US1882054A - Sizing machine - Google Patents

Description

P. Arrcl-usoN 1,882,054

SIZING MACHINE Filed March 24, 1928A 3 Sheets-Sheet l lATTORNEY Oct. 11, 1932.

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SIZING MACHlNE Filed March 24, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYl P. AlTCHlSON Oct. 1l, 1932.

SIZING MACHINE Filed March 24, 1928 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 QZ@ fk lNvENT R Zw/ f ATTORNEY Patented Oct. Il, 1932 UNITED STATES vPATENT oFFlcE PETER AI'J.CB[SON,A OF NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, F NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK szzINa Macallan Application filed Marek 24, 192,8. Serial No. 264,312.

My invention relates to a sizing machine,

, and more particularly to a machine of this character adapted for use in the finishing of sheets of paper having ink imprints'thereon.

In the manufacture of papers of various kinds, particularly those used for the higher grades of printing, sizing is applied to the .b

surface of the paper, but this surface'inish is sometimes seriously impaired as to guahty, or even entirely removed when, during the printing operation, it is necessary to wet the sheets, the extent of injury to the fimsh of the paper being greatly increased when it is subjected to two or three wettings during the printing operation.

Upon the completion of a printing opera tion it is necessary to re-finish the paper by applying a new dressing of sizing thereto, this sizing also being desirable as forming a protecting Waterproof coating for the mk of the imprint.

The finishing operation, which the sizing machine of my invention is designed to rapidly do, is particularly required in the production of bank notes, bonds or other negotiable securities printed upon high grade bond papers. With this class of Work it is not only necessary that the impression itself should be of a character to minimize likelihood of counterfeiting, by reason of the intricacy of the designs and the character' of the impression, but by reason' of the uniformity of all details of the various impressions and the preservation of these details by a uniform coating of sizing.

With the above conditions in mind, I have produced a sizing machine which is not only capable of being operated at high speeds, but which will apply a uniform thin coating of sizing to both sides of a sheet with a single run, of the sheet through the machine, and effectively impress the sizing upon the surface fibers of the paper for a depth to assure adequate protection to .both surfaces of the paper andto the ink impression thereon as Well.

It is not only necessary to effectively distribute the sizing throughout the entire snrface of the paper and force it within the fibers in the manner above described, but to maintain the sizing at a uniform temperature While the machine is in operation, since any material variation in the temperatures will vary the quality of the Work done by the machine, Aand excessively high temperatures will so act upon the sizing as to prevent its eing properly fed in relation to, and applied to, the paper.

aper sizing ordinarily is composed of an albuminous compound containing a hardening agent such as formaldehyde, although the ingredients ofthe sizing are immaterial to the present invention which relates merely to a machine in which such is used. The' tendency, however, of the sizing to grad ually thicken or coagulate, and lthe desirability of controlling the temperature at which the sizing is maintained While the machine is in operation, are factors of great importance, and the machine'of my invention is so constructed as to not only ensure the maintenance of the maximum temperatures of the sizing, but to facilitate the removal of the unused sizing upon the completion of a run, or any sizing which may be spoiled during the run, from the tank in which the supsizing is maintained.

pl of Y V hile in a machine embodying the vinvention two absorbent blankets are used for conveying the printed sheets of paper through the machine and applying the sizing to such sheets, the'diiiiculties of handling the sizing are such that it is impracticable to pass both blankets through the sizing tank-or to pass each blanket through a separate sizing tank,

thus necessitating a construction in which there is a transfer of the sizing from one of the blankets to the other in a manner, and at effective apa point, which will ensure the plication thereof to the printed sheets.

The application of the sizing to the paper sheets, in a machine embodying the invention, is through the medium of parallel absorptive blankets adaptedrespectively to api ply the sizing to only one face of the sheet as a result of the application of pressure through these blankets.

The construction and arrangement of the 'blankets and the parts appurtenant thereto is such as to permit the movement of the tank for the sizing, away from these blankets when it is desired to clean the tank so as to not only facilitate access to the tank for cleaning purposes, but to permit the use of cleaning fluids in the tank without saturating the blankets with this fluid. The mechanisms for imparting movement to the tank are so constructed and arranged as to avoid the spilling of the contents of the tank and permit the movement of the tank without disconnecting any of the pipe lines.f or other agencies used for'maintaining a proper temperature of the contents of the tank while it is inloperation.

