Improvements in Type Setting Apparatus.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Dec., 1895-Accepted, 25th Jan., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Type Setting Apparatus.
I, GEORGE BARKER, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents, of
77 Colmore Row, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Consulting Engineer,
do hereby declare the nature of the said invention as communicated to me from
abroad by Louis Kossuth Johnson, Mechanical Engineer, of 540 Gates Avenue
Brooklyn, County of Kings, and State of New York, and Abbot Augustus Low,
of 31 Burling Slip, Merchant, in the City, County, and State of New York, and
both in the United States of America, and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
These improvements relate to type cases in which a plurality of type containing
channels are supported in a common holder, the type resting upon a common type..
platform, and being forwarded simultaneously by the type pusher into position to
be grasped and removed by the fingers of the compositor.
Heretofore we have devised means through the instrumentality of which the
withdrawal of the types last forwarded is made to release the type forwarding
mechanism so as to insure the forwarding of another series of types from the lower
ends of the containing channels. This has been accomplished by a weighted feeler
resting upon the types when forwarded in position for removal by the fingers of
the compositor, said weighted feeler on the withdrawal of the types from beneath
it depressing the end of a controlling lever by which the type forwarding mechanism
is held normally until thus released. In our present application we effect a similar
result by means of a feeler from below which presses the types, when in position
for removal upward against a guard, the withdrawal of the types causing the rear
end of the feeler lever to release the type forwarding mechanism to forward fresh
types to take the place of those just withdrawn.
By this construction we are enable to place the tripping and forwarding
mechanism below the level of the type platform where it will not obstruct access
to the type channel holder or holders. This is of special importance in connection
with another feature of our present invention which consists in mounting the type
channel holder in such manner that it may be drawn forward over the type
supporting platform to facilitate the insertion or removal of channels.
Heretofore difficulty has been experienced in inserting the channels filled with
types, the latter being disturbed in alignment or otherwise deranged by the jar
incident to the operation of lowering the columbs onto the type platform. This we
obviate in the present case by forming a type supporting floor in the channel
holder said primary type support forming a part of and being movable with the
channel holder. Hence, by drawing the holder forward over the type platform
until the front of the holder projects beyond the front edge of said type platform,
the channels may be conveniently removed and others inserted, the columns of
type being gently lowered to the primary type support without jar.
An incidental feature of our invention consists in making the upper guard
against which the types are held by the feeler from below, adjustable vertically
upon the face plate, for the purpose of adapting it for use in connection with types
of different sizes. A scale upon the face plate in conjunction with a pointer on the
foot plate or upper guard is provided to facilitate the adjustment of said foot plate
or guard to the requirements of different fonts of types.
Still another feature of our invention consists in hinging the front plate to the

page_text: wher
holder in such manner that the face plate may be swung down out of the way
the holder is advanced for the purpose of substituting type channels. We also
hinge the converging side walls which assemble the types during their advance into
position over the type platform, so that said converging side walls may be swung
downward to admit of the advancement of the channel holder.
Owing to the thickness of the side walls of the type containing channels, which
represent the play or looseness between the types as deposited on the type platforms,
we have heretofore made provision for converging and assembling the types as they
are advanced by the type forwarder.
One feature of our invention is designed to obviate the necessity for thus
converging and assembling the types by depositing them in close order and contact
upon the type platform, and this we accomplish by transferring the types from the
containing or transfer channels into a holder or broad channel which supports them
over and upon the type platform in such manner that the lowest types in the
column thus formed may be successively and simultaneously advanced by the type
forwarder.
We thus dispense with the converging side walls or guides, and the curved
pusher heretofore used, and prevent all possibility of derangement or want of
proper alignment in the types since they are positively held in proper relation to
each other from the time they are transferred to the common holder until removed
from the front of the type platform by the compositor.
