Improvements in Linotype Machines.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 15th Nov., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 11th Aug., 1899-Accepted, 11th Nov., 1899
Improvements in Linotype Machines.
I, WILLIAM HENRY LOCK, Manager and Secretary of The Linotype Company
Limited, of No. 188, Fleet Street, in the City of London, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The present invention relates to improvements in linotype machines, and is
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a front elevation of my entire mechanism for selecting, assembling
and aligning the type matrices looking in the direction of the arrow 1 in
Figures 2, 4 and 5.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the mechanism looking in the direction of the
arrow 2 in Figures 4 and 5.
Figure 3 is a side elevation looking in the direction of the arrow 2 in Figures 1,4
and 5, showing the upper parts of the mechanism for selecting and assembling the
matrices, the framework and other portions being broken away in order to expose
the operative parts to view.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the entire mechanism.
Figure 5 is a plan view of the main frame and other principal parts.
Figure 6 is a plan view of the matrix-supporting and assembling devices, the
main frame being broken away.
Figure 7 is a vertical cross-section on the line 7-7 of Figures 1, 4 and 6.
Figure 8 is a cross-section on the line 8-8 of Figures 1, and 6.
Figures 9 and 10 are vertical sections respectively on the lines 9-9 and 10-10
of Figure 6.
Figure 11 is an edge or face view of a series of matrices with their characters
selected and aligned.
Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which the assembled
matrices are lifted to their normal support.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of one tier of guide arms and attendant parts,
showing the manner in which each matrix is caused to present its selected
character in the line.
Figure 14 is a top plan view, showing, in a diagrammatic way, the course of the
matrices in different paths to a common line at the assembling point.
Figure 15 is a front elevation showing the several tiers of guide wires and the
matrices thereon, the distributing arm, and adjacent parts.
Figure 16 is a top plan view of the parts represented in the preceding figure.
Figure 17 is an elevation showing the principal parts of the assembling or
composing mechanism, the main-frame and other parts being removed to expose
them to view.
Referring to the drawings:-
A represents a rigid main-frame of any form edented to sustain the onsuntive

page_text: parts; B, an annular approximately horizontal track bolted rigidly to the frame;
C, an inclined intermittently rotated shaft sustained in fixed bearings in the
frame; D, a cross-head with forked ends secured firmly to the shaft so that it is
revolved in a plane oblique to the plane of the track; E E, two matrix-sustaining
frames lying on opposite sides of the shaft and connected by horizontal pivots e
at one end to the respective ends of the cross-head, and each provided at the free
end with a sustaining roller, e, arranged to travel on the annular track; FF,
Figure 3 matrix-sustaining wires a number of which are secured in each of the
frames EE; and G G the matrices having their upper ends slotted, Figure 13,
and mounted to slide along the sustaining wires from the storage point at one
end to the assembling point at the other end, as hereinafter more fully explained.
As the cross-head revolves it carries the two matrix-frames E E' in circular paths
bodily around the shaft. As the ends of the yoke in the course of their revolution
have a rising and falling motion in relation to the track, they serve to raise and
lower the pivotted ends of the matrix-frames while they are being revolved, so
that each frame and its wires during the course of the revolution are caused to
assume at one side of the machine an inclined position as in the case of the
frame E, Figures 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 13, and thereafter, on reaching the opposite
side of the machine, to assume a horizontal position as appears in the case of
the frame E in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 17. Thus it is that the com-
bined rotating and tipping motion of the matrix-frames causes the matrix-
supporting and guiding wires to assume an inclined position in order to facilitate
the descent of the matrices thereon to the assembling point, and thereafter turn
to the opposite side of the machine and assume a horizontal position to sustain
the assembled matrices in operative position as will be more fully explained.
Each matrix G consists as shown in Figures 9, 10 and 13 of the matrix-
plate g, and its suspending-arm g¹, pivotted at the lower end to the plate and
slotted at the upper end 9, to receive the sustaining-wires. The matrix-plate g
is simply a flat metal plate having in one edge a series of different intaglio
characters or matrices proper g³, arranged one above another, and having in the
opposite edge a corresponding number of notches, gt. All the characters in the
plate should be of practically the same width as the edge of the plate, so that
when a number of matrices are assembled side by side in line their characters
will stand in close order, as demanded in print. I find it sufficient in practice to
adapt the machine for the production of ninety-six different characters, and to
this end I provide each matrix plate with eight characters, and provide twelve
distinct forms of plate, that is to say, plates having twelve different
sets of characters. Of each form of plate I provide a number equal to the
number of times that a given character will occur in any line of print. For
convenience of reference I will hereinafter desiguate all the matrices of one form,
that is to say, those bearing the same characters, as a group." The machine
contains, it will be understood, twelve of these groups. As each matrix contains
several characters, it is necessary, in order to get the selected characters in line,
not only to select and bring together side by side the matrices bearing the
required characters, but also to adjust the matrices endwise in relation to each other
so as to bring the appropriate characters, one on each matrix, in a common line.
