Improvements in Machines for Producing Type Bars and Matrices for Type Bars and Surfaces for Letter Press Printing.
Year: 1885

page_text: This Specification was, upon the 16th day of November 1889, Amended under
Sections 18 to 21 of the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Act, 1883.
[The Amendments are shown in erased and italic type.]
Improvements in Machines
for Producing Type Bars and
Matrices for Type Bars and Surfaces for Letter Press
Printing.
[Communicated from abroad by Ottmar Mergenthaler, of Baltimore, Maryland,
United States of America, Mechanic.]
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (AMENDED).
I ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 323 High Holborn, London, in the County of
Middlesex, England, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the invention for
"IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR PRODUCING TYPE BARS, AND MATRICES FOR
TYPE BARS AND SURFACES FOR LETTER PRESS PRINTING," and in what manner
the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement :-
DESCRIPTION.
The invention relates to a machine in which a series of loose independent
matrices or dies, each containing one or more characters, and similar blank dies or
quads for spacing purposes are combined with finger-keys, casting appliances, and
intermediate connecting and driving mechanisın, in such manner that when power
is applied to the machine and the appropriate finger-keys actuated to designate the
characters to be printed the matrices will be assembled or composed in line and
presented to a mold and molten metal or its equivalent then be introduced so as to
produce a printing-bar or plate bearing the characters in relief thereon, and finally,
the matrices distributed to the several receptacles from which they were originally
delivered.
The machine contains a series of holders or magazine tubes each adapted to
receive a series of matrices bearing the same character, and each provided with a
detent or escapement, connected with an appropriate finger-key, the operation
of which will permit the delivery of a single matrix at a time.
It further contains a carrier chain or chains traveling continuosly continuously
beneath the feed tubes to receive the matrices and assemble them in line in the proper
order.
A grooved track or guide receives the successive matrices from the carrier and
supports them in position preparatory to their transfer to the casting mechanism.

page_text: Each matrix is provided with ears or shoulders at the sides to cooperate with the
detents the guides and distributing devices as hereinafter described.
A lever or equivalent device provided for the purpose serves to transfer the
matrices, when a sufficient number have been accuinulated to form a line of the
width of the required page or column, to a movable support or anvil.
This anvil is combined with mechanism by which it is moved so as to present
the matrices between clamping devices and against the mouth of a mold, opposite
the mouth of a melting pot from which metal is automatically delivered into the
mold, forming therein a type-bar bearing on its edge, properly spaced or justified,
the letters or characters to print a single line.
The anvil which supports the matrices during 'the casting operation, is sustained
by devices which act immediately after the casting operation to carry the anvil
with the matrices therein, to an elevated position, so as to present the matrices
opposite the end of horizontal grooved plates which suspend the matrices by
their ears.
An endless belt provided with a projecting finger acts against the series of
matrices and forces them from the anvil between the divergent edges of the
suspending plates or rails, which I denominate the "distributing" plates. The
distribution or assortment of the matrices and the delivery of each matrix to its
proper tube or receptacle, is secured by forming the different matrices with
sustaining shoulders of different widths all matrices bearing the same character
being, of the same width. As the type are advanced between the divergent plates
suspended therefrom by their shoulders, they will be released and permitted to
descend at different points according to the width of the shoulders, into the
magazine tubes below.
Referring to the accompanying drawings:
Fig. 1, represents a front elevation of my improved machine, certain portions
being broken away as hereinafter explained, to expose other parts to view.
Fig. 2, is a vertical cross section on the line x, x, of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3, is a top plan view of the machine with a portion of one of the
distributing rails broken away.
Fig. 4, is a vertical section of one of the matrix tubes or magazines, with the
escapement and the key mechanism connected therewith.
Fig. 5, is a perspective view of one of the matrices.
Fig. 6, is a horizontal cross-section showing the construction and arrangement of
the separable mold which may be operated by hand or by automatic devices
connected with the other moving parts of the machine.
Fig. 7, is a perspective view showing the type bars formed by the machine.
In proceeding to construct my machine I first provide a series of separate
There may
disconnected matrices each bearing a single character or two or more.
be any suitable number of dies of each character, those which represent the same
character being duplicates of each other in every respect.
The matrices which bear the different characters are inade of different thicknesses
corresponding to the width of the respective characters, in order that a uniformity
of spacing may be maintained as hereinafter more fully explained.
Each matrix is provided as represented in Fig. 5, with two pairs of supporting
shoulders, a, and a³, located at opposite edges.
The matrices which bear the different characters are made of shoulders of
different widths for the purpose of permitting the mechanical distribution or
separation as will hereinafter more fully appear. The series of matrices constructed
as above are inserted and operated in the machine proper which will now be
described.