Obviously the thickness of the type containing channels must be taken into
consideration in providing for the transfer of the types from the several type
containing channels to the broad channel or holder, and we provide for the con-
verging and closing together of the types by means of a contracting passage or
throat intermediate between the type containing channels and the single broad
channel or holder. In carrying out our invention in this respect we prefer to make
this intermediate throat or transfer passage stationary upon the apparatus and to
make the broad channel or holder so that a part of it may be swung back to
connect with and form a continuation of the narrow side of the transfer passage
while provision is made for receiving and presenting the ends of the type containing
channels to the wider side of said transfer passage. Thus the several columns of
types in the type containing channels may be simultaneously advanced through the
transfer passage into the common broad channel or holder, being made to converge
and the thickness of the side walls being compensated for by the contraction or
convergence of the side walls of the transfer passage.
In order to accomplish the uniform, steady advance of the several columns of
types simultaneously from the type containing channels, through the transfer
passage and into and along the wide channel or holder, we use a forwarding device
of special construction consisting of a slide having a series of comb teeth or type
fingers one for each type containing channel.
Another important feature of our present invention consists in so arranging the
parts that the types while being transferred from the type containing channels to the
holder travel up an incline, thereby causing each to rest back against that next
succeeding and utilizing gravity to maintain close order and prevent derangement.
We also provide the broad channel with a movable type shoulder or support
which forms a portion of the type platform when lowered into position, but which
may be used as an end rest or bearing for the front of the advancing types during
transfer, and then as a means for lowering the types gently into position onto the
type platform after transfer.
The charging of plural channels such as above set forth, while practicable,
requires special care and skill, and we have devised a inodification in the method of
handling to facilitate and simplify the loading of the.channel.
In this modification we use a broad channel for the accommodation of a plurality
of types or characters, provided with a series of walls or partitions which separate
the columns one from the other excepting at the lower end of the channel where
they pass below the partitions and are brought together centrally to compensate

page_text: for the thickness of the said partitions, by the converging surfaces of the lower
side walls of said common channel. In reality, the main feature of distinction is
the provision of the common plural channel with these lower converging side walls
since the partitions may consist of the side walls of ordinary single character type
containing channels each holding a column of type of a prescribed denomination.
The partitions may however form permanent parts of the plural channel; and
in either case the side walls or partitions, by separating the types laterally until
the lower end of the common channel is reached facilitates distribution and insures
the proper relative arrangement of the types within the common channel.
Finally our invention consists in providing for the adjustment both individually
and collectively of type containing channels within the holder and with relation to
the type platform.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure 1, is a longitudinal sectional elevation showing the position of the parts
when at rest;
Figure 2, an isometrical view of the movable section of the type platform,
carrying the converging side walls;
Figure 3, is a sectional elevation showing the action of the controlling lever in
releasing the forwarding mechanism, when the types previously forwarded are
withdrawn from the type platform;
.
Figure 4, is a sectional elevation upon plane of line 4, 4, Figure 1, the controlling
lever being omitted;
Figure 5, is a sectional elevation showing the movable floor section and front
plate turned down, and the channel holder advanced;
Figure 6, is a front elevation of the type platform and holder;
Figure 7, is a plan of the front end of the device the gravity latches being
partially broken away to show the parts underneath;
Figure 8, a plan of the parts adjoining the intermediate transverse passage
illustrating the action of the type forwarder in advancing the types through the
transfer passage;
Figure 9, a central vertical section showing the upper portion of the plural
channel turned back and resting upon the transfer bed;
Figure 10, a vertical section showing the type shelf and adjoining parts in the
lowest position;
Figure 11, a side elevation of the type advancer Figure 12, a front view
thereof;
Figure 13, is an elevation of our plural channel.
The lower portion of the holder A, is formed with the primary type floor a³,
and its rear wall is formed with the slot a, above the primary type floor to admit
of the type pusher P.
