear in the` specilication, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent conitedl States Patent ECC sists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation, as herein after described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

in the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown the preferred, but obviously not necessarilyhe only form of embodiment of the invention,

Fig. l is a view in perspective of an autographi-c register constructed in accordance with the illustrated embodi ment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a View in top plan of the register, some of the parts being broken away;

Fig. 3 is a view like Fig. 2 with the lid removed and the writing table broken away;

Fig. 4 is a View in side elevation of the register, partly broken away;

Fig. 5 is a view in cross section, taken through the imprinting unit and an underlying portion of the register;

Fig. 6 is a detail View in side elevation of a part of the imprinting plate carrier;

Fig. 7 is a detail view in longitudinal section, taken substantially along the line 7 7 of Fig. 3 and including the imprinting unit;

Fig. 8 is a detail view in plan of the plate carrier in imprinting position;

Fig. 9 is a detail view in longitudinal section taken substantially along the line 9-9 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary View in longitudinal section, taken substantially along the line 2ML-10 of Fig. 3;

Fig. ll is a detail View of an alternative cam arrangement by which the imprinting plate may be lowered between successive imprinting operation-s in a single form advancing cycle;

Fig. l2 is a view in front elevation of the ribbon reversing mechanism, shown in alternate position with respect to that shown in Fig. 5; and

Figs. 13, 14 and l5 are detail views in longitudinal section, taken substantially along the respective lines 13-13, lid-14 and 1515 of Fig. 3.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, an autographic register in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the invention is essentially the same as autographic registers as heretofore known, it being, as noted, an object of the instant invention to allow the device to be used in the conventional manner as an autographic register, when desired.

As shown in Fig. l, the register includes a case 19 to one end of which is hinged a lid 2l. The lid 21 has a central longitudinal opening 22 exposing the record forms 23 and further has a transverse opening 24 receiving an imprinting unit 25, later to be described in detail. The record forms 23 lie on a writing table 26 pivotally connected to brackets 27 (Fig.'2) on Ythe case 19. The table 26 and lid 21 are connected to the case 19 at opposite ends thereof so that they may be lifted to an upright position in order to gain access to the interior of the case.

The record forms 23 comprise a manifold assembly made up of a plurality of record strips and interleaved carbon strips, the several strips having transverse weak ened division lines spaced apart distances corresponding to the length of the individual forms. The strips are folded in the form of a pack 28 (Fig. 2) contained in the case 19 at the rear thereof. The leading end of the strip is passed around an idler roll 29 and extended forwardly over the table Z5, the first recordv form being thus presented in a recording position within opening 22. Advancement of the record strip assembly, which has marginal perforations 31, is accomplished by pin wheels 32 secured to a transverse shaft 33 and having radial pins 34 engageable with the marginal perforations in the record forms. The shaft 33 is journaled between the side walls of the case 19, and, outside the case, has a crank arm 35 secured thereto. Operation of the crank arm 35 turns the shaft 33 to advance the forms, the parts being ordinarily -constructed and arranged so that one complete turn of the crank arm advances one set of forms out of recording position. and brings the succeeding set into recording position. A llutter plate 36 mounted on the front end of the writing table occupies a predetermined interleaved relation with the record strips. As an inscribed set of forms is ejected, therefore, some are guided out of the machine for detachment from the strip while others are directed into a locked storage compartment 37 in the front of the case 19.

The record forms are advanced beneath the imprinting unit 25 which normally occupies a position overlying the shaft 33, being secured to the free ends of 'a pair of arms 38 and 39 (Figs. 3 and 4) connected at their opposite ends to a shaft 41 journaled between the side walls of the case 19. The shaft 41 is spaced forwardly of the shaft 33 whereby the unit 25 may beV swung on the arms 3839 upwardly and forwardly out of operating position for inspection purposes-or to permit the table 26 to be raised. y

Referring to Figs. and 7, the unit 25 includes mating cover members 42 and 43. To the inner wall of member 43 are fastened brackets 44 and 45 defining respective attachment points for the arms .3S-39. Also attached to the inner wall of member 43 is a generally rectangular frame 46, the bottom of which is open and in slightly projecting relation to the bottom of cover members 42 and 43. The unit 25 tends by its own weight to drop downward upon the table 26. Thus, the engagement of the projecting frame 46 with the record strip on the table 26 may be utilized as a hold-down means to keep the record forms engaged with the feeding pins 34 when the forms are in recording position. |l`he imprinting unit 25 thus performs the function of the hold-down bar conventionally found in autographic registers. As an aid to the performing of this function, the opposite ends of the frame 46 are formed with the so-called feed lingers 47 which extend in embracing relation to the feeding pins 34.