This is accomplished as the matrices slide downward over the wires toward the
assembling point in the manner shown in Figures 2, 4, 7, 9, 10 and 13, by passing
through the slotted end of all the matrices in a group a number of sustaining and
guiding wires F F etc., arranged one above another in a vertical row or tier,
and by severing each of these wires (except the lowest) near its upper end, and
arranging the upper end f, Figure 13, to slide backward momentarily in its
support in order to leave between the two parts of each wire an opening through
which the matrix may descend in order that it may slide upon the wire next
below. The height of the matrix on arriving at the lower end of the wires will
depend on which of the wires it slides upon.
The wires in each rank equal in number the characters on each matrix, so that

page_text: by dropping the matrix from one wire to another it may be caused to present
any desired one of its characters at the aligning level. If the matrix slides on
the top. wire its lowest character will be presented. If it slides over the next
lower wire it will present the character next the bottom, and so on throughout
the series.
The retractile ends f of the wires are connected respectively, as shown in
Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7, with elbow-levers f, pivotted in the matrix-frame and
engaging beneath lips on the upper ends of vertical slides f³, mounted in the main-
frame and in turn connected by wires f, f and levers f f with finger-keys 18,
each representing a distinct letter or character so that whenever a finger-key is
depressed it retracts the corresponding wire f.
"
Each of these sliding wires except the lowest has a top shoulder, f, engaging
a shoulder f10, on the wire next above, so that whenever a finger-key is actuated
to withdraw a wire it causes all the wires above to move back therewith, thus
affording a free passage for the matrix from the top wire through the intermediate
wires to the one selected for use. All the matrices in a group are suspended and
held normally in storage on the short sliding wire f", mounted in the frame above
the other wires and connected to a finger-key, and are prevented from escaping
by the end of the frame E against which the first matrix bears. As shown in
Figures 3 and 7, a vertically sliding finger " is connected by lever f¹s with the
sliding storage or magazine wire fu. When, therefore, the wire ful is retracted,
which results from the operation of any key in the series, the foremost matrix
is permitted to escape and descend over the inclined wires to their lower ends,
its escape being ensured by the descent of the slide f". In Figure 7 it will be
scen that a spiral spring is interposed between the lever fs and matrix delivery
slide 1, so that before the slide is released by the withdrawal of the wire fl
from under it, the spring is put under compression by lever f¹ When there-
fore the wire is drawn back far enough to release the matrix, the spring drives the
slide down suddenly, thus ejecting or driving the matrix down from the storage
point very quickly, and consequently allowing a rapid manipulation of the keys
to discharge the successive matrices. The upper end of the slide 18, having a
head thereon, passes loosely through and is guided by the end of the lever f
It will, of course, be understood that the matrix thus discharged will descend to
a greater or less extent and slide over one or another of the wires according as
one or another of the finger-keys is actuated.
The foregoing description relates simply to the wires and finger-key connections
for one group of matrices. It is duplicated or repeated for each group, the wires
being divided, as shown in Figure 9, into as many vertical tiers or rows as there
are groups of matrices in the frame.
The devices above described serve to permit matrices containing the required
characters to slide downward to the lower end of the frame, and also serve to
determine the height at which the matrices stand in relation to each other on
arriving at the lower end. As however the matrices of the different groups would
hang in different vertical planes and out of line with each other on arriving at
the lower ends of their respective wires, it is necessary to gather them edgewise
into a row or line as they descend, and this is accomplished by fixing to the
lower end of the matrix-frame two gathering arms H H, Figure 13, their upper
ends being spread apart while their lower ends are parallel so that as the matricos
descend one after another they will enter between these arms and be deflected
right and left into a straight line between the parallel portions of the arms as
plainly shown in Figures 2, 4, 9, 10 and 14.
In order to assemble the matrices representing all the characters for a line of
print it is only necessary to touch the keys representing the proper characters.
It may happen that the successive matrices will come from different groups, or
that successive matrices will belong to the same group but be delivered in the.
line at different heights so as to present different characters.
I have thus far described the details of one matrix-frame and its connections.

page_text: The frame on the other side of the machine is in all respects a duplicate of the
one just described.
After a line of matrices has been composed on the wires which are for the time
being inclined, the cross-head D is given a half revolution, the effect of which is
to carry the frame containing the assembled line of matrices into a horizontal
position at the opposite side of the machine, and to bring the second set of wires
in an inclined position in the place previously occupied by the first set. In other
words, the two sets of wires are caused to exchange positions. 1.