The underside of the type forwarder P, is connected by a pitmen p, with a
suitable clutch mechanism C, by which it is reciprocated when the latter is released
by the controlling lever L. The form and character of this clutching mechanism
is of secondary importance and is herein symbolically represented. The forward
or short arm 1, of the controlling lever L, is pivotally supported on a stationary
part of the frame at l', is formed with a type bearer 1, preferably consisting of a
roller mounted between the bifurcations P, P. The long arm l, of the lever tends
constantly to drop downward and by its own gravity to release the shoulder c, of
the clutch mechanism C, from the pawl . It is held against this tendency when
the forward arm 1, is depressed either by the type T, resting between the
bearing, and the under side of the foot plate D, by the finger p', attached to the
pusher P, when the latter has advanced a certain distance, or by the screw 18, or
other locking device temporarily employed when the channel holder is to be
advanced.
The converging side walls e, e, are pivotally connected to the front of the
platform D, being preferably united by the movable floor section E, acting as a
web between them.

page_text: The foot plate or guard D, is mounted adjustably upon the front plate G, which
latter is hinged at its lower extremity to lugs as, consisting of forward projections of
the runner flanges a, attached to the holder A. Thus when the holder A, is
advanced until its front projects beyond the frame of the platform B, the front
plate G, and foot plate D, may be swung downward below the line of the primary
type floor a', thereby giving free access to the holder and permitting of the lowering
of the columns of types directly onto the said primary type floor a', without fall
or jar.
Gravity hooks g, g, hinged to the upper side walls of the holder A, drop over the
upper edge of the front plate G, when the latter is in position against the front
edges of the said holder.
The support D, of the front plate D, is held in position upon the front plate G,
by set screws d, d, or other means which will admit of the adjustment of the foot
plate D, with relation to the type floor below. A scale g', on the front of the front
plate G, or on the front of the plate D¹, in conjunction with a pointer or index (',
upon the plate D', or on the front plate G, as the case may be, affords a convenient
means by which to gauge and adjust the foot plate D.
The foot plate D, is formed with an opening 2, at the rear of the bearing &, for
the purpose of rendering the types visible during their advance, and to give access
to them should necessity require.
The type bearing or roller P, is mounted adjustably upon the forward end of
the controlling lever L, by any suitable means, as by the slotted shank ", and by
thumb screw [17
In order to retain the holder A, steadily in its forward position a thumb screws,
is made to bind against one of the rear extensions a", of the holder a longitudinal
slot a22, being formed to admit of the movement of the holder.
In Figures 8, 9 and 10, a series of type platforms a, holders A, and other
essential parts may be arranged in a single case although for convenience and
simplicity of illustration we herein show and describe only the parts essential for a
single word or combination of characters.
•
The side walls a, a, are parallel, and confine the types laterally as they
advance under the control of the pusher P, which latter may be of any desired
form.
The
The front plate G, is stationary, as is the lower part E', of the holder A.
upper part E, of the holder is pivotally attached to the lower part E', as
by the hinge h, or otherwise, to enable it to swing back to allow its upper
end to be brought into contact with the transfer section F', of the channel
receiver F.
A type shelff, projects at right angles from a false back or spine a²³, movable
longitudinally in grooves a, a, formed in the side walls of both the stationary
section E, and the movable section E, of the holder. The platform is countersunk
below the stationary section E', of the holder to receive the type shelf, so that its
upper surface will coincide with and form a continuation of the type platform a, when
lowered into position. The back or spine a", is formed with the slot a', just above
the shelff, to allow the pusher P, to pass back and forth. One or more set
screws S, or equivalent means may be used to clamp the type shelff, and spine a³,
in any desired position. The spine a", is somewhat longer than the holder A, so
that when in its lowest position therein its upper end a³, will project above the
holder and afford a convenient handle.
