US2476326A - Strip trimmer - Google Patents

Description

July 19, 1949- J. Q. SHERMAN 2,476,326

STRIP TRIMMER Filed Aug. 3, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 N VENTR.

July19, 1949. 9 J Q SHERMAN. l 2,476,326

STRIP TRIMMER Filed Aug. 5, 1940 s shee'ts-shet 2 /N VENTO/2 JOHNQSHERMAN DECASED J. Q. SHERMAN STRIP TRIMMER July 19, 1949.

5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 5, 1940 INVENTOR dof/N a HERMA/v w/LL/AM c. s/{ERMAN WHIMOREB TUR/VfR E (/TORS ATTORNEY Puteutea July 19, 1949 umra sr-A'rEs v PATENT oFFlcE Juhu Quirk suse'nte of nanou,

Ohio, by Katherine M. .Shel-man, William (l. Sherman, andv Wellmore B. Turner, exeeuto Dayton, h10

Application August s, 1940, semi No. :sans

This invention pertains to paper' trimming apparatus, and more particularly to a combined strip feeding and trimming means for use with Writing and imprintingmachines, computing, tabulatingor addressing machines, strip separating apparatus, or form bursting mechanism wherein continuous strips of marginally punched material are progressively advanced past an operation polnt by a pin type feeding device and thereafter the punched margins are removed therefrom.

The marginal perforations of record or data strips are provided for positive feeding and registering purposes. After having performed this function, the marginal holes have'no'further use. By some persons the marginal punchings may be deemed unsightly. In other instances it may be desirable for handling or filing purposes that the imprinted sheets into which the original strip may be divided be of reduced size.

The present unit incorporates directly with a pin type-feeding unit a rotary cutting disc which cooperates with the feeding unit to progressively sever the punched margin inl unison with advancement of the strip by the feeding unit.

The object of the invention is to simplify the construction as well as the means and mode of operation of strip feeding and trimming equipment whereby they may not only be economically manufactured, but will be more eiiicient in use, uniform in operation, automatic in action, having relatively few operating parts and be unlikely to get out of repair.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combined feeding and trimming unit wherein the parts thereof will cooperate with each other to progressively trim a marginally punched strip in unison with its advancement.

A further object oi.' the invention is to provide a unit of compact form capable of being readily installed in existing imprinting or strip treating apparatus, or which may be conveniently incorporated'in such machines at the time of manufacture.

A further object of the invention is to provide a strip 'feeding and trimming unit embodying the advantageous structural features and inherent meritorious characteristics herein mentioned.

With the above primary and otherv incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation, or their 48 Claims. (Cl. 164-61) equivalents, as hereinafter described or illustratedv in the accompanying drawings.

In the accompanying drawing, wherein is illustrated the preferred but not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a strip feeding and trimming assembly including `a pair of relatively spaced feeding and trimming units embodying the present invention. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the combined strip feeding and trimming unit. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the assembly illustrated in Fig. 2, to which is added a strip guide for maintaining the marginally punched margin of the strip operated upon in operative engagement with the feeding pins. Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the unit. Fig. 5 is a side elevation from the side opposite that shown in Fig. 3, illustrating the relation of the strip guide or hold-down member. Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 showing the strip guide in elevated or retracted position. Fig. 7 is a front elevation of the feeding and trimming unit embodying a strip breaking feature. Fig. 8 is a detail view of a portion of a marginally punched strip upon which the present unit is' operative, showing a portion of the punched margin separated therefrom, as by the present trimmer.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the cooperating trimmer disc and pin wheel feeding device combined with a transverse cut-off device. Fig. 10 is a transverse sectional view of the assembly illustrated in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the trimmer and strip feeding assembly illustrating the relation of the, slotted strip guide. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the continuous strip operated upon illustrating trimming and severing operations performed thereon.

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

The present unit may be utilized to sever by cutting action the marginal perforate portion of the stripin the event that the line of division has not been previously weakened, or in the latter event a relatively dull member may be employed for bursting the strip on such weakened line.'