The levers are carried with the matrix-frame out of engagement with the
operating slides, f³, which remain at rest in the main-frame, so that the levers f
of the second matrix-frame are, in turn brought into position to be operated by
the slides f³.
It will be observed that under this arrangement the one set of finger-keys and
finger-key connections are enabled to operate the matrix-releasing devices of
the two matrix-frames alternately.
1.9°
By the use of two sets of matrices independently operated I am enabled to
compose a line of matrices in one frame during the operation of casting from
the assembled line in the other frame. The assembled line is, by the rotation
of the frame containing it, presented, as shown in Figures 4 and 9, against and
across the open side of a mould, I, which will be supplied with molten metal
from a melting pot by a pump or other forcing mechanism of any suitable
character. The matrices thus presented to the mould serve to close its
side and to present to the molten metal the selected and aligned characters
which operate to form corresponding raised type on the linotype or printing-bar
produced in the mould. The selected characters are held in exact alignment and
the series of matrices held tightly against the edge of the mould by a confining-
bar J, extending across the rear edges of the matrices and provided with a rib j,
to enter the notches in their rear edges.
It is to be distinctly understood however that the mould and clamping devices
may be of any suitable construction, and that in place of the mould impression
devices or other devices of any suitable character may be used in connection with
the aligned surface.
It is also to be understood that the plates g, instead of having intaglio
characters may be provided with cameo characters to produce impressions in
papier mache or other suitable material..
66
""
"
After the aligned matrices have been used it is necessary that they shall be
restored to the uppermost of the sustaining wires and returned over said wires
to the original point which for convenience I have designated the " storage
point." Both of these operations may be automatically effected while the wires
are in their horizontal position by mechanism such as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4
and 8. Each matrix frame is provided as shown in Figures 2, 4, 6, 15 and 16,
with two longitudinal guide wires e, supporting a transverse sliding arın e³,
Figures 8, 16, hereinafter called the distributor arm." When the wires are
inclined this slide stands at the lower end, as shown in Figure 4, so that the
line of matrices is assembled against it, as seen in Figures 2, 4, 15 and 16. The
distributor-arm is connected by a cord, e, to a winding pulley, e', fixed to a
smaller winding pulley, e, from which a corde, passes through a suitable guide
to a ball or enlargement, elo, on its end. A lever, el, having a forked upper end
to engage the ball is mounted on a horizontal fulcrum, e, and urged constantly
outward by a spring e¹³. A cam, e4 acts against a roller, els, on the arm and
limits its outward motion. At the proper time after the matrices have been
used the cam el releases the arm e", which is urged outward by the spring so
that it engages the enlargement e, and, through the cord e, rotates the winding
pulleys which in turn cause the entire line of matrices to slide along the horizontal
wires toward the end from which they started. On reaching this end it is
necessary that the matrices shall be lifted in order to restore them to the upper-
most wire f. This is accomplished as follows:-
1

page_text: Each matrix-frame has all its levers and wires f mounted, as shown particu-
larly in Figure 8, in a supplemental sliding frame ³, seated within and guided
by the sides of the matrix frame as shown in Figures 6 and 17, so that they may
all be retracted at one operation in order to leave open spaces through which the
upper ends of all the matrices may be lifted to the wire f". This supplemental
frame, urged inward by a spring e, is drawn back at the proper time by a
lever e, Figure 8, operated through a roller es, on its end by a cam e¹³.
In order to lift the matrices after the way is thus opened for them, I employ
a vertically swinging arm k, one end of which stands in position below the line
of matrices while the opposite end is provided with a roller k, acted upon by the
cam e. The cams are so timed that the actions occur in the following order:
First, the distributor-arm is drawn to the left from the position shown in
Figure S, so as to carry all the matrices in the line over the horizontal wires
toward their storage position and so that their lower ends stand above the arm K.
At or about the same time, the supplemental frame is drawn back to afford an
opening through the wires. During the maintenance of this opening, the arm K
swings upward and lifts all the matrices to their highest elevation. While they
are thus maintained the supplemental frame e moves inward to its original
position rejoining the wires and leaving the matrices suspended on the top
wire f. This completes the distribution so that at the next revolution of the
machine the wires are brought again into connection with the finger-key
mechanism and into inclined positions with the matrices at their upper ends
preparatory to their being again selected and assembled in linc.
It will he perceived that the operations of assembling the matrices in one
frame and of distributing them in the other are carried on independently and
concurrently.
The operation of the mechanism as a whole is connectedly as follows:―The
yoke and matrix-frame stand normally at rest as shown in Figure 4, one frame
being inclined and the other horizontal. The wires of the horizontal frame
sustain at one end the assembled line of matrices which are in use. The operator
manipulating the keys delivers the required matrices, one at a time, downward
over the inclined wires into a common line between the converging guides H H',
the key action at the same time determining the height at which each matrix
shall stand in the line. The cams are then operated and the distribution of the
type on the horizontal frame effected. The yoke is then revolved and the matrix-
frames transposed thus bringing into operative position the newly assembled line
and at the same time presenting the distributed matrices in position to permit
the composition of a new line therefrom.