So that the record forms may be advanced without interference from the imprinting unit, the latter is lifted slightly at the start of the form advancing operation to disengage the frame 46 from its hold-down position. -As shown in Figs. 3, 5 and l2 in the carrying out of this function, each pin wheel 32 has integral therewith a disc 48 presenting a peripheral notch 49. Mounted on the arms 38--39 are rollers 51 each cooperable with a respective disc 48. At the completion of a cycle of operation of the shaft 33, during which one set of forms has been ejected and another brought into recording position, the rollers 51 drop into the notches 49 whereby frame 46 is allowed to press the record forms upon the writing table 26. At the start of a form advancing operation, however, the rollers 51 ride up out of the notches 49 and so lift the imprinting unit and frame 46 therein to a position where free movement of the forms is unimpeded. The imprinting unit remains so elevated throughout the form advancing cycle of yoperation of the shaft 33.

The imprinting unit cooperates with an embossed printing plate on the opposite si-de of the forms, as will hereinafter more clearly appear. Considering now, however, the further construction of the unit 25, the sides of the frame 46 deiine guides for an inked ribbon 52 which extends across the open bottom of the frame 46. The ends of the ribbon 52 are attached to respective `spools 53 to the inner end of each of which is detachably secured a ratchet 55. The spool and ratchet assemblies are mounted for rotary motion upon the brackets 44 and 45. The ratchets 55 are turned by respective pawls 56 and 57 pivotally mounted on opposite ends of. a slide 58 and spring urged to engagement with their ratchets. The slide 58 has pins 59 received in slots 61 in a ribbon actuator 62, the slide 58 and actuator 62 being arranged in side-by-side relatively reciprocating relation. A pawl 63 (See Fig. l2) is pivotally mounted on the actuator 62 and is urged by a spring 64 into contact with the upper edge of the slide 58 where it is engaged alternately with notches 65 and 66. The shifting of the pawl 63 from engagement with one notch 65 or 66 to the other involves ya relative axial movement of the slide 58 to move one pawl 56 or 57 more closely to its respective ratchet 55 and to move the other pawl correspondingly away from its ratchet 55. As will be understood the described structure pertains to a ribbon reverse operation wherein the positive drive of the ribbon spools may be transferred from one to another.

The ribbon actuator 62 is mounted on a bracket 67 fixed to the top of the frame 46, the actuator having pins 68 received in slots 69 in the inner upstanding wall of the bracket 67 which is substantially channel shaped. Extending through the slots 69, the pins 68 have rollers 71 thereon. The opposite or outer wall of bracket 67 extends upwardly beyond the actuator 62 and slide 58. At its upper end it provides, together with the cover member 43, a bearing for a shaft 72. Intermediate its ends the shaft 72 has an arm 73 secured thereto which lies in the plane of the rollers 71. Adjacent its ends the shaft 72 has secured thereto respective arms 74 which extend downwardly on opposite sides of the frame 46. The lower or outer ends of the arms 74 are bifurcated and engage the opposite ends of a shaft 75 which extends through elongated slots 76 in the frame 46, the opposite ends of the slots 76 being turned upward. Mounted on the shaft 75 and riding in each slot 76 are small guide rollers 77. Also mounted on the shaft, within the frame 46 is a relatively larger roller 78. The roller 78 is in overlying relation to the inked ribbon 52 which extends across the open bottom of the frame 46. The dimensions of the roller 78 and the location and dimensions of the slots 76 are such that movement of the roller through the frame 46, as guided by rollers 77 in slots 76, results in the roller applying pressure through the ribbon 52 upon the underlying record forms. As the roller 78 approaches the end of the frame 46 this pressure is relieved, the guide rollers 77 riding up- Ward into the inclined ends of the slots 76. The roller 78 is caused to traverse the ribbon 52 in the manner just referred to by a rocking motion of the shaft 72, this motion being manually initiated by means of a crank arm 79 attached to the shaft 72 outside the cover assembly (see Fig. 1). The crank arm 79 is loosely mounted on the shaft 72 with a hub 81 thereof circumferentially cut away to provide spaced abutment surfaces alternately engageable with-a pin 82 on one of the arms 74.