In Fig. l. of the drawings there is illustrated an assembly to be incorporated in a strip treating apparatus, which may be a writing or imprinting machine, a tabulator, or addressing machine, astrip separator for ciisassembling a manifolding packet of record and transfer material, a form bursting machine for dividing continuous strips into individual sheets or other apparatus relative to which a marginally punched strip is advanced.

The particular purpose or function of the machine is immaterial. This assembly comprises a rotary main shaft |8 having thereon a pair of relatively spaced axially adjustable pin wheels 8. Carried thereby are radially spaced feeding pins 9 progressively engageable in longitudinally spaced holes I in the strip or strips .Il of record material to be advanced and simultaneously trimmed. The pin wheels 8 are keyed to the shaft I8 for unison rotation by a key having engagement in the spline 21. y

The particular pin wheel feeding .device illustrated is that disclosed and claimed in Reissue Patent No. 20,888, the particular construction of which forms no part, per se, of the present invention. Other forms of pin type feeding devices may be employed in lieu thereof without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Intermediate the pin wheels 8 is a plurality of axially adjustable strip supporting discs 28, also splined upon the shaft I8, which medially support the strip during its advancement by the pin wheels.

Each pin Wheel 8 is provided with a smooth, hard cylindrical surface 29 at the inner sides of the plurality of feeding pins 9. Engaging each of the smooth cylindrical faces 29 Vof the pin wheels 8 is a rotary disc cutter 23. Each cutter 23 is carried by an arm 24 loosely pivoted for vertical oscillation upon a shaft 25 extending in parallel spaced relation with the pin wheel shaft I8. The pivotally mounted endl of the arm 24 is positioned between the furcations of a slotted bracket 38 axially adjustable upon the shaft 25 and ilxedly secured in adjusted position thereon by a set screw 30' engaging the shaft 25. Each bracket 30 includes a projecting head 3| through which extends a screw threaded rod 32 pivoted at 33 to the rock arm 24. I'he rod 32 is surrounded by a helical spring 35 against which the rock arm 24 is yieldingly retractable. Screw threaded upon the upper end of the thrust rod 32 is a knurled nut or stop head 3G which abuts upon an adjustable sleeve 31 screw threaded into the head 3| of the bracket 30 to adjustably restrict the movement of the rock arm 24 in downwardly direction. The upward movement of the arm is yieldingly resisted by the spring 35.

By adjustment of the nut 36 the cutting pressure of the rotary disc 23 against the portion of the strip passing over the face 29 of the pin wheel may be regulated.

In the particular type of pin wheel illustrated, A,

but which is not essential to the present purpose, the pins 9 are automatically progressively extensible and retractible as the pin wheel is rotated. Means is provided by which the arc within which the pins are extended may be varied circumfercntially of the pin wheel by rotative adjustment of a notched disc 4| operatively connected with the pin control mechanism within the pin wheel. Adjacent the notched adjusting disc 4| is a disc 42 to winch is pivoted at 43 a spring pressed pawl 44 engageable in one or another of several peripheral notches 45 in the disc 4|. By disengaging the pawl 44, the adjusting disc 4| may be rotated to circumferentially change the position of operation of the pins 9 and cause them to project at any desired portion of the periphery of the pin wheel d. To maintain the respective discs 4| and 42 stationary when interlocked, the latter is provided with a bifurcated arm 41 engaging with a rod 55 extending in parallel spaced relation with the wheel shaft 8. To facilitate the rotary adjustment of the disc 4| when the locking pawl 44 has been disengaged, a portion of the periphery of the disc is serrated at 49, and may be secured in its adjusted position by a clamp bolt 58 extending through an arcuate slot 5| in the disc. It is to be understood, however, that the adjustable feeding pins and control therefor form no part, per se, of thepresent invention. A pin wheel or other form of travel- 'ing pin carrier having relatively iixed pins will operate equally as well.