Motion may be imparted to the parts by any suitable arrangement of gearing.
As shown in Figure 2, the main shaft c receives motion through a bevel gear, c¹,
applied to its lower end and engaging a pinion, &, on a shaft c³, which is in turn
provided with a stop pinion, c, receiving an intermitting motion from a stop
gear 5, on the primary driving shaft . This gear e, also transmits an inter-
mitting rotation through stop pinions c, to a bevel pinion, which in turn drives
the pinion e, fixed to the shaft c™, carrying both of the distributer cams.
Toted the 15th dow of Novamhou 1800

page_text: .
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as
they have been communicated to me by The Mergenthaler Linotype Company, of
Tribune Building, New York, U.S.A., to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
The present invention relates to improvements in linotype machines.
Referring to the drawings filed with my Provisional Specification and which
aro to be taken as part of this specification and read therewith:-
Figure 1 is a front elevation of my entire mechanism for selecting, assembling
and aligning the type matrices looking in the direction of the arrow 1 in
Figures 2, 4 and 5.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the mechanism looking in the direction of the
arrow 2 in Figures 4 and 5.
Figure 3 is a side elevation looking in the direction of the arrow 2 in
Figures 1, 4 and 5, showing the upper parts of the mechanism for selecting and
assembling the matrices, the framework and other portions being broken away
in order to expose the operative parts to view.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the entire mechanism.
Figure 5 is a plan view of the main frame and other principal parts.
Figure 6 is a plan view of the matrix supporting and assembling devices, the
main-frame being broken away.
Figure 7 is a vertical cross-section on the line 7-7 of Figures 1, 4 and 6.
Figure 8 is a cross-section on the line 8-8 of Figures 1, 3 and 6.
Figures 9 and 10 are vertical sections respectively on the lines 9-9 and 10–10
of Figure 6.
Figure 11 is an edge or face view of a series of matrices with their characters
selected and aligned.
Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which the assembled
matrices are lifted to their normal support.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of one tier of guide arms and attendant parts,
showing the manner in which each matrix is caused to present its selected
character in the line.
Figure 14 is a top plan view, showing, in a diagrammatic way, the course of the
matrices in different paths to a common line at the assembling point.
Figure 15 is a front elevation showing the several tiers of guide wires and the
matrices thereon, the distributing arm, and adjacent parts.
Figure 16 is a top plan view of the parts represented in the preceding figure.
Figure 17 is an elevation showing the principal parts of the assembling or
composing mechanism, the main-frame and other parts being removed to expose
them to view.
Referring to the drawings:
A represents a rigid main-frame of any form adapted to sustain the operative
parts; B, an annular approximately horizontal track bolted rigidly to the frame;
C, an inclined intermittently rotated shaft sustained in fixed hearings in the
frame; D, a cross-head with forked ends secured firmly to the shaft so that it is
revolved in a plane oblique to the plane of the track; E, E, two matrix-sustaining
frames lying on opposite sides of the shaft and connected by horizontal pivots e
at one and to the respective ends of the cross-head, and each provided at the free
end with a sustaining-roller, el, arranged to travel on the annular track; F, F,
Figure 3, matrix-sustaining wires a number of which are secured in each of the
frames E, E; and G, G, the matrices having their upper ends slotted, Figure 13,
and mounted to slide along the sustaining wires from the storage point at one
end to the assembling point at the other end, as hereinafter more fully explained.
As the cross-head revolves, it carries the two matrix-frames F, E, in circular paths
bodily around the shaft. As the ends of the yoke in the course of their revolution
have a rising and falling motion in relation to the track, they serve to raise and
lower the pivoted ends of the matrix-frames while they are being revolved, so
that each frame and its wires during the course of the revolution are caused to

page_text: assume at one side of the machine an inclined position as in the case of the
frame E, Figures 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 13, and thereafter, on reaching the opposite
side of the machine, to assume a horizontal position as appears in the case of
the frame E, in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 17. Thus it is that the com-
bined rotating and tipping motion of the matrix-frames causes the matrix-
supporting and guiding wires to assume an inclined position in order to facilitate
the descent of the matrices thereon to the assembling point, and thereafter turn
to the opposite side of the machine and assume a horizontal position to sustain
the assembled matrices in operative position as will be more fully explained.