A machine embodying the invention includes therein a feeding mechanism adapted to deliver sheets to the blankets above referred to.' To relieve the operator from the necessity of accurately feeding the sheets so as to have them spaced apart upon the mechanism and of the blankets is such as to -ensure a suflicient space between sheets while upon the blankets to afford areas of suiiicient dimensions to permit the transfer of the fluid sizing from one of the blankets, which is saturated with this fluid by being passed through the sizing in the tank, to the other blanket which is not so passed through the tank. This transfer of the sizing may occur in part during the run of the parallel reaches of the two blankets, but the construction of the machine is such that the main transfer occurs immediately priory to the application of pressure to the sheets through the blankets, the construction and arrangement of the machine being such as to afford an adequate sup-- ply of the sizing upon the reach of the upper belt engaging the paper immediately in advance of the point of application of the pressure thereto.

The maintenance of the proper temperatures is controlled by an arrangement of parts which will permit the utilization of a liquid, preferably water, for heating purposes, the proper temperature being maintained by the delivery of steam within a water jacket filled with such liquid, the flow of steam being controlled by thermostats and valves automatically-actuated thereby, it being preferable to control the temperature by independent thermostats so positioned within the tank and within the water jacket as to ensure a more or less uniform distribution of heat throughout the jacket, and prevent excessive temperature of the sizing adjacent the point of the delivery of s'team to the jacket.

By utilizing steam as the heating medium for the liquid within the water jacket, a rapid diffusion of the .heat by conduction islpossible, it being essential to compensate for the condensation of the steam within the water jacket by providing an overiow or expansion tank which will not only permit the escape of water from the jacket to compensate for the condensation of the steam, but will ensure the jacket being completely filled with Water at all times.

The machine is provided with devices to ensure the automatic correction of accumulated error due to the tendency of theendless blankets to run askew during the operation of the machine, and with various adjusting devices to properly tension, or take up stretch in, the blankets to prevent the formation of wrinkles at the presser rollers.

The invention consists primarily ina sizmg machine embodying therein a tank for containmg l1qu1d size, endless absorbent travellingblankets, a guide for the lower reach of one of said blankets located within said tank, and guiding and presser rollers for said blankets respectively, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to tranfery after set forth and described, and more par-y equalizing tank.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

In the following description, I shall consider first the mechanisms by which the paper is passed through the machine and has the sizing applied thereto; next, the construction by which the supply of sizing isr maintained at a substantially uniform temperature while the machine is in operation, and lastly, those features of the invention facilitating the cleaning of the tank and of the blankets.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, I provide a main frame 10, having an open top with in which is located a tank 11 for the sizing. This tank has oppositely inclined bottom walls indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2, and partly in cross section in Fig. 3 so as to cause the sizing therein to have greater depth .adjacent the point Where the sizing is withdrawn by an absorbent blanket, (more fully referred to hereinafter) and to maintain an adequate depth of the sizing at this point notwithstanding the gradual reduction of the quantity thereof in the tank.

Supported from the opposite side rails of the tank and pendant therefrom so as to be located adjacent thc point of greatest de th Vof the tank is an idly mounted guide ro ler Adjacent each end of the tank is a pair of presser and guide rollers, those adjacent the feed end of the machine being indicated at 13 -and 14, and those adjacentl the delivery end at 15 and 16.

Guided by the rollers 14 and 16 is an endless absorbnt blanket 17 which, during its run from the roller 16 to the roller 14, is passed below the roller 12 and caused to dip into the sizing in the tank 11 by reason of the location of the guide roller 12.

Guided by the rollers 13 and 15 is asecond endless absorbent blanket 18, the arrangement of the guide rollers 13 and 14 and 15 and 16 being such that the reaches of said blankets 17 and 18 are parallel with, and closely adjacent, each other.

The parallel reaches of said blankets pass between guide and presser rollers 19 and 20 at a point intermediate the other guide and l presser rollers.

a guide mechanism consisting of a power driven roller 21 and associated smaller rollers 22 and 23 driven therefrom so as to give an angular trend to the lower reach of the blanket 17 at this point to facilitate the transfer of the sheet from the blanket to a delivery mechanism. Similar small rollers 24 and 25 are associated with the roller 15 so as to give an angular trend to the blanket 18 following the point of application of pressureto the blankets 17 and 18 between the rollers 15 and 16 to ensure the paper sheet remaining upon the lower blanket 17.