Upon rotation of the shaft I8, the feeding pins 9, having engagement in the holes lll of the strip, advance the strip, while the rotary cutter 23 pressing upon the strip against the smooth hardened surface 29 of the pin wheel severs the str-ip longitudinally adjacent the inner sides of the longitudinally spaced feed holes in unison with the advancement of the strip.

To hold the advancing strip in feeding engagement with the feeding pins 9 during the feeding and trimming operations, there is provided a slotted arcuate paper guide 53 into the slot 54 0f which the pins 9 project through the holes I0 of the strip. Each paper guide 53 is rotatively engaged at one end about the rod 55. At its free end it carries an upstanding ear 51. The ear 51 is pivotally connected to the free end of a rock arm 58 secured to a hub 62 mounted for rotative adjustment upon a bushing or sleeve 59, which 'in turn is axially adjustable on the rod 55. The

bushing sleeve 59 and with it the slotted paper guide 53 are secured in selected positions of axial adjustment relative to the rod 55 by a set screw 50. The set screw 68 transxes a collar 55 on the bushing sleeve 59 beside the arm hub 62. The arm 58 and with it the slotted paper guide 53 are rotatively adjustable upon the bushing sleeve 59 and may be secured in adjusted position relative thereto by a set screw 5|. The slotted guide may be raised as shown in Fig. 6, to facilitate engagement of the marginally punched paper with the feeding pins 9, after which it is restored to its paper hold-down position as shown in Fig. 5. A stop lug 63 on the arm 58 engages with one edge of the bifurcated arm 41 to limit the approach of the arcuate paper guide 53 toward the pin wheel.

As the paper strip is advanced beneath the slotted paper guide 53, the cutter disc 23 engages therewith under spring pressure of the spring 35 within the limit determined by the adjustment of the interengaging nut 36 and sleeve 31 upon the thrust rod 32 which is otherwise free to yield against the pressure spring 35. It is the rotation of the pin wheel which effects rotation of the cutter 23 and which affords an abutment face 29 against which the cutter disc 23 exerts its strip severing pressure. Likewise, it is the pin wheel feed device which advances themarginally punched strip to the cutter 23 and regulates the cutting operation which is thus synchronized with the strip advancement. i

In Fig. 7 there is shown a front view of the strip feeding and trimming unit wherein the pin wheel is provided with a peripheral groove 54 with which the rotary severing disc 23 registers and into which the spring 35 tends to project its periphery. The pressure exerted by the rotary severing disc 23 upon a pre-weakened division line I2 of the strip serves to break the strip along such line s and thus sever the perforated margin from the strip. .In such event the edge of the dise need not be sharp nor exert any cutting action. but will break the strip on the preformed weakened division line by pressure. In Figs. 9 to 11 there is illustrated a compact unitary assembly of the strip feeding and trimming devices with a strip severing device. The roller II, in addition to its coaction with the companion roller 61 in breaking or pin wheels. The rollers 66 and 61 are interconnected for unison rotation by intermeshing gears 68. The upper roller 66 carries a blade 69 which vcoacts with an insert 10 of rubber, ber. or similar material in the lower roller 66. The blade 69 may be either a sharp cutter blade or it may be a blunt blade, adapted to break the strip on a previously scored or weakened division line. The

blade 69 and insert strip 1,0 do not necessarily f extend the full length of the roller or the width of the strip Il, but may lterminate coincident with or nightly inwarmyvof the path of the trimmer discs 23. If the blade extends to or slightly beyond the plane of enggement of the trimmer discs23 with the pin wheels 8, the transverse cut or break effected by the blade 89 will be subsequently intersected by the longitudinal lines of severances eiected by the trimmer discs 23, resulting in complete separation of the forms, checks, or sheets. It is preferred, however, that the blade 69 and insert strip 'I0 shall terminate in slightly inwardly spaced relation with lines of severance of the trimmer discs 23, whereby short unbroken or uncut portions will remain after the punched. margins have been removed, thus leaving the trimmed checks or forms interconnected in series'but capable of being easily separated manually as may be required. Slotted strip guides 53a cooperate with the 'pin wheels 8 to direct the strip relative to the trimming discs 23.