' In the operation of the unit, the crank arm 79 normally lies in a generally horizontal position as indicated in Fig. 1. To effect an imprinting operation,` the crank arm is grasped and swung about a distance of to an opposed position. hub 8,1 picks up the pin 82 and the assembly of parts includingshaft 72, arm 73 and arms 74 begins to rock, in the illustrated instance in a clockwise direction. er 78 is caused at once to move and presses through the ribbon 52 upon the record forms. The initial motion of the arm 73 is without effect. Near the end of the permitted motion, however, as the guide rollers 77 reach the inclined terminal of the slots 76, the arm 73 engages a roller 71 and moves the ribbon actuator 62 transversely of the register, or to the right in the example considered. By reason of the engagement of the pawl 63 in a notch 65 or 66, the slide 58 is caused to partake of the movement of the ribbon actuator, and the pawl 57 is moved to engage the ratchet 55 and impart an increment of motion to the right hand spool 53. The

In the course of such motion, theA Rollribbon 52 accordingly is advanced a step at, about the same time the roller 78 is lifted by the cam slots 76 from pressural contact therewith. e

In connection with the ribbon reverse mechanism it will be understood that if the slide 58 is moved so that pawl 63 engages notch 66, as in Fig. 12, rather than notch 65, as in Fig. 5, then a clockwise direction of motion of the crank arm 79, as above described will be ineffective to advance the ribbon. Instead, the ribbon will be advanced on the return or counterclockwise direction of motion of the crank, and, of course, in a reverse direction. Shifting of the pawl 63 between the notches 65 and 66 is` accomplished automatically. Thus, assuming the pawl to be engaged with notch 65 the ribbon will be advanced through actuation of the right hand spool 53 until it is completely unwound from the left hand spool. On'the immediately succeeding operation, therefore, the ribbon is drawn tight and the right hand spool resists actuation. Accordingly the slide 56 is held from moving with the ribbonactuator 62 with the result that the pawl 63 on the actuator 62 rides up out of notch 65 and into notch 66.

The ratchets 55 have detent pawls 83 pivotally mounted on the brackets 44 and 45 and urged by springs 84 into engagement with the ratchets 55 to prevent retrograde movement thereof. The pawls 83 have integral arms 85 adapted to be depressed to disengage alternate pawls from their respective ratchet so that the associated spool will be released for following movement with respect to the other spool. Such disengagement of the pawls S3 is accomplished b y a lever 86 (Pig. 12) pivotal- 1y mounted on the slide 58. Substantially oppositely eX- tending arms 37 and 88 on the lever 86 overlie arms 85 on the pawls S3. The upper edge of the lever 86 lies parallel to and extends substantially across the notches 65 and 66. Further, an abutment shoulder 89 on the upper edge of the lever lies in cooperative relation with the pawl 63. Movement of the pawl 63 into the notch 66 causes the pawl to engage abutment shoulder 89 and rock the lever S6 in a clockwise direction with the result, as shown in Fig. 12, that the right hand pawl S3 is disengaged from its respective ratchet 55. The opposite effect is gained by movement of the pawl 63 into notch 65, in the course of which motion it engages the upper edge of the lever and rocks it in a counterclockwise direction to the position of Fig. 5.

The imprinting unit 25 acts in conjunction with an embossed printing plate 91 (Fig. 2) which may be the familiar identification charge-a-plate as used in department stores and the like to identify the purchaser and to imprint his name, address and account number upon a sales slip. The imprinting unit achieves cooperative relation with the plate 91 through an opening 92 in the writing plate 26, the printing plate being brought to regis try with such opening, on the underside of the table, by a carrier assembly 93. The carrier assembly occupies a normal position in a cut-out 94 in the lid 21 (Fig. l) where it is accessible for placement and removal of the plate 91. The assembly comprises an upper and a lower support 95 and 96 (see also Figs. 8 and 9), the former having dependent feet 97 to which the latter is attached by pins 98. The feet 97 hold the upper and lower supports 95 and 96 in spaced relation. Springs 99 interposed between the feet 97 `and the heads of the pins 98 hold the feet yieldingly upon the lower support 96 while allowing a separating motion between the upper and lower supports. Received between the supports 95 and 96 and pivotally connected to lower support 96 is one end of a lever 101, the other end of which is secured to a post 102 (Fig. 8) rotatably carried by brackets 103 on the case 19. A torsion spring 104 (Fig. 4) on the post 102 urges the post in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 8, such motion being limited by a bracket 105 on the case 19, with which the lower supporting member 96 is engageable. In underlying relation to the supports 95--96 and lock precluding misoperation of the machine. in this structure is a disc 132 xed on the post 102. The

the lever 101 is a lever 106 pivotally connected to the post 102 and presenting a plate portion beneath the support 96 and to which the support 96 is pivotally connected at point 107. Along one side edge thereof the plate portion of lever 106 has an upstanding lug 108 and on the opposite side edge a projecting arm 109 (Fig. 3) upon which is an upstanding lug 110.

