Patent GB-189905227-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Automatic Type Distributing Apparatus.
Inventor: FRASER ALEXANDER
Filed: 1899-03-09
Granted: 1899-07-08
Abstract: 5227. Fraser, A., and Rose, F. March 9. Type, distributing.-Relates to apparatus such as is described in Specification No. 8504, A.D. 1894, by which the types are distributed by the operation of feeler or selecting mechanism co-operating with nicks in the types. Figs. 3 and 3<B> show vertical sections of the machine at different parts of its length, and Figs. 7 and 7<A> details of the means for selecting and advancing the types. The column or page of types a<7> is placed in a galley A with the lines in vertical position, and is moved along by cords and a spring drum &c. so that the end line is brought into line with the line channel B. The end line is pushed forward into the line channel by a pusher B<3> operated by an eccentric B<4> on a shaft C. The shaft C is caused to make a revolution and operate the pusher B<3> when the level of the types in the channel B is sufficiently reduced to permit of another line being pushed into the channel. This is effected automatically by clutch mechanism actuated from a follower resting on the line, the follower being raised automatically before the fresh line is pushed forward. The types are successively pushed out from the bottom of the line channel by a pusher B' on a slide B' reciprocated by a rod b<4> and cam or eccentric on a shaft driven from the shaft H. To prevent more than one type from being ejected at one time, a series of thin superposed presser plates press the types against a fixed block attached to the baseplate 4. The plates are withdrawn from the types when the pusher B<1> returns by a cam-operated lever 9. The types are steadied as they are ejected by a spring finger 15 on a camoperated lever 16. The ejected type lies alongside two blocks 20, and is held down by a spring finger 21 until the selecting-mechanism acts upon it. The part 1 forming one side of the line channel is hinged at 2 to facilitate access to the channel. On this side 1 is fitted a removable slip of glass a' through which the types in the channel may be seen. The types are advanced step-by-step along a platform F by means of the selecting-mechanism, which comprises jaws P<1> fixed to a bar P and feeler grippers J<1> pivoted on a bar J alongside the bar P. The bars P and J have a rising and falling and also longitudinal motion, so that they descend, with the feeler grippers open, Fig. 7, on to the platform F, and then move to carry all the types along it one step. They have also a relative longitudinal motion to close the grippers on to the types, so that all the grippers J' of which the feelers do not correspond with the types grip the latter and hold them while the platform F descends. The platform in descending carries with it those types which have nicks corresponding with the feelers, and were consequently not gripped by them (see Fig. 7<A>). These types are pushed laterally on the platform F, by a rubber-faced bar Q<1>, into engagement with an adjustable travelling band or bands k<1>, on rollers K. The bar Q<1> also operates to dress the types when the platform is raised, and holds them against a fixed bar Q while the grippers rise and fall. The space types are distributed first, and are pushed on to the carrying-bands k<1> by a separate pusher, and fingers are provided for holding the types in position on the platform until they reach the bars Q and Q<1>. The bands k<1> carry the types to a set of guide-channels 87 having flared openings, which channels lead to the distributing-channels L along which the types are advanced by pushers L<1> on a bar L<3>. The bars P, J, Q<1> and platform F &c. are actuated by cam and lever &c. mechanisms from the driving-shaft H.