The subject matter of the present application is broadly disclosed, but not particularly claimed, in copending application Serial No. 279,341, now Patent No. 2,252,734 issued August 19, 1941, which is a division of an earlier application Serial No. 116,552, filed December 18, 1936, now matured into LettersPatent No. 2,172,414, of which the present application is a continuation in part, and in copending application Serial- No. 294,199, now Patent No. 2,252,735 issued August 19, 1941, which is a division of an earlier application Serial No. 115,804, filed December 14, 1936, and now matured into Letters Patent No. 2,177,675, and in copending application Serial No. 277,484, now Patent No. 2,327,377 issued August 24, 1943, which is a continuation in part of an earlier application Serial No. 157,706, led August 6, 1937, now matured into Letters Patent No. 2,160,916.

From 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 modiiication in its form. proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacricing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or l claimed is:

asl

less speciilc as to structural-features, it is to' bel understood that the invention is not limited to Athe specific features shown, but that the means invention intoeffect, and the invention is thereforeA claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the ap'- pended claims.

Having 'thus described the invention, what' is 1. Ina strip feeding'trimming device for removing marginally' punched areas from continuous strips, including a pin wheel progressively engageable in marginal holes in the strip to be trimmed for advancing the strip past trimming` position, a. rotary cutterdisc. a mounting therefor upon which the disc is mounted for vrolling engagement with the strip against a peripheral porf tion of the pin wheel beside the pins, the construction and arrangement being such that the strip is advanced to the cutter disc by the rotation of the pin wheel and the perforated margin of the strip by which the strip is engaged by the pin wheel for such advancement is removed by the disc.

2. The combination with a rotary pin wheel, the pins of which are progressively engageable in marginal holes in a continuous strip of material for advancing the strip, of a rotary disc cutter coacting with the periphery of the pin wheel in a plane laterally offset relative to that ofthe feeding pins of such pin wheel for removing from the strip the marginally punched area thereof.

3. The combination with a rotary pin wheel, the pins of which are progressively engageable in marginal holes in a strip of material for advancing the strip, of a rotary cutter disc coacting with the periphery of the pin wheel in a plane parallel to that of the pins for severing the marginal punched area from the strip, a mounting on which the disc is mounted for movement toward and from the pin wheel iritocutting entherebetween. y

4. The combination with a pin wheel, the pins of which have progressive engagement in marginally punched holes in a strip of material for advancing the strip, a cutter disc having rolling contact upon the periphery of the pin wheel beside the pins thereof, and means for supporting the disc in cutting relation to which the strip ls advanced by rotation of the pin wheelfor progressive removal of the marginally punched area from the strip.

5. The combination with a rotary pin wheel, the pins of which are progressively engageable in a sucession of longitudinally spaced holes in a strip of material for advancing the strip, a rotary disc cutter relative to which the strip is advanced by rotation of the pin wheel, and with which the cutter disc has rolling severing engagement.

6. The combination with a rotary pin wheel, the pins of which are progressively engageable in a succession of longitudinally spaced holes in a strip of material for advancing the strip, a rotary disc cutter relative to which the strip is advanced by rotation of the pin wheel, a stationary bracket, an arm mounted for limited oscillation thereto, a cutter disc carried by the arm and operative in a plane closely adjacent to the plane of operation of the'feeding pins, and a spring interposed 7. A pin'wgheel for feeding a continuous strip of material having therein a succession of longitudinally spaced holes, a plurality' of radial pins carried by t e pin wheel for progressive engagement in sai holes, and a peripheral face upon the pin wheel in parallel relation with the plane of rotation of the pins for rolling engagement of 9. severing disc to sever the strip synchronously with its advancement by the pins on aline parallel with the succession of spaced holes.