ln the operation of the plate carrier, a handle 111 on the lever 101 is grasped and swung from the position of Fig. 3 to the position of Fig. 2 or S where it is aligned with the opening 92 in the writing table 26. In the course of such motion, the supports and 96 initially move relatively to the lever 106, swinging about the pivot 107. When the supports engage the lug 110, however, the entire assembly moves as a unit. The compound motion of the supports 95 and 96 is provided in order that the position of the supports 95 and 96, and therefore of the printing plate 91, will be square or aligned with the opening 92. By reason of the longitudinally offset relation of the pivot post 102 with respect to the opening 92 motion of the plate carrier in a single sense would bring the plate 91 toimprinting position in a cocked or twisted condition. The plate carrier is held in imprinting position by a latc'h112 (see Fig. 9) engageable with a turned over portion 113 on the plate support 96. The latch 112 is pivotally mounted on the shaft 41 and is vurged to effective position by a spring 114 anchored on a xed cross rod 115. Motion of the latch under influence of the spring 114 is limited by an arm 116 thereon extending in underlying relation to the shaft 33. A cam member 117 on the shaft 33 engages the arm 116 near the end of each cycle of a form advancement operation to release the latch 112 from engagement with the portion 11.3 whereupon the plate carrier assembly is allowed to return to the normal position of Fig. 3 under the iniluence of torsion spring 104.

The printing plate 91 is held on the upper plate support 95 by lugs 11S and 119 which engage end notches 1,21 inthe plate. The lug 119 is iixed in the support 95. The lug 11S is on an arm 122 (see Fig. 3) pivotally connected to the underside of the support 95 through a pin 123. A torsion spring 124 on pin 123 acts on a turned down ear 125 on the arm 122 urging it in a clockwise direction as seen in Fig. 3. The lug 118 on the arm 122 passes through a slightly elongated opening 126 in support 95 so that the lug is longitudinally movable with respect to the plate 91 so that the plate may be freed therefrom. The lug 118 may normally be set to a released position by a cam surface 127 on the bracket 105, with which the ear 125 on arm 122 is engageable. According to one possible mode of operation of the machine, the torsion spring 104 is made sufficiently strong that the impact of return engagement of the carrier assembly with bracket 104, and the camming effect of surface 127 on arm 122, will serve automatically to eject the .printing plate from the carrier.

The motion of the plate carrier to imprinting position is halted by a screw stop i2@ (Figs. 7 and 8). Such stop is adiustably mounted in a lever 129 rotatably mounted on the shaft 41 but having a bifurcated arm 131 engaging the cross rod 1,15 to prevent rotary motion thereof.

Also seen in Figs. 3 and S, and in Fig. 14, is an inter- Comprised upper surface of the disc presents a rai-sed segment 133 having sloping sides. Pivotally mounted on the cross rod 1.15 is a pawl 13d having upper and lower projecting portions 13e and 136. The pawl rests by gravity with projecting portion 136 riding on the top of disc 132. Raised portion on the pawl cooperates with a cam 137 (Fig. 14) on the shaft 33, such cam presenting a continuous cylindrical portion 138 and a recessed portion 139. Normally the parts are positioned as shown in Fig. 14, wherein the projecting portion 136 is at the base of the raised vsegment 133 and projecting portion 135 is beneath the recessed portion 139 of cam 137 but with the cam so positioned that the initial motion thereof in a clockwise direction will bring the cylindrical portion 138 over the pawl portion 135. As presently positioned the pawl 134 may be cammed upward by action of the raised segment 133 as the post 102 is turned to bring the printing plate to imprinting position. Should the shaft 33 be turned prior to actuation of shaft 102, however, the pawl 134 will be locked down and so will prevent operation of the printing plate carrier until the cycle of operation of shaft 33 has been completed. Similarly, the pawl 134 will function to lock the shaft 33 against rotation during the period in which projecting portion 136 traverses the segment 133, this period coinciding with the travel of the plate carrier from the loading position of Fig. l to the imprinting position of Fig. 8.