The rollers 13 and 14 are mounted upon a carriage 26 slidably mounted upon the side bars of the frame 10, which carriage is acted upon by lead screws 27 and 28l upon opposite sides of the machine, which screws are connected by means of a chainI and sprocket mechanism 29 so as to be simultaneously actuated by means of a hand wheel 30 for the purpose of tightening the blankets and taking up slack which may develop therein. The rollers 15 and 16 are also mounted in a carriage 31 slidably mounted upon said side bars and carrying upon opposite sides thereof worm wheels 32 and 33 co-opera-ting with lead screws 34 and 35 respectively, said worm wheels being acted upon a worm shaft 36, this mechanism being use for tightening or taking up slack in said blanket 18. The takeup mechanisms described ensure a true parallel movement of each pair of rollers and permits an independent adjustment of the blankets 17 and 18, since movement of the carria e 26 will take up or create slack in both blan ets, and that of the carriage 31 will so act only on the blanket 18. The intermediate rollers 19-20 are mounted in a fixed frame 37 since such require no adjustment.

The pressure regulating mechanism operative upon the 'de and presser rollers 13 and 14 is indicated at 38; that upon the rollers 15 and 16 at 39, and that upon the rollers 19 and 20 at 40. A detailed description of these pressure regulating mechanisms is immaterial, since there is a wide range of meehanisms suitable for this purpose and the invention is not restricted in any way to details of this kind. f

The roller 21 and its associated rollers are driven by a gear wheel 41, enmeshed with a gear wheel 42 which is connected by a suitable gear train 43 with any desired source of power.

While the application of power to the rollers 21, 22 and 23, the two last named of which rollers are frictionally driven from the first roller, will impart travel to the blankets 17 and 18, I have found it desirable to positively rotate the rollers 16 and 20 by means independent of said blankets, utilizingthe same power transmitting mechanism for actuating the feeding mechanism of the machine in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter.

This mechanism lcomprises a sprocket wheel 44, carried by and rotatable with the gear 4l and sprocket wheels 45 and 46 upon the arbors of the rollers 16 and 20 respectively. A sprocket chain- 47 passes from the wheel 45 under a guide wheel 48, over a guide wheel 49, under a guide wheel 50, around a guide wheel 51 on the shaft 52, around guide wheels 53 and 54, the bight in the chain be tween these last named guide wheels engaging the sprocket wheel 46, the continuing run of the chain being about a guide wheel 55 and over the wheel 45 to the power driven wheel 44. The various sprocket wheels are all carried by a side bar ofthe frame of the machine, various presser and guide rollers and power transmission mechanisms being supported from said frame so as to permit the movement of the tank in relation to such mechanisms for the purpose of permitting `access thereto for cleaning purposes.

The rollers 15 and 16, and `19 and 20, which are power driven in the manner above described, may be geared together by means of the co-operatng gears 56 and 57 respectively.

rac

as to bring it back into alinement.

When using absorbent blankets having a fairly high travel rate,- there 1s always a tendency of such blankets to run outl of true, and to correct this condition, when 1t occurs, I provide an automatic straightenlng mechanism including rollers 58 and 59 with the usual attachments indicated at 60 .and 61 respectively, by which these rollers,.1n thecase of a lateralfshifting of the belt,.w1ll be tllted one way or the other to so divert the blanket The roller 58 o erates upon the lower reach ofthe lower blan (et 17, while the roller`59 operates upon the upper reach of the upper blanket 18. These straightening rollers are supported by the carriage 2G and are so positioned as t0 ensure a close fit of the blankets therewith. Such straighteners are old and well known in the art relating to the control of travel of endless blankets, belts and continuous webs, so that a detailed description thereof is unnecessary.

The mechanisms heretofore described relate to the construction and arrangement of those mechanisms in the machine by which the endless blankets are maintained in the proper relation and have travel imparted thereto. Suchmechanisms also control the distribution and application of the sizing material to sheets of paper positioned between the adjacent parallel reaches of the blankets 17 and 18, which latter is of great importance.

In order to secure the mode of operation hereinafter referred to, it is essential that sheets of paper passing through the machine shall be spacedapart a sufcient distance to permit the transfer of sizing from the blanket 17 to the blanket 18 in order to simultaneously size both faces of a sheet. In order to ensure an automatic spacing of such sheets, irrespective of whether the sheets be hand fed or an automatic feeder be used, I provide a special feeding mechanism, the rate of feed of which is relatively lower than the travel of the blankets 17 and 18. This feeding mechanism has the further advantage that it permits the operator of the machine to hand feed the sheets at a point remote from the tank where there is no likelihood of being affected by any fumes arising from the sizing therein.

This feeding mechanism comprises an endless belt 62, passing about a roller 63, adjacent the meeting line of the rollers-13 and 14,

` and about a roller 64 adjacent a feed shelf 65.

The roller 64 is driven by means of a chain and sprocket mechamsm 66, receivmg power from the shaft 52, the ratio of the sprocket wheels carried by the shaft 52 and the roller 64 being such as to impart a travel rate t0 the belt 62 relatively lower than the travel of the blankets 17 and 18.