8. The combination with a rotary pin wheel having a peripheral succession of radial feeding pins for advancing a continuous strip of material having therein a succession of longitudinally spaced holes for progressive engagement by said pins, and a rotary cutter disc disposed in cooperative relation with the body of the pin wheel in onset relation with the plane of rotation of the pins thereof to which the strip is advanced by rotation of the pin wheel and operative to progressively remove therefrom a portion of said strip containing the succession of longitudinally spaced holes.

9. The combination with a rotary pin wheel for advancing a continuous strip of material having therein a succession of longitudinally spaced holes for progressive engagement by said pins, and a cutter member mounted in perlpherally overlapping relation with the rotary pin wheel, past which the strip is progressively advanced by rotation of the pin wheel and operative to remove from the strip a portion thereof containing said longitudinally spaced holes.

10. The combination with a strip feeding device of a coacting strip severing device relative to which a strip of material having a preformed longitudinal weakened division line is advanced by the strip feeding device and operative to remove from the strip upon said longitudinal weakened division line a marginal portion thereof engaged by the feeding device.

1l. The combination with a pin type strip feeding device engageable in marginal holes in a strip to be fed having a longitudinal weakened division line substantially parallel with the succession of marginal holes in the strip, of a strip severing device relative to which the strip is advanced by the pin type feeding device and operatively engaging the strip substantially coincident with the longitudinal weakened division line thereof to remove therefrom the marginal portion containing the holes engaged by the pin type feeding device.

12. The combination with a pin type feeding device progressively engageable in a succession of marginally punched holes in a continuous strip of material having parallel thereto a preformed longitudinal weakened division line for advancing said strip, of a severing device disposed in the path of advancement of the strip by the pin type feeding device having progressive engagement therewith and operatively engaging the advancing strip substantially coincident with the longitudinal weakened line thereof to longitudinally divide the strip on said weakened line.

13. A strip trimming device for longitudinally severing a continuous strip of material on a preweakened division line, including a strip feeding device having progressive engagement with the strip for advancing it past a severing position. and a severing member disposed in a position substantially coincident with the strip feeding device and laterally offset therefrom coincident with the pre-weakened line upon which the strip is to be severed and relative to' which the strip is advanced by the strip feeding device.

14. A strip severing device for longitudinally dividing a continuous strip of material on a pre- 5 weakened longitudinal division line, including a pin type feeding device progressively engageable in a .successionY of longitudinally spaced holes parallel with the weakened division line, and a severing device disposed in a position coincident with the path of advancement of the weakened line of said strip and engaging therewith to remove from the strip upon said weakened line the portion thereof containing said longitudinally spaced perforations.

l5. In a strip trimming device, a strip feeding device for progressively advancing a continuous strip of material having thereina preformed longitudinally weakened division line upon which the strip is to be severed, including a roller having a peripheral groove therein positioned substantially in registry with the weakened severance line of the advancing strip, and a rotary disc engaging the advancing strip under pressure substantially coincident with the weakened line and said peripheral groove to fracture the strip 'on said preformed weakened line.

16. In a strip trimming device, a feeding device for progressively advancing a continuous strip of material having thereon a longitudinal weakened division line upon which the strip is to be divided, and a breaker device disposed in position to intercept the strip substantially coincident with the feeding device and the weakened line, relative to which the strip is advanced by the feeding device and operative to progressively fracture the strip along said weakened line.

17. In a strip trimming device, a feeding device having progressive engagement with a strip of material having a longitudinal weakened division line upon which the strip is to be severed for advancing the strip past a severing position, and a severing device positioned in the path of the strip and intercepting the strip substantially coincident with the feeding device and the weak- 45 end division line of severance, relative to which the strip is advanced by the feeding device and operative to sever from the strip upon said Weakened division line the portion thereof engaged by the feeding device.

50 18. In a strip feeding and trimming apparatus,

a pin type feeding device for progressive engagement in longitudinally spaced holes in a strip of material to be trimmed, a slotted guide member for directing the strip in feeding relation 5 with the pin type feeding device, and a strip severing member positioned in the path of travel of the strip and cooperative with the pin type feeding device in a plane laterally oifset relative to the common plane of operation of the feeding 60 device to divide the strip longitudinally in unison with its advancement by the pin type feeding device, and separate therefrom the marginal portion thereof containing the longitudinally spaced feed holes.

