Patent GB-190114978-A (GB)
Title: Improvements relating to Type-matrix or Die Composing and Line-casting Machines.
Inventor: ROGERS JOHN RAPHAEL
Filed: 1901-07-23
Granted: 1901-10-05
Abstract: 14,978. Rogers, J. R. July 23. . Linotype machines. -Relates to improvements in the machine described in Specification No. 13,168, A.D. 1899, in which the matrices are suspended from endless guides which converge and again diverge, so that the matrices can be assembled together in a line, and again separated after the linotype has been cast. The matrices Y, Fig. 1<a>, are formed with eyes y by which they are suspended from their r guidewires, one such wire being reserved for each class of matrix. The matrix cavity y' is formed in one edge, and in the opposite edge is a recess y<3>, which is concerned in the accurate alignment of the matrix cavities at the casting-point. The space-bars Z, Fig. 1 are suspended on their guidewires by eyes z<1>, and are expanded to justify the compound line by lifting the lower wedge portions Z<2>. They are provided with lugs z<3> to enable the lower portions to be drawn down to loosen the line after casting. For the greater part of their length, i.e., from a point beneath the keyboard D, Fig. 1, round to the highest point A<1> of their course, the guide-wires are arranged in two parallel vertical tiers, separated by a distance just sufficient to enable the matrices to pass between them. Different matrices are thus suspended at different heights, but they are made of such length that the cavities y' are all in line when assembled. From the point A' the guide-wires diverge to various distances to right and left, so as to constitute a magazine in which each set of matrices is clear of the others. At the position of maximum divergence, each wire A is provided with an escapement device E, Fig. 30, consisting of two verticallyguided pawls e, e<1> actuated by wires d from the keyboard, so as to allow one matrix to escape each time a key is depressed. The escapements are all carried on a curved supporting - bar d<2>. The released matrices slide by gravity down the converging wires to a point beneath the keyboard, where they enter the aforesaid narrow channel one behind the other, and thus form a closely-crowded line. In order to build up the tiers of guide-wires, each wire is brazed to a series of laterally-extending plates or lugs, which are separated by washers and are bolted together by vertical bolts C, which also secure them to rigid top and bottom frames a<4>. The leading matrix is arrested by stop fingers until the composition of a line is complete, when the fingers are withdrawn by turning the operating- handle i<1>. The handle at the same time actuates a single-revolution clutch, and sets the main shaft X of the machine in motion. A grooved guide K, mounted above the top frame a<4>, encloses an endless chain, from which extends downwards a carrier finger, the function of which is to sweep the assembled line along the guide-wires to the casting-point, and thence to the point A', their further progress along the diverging wires being due to gravity. The chain is driven by a sprocketwheel l, the shaft of which receives intermittent motion through the medium of a cam-actuated clutch. In order to keep the leading matrices from dropping forward at their lower ends before the corner A<2> is turned, a yielding resistant is provided for the lower ends. The resistant consists of an endless chain free to move but for the. friction in its channel, and having laterallyprojecting fingers, with one of which the foot of the leading matrix engages. The line of matrices is brought to rest for the purpose of casting the linotype just after it has passed the second corner A<3>, the line being then opposite the melting-pot S. Fig. 14 4 shows the position in which the finger J comes to rest, the ascending line of matrices Y being clamped between an anvil O and the slotted mould-block P. The line is confined endwise between the finger J, which is locked by a jaw or abutment R, and a projection from the mould face, which projection may conveniently be formed integrally with one of the mould liners, as shown at Q, Fig. 22. The abutment R is moved aside to admit the line, and then closes against the back of the finger J. Fig. 24 shows in section (looking downwards from the rear) the melting-pot S, mould P, and anvil O. The anvil is formed with a longitudinal rib o, which enters the recesses y' in the rear edges of the matrices. A slide o' is formed with a lip which pushes the feet of the matrices upwards so as to align them truly on the rib o. A second slide T is provided with a lip t which loosely engages with the lugs z<3>, Fig. 1<b>, of the space bars. The slide T is operated by a stepped cam, which causes it to expand the line by a. series of light taps or blows, with a slight withdrawal on each occasion, the space bars being thus enabled to take up their proper positions in the expanded line without risk of bending. The slotted mould P, in which the linotype is cast, is carried by a vibrating arm p, which is adapted to recede slightly from the matrices at the same time that the melting-pot swings backward after casting, and then to turn downwards and forwards through an angle of about 45‹, so as to bring the mould slot into the vertical position. As the mould swings downwards, it passes a stationary trimming-knife U, Fig.,25, which trims the base of the slug, and the linotype is then ejected towards the left by a reciprocating blade, which forces it between the vertical trimming-knives V into a galley B, Fig. 1. The melting-pot S is formed with a perforated delivery throat s, Fig. 24, which communicates with a well s', in which moves the fluted plunger s<2>. The flutings constitute multiple admission ports for the metal when the plunger is raised. The assembling, distributing, aligning, and clamping devices are adapted, not only for use in the casting- machine described above, but also in machines in which dies in relief are employed to indent characters in lead, papier mÔchÚ. &c., so as to produce line matrioes, from which linotypes can be cast.