May 16, 1961
J. J. THAYER
2,984,425
SPOOL WINDING MACHINE
Filed vMarch 5, 1956
_
IVENTOR.
W702.
May 16, 1961
J. J. THAYER
2,984,425
SPOOL WINDING MACHINE
Filed March 5, 1956
5 Sheets-Sheet 2
May 16, 1961
J. J. THAYER
SPOOL WINDING MACHINE
Filed March 5, 1956
k
2,984,425
May 16, 1961
J. J. THAYER
2,984,425
SPOOL WINDING MACHINE
Filed March 5, 1956
5 Sheets-Sheei 5
IN VEN TOR.
United States Patent 0 " ICC
2,984,425
Patented May 16, 1961
1.,
2
of the features de?ned above while being el?cient, reliable
and economical to manufacture.
This invention, together with further objects and ad
vantages thereof, will best be understood by reference
to the following description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings, and its scope will be pointed
2,984,425
SPOOL WINDING MACHINE
Josephus J. Thayer, 1010 Cherry Lane,
out in the appended claims.
In the drawings, in which like parts are designated
West Lafayette, Ind.
Filed Mar. 5, 1956, Ser. No. ‘569,547
I14 Claims. (Cl. 242-18)
by like reference numerals,
10
Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are perspective views of the front of
a spool winding machine illustrating one embodiment of
the invention;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the back of cer
tainribbon metering apparatus included in the machine
This invention relates to a spool winding machine and 15 illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3;
it is an object of the invention to provide improved ap
Fig. 5 is a schematic layout of the metering apparatus
paratus of that character.
shown in Fig. 4;
Various forms of ribbon are produced in what is ac
Fig. 6 is a detail drawing of a portion of the metering
tually or practically a continuous process, to the effect
apparatus included in the apparatus of Fig; 4;
that the ribbon as produced is wound on reels of sub 20
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of spool handling ap
stantial size. Such reels may, for example, carry many
paratus included in the machine illustrated in Figs. 1, 2
hundreds of lineal feet of ribbon. In some cases these
and 3; and
reels are purchased by retailers, and short lengths of
Figs. 8 and 9 are views of certain detailed apparatus
ribbon are cut off by the retailer in accordance with
incorporated in the machine of Figs. 1, 2 and 3.
the individual customer’s requirements. However, a sub 25
The embodiment of the invention illustrated in the
stantial quantity of ribbon is presently sold packaged, in
drawings is particularly adapted to the winding of ribbon
which case relatively short lengths of ribbon, generally
from a large supply reel onto relatively small spools.
a few feet in length, are wound on individual spools and
It will become apparent, however, that the overall in
are‘handled by the retailers in this form.
vention and various features thereof are readily adapted
It is another object of the invention to provide an im
to various applications.
proved machine for transferring relatively short lengths
In the drawings, a rotary carriage 20 in the form of
a disc carries four spindles 21 thereon for‘ receiving spools
tinuous supply of ribbon, to relatively small spools.
22. While the spools are arranged on these spindles
In the past such transfer of ribbon from a reel to spools
they are subjected to all of the operations performed by
has required numerous manual operations for each spool 35 the machine. More particularly, and as subsequently de
to which ribbon is transferred.
scribed in detail, the free end of a ribbon supply is see
It is another object of the present invention to pro
cured to the spool, the spool is rotated to wind a given
vide an improved machine for automatically transferring
length of ribbon thereon, and the ribbon is covered
short lengths of ribbon from a reel to successive spools
by a layer of material to protect the ribbon against dirt
in which no manual operations are required after the
and physical abuse.
machine has started.
Empty spools may be supplied to the machine on a
It is‘ another object of the invention to provide an
track 24. The spools may be placed on the“ track
improved spool winding machine in which the severed
manually or automatically and are preferably urged to
or free end of a ribbon supply is automatically inserted
the left in Fig. 1 by any suitable means, such as a suit
in a slit formed in the spool to hold the end of the ribbon 45 able spring biased member, not shown in the drawings.
to the spool as it is wound.
Progress of the empty spools along the track 24 is limited
It is another object of the invention to provide an
by engagement with a wall 25, best seen in Fig. 3. A
improved spool winding machine in which ribbon, as it
spool 22 which has advanced along the track 24 to a
is drawn-onto the spool, drives metering apparatus which
point where it strikes the wall 25 is in position to be
limits the length of ribbon to be wound on the spool, 50 dropped down on another track consisting of a pair of
in which the free end of the‘ribbon supply is only lightly
rods 26, best seen in Fig. 3.
secured to the spool, and in which slack ribbon is auto
Movement of individual spools 22 from the supply
matically provided between the spool and the metering
track to the track 26 may be accomplished by. a piv
apparatus such that an appreciablerlength of ribbon may
otally mounted plunger 27. When the latter rotates
be wound on the spool before the winding of the ribbon 55 or pivots forwardly in Fig. 3, it thrusts the leading spool
on the spool is required to accelerate and drive the
forwardly such that it falls onto the track 26, the spool
metering apparatus.
resting securely between the two rods which form this
It is another object of the invention to provide an
track.
improved spool winding machine in which a relatively
With an empty spool 22 resting on the track 26, and
heavy reel of ribbon is continuously unwound to supply 60 with an empty spindle 21 available on the carriage 20
ribbon to intermittently rotated successive spools and in
and in alignment with the central axial opening 22a of
which means are provided for handling the slack ribbon
the spool as it rests on the track 26, a plunger 28 which
which thereby must accumulate between intermittent
slides on a rod 28a engages the spool 22 and drives it
windings on successive spools.
toward
the carriage 20 and onto the awaiting spindle
It is another object of the invention to provide a spool 65 21. In Fig. 3 an empty spool is shown thus arranged
winding machine having improved apparatus for auto
on a spindle 21 while another empty spool 22 has al
of ribbon from a large reel, containing a relatively con
matically feeding, cutting, and wrapping protective sheet
material about successive spools after ribbon has been
ready been thrust onto the track 26 by the pivotable
plunger 27. The plunger 28 has of course been‘with
wound thereon.
70 drawn so that it is in position to drive the new spool 22
It‘ is another object of the invention to provide an
onto the next available spindle 21.
improved spool winding machine having one or more
It will already be apparent that the pivotable plunger
2,984,425
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27 and the sliding plunger 28 must be synchronized not
only with each other but with the rotary carriage 20.
The drive means for driving the plunger 27, the plunger
28, and the carriage 20, along with many other operating
parts of the machine, are not disclosed in detail in the
drawings or described herein. Since most of the operat
ing parts of the machine must be synchronized, it is
practical to drive the entire machine from a single power
empty spool in alignment with the slit previously formed
by the ?rst-described knife blade 33. Apparatus, sub
sequently to be described, assures that the ribbon 40
overlies this previously formed slit. The blunt blade ‘43
hesitates at the surface of the spool and holds the ribbon
thereagainst during the time that the knife blade 41 is
cutting the ribbon. Immediately after severance of the
ribbon by the knife blade 41, the blade 43 continues its
movement and tucks the free end portion of the supply
source. Suitable gears, cams, and other conventional
drive means for actuating the various operating parts of 10 ribbon into the slit previously formed by the knife blade
33.
the machine may be connected to a single power source
Preferably, the tuck blade 43 moves only a short
such that they are locked in synchronism, various ele
ments preferably being adjustable such that the phase ' distance into the spool to the effect that the free end
of the supply ribbon lies outside the spool and a double
relationship between various operating parts may be
15 thickness of ribbon material is caught in the slit formed
regulated to assure reliable operation.
