Apparatus for cutting off pieces from wire comb binding material

An apparatus with a cutting device for the cutting of pieces of a wire comb binding material for the binding of packs of sheets having marginal perforation, wherein the pieces cut off have a selectable number of teeth, comprising:

• (a) a vertical frame;
• (b) a guide for said material mounted on said frame;
• (c) a first shaft mounted for rotation on said frame and above said guide;
• (d) a conveying wheel mounted on one end of said shaft and fixed thereto and having conveying teeth conforming in pitch to said selectable number of teeth and in cooperative relationship with said guide;
• (e) a toothed wheel mounted on the other end of said first shaft and fixed thereto;
• (f) a brake mounted on said first shaft between said conveying wheel and said toothed wheel;
• (g) a second shaft mounted for rotation on said frame and above said first shaft defining a power shaft with sufficient force to overcome said brake;
• (h) a sector gear wheel mounted and fixed thereto on one end of said second shaft, said sector gear wheel comprising a given number of teeth only in a sector of adjustable central angle, while, in the remaining sector, it has a radial extent, which is too small for an engagement of said toothed wheel, said given number of teeth driving said toothed wheel only when engaged therewith;
• (i) cut off means mounted for reciprocation in a vertical plane on said frame incooperation with an end of said guide;
• (j) a cam mounted on the other end of said second shaft with the cam surface thereof positioned at a central angle different from said given number of teeth and engaging said cut off means when said sector gear wheel is disengaged from said toothed wheel;
• and
• (k) a pivoted catch element engaging said conveying teeth and engaging said cam surface for preventing feed of said material during cut off.