Atthe end of the machine adjacent and below the rollers 22 and 23 is a roller 67 of a delivery mechanism, about which a delivery belt or tapes 68 pass so as to receive the sized sheets as they pass from the upper reach of the blanket 17. This belt passes through a drying box not4 shown in the drawings in which a sufficiently high temperature is maintained to ensure a quick setting of the sizing, and are driven by means of a`rol1er 69 connected by a chain and sprocket connection 70 with the gear 42, a suitable tensioning roller 71 being provided. It has been found desirable to impart travel to the delivery belt or tapes at a rate higher than thatof the blankets 17 and 18, not onl to secure a roper timing in the functiomng of the rying box, but to avoid possible wrinkling of the sheets when passing from the blanket 17 to said delivery belt or tapes.

I prefer to use a delivery belt as this affords a support for every ortion of the sheet and ensures a more uni orm drying or setting action of the sizing. j

As heretofore stated, the lower reach of the blanket 17 is passed through and progresively submerged in the sizing within a tan I. centrally converging bottom toward a point adjacent the guide roller 12. The space within the tank is completely surrounded at This tank is shown at 72 and has a the bottom, both sides and both ends with a water jacket as indicated at 73 which is constantly filled with water or any other desired liquid which is maintained at a suitable temperature, as nearly constant as possible, to maintain the desired fluidity of the sizing in order to ensure its ready absorption by the blanket 17 and its effective transfer from this blanket to the blanket 18 and its subsequent expression from both blankets and ap plication to the surface fibers at both sides of the sheets of paper.

The water or other liquid may flow between the acket and an expansion tank 74 through a pipe 75. The lower end of this pipe is connected with the water jacket in any desired manner. The tank 74 is also provided with an air vent 76, an overflow pipe 77 and an ordinary sight gauge 78. A

Located within the water jacket 73 is a steam spray nozzle 79 of any desired or approved construction, through which steam j may be delivered. into the body of water within said jacket, the expansion tank being used not only to compensate for the expansion and contraction of the water in the jacket 73, but to permit the escape of water in proportion to the volume of condensed steam which accumulates therein. communication througha pipe 80 having in the length thereof a pressure controlled valve or regulator mechanism 81, ,with a source of steam supply not shown.

Where albumen or proteins are incorporated in the sizing, it is essential to maintain the temperature of the sizing at a point below that at which such constituents will coagulate, so that it is impracticable to em- The nozzle 79 is in ploy a construction in which a continuing supply of steam is delivered within the water.

' from any desired source and owing through a pipe line 82, this pipeline having, in the length thereof, a thermostatically controlled valve mechanism 88 which may be set for any desired temperature, `and which is controlled preferably by means of two thermostats, one of which 84, is located in the tank 72 closely adjacent the steam inlet pipe 79, and the other of which is controlledl by a thermostat 85 located in the water jacket toward the end thereof most remote from said steam inlet nozzle.

The detailed construction of the valve mechanism 83 is immaterial to the invention, it being obtainable on the open market. This is also true as to the thermostats 84 and 85. Connections 86 and 87 between these thermostats respectively and the mechanism 83 may be of any desired iexible construction as determined by the` type of mechanism 83 and thermostats used.

By the arrangement described, the instrument 83 may be so set as to be operable at any desired temperature; In the event that thel water in .the jacket 7 3 shall reach this temperature before the thermostat 84 is actuated, the instrument 83 will act and the supply of steam will be automatically interrupted. This is apt to occur only when the level of the sizing in the tank is excessively low. On the other hand, if the temperatures within the tank adjacent the thermostat reach this temperature before he water in the jacket adjacent the thermostat 85, then the instrument 83 will be actuated. 'By this arrangement, excessively high temperatures of the sizing, at any time, may be avoided, there always being a fairly wide range of temperature variation so as to ensure the actuation of one or the other of said thermostats before the sizing has been cooked.

The connections 86 and 87 are both iiexible,

as is a portion of the steam line 80 and of the water line 75. Water is supplied to the jacket 7 3 and tank7 4 through pipes 88 and 89, one of which is adapted to supply hot water, and the other of 4which is adapted to supply cold water, these pipes having therein a flexible connection 90 with the pipe 75.

Associated with the machine is a thermometer 91 which is actuated by a thermostat 92 within the sizing in the tank and connected withl said thermometer by a flexible connection 93.

The use of blankets as herein described makes the tank extremely inaccessible for i cleaning purposes. After a run of the machine it is necessary to remove any remaining sizing from, and thoroughlycleanse, the tank to avoid the presence of partially coagulated sizing which would tend to interfere with thefproper application thereof to the blankets and to the paper, and to more or less thoroughly wash the blankets themselves.

The cleansing of the blankets is comparatively simple, being merely a matter of flushing with water to so dilute the sizing as to permitjfi't to flow readil from the blankets. A hose connection 94 1s provided for this purpose pipe lines 95 and 96 connected respectively with a source of hot and cold water supplying this hose. There is little or no tendency for the sizing to harden upon the blankets if they are properly saturated after each run. The conditions are different, however, as to the tank. The action of air upon the sizing is to harden or congeal it,

and with the constant variance in the level of sizing in the tank 72, a scum forms about the walls of the tank whichmust be removed, ordinarily by scrubbing the tank. To do this, ready access must be had to the tank.

The problem presented, is to permit the positioning of the tank 72 so that it will be readily accessible without disturbing any of the adjustments of the machine incidental to its operation in applying sizing to the paper. I accomplish this result by supporting said tank and its water jacket upon a plurality of lead screws 97 and 98 which are acted upon respectively by revoluble nuts 99 and 100, the former of which is mounted upon a hollow pedestal 101, the latter of which is mounted upon a similar pedestal 102.

The tank itself is provided with slides 103 and 104 movable in vertical ways in guides 105 and 106. By rotating the nuts 99 and lot the tank may be lowered to a point to per- Y,

mit free accessibility thereto well below the blanket 17, the various pipe connections and thermostats having movement with the tank by reason of the flexibility of the connections between them and the various points of connection thereof externally of the tank. This raising and lowering is done by means of a. hand operated gear 107 meshing with a gear 10S and carrying a. bevelled gear 109 enmeshed with a ,gear 110 upon the nut 99.

A sprocket chain and gear connection 111 transmits power to the nut 100 so as to ensure simultaneous movement throughout the entire length of the tank.

Connected with the supply pipes 95 and 96 is a pipe connection 112 through which water may be delivered to the tank. Two leads 95 and 112 are used so that water may be simultaneously iiowed into the tank and upon the blankets if desired.

Communicating with the low point of the bottom of the tank is a valve controlled drain pipe 113, a second valve controlled drain pipe 114 communicating with the bottom of the water jacket. These drain pipes 113 and 114 have a common discharge 115 having, in the length thereof, a flexible section so as to permit the vertical movement of the tank. The various pipe connections herein referred to are all valve controlled.

The operation of the herein ydescribed sizl ing machine is substantially as follows -matically taken care of by the thermo/static controls heretofore referred to. The ther-- mometer 91 is merely to permit the operator to have a visible che-ck upon the temperature conditions.

The setting of the various pressure adjusting devices 38, 39 and 40 is determined by the character of the paper to be re-finished. Under `some conditions \little or no pressure is required at the rollers 13 and 14 and 19 and 20. Substantial pressure, however, is always required at one set of rollers, preferably the rollers 15 and 16, since the diffusion and penetration of the sizing upon and at both surfaces of the paper is effected. at this point.

As sheets are fed from the belt 62 between the parallel reaches of the blankets 17 and 18, the relatively higher speed of the blankets will afford exposed areas of the blanket 17 which, by contact with the blanket 18, will transfer a certain amount of sizing thereto. Pressure exerted by any of the pairs of rollers will accelerate this transfer, and at the rollers 15 and 16 both blankets will not only have substantially the same degree of saturation, but there will be, upon theupper surface of the lower reach of the blanket 18, a considerable amount of free sizing which has been completely pressed through this blanket and accumulated, thus affording an adequate supply of sizing at this point which will be forced through the blanket and into the upper surface of the paper. This accumulation is material as to quantity, and difculty has been experienced in preventing a partial hardening of this sizing due to its rcmoteness from the heating medium and the flow of cold air about same. By shielding, however, this difliculty may be avoided.

The major portion of the sizing at this point is that which is expressed from the lower blanket just prior to the approach of the paper sheet toward the meeting line of the rollers 15 and 16 and is an accumulation due to the fact that the amount of sizing picked up by the adjacent portion .of the blanket 17 is materially in excess of that required to finish a'sheet. Such sizing as is' expressed from the blanket 17 below the sheet of paper will be returned to the tank. The pressure and capillary attraction ensures a thorough diffusion of the sizing .throughout the entire width of the blanket 18. The high speed of rotation of the rollers 15 and 16 will ensure a constant supply of sizing immediately adjacent the meeting line of these rollers and' between the said blankets and said rollers respectively.