Drive means for a machine such as that disclosed in
the drawings and described herein is necessarily relatively
complex because of the large number of moving parts,
by the knife blade 33, but if desired the tuck blade may
drive deep enough to draw the free end of the supply
ribbon into the interior of the spool.
This operation
secures the free end of the supply ribbon to the empty‘
with the result that a complete disclosure thereof would
require many sheets of drawings and a very extensive 20 spool such that subsequent rotation of the spindle 21 and
hence of the spool 22 may Wind ribbon on the spool.
description. At the same time, the drive means may
Apparatus by which the blade 43 may be driven in
be of very common and conventional form, readily de
the two-step motion described above is illustrated in Fig.
vised by anyone skilled in the art. In view of this and
9. Here, the arm 44 may be seen to be a continuation
in view of the fact that the basic drive means does not,
of itself, constitute a feature of the present invention, 25 of a supporting arm 45, being pivotally connected thereto
by the pin 46. Pivotal motion is limited by a pin 47 in
it is not shown in the drawings or described in detail
the supporting arm 45 and a cooperating slot 47a in
herein.
the arm 44. A spring 48, arranged as shown, urges the
As an empty spool is thrust onto an awaiting spindle
arm 44 downwardly with respect to the supporting arm
2.1, its leading surface is pierced by a pin 30, seen in
Fig. 7. The pin 30 is mounted on a shaft 31 which is 30 45 such that the pin 47 is normally at the top of the slot
47a. The supporting arm 45 is, of course, connected to
slidable axially within the carriage 20, such a pin and
suitable drive apparatus as are the various other operat
rod being provided for each spindle 21. Means are pro—
ing parts of the overall machine.
vided the shaft 31 and the pin 30 to the right and to the
It will now be apparent that as the supporting arm 45
left in Fig. 7 in synchronism and in proper phase rela
tionship to other operating parts of the machine. When 35 rocks downwardly the arm 44 and the blade 43 will move
downwardly until the blade touches the ribbon where it
the shaft and pin are thrust to the right, in Fig. 7, such
overlies a spool. The force of the spring 48 is not suffi
that the spool 22 as it is thrust on the spindle 21 is?
cient to force the blade 43 into the spool slit and hence
pierced thereby, it will be apparent that the spool 22 is
the blade pauses in its downward movement until the
locked against rotation with respect to the carriage 20,
since the pin 30 is off center from the spindle 21. The 40 pin 47 reaches the bottom of the associated slot 47a.
Pivotal movement of the supporting arm 45 is then trans
pin 30 is preferably moved forward, or to the right in
mitted directly to the arm 44 and hence the blade is
Fig. 7, before the spool 22 is slid onto the spindle 21,
positively driven down to force the ribbon into the spool
and remains in this position until just before the spindle
21 rotates the spool 22 to wrap ribbon thereon.
The
slit.
spool is thereby ‘locked against rotation with respect to 45 Each spindle 21 terminates in a clutch element 50,
seen in Fig. 7, which is the driven half of a complete frici
the carriage 20 during this period.
tion clutch. A single driving clutch element 51 is
Immediately after a spool 22 has been slid onto a
mounted on the housing of the machine and is so posi
spindle 21 by the plunger 28, a knife blade 33 carried
by a movable arm 34 is moved toward the spool so that
tioned that it is in alignment with the driven clutch ele
it punctures the cylindrical surface of the spool, the slit 50 ment 50 when the corresponding spindle 21 is in the top
thus provided preferably extending axially of the spool.
position of Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The driving clutch element
After the spool has thus been punctured, the arm 34
51 is keyed to a shaft 52 and is slidable thereon, the
withdraws the knife 33 in order that the spool may be
shaft being driven by a pulley 53 and a belt 54. A fork
free to move with the carriage 20.
55 or similar device is provided for moving the driving
The carriage 20 now rotates through an angle of 90 55 clutch element 51 against the driven clutch element 50.
degrees, bringing the punctured spool to the top position
At such time as the desired length of ribbon has been
in Fig. 1. At the same time, a fully wound spool is
thus wound on the spindle 22 the fork 55 withdraws and
moved from the top position to the left-hand position
permits the two clutch elements 50 and 51 to disengage.
with the unsevered ribbon 40 trailing therebehind. As
‘It will be seen that the spool 22 is locked against rotation
may readily be seen in ‘Fig. l, the position of the ribbon 60 with respect to the spindle 21 by a pin ‘56 protruding
is such that the empty spool which moves to the top
from a plate 57 which is in turn secured to the spindle 21.
position on the carriage 20 bears upwardly against the
It has been found that the length of ribbon wound on
ribbon, so that the ribbon passes over the cylindrical
surface of the spool.
A second knife blade 41 mounted on an arm 42 is 65
now moved toward the empty spool and in alignment
with the ribbon 40 to sever the ribbon. Preferably, the
knife blade 41 engages the ribbon at a point at which it
is in contact with the empty spool as this facilitates the
successive spools can be controlled more accurately by
separate metering apparatus than by controlling the total
angle of revolution of the spindle 21. Such metering
apparatus is shown in the illustrated embodiment of the
invention and is described below. In view of this, the
total angle of revolution of the spindle 21 for each spool
The ‘knife blade 41 thereby 70 winding need not be precisely controlled. For this rea
son, it is practicable to drive the spindle through the belt
makes an incidental slit in the spool, but this is of no
54. This is desirable since the spindle 21 is preferably
consequence.
rotated at a high speed. At such time as the proper
Immediately before the time that the knife blade 41
severing of the ribbon.
amount of ribbon has been wound on the spool and the
and having a relatively blunt end, moves toward the 75 ribbon is restrained, all as described below, the friction
severs the ribbon, a blade 43 mounted on an arm 44
2,984,42 51:.
5
clutch= 50-51 may‘ slip, whereby‘ there is" no‘ dama'geito
the machine, the spool, or the ribbon.
The clutch element 50 is also engageable with a mov
6
secured to‘ the‘ same shaft operates a‘ switch ‘88, shown
schematically in Fig. 5 but not visible in Fig. 4.
