Patent GB-190004123-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to Machines for Casting Type-bars from Composed Lines of Matrices.
Inventor: LUCKE FRITZ
Filed: 1900-03-03
Granted: 1900-11-03
Abstract: 4123. Lucke, F. Mirch 3. Linotype machines.-Relates to machines for casting type-bars from composed lines of matrices. The mechanism for assembling the matrices in line by operating a keyboard, and also for distributing the matrices after the type-bar has been cast, constitute no part of the invent i o n. Fig. 11 shows in side elevation one of the matrices employed in the machine,and Fig. 12 shows one of the space bars. Each matrix body 63 is formed with several matrix cavities 63<a> bearing the same character engraved in several different varieties of type, which are not necessarily of the same height. Fig. 21 indicates three such varieties, in either of which the complete line may be cast. The space-bars consist of three parts, the wedge-shaped inner portion 68 serving to separate the outer parts 66 in the process of justifying the line. The heads 67 of the parts 66 are identical in shape with the matrices. The line of assembled matrices and space-bars descends an incline 113, Fig. 3, and is transferred by a hand-operated pusher 114 into a rotary carrier 6, Figs. 1 and 3. Fig. 1 shows the matrices in the casting position, the carrier 6 having turned through 90‹ from the point a at which it received them. The carrier 6 is mounted eccentrically within the casting-ring 3, which is provided with slots 4 of various sizes in which the type-bars are cast. The carrier 6 and casting-ring 3 are geared together by the teeth 60 and 5, and therefore rotate together ; but, owing to the eccentric position of the carrier 6, they can be disengaged by turning them sufficiently to bring the non-toothed portion of the carrier to the left-hand side of Fig. 1. They can be adjusted so as to bring any one of the three rows of matrix-cavities opposite any one of the slots 4, so as to cast a type-bar of the desired height and fount. On re-engaging the carrier and casting-ring, their relative position will be maintained until some fresh variety of type-bar is required. To facilitate this adjustment, the carrier and casting- ring may be provided with teeth adapted to engage with bevel-wheels on a shaft and its surrounding sleeve respectively. Means are provided which enable the shaft and sleeve to be turned by hand independently, or to be locked together when required, and after the adjustment is complete both bevel-wheels may be disengaged so as not to turn idly during the operation of the machine. Within the casing in which the casting-ring 3 rotates is a toothed ring driven by pinion, wheel, and worm from the main driving-shaft of the machine. This ring makes a single revolution when started by a hand-lever, and then comes to rest. During this revolution, it gives an intermittent movement to the casting-ring 3 and carrier 6, first transferring the matrices to the casting-point b, and then to the ejection-point c. Locking-devices are provided for the casting-ring or for the carrier, so as to accurately position them when at rest. The following operations take place at the casting-point b :-The cam 29 depresses the lever 34 so as to operate the lever 37 and cam 38 through the medium of an extensible link 35. The cam 38 forces outwards a sliding plate 39, so as to wedge it between the bevelled ends of two curved slides 61, of which the opposite ends 62, Fig. 17, are thus forced inwards so as to grip the matrices and space-bars and press them firmly against the mouth of the slot 4 in the casting-ring 3. At the same time the left-hand end of an internal curved slide 64 is forced against the space-bar wedges so as to expand the space bars and justify the line. The cam 24 now operates the lever 22 and pump 15, molten type-metal being forced through one of the slots 13 in the adjustable melting pot nozzle 12 into the mould slot 4. A further quarter-revolution of the casting-ring and carrier now brings the cast type-bar and the matrices to the ejection point c, the eccentricity of the carrier 6 causing the matrices to separate slightly from the type-bar. The following operations take place at the point c :-The toothed wheel 74, Fig. 3, forces the rack-bar 75 towards the left, pushing the line of matrices into an upwardly-directed chute 77, along which they are carried by chains 81 to the distributing-mechanism. The trough 97 is brought beneath the type-bar, which is transferred to it by an ejecting-blade 92, the sides of the type-bar being trimmed by suitable knife-edges in the process of ejection. The rack-bar is now released, and is returned to the right by a cord and weight, and the hinged bottom 98 of the trough 97 drops sufficiently to discharge the type-bar to a galley. The revolution of the toothed ring which actuates the casting-ring and carrier is now complete, and they are released, a weight 115 and cord 117 serving to return them through the necessary half-revolution to the starting point a, at which a fresh line of matrices is to be introduced. To prevent wear of the matrices by the action of the slides 61 and 64, a spring casing 118, Fig. 19, may be provided, which communicites the necessary pressure to the matrices and space-bars, but minimizes the wear. A spring-controlled plate 119 in the casing 118 transfers the pressure from the slide 64 to the space-bar wedges 68, during justification. The casting-ring 3 may be replaced by a mould-block carried by a vertically-moving rack. The rack is raised after the type-bar is cast, and the type-bar is ejected by a horizontally-moving blade.