US1370668A - Postage-meter and mail-marking machine - Google Patents

Description

A. H. PITNEY. POSTAGE METER AND MAIL MARKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR- 25| I920.

0 8 5 SHEETS-SHEET I.

Patented A. H. PITNEY.

POSTAGE METER AND MAIL MARKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR 25| I920.-

Pabented Mar. 8, 1921.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2 A. H. PITNEY. POSTAGE METER AND MAIL MARKING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED MAR-25. 1920.

Patented Mar. 8, 1921.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

A. H. PITNEY.

POSTAGE METER AND MML MARKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 25. I920. 1,370,668, Patented Mar. 8, 1921.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

A. H. PITNEY.

POSTAGE METER AND MAIL MARKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION men mnIzs. 1920- 5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

if i I I .90 5/ I31 I 55 {IIImuumllululiihi WEI-INN i fl] A whereby the total num impressions made by the printing member UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ARTHUR H; PITNEY, OI WILM ETTE, ILLINOIS,

ABBIGNOR, BY HEBNE ASSIGNMENTS,

CORPORATION 01' DELAWARE POSTAGE-METER AND MAIL-MARKING MACHINE Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 8, 1921.

Application filed March 25, 1920. Serial No. 868,701.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ARTHUR H. PITNEY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Wilmette, in the county of Cook andState of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Postage-Meters and Mail-Marking Machines; and I hereby declare that the following is a'full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification.

This invention relates to mail marking machines and postage meters, for impressing stamps upon envelops, cards or the like of the t e shown and described in my Patents 3%. 753,207, dated February 23, 1904, and No. 1,273,793, dated July 23, 1918. l :The objects of the present invention are To improve the type of machine shown in the latter patent so that the printing member will beoutside of the casing and always readily accessible for inspection, and at the same time be inseparably operatively connected with the re istering mechanisms. To dispense with shi ing printing or serial numbering wheels on the printing member. To provide novel means whereby each ef fective operation of the printing member shall be accurately means whereby when the printing mechanism has made a predetermined number of operations the related registering mechanism will be automatically locked and remain locked until such registering mechanism is reset by the proper authorized arty. To provide novel total re 'stermg mechanism er of actual stamped will be recorded. To have the registering and the rinting mechanisms readily bodily removab e from and replaceable in the machine without the' use of anauxiliary housing, such as is employedjn my last mentioned patent. To provide novel simple means for actuating the registering mechanisms from and by the rotation of the printing member. To provide novel means for locking the printing member against rotation when it is removed from the machine.

registered. To provide,

To provide novel means whereb the registering mechanisms will be locked when they are removed from the machine; so that such mechanisms cannot be improperly shifted or changed. To provide .novel means whereby when the case containing the registering mechanisms and carrying the printing member is properly positioned in the machine the registering and rinting mechanisms are au tomatically ren ered operable. 'To provide means whereby when such case is removed from the machine the printing member and the registering mechanisms are automatically locked. To provide novel means for preventing the o eration of the printing member unless an until the inking member therefor is in proper operative position; and to enable the printing and registering mechanisms to be made smaller and lighter and enhance speed and lessen shock.

The foregoing and other minor objects of the invention are attained by and in the mechanism shown in the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one practical embodiment of the invention, and I will hereinafter describe the same in detail with reference to said drawings; but the invention is not restricted to the specific constructions and combinations of parts shown, although the machine illustrated is the best practical embodiment of the invention now known to me; but its parts areor may be capable of variation in form and arrangement and combination within the scope of this invention as set forth in the claims following the detailed description of such drawings.

In said drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the machine.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation with stacker and stacker slide omitted. Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail sectional plan of the trip mechanism. Fig. I is a side view of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged part sectional plan view of the meter and controlling devices. Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view on the line 6-6, Fi 5. Fig. 7 is a sectional view on the line 7-7 Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a section on the line 88, Fig. 5. Fig. 9 is a detail. Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional view through the registernism locking plate. Fig. 14 is a detail.

General description.

The machine shown in the drawin s comprises a feed table 100 having a gui e plate 101 and an envelop sealing attachment 102; a feed roller 103, a separator roller 104, which is mounted in a swingable support 105 by which the letters are advanced to feed rollers 106 and 107 the latter feed roller being mounted on a swingable support 108; and these forwarding rollers 106, 107 direct the letter or object to be printed to and past trip rollers 21, 22, hereinafter referred to, by which the letters are directed on past, the impression roller 137 and printing roller 38, hereinafter referred to, and after being postmarked or stamped the letters are discharged between rollers 108 and 109 in front of the stacker wheel 110, by which they are stacked in the usual manner on a table or rack 111.

The aforesaid parts are all actuated in proper time with the mechanism hereinafter to be described but as they form no essential part of the present invention and are not claimed herein, therefore I have not explained or illustrated the same in detail herein.

Hereinafter for the purpose of brevity I will refer to the object to be operated upon as a letter, meaning thereby to include cards, sheets, papers, and any other object which the machine is designed or adapted to operate upon.

The particular invention covered by the present application includes means for printing or app ying the postmarking stamps on the letters, and to a meter or mechanism for registerin the number of effective operations 0 said printing or postmarking means; including a subtracting or limiting register, a totalregister, and the controlling devices therefor, and means for controlling the operation of the printer by the letters being operated upon so that the printer and meter will only operate when a letter is passing through the machine, and will only operate once for each letter passed through the machine.

The trip mechanism.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 1, 3 and 4; 21 and 22 are a pair of rollers commonly called trip rollers, between which the letters are successively passed from the feed table. The trip roller 22 is preferably journa'led on a swingable support and guard 15, which has a part 15which projects beyond/the roller 22, and these parts are normally yieldingly'pressed toward the roller 21 by a suitable spring, such as indicated at 22 in Fig. 1.

The shaft of the roller 21 is mounted in fixed bearings opposite the roller 22 and guard 15, and a fence or guide 16 is arranged beside and between. the rollers 21 and 22, beside the guard 15, and is slotted to accommodate the rollers 21 and 22 so as not to interfere with their contact with the letter passing between them.

A tri finger 1 is pivoted on a spindle 27 and as a curved head or end 1 which projects in the path of the letter at the meeting line of the rollers 21 and 22 so that a letter passing between these rollers, or between the fence 16 and guard 15 will strike this trip finger and will oscillate spindle 27. To spindle 27 is pinned an arm 2 and the trip finger and arm 2 oscillate or move as one piece. The trip finger is normally held in letter engaging position by a suitable spring, such as indicated at 28, arm 2 being arrested by abutting against a stop pin 29 when the trip finger is in normal position.

The arm 2 is adapted to en a e the curved and notched end 3 of a trip in 3; the said curved end bein supported and guided in a grooved mem er 13 having upper and lower disk-like portions 13 which guide the end of the link 3. The two disk-like portions prevent perpendicular movement of link 3, and the center portion of the member 13 when engaged by the curved end of the link 3 forces it out of engagement with the arm 2 at the proper time. Member 13 is made eccentric in order to admit of ready adjustment thereof to operate the trip at the proper time. The trip link is normally held in position to engage the arm 2 and the shank of the member 13 by a spring 20, as indicated in the drawin The other end of trip link 3 is pivoted to one arm 4 ofa stop lever which is pivoted on a stud 4', and which arm 4 is normally held against a stop 18 by means of a spring 19, that thus holds the trip link normally retracted.