A A¹ represents the main frame.
B, B, represent a series of upright tubes or reservoirs in which the matrices are
seated one upon another, each tube being designed to receive matrices representing
the same character. CC, represent two horizontal parallel_chains traveling about
supporting rolls, D, immediately beneath the feed tubes, B, in such position that.

page_text: whenever a matrix is released and permitted to descend from the lower end of a
tube its shoulders are engaged upon the upper edges of the two chains between
which the matrix will remain suspended so as to be carried forward therewith.
The chains are driven continuously and at a moderately high speed so that the
matrices which may be delivered from the respective tubes will be carried forward
automatically one after another and delivered in the order in which their characters
are to appear from the inner end of the chains, where they are received upon and
supported by two rails. E, provided for the purpose. The chains are constructed
with upwardly projecting teeth which serve to prevent the matrices from turning
and twisting thereon.
For the purpose of controlling the discharge of the matrices one at a time,
I provide each tube on opposite sides with two dogs or escapements, F, each
pivoted midway of its length and provided at its lower end with a hook to engage
beneath the shoulder of the bottom matrix and also having at the upper end an
arm to engage beneath the shoulder of the next matrix in the series. These dogs
I connect by rods, G, or otherwise, to finger-keys, H, as represented in Fig. 4, so
that when a key is depressed will actuate the corresponding dogs, F, in such
manner as to release the bottom matrix and permit it to descend to the carrier,
while at the same time, the next succeeding matrix is prevented from descending.
When the finger-key rises the dogs resume their original position, disengaging
their upper ends from the second matrix and permitting it to descend until it bears
upon their lower ends in the position vacated by the preceding matrix. It will be
understood that the finger-keys correspond with the feed tubes, each key
representing a particular character, so that by the manipulation of the proper keys
the matrices may be delivered to the chains in the order in which their respective
characters are to be printed, the chains in turn delivering and assembling them in
like order on the supporting rails, E. At the end of the rails, E, there is a grooved
anvil or block, I, designed to receive and support matrices representing all the
characters which will occur in one line of a printed page or column. This anvil is
sustained by horizontal pivots, c, at its ends, seated in vertical slots in the
extremities of two arins, J, which are attached to a horizontal rockshaft, K.
The lower side of the anvil is provided with a weight, L, by means of which it
After a
is maintained in an upright position and prevented from overturning.
sufficient number of matrices have been delivered upon the rails, E, to form a line,
as before alluded to, they are transferred to the anvil by means of a vibrating
lever, M, provided for the purpose, this lever acting behind the last matrix and
urging the series forward toward the anvil.
The manner in which this lever is operated will be hereinafter explained.
In the top of the machine immediately above the anvil I mount a separable
mold, N, the interior opening of which corresponds in length, heigth height and
thickness with the printing bar to be produced.
The mold is arranged to slide vertically to a limited extent, and said mold
consists of two horizontal sliding plates, one overlying the other, with a space
between them, each plate having a shoulder to close one end of the intermediate
space and thus confine the metal and determine the length of the type-bar to be
produced.
Above the mold I mount a melting-pot O, having a mouth or delivery duct
adapted to discharge into the upper side of the mold, and containing a pump, P,
such as is commonly used in type-casting machines for effecting the forcible delivery
of the metal into the mold. The mold may in the present machine be opened and
closed by hand, and the pump operated in like manner or they may be combined
with operating devices. The anvil above referred to is acted upon by a vertical
frame, Q, the lower end of which is sustained by eccentric, R, the rotation of which
has the effect of raising the anvil and forcing the assembled inatrices against the
under side of the mold, which is in turn forced upward by the matrices and held
firmly against the mouth of the melting-pot until the completion of the casting
operation, after which the parts are lowered to their original positions. For the

page_text: purpose of confining and clamping together the matrix during the casting operation
I mount in the frame two clamps or jaws, h, h¹, in such position that they will act
against opposite ends of the line of matrices as the latter are raised by the anvil.
As shown in the drawing the clamp, ¹, is acted upon by a spring, i not shewn
which permits it to yield slightly in order that it may fit snugly against the matrices.
Other means of suitable character may be used to operate the movable clamp.
After the completion of the casting operation a rotation of the shaft, K, causes
the arms, J, to swing upward as indicated by dotted lines, whereby the anvil
containing the matrices is lifted and carried forward to the position indicated by
dotted lines in Fig. 2, in order that the matrices may be delivered from the anvil
to the distributing rails or plates, S, S¹.