Each matrix G consists as shown in Figures 9, 10, and 13 of the matrix-
plate g, and its suspending-arm g¹, pivoted at the lower end to the plate and
slotted at the upper end, to receive the sustaining-wires. The matrix-plate
is simply a flat metal plate having in one edge a series of different intaglio
characters or matrices proper, g³, arranged one above another, and having in the
opposite edge a corresponding number of notches, gt. All the characters in the
plate should be of practically the same width as the edge of the plate, so that
when a number of matrices are assembled side by side in line, their characters
will stand in close order, as demanded in print. I find it sufficient in practice to
adapt the machine for the production of ninety-six different characters, and to
this end I provide each matrix plate with eight characters, and provide twelve
distinct forms of plate, that is to say, plates having twelve different
Bets of characters. Of each form of plate I provide a number equal to the
number of times that a given character will occur in any line of print. For
convenience of reference I will hereinafter designate all the matrices of one form,
that is to say, those bearing the same characters, as a group." The machine
contains, it will be understood, twelve of these groups. As each matrix contains
several characters, it is necessary, in order to get the selected characters in line,
not only to select and bring together side by side the matrices bearing the
required characters, but also to adjust the matrices endwise in relation to each other
so as to bring the appropriate characters, one on each matrix, in a common line.
This is accomplished as the matrices slide downward over the wires toward the
assembling point in the manner shown in Figures 2, 4, 7, 9, 10 and 13, by passing
through the slotted end of all the matrices in a group a number of sustaining and
guiding wires F, F, etc., arranged one above another in a vertical row or tier,
and by severing each of these wires (except the lowest) near its upper end, and
arranging the upper end f, Figure 13, to slide backward momentarily in its
support in order to leave between the two parts of each wire an opening through
which the matrix may descend in order that it may slide upon the wire next
below. The height of the matrix on arriving at the lower end of the wires will
depend on which of the wires it slides upon.
The wires in each rank equal in number the characters on each matrix, so that
by dropping the matrix from one wire to another, it may be caused to present
any desired one of its characters at the aligning level. If the matrix slides on
the top wire, its lowest character will be presented. If it slides over the next
lower wire, it will present the character next the bottom, and so on throughout
the series.
•
The retractile ends of the wires are connected respectively, as shown in
Figures 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7, with elbow levers f, pivotted in the matrix frame and
engaging beneath lips on the upper ends of vertical slides f³, mounted in the main-
frame and in turn connected by wires f, f and levers fe, f with finger-keys fº,
each representing a distinct letter or character so that whenever a finger-key is
depressed, it retracts the corresponding wire f.
Each of these sliding wires except the lowest has a top shoulder, 1, engaging
a shoulder, fo, on the wire next above, so that whenever a finger key is actuated
to withdraw a wire, it causes all the wires above to move back therewith, thus
affording a free passage for the matrix from the top wire through the intermediate
wires to the one selected for use. All the matrices in a group are suspended and

page_text: held normally in storage on the short sliding wire fl, mounted in the frame above
the other wires and connected to a finger-key, and are prevented from escaping
by the end of the frame E against which the first matrix bears. As shown in
Figures 3 and 7, a vertically sliding finger, f, is connected by lever f¹s with the
sliding storage or magazine wire t". When, therefore, the wire f" is retracted,
which results from the operation of any key in the series, the foremost matrix
is permitted to escape and descend over the inclined wires to their lower ends,
its escape being ensured by the descent of the slide f¹. In Figure 7, it will be
seen that a spiral spring is interposed between the lever f and matrix delivery
slide f, so that before the slide is released by the withdrawal of the wire f
from under it, the spring is put under compression by lever f¹³. When there-
fore the wire is drawn back far enough to release the matrix, the spring drives the
slide f down suddenly, thus ejecting or driving the matrix down trom the storage
point very quickly, and consequently allowing a rapid manipulation of the keys
to discharge the. successive matrices. The upper end of the slide f, having a
head thereon, passes loosely through and is guided by the end of the lever 13.
It will, of course,. be understood that the matrix thus discharged will descend to
a greater or less extent and slide over one or another of the wires according as
one or another of the finger-keys is actuated.
The foregoing description relates simply to the wires and finger-key connections
for one group of matrices. It is duplicated or repeated for each group, the wires
being divided, as shown in Figure 9, into as many vertical tiers or rows as there
are groups of matrices in the frame.
The devices above described serve to permit matrices containing the required
characters to slide downward to the lower end of the frame, and also serve to
determine the height at which the matrices stand in relation to each other on
arriving at the lower end. As however the matrices of the different groups would
hang in different vertical planes and out of line with each other on arriving at
the lower ends of their respective wires, it is necessary to gather them edge-wise
into a row or line as they descend, and this is accomplished by fixing to the
lower end of the matrix-frame two gathering arms H, H, Figure 13, their upper
ends being spread apart while their lower ends are parallel so that as the matrices
descend one after another, they will enter between these arms and be deflected
right and left into a straight line between the parallel portions of the arms as
plainly shown in Figures 2, 4, 9, 10 and 14.