The stop lever 4 (see Fig. 3) has an arm 4 which normally projects into the path of an arm' 5 of a three-armed lever plvoted on a stud 5; and when in normal position a roller on the arm 5 contacts with a roller on the arm 4 and arrests the movement of the arm 5, which is normally! pressed toward the arma" by means of a link 6 under action of a spring 9. The link 6 connects arm 5 with a swinging lever 7 pivoted on a stud on a part 26 of the frame of the machine; and the upper free end of this lever is slottedfor engagement with a pin 8, guided in a hole in art 26; pin 8 is normally urged to project rom the face of part 26 by an expansionspring 9.

Pin 8 is restrained from so projecting under operating conditions by. the correct functioning of the other parts of the trip mechanism in one event when the meter is in place and properly functioning; and by having the path of its motion obstructed by devices controlled by the locking mechanism of the meter, as hereinafter described, when the registering mechanism is locked. The pin 8 is so positioned that it will enter a hole 58 in the front of the meter casing 31 when the latter is in proper position in.

the machine, as hereinafter explained.

The triple lever, of which arm 5 forms a part, has an arm 5 which normally projects into the path of the finger 11! of the clutch release member of a clutch. 11 mounted ,on a shaft 30, which shaft is constantly driven by a gear 30' fixed thereon and meshing with the usual train of gearing in the machine, so as to be constantly rotated when the machine is in operation; such gearing being well known and it is not necessary to show or describe same herein.

The clutch 11 is preferably a so-called roller clutch, of' known construction and unnecessary to describe herein except in its particular relation to the workin of this machine; the finger 11 of the c utch release member protrudes from the body of the clutch in position to be enga d by arm 5". A stop lug 11" on the clutc caslng is also adapted to engage arm 5" and take u the shock of the stoppage of the clutch and parts affected thereby.

The clutch 11 is normally disengaged from the shaft 30 b contact of its controlling finger 11" wit the arm 5", -'and the triple lever is held in this engaging posi-' tion so long' as arm 4" arrests the movement of arm 5". When the part 11 is moved back toward 11" it renders the clutch inoperative. The lug 11" relieves the com aratively light iece 11" from every other uty except reeasing the clutch rollers.

The triple lever having arms 5, 5, also has an arm 5 carrying a roller adapted to engage a cam 11, turned on the clutch case; which cam engages the arm 5 and returns the lever to its original position to stop the clutch after it has completed one revolution. Rebound of the clutch and parts connected therewith is prevented by a pawl 12.

The meter or registering devices.

The meter for registering the operations of the printer comprises a hollow base 31 having bearings for the printer shaft; a casing 34 fastened to this base carrying the registering mechanisms and locking devices therefor; and a printed and register actuating devices and locking devices, the whole being so constructed that the printer and the registering mechanisms are removable from and replaceable in the machine as a unit.

As shown the base 31 is closed by a plate 32 held in position by screw-46, Fig. 6, which is inaccessible when the door 36 is closed and locked. The screws fastening bar 33 to the base 31 are covered by plate 32 and are also inaccessible until it is removed.

Rising from the inner end of base 31 is a standard 31 which has an arm 31" at its upper end in which is journaled the u er en of a spindle 37, the lower end of w lch is journaled in bearings in the bar 33. Spindle 37' carries the printer 38and letter guide wheel 39. The spindle 37 has on its lower end a cylindric head 47 7 which is provided with a key 47. his head also carries a gear 40 within the base, and a disk 40" having a single notch 40, which is adapted to be en ged by a tooth 66 on a lever 66, hereina ter referred to (see Fig. 11).

The key 47 of the head is disposed diametrically of spindle 37 and projects through an opening in the base plate 32 and is adapted to engage a corres ondingly slotted member 20 attached to t e clutch 11, when the meter is in position on the machine. Part 20, (Figs. 4 and 14) is a floating connection between the clutch 11 and spindle 37. It has a slot 20 in the top and a key 20 on its bottom arranged at right angles to each other; which respectively engage a key and a slot on the ends of the s indle 37 and clutchll, while permitting o a sli ht variation in the alinement of the spin les 30 and 37.

As shown the top plate of the machine is rovided with a horlzontall disposed slot 1nto which the base 31 can e slid to place the meter in the position indicated in Figs.

L and 2, the slot having grooves 31* (Fig. 4) in its sides adapted to be engaged by ribs 31* on the sides ofthe base 31 (see Fig. 7), and when properly placed in operative position in the machine the meter ma be secured by means of a lever (Fig. 6 having a tooth 150 adapted to engage a notch in the bottom plate 32 and provided with a finger portion 151 whereby the tooth may be disengaged from the base when it is desired to remove the meter; and this catch may be normally held in engagement by a spring 152 of any suitable ind.

. When the meter is slid into place in the machine the key 47 is arranged parallel withthe longitudinal axis of the base 31,'

and is adapted to telescope with and enter the slot 20 in the upper end of the member 20.

' The printing member.

ample, as shown in my Ipatents above referred to or my Patent 0. 753,207; or in Patents No. 1,274,831, and No. 1,273,793. The printing surface may he of any suitable or desirable kind, but in the present instance I do not wish to provide the printer with serial numbering mechanism, although such might be used if desired.

Inseparably fixed to and mounted upon the base 31 at the outer side of the standard 31 is a box or case 34 having upper and lower hinged doors 35 and 36 on its outer side and which case incloses the counting or registering mechanism of the meter. Each door 35 and 36 should be rovided with a' suitable lock, such as a ale lock, so that it could only be opened by a certain master key.

Mounted within this case 34 is a horizontally. disposed shaft 45 having a bevel pinion 45 meshing with a bevel pinion 44 on the upper end of a shaft 44 (see Fig. 10) which is suitably journaled in the case and extends into the base 31. Motion is imlparted to the spindle 44 from the shaft 37 y means of intermediate pinions 41 and 42 respectively meshing with pinion 40 on spindle 37, and pinion 43 on spindle 44. This gearing is adapted to drive shaft 45 at the same speed as spindle 37.

T he registering mechanism.

Mounted within the case are two separate registering mechanisms, T and L, which may be of any suitable construction. As shown each mechanism comprises a series of usual numeral disks provided with the usual ratchet and carry over devices (not shown). The upper mechanism T is adapted to be operated from shaft 45 by means of a link 45 engaging an eccentric 45 on the shaft 45; and the lower mechanism L is suitably operated by means of a link'45", engaging an eccentric 45 on the shaft 45. The registering mechanisms per 86 form no part of the present invention, and therefore it is not necessary to describe the same in detail herein. The construction is such that for each rotation of the spindle 37 shafts 44 and 45 will be rotated once, and the unit numeral wheel in each registering mechanism T and L will be shifted one point.

The registering mechanisms T and L are separated by a partition 48 in case 34 so placed that when either door 35 or 36 is opened to give access to the adjacent registering mechanism, the other mechanism is inaccessible, each registering mechanism is only accessible through its related door.

he lower register is arranged to subtract instead of add, that is, the registery is suitably set to a predetermined number, and at each revolution of the printer 38, and consequently each revolution of shaft 45, the

aeraaea number appearin on register mechanism L will be diminishe by one, until the register L finally shows zero; when, as will be hereinafter described, the whole register mechanism and the printer is automatically locked against further operation.

Each numeral wheel 49 of the lower registering mechanism L has a disk 49 fastened to and revolving therewith; such disk 49 has a single eripheral notch therein and is so positioned that the notch will be in lplosition to receive a projection 50 on a 100 'ng plate 50, when zero on the related numeral wheel 49 appears opposite the sight aperture in door 36.

