Ruling machine

A machine for mechanically performing the operation of ruling. The sheets to be ruled are fed into the machine as in the case of a cylinder press. They are received on a long revolving web of linen, which carries them to the pens which are fixed on a narrow board. When the paper reaches them they are let down, and the paper moving underneath receives the ink and the lines are formed. The pens are supplied with ink from a wetted woollen or flannel substance above them. The ink used is something like writing ink. Formerly ruling machines were made exclusively of wood, but now they are frequently composed of iron.