Electric punch

An electric punch whereby a plurality of spaced apart holes can be punched in stacked sheets of paper, comprising punching block means defining a plurality of spaced apart female punching elements and means for supporting paper in a predetermined position overlying said female punching elements, a male punching element for each female punching element movable axially downwardly into and upwardly out of the female punching element, a solenoid for each male punching element, and a plunger for each solenoid that is magnetically attracted into the solenoid upon electrical energization thereof, said punch being characterized by:

• A. a plurality of elevating arms, one for each male punching element, each said elevating arm
• (1) having at one end thereof a pivotal connection with said punching block means about which the elevating arm is swingable up to and down from a defined raised position,
• (2) having at its other end a connection with one of said plungers whereby the elevating arm is swung down from said position by energization of the solenoid for the plunger, and
• (3) having intermediate its ends a connection with its male punching element whereby the latter is moved axially up and down by up and down swinging of the elevating arm;
• B. a first coil spring for each of said elevating arms, each said first coil spring having a lower end engaging said punching block means and an upper end at all times engaging its elevating arm to yieldingly bias the same to said position;
• and
• C. a second coil spring for each elevating arm, each said second coil spring
• (1) being stronger than the first coil spring for its operating arm,
• (2) having a lower end engaged with said punching block means, and
• (3) being of such length that its upper end is spaced from said elevating arm when the latter is in said position but is engaged by the elevating arm as the latter swings down from said position.