A lockinglplate 50 is pivoted at 50 (Fig. 10) below t e registering mechanism. The

late 50 has pr01ections 50, Fig. 11, on its ront end adapted to engage the notches in the disks 49. It also has a rear end projection or finger 51 that engages an opening (Fig. 9) in the end 52 of a lever 53 hereinafter referred to. The plate 50 may be engaged by a spring, as at 50, which normally urges its front end up to engage projections 50 with the slots in the disks 49 and consequently lower finger 51.

A lever 53 is ivoted at 53 in "the base 31 so as to swin orizontally and this lever has its forwarr l end upturned as at 52, (Figs. 5, 6, 9, 10, 11) and this upturned end proi'ects into the path of the finger 51 of the ocking plate 50, and has a slot provided with an inclined portion 52 (Fig. 9) ada ted to engage the correspondingly beve ed side of the finger 51. The opposite side of the slot in end 52 is provided with a .notch 52 adapted, in one position of the lever 53, to be engaged by the finger 51 to hold the locking plate in engagement with the locain disks 49 as hereinafter described.

he inner end of the lever 53 has a segmental head 54, Fig. 11, which is ada ted to close an opening 58 in the inner en of the base 31, when the locking plate 50 has locked the re 'stering wheels. This head 54 is provide with a socket 54 which is ada ted to re 'ster with the hole 58 when the locking p ate 50 is released, as. hereinafter ex lained. The lever 53 is en aged by a spring 55, which tends to hold it in the position shown in Fifi. 5 and 11, when the plate 50 has locked t e register L.

When the lower registerin mechanism L is locked by the plate 50 an the parts are in position as shown in Figs. 5, 10, and 11, the registering mechanism cannot be shifted; nor can the lever 53 and lockin plate 50 be released until and unless the cor 36 is opened to permit access to a resetting lever 57. This resetting lever is pivoted at 57" in the base 31, and ts inner end is connected by a link 56 with the adjacent end of the lever 53. Said lever 57 has an upstand- .case 34, an

ing portion 57" on its front end which extends into the case 34 in position to be enand locking plate 50 back to their proper position in recharging or resetting the meter. A latch 59 (Figs. 5, 6 and 11) is pivoted at its rear end within the casing and has a downwardly bent front end that rests upon the top of the end 57' of the lever 57, when the meter is char ed and ready for operation; but when tEe locking plate 50 looks the lower registering mechanism (thus permitting spring 55 to throw levers 53 and 57 into the positlon shown in Figs. 5 and 11) the front end of latch 59 drops down beside the part 57 of lever 57 and prevents resetting of the parts 53, and 57 and 50, until door 36 is opened and lever 59 raised by hand and lever 57 pushed back by hand.

Latch 59 may be depressed by a 63. Said latch is with an oscillating derlies a si ht openin which in spring connected by a link 60 indicator 61 which un- 34 in the top of icator is marked to show that the meter is either charged or dischar ed, the meter when charged being rea y for replacement in the machine for furtheroperation, and when discharged being locked, so'that it will not operate further until reset.

When latch 59 drrps over the end 57 of lever 57 the link 60 is depressed and rocks indicator 61 to discharged at the sight opening 34.

The inking mechanism.

The printer 38 may be supplied with ink by any suitable means. I prefer to em loy an inking pad or roller 123 (Fig. 1) w ich is mounted on a swingable bracket or arm 124 rigidly connected to the upper end of a shaft 23, Fig. 3, suitably mounted in the frame at one side of the meter; so that the inking roller 123 can be turned from the position shown in full lines in Fig. 1, where it contacts with the printer 38, into the osition shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, w ere it would not contact with the printer. The inking roller may beheld in operative position to enga a notch in the end of the support 124 as in icated in Fi 1, this latch being controlled by a suitab e spring.

Fast to the shaft 23 is a cam14 (Figs. 3 and 4) which cam is adapted to engage the trip-link 3 and move it out of position to be en ged by the arm 2 whenever the ink to er is swung out of position to contact with the printer, so that moving the inking roller out of contact with the printer 38 automatically renders the trip mechanism ineffective; and thus the machine is prevented from being run without inking the printer when it is being used to postmark-stamp letters. Also if it is desired to run the machine merely to seal the letters without printing them the adjustment of the inking mechanism out of the way automatically, through the described devices, renders the trip mechanism and the printer inoperative.

Preferably the inkin roller 123 is adjustably connected to the sfide 124 by mounting the inking roller on a slide 127,- which is fastened to the support 124 by a thumb screw 128. When the inking roller 5 is turned out of operative position, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1, it may be adjust/ed into contact with a gage pin 25, which is so fixed in the machine that if the periphery of the inking roller is set up a ainst this gage pin when the support 124 is 1n the position indicated in dotted lines in Fig. '1, then the periphery of the inkin roller will pro erly exactly contact with t e printing sur aces on the printer 38 and properly supply ink thereto when the inkin mechanism is turned to operative position s own infull lines in Fig. 1.

Auwz'liarg locking devices.

To prevent the printer 38 being accidentally or purposely turned when the meter is charged but not on the machine; and to insure the alinement of the key 47' with its mating slot 20 in the clutch member 20 when replacing the meter in the machine; I provide auxiliary locking devices of any suitable kind. As shown igs. 5, 7, 8, and 11) a disk 40' is securely fastened to the gear 40 of the printer 5 indle 37 and revolves with it. Said dis' has a notch 40 adapted to receive a lug 66 on a latch 66 when the printer is at its rest position. Latch66 is pivoted at 67 in the base and is guided by a pin 69, and said latch is normally ur ed to engage its lug 66 with notch 40 in dis 40" by sprin 68.

When the meter is 111 place in the machine a pin 17 (Figs. 3 and 4) securely fastened to art 26 enters the hole in the inner end 0 base 31 occupied by pin 69, Fig. 11, and displaces pin 69, moving it backward against the action of spring 68 and carrying with it the latch 66, thus disengaging lug 66 from disk 40". meter is removed from the machine the pm 69 resumes its place as shown in Fig. 11 and latch 66 engages notch 40 and locks the printer in Fl-est sition.

Latch 66 could be tampered with when the meter is ofi the machine by pressing in the pin 69 thus releasing the printer, but then the printer could not be turned 1f latch plate 50 is in locked engagement with regis- When the ter L. Even if lock plate 50 was out of looking engagement with register L, if latch 66 was disengaged from isk 40, to release the printer with an intention to defraud, such intent is defeated by the fact that the registers being actuated by eccentrics the turning of the printer in either direction has the same effect on the registers; that is, one will be added to the count of the upper register and one subtracted from the lower register for each revolution of the printer in either direction. The latch 66 however is intended to keep the spindle 37 and its related key 47* in alinement with the groove in part when the meter is removed from and replaced in the machine.

Operations.

It should be understood from the forego- 20 in description that the meter (with the rinter and the registering mechanism) is odily detachable from the machine and. bodily attachable to the machine at will and bearing this in mind the operation of the various mechanisms described and the utility thereof will be more readily appreciated.

