Improved Means for Justifying Type Matrices and Type.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Apr., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 23rd Jan., 1896-Accepted, 14th Mar., 1896
[Communicated from abroad by OTTMAR MERGENTHALER, of Baltimore,
Maryland, U.S.A., Engineer.]
Improved Means for Justifying Type Matrices and Type.
We, THE LINOTYPE COMPANY, LIMITED of No. 6 Serjeants Inn, Fleet Street,
in the City of London, Sole Proprietors of and Manufacturers, Vendors and
Licensors under the Linotype Patents, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-.
"
The present invention has reference to the so-called "Linotype machines
originated by me, and represented in numerous Letters Patent, wherein a series of
type matrices representing the characters to be printed in one line, are selected and
temporarily aligned, with intermediate spacing devices against the front of a
mold, in order to close the same and to produce raised type characters on the bars
cast therein.
As the bars or linotypes must be of uniform length, it is necessary to space out
the lines of matrices to the predetermined length, or, in the language of the
printer, to "justify" the line. For this purpose various adjustable or expansible
spacing devices have been devised and used with more or less success. Now it is
the aim of my invention to provide a more simple and efficient means to this end,
and I have therefore devised a peculiar formation of the matrices and a peculiarly
formed tapered space-bar, in one piece, to be used therewith, the bar being adapted
to co-operate with the matrices in closing the mold, and also adapted to gradually
increase the spaces in the line by imperceptible degrees from the minimum to the
maximum limit.
In carrying the invention into effect, the matrix (which term is to be read as
including a plate or a bar for either indenting or for printing or for receiving fluid
material, as well as type generally so-called) has cut into one side of it one or
more longitudinal grooves, of gradually increasing depth from a point near the
upper end to the lower end, so that in vertical section through these grooves the
matrix presents a wedge-like form. We also bevel away the side face of the matrix
from a point just below the matrix to the lower end, these inclined surfaces
standing at the same angle or inclination as the bottom of the groove, but
preferably at a higher level. Between the inclined surfaces, we leave bearing
Burfaces, of the original height, parallel with the surface on the opposite side of
the matrix, so that there the matrix is of uniform thickness from end to end. This
formation of the matrix with parallel bearing faces on opposite sides, is important
in that it permits the matrices to be locked up side by side against each other, in
parallel lines, and in that it prevents them from slipping endwise past each other in
the magazine channels of the machine, as they would do if reduced in thickness
across the entire end.
The space-bar is made in one piece, of a width equal to that of the body of the
matrices, with suspending shoulders at the top, so that it may be set and sustained
in line with matrices after the manner of the space-bars now in use. The space-bar
is of much greater length than the matrix and of gradually increasing thickness
toward its lower end. On one side it is grooved or channeled longitudinally to fit

page_text: the side face of the matrix, the raised surfaces of the one being adapted to closely
fit the depressions of the other.
When thus united, the outer or distant surfaces of the two are parallel and the
bar is free to slide endwise along the matrix so as to produce an increasing
thickness in the line, without destroying this parallelism.
Thus it is that we are enabled by the use of the spacing devices each in one
piece, to effectively justify the line without canting or tipping the matrices
sidewise. The front edge of the space lies flush with the front edge of the matrix
body, and in such close proximity to the character that no difficulty is encountered
from the entrance of the metal or the formation of burrs between them on the
linotype. As the upper end of the bar forms the minimum space in the line, we
prefer to form the bar with its opposite faces parallel for a distance equal to the
length of the matrix.
It will be observed that as constructed the matrices are adapted to stand
vertically and parallel, whether in contact with each other or with the space-bar.
Dated this 23rd day of April 1895.
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
Agents for the Applicants.
CUM LIM
DELICATIUM.
Improved Means for Justifying Type Matrices and Type.
We, THE LINOTYPE COMPANY, LIMITED, of No. 6, Serjeants Inn, Fleet
Street, in the City of London, Sole Proprietors of and Manufacturers, Vendors
and Licensors under the "Linotype" Patents, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The present invention relates to improved means for justifying type matrices aud
type. The particular means for justifying which the invention in question assumes
to improve, is the well known Linotype justifier used in conjunction with the well
known Linotype matrices. Whether the latter are cut intaglio = type matrices as
the title of the present invention has it, or whether they are cut cameo or = type,
as in the same title, does not matter, as far as the means for justifying or the
improved means for justifying, are either of them concerned.
