Patent GB-189824012-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Linotype Machines.
Inventor: LOCK WILLIAM HENRY
Filed: 1898-11-15
Granted: 1899-11-11
Abstract: 24,012. Lock, W. H., [Mergenthaler Linotype Co.]. Nov. 15. Linotype machines.-The matrices employed in this machine are of the form shown in Fig. 20, each matrix A bearing a number of intaglio characters a and a corresponding number of aligning-notches a<1>. One end is formed with a notch having distributing-teeth a<2>. The matrices are held in inclined channels converging to the assembly point, and are released one at a time by escapements operated by the keys. The keys are arranged in a series of vertical and horizontal rows. All the keys in the same vertical row release a matrix from the same channel, but at the same time each key causes the protrusion of a stop into the path of the descending matrix, the position of the stop determining the character which will be presented on the line of alignment. Fig. 5 shows a matrix A bearing ten characters arrested by the third of the ten stops F, F<1>, F<2>, &c. The same stop is actuated by all the keys in the same horizontal row. The matrix is pushed laterally towards the left by a reciprocating pusher, and the notch a<1> beneath the selected character engages with an aligning-bar c<1> on the bed-plate c, Fig. 16, a line of selected characters being thus built up by the successive operation of the keys. The space-bars B consist of tapered steel bars having a notched perforation b at one end. They are arranged in two independent series, projecting inwardly from opposite sides of the bed-plate, and are free to travel on guiding-rods b<1>. Two spacekeys are provided on a rocking-lever, and are pressed alternately so as to cause the release of a space-bar from each side in turn by lifting it over the projection b<2>. In Fig. 16 a completed line of matrices with five space-bars is shown assembled in the bed-plate c. The leading matrix is supported by and pushes forward a yielding bar, not shown in Fig. 16, and on the completion of a line this bar is removed by hand and is used to sweep the whole line on to a table I adapted to rise and fall and furnished with an aligning-bar i<9> which can be withdrawn flush with the table. The space-bars pass from the rods b<1> on to supports l, which are subsequently moved inwards by their supporting- arms L so as to justify the line by expanding it against end abutments i', i<3>, of which i<2> (indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 10) is fixed, and i<3> is adapted to rise after the assembled line has passed over it. The table is caused to rise by the operation of a cam-actuated lever i<4>, Fig. 14, and the assembled line is pressed tightly against the underside of a mould-wheel M, having a mould cell extending through it open on one side to the matrices and on the other to the melting-pot N, which supplies molten metal by means of the cam-actuated pump n<3>. After the linotype has been cast the table descends, and the mould-wheel carries the linotype beneath a sliding blade R, which ejects it from the mould cavity. During the descent of the table the aligning bar i<9>, Fig. 16, is depressed sufficiently to clear the aligning-notches a<1> and allow the matrices to slip back until their shoulders a<3>, Fig. 20, are arrested by it. A carrier V attached to a cord and sliding in a guide u<1>, Figs. 8 and 14, now descends, and its toothed and spring-controlled jaws u engage with the notches in the matrix. The carrier passes beneath the space-bars B, which are once more in the inclined position shown in Fig. 16. The aligning-bar i<9> is now completely withdrawn, and the matrices are carried upwards en bloc, leaving the space-bars behind. The matrices are subsequently transferred from the carrier V to a distributer rail and feed-screws of the type described in Specification No. 14,582, A.D. 1890, being fed thence to their proper magazine channels. The space-bars are returned to their original position by means of a pair of hooked arms which transfer them from the supports l, Fig. 19, to the upper extensions bx of the rods b<1>, and ultimately cause them to join the group behind the retaining- projections b<2>.