Before the meter is put on the machine and no letters have been stamped thereby, the total registering mechanism, T should be set to zero; the registering mechanism L should be set in accordance with the number of impressions or postmark-stamps which it is desired to have the machine apply to letters before the registering mechanisms 35 shall be automatically locked. Then the meter can be placed in the machine and operated until the total number of impressions for which the register L was set have been made; these impressions may be made during one continued operation of the machine; or during any number of successive operations of the machine; but when the machine has made as many operations as the lower register L is initially set for, said lower registering mechanism will be automatically locked, and the meter can then be removed from the machine and register L reset, by a properly authorized person having charge of the keys by which access can be had to the registering devices, as above explained.

When itis desired to reset the meter after it has erformed the number of operations for which the lower register L was set; the meter may be removed from the machine, 5 5 or it may be reset while on the machine, as

preferred; but ordinarily it is better to rea move the meter for resetting it; and the resetting operation is as follows To charge or set the meter.-Unlock and open lower door 86, raise latch 59 clear of lever 57, move lever 57 to the left as far as it will go; this will turn lever 53 through the medium of the link 56 and the end 52 of locking lever 53 will, by reason of the in- 65 clined surface 52, raise the finger 51 of locking plate 50 and lower its front end out of engagement with the disks 49. While lever 57 is held in this position the ten thousand or extreme left hand, numbering wheel of register L should be turned one division or until it shows the figure 9 so that the notch in its disk 49 will not be in position to register with the related tooth 50 on plate 50, and plate 50 will thereby be held disengaged from all the other disks 49. Lever 57 may then be released and the wheels in the numbering mechanism L turned to the desired setting, moving each wheel until the right numeral appears at the reading point, setting the ten thousand wheel last.

When the meter is thus charged the hole 54 in end of lever 53 will be in line with the hole 58 in the base 31 and will permit the entrance of the pin 8, when released by the action of the trip, thus permitting one revolution of the printer 38; and for each operation of the printer one number is subtracted from the number appearing at the reading point on the lower register L. This operation continues till the lower register reads 00000, at which moment the slots in all the disks 49 in the lower register L come into alinement and the locking plate 50 will engage them; and its finger 51 will move down in the slotted end 52 of lever 53 and engage the notch 52; and lever 53 will swing over so that its end 54 closes hole 58; and lever 53 moves lever 57 with it, allowing latch 59 to drop, locking all the parts as described, and shifting indicator 62 so that dis charged" is displayed at the sight opening 34.

The top register T is continuous in its action, and is not to be reset; and being in a different compartment of the case cannot be tampered with except by opening the top door 35. This top register shows the total number of imprints or operations of the printerregardless of the various settings of the lower register.

Operation of the tripping devices.

The letter or piece of mail matter passing through the machine is fed between the trip rollers 21 and 22 (see Fig. 3). At this point the head 1 of the trip finger 1 obstructs its passage and must be forced back to clear the way. This is accomplished by the roller 22 under action of its spring pressing the letter against the unyielding roller 21 and fence 16. The part 15 acts in a similar manner toroller 22 and serves to further support the end of the letter after it has left the bite of the two rollers 21 and 22.

When the trip finger 1 is thus forced to move it carries with it the arm 2 which in turn moves link 3 and it rocks part 4* out of the path of the arm 5.

Assuming all parts to be 1n operative posi- 13o tion and condition, and the hole 54 in lever 53 in register with the hole 58 in base 31, so that there is no obstruction to the pro'ection of the in 8 into the base 31. W en part 5 is re eased by the movement of part 4 the triple lever turns on its stud 5 sufiiciently to cause arm 5" to release the clutch member 11' which causes clutch 11 to revolve with the spindle 30 which is continually in motion. During such revolution of clutch 11 cam 11 engages the lower arm 5 of the triple lever and returns it to a position'where its arm 5 will again engage finger 11 and stop lug 11 and disengage the clutch and stop the rotation of the printer spindle 37 and connected parts.

The trip link 3 is disengaged from arm 2 by reason of its cam-shaped end 3 contacting the guide 13 as soon as the link has caused arm 4* to release arm 5, and the spring 19 immediately returns link 3 to osition shown in full lines in Fig. 3 wit out having to wait for the finger 1 to return after the passage of the letter. This insures the return of part 4- in time and place to arrest arm 5 and prevent a second revolution of the printer.

This com letes the cycle of operations of the trip mec anism. Such o eration may be repeated indefinitely once i the passage of each letter through the machine, until the lower register of the meter reads zero, when the lever 53 is automatically moved to close the opening 58 and prevent pin 8 entering socket 54 and conseurlalntly preventing oscillation of part 5.

t er but wil have no effect on the printer so long as in 8 cannot enter socket 54.

he machine shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is adapted to moisten and seal envelo s, sep

arate them from a pile, pass them t rough the printing mechanism, place the desired impression thereupon, and dischar them sealed and printed ready for maillng, and keep track of the number of letters operated upon at any one operation of the machine, and any series of o erations of the machine but the sealing mec anism forms no part of the present invention.

To enable the machine'to be used for postmark-stamping mail requiring different amounts of postage, the machine may be provided with a set of interchangeable meters, as above described, (each meter comprising a case, a printer, and registering mechanisms constructed and adapted to operate as above described) but the printer in eachcase bearing a postmark-stamp die of a denomination different from those of the printers in the other meters. Thus one meter could be used for printing and registering 2 postage; another 3 posta e; another 6 postage, and so on, aocor ing to the varieties of postage and the amo'untof or and during parts of the trip are free to move,.

postage required. As each machine and meter is designed to operate upon large numbers of letters of substantially the same size and requiring like postage, it is very easy to insert into the machine a meter of the desired denomination of postage; and when letters requiring a different amount of postage are to be run through the machine, such meter can be removed and another meter substituted therefor adapted to print the proper value of postage upon the letters.

In order to obviate the possibility of any of the mechanisms being jammed orinjured in case the actuating mechanism contained in the meter fails to roperly operate, I preferably arrange a riction clutch at a suitable point between the power mechanism and the roller clutch 11, preferably by connecting the gear 230 to shaft 30 by means of a friction clutch, so that if there should be any binding or failure of the parts of the meter to work properly the friction. clutch would sli and thusprevent injury to any of the ot or parts by reason of the positive action of the roller clutch.

What I claim is 1. In a machine of the character specified, means for feeding letters past a printing point; a meter bodily removable from and replaceable in the machine adjacent the printing oint, said meter carrying printing means aribpted to be operated w en the meter is in the machine; a trip mechanism adapted to be tripped by letters passing through the machine; and means controlled by the trip mechanism for o crating the printing means each time a etter passes through the machine; with means for automatically locking the rinting means when the meter is removed f zom the machine.

2. In a machine of the character specified in claim 1, means in the meter for automatically preventing the operation of the printing means when it has made a predetermined number of revolutions.

3. In a. postmark stam'ping machine havingmeans for feeding letters past a printing point; and an impression member in the machine at the printing point; of a meter bodily removable from and replaceable in the machine adjacent the printing point,

said meter carrying a printer adapted to cooperate with the impression member when the meter is ,in the machine; a trip mechanism adapted to be actuated by the letters passin through the machine; andmeans contro led by the trip mechanism for operating the printer once each time a letter asses through the machine; with means for ocking the printer when the meter is removed from the machine.

4, In a mail marking machine the combination of a. printing member numbering wheels; means for shifting said numbering wheels one unit for each eflective operation of the printing member; mechanism for directing mail matter past said member to receive lmpressions therefrom; said printing member being bodily removable from and replaceable in said machine; means adapted to prevent shifting of said numbering wheels when said printing member is removed from the machine; and means whereby said first means is automatically released when the wheels are replaced in operative position in the machine.