The upper rails, S, S, are arranged horizontally, their inner edge being shouldered
or offset so as to present an intermediate space or slot varying in width at different
points as plainly represented in Fig. 3.
There may be any suitable number of sections varying in width. In the
drawings I have represented six divisions for the purposes of illustration.
After the anvil has been lifted to its upper position so as to present the matrices
opposite the rails, S, a finger, T, attached to a horizontal endless chain, U, acts
against the last matrix in the series and forces them forward out of the anvil into
the space between the distributing plates, the upper shoulders, a of the matrices
engaging over the edges of the plates so that the matrices remain suspended
between them, after which the anvil descends to its original position in order to
receive the matrices which have in the meantime been assembled to produce the
characters for the next succeeding line. The movement of the finger, J, T forces the
series of matrices forward between the plates. It will be remembered that
the shoulders of the matrices bearing different characters were made of different
widths horizontally, in consequence of which it follows that those matrices having
narrow shoulders will descend through the narrowest section of the space between
the rails while those having the next narrowest will descend through the second
section, and so on repeatedly.
If the machine contained but a small number of characters it would be possible
to devote a separate section of the distributing rails to each matrix, but inasmuch
as the machine will ordinarily contain eighty or more distinct sizes of matrix, it is
manifestly impossible to give a sufficient variation in the passage between the
distributing plates without rendering the matrices excessively large. To overcome
this difficulty I provide the second pair of distributing rails, S¹, to engage with the
second or lower shoulders of the matrices. I divide the series of matrices for
example, into six groups, the upper shoulders of which correspond in width with
the respective portions of the passage between the upper rails, S, consequently all
matrices belonging to one group, for instance, the first twelve characters, will
descend through the first section of the upper rails, while the next group will pass
through the second section and so on.
In order to subdivide these groups and present each matrix to its proper tube,
I divide the passage between the lower rails into numerous sections varying in
width, as shown at d, Fig. 3, each section representing a
single character. The
lower necks or shoulders of the matrices are made of corresponding width.
In the action of the machine a matrix suspended by its upper shoulder on the
upper rails, S, will pass forward until its proper section is reached when it will
drop through with its companions to the lower rails whereon it will bang suspended
by the lower shoulders.
Continuing its forward movement it will remain suspended until it reaches a
section directly above the mouth of its feed tube when it will pass through into
the tube.
It will thus be seen that the divergent plates or rails in connection with the
matrices having shoulders of different widths and the means for moving the
matrices endwise over the rails constitute jointly an automatic distributing
mechanism by means of which each matrix is delivered to its appropriate feed tube.

page_text: UT The foll
with the fixed pulley, V¹.
'
which carries one end of the feed enam, U, is provided
This pulley is notched or toothed in its edge and is united by means of a slot
and pin with the driving wheel, X', mounted loosely on the shaft.
A spring pawl, W, having a V shaped end engages in the notched edge of the
wheel.
The driving wheel, X, is turned positively and continuously by a chain as
shown, or other suitable means.
When its pin reaches the forward end of the slot in wheel, V1, the latter is turned
ahead with a positive action, but the instant that the next tooth of wheel, V₁,
passes the point of the pawl the latter acts on the rear side of the tooth and causes
the wheel, V, to turn ahead of the driving wheel, X¹, thereby giving the chain, U,
a sudden impetus.
The pawl seats itself between the teeth and holds the wheel, W, and the chain
at rest until the pin of the driving wheel reaches the front of slot as before.
Thus it will be seen the chain, U, is given an intermitting movement and its
arm, T, caused to advance the matrices with a rapping or striking action.
Referring to the details of the driving mechanism k, represents a driving shaft
provided with a driving pulley, and with a worin, kl, engaging the wheel, 6, mounted
on the shaft, m, which carries the anvil lifting eccentric, R.
This shaft, m, also carries a wheel, o having in its side a cam groove engaging a
stud or roller on a lever, p, which is pivoted to the frame and connected at one end
to a rack bar, q, the upper end of which engages a pinion, r, on the shaft, K, to
cause the lifting of the anvil and matrices to the distributing mechanism.
A chain, s, transmits motion from a pulley on the shaft of roller, D, which
carries one end of chain, U. A pulley on the shaft of the other roll, D, is connected
by a chain or belt, t, to the pulley of the distributor chain.
A hand-lever, Y, pivoted to the frame acts on the finger, M, to cause the advance
of the matrices to the anvil.
The finger, M, near the completion of its movement actuates an elbow-lever, z,
which actuates an ordinary clutch for connecting the worm, k¹, with the shaft.
This permits all the parts except the chains to remain normally at rest and
causes the other operative parts to be automatically set in action the instant that
the matrices are seated in the anvil.
