Patent GB-190112445-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Linotype Machines.
Inventor: THOMPSON WILLIAM PHILLIPS
Filed: 1901-06-18
Granted: 1901-09-07
Abstract: 12,445. Thompson, W. P., [Rogers, J. R.]. June 18. Linotype machines.-Relates to linotype machines in which separate matrices and space-bars are assembled into a line from which the linotype is cast, and are subsequently distributed to the magazine from which they were assembled. Fig. 17 shows one of the matrices employed in the machine. The matrices are all identical with the exception of the character engraved in the matrix cavity z, the distance apart of the faces of the lugs z<3>, which are concerned with the primary distribution, and the size and shape of the notches z<4>, which determine the secondary distribution. The matrices are supported in the magazine on rails C, Figs. 5 and 7, directed downwardly and rearwardly. At the end of each rail C is an escapement device consisting of a rock-shaft E in which is formed a groove E<1>. The rock-shafts bear pinions gearing with toothed sectors e<3>, which are actuated from the keyboard by means of rods or wires e<5>. The groove E<1> receives and releases the leading matrix as the rock-shaft turns, and the matrix falls into a trough or chute G, at the bottom of which runs an endless belt H to expedite the movement of the matrix. The troughs G terminate in tubular chutes g, Figs. 1 and 5, which are flattened and given a quarter turn so as to deliver the matrices upon a belt I, Fig. 1, the direction of which is transverse to that of the belts H. The belt I conveys the matrices to the assembling point, where they are crowded by small rubber rollers into the line assembler J, shown in the plan view, Fig. 38. Expanding space-bars Y, Fig. 44, consisting of wedge-sectioned parts y, y<1>, are supplied to the line by means of a space-key from special magazine rails, which terminate directly over the assembler J. When the composition of a line is completed, the operator transfers it to the line support M, Figs. 1, 38, and 42, by means of the hand-lever B<16>, which at the same time sets the main shaft B in motion for one revolution by actuating a friction clutch. The line support M consists of a metal plate grooved horizontally to receive the matrices z, and provided with an overhanging portion m<2> to hold them securely in place. The line-carrier is adapted to slide vertically on the upper end of its supporting-frame m<4>, and, after the frame m<4> has been swung rearwardly by means of a cam so as to bring the line of matrices against the face of the mould N, Figs. 38 and 42, the line carrier is lifted slightly by means of a cam m<9> and lever m<8> so as accurately to align the matrices by bringing their lower ears into close contact with the under edge of the mould. The mould N consists of a plate slotted horizontally for casting the body of the linotype. The mould is removably mounted in a mould-carrier adapted to reciprocate horizontally in the upper portion of a frame P<8>, which, like the frame m<4>, is adapted to swing about the shaft m<5> under the control of a suitable cam. Two jaws or abutments n, Figs. 38 and 41, extend forward from the face of the mould and serve to limit the expansion of the line in the process of justification, which is effected, as shown in Figs. 41 and 42, by the action of a verticallymoving bar y' on the bottom ends of the space-bars Y. The lower ends of the space-bars are provided with notches y<3>, which are engaged by overhanging lips on the bar y<4> so as to loosen the expanded line when the bar y<4> descends after the casting operation is completed. Justification is effected by a step-by-step movement of the bar y<4>, followed each time by a slight withdrawal, the movement being controlled by a stepped cam y<9> and lever y<6>. The purpose of this action is to prevent bending the space-bars by their frictional contact with the bar y<4> while they are moving laterally during the expansion of the line. At the time the linotype is being cast, the frame p<8> holds the rear face of the mould N in'close contact with the delivery mouth or throat s' of a stationary melting-pot S, provided with a cam-actuated pump s, Fig. 38. After the linotype is cast, the mould moves towards the operator sufficiently far to clear the delivery throat and to break off the slug, and at the same time the line-carrier moves to a position nearer the front of the machine than that in which it received the line from the assembler J. The reciprocating mouldcarrier transfers the mould to the left so as to bring it opposite the flat ejector blade Q, Figs. 1 and 38, which pushes the linotype on to a galley or receiver. The matrices are transferred from the line-carrier to a stationary guide O, Fig. 38, immediately above which is situated at that moment an elevator bar U, Fig. 1, which swings vertically upwards about a shaft u<1> and presents the matrices to the distributer, leaving the space-bars behind. The space-bars are then.returned to their magazine by a slide which sweeps them along supporting- rails. The elevated matrices are transferred by a pusher v on to a horizontal distributer bar V, from which they hang suspended by their lugs z<3>. The matrices are carried along the bar V by two horizontal feed-screws W, which commence as fine screws of small diameter and pitchso as readily to grasp the bevelled ears z<1> of the matrices. A pair of vibrating guard-plates check the advancing line of matrices just before they reach the feedscrews, and allow only one to advance at a time. The bar V is stepped in width, and each matrix falls into one or other of ten channels V<1>, Figs. 1 and 5, this constituting the primary distribution. The channels V<1> convey the matrices to the secondary distributer, which consists of a series of ten precisely-similar inclined plates d, Fig. 5, a portion of one of which is shown in Fig. 15. Openings d' in the plate d correspond exactly with the various matrices, which fall through the proper openings on to the magazine-rails C, thus completing their circuit through the machine. Over each opening d<1> is a constantly - rotating elastic pressure roller X, which prevents the possibility of a matrix failing to enter its proper opening.