5. In a postmark-stamping machine as set forth in claim 3, means in the meter for automatically preventing the operation of the printer when it has made a predetermined number of revolutions.

6. In a machine as set forth in claim 1, means for inking the printer, and means whereby the trip mechanism is rendered ineffective if the inking means is not in operative position.

7. In a machine as set forth'in claim 3, means for inking the printer, and means whereby the trip mechanism is rendered ineffective if the inking means is not in operative position.

8. In mechanism as set forth in claim 1, a registering mechanism in the meter, means for operating the registering mechanism one point for each operation of the printing means, and means for lockin the registering mechansm when the printing means has made a predetermined number of operations.

9. In mechanism as set forth in claim 3, a registering mechanism in the meter, means for operating the registering mechanism one point for each operation of the printing means, and means for locking the registering mechanism when the printin means has made a predetermined number 0 operations.

10. In a mail marking machine the combination of an impression member; a printing member cooperating with said impres sion member; mechanism for directing mail matter between the impression and printing members to receive impressions, numeral wheels, and means for actuating said wheels from theprinting member, said printing member and numeral wh eels being to ether bodily removable from and replaces. le in operative position; means to prevent shift ing of said numeral wheels when they are removed from the machine; and means whereby said first means is automatically released when the wheels are replaced in operative position in the machine.

11. In a mail marking machine the combination of a printing member; feeding mechanism for carrying mail matter past said member in position to receive impressions therefrom; and numbering wheels operatively connected with said member, and removable with said member from and replaceable with said member in said feeding mechanism; means adapted to revent shifting of said numbering whee s when said member is removed from the machine; and means whereby the first means is automati- .cally released when the member and numbering wheels are replaced in operative position in the machine.

12. In a machine of the character specified, means for forwarding letters past the printing point; clutch controlled driving means for operating the rinting means and a trip mechanism adapted to be operated by a letter passin through the machine for releasing the c utch to cause the printing means to operate once for each letter passing through t e machine; with a removable meter adapted to be placed in the machine, said meter carrying rinting means, and means for automatical y operatively engaging the rinting means with the clutch controlled riving means as and when the meter is properly positioned in the machine; and means for automatically locking the printing means when the meter is removed from the machine.

13. In a machine as set forth in claim 12, means in the meter for automatically preventing the operation of the printing means when it has made a predetermined number of operations.

14. In a machine of the character specified, means for forwarding letters past the printing point; impression means at the printing oint; clutch controlled means for driving the printer; and a trip mechanism adapted to be operated by a letter passing through the machine for releasing the clutch to cause the printer to make one revolution for each letter assing through the machine; with a remova le meter adapted to be placed in the machine adjacent the printing point, said meter carrying a printer adapted to cooperate with the impression means; and means for automatically operatively engaging the printer with the clutch controlled printer driving means as and when the meter is properly positioned in the machine; and means for automatically locking the printer when the meter is removed from the machine.

15. In a machine as set forth in claim 14, means in the meter for automatically preventing the operation of the printer when it has made a predetermined number of revolutions.

16. In mechanism as set forth in claim 12, a registering mechanism in the meter, means for operating the registering mechanism one point for each operation of the printing means; and means for locking the registering mechanism when the printing means has made a predetermined number of operations.

17. In mechanism as set forth in claim finger adapted to be engaged by a enses 13, a registering mechanism in the meter,-

means for operating the registering mechanism one point) for each operation of the printing means;'and means for locking the registering mechanism when the printing means has made a predetermined number of operations.

18. In mechanism as set forth in claim 14, a registering mechanism in the meter, means forv operating the registering mechanism one point for each rotation of the printer, and means for locking the registering mechanism when the rinter has made a predetermined number 0 operations.

19. In mechanism as set forth in claim 15, a registering mechanism in the meter, means for operating the registering mechanism one point for each rotation of the printer, and means for locking the registermg mechanism when the printer has made a predetermined number of operations.

20. In a machine of the character specified, the combination of means for forwarding letters, a trip adapted to be engaged by a passing letter, a rinter actuatlng member, a driven shaft, a c utch member for connecting the printer actuating member to the driven shaft, a lever adapted to hold the clutch member inactive, a stop adapted to hold said lever engaged with the clutch; a trip link connected with the stop and means connected with the trip adapted to move the link and cause the etc to release the lever when the trip is moved by a letter.

21. In mechanism as set forth in claim 20, means for automatically disengaging the link from the trip to permit the stop to move to osition to cause the lever to disengage t e clutch member and stop the printer when the same has made one revolution.

22. In mechanism as set forth in claim 20, a cam carried b the clutch member adapted to engage said lever and return it to position to disengage the clutch and stop the rotation of the printer when the latter has made one revolution.

23. In mechanism as set forth in claim 21, a cam carried by the clutch member adapted to engage sald lever and return it to'position to isengage the clutch and stop the rotation of the printer when the latter has made one revolution.

24. In a machine of the character specified, means for forwarding letters; a trip passing letter; a printer actuating member; a driven shaft; a clutch for connecting the printer actuating member to the driven shaft; a lever adapted to engage the clutch and sto the rotation of the printer; a stop adapte to enga said lever to hold the clutch disenga a trip link connected with the stop, and an arm connected with the trip finger adapted to engage the trip link and.

cause the latter to move the stop arm and release the said lever-when the trip finger is moved by a letter.

25. In mechanism as set forth in claim 24, means for automatically disengaging the'trip link from the trip arm to permlt the stop to move to the position to engage the lever and cause it to disengage t e clutch and stop the printer when the same has made one revolution.

26. In mechanism as set forth in claim 24 a cam carried by the clutch adapted to engage an arm on said lever and return it to position to disengage the clutch and sto the rotation of the printer when it has ma e one revolution.

27. In mechanism as set forth in claim 25, a cam carried by the clutch adapted to engage an arm on said lever and return it to position to disengage the clutch and stop the rotation of the printer when it has made one revolution.

28. In mechanisms as set forth in claim 20 a vibrating member operatively connected with the lever; and a spring pressed pin engaged with said member; with a removable meter carrying mechanism for registering the number of operations of the printer; means in said meter for lockin the register? ing mechanism, and devices in said meter whereby when the registering mechanism is locked and the meter is in the machine the said pin is arrested in such position that it will through its connections prevent said lever releasing the clutch.

29. In mechanism as set forth in claim 21 a vibrating member operatively connected with the lever; and a spring pressed pin engaged with said member; with a removable meter carryin mechanism for registering the number 0 operations of the printer means in said meter for locking the registering mechanism, and devices in said meter whereby when the registerin mechanism is locked and the meter is in the machine the said pin is arrested in such position that it will through its connections prevent said lever releasing the clutch.

30. In mechanism as set forth in claim 22 a vibratin member operatively connected with the ever; and a spring ressed pin engaged with said member; wit a removable meter carrying mechanism for registering the number of operations of the printer; means in said meter for locking the registering mechanism, and devices in said meter whereb when the registering mechanism is locked and the meter is in the machine the said pin is arrested in such position that it will through its connections prevent said lever releasin the clutch.

31. In mechanism as set orth in claim 24 a vibrating member operatively connected with the lever; and a spring pressed pin engaged with said member; with a removable meter carrying mechanism for registering the number of operations of the printer; means in said meter for locking the registering mechanism, and devices in said meter whereby when the registering mechanism is locked and the meter is in the machine the said pin is arrested in such position that it will through its connections prevent said lever releasing the clutch.