This opens a previously closed circuit from the line‘
wire A of Fig. 5 through a lead 89,‘ the‘movable switch:
able brake member 59, the operating portion of which is
shown in Fig. 7. This brake member operates simulta
contact 90, the upper ?xed contact 91, a lead 92, a sole
neously with the clutch element 51 to release the clutch
noid 93, a lead 94, and the other line wire B. This cir
element 50 when the clutch is engaged and to brake the
cuit, when complete, energizes the solenoid 93 to main
clutch element 50 when the clutch disengages.
tain an arm 97, a shaft 98‘ and a second arm 99 in a clock
The metering apparatus referred to immediately above,
wise direction against the action of a spring 100. The
along with certain apparatus for traversing the ribbon 10' arm 99 in turn maintains a rod 101 to the right in Fig.
back‘ and forth along the axial length of the spool as it
5 by virtue of its engagement with a plate 102 secured
is‘ wound thereon, is contained primarily within a hous
to the rod, and the rod maintains the brake plate 63 to
ing 60,‘ shown at the right in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, and the
the right and away from the metering wheel 61 against
inner working partsware‘illustrat'ed in Figs. 4, 5 and 6.
the action of a spring 103.
Mounted on the outside of the housing 60 is the actual 15
When the cam 81 completes one revolution such that
metering wheel 61 and an idler wheel ‘62. Both wheels
the cam follower 82 falls into the slot 86, the above-de
preferably have a soft rubber periphery in order to pro
scribed circuit is interrupted by separation of the con
vide good- frictional engagement with the ribbon 40.
tacts 90 and 91. The solenoid 93 is thus deenergized.
Additional friction is provided by the fact that the two
with the result that the brake plate 63 is forced against
Wheels161‘ and 62 bear resiliently against each other with 20 the metering wheel 61 by the spring 103‘ to terminate ro
the ribbon passing therebetween. As may be seen best‘
tation thereof.
in Fig. 2, the ribbon 40 is supplied to the lower surface
When the metering wheel 61 and hence the ribbon 40.
of the wheel 62, passes around 180 degrees of the pe
are thus stopped, the previously described friction clutch’
riphery thereof, between the wheels, and around 180
50-51 which drives the spool 22 slips. After the clutch
25 is disengaged by operation of the fork 55 and sometime
degrees of the periphery of the metering wheel 61.
A friction brake plate 63, also seen best in Fig. 3, is
before the next spool is to be wound, the common drive‘
provided for bearing against the inner flat surface of the
means for the machine may cause actuation of a push
metering wheel 61‘ to terminate rotation thereof when
rod 106 to move it upwardly, in Fig. 5, against the ac
the desired length of ribbon has passed thereby. The
tion of a spring 107. This pivots the shaft. ‘83 and with
control apparatus contained within the housing 60 serves 30 draws the cam follower ‘82 from the slot ‘86 in the cam
to control the operation of the brake plate 63 ‘to stop
‘81. As soon as the cam follower 82 is thus raised out
and‘ release the metering wheel '61 at the proper times,
of the slot 86, an arm 108 freely mounted on the shaft
all as subsequent describedj
‘80 is drawn by a spring 109' against a stop pin 110,
The traversing device, also controlled by the appara
such that the end of the arm 108 lies alongside the slot‘
tus‘ within the housing 60, comprises primarily a pivot 35 ‘86 and prevents the cam follower 82 from falling back
ably mounted rod 65 having a pair of prongs 66 at its
into the slot 86. This reenergizes the solenoid 93 and
free end.
frees the metering wheel 61 and the entire metering ap
The traverse arm 65 is secured to a lever arm 67
through a shaft 68, the latter being concealed by a bear
ing sleeve 69 in Fig. 3 but being shown schematically
in Fig. 6. As the rod 65 is pivoted back and forth, the
ribbon 40'which passes‘between the prongs 66 is guided
back and forth along the axial length of the spool 22.
paratus for another cycle of operation.
Means have been described above for limiting the
40 amount of ribbon which may be wound on each succes
sive spool, the metering wheel 61 being braked by the
brake plate 63 when the cam 81 has been driven through
one complete revolution by the metering wheel and the
The ribbon must be located consistently andiwith‘ some ac
associated speed reducing gears. The metering apparatus
curacy, between spool windings, over the slit formed in 45 as shown in the drawings and as described above is auto
each successive empty spool by the'tknife‘bla'de 33; in order
matically repetitive by virtue of actuation of the push rod
for the ribbon cutting knife 41 and‘the tuck blade 43‘ to
be operative. It is necessary, therefore, that the travers
ing arm 65 be accurately located after each spool wind
means.
61‘ is mounted on a shaft 71 whichterminates in a worm
ribbon may be wound smoothly on the spool.
106 by any suitable operating part of the common drive
The traverse arm 65 preferably operates through a sub
50 stantial number of cycles during the winding of the pre
ing.
scribed length of ribbon on one spool in order that the
Referring now to Fig. 5, it will be seen that the wheel
This is
accomplished through the use of a cam 112 secured to
72. This ‘drives a worm ‘gear 73, seen in Fig. 4, which
the shaft 75. The cam 112 is thereby driven through
serves as a friction clutch element frictionally engaging
and driving a clutch element 74. The latter is secured 55 a number of complete revolutions for each revolution of
the cam 81 by virtue of the gear reduction between the
to a shaft 75 about which the worm gear 73 rotates free
gears 78 and 79. As seen in Fig. 6, the cam 112 is
ly. A spring 76 maintains the two clutch elements 73
heart shaped and actuates a cam follower in the form
and. 74 resiliently in frictional engagement.
of a roller 113. This roller is rotatably mounted on the
A gear 78 secured to the shaft 75 meshes withra larger
gear 79 mounted on ashaft 80. This shaft drives a cam 60 previously described arm 67, this arm and the traversing
arm 65 both being secured to the shaft 68. A spring
‘81 whose operationrwill bestbe understood by referring
again to Fig; 5.
A camfollower arm 82 is secured to a
shaft 83 and is urged against the cam 81 by‘a spring 84,
the latter being shown schematically in Fig. 5 but not
visible in Fig. 4.
114, shown schematically in Fig. 6, maintains the cam
roller 113 in contact with the cam 112. It will now be
apparent that as the cam roller 113 is moved inwardly
and outwardly of the shaft 175 by the cam 112, the
traversing arm 65 will be pivoted reciprocally.
Speed reduction by the worm and gear 72 and 73,
Accurate positioning of the traverse arm 65 between
and by the gears 78 and 79, is selected such that the de
spool windings, in order to assure that the ribbon 40 trail
sired length of ribbon to be wound on one spool 22‘ will
ing from a wound spool will fall over the slit formed by
have passed over the periphery of the metering wheel 61 70 the knife blade 33 in the next spool to be wound, is ac
when the cam 81 makes one complete revolution. At the
end of each revolution of the cam 81, the tip of the cam
follower 82 falls into a slot 86 in the cam. The corre
sponding. pivotal movement of the. arm 82 causes rota
complished by engagement of an arm 116 with a movable
stop 117 at the end of each operating cycle of the meter
ing apparatus. As may be seen in Fig. 16, the arm 116 is
secured to the shaft 75 and hence rotates with the heart
tion of the shaft 83 withthe result that another arm 87 75 shaped cam 112. The movable stop 117 is secured to the
2,984,42 5*
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shaft 83 (see Fig. 5) and moves into the path of the arm
116 when the cam follower 82 drops into the slot 86 of
the cam 81. The arm 116 and the movable stop 117
may be seen, in part, in Fig. 4.
