Patent GB-110013-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to Casting Machines for Elements of Printing Forms.
IPC: B41B5/12
Filed: 1916-10-04
Abstract: 110,013. Lanston Monotype Corporation, (Lanston Monotype Machine Co.). Oct. 4. 1916. Leads and rules; single-type composing and casting machines convertible into apparatus for producing continuous strip. Relates to apparatus of the kind described in Specification 7202/15 whereby a continuous strip of type metal &c. may be cast in successive increments fused together. By the present invention, the strip may be cast with a printing surface of any desired character on its edge, so as to adapt it, when cut off to length, for forming rules, borders, or the like. The invention is described as being associated with a type-casting machine of the kind described in Specification 8633/99. The matrices for forming the printing surface are mounted in a holder 40, Fig. 5, which is raised to allow the strip to be pushed forward, and lowered when a cast is to be made. The pattern may be varied by bringing the desired matrices successively opposite the mould cavity, the matrix holder being arranged to carry a line of different matrices for this purpose. The positioning is effected by one of the usual diecase-positioning mechanisms. The matrix-carrier is suspended from a head 42, Fig. 5, which is vertically actuated, through a cross-head 46, Fig. 4, and rods 45 passing through a fixed bridge 43, against the action of springs 47. The centring- pin is operated through a cross-head 57, springs 58, and a lower cross-head 55. The usual centring-pin-actuating lever presses downwards on a flange 61<a> on a plunger 59 carrying the crosshead 57. The matrix-carrier cross-head 46 is pressed down at the proper time by the contact of an adjustable collar 63 with the cross-head. To ensure that the matrix carrier is raised during the upstroke of the operating lever, a set-screw 68 is provided in position to contact with the upper side of the lever. To raise the centring-pin clear of the matrix before changing the matrices, a sleeve 62, Fig. 9, is provided having downwardly projecting fingers 66 which may, by turning the sleeve, be put into or out of the path of the operating lever in its upward movement. The mould blade is reciprocated, through a reducing-lever linkage and spring box, from the lever which, when the machine is arranged to cast type, usually operates the cross-block of the mould. To ensure the proper mating of the overlapping part of the matrix with the pattern on the solidified strip when the former is brought down for a cast, the movement of the mould blade is gauged by a wedge abutment set by a micrometer screw. A clamping pressure is applied to the movable wall 34, Fig. 5, of the mould, before casting, by means of an arm attached to the centring-pin-operating lever and acting through a spring and a rod and an arm extending from a screw 80<a> which bears against the movable wall 34. The nut for the screw is provided with a square head 82. The metal strip issuing from the mould passes between the inner face of an inclined knife 29. Fig. 7, and the outer face of a spring-pressed clamp 30 whereby the metal which has escaped through the air vent in the mould may be cleanly severed and the movement of the strip braked. The mould blade is formerl with a slight overhang at the forward top edge so that the strip will be held down by the blade whilst it is being pushed forward.