32. In mechanism as set forth in claim 25, a vibrating member operatively connected with the lever; and a spring pressed pin engaged with said member; with a removable meter carryin mechanism for registering the number 0 operations -of the printer; means in said meter for locking the registering mechanism, and devices in said meter whereby when the registerin mechanism is locked and the meter is in t e machine the said pin is arrested in such position that it will through its connections prevent said lever releasing the clutch.

33. In mechanism as set forth in claim 26 a vibrating member operatively connected with the lever; and a spring pressed pin engaged with said member; with a removable meter carrying mechanism for registering the number of operations of the printer; means in said meter for locking the registering mechanism, and devices in said meter whereby when the registering mechanism is locked and the meter is in the machine the said pin is arrested in such position that it will through its connections prevent said lever releasing the clutch.

34. In mechanisms as set forth in claim20, a link connected with the lever for holding the clutch member inactive; a swingable member, connected with said link; and a spring pressed pin urging the member in one direction; with a meter carrying the printer and mechanism for registering the number of operations of the printer; devices in said meter for locking the registering mechanism, and devices in said meter whereby when the registering mechanism is locked the pin is arrested in such position that it will through its connections prevent said lever releasm the clutch.

3 5. In mecfianism as set forth in claim 21, a link connected with the lever for holding the clutch member inactive; a swingable member, connected with said link; and a spring pressed pin urging the member in one direction; with ameter carrying the printer and mechanism for registerin the number of operations of the rlnter; evices in said meter for locking e re stering mechanism; and devices in sai meter whereby when the registering mechanism is locked the pin is arrested in such position that it will through its connections prevent said lever releasing the clutch.

36. In mechanism as set forth in claim 22,

a link connected with the lever for holding the clutch member inactive; a swingable member, connected with said link; and a spring pressed pin urging the member in one direction; with a meter carrying this printer and mechanism for registering the number of operations of the printer; devices in said meter for locking the re 'stering mechanism, and devices in sai meter whereby when the registering mechanism is locked the pin is arrested in such position that it will throu h its connections prevent said lever releasing he clutch.

37 In mechanism as set forth in claim 24, a link connected with the clutch engaging lever; a swin able member, connected with said link; an a spring pressed pin urging the member in one direction; with a meter carrying the printer and mechanism for registering the number of operations of the printer; devices in said meter for locking the registerin mechanism, and devices in said meter w ereby when the registering mechanism is locked the pin is arrested in such position that it will through its con nections prevent said lever releasing the clutch.

38. In mechanism as set forth in claim 25, a link connected with the clutch engaging lever; a swin able member, connected with said link; an a spring pressed pin urging the member in one direction; with a meter carrying the printer and mechanism for registering the number of operations of the printer; devices in said meter for locking the registering mechanism, and devices in said meter whereby when the registering mechanism is locked the pin is arrested in such position that it will through its connections prevent said lever releasing the clutch.

39. In mechanism as set forth in claim 26, a link connected with the clutch en aging lever; a swin able member, connecte with said link; an a spring pressed pin urging.

the member in one direction; with a meter carrying the printer and mechanism for registering the number of operations of the printer; devices in said meter for locking the registering mechanism, and devices in said meter whereby when the registering mechanism is locked the in is arrested in such position that it will through its connections revent said lever releasing the clutch.

40. n mechanism as specified in claim 20, a printer carrying spindle having a kc and a member having a slot adapted to be engaged by said key, said member being connected ivith the clutch member.

41. In mechanism as specified in claim 21 a printer carrying spindle having a ke an a member having a slot ada ted to be engaged by said key, said mem er being connected with the clutch member.

42. In mechanism as specified in claim 22,

a printer carrying spindle having a ke an a member having a slot ada ted to engaged by said key, said member eing connected with the clutch member.

43. In mechanism as specified in claim 24 a printer carrying spindle having a key; an

a member having a slot ada ted to be engaged by said key said mem er being connected with the clutch member.

44. In mechanism as specified in claim 25, a printer carrying spindle having a ke an a member having a slot ada ted to e engaged by said key, said mem r being connected with the clutch member.

45. In mechanism as specified in claim 26 a printer carrying spindle having a ke an a member having a slot ada ted to be engaged by said key, said mem er being connected with the clutch member.

46. In mechanism as set forth in claim 20, means for inking the printer; .a movable support for the inking means; and a device connected with said sup ort whereby when the inker is moved out 0? operative position the trip link cannot be operated by the trip and the printer is prevented from operating.

47. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 21, means for inking the printer; a movable support for the inkin means; and a device connected with sai support whereby when the inker is moved out of operative position the trip link cannot be operated by the trip and the printer is prevented from operating.

48. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 22, means for inking the printer; a movable support for the inkin means; and a device connected with said support whereby when the inker is moved out of operative position the trip link cannot be operated by the trip and the printer is prevented from operating.

49. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 24, means for inking the printer; a movable support for the inking means; and a device connected with said support whereby when the inker is moved out of operative position the trip link cannot be operated by the trip and the printer is prevented from operating.

50. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 25, means for inking the printer; a movable support for the inking means; and a device connected with said support whereby when the inker is moved out of operative position the trip link cannot be operated by the trip and the printer is prevented from operating.

51. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 26, means for inking the printer; a movable support for the inkin means; and a device connected with sai support whereby when the inker is moved out of operative position the trip link canforth in claim 20- means for inking the printer; a swingable support for the inking means; and a cam mem er connected with said support adapted when the inker has moved out of operative position to engage the trip link and hold it out of engagement with the trip arm, the clutch releasing mechanism being thereby rendered ineffective and the printer prevented from operating.

53. In combination with mechanisms as set forth in claim 21, means for inking the printer; a swingable sup ort for the inkin means; and a cam mem er connected wit said support adapted when the inker has moved out of o erative position to engage the trip link an hold it out of engagement with the trip arm, the clutch releasing mechanism being thereby rendered ineffective and the printer prevented from operating.

54. In combination with mechanisms as set forth in claim 22, means for inking the printer; a swingable support for the inkin means; and a cam member connected wit said support adapted when the inker has moved out of orative position to engage the trip link an hold it out of engagement with the trip arm the clutch releasm mechanism being thereby rendered ineffective and the printer prevented from operating.

55. In combination with mechanisms as set forth in claim 24, means for inking the printer; a swingable support for the inkin means; and a cam member connected wit said support adapted when the inker has moved out of operative position to engage the trip link and hold it out of engagement with the trip arm, the clutch releaslng mechanism being thereby rendered ineffective and the printer prevented from operating.

56. In combination with mechanisms as set forth'in claim 25, means for inkin the printer; a swinging sup ort for the in ing means; and a cam mem er connected with said support adapted. when the inker has moved out of operative position to engage the trip link and hold it out of engagement with the trip arm, the clutch releasing mechanism being thereby rendered inefi'ective and the printer prevented from operating.

57. In combination with mechanisms as set forth in claim 26, means for inking the printer; 2. swingable support for the inking means; and a cam member connected with said support adapted when the inker has moved out of. operative position to engage the trip link and hold it out of engagement with the trip arm, the clutch releasing mech anism being thereby rendered ineifeotive and the printer revented from operating.

58. In a machine of the character specified; a printer carrying spindle having a head provided with a key; a continually driven shaft; a member adapted to be driven by said shaft having a slot adapted to be engaged by the spindle key; and a clutch for connecting said member with the shaft.

