Patent GB-190315044-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Linotype Machines.
Inventor: LOCK WILLIAM HENRY
Filed: 1903-07-07
Granted: 1904-02-16
Abstract: 15,044. Lock, W. H., [Mergenthaler Linotype Co.]. July 7. Linotype machines.-Relates to machines of the kind described in Specification No. 14,582, A.D. 1890. The matrices are delivered from an inclined, fixed magazine through guide-channels E to an inclined belt F, whence they pass into a fixed assembler G. A wheel H, commonly known as the star-wheel, pushes the matrices forward. As the matrices are assembled, they are held in compact order by a finger j pivoted to an assembler slide J and lying in the path of the matrices, so that, as the line elongates, it pushes the slide and finger forward ; the advance of the slide is resisted by a spring. A gripping-lever j<2> prevents the slide from moving backwards while the matrices are being assembled. The assembled line is pushed from the assembler through a fixed channel K, into the channelled upper end of a vertically movable slide L, which then carries the line to the casting level and afterwards lifts it to the assembling level. The line is next pushed horizontally into the channelled upper end of a second verticallymovable slide, which then carries the line upwards towards the matrix-distributing apparatus. The mechanism for transferring the assembled line to the slides comprises a horizontal slide or carriage O, having at one end a swinging finger o adapted to engage with the rear end of the line of matrices, so that, when the carriage moves forward, the line is pushed from the assembler into the top of the slide L. The finger o is held in its inoperative position by a latch o', which can be lifted by a starting-rod P worked by hand. At the other end of the carriage O is an adjustable finger o<2>; this finger is secured within a groove in the carriage by means of a screw o<3>. A finger o<4> on the carriage serves to push the next preceding matrix line into the second vertically-movable slide. Just before the operation of pushing a line into the slide L, the finger j is swung out of the way by a lever which releases a spring employed for holding the finger in front of the advancing end of the line this lever is actuated by the starting rod P. During the operation of assembling the matrices, the carriage O is prevented from moving forward by a hooked latch engaging with a shoulder on the carriage, but this latch is released, by an arm on the pivot-pin of the finger o, when this finger swings downwards to engage with the line. After a line has been transferred from the assembler to the slide L, the gripping-lever j<2> is released by a lever p<2>, which is actuated by a projection p<1> on the starting-rod P ; the slide J is thus released and returns to its original position. The finger o is raised by means of a fixed rail, which engages with a roller on the finger. The slide L and the second vertically-movable slide are actuated by means of cams on the main shaft Q. The mould T slides within vertical guides t extending from a slide t<1>, which is moved horizontally by means of a cam groove t<3>. After the casting operation, the mould, with the newly-cast linetype, is moved downwards below the pot U, to a position in front of an ejector, which forces the linotype past knives V, and into the galley x. The ejector is pushed forward by a rod w. During the descent of the mould, the basal part of the linotype is trimmed by means of an inclined knife V<1>. The galley carries springs which press against the interior of its case, and an arm on the slide L forces the column of linotypes downwards at every descent of the slide. The pot U is supported by pivoted legs in the usual way ; it falls back, by gravity, when released, and is pushed forward towards the mould by a cam u<1> acting upon a spring-controlled lever u<2>, pivoted to the pot.