For those characters which are rarely used I propose to use matrices to be
inserted by hand. These will have necks of such size that they will all pass over
the ends of the distributing rails into a common receptacle, ¹, provided to receive
them. In place of the dies or matrices with intaglio characters I propose to use
dies with raised or cameo characters when matrices with intaglio impressions are to
be formed.
While I prefer to retain the details herein described and shown, it is to be
understood that the essence of the invention lies in the combination of the inatrices,
with finger keys and mechanism to assemble the matrices, and a casting mechanism;
and the skilled mechanic will understand that the details may be greatly changed.
Instead of using a melting pot, I may employ any plastic material adapted to be
forced into the mold and to harden after receiving the impression of the matrices.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is :-
1. In a machine for producing printing-bar, the combination substantially as
herein before described of a series of independent matrices each representing a single
character or two or more characters to appear together, a series of finger-keys
representing the respective characters, intermediate mechanism to assemble the
designated matrices in line, and a casting mechanism to cooperate with the
assembled matrices.

page_text: 2. In a machine for producing printing bars, the combination substantially as
described, of independent disconnected matrices each having a single character or
two characters to appear together, magazines or holders to contain the assorted
matrices, the finger-keys, the intermediate designating mechanism, the assembling
or composed composing mechanism, the casting mechanism to cooperate with the
line of assembled matrices, and the distributing mechanism.
3. The combination substantially as described and shown of the series of free
disconnected matrices each bearing a single character or two characters to appear
in unison, a series of finger-keys representing the respective characters, the
intermediate mechanisin to assemble matrices bearing the designated characters in
line, a movable anvil to receive and sustain the aligned matrices, clamps to confine
laterally the matrices in the anvil, the mold opposite the anvil, and the melting
pot and the forcing mechanisin to deliver the metal to the mold.
4. In combination with the feed tubes, their escapements and the finger-keys
connected therewith to effect the delivery of the inatrices, the carrier traveling past
the tubes to receive the matrices and assemble them side by side in the order of
their delivery.
5. The matrices provided with sustaining shoulders in combination with the
endless carrying and assembling chain.
6. In combination with the series of free independent matrices, the carrying
chain provided with shoulders or teeth to engage opposite sides of the matrices.
7. The feed tubes and their escapements connected with finger-keys, in com-
bination with the matrices, the carrying chains, and the receiving rails whereon
the matrices are assembled.
8. The combination substantially as hereinbefore described and shown of the
feed tubes or magazines, their escapement and the finger-keys, with the discon-
nected matrices, the matrix-conveying or assembling mechanism, the rails whereon
the matrices are delivered, the anvil to receive the matrices from the rails, the
transferring device, M, the mold, the melting pot and its delivery pump, and the
mechanism to force the anvil toward the mold.
9. In combination with the anvil to sustain the matrices, the casting devices to
cooperate with the matrices in the anvil, the distributing mechanism, and mechanism
substantially as described to move the anvil and matrices from the casting to the
distributing mechanism.
10. In a machine for producing printing-bars, and in combination with the series
of free disconnected matrices, a casting mechanism, and an anvil or matrix support
which advances alternately to the casting and to the distributing mechanism.
11. In combination with the pivoted anvil or matrix-carrier, the vertically
swinging sustaining arms therefor.
12. In combination with the melting pot, and its delivery-pump, the movable
mold, the anvil, the matrices therein, the frame to sustain the anvil and the
eccentrics to raise the frame.
13. In combination with the feed tube, the series of independent matrices, an
escapement or detent substantially such as shown, and the finger-key connected
therewith.
14. In combination with the independent matrices, those of the same character
of equal width but those of different characters of different widths, the distributing
rails or plates arranged to present a passage of increasing width toward the delivery
end; and mechanism substantially as described to advance the matrices through said
passage; whereby an automatic distribution or assortment of the matrices is
secured.
15. In combination with the series of independent matrices each provided with
two pairs of shoulders graduated in width as described and shown, two distributing
supports with expanding passages to operate in connection with the respective
shoulders; whereby the matrices are first divided into groups each containing
several characters, and these groups finally divided to assort the characters.

page_text: 16. The series of independent matrices provided with sustaining shoulders as
described, those which represent like characters being of equal width and those of
different characters of different widths.
17. The matrices each having two pairs of sustaining shoulders as described.
18. In a composing mechanism, the combination of a series of tubes or holders
each containing matrices of a given letter, escapement mechanism to discharge the
type matrices one at a time, and a carrier traveling in one direction beneath the entire
series of tubes; whereby the discharged characters are assembled in the order of
delivery, and without reference to the relative order or position of the tubes.