It will be understood that if the stopping of the meter
ing wheel 61 by the brake plate 63 were very precise, the
empty spool before the ribbon draws on the metering
wheel 61, means are incorporated in the machine for pro
viding slack ribbon between the spool and the metering
heart-shaped cam 112 would be stopped, at the end of
wheel 61. As may be seen best in Fig. 2, the ribbon 40
as it extends from the metering wheel 61 to the spool 22
passes under a pair of spaced-apart pins 131 and 132.
A third pin 133 is arranged below the ribbon 40 and
each spool winding, at precisely the same angular posi
between the pins 131 and 132, this pin being secured to
one end of an arm 134 which is pivotable about its other
tion. Furthermore, operation of the cam 81 would pre
'
vent, and does prevent, any accumulative error. How 10 end.
When a spool has been completely wound with ribbon,
ever, since a friction brake is employed, certain variables,
the carriage 20 carries the spool to the left-hand position,
such as coefficient of friction and spring pressure, along
which is concealed in Fig. 2, and an empty spool is
with other less de?nitive factors, tend to prevent accuracy
brought up into engagement with the trailing ribbon, all
of operation sufficient to assure proper alignment of the
as previously described. At the same time, the arm 134
ribbon with the slit formed by the knife blade 83 in the
pivots upwardly to the position shown in phantom lines
next spool to be wound. For this reason, mechanical
in Fig. 2, drawing the pin 133 and hence the ribbon
upwardly between the pins 131 and 132. The ribbon thus
drawn upwardly between the pins 131 and 132 is pulled
heart-shaped cam 112 and hence of the traverse arm 165
off the wound spool against the braking action of the
at the end of each cycle.
In the event that the heart-shaped cam 112 and hence
brake member 59, previously described. Before the rib—
the shaft 75 are thus forcibly stopped while the metering
bon 40 is severed by the knife blade 41 and is tucked into
wheel 61 is still rotating at an appreciable speed, the
the empty spool by the tuck blade 43, the arm 134 swings
downwardly, thereby providing a substantial length of
metering wheel is not brought to an abrupt halt, with
possible resulting damage to the machine, since friction 25 slack ribbon between the empty spool 22 and the metering
clutch 73—74 may slip until the metering wheel 61 is
wheel 61. Accordingly, when the empty spool starts to
brought to a full stop. The friction clutch 73—74 also
rotate, it may wind this slack ribbon upon itself and thus
permits manual rotation of the shaft 75 through a hand
supplement its grip on the ribbon before the ribbon is
wheel 118 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 2), whereby, in the event
required to accelerate the metering wheel 61 and the
of any misoperation of the machine, the metering ap 30 associated metering apparatus.
paratus may be advanced manually to its starting position.
While ribbon is being wound on an empty spool in
Certain protective control apparatus is also shown in
the uppermost position on the carriage 20, the previously
stop means in the form of the arm 116 and the movable
stop 117 are employed to assure precise positioning of the
Fig. 5.
A cam 120 is driven by the main source of power
wound spool arranged in the left-hand position on the
for the machine, through suitable gearing, such that it
carriage 20 is covered with a protective wrapper, such as
makes one complete revolution for each revolution of the 35 acetate tape. In the preferred embodiment of the inven
cam 81. When the cam 120 reaches the position shown
tion disclosed in Figs. l and 3 clear acetate tape 140 is
in Fig. 5, it opens the contacts of a switch 121 such that
the power lines A and B are no longer connected to cer
tain solenoids 122, 123 and 124 which control operation
employed in order that the ribbon on the spools may be
visible to the purchaser. The tape preferably comes on
a large spool 141 and is of such width that it covers the
of various portions of the over-all machine. However, 40 ribbon and may lie between the end pieces of the spools.
if the cam 120 is synchronized and in proper phase rela~
The spool 141 is freely mounted on a shaft 142 and is so
tionship with the cam 81, the switch 121 is thus opened
arranged that the tape may feed directly to certain tape
by the cam 120 at the same time that the movable contact
handling apparatus now to be described.
90 of the switch 88 is brought into engagement With a
The acetate tape 140‘ ?rst passes between a pair of
fixed contact 125 of that switch. This serves to connect 45 plates 143 and 144, the lower plate 143 being in the form
the power lines A and B to the solenoids 122, 123 and 124
of a bracket which is secured to the main housing of the
such that the solenoids remain energized, and operation
machine. The upper plate 144 is ?anged such that an
of the machine continues. If through some malfunction
opening is provided between the plates, as shown, to re~
the cam 120 completes its cycle before the cam 81, the
ceive the acetate tape.
entire machine, with the exception of the spool winding 50
A pivotally mounted shoe 145 is provided for gripping
drive will be deenergized until the cam 81 completes its
cycle, after which the relays 122, 123 and 124 will again
be energized and the machine may continue to operate.
Since this protective control apparatus does not constitute
the tape and moving it to a position in which it may be
wound onto the successive spools 22. More particularly,
the shoe 145 is pivotally mounted on the main housing of
the machine as seen in Fig. 1 and is power driven to oscil
a feature of the present invention and is not essential to
55 late through an arc of approximately 90“. In Fig. 1 the
the basic operation of the machine it is not described in
shoe 145 is shown in its lower position.
further detail herein.
The shoe 145 is connected to and forms a part of pneu
It will be apparent that the metering apparatus exerts
matic apparatus which enables the shoe to releasably grip
an appreciable drag on the ribbon 40 even when running
the cellophane tape. The pneumatic apparatus, other
at normal speed. Furthermore, there is substantial in 60 than the shoe 145 itself, may comprise merely a vacuum
ertia to be overcome when the metering apparatus is ac
pump and a valve for intermittently connecting the shoe
celerated by the ribbon. If the ribbon 40 is secured to
to the pump. Since the pump and the valve may be of
the empty spool 22 only by being tucked into the slit
conventional form they are not disclosed in the drawings
formed by the knife blade 33, it has been found that the
or described in detail herein. As will subsequently be
drag necessarily created by the metering apparatus will
come apparent, the pump need have only a very small
cause the ribbon to pull out of the slit and fall free of 65 capacity and be capable of producing only a slight
the spool. However, if the spool 22 is permitted to rotate
vacuum. The vacuum pump is connected to the shoe 145
through an angle of approximately 90 degrees, or more,
preferably through the shaft on which the shoe is mounted.
the gripping effect of the ribbon tucked into the slit is
When the shoe 145 pivots upwardly its right-hand end
supplemented by frictional engagement of an appreciable
length of ribbon with the drum of the spool. The con
nection of the ribbon to the spool is then su?icient to
produce the pull necessary for acceleration of the meter
ing apparatus, and the ribbon will not pull free of the
spool.
In order to permit a limited winding of ribbon on the
lies below the right-hand end of the lower plate 143. A
central opening is provided in this plate 143, and a vacuum
port is provided in the shoe 145 adjacent its right-hand
end. The vacuum pump is connected to the shoe in this
position, the vacuum, or the external air pressure, forcing
the acetate tape against the shoe with substantial force.