19. In a strip feeding and severing apparatus,

a pin type feeding device having progressive engagement in longitudinally spaced holes in a stripV of material having a preweakened longitudinal line of severance, a slotted guide member cooperating with thepin type feeding device to direct the strip in a prescribed path of travel and a strip severing device disposed in a substantially aligned relation with the line of severance past which the strip is advanced by the operation of the pin type feeding device and operative to divide the strip on said line vof severance in unison with its advancement by the pin type feeding device.`

20. In a strip feeding and severing apparatus, strip feeding means having progressive engagement with a continuous strip to be severed on alongitudinal preweakened severance line. a guide member for "directing the strip in a prescribed path of travel, and a strip severing member positioned in the path of advancement of thestrip in substantially aligned relation with the line of severance past which the strip is advanced by holes.

operation ofthe strip feeding means and opera-v tive to progressively divide the strip on the line l of severance in unison with its advancement by the strip feeding means.

2l. In a strip feeding and severing apparatus, a pin wheel strip feeding member progressively engageable in longitudinally spaced holes in a strip of material to be severed, and a cutter disc mounted in eccentric relation with the pin wheel with their peripheries in cooperative relation to effect longitudinal shearing of the strip relative to which disc and -pin wheel the strip is advanced 28. In a strip feeding and trimming apparatus of the character described, wherein a continuous strip ,of record material having marginally punched feed holes is severed on a longitudinal weakened divisionline substantially parallel with the succession of marginal holes, including a pin type feeding device having progressive engagement in the longitudinally spaced marginal holes for advancing the strip -past a trimming position and a severing device disposed in the path of advancement 0f the strip substantially coincident with the longitudinal weakened line thereof past which the strip is advanced by the pin type feeding device and operative to longitudinally sever by rotation of the latter to progressively divide the strip longitudinally into separate portions.

. 22. In a strip feeding and severing apparatus, a strip feeding device having progressive feeding engagement with the strip, a rotary disc disposed in eccentric 'cooperative relation with the strip feeding device and coacting therewith to sever the strip longitudinally into separate portions.

23. In a strip feeding and severing apparatus, a strip feeding device for progressive feeding engagement with a strip of material having a preweakened longitudinal line of severance, and a coacting rotary severing device disposed in the path of travel of the strip substantially coincident with the line of severance of the strip and engaging the strip along said line under pressure by which the strip is severed on said preweakened line.

24. In an apparatus of the character described,`

a pin type feeding device progressively engageable in a succession of longitudinally spaced holes in a strip of material for advancing the strip past a given position, and trimmermeans to which the strip is advanced by the feeding device for severing the longitudinal punched margins from the strip being fed.

25. In a strip feeding apparatus of the type wherein a continuous strip of material is progressively advanced past a given position, a Vstrip feeding device `having progressive marginal engagement with the strip for advancing said strip, and a coacting trimming device past which the strip is advanced by the strip feeding device,

having engagement with the strip for progressively removing therefrom a marginal area of the strip with which the strip feeding device shall have been engaged.

26. In a strip feeding and severing apparatus of the type wherein a continuous strip of material is progressively advanced past a given position, a pair of axally'spaced pin wheels having progressive feeding engagement in marginally punched holes in opposite longitudinal margins of a continuous strip of material, and a pair of rotary shear discs having cooperative shearing relation with the pin wheels engageable with the strip in inwardly spaced relation with the marginal holes and operative to progressively sever from the strip the marginally punched areas thereof in unison with its advancement by the pin wheels.

27. An apparatus .for dividing a continuous strip of material into separate sections, a rotary the strip upon said weakened division line.