59. In mechanism as specified in claim 1, a printer carrying spindle in the meter provided with a part projecting outside the meter casing; a continually driven shaft; a member adapted to be engaged by said part when the meter is positioned in the machine; and clutch means for connecting such member with the continuously driven shaft when permitted by the trip mechanism.

60. In mechanisms as specified in claim 2, a printer carrying spindle in the meter provided with a part projecting outside the meter casing; a continually driven shaft; a member adapted to be engaged by said part when the meter is positioned in the machlne; and clutch means for connecting such member with the continuously driven shaft when permitted by the trip mechanism.

61. In mechanisms as specified in claim 3, a printer carrying spindle in the meter provided with a part projecting outside the meter casing; a continually driven shaft; a member adapted to be engaged by said part when the meter is positioned in the machlne; and clutch means for connecting such member with the continuously driven shaft when permitted by the trip mechanism.

62. In a mail marking machine the combination of a printing member, means for operating said wheels by and from said member, numbering wheels, mechanism for directing mail matter past said member to receive impressions therefrom, said printing member and numbering wheels being bodily removable from and replaceable in said machine, mechanism for locking said numbering wheels when they have reached a predetermined amount; means adapted to prevent shifting of said numbering Wheels when said printing member is removed from the machine; and means whereby the first means is automatically released when the wheels are replaced in operative position in the machine.

63. In mechanisms as specified in claim 6, a printer carrying spindle in the meter provided with a part projecting outside the meter casing; a continually driven shaft; a member adapted to be engaged by said part when the meter is positioned in the machine; and clutch means for connecting such member with the continuously driven shaft when permitted by the trip mechanism.

64. In mechanisms as specified in claim 8, a printer carrying spindle in the meter provided with a part projecting outside the meter casing; a continually driven shaft; a member adapted to be engaged by said part when the meter is positioned in the machine; and clutch means for connecting such member with the continuously driven shaft when permitted by the trip mechanism.

65. In a mail marking machine the combination of an impression member; a printing member, numeral wheels, means for operating said wheels by and from said printing member; mechanism for directing mail matter between the impression and printing. members to receive impressions; said printing member and numeral wheels being together bodily removable from and replaceable in o erative position; mechanism for locking said numeral wheels when they have reached apredetermined amount; means for preventing unauthorized resetting of said numeral wheels when they are removed from the machine; and means whereby the preventing means is automatically released when thewheels are replaced in operative position in the machine.

66. In mechanisms as specified in claim 12, a rinter carrying spindle in the meter provi ed with a part projecting outside the meter casing; a continually driven shaft; a member adapted to be engaged by said part when the meter is positioned in the machine; and clutch means for connecting such member with the continuously driven shaft when permitted by the trip mechanism.

67. In a mail marking machine the combination of a printing member; feeding mechanism for carrying mail matter past said member in position to receive impressions therefrom; numbering mechanism, means for operating said numbering mechanism by and from the rinting member; a casing carrying said printing member and numbering mechanism; said casing being bodily removable from and replaceable in said machine; means for preventing unauthorized resetting of said numbering mechanism when removed from the machine; and means whereby the preventing means is automatically released when the wheels are replaced in operative position in the machine.

68. In mechanisms as specified in claim 14, a rinter carrying spindle in the meter provi ed with a part projecting outside the meter casing; a continually driven shaft; 3.. member adapted to be engaged by said part when the meter is positioned in the machine; and clutch means for connecting such member with the continuously driven shaft when ermitted by the trip mechanism.

69. n mechanism for the purpose specified, the combination of printing mechanism, numbering wheels; means for shifting the proper wheels at each printing operation of said printing member; means adapted to automatically lock said wheels against further operation after a predetermined number of impressions have been made, said wheels operating in a descending series until each numeral wheel in proper sequence shows zero at the point of printing contact; said printing mechanism and numbering wheels being removable from and replaceable in said machine; means for preventing unauthorized resettin of said numbering wheels when removed rom the machine; and means whereby the preventing means is automatically released when the wheels are replaced in 0perativeposition in the machine.

70. In mechanism for the purpose s ecified, the combination of a printing mem er; numeral wheels; means for shifting the proper wheel at each printing operation; means adapted to automatically lock said set of wheels against further operation after a predetermined number of impressions have been made, said wheels operating in a descending series; a second set of numeral wheels; means for operating numeral wheels in the second set in an ascending series in proper sequence with the first numeral wheels; said sets of wheels bein bodily removable from and replaceable 1n said machine; means for preventing unauthorized resetting of said sets of numeral wheels when i remove from the machine; and means whereby the preventing means is automatically released when the wheels are replaced in operative position in the machine.

71. In a mail marking machine the combination of an impression member; a printing member cooperating with said impression member; mechanism for directing mail matter between the impression and printing members to receive impressions; a set of numeral wheels; means for operating said numeral wheels by and from the'printing member; said printing member and wheels being bodily removable from the machine and replaceable therein; means to prevent shifting of said numeral wheels when removed from the machine; and means whereby the said means is automatically released when the printing member and wheels are replaced in operatlve osition in the machine.

72. In a mail marking machine the combination of an impression member; a printing member cooperating with said impression member; mechanism for directing mail matter between the impression and printing members to receive impressions, a set of numeral wheels; means for operating said numeral wheels by and from the printing member; said printing member and numeral wheels being bodily removable from and replaceable in o erative position; mechanism for locking said numeral wheels when they 7 have reached a predetermined amount; means for preventing unauthorized resetting of said numeral wheels when they are removed from the machine; and means whereby the preventing means is automatically released when the printing member and wheels are replaced in operative position m the machine.

73. In mechanisms as set forth in elaim 2,

a printer carrying spindle in the meter provided with a key projecting outside the meter casing; a continually driven shaft in the machine; a member adapted to be driven by said shaft, said member having a slot adapted to be engaged by the said key when the meter is positioned in the machine; and a clutch for connecting this member with the shaft when permitted by the trip mechamsm.

74. In mechanisms as set forth in claim 3, a printer carrying spindle in the meter provided with a key projecting outside the meter casing; a continually driven shaft in the machine; a member adapted to be driven by said shaft, said member having a slot adapted to be engaged by the said key when the meter is positioned in the machine; and a clutch for connecting this member with the shaft when permitted by the trip mechanism.

75. In a mail marking machine the combination of a printing member; feeding ,the locking means is automatically released.

when the wheels are replaced in operative position in the machine.

76. Inmechanism as set forth in claim 8, a second registering mechanism in the meter; and means for operating this second mechanism simultaneously with and by the mechanism for operating the first registeringmechanism.

. In mechanisms as set forth in claim 8,

a printer carrying spindle in the meter provided with a key projecting outside the meter casing; a continually driven shaft in the machine a member adapted to be driven by said shaft, saidmember having a slot adapted to be engagedby the said key when the meter is positioned in the machine; and

a clutch for connecting this member with the shaft when permitted by the trip mech- 12o anism.

78. In mechanism as set forth in claim 76, means whereby access cannot be had to either registering mechanism except through a related opening in the meter casing.