The Linotype intaglio matrix as hitherto made, say as illustrated in
Specification 145821890 is a rectangular metal plate constituting the matrix body
and having a lateral projection from each corner. The formative surface in which
the type face is cast is stamped in the bottom of a recess cut into the side edge of
the plate. The projections from the two top corners are the organs by which the
matrix is suspended from suitable supporting organs of the machine during its
travel through the latter. All the matrices are of the same height and width.
They vary in thickness just as printing characters vary in width. The two side
faces of a matrix are parallel with each other so that any number of matrices
assembled together side by side assume (ignoring the projections) the contours of
an hexahedron.
The Linotype space. bar, as hitherto made, say as illustrated in Specifica-
tion 14582 of 1890-consists of a plate and a bar, both tapered on one side, but
each one in a direction opposite to the other. These two members are held with
their tapered faces together in such a way as to be capable of sliding along each
other, the outer side faces remaining parallel with each other.
The space
bar is, in fact, an adaptation of the well known double wedge. The plate is
provided with lateral projections from its top corners to serve the same purpose
for the space bar as the above mentioned lateral projectious in the case of the
matrices.
Matrices and space bars are assembled in line the two parallel outer faces of

page_text: each space bar contacting with the respectively adjacent and parallel faces of
two matrices-between two immoveable uprights standing at a distance from each
other proportionate to the width. of the column or page for which the linotypes to be
made in the machine, are intended. The thick ends of the bars or longer members
of the space bars hang below the line of matrices, presenting themselves there in
order that they may be reached by a rising platform or ram and pushed upwards
for the purpose of producing in each space bar, a motion of longitudinal expansion
outwards and towards each of the uprights above mentioned which motion stops as
suon as the groups of matrices (= words) are forced apart and all held tightly
between and by the said uprights and space bars. The latter are as wide as the
matrices and their side edges parallel with those of the matrices in order that the
space bar edges on the same side of the assembled line as the matrix edges
containing the formative cavities, may stand in the same plane as the last mentioned
edges, for the purpose of forming a cliff like face the presence of which last is an
essential condition precedent to the casting operation.
Now each of the above mentioned space bars may be regarded, during the time
that it is at work in the line as a means for justifying, as allocated to the initial or
to the terminal matrix (= letter) of the respective group of matrices (= word) and
co-operating with it. Theu are there three pieces to be considered-(a.) the
matrix with its suspending device, (b.) the plate and (c.) the bar of the space bar
with its suspending device. The only functions of the plate are (a.) to provide a
tapered surface for the tapered surface of the bar to slide on and (b.) to carry the
suspending device of the space bar. But it is obvious that the plate, in so far as it
must have a thickness, takes up useful room in the line, and that the suspending
device heretofore carried by it may be transferred to the longer member or the bar
of the space bar. The omission of the plate, as well as the presence of suspending
devices on a single piece space bar, have been already proposed, so too has the
co-operation of two single and distinct wedges contacting over their oppositely
tapered faces and carrying matrices or type on their edges; so that the scope of
the present invention is strictly limited to the improvements in the adaptation of
matrix to spacer and spacer to matrix, which are hereinafter specified in detail and
claimed.
Referring to the accompanying drawings, which are to be taken as part of this
Specification and read therewith,
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a Linotype matrix made as heretofore and
improved according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is an elevation of the same matrix shewing the improved side
face of it.
Figure 3 is an elevation of the rear or operative edge of the matrix.
Figures 4 to 7 are horizontal sections taken along the correspondingly numbered
four section lines of Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 8 is a vertical section taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 2.
Figure 9 is an elevation of a spacer made according to the present invention and
shewing the improved side face of it.
Figure 10 is a side elevation corresponding with Figure 9.
Figures 11 to 14 are horizontal sections taken along the corresponding four
section lines of Figure 10.
Figure 15 is a rear elevation of the spacer illustrated in Figures 9 to 14 shewing
it with its improved side face in operative contact with the improved side of a
matrix and with its unimproved side face contacting with the unimproved side face
of another matrix.
Figure 16 is a horizontal section taken along the line 16-16 of Figure 15,
omitting the matrix on the right hand side of the spacer.
A, A are improved Linotype matrices made according to the present invention.
They are, except as to position of the formative cavities in respect of height,
replicas of the one illustrated in Specification 1458218 and to which the present
invention has been applied. Thus, the formative surface in the bottom of the

page_text: recess a, the untapered side face, the two lateral projections a¹, a¹ from the top
corners of the matrix body, (the same being the suspending device for the matrix),
the two lateral projections a, a from the bottom corners of the matrix body, the
untapered portion of the opposite side face and the distributor notch a², are as
heretofore.