29. In a strip trimming apparatus, a strip feeding device having progressive engagement with a marginal portion of a continuousstrip of materialfor advancing the strip past a severing position at which a marginal area thereof engaged by the feeding device is progressively removed ,from the strip, and a severing device positioned in the path of the advancing strip in laterally offset relation with the strip feeding device and operative to remove from the advancing strip the marginal area thereof engaged by the strip feeding device. 30. In a strip trimming apparatus, a strip feeding device having progressive engagement with a marginal portion of a continuousstrip of ma.- terial for advancing the strip past a severing position at which a marginal area thereof engaged by-the feeding device is progressively removed from the strip, vand an adjustable severing device positioned in the path of advancement of the strip Vin laterally offset relation with the strip feeding device Vrelative to which the strip is advanced by the feeding device and operative to remove therefrom a marginal area engaged by said feeding device. y

31. In a strip trimming apparatus, a strip feeding device having progressive engagement with a marginal portion of a continuous strip of material for advancing the strip past a severing position at which a marginal area thereof engaged by the feeding device is progressively removed from the strip, a cutter blade positioned in intersecting relation with the plane of advancement of the strip and out of alignment with the feeding device, against which the strip is advanced by the feeding device and operative to remove from the strip a marginal area thereof engaged by the feeding device.

32. In a strip trimming device. a pin type stripv audace strip is advanced bythe strip feeding device, said severing device being operative to fracture the strip on the said preweakened line to remove from the strip a marginal portion thereof.

34. The method of separating the feed band portion of a manifold assembly of superposed record strips from the record receiving band porl2 ened severance line adjacent to the feed apertures, said strip feeding means including feed'pins positioned to engage in said feed apertures to effect strip feed, and a strip separator element secured -in operative position adjacent to said feed pins when in strip feeding engagement, and projecting into and through the course of the feeding strip, said separator element having a blunt separating edge directed along the line of said weakened severance line when the strip is fed by said feed pins against the separator element.

tion of said assembly along weakened severance lines in superposed registration in said assembly between said portions, said method including propeiling the feed bands in a direction parallel with said severance lines while each strip is substantially straight laterally from edge to edge, applying to.l a part of each strip in close proximity to the severance line therein a gradually increasing force progressing along the severance line and tending to deflect said part from lateral alignment with the main surface of the feed band while propelling the feed bands in the feed direction, and increasing said force sumciently to cause the feed band portion of the assembly to separate progressively from the record receiving band portion thereof.

35. In a machine for separating the feed band portion of a record strip from the'record receiving portion thereof along a weakened severance line therein, in combination, a pin feed unit having a row of pins for meshing with perforations through the feed band portion of said strip for propelling said strip in a direction parallel with said severance line, a guide adjacent said row of pins for guiding the feed band in proper relation with said pins, and a strip severing device adjacent to but laterally out of alignment with said row of pins andvin the path of said severance line for progressively separating said feed band from said strip while said pin feed unit propels the strip in the feed direction.

36. In a machine of the character described, in combination, feed mechanism for feeding a strip having a longitudinal feed band separated from the strip by a longitudinal weakened severance line, said feed mechanism including a traveling series of feed pins, apiurality of which simultaneously engage with apertures in said feed band at an elongated reach thereof, guide means for guiding said strip and feed band at said elongated reach, and a separator element transecting the course of the strip adjacent to said guide and having a dull blunt separating edge directed in line with said weakened severance linel of the advancing strip.

37. In a machine of the character described,

in combination, means for guiding and feeding strips having pin feed apertures, said strip feeding means including feed pins positioned to engage in said feed apertures to effect strip feed, and a strip separator element secured in operative position adjacent to said feed pins when in strip feeding engagement and projecting into and through the course of the feeding strip.

38. In a machine of the character described, in combination, means for guiding and feeding a strip having pin feed apertures arranged in a 1ongltudinal series and having a longitudinal weak- 39. In a machine of the character described, in combination, feed mechanism for feeding a strip having a longitudinal feed band separated from the strip' by a longitudinal weakened severance line, said feed mechanism including a traveling series of feed pins, a plurality of which simultaneously engages with apertures in said feed band at an elongated reach thereof, guide means for guiding said strip and feed band at said elongated reach, and a separator element transecting the course of the strip adjacent to said guide and having a separating surface directed along the line of said weakened severance line as the strip is fed against the separator element.