The pressure from the rollers 15 and 16 will force into the paper only enough sizing to give a proper finish thereto. Slzing expressed in excess of that taken up by the paper will pass through each blanket 17 and 18, and help in maintaining an adequate supply for a continuing sizing operation as a result of its absorption by the blankets just prior to their passage between said rollers.

If any material pressure is developed at the rollers 13 and 14 and the rollers 19 and 20,.

the same condition will be apparent, but it is preferable and practicable to rely mainly upon one pair of rollers, preferably 15 and 16, to do the actual applying of the sizing to the paper and to utilize the other guide and presser-rollers and the adjacent reaches of the blankets to partially soften the paper preparatory to the final action by said rollers 15 and 16 and transfer some sizing from the' blanket 17 to the blanket 18.

When the sheets of paper are fed to the machine, they are more or less crumpled due to the irregular contraction thereof upon drying, and the action of the rollers, particularly the rollers 15 and 16 is not only to apply .a surface dressing to these sheets, but to smooth them out. The blankets 17 and 18 should be kept fairly taut, and for this reason I provide the takeup mechanism operative upon the carriage 26. This mechanism, when it imparts movement to the carriage away from the rollers 15 and 16 will simultaneously tighten both blankets. It is difficult, however, if not impossible to so nicely proportion these blankets or to maintain a condition therein which will ermit a simultaneous tigthening of both. onsequently, I provide the carriage 31 with its takeup mechanisms which will act only upon the blanket 18, thus permitting an independentl control of the tautness of the two blankets. Tautness is required to prevent the formation of wrinkles in the blankets since such wrinkles would not only tend to distort the paper, but would result in an uneven application of the sizin Fairly thick, heavy blankets are used.

After leaving the squeeze rollers 15 and 16, the sheet is carried by the blanket 17 beyond these rollers, the divergence of the blankets at this point causing the sheet to follow the lower blanket. As the blanket 17 passes about the roller 23, the sheet is merely pushed upon the delivery belt 68 by which it is rapidly conveyed from the sizing machine to the drying box. The sizing is not tac so that there is no tendency of the sheet to a here to either blanket or to the belt. c

Upon the completion of a run, water may be flowed through the hose 94 upon the blankets, and the continued operation of the machine will cause the thorough saturation of the blankets by the water with the ultimate expulsion of the diluted sizing and the final rinsing water, from tlie blankets. The water from the blankets will flow into the tank. Before cleaning the blankets the valve controlled drain line 113 may be opened so as to prevent the overflowing of the tank and at the same time remove the sizing therefrom. If desired, the tank may be lilled with water following its drainage, so that the blanket 17 ,by repeatedly passing through the water, may bef' thoroughly cleansed. After the blankets have been cleaned, the tank may be lowered by means of the. lead screws 97 and 98 by merely turning the nuts 99 and 100. The tank, as heretofore stated, merely moves away from the various guide rollers and the blankets passing over same, so that the operator may have free access to every portion of the tank, and is free to use any cleaning agencies he may desire without bringing same in contact with the blankets.

When the tank is thoroughlycleaned and rinsed, the drain 113 remaining open during this operation, the tank may be restored to its former position and the machine is in readiness for another run.

A machine embodying the invention is `ca pable of operating at fairly high speeds, and effective work can be done in a small fraction of a minute, the total time required per sheet for ordinary high grade work being only between two and three seconds, which includes the total time from the feeding of the sheet adjacent the rollers 13 and 14 to its delivery to the collecting or delivery mechanism. A number of sheets may be between the parallel reaches of the blankets 17 and 18 at the same time.

In the machine shown in the drawings, the rate oftravel of the blankets is approximately 105 feet per minute, and that of the delivery belt 62 is 90 feet per minute while that of the delivery belt or tapes 68 is approximately 120 feet per minute. The distance between the rollers 13'and 14 and the rollers 15 and 16 is approximately 41/2 feet.

The foregoing dimensions are not material to the invention and are subject to Wide var:-

. ation according to the desires or requirements of the user. A short machine, however, is desirable, as is high speed of the blankets, since this not only permits the use of short blankets but ensures high frequency in the succeeding submersions of the lower reach of the blanket 17 in the sizing, and ensures a better conditioning of the sizing at the time of its application to the paper. The length of the run specified affords an interval of Contact of the sheets with the blankets suiiicient to secure highly'etfeetive` results, but even this interval may be lengthened or shortened and still secure good`results.