When the shoe next swings to the right the leading edge
2,984,425‘
10
of the tape is therefore drawn along with the shoe to a
position in which it contacts a fully wound spool 22.
It will be apparent‘ that‘ the dimensions of the machine‘
should be such that the‘ severed end of the ribbon will
not extend. around the spool to the leading edge of the
acetate tape since the trailing end of the ribbon would
otherwise overlie the leading end of the acetate tape.
In this lower or right-hand position of the shoe, a re
cessed portion 147 thereof lies to the right of the plate
143. Immediately above the recessed portion 147 is a
knife‘blade 150, seen best in Fig. 3. This knife blade is
A brush 175 is arranged to bear against the ribbon on
the spool 22 to keep the ribbon tightly wound as the
clamping device 165 rotates the spool and wraps the
mounted on an arm 151 and is power driven. When the
shoe 145 reaches the position illustrated in Fig. 1, the
knife blade 150‘ is driven down to cut the tape as it lies
. acetate tape around it. The brush 175 is mounted on
stretched above the recessed portion 147 of the shoe. 10 an arm 176 which is in turn secured to an arm 177.
The length of acetate tape thus cut off is su?icient to
The latter arm extends into the main housing of the
reach around the spool 22 with a small excess. A wire
machine where it is supported for free pivotal movement.
bracket 152 may be provided for guiding the trailing por
The clamping device .165 is, therefore able to wedge the
tion of the severed length of tape on the shoe 145. A
brush upwardly and pass under it.
cut section of tape 140 of proper length is thereby pro 15
After the clamping device 165 has moved from its
vided, with its leading edge lying against the cylindrical
starting position, seen in Fig. l, and after the shoe
surface of a fully wound spool 22.
has been raised a small amount, another arm 180,
While the severed length of tape is thus held in readi
which is pivotally mounted on a shaft which is not readily
ness for winding on a spool 22, a drop of suitable cement
seen in the drawings, is caused to pivot forwardly against
such as acetone is dropped on the center of the upper sur
the spool 22. vIt will be noted that the arm 180 is
relatively narrow, such that the two ?ngers 167 and
168 of the clamping device 165 may pass to opposite
sides thereof.
face of the trailing end of the tape such that when the
tape is wound around the spool 22, the trailing end which
will overlie the leading end will be secured thereto. A
supply of acetone is provided in a reservoir 155. As may
be seen in Fig. 3, the reservoir is of substantial size and
is located primarily within the housing of the machine.
As the clamping device 165 completes its 360° revolu
tion about the spool 22, the ?ngers 167‘ and 168 along
with the leading edge of the acetate tape pass under
the trailing end of the tape. The arm 180 presses the
central portion‘ of the trailing end of the acetate tape
against the leading end thereof. Since the drop of ace
A dauber 160 is provided for dipping into the cement 30 tone is centered on the trailing end of the tape, the lead
through the opening 157 and for depositing the drop of
ing and trailing ends become cemented‘ together‘ under
cement adhering thereto onto the upper surface of the
pressure of the arm 18!).
acetate tape on the shoe 145. The dauber 160 is secured
The protective wrapping of acetate tape is now properly
to an arm‘ 161, which is in turn secured to an operating
applied‘ to the wound spool of ribbon and affords protec
rod. 162. Starting with the apparatus in the position
tion against dirt and reasonably rough handling. When
shown in Fig. 3, the operating rod 162 is caused to move
the carriage 2t) again rotates through a 90° angle the
However, a narrow portion 156 protrudes from the ma
chine and an opening 157 is provided in the upper surface
thereof near the extremity of the narrow portion 156.
downwardly such that the dauber 160 is dipped into the
cement through the opening 157. The operating rod then
wound and wrapped spool 22 swings downwardly sub~
stantially tangent to the ?ngers 167 and 168 whereby the
is. caused to rise such that the dauber is raised above the
reservoir 155.
Next the operating rod pivots to swing
the dauber clear of the reservoir and then moves down
wardly to cause the dauber, or at least the drop of cement
adhering to the bottom end thereof, to contact the ace
latter slide out from under the trailing edge of the acetate
4:0
tape.
When the wound and wrapped spool is carried to the
lowermost position by the carriage 20 it may be removed
‘from the associated spindle 21 by any suitable means.
tate tape. The drop of cement is thereby deposited on
In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated
the tape as desired. Subsequently, of course, the control 45 in the drawings, this ?nal step is performed automatically
rod 162 again rises and pivots such that the dauber 160
by an arm 132 shown in part in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. This
is again poised above the opening 157.
With a severed length of acetate tape thus positioned
on the shoe 145 with its leading edge against the wound
spool 22, a clamping ‘device 165 pinches the leading edge
of the tape against the spool. The clamping element
comprises an arm 166, seen in Figs. 3 and 8, and a pair
of ?ngers 167 and 168. The arm 166 extends into ahous
ing 170 seen in Figs. 1, Z and‘ 3, wherein suitable drive
means for the clamping device are located.
arm operates on the previously described shaft 28a and
is power driven to pivot about this shaft and to slide
therealong. The free end of the arm 182, which is
concealed in the drawings, is arranged to engage the
spool ‘22 as it pivots upwardly and force the spool off
the spindle when it slides outwardly away from the
carriage. Since this element of the machine does not
constitute a feature of the present invention it is not de
The ?rst 55 scribed in detail herein.
operation of the clamping device is a pivotal movement
in a counter clockwise direction to bring the free ends of
the ?ngers 167 and 168 against the outer surface of the
tape. It will be noted in Fig. 8 that these ?ngers are
spaced apart such that they may pass to opposite sides
of the shoe 145. It will be noted in this connection that
the shoe 145 is narrower than the spool 22 and‘narrower
than the tape 140‘.
At this point in the operation of the machine the
A supply reel 190 is rotatably supported by a shaft
191. An appreciable drag on the reel is desirable in
order to keep the ribbon taut, and a brake is preferably
provided to stop the reel when operation of the ma
chine is interrupted. The reel may contain several
hundred feet of ribbon, whereby operation of the ma
chine need be interrupted for threading a fresh reel of
ribbon into the machine only at widely spaced times.v
Ribbon is drawn off the reel 190 by a power-driven
vacuum pump is disconnected from the shoe 145, and the
65 roller 192. Two idler rollers 193 and 194 bear resil
shoe is preferably driven upwardly a short distance such
iently against the power roller 192 and are driven there
that it is clear of the spool 22. The clamping device 165
by. The upper idler roller 193 provides additional fric
is then driven around through a complete circle concen
tional engagement between the ribbon and driven rollers,
tric with the spool 22 and in a counterclockwise direction.
and both of the idler rollers press the ribbon against
During this movement the ?ngers 167 and 168 continue
to press the tape against the spool and thereby drag the 70 the power-driven roller 192 to further assure against
ribbon slippage. A ribbon guide 195 is provided for
tape and the spool with the clamping device.