40. In a strip trimming apparatus, a strip feeding device having progressive engagement with a marginal portion of a continuous strip of material for advancing the strip past a severing position at which a marginal area thereof engaged by the feeding device is progressively removed from the strip, and a severing device positioned in the path of the advancing strip in laterally offset relation with the strip feeding device at a point substantially opposite the point of engagement of the strip by the feeding device, said severing device being operative to remove from the advancing strip the marginal area thereof engaged by the strip feeding device.

4i. In a strip severing device, in combination, a rotary feed wheel having a series of feed pins for engagement with strip apertures to effect strip feed, a strip guiding unit movabiy mounted adjacent toV said feed wheel and including a strip guide having movement into strip guiding position adjacent to said feed pins and a strip slitting member, disposed in intersecting relation with the path of travel of a strip being guided to slit moving strips along a longitudinal line adjacent to said pins, whereby the pins support and steady the strips during the slitting action.

42. In a strip severing device, in combination, a rotary feed wheel havingI a series of feed pins for engagement with strip apertures to effect strip feed, a strip guiding unit movabiy mounted adjacent to said feed wheel and including a strip guide having movement `into strip guiding position adjacent to said feed pins, a strip slitting member arranged in intersecting relation with a guided strip to slit moving strips along a. longitudinal line adjacent to said pins, whereby the pins support and steady the strips during the slitting action, said feed wheel having a peripheral groove adjacent to said pin series in which said slitting member runs, and an annular strip support on said feed wheel adjacent to said slitting member at the opposite side of said groove from said pin series.

43. In a strip severing device, in combination, a feed wheel having a series of feed pins for engagement with strip apertures to effect strip feed and having a peripheral groove adjacent to the pin series, a feed band separator running in said 13 groove for separating said feed bands from the strips being fed.

44. In a strip severing device, in combination, a feed wheel having a series of feed pins for engagement with strip apertures to effect strip feed .and having a peripheral groove adjacent to the said groove for separating said feed bands from the strips being fed, a movably mounted strip guide adjacent to said feed wheel said feed band separator being supported for movement to and from operative position.

- 46. In a strip severing device, in combination,

a feed wheel having a series of feed pins for engagement with strip apertures to effect a strip feed and having a peripheral groove adjacent to the pin series, a feed band separator running in said groove for separating said feed bands from the strips being fed, an annular strip support on said feed wheel adjacent to said feed band separator and opposite to said groove from the pin series, and a movably mounted strip guide adjacent to said feed wheel, said feed band separator being supported for movement to and from operative position.

47. In a strip severing device in combination, strip feeding mechanism including a part adapted to engage and feed a strip, said feeding mecha- 14 nism including a rotary part having a peripheral groove spaced from said strip engaging part, a strip guide movable to and yfrom strip guiding relation with reference to said strip engaging strip feeding part of the feeding mechanism, and

a strip severing element adjustable into and out of l strip severing relation in said peripheral groove.

48. In a strip severing device in combination, strip feeding mechanism including a part adapted to engage and feed a strip, said feeding mechanism including a rotary part having a peripheral groove spaced from said strip engaging part, a strip guide movable to and from strip guiding relation with reference to said strip engaging strip feeding part of the feeding mechanism, a strip severing elem'ent mounted for adjustment to and from strip severing relation in said peripheral groove and means for adjusting said severing element into different positions relative to said groove.

KATHERINE M. SHERMAN, WILLIAM C. SHERMAN, WELLMORE B. TURNER. Eecutors of the Estate of John Q. Sherman, De-

ceased.

REFERENCES CITED The following referenlces arel of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 78,707 Yeoman June 9, 1868 801,916 Rudolphi Oct. 17, 1905 1,543,434 Hardman June 23, 1925 2,237,320 Spayd et al Apr. 8, 1941

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