19. In combination with the distributing rails or plates, the endless belt provided
with an arm, T, the notched pulley to carry said belt, the driving-pulley loosely
connected therewith, and the spring-arın acting on the notched pulley; whereby
the arm is caused to advance the matrices with a jarring action.
Deted this 19th day of May 1885.

page_text: "
I ALFRED JULIUS BOULT, of 323 High Holborn, London, in the County of
Middlesex, England, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the invention for
IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR PRODUCING TYPE BARS, AND MATRICES FOR
TYPE BARS AND SURFACES FOR LETTER PRESS PRINTING," and in what manner
the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
DESCRIPTION.
The invention relates to a machine in which a series of loose independent
matrices or dies, each containing one or more characters, and similar blank dies or
quads for spacing purposes are combined with finger-keys, casting appliances, and
intermediate connecting and driving mechanism, in such manner that when power
is applied to the machine and the appropriate finger-keys actuated to designate the
characters to be printed the matrices will be assembled or composed in line and
presented to a mold and molten metal or its equivalent then be introduced so as to
produce a printing-bar or plate bearing the characters in relief thereon, and finally,
the matrices distributed to the several receptacles from which they were originally
delivered.
The machine contains a series of holders or magazine tubes each adapted to
receive a series of matrices bearing the same character, and each provided with a
detent or escapement, connected with an appropriate finger-key, the operation
of which will permit the delivery of a single matrix at a time.
It further contains a carrier chain or chains traveling continuosly beneath the
feed tubes to receive the matrices and assemble them in line in the proper order.
A grooved track or guide receives the successive matrices from the carrier and
supports them in position preparatory to their transfer to the casting mechanism.
[Price Bd1

page_text: Each matrix is provided with ears or shoulders at the sides to cooperate with the
detents the guides and distributing devices as hereinafter described.
A lever or equivalent device provided for the purpose serves to transfer the
matrices, when a sufficient number have been accumulated to form a line of the
width of the required page or column, to a movable support or anvil.
This anvil is combined with mechanism by which it is moved so as to present
the matrices between clamping devices and against the mouth of a mold, opposite
the mouth of a melting pot from which metal is automatically delivered into the
mold, forming therein a type-bar bearing on its edge, properly spaced or justified,
the letters or characters to print a single line.
The anvil which supports the matrices during the casting operation, is sustained
by devices which act immediately after the casting operation to carry the anvil
with the matrices therein, to an elevated position, so as to present the matrices
opposite the end of horizontal grooved plates which suspend the matrices by
their ears.
An endless belt provided with a projecting finger acts against the series of
matrices and forces them from the anvil between the divergent edges of the
suspending plates or rails, which I denominate the "distributing" plates. The
distribution or assortment of the matrices and the delivery of each matrix to its
proper tube or receptacle, is secured by forming the different matrices with
sustaining shoulders of different widths all matrices bearing the same character
being of the same width. As the type are advanced between the divergent plates
suspended therefrom by their shoulders, they will be released and permitted to
descend at different points according to the width of the shoulders, into the
magazine tubes below.
Referring to the accompanying drawings:-
Fig. 1, represents a front elevation of my improved machine, certain portions
being broken away as hereinafter explained, to expose other parts to view.
Fig. 2, is a vertical cross section on the line x, x, of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3, is a top plan view of the machine with a portion of one of the
distributing rails broken away.
Fig. 4, is a vertical section of one of the matrix tubes or magazines, with the
escapement and the key mechanism connected therewith.
Fig. 5, is a perspective view of one of the matrices.
Fig. 6, is a horizontal cross-section showing the construction and arrangement of
the separable mold which may be operated by hand or by automatic devices
connected with the other moving parts of the machinė.
Fig. 7, is a perspective view showing the type bars formed by the machine.
In proceeding to construct my machine I first provide a series of separate
disconnected matrices each bearing a single character or two or more.
There may
be any suitable number of dies of each character, those which represent the same
character being duplicates of each other in every respect.
The matrices which bear the different characters are made of different thicknesses
corresponding to the width of the respective characters, in order that a uniformity
of spacing may be maintained as hereinafter more fully explained.
Each matrix is provided as represented in Fig. 5, with two pairs of supporting
shoulders, a, and a¹, located at opposite edges.
The matrices which bear the different characters are made of shoulders of
different widths for the purpose of permitting the mechanical distribution or
separation as will hereinafter more fully appear. The series of matrices constructed
as above are inserted and operated in the machine proper which will now be
described.
