Paper ruling machine, Cartwright's printworks, Willenhall

Description:The machine probably dated from the late 19th century and was made from teak. It would create lined paper, such as ledgers, notebook paper, graph paper, etc., using brass or steel pen tips and water based ink. Sheets of paper can be seen on the belt under the machine.

The following is extracted from a description of a similar machine's process:
"Pen ruling machine. Paper is fed into the machine upon a revolving blanket and is kept in position by a number of fine cords. For struck work the paper travels along until it is checked by an automatic device known as the gate. The gate retains and releases the paper in such a manner that it reaches the pens at the correct moment. The paper is then carried under pens fed with ink which rest lightly on it and mark it. When it reaches the far end of the machine the sheet of paper passes around a roller down onto a second set of cords which revolve beneath the top blanket and carry the sheet back the full length of the machine. The paper then passes downwards round a roller and is then conveyed by a second revolving blanket to the far end of the machine, where it is delivered by the lay-boy into the box."

Source: (http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/)