Motion transforming mechanism

Abstract

A motion-transformer suitable for use with a small printing machine utilizes a trigger mechanism in combination with a rotating drum and slidable members to convert the rotation of the drum into linear motion. The linear motion provides for intermittent advancement of paper on which printing is to be carried out.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A motion-transforming mechanism comprising a rotor, a reciprocatable member proximate said rotor and movable in first and second directions opposite to each other, first and second stops positioned for guiding and limiting the excursion of said reciprocatable member, a trunion mounted on said reciprocatable member, a cam member mounted pivotably on said trunion, said cam member having a contacting portion engageable with said rotor and having a camming portion, first spring means normally holding said contacting portion disengaged from said rotor, second spring means normally holding said reciprocatable member against said first stop, trigger means for rotating said contacting portion of said cam member into engagement with said rotor by exerting a .[.pulsed.]. force moment greater than the force moment exerted by said first spring means, said rotor rotating in such a direction that engagement of said contacting portion with said rotor moves said cam member and thereby said trunion and said reciprocatable member toward said second stop, and a guide proximate said cam member, said guide being so positioned that as said reciprocatable member carrying said cam member moves toward said second stop, said camming portion engages said guide, the shape of said camming portion being such that on engaging said guide, said cam member is rotated away from said rotor by movement of said reciprocating member toward said second stop, thereby disengaging said contacting portion .[.form.]. .Iadd.from .Iaddend.said rotor .[., said trigger means being adapted to terminate exertion of said pulse moment at or shortly after the disengagement of said contacting portion from said rotor thereby.]. .Iadd.and .Iaddend.allowing said second spring means to draw said reciprocating member to said first stop, and said first spring means to hold said contacting portion disengaged from said rotor. 
     
     
       2. A motion-transforming mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said rotor is a pinion gear and said contacting portion is a rack. 
     
     
       3. A motion-transforming mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein said trigger means is a pulsable electromagnet and said cam member comprises a plate affixed to same and so positioned and of said composition as to be movable by the magnetic flux from said electromagnet against the force exerted by said first spring means. 
     
     
       4. A motion-transforming mechanism as defined in claim 1 further comprising a pawl attached to said reciprocatable member and a rotatable ratchet wheel, said pawl, said reciprocatable member and said ratchet wheel being so related that a single excursion of said reciprocatable member toward and away from said second stop rotates said ratchet wheel by an amount corresponding to the distance between successive teeth on said wheel. 
     
     
       5. A motion-transforming mechanism as defined in claim 4 wherein said mechanism is a portion of a small printing machine and said mechanism further comprises a first drum attached to said ratchet wheel for rotation therewith, a second drum mounted for rotation as the result of pressure urging said drums together, said first and second drums serving to receive paper therebetween and to advance said paper positioned with each pulse from said trigger means. 
     
     
       6. A motion-transforming mechanism as defined in claim 3 wherein the shape of said cam member is such that when said electromagnet brings said engaging portion in contact with said rotor clearance remains between said electromagnet and said plate, thereby facilitating movement of said reciprocatable member. 
     
     
       7. A motion-transforming mechanism as defined in claim 1, further comprising a stop of an engery-absorbing material suitably located for halting the rotation of said cam member under the influence of said first spring after disengagement of said cam member from said rotor, thereby preventing oscillation of said cam member.