B, B, represent a series of upright tubes or reservoirs in which the matrices are
seated one upon another, each tube being designed to receive matrices representing
the same character. CC, represent two horizontal parallel chains traveling about
supporting rolls, D, immediately beneath the feed tubes, B, in such position that
whenever a matrix is released and permitted to descend from the lower end of a

page_text: tube its shoulders are engaged upon the upper edges of the two chains between
which the matrix will remain suspended so as to be carried forward therewith.
The chains are driven continuously and at a moderately high speed so that the
matrices may be delivered from the respective tubes will be carried forward
automatically one after another and delivered in the order in which their characters
are to appear from the inner end of the chains, where they are received upon and
supported by two rails, E, provided for the purpose. The chains are constructed
with upwardly projecting teeth which serve to prevent the matrices from turning
and twisting thereon.
For the purpose of controlling the discharge of the matrices one at a time,
I provide each tube on opposite sides with two dogs or escapements, F, each
pivoted midway of its length and provided at its lower end with a hook to engage
beneath the shoulder of the bottom matrix and also having at the upper end an
arm to engage beneath the shoulder of the next matrix in the series. These dogs
I connect by rods, G, or otherwise, to finger-keys, H, as represented in Fig. 4, so
that when a key is depressed it will actuate the corresponding dogs, F, in such
manner as to release the bottom matrix and permit it to descend to the carrier,
while at the same time, the next succeeding matrix is prevented from descending.
When the finger-key rises the dogs resume their original position, disengaging
their upper ends from the second matrix and permitting it to descend until it bears
upon their lower ends in the position vacated by the preceding matrix. It will be
understood that the finger-keys correspond with the feed tubes, each key
representing a particular character, so that by the manipulation of the proper keys
the matrices may be delivered to the chains in the order in which their respective
characters are to be printed, the chains in turn delivering and assembling them in
like order on the supporting rails, E. At the end of the rails, E, there is a grooved
anvil or block, I, designed to receive and support matrices representing all the
characters which will occur in one line of a printed page or column. This anvil is
sustained by horizontal pivots, c, at its ends, seated in vertical slots in the
extremities of two arms, J, which are attached to a horizontal rockshaft, K.
The lower side of the anvil is provided with a weight, L, by means of which it
is maintained in an upright position and prevented from overturning. After a
sufficient number of matrices have been delivered upon the rails, E, to form a line,
as before alluded to, they are transferred to the anvil by means of a vibrating
lever, M, provided for the purpose, this lever acting behind the last matrix and
urging the series forward toward the anvil.
The manner in which this lever is operated will be hereinafter explained.
In the top of the machine immediately above the anvil I mount a separable
mold, N, the interior opening of which corresponds in length, heigth and thickness
with the printing bar to be produced.
The mold is arranged to slide vertically to a limited extent, and said mold
consists of two horizontal sliding plates, one overlying the other, with a space
between them, each plate having a shoulder to close one end of the intermediate
space and thus confine the metal and determine the length of the type-bar to be
produced.
Above the mold I mount a melting-pot O, having a mouth or delivery duct
adapted to discharge into the upper side of the mold, and containing a pump, P,
such as is commonly used in type-casting machines for effecting the forcible delivery
of the metal into the mold. The mold may in the present machine be opened and
closed by hand, and the pump operated in like manner or they may be combined
with operating devices. The anvil above referred to is acted upon by a vertical
rame, Q, the lower end of which is sustained by eccentric, R, the rotation of which
as the effect of raising the anvil and forcing the assembled matrices against the
under side of the mold, which is in turn forced upward by the matrices and held
irmly against the mouth of the melting-pot until the completion of the casting
operation, after which the parts are lowered to their original positions. For the
purpose confining and clamping together the matrix during the casting operation

page_text: I mount in the frame two clamps or jaws, h, h¹, in such position that they will act
against opposite ends of the line of matrices as the latter are raised by the anvil.
As shown in the drawing the clamp, h', is acted upon by a spring, i which permits
it to yield slightly in order that it may fit snugly against the matrices.
Other means of suitable character may be used to operate the movable clamp.
After the completion of the casting operation a rotation of the shaft, K, causes
the arms, J, to swing upward as indicated by dotted lines, whereby the anvil
containing the matrices is lifted and carried forward to the position indicated by
dotted lines in Fig. 2, in order that the matrices may be delivered from the anvil
to the distributing rails or plates, S, S'.
The upper rails, S, S, are arranged horizontally, their inner edge being shouldered
or offset so as to present an intermediate space or slot varying in width at different
points as plainly represented in Fig. 3.
There may be any suitable number of sections varying in width.
drawings I have represented six divisions for the purposes of illustration.