In order to assemble the matrices representing all the characters for a line of
print, it is only necessary to touch the keys representing the proper characters.
It may happen that the successive matrices will come from different groups, or
that successive matrices will belong to the same group, but be delivered in the line
at different heights so as to present different characters.
I have thus far described the details of one matrix-frame and its connections.
The frame on the other side of the machine is in all respects a duplicate of the
one just described.
After a line of matrices has been composed on the wires which are for the time
being inclined, the cross-head D is given a half revolution, the effect of which is
to carry the, frame containing the assembled line of matrices into a horizontal
position at the opposite side of the machine, and to bring the second set of wires
in an inclined position in the place previously occupied by the first set. In other
words, the two sets of wires are caused to exchange positions.
The levers are carried with the matrix-frame out of engagement with the
operating slides, f³, which remain at rest in the main-frame, so that the levers fa
of the second matrix-frame are in turn brought into position to be operated by
the slides f³.
It will be observed that under this arrangement, the one set of finger keys and
finger-key connections are enabled to operate the matrix-releasing devices of
the two matrix-frames alternately.

page_text: By the use of two sets of matrices independently operated, I am enabled to
compose a line of matrices in one frame during the operation of casting from
the assembled line in the other frame. The assembled line is, by the rotation
of the frame containing it, presented, as shown in Figures 4 and 9, against and
across the open side of a mould, I, which will be supplied with molten metal
from a melting pot by a pump or other forcing mechanism of any suitable
character as heretofore. The matrices thus presented to the mould serve to close
its side and to present to the molten metal the selected and aligned characters
which operate to form corresponding raised type on the linotype or printing-bar
produced in the mould. The selected characters are held in exact alignment and
the series of matrices held tightly against the edge of the mould by a confining-
bar, J, extending across the rear edges of the matrices and provided with a ribj,
to enter the notches in their rear edges.
It is to be distinctly understood however that the mould and clamping devices
may be of any suitable construction, and that in place of the mould, impression
devices or other devices of any suitable character may be used in connection with
the aligned surface.
It is also to be understood that the plates g, instead of having intaglio
characters may be provided with cameo characters to produce impressions in
papier maché or other suitable material.
"
After the aligned matrices have been used, it is necessary that they shall be
restored to the uppermost of the sustaining wires and returned over said wires
to the original point which for convenience 1 have designated the storage
point." Both of these operations may be automatically effected while the wires
are in their horizontal position by mechanism such as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4
and 8. Each matrix frame is provided as shown in Figures 2, 4, 6, 15 and 16,
with two longitudinal guide wires e, supporting a transverse sliding urm e².
Figures 8, 16, hereinafter called the "distributor arm." When the wires are
inclined, this slide stands at the lower end, as shown in Figure 4, so that the
line of matrices is assembled against it, as seen in Figures 2, 4, 15 and 16. The
distributor-arm is connected by a cord, e, to a winding pulley, e, fixed to a
smaller winding pulley, es, from which a cord, e, passes through a suitable guide
to a ball or enlargement, elo, on its end. A lever, o", having a forked upper end
to engage the ball is mounted on a horizontal fulcrum, e", and urged constantly
outward by a spring e. A cam, e acts against a roller, e, on the arm and
limits its outward motion. At the proper time after the matrices have been
used, the cam, et releases the arm el, which is urged outward by the spring so
that it engages the enlargement elo, and, through the cord e", rotates the winding
pulleys which in turn cause the entire line of matrices to slide along the horizontal
wires toward the end from which they started. Un reaching this end, it is
necessary that the matrices shall be lifted in order to restore them to the upper-
most wire f. This is accomplished as follows:-
Each matrix-frame has all its levers and wires f mounted, as shown particu-
larly in Figure 8, in a supplemental sliding frame e³, seated within and guided
by the sides of the matrix frame as shown in Figures 6 and 17, so that they may
all be retracted at one operation in order to leave open spaces through which the
upper ends of all the matrices may be lifted to the wire f". This supplemental
frame, urged inward by a spring, e, is drawn back at the proper time by a
lever e, Figure 8, operated through a roller e, on its end by a cam, el.