It is not my intention t0 limit the invention `to the precise details of construction shown in the drawings, it being apparent that many of such vare ordinary commercial products to which I lay no claim of invention, while others are capable of wide variation without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having described the invention, what l claim as new and desire to have protected by Letters Patent,` is:

1. A sizing machine embodying therein a tank for containing liquid size, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a guide for the lower reach of one of said blankets located within said tank, guiding and presser rollers operative respectively upon differentv portions of said blankets, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneouslysubjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanktpassing through the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches and means delivering printed sheets in spaced relation to each other between said blankets.

2.. A sizing machine embodying therein a tank for containing liquid size, means whereby the contents of said tank are maintained at a substantially uniform temperature, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a guide for the lower reach of one of said blankets located Within said tank, guiding and presser rollers operative respectively upon different portions of said blankets, whereby the ad- ]acent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches and means delivering printed sheets in spaced relation to each other between said blankets.

3. A sizing machine embodying therein an open topped frame, a tank within said frame, means whereby said -tank may be raised or lowered, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a guide for the lower reach of one of said blankets supported by said frame within said tank, guiding and presser rollers operative respectively. upon different portions of said blankets, said rollers being supported from said frame, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into `parallel relation to each other and siportion of the sizing a sorbed by the blanket bla ets.

4. A sizing machine embodying therein a tank for containin liipid size, endless absorbent travelling lan ets, a guide for the lower reach ofone of said blankets located within said tank, guiding and presser rollers operative respectively upon different portions of said blankets whereby the adjacent reaches of said blan ets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to ressure, to transfer ay passing through the tank to the other blanket, andapply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches, and a feeding mechanism delivering sheets between the parallel reaches of said blankets, at a speed relatively lower than the travel of said blankets, whereby sheets will be spaced apart upon said blankets.

5. A sizing machine embodying `therein a tank for containing liquid size, endless absorbent travelling located within said tank for the lower reach of one of said blankets, a pair of guiding and presser rollers above and adjacent each of the ends of said tank, and upon opposite sides of said guide roller, one roller of each pair co-operating with a blanket, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches and means delivering printed sheets in spaced relation to each other between said blankets.

6. A sizing machine embodying therein a tank for containing liquid size, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a guide roller lo- ',Cated within said tank for the lower reach of one of said blankets, a pair of guiding and presser rollers above and adjacent each of the ends of said tank, and upon opposite sides ofsaid guide roller, one roller of each pair co-operating with a blanket, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches, means whereby the rollers of each pair may be adjusted to regulate the pressure developed therebetween and means deblankets, a guide roller termediate the ends thereof, one roller of each pair co-operating with a blanket, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to' transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches and kmeans delivering printed sheets in spaced relation to each other between said blankets.

8. A sizing machine embodying therein a tank for containin liquid size, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a guide for the lower reach of one of said blankets located Within said tank, guiding and presser rollers for said blankets respectively, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches, means adapted to simultaneously tighten both of said blankets, and independently operative mel-ans adapted to tighten one of said blankets on y.

9. A sizing machine embodying therein a tank for containing liquid size, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a guide roller located within said tank for the lower reach of one of said blankets, a pair of guiding and presser rollers above and adjacent each of the ends of said tank, and upon opposite sides of said ide roller, one roller of cach pair co-operatlng with a blanket, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches, means adapted to simultaneously tighten both of said blankets, and independently operative means adapted to tighten one of said blankets only.

10. A sizing machine embodying therein an open topped frame, a tank within said frame, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a guide lor the lower reach of one of said blankets supported from said frame within said tank,

a carriage adjustably mounted upon said frame adjacent each end of said tank, guidin and presser rollers for said blankets mounte on said carriages respectively, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing throughl the tank tothe other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches, guide rollers about which the blanket passing through said tank passes supports therefore carried by said` top frame, and independently operative means acting upon said carriages respectively, whereby V both of said blankets may be simultaneously tightened, or one of said blankets alone may be tightened.

11. A sizing machine embodying therein a tank for containing liquid size, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a guide roller located Within said tank for the lower reach of one of said blankets, a pair of guiding and presser rollers above and adjacent each of' the ends of said tank, and upon opposite s1des of saidv guide roller, a pair of guiding and presser rollers above said tank and intermediate the ends thereof, one roller of each pair co-operating with a blanket, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches, means positively applying power tothe guide and presser rollers at one end`of said tank, and to the intermediate guide and presser rollers and means delivering printed sheets in spaced relation to each other between said blankets. 12. A sizing machine embodying therein a water j acketed tank for containing liquid size, a steam nozzle adapted to deliver steam within said jacket, means permitting water to overflow from said jacket, a thermostat located within the size in said tank, means controllable -by said thermostat for regulating the delivery of steam within said jacket, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a guide for the lower reach of one of said blankets located within said tank, guiding and p resser rollers operative respectively upon different portions of said blankets', whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches and means delivering printed sheets in spaced relation to each other between said blankets.

