Patent GB-190718201-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to Matrix-distributing Machines.
Inventor: BELLOWS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Filed: 1907-08-12
Granted: 1908-01-09
Abstract: 18,201. Bellows, B. F. Aug. 16, 1906, [date applied for under Patents Act, 1901]. Linotype and like machines.- Relates to matrix-distributing mechanism of the kind described in Specification No. 22,994, A.D. 1904, in which there is a system of distributing-channels forking successively from a single channel or throat and controlled by switches operated in groups by electro-mechanical connexion with pairs of devices moved by a perforated matrix. (1) The line of matrices 1, Fig. 1, is advanced on the rail 3 by means of a spring - actuated presserbar 88 on a slide 87, and the end matrix passes off the rail 3 into engagement with a vertical guide-rib 89, for transfer by a slide 65 into a cage 60, which advances so that the matrix perforations set the pairs of switch-controlling rods 55, and then returns, pausing momentarily for discharge of the matrix into the throat 5 by an ejector slide 56, all as described in the prior Specification. The slides 56, 65 and a slide 63 carrying the cage 60 are all actuated by means'of cams on a shaft 80, Fig. 3, and springs. The throat 5 is covered, normally, by a slide 66 connected with a finger 68 on the cage slide 63 by an elongated notch, so that the throat is uncovered when the cage advances to the rods 55, and remains uncovered until the matrix is ejected. The advance of the presser-bar 88 is limited by means of a projecting finger and a fixed stop. (2) Mechanical elements only are used in the connexions between the rods 55 and the switches 9. Each pair of rods 55 is associated with a rocker 22, Fig. 3, through levers 20, 21 and links 23, 24. A fixed vertical pin 58, Fig. 1, is located in elongated notches in the adjacent faces of the rods 55 to limit the movement of the rods in either direction. Each rocker 22 is associated with a row of switches 9, which, as described in the prior Specification, are mounted on rock-shafts 12 and arranged a single switch at the top, two switches in the second row, four switches in the third row, and so on, the two switches in the second row being connected by arms 13 on the rock-shafts 12 and a cross-piece 18, and the switches in the lower rows being connected by the arms 13 and notched cross-pieces 1'7 of swinging frames 16. The rocker for the top switch is connected to the rock-shaft 12, the rocker for the second row is connected to the rock-shaft 12 of one of the two switches, and the rockers for the lower rows are each attached to a rock-shaft 25 connected by an arm 26 to an ear 19 on the corresponding frame 16. The matrix only moves the rods 55 far enough to displace the switches slightly past the central position, and the displacement is completed by independent mechanism, comprising V-shaped fingers 33 connected one with each row of switches, and cooperating V-shaped fingers 32 on a bar 30 actuated by means of a cam 37 on the shaft 80 and a spring 38. The upper finger 33 is directly secured on the rocker 22. The fingers 33 for the second and two bottom rows of switches are each formed on a lever 34 pivoted on the framing and connected by a slot and pin to the cross-pieces 18, 17. The fingers 33 of the other rows are secured on the parts 17. (3) Means is provided for discharging matrices of wrong fount. Each matrix is provided in its front edge with a fount-distinguishing notch 44, Fig. 1, the notches being in different positions for different founts. A pin 79 on an adjustable extension 78 of an arm 75 of a spring-retained rock-shaft 74 is set to pass into the notches of the matrices of the normal fount, and consequently matrices of other founts will strike the pin 79 and rock the shaft 74. The shaft 74 is provided with an arm 77 normally holding down a dog 73 on a slide 71 against the action of a spring 71<a>, and when the shaft 74 is rocked, the dog 73 rises into the path of the cage 60, and the slide 71 is pushed back, against the action of the spring 71<a>, when the cage returns to receive the matrix. Normally, the slide 71 forms the bottom of the cage at the receiving position, beyond the slide 66, so that, when the slide 71 is pushed back, the matrix falls through the cage, preferably into a channel 4 beside the throat 5. The rock-shaft 74 is provided with a third arm 76 engaged, normally, by the cage to withdraw the pin 79 from a normal matrix, to release the latter for transfer. The spaces are provided with elongated notches so that they can be used with matrices of any fount.