Patent GB-189918228-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Linotype Machines.
Inventor: LOCK WILLIAM HENRY
Filed: 1899-09-09
Granted: 1900-09-08
Abstract: 18,228. Lock, W. H., and Wich, F. J. Sept. 9. Linotype machines.-Relates to improvements in the Mergenthaler linotype machine (Specification No. 14,582, A.D. 1890). The improvements comprise (1) means for automatically adjusting the assembler gong and line shifter to correspond with an adjustment of the vice jaws, when varying the length of the linotype to be cast, and (2) an improved detent for holding the vice screw. Figs. 1 and 2 constitute a single front elevational view divided at the line A-B, and showing the matrixcarrying belt H, assembly box I, transporter N, vice frame P, and vice jaws p<1>, p<2>, of which the latter is the fixed jaw. The sliding resistant J, which is forced towards the left as the matrices are assembled in the box I, and the shifting fingers L, L<1>, are also shown in Fig. 2. The face of the vice block P carries a scale of "ems," over which moves an index piece 21 carried by the nut p<85> through which the adjusting vice screw p<3> passes. The distance apart of the jaws can thus be adjusted by observation of the scale. From the nut p<85> a rod 1 extends towards the right, and is continued by a rod 2, with which it has an open slot-and-pin connection at 4 so as to enable the vice frame to be swung downwards when access to the casting-mechanism is necessary. The rod 2 is adapted to slide in supports 5, 6 on the machine frame, and it carries a plate 9 on which is mounted the alarm gong 8, hammer 11, and trip-lever 13. The lever 13 is actuated by a dog 7 on the assembler bar j, which extends from the resistant J. The position of the gong being thus determined by the adjustment of the nut p<85> and vice jaws p<1>, the alarm will always be given with the same margin in which the operator can close the line. The rod 2 also carries a stop 18 against which a bracket 17 on the bar j abuts when the resistant J is at its extreme left-hand position. A stop 19 limits the right hand movement of the bar j. A slot 25, Figs. 2 and 5, is formed in the front plate of the assembly box, and through this slot a rearwardly-bent arm 26 is adapted to pass when the assembly box is in its lowest position. The arm 26 constitutes a stop limiting the right-hand movement of the shifter finger L, which always tends to close against the opposite finger L<1>. The stop 26 thus spaces the fingers the width of a line apart, and relieves the resistant J from the work of forcing the finger L to the left as the line is assembled. The stop 26 is secured to a sleeve 27 pivoted on the rod 1 and moving longitudinally therewith. A spring 29 serves to project the arm 26 through the slots 25, but, when the assembly box rises on the completion of a line, the surface 37 forces the arm outwards, in which position it is locked by a pair of spring catches 30. These catches are released by the contact of a plate 36 with a bar 31 as the box I returns for the assembly of a new line. In a modification, the catches 30 are dispensed with, the arm 26 being held back by a vertical plate on the front of the assembly box as the latter rises. The improved detent for the vice screw consists of a rod 50, Fig. 1, having a knob or handle 52, and adapted to engage in any one of a series of notches p<71> as described in Specification No. 8228, A.D. 1898. The rod 50 is held either clear of the notches p<71>, or in engagement therewith, by a spring locking-bolt 53, which engages with one or other of the sockets 55, 56 in the rod 50. Reference is made in the Provisional Specification to Specification No. 1355, A.D. 1896.