In order to lift the matrices after the way is thus opened for them, I employ
a vertically swinging arm K, one cud of which stands in position below the line
of matrices while the opposite end is provided with a roller, k, acted upon by the
canic The cams are so timed that the actions occur in the following order :-
First, the distributor-arm is drawn to the left from the position shown in
Figure 8, so as to carry all the matrices in the line over the horizontal wires
toward their storage position and so that their lower ends stand above the arm K

page_text: At or about the same time, the supplemental frame e³ is drawn back to afford an
opening through the wires. During the maintenance of this opening, the arm K
swings upward and lifts all the matrices to their highost elevation. While they
are thus maintained, the supplemental frame e moves inward to its original
position rejoining the wires and leaving the matrices suspended on the top
wire f. This completes the distribution so that at the next revolution of the
machine, the wires are brought again into connection with the finger-key
mechanism and into inclined positions with the matrices at their upper ends
preparatory to their being again selected and assembled in line.
It will be perceived that the operations of assembling the matrices in one
frame and of distributing them in the other are carried on independently and
concurrently.
The operation of the mechanism as a whole is connectedly as follows:-The
yoke and matrix-frames stand normally at rest as shown in Figure 4, one frame
being inclined and the other horizontal. The wires of the horizontal frame
sustain at one end the assembled line of matrices which are in use.
The operator
manipulating the keys delivers the required matrices, one at a time, downward
over the inclined wires into a common line between the converging guides H, H',
the key action at the same time determining the height at which each matrix
shall stand in the line. The cams are then operated and the distribution of the
type on the horizontal frame effected. The yoke is then revolved and the matrix-
frame transposed, thus bringing into operative position the newly assembled line
and at the same time presenting the distributed matrices in position to permit
the composition of a new line therefrom.
Motion may be imparted to the parts by any suitable arrangement of gearing.
As shown in Figure 2, the main shaft c receives motion through a bevel gear, c¹,
applied to its lower end and engaging a pinion, c³, on shaft ³, which is in turn
provided with a stop pinion, receiving an intermitting motion from a stop
gear, , on the primary driving shaft. This gear , also transmits an inter-
mitting rotation through stop pinions e, to a bevel pinion, which in turn drives
the pinion ³, fixed to the shaft, carrying both of the distributor cams.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
1. In a linotype machine, the combination of a group of duplicate matrices
each having a series of characters in one edge, a series of wires or guides common
to all the matrices in the group and leading to a common assembling point, and
mechanism for directing the matrices one at a time over one or another of the
guides at will; whereby the position of the individual matrices on arriving at the
assembling point may be controlled so as to present one or another of the
characters in operative position.
2. In a matrix machine, the combination of a series of guide wires arranged
one above another, a matrix having a series of characters at different heights, and
a slotted arm which embraces the entire series of guide wires, and means sub-
stantially as shown for adjusting said arm at will to travel upon one or another
of the wires; whereby the matrix may be guided to an assembling point at a
higher or a lower level according as one or another of its characters is to be
brought into use.
3. In a linotype machine, and in combination with a matrix to travel thereon,
the matrix sustaining guide wire having an exposed unconnected end to permit
the application and removal of the matrix when the machine is in operative
condition.
4. In a linotype machine, and in combination with matrices sustained and
guided thereby, a guide wire fixed at one end in the supporting frame, in com-
bination with a support adapted for instantaneous connection with or discon-

page_text: nection from the free end of said wire, whereby the matrix may be permitted to
pass to and from the wire substantially as described.
5. In combination with a matrix sustained thereby and movable lengthwise
thereof, a supporting guide or wire consisting of two parts joined separably end
to end; whereby the matrix is permitted to pass freely from one part to the
other or to escape between the parts when they are separated.
6. A series of fixed guide wires arranged in a vertical row or tier and a group or
series of duplicate matrices to travel thereon, means for sustaining the group of
matrices at the normal or starting point, and a finger-key mechanism to release
the matrices one at a time and deliver them to one or another of the wires at will;
whereby the successive matrices from the same group may be delivered side by
side at different heights in order to present respectively different characters in
operativo position.
7. In combination with a group of duplicate matrices, the matrix guiding wires
arranged in a vertical row or rank and each having a retractable end or con-
tinuation connected with a finger-key, each of said retractable ends adapted to
retract the one next above it, an upper support on which the group of matrices
is normally sustained, a finger-key to effect the discharge of the matrices one at
a time from said support, and connections through which said support is operated
by each of the other finger-keys; whereby the operation of any finger-key in the
series is caused to release a matrix and effect its delivery to the corresponding
wire.
8. In combination with the guide wires F, arranged in a vertical rank or row,
their retractable ends provided with shoulders fo, the finger-keys connected to
the retractable members and the ejector 2, arranged to be operated by all of the
finger-keys.
9. In a linotype machine, matrix-guiding wires arranged in a number of vertical
rows or ranks, a series of groups of matrices those of each group slotted to embrace
all the wires in one vertical row, finger-key mechanism for releasing the matrices
one at a time and delivering the same to the different wires in each row, and
guiding or aligning devices; whereby the matrices travelling over the different
wires are brought into a common line side by side.
