John Farran

Title: Innovations by John Farran

Introduction

John Farran is an accomplished inventor based in Eastleigh, GB. He is known for his innovative contributions to the field of paper cutting mechanisms. With a focus on efficiency and cost reduction, Farran has developed a unique approach to cutting single thickness paper and similar sheet materials.

Latest Patents

Farran holds a patent for a mechanism designed for cutting single thickness paper or like sheet material. This paper shear mechanism consists of a guillotine featuring a fixed blade and a pivoted blade. The cutting edge of the fixed blade is concavely curved, allowing the paper to assume a corresponding curvature as it is fed between the blades. This design provides longitudinal rigidity during the cutting operation. The pivoted blade is constructed from a composite structure, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs. It includes a cutting section stamped from flexible sheet steel shim, which provides a cutting edge with the desired nip angle. The flexible steel section is spot welded to a mild steel backing member, with an elongated spring member sandwiched between the two. This spring member has several spring teeth that exert a force along the length of the flexible section, deflecting its cutting edge laterally towards the fixed blade. This design ensures that contact between the cutting edges is maintained along the length of a cut, while also providing relief between the facing surfaces of the two blades. A sheet feeding apparatus with a correspondingly curved cross-section to the fixed blade feeds the paper web to the shear mechanism. A single motor serves to feed the paper during forward rotation and to operate the paper shear during reverse rotation.

Career Highlights

Farran's career is marked by his work at the International Business Machines Corporation, commonly known as IBM. His innovative designs and patents have contributed significantly to the efficiency of paper cutting technologies.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Farran has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Michael R Hatchett and John S Heath. These collaborations have further enhanced his contributions to the field of invention.

Conclusion

John Farran's innovative mechanisms for cutting paper demonstrate his commitment to improving manufacturing processes. His patent reflects a blend of creativity and practicality, making a significant impact in the industry.