In the
After the anvil has been lifted to its upper position so as to present the matrices
opposite the rails, S, a finger, T, attached to a horizontal endless chain, U, acts
against the last matrix in the series and forces them forward out of the anvil into
the space between the distributing plates, the upper shoulders, a of the matrices
engaging over the edges of the plates so that the matrices remain suspended
between them, after which the anvil descends to its original position in order to
receive the matrices which have in the meantime been assembled to produce the
characters for the next succeeding line. The movement of the finger, J, forces the
series of matrices forward between the plates. It will be remembered that
the shoulders of the matrices bearing different characters were made of different
widths horizontally, in consequence of which it follows that those matrices having
narrow shoulders will descend through the narrowest section of the space between
the rails while those having the next narrowest will descend through the second
section, and so on repeatedly.
If the machine contained but a small number of characters it would be possible
to devote a separate section of the distributing rails to each matrix, but inasmuch
as the machine will ordinarily contain eighty or more distinct sizes of matrix, it is
manifestly impossible to give a sufficient variation in the passage between the
distributing plates without rendering the matrices excessively large. To overcome
this difficulty I provide the second pair of distributing rails, S¹, to engage with the
second or lower shoulders of the matrices. I divide the series of matrices for
example, into six groups, the upper shoulders of which correspond in width with
the respective portions of the passage between the upper rails, S¹, consequently all
matrices belonging to one group, for instance, the first twelve characters, will
descend through the first section of the upper rails, while the next group will pass
through the second section and so on.
In order to subdivide these groups and present each matrix to its proper tube,
I divide the passage between the lower rails into numerous sections varying in
width, as shown at d, Fig. 3, each section representing a single character. The
lower necks or shoulders of the matrices are made of corresponding width.
In the action of the machine a matrix suspended by its upper shoulder on the
upper rails, S, will pass forward until its proper section is reached when it will
drop through with its companions to the lower rails whereon it will hang suspended
by the lower shoulders.
Continuing its forward movement it will remain suspended until it reaches a
section directly above the mouth of its feed tube when it will pass through into
the tube.
It will thus be seen that the divergent plates or rails in connection with the
matrices having shoulders of different widths and the means for moving the
matrices endwise over the rails constitute jointly an automatic distributing
mechanism by means of which each matrix is delivered to its appropriate feed tube

page_text: The shaft of the roll, V, which carries one end of the feed chain, U, is provided
with the fixed pulley, V³.
This pulley is notched or toothed in its edge and is united by means of a slot
and pin with the driving wheel, X¹, mounted loosely on the shaft.
A spring pawl, W, having a V shaped end engages in the notched edge of the
wheel.
The driving wheel, X¹, is turned positively and continuously by a chain as
shown, or other suitable means.
When its pin reaches the forward end of the slot in wheel, V¹, the latter is turned
ahead with a positive action, but the instant that the next tooth of wheel, V¹,
passes the point of the pawl the latter acts on the rear side of the tooth and causes
the wheel, V', to turn ahead of the driving wheel, X¹, thereby giving the chain, U,
a sudden impetus.
The pawl seats itself between the teeth and holds the wheel, W, and the chain
at rest until the pin of the driving wheel reaches the front of slot as before.
Thus it will be seen the chain, U, is given an intermitting movement and its
arm, T, caused to advance the matrices with a rapping or striking action.
Referring to the details of the driving mechanism k, represents a driving shaft
provided with a driving pulley, and with a worm, k¹, engaging the wheel, Z, mounted
on the shaft, m, which carries the anvil lifting eccentric, R.
This shaft, m, also carries a wheel, o having in its side a cam groove engaging a
stud or roller on a lever, p, which is pivoted to the frame and connected at one end
to a rack bar, q, the upper end of which engages a pinion, 7, on the shaft, K, to
cause the lifting of the anvil and matrices to the distributing mechanism.
A chain, s, transmits motion from a pulley on the shaft of roller, D, which
carries one end of chain, U. A pulley on the shaft of the other roll, D, is connected
by a chain or belt, t, to the pulley of the distributor chain.
A hand-lever, Y, pivoted to the frame acts on the finger, M, to cause the advance
of the matrices to the anvil.
The finger, M, near the completion of its movement actuates an elbow-lever, z,
which actuates an ordinary clutch for connecting the worm, c¹, with the shaft.
This permits all the parts except the chains to remain normally at rest and
causes the other operative parts to be automatically set in action the instant that
the matrices are seated in the anvil.
For those characters which are rarely used I propose to use matrices to be
inserted by hand. These will have necks of such size that they will all pass over
the ends of the distributing rails into a common receptacle, z¹, provided to receive
them. In place of the dies or matrices with intaglio characters I propose to use
dies with raised or cameo characters when matrices with intaglio impressions are to
be formed.
While I prefer to retain the details herein described and shown, it is to be
understood that the essence of the invention lies in the combination of the matrices,
with finger keys and mechanism to assemble the matrices, and a casting mechanism;
and the skilled mechanic will understand that the details may be greatly changed.
Instead of using a melting pot, I may employ any plastic material adapted to be
forced into the mold and to harden after receiving the impression of the matrices.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is
1. In a machine for producing printing-bars, the combination substantially as
hereinbefore described of a series of independent matrices each representing a single
character or two or more characters to appear together, a series of finger-keys
representing the respective characters, intermediate mechanism to assemble the
designated matrices in line, and a casting mechanism to cooperate with the
assembled matrices.

page_text: 2. In a machine for producing printing bars, the combination substantially as
described, of independent disconnected matrices each having a single character or
two characters to appear together, magazines or holders to contain the assorted
matrices, the finger-keys, the intermediate designating mechanism, the assembling
or composed mechanism, the casting mechanism to cooperate with the line of
assembled matrices, and the distributing mechanism.
3. The combination substantially as described and shown of the series of free
disconnected matrices each bearing a single character or two characters to appear
in unison, a series of finger-keys representing the respective characters, the
intermediate mechanism to assemble matrices bearing the designated characters in
line, a movable anvil to receive and sustain the aligned matrices, clamps to confine
laterally the matrices in the anvil, the mold opposite the anvil, and the melting
pot and the forcing mechanism to deliver the metal to the mold.
4. In combination with the feed tubes, their escapements and the finger-keys
connected therewith to effect the delivery of the matrices, the carrier traveling past
the tubes to receive the matrices and assemble them side by side in the order of
their delivery.
5. The matrices provided with sustaining shoulders in combination with the
endless carrying and assembling chain.
6. In combination with the series of free independent matrices, the carrying
chain provided with shoulders or teeth to engage opposite sides of the matrices.
7. The feed tubes and their escapements connected with finger-keys, in com-
bination with the matrices, the carrying chains, and the receiving rails whereon
the matrices are assembled.
8. The combination substantially as hereinbefore described and shown of the
feed tubes or magazines, their escapement and the finger-keys, with the discon-
nected matrices, the matrix-conveying or assembling mechanism, the rails whereon
the matrices are delivered, the anvil to receive the matrices from the rails, the
transferring device, M, the mold, the melting pot and its delivery pump, and the
mechanism to force the anvil toward the mold.
9. In combination with the anvil to sustain the matrices, the casting devices to
cooperate with the matrices in the anvil, the distributing mechanism, and mechanism
substantially as described to move the anvil and matrices from the casting to the
distributing mechanism.
10. In a machine for producing printing-bars, and in combination with the series
of free disconnected matrices, a casting mechanism, and an anvil or matrix support
which advances alternately to the casting and to the distributing mechanism.
11. In combination with the pivoted anvil or matrix-carrier, the vertically
swinging sustaining arms therefor.
12. In combination with the melting pot, and its delivery-pump, the movable
mold, the anvil, the matrices therein, the frame to sustain the anvil and the
eccentrics to raise the frame.
13. In combination with the feed tube, the series of independent matrices, an
escapement or detent substantially such as shown, and the finger-key connected
therewith.
14. In combination with the independent matrices, those of the same character
of equal width but those of different characters of different widths, the distributing
rails or plates arranged to present a passage of increasing width toward the delivery
end; and mechanism substantially as described to advance the matrices through said
passage; whereby an automatic distribution or assortment of the matrices is
secured.
15. In combination with the series of independent matrices each provided with
two pairs of shoulders graduated in width as described and shown, two distributing
supports with expanding passages to operate in connection with the respective
shoulders; whereby the matrices are first divided into groups each containing
several characters, and these groups finally divided to assort the characters.

page_text: 16. The series of independent matrices provided with sustaining shoulders as
described, those which represent like characters being of equal width and those of
different characters of different widths.
17. The matrices each having two pairs of sustaining shoulders as described.
18. In a composing mechanism, the combination of a series of tubes or holders
each containing matrices of a given letter, escapement mechanism to discharge the
type one at a time, and a carrier traveling in one direction beneath the entire
series of tubes; whereby the discharged characters are assembled in the order of
delivery, and without reference to the relative order or position of the tubes.
19. In combination with the distributing rails or plates, the endless belt provided
with an arm, T, the notched pulley to carry said belt, the driving-pulley loosely
connected therewith, and the spring-arm acting on the notched pulley; whereby
the arm is caused to advance the matrices with a jarring action.