The channel receiver F, is formed with a recess f", for the reception and
support of the upper end of the movable section E', of the holder, the shoulder "1",
corresponding in height or thickness to the real back a", of the holder. Above and
beyond this shoulder", the chaunel receiver is formed with a groove corresponding
to the thickness of the spine a", so that the shelff, can be drawn backward until it
rests against the ends of the type containing channels C, when the latter are in
position. In order to allow of the insertion or withdrawal of the projecting end a",
of the spine a, from the section E, of the holder, we make the transfer channel or

page_text: section E movable, as by hinging it at f", or otherwise so that it may be raised
sufficiently to allow the said upper end a³, to clear it while the section E³, of the
holder is being raised or lowered.
The transfer channel or section E', is formed with the recess or compartment f*;.
having parallel side walls for the reception of the type containing channels C, the
spines of which abut up against the shoulder f", while the side walls of the outer
channel abut against the corresponding shoulders, on either side of the recess f*..
These shoulders f", f, compensate for the thickness of the material of which the
type containing channels are composed so as to make a flush joint.
The transfer compartment F1, is formed with a contracting passage fee, the
bottom", of which is inclined to counect the inner surfaces of the spines of the
type containing channels with the inner surface of the back of the broad channel
or holder A, and thus present a continuous smooth surface for the heels of the
types to travel over. The side walls converge so as to connect the side walls of
the outer channels with the side walls of the broad channel or holder A, thereby
causing the types to move laterally towards each other and into contact while
passing through the assembling passage f**
The types are forwarded by means of a transferring device I, provided with a
series of type fingers i, which support the rear ends of the columns of types in the-
type containing channels.
The fingers are preferably made wedge shaped substantially as shown so as to be
easily inserted between the type where a portion only of the contents of the type
containing channels is required.
The inclination of the several passages in the channel receiver and transfer
section F, is such as to cause the types to lean backward at an angle sufficient to
enable them to support each other especially while passing through the converging.
or assembling passage f
As shown in Figure 13, the plural type containing channel C, may be formed
with partitions c¹, which subdivide the channels into a series of grooves or
passages c, into which the proper lines may be successively transferred by suitable.
mechanism.
The adjustment of the channels shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, consists in forming-
the rear wall A', of the holder A, with an adjustable section A³, having the
carriers r, r, for engaging with the eyes or holes r, r, in the spine of the type
containing channels C, C. The adjustable section consists preferably of
plate secured to the back wall A', by a set screw R, the shank of which passes
through the slut R2, and engages with a female screw thread tapped in said
back wall.
Having now particularly described the nature of our said invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is,
1st. In a type case, the combination of a type platform, a sliding channel
holder, and type forwarding mechanism, substantially in the manner and for the
purpose described.
:
2nd. In a type case, the combination of a type platform, removable converging
side walls, a sliding channel holder, suitable type forwarding mechanism,
substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
3rd. In a type case, the combination of a type platform, converging side walls
pivotally connected thereto, a sliding channel holder and suitable type forwarding
mechanism, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
4th. In a type case, the combination with suitable type forwarding mechanism,
of a type platform, a type guard over the same, and a lever for pressing the types
upward against the said type guard, said lever controlling the type forwarding
mechanism, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
5th. In a type case, the combination of suitable type forwarding mechanism, a
type platform, a type guard over the same, and a lever for controlling the type

page_text: forwarding mechanism formed with a type bearing roller, substantially in the
manner and for the purpose described.
6th. In a type case, the combination of suitable type forwarding mechanism, a
type platform, a type guard over the same, and a lever for controlling the type
forwarding mechanism formed with an adjustable type bearing surface, substantially
in the manner and for the purpose described.
7th. In a type case, the combination of suitable type forwarding mechanism,
a type platform, a type guard over the same, a lever for controlling the type
forwarding mechanism by means of the types, and a device for locking said
controlling lever, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
8th. In a type case, the combination of a channel holder, a type platform, a
type guard above said platform and adjustable with relation thereto, suitable type
forwarding mechanism, and a controlling lever operated by means of the types,
substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
9th. In a type case, the combination of a channel holder, a face plate on said
holder, a type guard on said face plate, a type platform, suitable type forwarding
mechanism, and a controlling lever operated by means of the type, substantially in
the manner and for the purpose described.