feeding the ribbon accurately to these rollers. A bent
Referring to Fig. 1, it will be seen that the trailing
rod 196 supported by ?xed arms 197 and 198 is also
end of the ribbon 40 is several inches in length. After
provided for assuring that the ribbon passes to the guide
the knife blade ‘41 has cut the ribbon the trailing end
falls down‘ on the‘right-h'a'nd' side of the wound spool; 75 195 without twists in the ribbon- vand substantially in
2,984,425
11
12
alignment therewith. Since the rod is bent downwardly
for cutting said ribbon and a relatively blunt blade power
driven toward and away from such spool and in align
ment with said slot when said carriage has moved said
at the middle, the ribbon tends to seek the lowest point
of the rod, even though the ribbon is coming from the
spool between windings to another position against said
'axial extremities of the reel 190.
trailing ribbon with said spool maintained in predeter
Since the reel 190 along with its supply of ribbon 40
mined relationship with respect to said carriage, whereby
is quite heavy, and more particularly has considerable
ribbon overlying said slot may be tucked into said slot by
rotational inertia, it has been found to be impractical
to drive the reel intermittently in order to match the
said relatively blunt blade, ribbon metering apparatus
intermittent winding of ribbon on successive spools 22.
intermediate said empty spool and said reel and driven by
The ribbon 40 is therefore drawn continuously off the 10 passage of ribbon therethrough for limiting the length of
reel 190, whereas the ribbon is wound intermittently on
ribbon wound on individual spools, means for permitting
the winding of a substantial length of ribbon on said
the spools 22. The ribbon is, of course, drawn off the
reel 190 at a rate approximately equal to the average
empty spool before the passage of ribbon drives said
metering apparatus whereby said tucking of said ribbon
speed at which the ribbon is wound on the spools 22.
It therefore follows that slack ribbon will accumulate
into said slot in said empty spool and the friction of said
during the successive intervals of time between the wind
substantial length of ribbon against said spool are su?i
ing of ribbon on successive spools. It a substantial
cient to accelerate and drive said metering apparatus, said
length of this slack ribbon is allowed to fall to the floor
means comprising a member engageable with said ribbon
it tends to become tangled, with the result that it is not
intermediate said empty spool and said metering appa
fed properly to the metering apparatus. A very simple
ratus and movable generally transversely of the ribbon,
device has been found to be eifective in circumventing
said member drawing on said ribbon before said ribbon is
this di?iculty. A simple wire loop 199 is suspended
cut and releasing said ribbon before the subsequent spool
from a substantial height, for example from the ceiling
winding, whereby slack ribbon is provided to permit such
of the room in which the machine operates. The upper
winding of a substantial length of ribbon on said empty
end of this wire loop is supported at a substantial distance
spool before the passage of the ribbon drives said meter
from the machine with the result that the lower or ribbon
ing apparatus, means for withdrawing ribbon from said
receiving portion of the loop tends to hang at a point
reel at a ?xed rate substantially equal to the average rate
substantially removed from the machine. Accordingly,
of winding of ribbon on successive spools, pendulum
as the slack ribbon accumulates between spool windings,
means supporting the slack ribbon which necessarily ac
the loop 199 falls away from the machine and takes
cumulates between said intermittent windings of ribbon '
up most of the slack. During a subsequent spool-wind
on successive spools, said pendulum means being ar
ing operation the slack ribbon is taken in. This is
ranged to fall away from the normal path of ribbon be
permitted by the fact that a very light pull on the ribbon
tween said reel and said spools when slack ribbon ac
will cause the wire loop 199 to swing a substantial
cumulates, and to be drawn readily toward said path by
35 said ribbon when said slack ribbon is wound onto said
distance toward the machine.
The essence of the apparatus for supporting the sub
spools.
stantial length of slack ribbon which accumulates during
2. In a machine for winding measured lengths of rib
spool windings is that it be very ?exible and have a sub
bon on successive hollow spools, a movable carriage, in
stantial range of movement. More particularly, the rib
termittently driven spindles on said carriage for rotating
bon-supporting element ‘199 is readily movable a substan
spools and winding measured lengths of ribbon thereon
tial distance from its normal position by a relatively
from a substantially continuous supply, said carriage
light force. The particular device illustrated in the draw—
being movable between such windings to bring an empty,
ings, namely the wire loop 199, is in effect a relatively
spindle-carried spool against ribbon trailing from a wound
long and very light pendulum.
Apparatus has now been disclosed for automatically
receiving an incoming line of empty spools, attaching the
free end of a supply of ribbon to successive spools, wind
ing a measured length of ribbon on the spools in smooth
spool, means carried by said carriage for maintaining
spools arranged on said spindles in a predetermined re
lationship with respect to said carriage as ‘said carriage
moves, a knife blade power driven toward and away from
an empty spool on one of said spindles when said carriage
is in one position for cutting a slot in the cylindrical sur
ping to the wound spool. Various features of the in 50
face of such spool, a second power driven knife blade
vention serve to overcome obstacles in the path to this
for cutting said ribbon and a relatively blunt blade power
layers, cutting the ribbon, and applying a protective wrap
over-all objective, and to make the over-all machine e?i
cient, reliable, and less expensive to manufacture.
While particular embodiments of the invention have
been shown, it will be understood, of course, that the 55
driven toward and away from such spool and in align
ment with said slot when said carriage has moved said
spool between windings to another position against said
trailing ribbon with said spool maintained in predeter
mined relationship with respect to said carriage, whereby
invention is not limited thereto since many modi?cations
may be made, and it is, therefore, contemplated to cover
ribbon overlying said slot may be tucked into said slot
by the appended claims any such modi?cations as fall
by
said relatively blunt blade, ribbon metering apparatus
within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
The invention having thus been described, what is 60 intermediate said empty spool and said supply and driven
by passage of ribbon therethrough for limiting the length
claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
of ribbon wound on individual spools, and means for
1. In a machine for winding measured lengths of rib
permitting the winding of a substantial length of ribbon
bon on successive hollow spools, a movable carriage, in
on said empty spool before the passage of ribbon drives
termittently driven spindles on said carriage for rotating
spools and winding measured lengths of ribbon thereon 65 said metering apparatus whereby said tucking of said
ribbon into said slot in said empty spool and the fric
from a relatively large reel of ribbon, said carriage being
tion of said substantial length of ribbon against said spool
movable between such windings to bring an empty,
are su?icient to accelerate and drive said metering ap
spindle-carried spool against ribbon trailing from a wound
paratus, said means comprising a member engageable with
spool, means carried by said carriage for maintaining
spools arranged on said spindles in a predetermined rela 70 said ribbon intermediate said empty spool and said meter
ing apparatus and movable generally transversely of the
tionship with respect to said carriage as said carriage
moves, a knife blade power driven toward and away from
ribbon, said member drawing on said ribbon before said
an empty spool on one of said spindles when said carriage
ribbon is cut and releasing said ribbon before the subse
is in one position for cutting a slot in the cylindrical sur
quent spool winding, whereby slack ribbon is provided to
face of such spool, a second power driven knife blade 75 permit such winding of a substantial length of ribbon on
2,984,425‘
13
114
said empty spool before the passage of the ribbon drives‘
to accelerate and drive said metering apparatus, said
said ‘ metering apparatus.
means comprising a member engageable with said‘ rib
3. In a machine for Winding measured lengths of'rib
bon on successive hollow spools, a movable carriage, in
bon intermediate said empty spool and said metering
apparatus and mounted for movement generally trans
versely of the ribbon, whereby said member may draw
termittently driven spindles on said carriage for‘rotating
spools andrwinding measured lengths of ribbon thereon
on said ribbon before said ribbon is cut and release said
ribbon before the subsequent spool winding to provide
from~a substantially continuous supply, said carriage being
slack ribbon and to permit such winding of a substantial
movable between such windings to bring an empty,
length of ribbon on said empty spool before the passage of
spindle-carried -spool'against ribbon trailing from a wound
spool, means carried by said carriage for releasably lock 10 the ribbon drives said metering apparatus.