='In imprinting position the plate supports 95 and 96 receive therebetween a platen member 141 (Figs. 3 and 15). Such member is integral with or fixed to supporting arms 142 pivotally mounted on shaft 41.- The platen is raised and lowered by cams 143 on shaft 33, the platen being controlled by the cams through a yielding connection represented by spring biased supplemental arms 144 pivotally mounted on the arms 142.

The construction and arrangement afforded is such that the arms 144 may ride up on a raised portion of the cams 143 to elevate the platen 141, the platen acting upon upper plate member 95 to raise the printing plate 91 into the opening 92 and approximately into the plane of the bottom record form of the record strip assembly. The lower portion of the cams 143 is presented to the arms 144 in the normal position of the parts so that the printing plate may be moved freely to and from imprinting position. Operation of the unit 25 to effect imprinting may, therefore, take place at any time during the period that the high portions of cams 143 are presented to arms 144.

-It is desirable to hold the imprinting unit 25 firmly in imprinting position in order that ample reactant force may be had for the making of an impression by the traversing motion of roller 78, as previously described. To this end the supporting arms 38 and 39 have identical projecting studs 145 (Figs. 3 and 10) thereon over which respective hook members 146 are adapted to engage. The hook members 146 are pivotally mounted on a cross shaft 147 and rest intermediate their ends on respective cams 148 on the shaft 33. The cams 148 have a continuous cylindrical surface interrupted by a brief flat 149 upon which the members 146 rest in the normal position of the parts. As the shaft 33 begins to turns on the start of a form advancement cycle, however, the members 146 are rocked upward and in a clockwise direction to place the hook portions thereof over the studs 145.

In its illustrative embodiment, the register is constructed and arranged to make two imprinting impressions on a set of forms. The form advancement cycle is interrupted twice to bring predetermined portions of the form in imprinting position. Automatic' interrupting means is provided including a two part cam 151 (Figs. 3 and l0) fixed on the shaft 33. The cam 151 has two recesses 152 and 153 spaced apart laterally and in a circumferential sense. Cooperative therewith are respective pawl members 154 and 155 pivotally mounted onv the cross shaft 147. Springs 156 urge the pawls in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. l0. At their one ends the pawls-154 and 155 bear upon the cam 151 and are engageable in respective recesses 152 and 153 to halt rotary motion of shaft 33. At their opposite ends the pawl members each have inclined cam surfaces 157 terminating in a notch 158. Engaging the cam surfaces 157 are cross pins 159 and 160 carried by respective levers 161 and 162 pivotally mounted on a stub shaft 163 and extending upward for manipulation by the fingers of the operator. Motion of the levers in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. l) causes the pins 159 and to ride up on the cam surfaces 157 and rock the pawls to disengaged position with respect to the recesses in the cam 151. At the top of the cam surfaces 157 the pins159 and 160 become lodged in the notches 158 and hold the pawls in disengaged position. Near the end ofthe form advancement cycle, the pawls 154 and 155 are engaged by a high point 164 on the cam 151, rocking the pawls further in a clockwise direction to disengage the notches 157 from the cross pins 159 and 160 whereupon the levers 161 Yand 162 are returned by tension springsv 165 to the position of Fig. 10.

=In the operation of the register, when the forms have been inscribed, a printing plate 91 is mounted on the carrier assembly 93 and the carrier moved to imprinting-position whereit is automatically retained by the engagement of latch 112 with turned over portion 113. The crank handle 35 then is turned to rotate the shaft 33, which motion is continued until the pawl 154 falls' into the recess 152 in cam 151. When the form advancement motion is so interrupted lever 79 of the imprinting unit 25 is swung from one extreme position to another, in the course of which motion the roller 78 travels across the unit 25 and applies pressure through the ribbon and record forms upon the printing plate 91 which is supported by platen 141. After imprinting, the lever 161 is pushed forwardly to disengage the pawl 154 from recess 152 whereby to release the shaft 33 for continued motion, such continuing motion being again interrupted when the pawl 155 engages recess 153. Ther forms are accordingly positioned for another imprinting operation, following which the lever 162 is actuated toV release the lever 155 so that the form advancement operation may be completed. Near the end thereof latch 112 is disabled for the release of the printing plate carrier and the pawls 154 and 155 are acted upon by the high point 164 of cam 151 to free the levers 162 and 162 from engagement with the notches 158.

It will be understood that the form stopping mechanism, as represented by the pawls 154 and 155 may be modified to increase or reduce the number of stops made in one form length for imprinting.