10th. In a type case, the combination of a channel holder, a face plate on said
holder, a type guard mounted adjustably upon said face plate, a type platform,
suitable type forwarding mechanism, and a controlling lever operated by means
of the types, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
11th. In a type case, the combination of a channel holder, a face plate on said
bolder, a type guard mounted adjustably on said face plate, a scale for indicating
the relative positions of said face plate and type guard, a type platform, suitable
type forwarding mechanism, and a controlling lever operated by means of types,
substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
12th. In type setting apparatus the combination of a channel for holding a
plurality of types side by side in columns, a transfer channel having converging
side walls which guide the types from separate individual containing channels to
said plural channels and means for forwarding the types from the individual con-
taining channels through said transfer channel to said plural channel, substantially
in the manner and for the purpose described.
13th. The combination of the swinging plural type channel, the converging
channel adapted to receive and support the end of the said plural type channel, on
one side and the ends of the individual type containing channels on the other, and
means for forwarding the types from the individual containing channels through
said transfer channel to said plural channel, substantially in the manner and for the
purpose described.
14th. The combination with a type channel for holding a plurality of types side
by side as set forth, of a type support or shelf movable longitudinally in said
channel substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
15th. The combination of a plural type chaunel formed with a swinging section,
a longitudinal slide in said plural channel formed with a type shelf or support, a
converging transfer channel for receiving the end of the plural channel on one
side and the ends of the individual type channels on the other, and means for
forwarding the types from the individual channel through the transfer channel and
into the plural channel in which the types are sustained by the said type support.
on the longitudinal slide, substantially in the manner and for the purpose
described.
16th. The combination of a plural type channel formed with a swinging section, a
converging transfer channel adapted to receive the ends of said plural channel on
one side and the ends of individual type containing channels on the other, said
transfer channel being pivotally connected to its support for the purpose set forth
and means for forwarding the types from the individual channels through the
transfer channel and into the plural channel substantially as described.
17th. The combination with a type channel for holding a plurality of types side

page_text: by side as set forth, of a type support or shelf movable longitudinally in said
channel and means for clamping said type support against movement for the
purpose and substantially in the manner described.
18th. The combination of a plural type containing channel formed with a
swinging section and converging transfer adapted to receive the end of said plural
channel on one side and the ends of individual type channels on the other, said
transfer channel being formed with an inclined type floor connecting the inner
surfaces of the backs of the individual type containing channels with the inner
surfaces of the back of the said plural channel, substantially in the manner and
for the purpose described.
19th. The combination of a plural type containing channel formed with a
swinging section, a converging transfer channel adapted to receive the end of the
plural channel on one side and the ends of individual type containing channels on
the other side, and a device for forwarding the types from the individual channels
through the transfer channel and into the plural channel, said forwarding device
being formed with wedge shaped pusher fingers substantially in the manner and for
the purpose described.
20th. The combination of a channel for containing two or more columns of
types, said channel being formed with converging lower side walls, a channel
holder for supporting said plural channel with its lower extremity above a type
floor common to all the types, said common type floor, and means for forwarding
the lowest types, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described.
21st. The combination of a channel for containing two or more columns of type
formed with a series of partitions for separating the columns of type and with
converging lower side walls, a channel holder for supporting said plural channel
with its lower extremity above a type floor common to all the types, said common
type floor, and means for forwarding the lowest types, substantially in the manner
and for the purpose described.
22nd. The combination with the channel holder and type platform of a support
for the channels which is adjustable for the purpose of regulating the position of
the lower ends of said channels with relation to the said type platform, substantially
in the inanner described.
23rd. The combination with a holder for a plurality of type channels, of an
adjustable plate provided with supporting pins, and the channels formed with eyes
or sockets for engagement with said pins, substantially in the manner and for the
purpose described.
Dated this 16th day of December 1895
GEORGE BARKER.