6. In a machine for winding measured lengths of rib
ing spools arranged on said spindles against rotation
bon on spools, such machine having a movable carriage,
with‘ respect to said carriage as said carriage moves, a
intermittently driven spindles on said carriage for rotat
knife‘ blade power driven toward and away from an
ing spools and winding measured lengths of ribbon there
empty spool on one of said spindles when said carriage
is'in one position for cutting a slot in the cylindrical sur 15 on from a substantially continuous supply, said carriage
being movable between such windings to bring an empty,
face of such spool, means cooperating with said carriage
spindle-carried spool against ribbon trailing from a wound
for aligning such ribbon trailing from the wound spool
spool, means for cutting said ribbon intermediate said
with respect to the slot formed on the empty spool carried
spools and for lightly securing the free end of said ribbon
by said carriage, a relatively blunt blade power driven
toward and away from such spool and in alignment with 20 supply to said empty spool, and ribbon metering appa
ratus‘intermediate said empty spool and said supply and‘
said slot when said carriage has moved said spool be
tween windings to a‘position against said trailing ribbon
with said spool locked‘ against rotation with respect‘ to
said ‘carriage, whereby ribbon overlying said slot may be
tucked into said slot by said relatively blunt blade, and 25
driven by passage of‘ribbon therethrough for limiting the
length of ribbon wound on individual spools; means for
permitting the winding of a substantial length of ribbon
on said empty spool before the passage of ribbon drives‘
a second knife blade power driven toward and away
said metering apparatus whereby said light securing of
from said‘spool with said spool in said second mentioned‘
position for severing said trailing ribbon intermediate
said wound spool‘and said blunt blade.
said ribbon to said empty spool and the friction of said
4. In a machine for winding measured lengths of rib
substantial length of ribbon against said spool is suffi
cient to accelerate and drive said metering, apparatus,
30 said means comprising a pair of ?xed members engage
bon on‘spools, such machine having a movable carriage,
intermittently driven spindles on said carriage for rotat
ing spools and winding measured lengths of ribbon there
able with one side of said ribbon intermediate said empty
spool‘ and said metering apparatus, and a third member
engageable with the other side of said ribbon interme
diate said pair of ?xed members and mounted for move
on from a substantially continuous supply, said carriage
being movable between such windings to bring an empty, 35 ment in a direction to draw said ribbon between said
?xed members, whereby said member may draw on said‘
spindle-carried‘spool against ribbon trailing from a wound
ribbon before said ribbon is cut and release said ribbon
spool, means for cutting said ribbon intermediate said
before the subsequent spool winding to provide slack
spools and for lightly securing the free end of said rib
ribbon and to permit such winding of a substantial length
bon supply to said empty spool, and ribbon‘ metering
means intermediate said empty spool and said supply 40 of ribbon on said empty spool before the passage of
the ribbon drives said metering apparatus.
and driven by passage of ribbon therethrough for limit
7. In a machine for winding measured lengths of rib
ing the length of ribbon wound on individual spools; ap
bon on spools, each of the latter being mounted on a fric
paratus for permitting the winding of a substantial length
tionally driven spindle and rotated thereby to effect wind
of ribbon‘ on‘said empty spool before the passage of rib
bon drives said‘ metering means whereby said light se 45 ing of ribbon thereon from a supply source, the improve
ment which comprises a metering apparatus for limiting
curing of said'ribbon to said empty spool and the fric
the length of ribbon which may be wound on said spool,
tion of said substantial length of ribbon against said
said apparatus including a metering wheel engaged and‘
spool‘is suf?cient to accelerate and drive said metering
driven by the ribbon being wound on the spool, releas
means, said apparatus comprising a member engageable
with said ribbon intermediate said empty spool and said 50 able brake means for frictionally engaging said wheel
and preventing rotation thereof and stopping passage of
metering means and mounted for movement generally
said ribbon, and cam means driven by said metering‘
transversely of the ribbon, whereby said member may
wheel and operable after a predetermined angle of rev—
draw on‘ said ribbon before said ribbon is cut and re
olution thereof to actuate said brake means into fric
lease said ribbon before the subsequent spool winding
to provide slack ribbon and to permit such winding of 55 tional engagement with said metering wheel.
8; A machine for winding measured lengths of rib
a substantial length-of ribbon on said empty spool before
bon on spools comprising a plurality of frictionally driven
the passage of the ribbon drives said metering means.
spindles for rotating spools to wind ribbon thereon from
5. In a machine for winding‘ measuredtlengths of rib
a supply source, and metering apparatus for limiting the
bon on spools, a movable carriage, intermittently driven
spindles on said carriage‘ for rotating spools and winding 60 length of ribbon which may be wound on each spool;
said‘ apparatus including a metering wheel having the pe
measured lengths of ribbon thereon from a substantially
continuous supply, said carriage‘ being movable between
riphery thereof engaged and driven by the ribbon being
Wound on the spool, releasable brake means for fric
tionally engaging an end face of said wheel and preventing
against ribbon trailing from a wound spool, means for
cutting said ribbon intermediate said spools and for 65 rotation thereof and stopping passage of said ribbon,
speed reducing gear means driven by said metering wheel,
lightly securing the free end of said ribbon supply to said
such windings to" bring' an‘ empty, spindle-carried spool
empty spool, ribbon metering apparatus intermediate
said‘ empty spool‘ and said‘supply and driven by passage
of ribbon therethrough for limiting the length of ribbon
?rst‘ cam means driven by said gear means and operable
after one revolution to actuate said brake means into
empty spool before the passage of ribbon drives said
metering apparatus whereby said light securing of said
and second cam means driven by said gear means for
ribbon to said empty spool and the friction of said sub
each revolution of said ?rst cam means.
frictional engagement with said metering‘ wheel, oscil
wound‘ on‘ individual‘ spools, and means for permitting 70 lating means for guiding the ribbon from said wheel along
the axial dimension of the spindle-accommodated spool,
the winding of a substantial- length‘ of ribbon on said
stantial length of ribbon against said spool is su?'icient 75
controlling the oscillations of said guide means during
9. In a machine for Winding measured lengths of rib
2,984,426
bon on spools, a frictionally driven spindle for rotating
16
bon accumulates and to be drawn toward said path by
a spool to wind ribbon thereon from a supply source,
said ribbon when said slack ribbon is wound onto said
metering apparatus driven by passage of ribbon there
through for limiting the length of ribbon which may be
spools, said pendulum means being long and light in
wound on said spool, said apparatus including a metering
wheel engaged and driven by said ribbon, friction brake
means for preventing rotation of said wheel and thereby
stopping passage of said ribbon, speed reducing gear
weight whereby a light pull on said ribbon may draw
said pendulum a substantial distance from its normal
position.