79. Inmechanisms as setflforth Iiln claim 12, a rinter carrying spin e in t e me er providhd with a key, projecting outside the meter casing; a continually driven shaft n the machine; a member adapted to be driven 180 by said shaft, said member having a slot adapted to be engaged by the said key when the meter is positioned in the machine; and a clutch. for connecting this member with the-shaft when permitted by the trip mechanism. p i

80. In mechanism as set forth in claim 12, a second registering mechanism in the meter; and means foroperating this second mechanism simultaneously with and by the mechanism for operating the first registering mechanism. y

81. In mechanisms as set forth in claim 14, a rinter carrying spindle in the meter provi ed with a key projecting outside the meter casing; a continually drlven shaft in the machine; a member adapted to be driven b said shaft, said member having a slot adapted to be engaged by the said key when the meter is positioned in the machine; and a clutch for connecting this member with the shaft when permitted by the trip mechanism.

82. In mechanism as set forth in claim 80, means whereby access cannot be had to either registering mechanism except through a related opening in the meter casing.

83. In mechanism as set forth in c aim 13, a second registering mechanism in the meter; and means for operating this second mechanism simultaneously with and by the mechanism for operating the first registering mechanism.

8 4. In mechanism as set forth in claim 83; separate doors in the meter casing permitting access to the respective registering mechanisms, and means whereby access cannot be had to either registering mechanism except through its own door.

85. In a machine of the character specified having means for feeding letters past a printing point; a continuously driven shaft; a printer driving member; clutch means for connecting said member to said shaft; means for arresting this member. at each revolution thereof; a trip adapted to be actuated by letters passing through the machine; and means controlled by the trip for releasing the clutch and permitting the said member to rotate once for each letter passing through .the machine; with a removable printer having a key on its spindle adapted to engage a corresponding slot in the said printer driving member when the meter is placed in the machine.

86. In a machine of the character specifiedhaving means for feeding letters past a printing point; a continuously driven shaft; a member adapted to be driven by said shaft and having a slot in its upper end; clutch means for connecting said member with said shaft; means for arresting this member after each revolution thereof; a trip adapted to be actuated by letters passing through the machihe; and means controlled by the trip for releasing the clutch and permitting the said member to rotate once for each letter passing through the machine; with a meter carrying a rinter and registering mechanism, said printer having a key on its spindle adapted to engage the corresponding slot in said member when the meter is placed in the machine.

87. In a machine of the character specified, a printer, a notched disk on the printer, a latch adapted to engage the notch in said disk to lock the printer; a 5 ring adapted to cause the latch to engage t e notch; and a pin adapted to hold the latch out of engagement with the notch when the printer is in position in the machine.

88. In a machine of the character specified, a removable meter carrying a printer, a notched disk on the printer, a latch in the meter adapted to engage the notch in the disk to Ice the printer; a spring adapted to cause the latch to engage the notch when the meter is removed from the machine; and a pin attached to the machine adapted to hold the latch out of engagement with the notch when the meter is in position in the machine.

89. In a machine of the character specified, a meter carrying a printer, a notched disk on the printer spindle, a latch pivoted in the meter and having a tooth ada ted to engage the said notched disk and loc the printer; a pin engaging said latch, a spring adapted to pro'ect the pin and cause the latch to engage t e notch when the meter is removed from the machine and a pin attached to the machine'and adapted to enter the meter casing and engage the pin therein and hold the latch out of engagement with the notch when the meter is in position in the machine.

90. In a machine of the character specified a meter, a registering mechanism therein, and a member adapted to lock the numeral wheels and having a finger; a lever pivoted in the meter casing having a cam engaged by said finger; a printer; means for operating the registering numeral wheels one point for each operation of the printer; and means operated by said lever whereby when the reglstering mechanism has made a predetermined number of operations further operations of the printer are prevented; with a resetting lever connected with the cam lever and inclosed within the meter casing, said resetting lever being only accessible when the meter casing is opened.

91. In mechanism as set forth in claim 90, a locking lever in the casing adapted to engage the resetting lever when the locking mem er locks the numeral wheels, substantially as described.

92. In mechanism as set forth in claim 90, auxiliary means for locking the printer when the meter is removed from the machine, substantially as described.

i printer;

93. In mechanism as set forth in claim 91, auxiliary means for locking the printer when the meter is removed from the machine, substantially as described.

94. n a machine of the character s ecified, a meter, a registering mechanism t erein having a series of numeral wheels and a notched disk connected with each wheel; a locking plate adapted to engage the notches in the disks when allof the numeral wheels are at zero and lock the registering mechanism, a lever pivoted in the meter casing provided with a cam slot, said lockin plate having a finger adapted to engage said cam slot; a printer connected with the meter; means for operating the registering numeral wheels one point for each rotation of the and means connected with said lever whereby when the registering mechanism has made a predetermined number of operations further rotation of the printer is prevented; with a resetting lever connected with the cam lever and inclosed within the meter casing, said resetting lever being only accessible when the meter casin is o ened.

95. In mechanism as set fort in c aim94, a locking lever in the casing adapted to enga e the looking or resetting lever when the loo ing plate locks the numeral wheels, substantially as described.

96. In mechanism as set forth in claim 94, auxiliary means for locking the printer when the meter is removed from the machine, substantially as described.

97 In mechanism as set forth in claim 95, auxiliary means for locking the printer when the meter is removed from the machine, substantially as described.

98. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 90, an indicator within the meter casing and connections between the indicator and the numeral wheel locking means whereby the indicator is shifted and held in osition to indicate either the charged or discl iarged condition of the registerlng mechanism.

99. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 91, an indicator within the meter casing and connections between the indicator and the numeral wheel locking means whereby the indicator is shifted and held in position to indicate either the charged or discharged condition of the registering mechanism.

100. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 92, an indicator within the meter casing and connections between the indicator and the numeral wheel lockin means whereby the indicator is shifted and held in position to indicate either the charged or discharged condition of the registering mechanism. I

101. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 94, an indicator within the meter casing and connections between the indicator and the numeral wheel locking means whereby the indicator is shifted and held in position to indicate either the char ed or discharged condition of the registering mechanism.

102. In combination with mechanism as set forth in claim 95, an indicator within the meter casing and connections between the indicator and the numeral wheel locking means whereby the indicator is shifted and held in osition to indicate either the charged or discharged condition of the registerln mechanism.

103. n mechanism as set forth in claim 16, a second registering mechanism in the meter; and means for operating this second mechanism simultaneously with and by the mechanism for operating the first registering mechanism.

104. In mechanism as set forth in claim 18, a second registering mechanism in the meter; and means for operating this second mechanism simultaneously with and by the mechanism for operating the first registering mechanism.

105. In mechanism as set forth in claim 103, means whereby access cannot be had to either registering mechanism except through .a related opening in the meter casing.

106. In mechanism as set forth in claim 16, a second registering mechanism in the meter casing; means for operating this second mechanism simultaneously with and by the mechanism for operating the first registering mechanism; separate doors in the meter casing ermitting access to the respective registering mechanisms, and means whereby access cannot be had to either registering mechanism except through its own oor.

107. In mechanism as set forth in claim 18, 'a second registering mechanism in the meter casing; means for operating this second mechanism simultaneously with and by the mechanism for operating the first registering mechanism; separate doors in the meter casing permitting access to the respective registering mechanisms, and means whereby access cannot be had to either registering mechanism except through its own oor.

108. In mechanisms as set forth in claim 28, a second registering mechanism in the meter casing;.and means for operatin this second mechanism simultaneously wit and by the mechanism for operating the first registering mechanism.

109. In mechanism as set forth in claim 34, a second registering mechanism in the meter casing; and means for operating this second mechanism simultaneously with and b the mechanism for operating the first registering mechanism.

110. In mechanism as set forth in claim 28, a second registering mechanism in the

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