13. A sizing machine embodying therein a water jacketed tank for containing liquid size, a steam nozzle adapted to deliver steam withinjsaid jacket2 means permitting water to overflow from said jacket, a thermostat located within said jacket, means controllable by said thermostat for regulating the delivery of steam within said jacket, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a` guide for the lower reach of one of said blankets located within said tank, guiding and presser rollers operative respectively upon dii'erent portions of said blankets, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches and means delivering printed sheets in spaced relation to each other between said blankets.

14. A sizing machine embodying therein a water jacketed tank for containing liquid size, a steam nozzle adapted to deliver steam within said jacket, means permitting water to overflow from said j acket, thermostats located respectively within the size in said tank and said jacket, means controllable by said thermostats for regulating the delivery of steam within said jacket, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a guide for the lower reach of one of said blankets locate within said tank, guiding and presser rollers opera` tive respectively upon dil'erent portions of said blankets, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each otherand simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet oi` paper between said parallel reaches and means delivering printed sheets in spaced relation to each other between said blankets.

15. A sizing machine embodying therein a Water jacketed tank for containing liquid size, a steam nozzle adapted to deliver steam within said jacketfa steam Vline communieating with said nozzle, a valve therein, a4

pressure regulator controlling said valve, means permitting water to overflow from said jacket, an air pressure line communicating with said regulator, means arranged in said air pressure line for controlling theflow of air therethrough, thermostatically controlled means operative upon said last named means, whereby steam is delivered to said jacket as determined by the temperature conditions of the size, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a guide for the lower reachv ofv one of said blankets located within s'aid tank, guiding and presser rollers operative respectively upon diferent portions of said blankets, whereb the adjacent reaches of said blankets are rought into parallel relation to sorbent travelling blau each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket, and'apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel, reaches and means delivering printed sheets in s aced relation to each other between said lankets. n

16. A sizing machine embodying therein an ppen topped frame, a tank within said frame, lead` screws carried by said tank, pedestals below said tank, revoluble nuts carried by said pedestals respectively and co-n operating with said lead screws, co-operating slides and ways for said tank, means for simultaneously actuating said nuts, whereby said tank may be raised or lowered, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a guide for the lower reach o-one of said blankets su ported by said frame within said tank, gui ing and presser rollers operative respectwely upon different portions of said lankets, said rollers being supported from said frame, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches and means delivering printed sheets in spaced relation to each other between said blankets.

17. A sizing machine embodying therein a tank for containing liquid size, endless absorbent travelling blankets, a guide for the lower reach of one of said blankets located within said tank, guiding and presser rollers operative respectively upon different portions of said blankets, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets are brought 1nto parallel relation to each other and,

simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches, a feed belt adapted to deliver sheets between the guiding and presser rollers adjacent one end of said tank, said belt being actuated at a speed relatively lower than the travel of said blankets, whereby sheets will be spaced apart upon said blankets, a delivery belt adjacent the other end of said vsorbent travelling reaches of said blankets are brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected 'to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizin absorbed by the blanket passing throug the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches, automatically actuated straightening rollers acting upon said blankets respectively, and means deliverin printed sheets in spaced relation to each ot er between said blankets. v

19. A sizing machine embodying therein a tank for containin liquid size, endless ablankets, a guide rolle:` located within said tank for the lower reach of one of said blankets, a pair of guiding and presser rollers above and adjacent each of the ends of said tank, and upon opposite sides of said guide roller, a pair of guidin and presser rollers above said tank and intermediate the ends thereof, one roller of each pair co-operating with a blanket, whereby the adjacent reaches of said blankets lare brought into parallel relation to each other and simultaneously subjected to pressure, to transfer a portion of the sizing absorbed by the blanket passing through the tank to the other blanket, and apply sizing to both sides of a sheet of paper between said parallel reaches, automatically actuated straightening rollers acting upon said blankets respectively and means delivering printed sheets in spaced relation to each other between said blankets.

In witness whereof I have hereunto aflixed my signature, this 21st day of March, 1928. PETER AITCHISON.

tank, guide rollers between the guiding and presser rollers at the end of the tank adjacent saiddelivery belt and said belt and guide rollers for one of said belts adjacent said last named guiding and presser rollers, whereby said blankets diverge from each other after leaving said guiding and presser rollers.

18. A sizing machine embodying therein a tank for containinv liuid size, endless abets, a guide for the

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