i
,
13. In a machine for winding measured lengths of
ribbon on successive hollow spools, a movable carriage,
intermittently driven spindles on said carriage for rotat
means driven by said metering wheel, and cam means driv
en by said gear means and operable after one revolution to 10 ing spools and Winding measured lengths of ribbon there
actuate said brake means to stop said metering wheel,
means for guiding said ribbon back and forth along the
axial dimension of said spool as fed thereto, rotary cam
means driven by said gear means for moving said guide
means through a plurality of operating cyclesduring each 15
on from a substantially continuous supply, said carriage
being movable between such windings to bring an empty,
spindle-carried spool against ribbon trailing from a wound
spool, means carried by said carriage for releasably lock
ing spools arranged on said spindles against rotation with
respect to said carriage as said carriage moves, a knife
blade power driven toward and away from an empty spool
on one of said spindles when said carriage is in one posi
tion for cutting a slot in the cylindrical surface of such
cycle thereof to stop said guide means at a predetermined 20 spool, a relatively blunt blade movable toward and away
position wherein it holds said ribbon in line 'with the
from such spool in alignment with said slot when said
path of movement of said knife blade.
carriage has moved said spool between windings to a posi
10. In a machine for winding measured lengths of rib
tion against said trailing ribbon with said spool locked
bon on spools, a frictionally driven spindle for rotating a
against rotation with respect to said carriage, whereby rib
spool to wind ribbon thereon from a supply source, meter 25 bon overlying said slot may be tucked into said slot by
revolution of said ?rst-mentioned cam means, a power
driven knife blade for cutting said ribbon after said spool
has been fully wound, and positive stop means actuated
by said metering apparatus at the end of one operating
ing apparatus driven by passage of ribbon therethrough
' said relatively blunt blade, at second knife blade power
for limiting the length of ribbon which may be wound
on said spool, said apparatus including a metering wheel
engaged and driven by said ribbon, friction brake means
driven toward and away from said spool with said spool
in said second-mentioned position for severing said trail
ing ribbon intermediate said wound spool and said blunt
for preventing rotation of said wheel and thereby stop~ 30 blade, and power driven apparatus for moving said blunt
ping passage of said ribbon, speed reducing gear means
blade toward and away from such spool, said apparatus
driven by said metering wheel, and cam means driven by
including a power driven base element and spring means
said gear means and operable after one revolution to
intermediate said blade and said element whereby said
actuate said brake means to stop said metering wheel, a
blade may be brought into resilient contact with such
pivotable arm for guiding said ribbon back and forth 35 ribbon and spool and remain temporarily in such contact
along the axial dimension of said spool as fed thereto,
until said base element directly engages said blade and
rotary cam means driven by said gear means for moving
drives said blade and said ribbon into said slit, said second
said guide arm through a plurality of operating cycles
knife blade being arranged to sever said ribbon while
during each revolution of said ?rst-mentioned cam means,
said blunt blade is resiliently pressing said ribbon against
a power driven knife blade for cutting said ribbon after 40 such spool.
said spool has been fully wound, and positive stop means
14. In a machine for winding measured lengths of
actuated by said metering apparatus at the end of one
ribbon on successive hollow spools, means for holding
operating cycle thereof to stop said guide arm at a pre
ribbon resiliently against an empty spool while such rib
determined position wherein it holds said ribbon in line
bon is being severed from a wound spool of ribbon and
with the path of movement of said knife blade.
45 then tucking such ribbon into a preformed slit in said
11. In a machine for transferring ribbon from a rela
empty spool, said means comprising a blunt, blade for
tively large, heavy reel to successive, relatively small
contacting such ribbon, a power driven base member di
spools; in combination, regularly and intermittently
rectly engageable with said blade to force said blade and
driven spindle means for receiving and rotating succes
such ribbon into said preformed slit, and spring means
sive spools to wind ribbon thereon, means for withdraw 50 normally maintaining said blade in advance of said base
ing ribbon from said reel at a ?xed rate substantially
member as said blade is moved toward such spool, said
equal to the average rate of winding of ribbon on said
spring means being yieldable when said blade contacts
spools, and pendulum means supporting the slack ribbon
such ribbon whereby such ribbon is held resiliently against
which necessarily accumulates between said intermittent
such spool until said base member directly engages said
windings ofribbon on successive spools, said pendulum 55 blade and forces such ribbon into such preformed slit.
means being arranged to fall away from the normal path
of ribbon between said reel and said spools when slack
References Cited in the ?le of this patent
ribbon accumulates and to be drawn readily toward said
UNITED STATES PATENTS
path by said ribbon when said slack ribbon is wound onto
said spools.
12. In a machine for transferring ribbon from a rela
tively large, heavy reel to successive, relatively small
spools; in combination, regularly and intermittently driv
en spindle means for receiving and rotating successive
spools to wind ribbon thereon, means for withdrawing 65
ribbon from said reel at a ?xed rate substantially equal
to the average rate of winding of ribbon on said spools,
and pendulum means supporting the slack ribbon which
necessarily accumulates between said intermittent wind
ings of ribbon on successive spools, said pendulum means 70
being arranged to fall away from the normal path of
ribbon between said reel and said spools when slack rib
1,809,660
1,868,663
1,912,250
1,962,757
2,049,759
2,190,597
2,207,615
2,301,016
2,460,723
2,546,637
2,598,537
2,785,867
2,813,345
Wild et al. ____________ __ June 9, 1931
Johnson _____________ __ July 26, 1932
Borletti ______________ __ May 30, 1933
Baker _______________ __ June 12, 1934
Blosser ______________ __ Aug. 4, 1936
Dritz _______________ __ Feb. 13, 1940
Crandall _____________ __ July 9, 1940
Cannard _____________ __ Nov. 3, 1942
Weesner _____________ _.. Feb. 1, 1949
Robson ______________ __ Mar. 27, 1951
Hanson _____________ __ May 27, 1952
Gallagher ____________ __ Mar. 19, 1957
Scott _______________ _._ Nov. 19, 1957
UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE
CERTIFICATE 0F CGRRECTION
Patent N0n 2Y984q425
May 16‘, 1961
Josephus J, Thayer'
It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered pat
ent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent. should read as
"corrected below.
Column 3, line 33' before "the"V first occurrehcev insert
—— for driving “m; column 5, line 33v for "subsequent" read
--
subsequently
-==—u
Signed and sealed this 10th day of October 1961.
(SEAL)
Attest:
ERNEST W. SWIDER
Attesting Officer
DAVID L. LADD
Commissioner of Patents
USCOMM-DC‘