In Fig. 1l, a modified construction is shown wherein a feeding shaft 166, corresponding to the shaft 33, has mounted thereon cams 167 (one shown) corresponding to the cams 143 operative to raise and lower the platen 141. The cam 167, however, has two spaced apart lobes 168 and 169 which allow the platen to descend to an ineffective position between movement of the forms to successive imprinting positions. Accordingly imprinting cannot take place except when the platen is raised by one of the lobes 168 and 169, it being understood that the ca m 167 is positioned so that elevation of the platen coincides with arrival of the forms in the positively defined imprinting positions.

lFrom the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the specific features shown,

table, an imprinting unit in registry with said opening on the opposite side of the table and cooperable with the identification plate through said opening to print upon the intervening record forms, and interlocking means preventing operation of said form advancing means during movement of said plate holder to and from registry with said opening and preventing movement of said plate holder during operation of said form advancing means.

2. An antographic register, including a case, means for advancing record forms to and from a recording position, a Writing table carried by said case upon which said record forms lie when in recording position, said table having an opening therein, a pressure platen mounted on said case beneath said table for rocking motion substantially into and out of said opening, an imprinting unit supported by said case in overlying relation to said table in registry with said opening, said unit including an inking ribbon and a roller movable transversely to press said ribbon and the intervening record forms upon said pressure member, means for rocking said pressure platen in timed relation to the advancement of the forms, and means for placing an embossed identification plate on `said pressure platen.

3. An autographic register or like device, according to claim 2, characterized in that said last named means includes an identification plate holder mounted on said case for swinging motion from a point outside said case to coperative relation with said pressure platen.

4. An autographic register, including a case, means for advancing record forms to and from a recording position, a Writing table carried by said case upon which said record forms lie when in recording position, said table having an opening therein, a pressure member mounted on said case beneath said table for rocking motion substantially into and out of said opening, means for rocking said pressure member in timed relation to the advancement of the forms, a holder for an embossed identification plate, said holder including vertically spaced apart portions, the upper one of said portions mounting the identification plate and being movable relatively to the lower portion, said holder being mounted on said case for pivotal swinging motion toward cooperative relation with said pressure member and being accessible from outside the case for mounting and removal of the identification plate, said pressure member being received beneath the said upper portion of said holder, and means for applying an imprinting pressure through the record forms upon the identication plate.

5. An autographic register, according to claim 4, characterized in that said last named means includes an irnprinting unit mounted on said case for swinging motion to and from a position overlying the opening in said table.

6. An autographic register, including a case, a writing table on said case over which record forms are advanced to and from a recording position thereon, said table having an opening detining an imprinting position, means for advancing the forms, a holder for an embossed identitication plate pivotally mounted on said case for movement into imprinting position beneath said table, means for applying an imprinting pressure through the opening in said tabie from the opposite side thereof, a latch for retaining said plate holder in imprinting position and means for enabling and disabling said latch in a timed relation with advancement of the forms.

7. An autographic register, including a case, a writing table on said case over which record forms are advanced to and from a recording position thereon, said table having an opening defining an imprinting position, an imprinting unit in overlying relation to said opening including a transverse inking ribbon and a roller movable thereover, an identification plate holder movable into imprinting position beneath said opening, means for advancing said record forms through successive steps bringing selected portions thereof into imprinting position, said forms being imprinted by moving said roller to apply pressure through said ribbon and said forms upon the plate on said holder, and means movable in timed relation to the advancement of the forms for applying a backing pressure to the identification plate holder.

8. An autographic register, including a case, a Writing table on said case, means for advancing record forms to and from a recording position on said table, an opening in said table defining an imprinting position, an imprinting unit on one side of said table registering with said opening, an identification plate holder pivotally mounted on said case Iand movable from a loading position outside said case to said imprinting position, and an interlock preventing operation of said form advancing means when said identification plate holder is in any position intermediate loading and imprinting.

9. An autographic register, including a case, a writing table supported by said case for advance of record strip material thereover, a lid mounted on said case and having an opening exposing a part of said table, an imprinting unit supported by said case in transverse overlying relation to said table, said lid having an opening receiving said unit, said table having an opening therein beneath said unit, an identification plate holder mounted on said case for swinging movement in a plane beneath said table between an imprinting position beneath said opening in said table and a loading position beyond one side edge of said table, said lid being cut away for access to said holder in loading position, and a handle attached to said holder and extending through said case for moving said holder.

10. An autographic register according to claim 9, characterized by a pressure platen mounted on said case beneath said table for reciprocable movement out of and substantially into the said opening in said table, said holder having a relatively movable plate supporting portion movable by said pressure platen into the said opening in said table.

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