The improvement in respect of a matrix, is confined to one side face of it and
consists in the combination with that face of a pair of tapered grooves b, band
three tapered surfaces d, d, d. The tapered grooves b, b, are parallel with each
other and with the side edges of the matrix. They are counterparts of each other
in respect of contour, width, depth, direction, and, preferably, of position in the
side face in question, and stand symmetrically with reference to the two side edges
aforesaid. They start on a line just beneath the bottom of the distributor notch a³
and run out through the sole of the matrix. One tapered surface d stauds between
a groove b and the adjacent side edge of the matrix and one between the said
grooves. They, also, start on a line just below the recess a and run out through
the sole of the matrix. They are parallel with each other in all respects as well
as with the grooves b, but they are shallower than the said grooves.
The bottoms or tapered surfaces of the two grooves b, b, and the tapered
surfaces d, d, d,-five surfaces numerically-
-are practically, as far as regards the
sliding of the spacer over the matrix, only one surface, but there is a practical
advantage in distributing them symmetrically over the side face of the matrix.
Thus, two grooves b, b, right and left of the vertical centre line of the side face in
question, leave a central portion of the untapered portion c to serve as a central
strengthening rib adapted to prevent the middle of the matrix collapsing under the
pressure incidental to the operation of justification. Further, as the surfaces d, d, d,
do not include the adjacent sides of the bottom lateral projections at, a*, it follows
that, when the aligned matrices are wedged up together side face to side face,
during the act of justification, the bearing surfaces on the improved side face will
act as being equally distributed, that is to say across the top and the lateral
projections a, a, down each side and the middle of the matrix as far as the
inclines d, d, d, and over the two bottom projections a, a. The surfaces d, d, d,
might be continued across the adjacent side faces of the projections a, a', but that
would produce a tapered edge along the sole of the matrix. A so tapered edge is
evidently likely to slip past the top of the matrix standing immediately underneath
it in the magazine tube, and to wedge itself between the said top and the side of
the said tube. To prevent such slipping past and wedging, the present invention
requires that a practical portion of the sole of the improved matrix shall be as
thick as the top of the matrix. To provide this portion, we leave the bottom
projections a, a, untapered.
The untapered side face constitutes one bearing surface and the portions c of the
opposite side constitute the other, these two being hereafter referred to as the
parallel bearing surfaces.
Matrices made according to the present invention, take the place of the Linotype
matrices as the latter have hitherto been made. At the same time it is to be
specially noted that the construction of the improved spacers does not necessitate
any alteration in the existing magazine equipment.
E is the improved spacer. It is substantially the bar of the Linotype spacer as
the latter has hitherto been made, that is to say, a flat bar having parallel edges,
as wide as a matrix, but gradually increasing in thickness from near the top to the
bottom, all such increase or taper being on one side face of the bar. The present
invention, however, incorporate with the top of the bar, the suspending device
hitherto incorporated with the now omitted plate. This device consists of the two
well known lateral projections f. The object of the incorporation with the bar
of the suspending device in question, is to provide for the spacer being duly carried
through its course through the machine, as well as for its, being duly supported in
its several stationary positions therein.
The parallel or untapered side face of the spacer is not shewn in full in the

page_text: figures. It is not new per se and is, therefore only indicated by the reference.g.
The taper mentioned in the preceding paragraph is on the opposite side face of the
spacer. The upper portion g' of this last mentioned face is parallel with the side
face g for the length of a matrix. This limited parallelism is to facilitate the act
of assembling. The parallel upper portion 2 stands in the line of assembled
matrices and spacers for a space of still undetermined width. The remaining
portion of the said face is the tapered side face g. It makes the same angle with
the opposite and untapered side face as do the tapered surfaces b, d, of the
improved matrix A with its opposite and untapered side face. ³ ³ are two ribs
fast upon the side face ³, corresponding in width and distance apart with the
grooves b, b in the matrix A. These ribs project from the face g² for a distance.
equal to the maximum depth of the grooves b, b, and extend from the bottom of
the spacer to near the top of the latter, where, being throughout parallel with the
tapered face g, they become merged in the parallel portion of that side of
the spacer, as shewn in Figure 10. The ribs g³, 3 are adapted to engage in
the grooves b, b; and the tapered face g³, with the tapered surfaces d, d, d.