10. In a linotype machine, and in combination with the matrix-guiding wires
each having an independently retractile end or continuation, a main-frame to
support said wires and a supplemental retractable frame wherein said retractile
ends are adapted to slide independently, whereby the ends may be retracted one
at a time or in series as occasion may demand.
11. In a linotype machine, the combination of a series of matrices, a series of
wires or guides whereon they slide to an assembling point and mechanism sub-
stantially as shown for placing said wires first in an inclined position that the
matrices may descend by gravity to the assembling point and thereafter in a
horizontal position that the assembled matrices may be presented in position for
use.
12. In a linotype machine, a series of matrices, a series of guide wires whereon
the matrices more to the assembling point, a frame sustaining said wires and an
inclined axis around which the frame revolves whereby the frame and wires are
caused to assume alternately an inclined and a horizontal position.
13. In a linotype machine and in combination with guide wires arranged side
by side, a series of pendant matrices movable along said wires toward the
assembling point, each matrix containing in its edge a plurality of characters,
means for adjusting the matrices endwise in relation to each other to bring the
selected characters in line, and means whereby the matrices are guided into a
common line notwithstanding the lateral separation of the wires from which they
are suspended.
14. In a linotype machine, the combination of the inclined rotary shaft, its
cross-head, the two matrix-frames provided with matrix-sustaining wires or

page_text: guides, and the annular track to sustain the free ends of the matrix frames:
whereby the matrix-frames are caused to revolve horizontally and thus exchange
positions and also caused to move each from a horizontal to an inclined position.
15. In a linotype machine the combination of two series of matrices and an
independent selecting and aligning mechanism for each series, in combination
with a fixed finger-key mechanism to which the two assembling mechanisms
are alternately presented.
16. In combination with a stationary finger-key mechanism, a rotary carrier
provided with two indepenuent series of matrices and composing mechanisms
therefor, said mechanisms arranged to connect alternately with the finger-key
mechanism as the carrier is revolved.
17. In a linotype machine, the combination of a mould, a finger-key mechanism
and an intermediate rotary carrier provided with two independent sets of matrices
and assembling or composing mechanisms therefor: whereby the two composing
mechanisms are presented alternately to the finger-key mechanism and the
assembled matrices in one mechanism presented to the mould during the com-
position or assemblage of a new line in the other mechanism.
18. In a linotype machine, the combination of matrix bars each containing a
plurality of characters independently usable, a mould, guides on which the
matrices are movable back and forth from the storage points to the mould, finger-
keys, and connection from said keys to release in any order desired the matrices
bearing the selected characters and determine the longitudinal relations of said
matrix bars to each other in front of the mould, whereby the matrices may be
guided from the storage points and arranged to present their selected characters,
one on each bar, in a common line in front of the mould.
19. In a linotype machine, two shifting composing mechanisms and a single
series of finger-keys arranged to actuate said mechanisms alternately.
20. In a linotype machine, two composing mechanisms, a single series of
finger-keys arranged to actuate said mechanisms alternately, matrices composed
by the respective mechanisms in successive lines, and a mould to which all the
composed lines are presented.
21. In a linotype machine, a series of matrix-bars, each having a plurality of
independently usable characters at one edge and the means of suspension at the
top, in combination with a series of guides whereon the matrices are mounted
to travel laterally; whereby like matrices may be sustained at different heights
in order to present different characters at the aligning level.
22. In a finotype machine, a matrix having a plurality of separate characters
in combination with guides at different levels, along which the matrix may be
advanced laterally to present one or another of its characters at the aligning level
as demanded.
23. In a linotype machine, a rotary frame, matrices carried therein, two
aligning devices in said frame to receive successive and independent composed
lines of matrices, and a mould to which the successive lines are presented by the
rotation of the frame.
24. In a linotype machine, the combination of means for holding a series of
matrices, an escapement device to release the matrices one at a time, and a spring
acting to accelerate the motion of the matrices when released.
25. In a linotype machine, a mould, two duplicate sets of matrices to co-operate
with said mould, a sustaining and composing mechanism for each set of matrices,
and means for alternating the positions of said mechanisms and presenting each in
position to allow the composition of a line from one set of matrices while a com-
posed line from the other set is in operative relation to the mould.
26. In a linotype machine, two independent sets of matrices, mechanism for
composing matrix lines from the two sets alternately, a mould and means for
presenting the matrix lines successively to the mould in the order of their
composition.

page_text: 27. In a linotype machine, two free or unattached sets of matrices, guides for
each set adapted to direct the matrices successively in the order of release to a
common assembling point, and a key mechanism arranged to select and release
matrices from the two sets alternately, a line from one side and then a line from
the other.
CHAS. S. WOODROFFE, Fel.Ch.Inst.P.A.,
188, Fleet Street, E.C., Agent for the Applicant.