Spacers made according to the present invention take the place of the Linotype
space bars as the latter have been hitherto made. At the same time the
construction of the improved spacers does not necessitate any alteration in the
existing space bar magazine which is retained in the same form as heretofore.
The way in which an improved spacer and an improved matrix work together is
illustrated in Figures 15 and 16. It must be borne in mind that all the matrices.
and all the spacers of an equipment for any given machine are made according to
the present invention, and that as any improved matrix and any improved spacer
can work together, no selection beyond that of selecting characters as such and:
spacers as such, falls upon the operator.
The untapered or parallel side face of the matrix on the right hand side of
Figure 15 and the untapered or parallel side of the spacer adjoin in the assembling
block as heretofore. The tapered side face of the next matrix adjoins the opposite.
face of the same spacer in the assembling block, its grooves b, h, straddling the
tops of the ribs g², g, and the other portions of the respective side faces being
duly vis-a-vis or aligned for being so. As soon as the action of justification
commences, the spacers are pushed upwards, the matrices being held against the
arching thrust of the spacers by means of a stationary detent extending across
the tops of their lateral projections a, a, as heretofore. The upward motion of a
spacer will be vertical, for its untapered side face takes a fair bearing upon an
adjacent untapered side face or parallel bearing surface, while its opposite and
tapered face moves smoothly upwards over the tapered surfaces d, d, d, and the
bottoms of the grooves b, b. The engagement of the bars in the grooves is an
important feature of the invention. It begins with the assemblage of spacer and
matrix, so preceding justification. It continues through the act of justification,
thereby ensuring that the rear edges of both matrix and spacer shall stand in the
same vertical plane. Canting of the matrices, even of those whose tapered
faces adjoin the tapered faces of the spacers, is obviated by the action, on the
projections a, a, of the detent already mentioned, and by the support afforded to
the said matrix on its untapered side face, by the adjoining matrix.
Each improved matrix and each improved spacer is an individual and separable
piece. Either is capable of motion independently of any fellow matrix or fellow
spacer, as the case may be, or of any organ of the machine in which it is used.
There is not any mechanical connection between a matrix and a spacer. Their
co-operation involves no more than juxtaposition and superficial contact.
As soon
as the assembled matrices and spacers are released from the close grip to which
they are subjected from the moment that justification is effected to the termination
of the act of casting, they are once more so many individual and separable pieces
ready for distribution each spacer disconnected from the matrix with which it
has just been in such close co-operation. The above mentioned co-operation is
possible between any matrix and any spacer in the machine. It is a distinguishing

page_text: feature of the present invention and is provided for by the presence on each
matrix and
on each spacer of corresponding tapered and parallel engaging
surfaces.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we
claim is :-
:
1. In a Linotype machine, the combination with a matrix having parallel bearing
surfaces, inclined bearing surfaces, and tapered grooves, of a continuously tapered
space bar adapted to enter the matrix and to fit against the same, substantially as
shewn and described.
2. In a Linotype machine, the improved spacer, being an individual and separable
piece consisting of a bar tapered on one side face only, a suspending device, and of
longitudinal and parallel ribs on its tapered side face, substantially as shewn and
described.
3. In a Linotype machine, the improved matrix, substantially as shewn and
described.
4. The combination of a matrix having a suspending device, two parallel bearing
surfaces, a tapered bearing surface in one of the latter and below it and a portion
of sole as thick as the top of the matrix, with an individual and separable spacer
consisting of a suspending device, a bar tapered on one side face only and in a
direction opposite to that of the tapered bearing surface on the matrix above
mentioned and ribs in the so tapered side face adapted to engage with the tapered
bearing surface of the matrix so as to prevent lateral motion between the spacer
and the matrix.
5. The combination of a series of matrices and spacers each separate and distinct
in itself, capable of motion independently of the others, and adapted in the manner
and by the means herein before described to co-operate with each other for the
purpose of justification by juxtaposition only without mechanical connection between
matrix and its respective spacer.
6. The combination of a series of matrices each having a suspension device, a
sole as wide as the top of the matrix is thick, two parallel bearing surfaces,
a tapered bearing surface in and below the latter and adapted by the latter to
co-operate with a reversely tapered spacer or to fit up against the parallel face of
either another matrix or another spacer.
Dated thie 23rd dox of Janu 1904
PHILLIPS & LEIGH,
No. 22, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicants.