Improvements in Linotype Machines.
Year: 1899

page_text: Improvements in Linotype Machines.
A communication by JOHN RAPHAEL ROGERS, of Brooklyn, in the County of Kings,
and State of New York, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.I., Agent for Foreign Patent
Solicitors, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both in the
County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of Warwick,
and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement;.
;-
The object of this invention is to adapt linotype and analogous machines to
carry a much larger assortment of matrices than usual, in order that they may be
economically employed for the production of technical print and for advertising
matter, display work, etcetera, requiring the use of characters other than those
commonly employed in plain print, such, for instance, as black or bold faces, dis-
play type, italics, small capitals, etcetera.
To this end this invention consists in combining in one machine two distri-
butors, two or more magazines, arranged to deliver their matrices to one and the
same composing mechanism, these magazines being each provided with escape-
ment devices, means through which these escapements are actuated from a single
keyboard, and means by which one series of escapements or the other may be held
out of action.
Each magazine is provided with its own distributing mechanism, and means
are provided for presenting the composed lines of matrices to one of said distri-
butors, and as a preliminary step, separating the matrices of the one magazine
from those of the other and directing them to the respective distributors, by which
they are restored to the appropriate channels in the magazines.
My correspondent believes himself to be the first to construct a machine with
two independent magazines, means actuated by a single keyboard for delivering
the matrices from either magazine at will, and means for separating the matrices
and directing them, previous to any further distribution, to the respective dis-
tributors, and it is to be understood that the details of construction may be widely
modified without changing essentially the mode of action or the result secured or
passing beyond the scope of the invention.
In the accompanying drawings,
Figure is a side elevation, showing in outline the commercial Mergenthaler
machine of the present day with this improvement incorporated therein.
Figure 2 is a front elevation of the machine.
Figure 3 is a side elevation, showing the two magazines with the distri-
butors at their upper ends and the escapement operating devices at the lower ends,
the distributors and escapement devices being shown in vertical cross section.
Figure 4 is a view looking rearward and showing the lower ends of the two
magazines with the carrier belt and connections for delivering matrices from the
lower magazine to the assembling devices, other parts being removed in order to
expose to view the parts shown in the drawing.

page_text: Figure 5 is an outline elevation looking from the front and showing more par-
ticularly the devices for locking the escapement devices out of action-when
required.
Figure 6 is a vertical cross section from front to rear through the lower ends of
the two magazines, their escapement devices and adjacent parts.
Figure 7 is a view looking forward against the rear side of the two distributors
and illustrating the manner in which the matrices delivered to the upper_dis-
tributor are separated into two groups and the latter directed to the upper and the
lower distributors respectively."
Figure 7 is a side elevation, illustrating in detail the action of the parts shown
in the preceding figure.
Figure 8 is a vertical cross section on the correspondingly numbered line of
Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a cross section on the correspondingly numbered lines of Figures 7
and 8, looking in a downward direction.
Figures 10 and 11 are vertical cross-sections on the line 10-10 of Figures 7
and 12, the former showing the position assumed by a matrix belonging to the
upper magazine and the latter the position of a matrix belonging to the lower
magazine.
Figure 12 is a side elevation of the parts shown in the upper portion of
Figures 7 and 8 and in Figures 10 and 11, illustrating the manner in which the
matrices are divided into two groups or series as they approach the upper
distributor.
Figures 13 and 14 are side views of two matrices belonging to the upper and
the lower magazines respectively, and showing the differing notches in their edges
to determine their course to the magazines.
Figure 15 is a view illustrating another form of the conductor between the
upper and lower magazines with the matrices differentiated in a manner different
from that in the preceding figures.
Figure 16 is a side elevation of the principal parts shown in the preceding
figure.
Figures 17 and 18 are vertical sections on the line 17 of the preceding figure
showing respectively the manner in which the matrices of the upper magazine
are supported and carried to the upper distributor, and the manner in which the
notched matrices of the lower magazine are permitted to descend without engaging
the upper distributor.
This machine comprises as its leading features the main frame A, the inclined
channelled magazine B, in which the usual set of matrices are stored, a series of
finger-keys D, acting through intermediate devices to discharge the matrices. one
at a time, from the magazine through vertical channels G to a travelling belt H
by which they are delivered. together with suitable spaces from the small maga-
zine K, into an assembling elevator I. This assembling elevator or block may be
raised at will by the operator to present the composed line of matrices and spaces
between horizontally shifting fingers L, by which the line is transferred from the
elevated assembler block through the intermediate channelled guide M to a yoke
or elevator N, commonly known as the "first elevator," by which the line is
lowered to a casting position in front of the mould slot in the mould wheel or
disc O. The line thus presented in front of the mould is confined between jaws
which limit the length of the justified line, so that it will correspond with the
length of the mould and of the slug or linotype cast therein. After the casting
operation. the roke or elevator N rises from the mould to a position above its
original level. in order that the line may be transferred from it by means of a
horizontal slide S into a stationary guide R. the distributing teeth in the upper
ends of the matrices being thus engaged with a bar on the end of the vertically
swinging elevator arm W, commonly known as the "second elevator."
This arm, swinging upward, lifts the line of matrices to the distributing de-
vices at the top of the machine, while the elongated spaces, remaining behind

page_text: in the guide R, are engaged by a horizontally reciprocating hook U and shifted
to the right into their magazine K.
The parts referred to above are constructed and arranged to operate in essen-
tially the same manner as in the commercial linotype machine of the present day.
In carrying the invention into effect, there is mounted rigidly in the main
frame below the ordinary magazine B, and parallel therewith or substantially so,
a second magazine B₁ of similar construction, except that it is reduced in-length
by cutting away its lower end in order to leave room for the devices hereinafter
described for carrying the matrices therefrom to the assembling devices.
Above the upper end of this lower magazine a distributing mechanism X is
mounted which may be in all respects, identical with that of the upper magazine.
The matrices carried in the two magazines, after being assembled or composed in
line and used at the mould, are lifted by the elevator W and delivered as usual
to-the upper distributor X, which carries, forward the matrices belonging to the
upper magazine and drops them in the proper channels as usual, while the
matrices intended for the lower magazine are released and allowed to fall through
a conductor Z to the lower distributor X', by which they are distributed into the
lower magazine B. The parts for thus separating the matrices into two series,
that they may pass to the respective distributors and magazines, will be herein-
after explained in detail.
The matrices delivered one at a time from the lower end of the secondary
magazine B are received on a carrier belt, extending transversely across the
machine and carried at its ends by pulleys . This belt, being constantly driven
in the direction indicated by the arrows in Figure 4 and passing between the
flanges or guides 62 (see Figure 3), receives the mairices and carries them suc-
cessively to the left, delivering them into the upright tube or channel 4, which
(as shown in Figures 3 and 4) delivers them into the assembler I, where they are
assembled in line in the same manner as matrices delivered from the upper
magazine.
The line may be composed of matrices wholly from the upper or wholly from
the lower magazine, or matrices in part from one magazine and in part from the
other. In either case the matrices are received in the assembler in front of the
star-wheel, composed in line and the lines thereafter handled in the machine in
the ordinary manner.
The single keyboard is arranged to deliver matrices from one magazine or the
other at the will of the operator in the manner following:
The upper magazine A is provided with escapement devices and connections to
the keyboard. These devices, plainly shown in Figures 3 and 6, consist primarily
of an escapement lever d, centrally pivoted under each channel of the magazine
and carrying at its ends two pawls or pins d', which by the vibration of the lever
are projected upward alternately through the bottom of the magazine, in order to
permit the matrices Y to escape one at a time. A spring d², engaging the rear
end of the escapement lever, tends to lift its rear end and depress the lower pawl
to effect the release of the lowermost matrix. This lifting action of the spring da
is overcome, however, by the key bar ³, which engages the rear end of the lever
and is pulled down by a spring, sufficiently strong to overcome the spring d³,
so that the parts stand normally in the position shown in Figures 3 and 6.
When the bar is lifted by the action of the corresponding finger key, either
directly or through the intermediate devices commonly employed, it relieves the
escapement lever, which is then actuated by spring, to discharge the matrix.
When the key bar is released and drawn downward by the spring . the
escapement devices resume their original position, the second matrix in the column
having in the meantime advanced to assume the position vacated by its predecessor.
For the purpose of discharging the matrices from the lower magazine B₁ a
forked escapement lever 65 is pivoted therefo over each of its channels, the lower
ends of which project downward through slots into the top of the magazine, in
order to engage the ears of the matrices in the manner shown in Figure 6. A

page_text: •
spring 66, extending from the escapement lever to the top of the magazine, tends
to lift the lower arm of the lever to release the lower matrix. The lever is held,
however, normally in the reverse position, with its lower arm in engagement with
the matrix, by a link b, connecting its upper end with an elbow lever bs, the latter
having one arm extended forward and seated in a notch in the upper end of the
key bar d³.
The spring d, holding this bar down, is sufficiently strong to overcome the
spring band keep the escapement normally in the position shown in full lines.
When, however, the finger-key is actuated and the bar d lifted, the escapement
of the lower magazine momentarily assumes the position shown by dotted lines
in Figure 6, allowing the matrix to escape. As the bar d ascends, the escape-
ment assumes its original position.
It will be observed that the one key bar d³ is relied upon to actuate the escape-
ments of the two magazines. Obviously, it must operate only one of these escape
ments at a time.
Instead of resorting to the complicated and expensive arrangement of movable
magazines or of moving the key connections so that they will engage the two
escapements alternately, the key bar d³ is mounted at its upper end in the usual
fixed guide do, so that it retains at all times its operative relation to both escape-
ments. The notches in the upper end of the bar d³, in which the escapement
levers engage, are lengthened vertically, in order to leave spaces d beneath the
levers, as shown in Figure 6, thus allowing the bar 3 to move independently of
either lever when the latter is held at rest.
Means are provided by which all of the escapement devices of either magazine
may be locked fast at will, so as to be unaffected by the movement of the key
bar d³, while those of the other magazine remain operative. These locking
devices may be made in various forms. As shown in the drawing (Figures 3, 5
and 6), they consist in a rod or bar 69, carried by the lower ends of the swinging
arms 60, extending transversely of the machine and overlying all the escapement
levers 68, as shown in Figure 6, so that it may be swung into position to hold them
down and prevent them from moving when the key bar d³ rises. When the
escapements are thus locked, the keybar and finger connections move without
effect on the escapements of the lower magazine.
When the rod is swung back to the right, as indicated by dotted lines in
Figure 6, the escapements are left free to operate as usual.
The locking device for the escapements of the upper magazine consists of the
transverse rod d, carried by swinging arms do, so that it may be swung backward
and downward against the series of escapement springs d³, in order to prevent
these springs from rising and actuating the escapements when the key bars
raised.
are
A hand lever is attached to the rock-shaft carrying the arms do, and the
latter arms are connected by links to the arms 610, so that when the lever is
moved in one direction it will cause the rod to lock the escapements of the
upper magazine, while those of the lower magazine are left free, and vice versa.
Thus it will be seen that by simply moving the lever du the operator is enabled
instantly to adjust the machine for the delivery of matrices from one magazine
or the other at will.
It is to be particularly noted that the magazines are fixed in position, that each
magazine is provided with its own escapement devices, and that the operating or
keyboard connections are unchangeable in position. In other words, there is
no shifting of the magazines and no shifting of the keyboard or its connections.
The escapement systems of the two magazines are wholly independent of each
other, and the only thing done to prevent the delivery of matrices from either
magazine is to lock its parts so that they cannot be moved. But for the locking
of the parts, the key connections would operate the escapements of both magazines
at one time.
My correspondent believes himself to be the originator of the broad idea of com-

page_text: bining with a single finger-key mechanism two or more series of escapements or
discharging devices, which at all times retain their operative relations thereto,
and the first to combine with the elements above named means for preventing the
action of either series of escapements at will without disconnecting. them from
or changing their relations to the operating devices.
It is to be understood, however, that this invention is applicable in connection
with escapements of other forms than those herein shown, many of which are
known in the art, and it is also be understood that the locking devices may be
varied in form and arrangement at the will of the constructor, provided a mode
of action substantially such as that herein described is retained.
The composed lines of matrices (whether consisting of matrices wholly from
the upper or wholly from the lower magazine, or of matrices from the two maga-
zines) are presented to the mould to produce the characters on the edge of the slug
formed therein, after which the matrix line is transferred to the second elevator
arm W and lifted to the top of the machine and carried forward in the ordinary
manner and by the ordinary devices to the upper distributor.
At this point devices are introduced for separating the matrices into two groups,
so that while those of one group pass to the upper distributor and thence into the
upper magazine as usual, those of the other group will be permitted to fall to the
second or lower distributor, by which they are delivered into the lower maga-
zine B. The details of this mechanism are clearly shown in Figures 3 and
Figures 7 to 12 inclusive. It is proposed to use in both magazines the ordinary
linotype matrices such as are now in general use and represented in Figures 13
and 14, the only change made being the formation of narrow slots y in the oppo-
site edges of the matrices which are to run in the upper magazine, as shown in
Figure 13, and the formation of similar but wider slots y¹ in the edges of those
matrices which are to run in the lower magazine, as shown in Figure 14.
The distributing teeth y will be constructed and arranged to operate in con-
nection with the distributor bars in the ordinary manner.
The upper and the lower distributor bars may be identical and the combinations
of distributing teeth on the matrices for the upper magazine may be identical with
those on the matrices for the lower magazine. This is of great advantage in that
it permits the employment of one set of tools for manufacturing the two distri-
butors and also in that it avoids the necessity for constructing special matrix
machinery and permits the use of the commercial matrices already in existence.
The manner of separating the matrices and delivering them to the respective
distributors is clearly shown in Figures 3, 7 and 8, etc. Looking forward toward
the rear side of the machine, the line of matrices Y is pushed forward from the
second elevator W between the supporting rails X as usual, the foremost matrix
in the line being arrested by a shoulder, directly over the reciprocating lifting
finger, which raises the matrix clear of the shoulder and into engagement
with the horizontal feed screws 3, and in the ordinary manner, these screws
serving to carry the matrices to the left in order that they may engage the teeth
of the distributor bar. The receiving end of this bar and the ends of the rails
are cut away at 6, so that, unless otherwise supported, the matrices would fall.
In order to give the proper support to matrices to enter the upper magazine,
As each
short horizontal lips are formed on the inner sides of the rails a.
matrix passes forward, these lips enter the special notches y y in the sides of the
matrices. As the notches in the matrices for the upper magazine are narrow,
these matrices are sustained by the lips at their original level, as shown in
Figures 7, 8, 10 and 12. so that they travel forward into engagement with the
upper distributor bar. The matrices for the lower magazine, having wider
slots y, are permitted to fall slightly as they pass upon the lips ³, as shown in
Figures 7, 11 and 12, so that their teeth are too low to engage the distributor bar.
As a result of this construction, it follows that, as soon as the matrices for the
lower magazine have passed to the left over the ends of the lips 8, they are re-
leased and permitted to fall, so that they may be carried into engagement with the

page_text: lower distributor bar X', by means of the carrier screws ³, 10, and. x, which are
essentially of the same arrangement as those of the upper distributor.
"
As the matrices fall toward the lower distributor screws, it is necessary that
they should be properly guided and presented thereto: For this purpose a fixed
guide is provided clearly shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, consisting of two parallel
side bars, and the adjacent plate.
The upper ends of these side bars are in such position that the matrices, before
falling clear of the lips, are arrested at the bottom by. the upper ends of the
guides, as shown in Figure 7, and prevented from moving further to the left.
At the same instant. the matrix, being released from the lips as, falls by gravity,
and as it falls its upper shoulders ride downward on the inclined ends of the
rails, which serve to throw the top of the matrix to the left, so that, as its
descent is continued, the ears or shoulders at the lower end of the matrix will ride
against the right-hand edge of the rails 12, while the shoulders at the upper end
of the matrix will lie on the opposite side of said rails or guides, as plainly shown
in Figure 7. In other words, the rails 12 lie at opposite sides of the descending
matrix and between its upper and lower shoulders. At the same time the upper
end of the matrix rides against the third plate or guide 13. In this manner each
matrix is guided in its descent, so that it cannot turn or twist out of position. .
At their lower ends the rails are continued downward and attached to or
fashioned into the rails, to receive and sustain the upper shoulders of the
matrices.
These two rails 14 are practically identical with the sustaining rails used in
the ordinary linotype machine to sustain the matrices as they approach the dis-
tributor bar.
As each matrix falls into place, it is guided by the rails 12, the plates 14 and
the fixed plates 5, into position over the lifting finger at which raises the matrix
from the position shown in Figures 7 and 8 into engagement with the screws,
which carry it forward on to the distributor bar, this action being very similar
to that effected in the ordinary machine. The lifting finger 16 may be identical
with that used in connection with the upper distributor and with that used in
the ordinary commercial machine.
From the foregoing it will be understood that the lines of matrices lifted in
the ordinary manner to the upper distributor will be returned to the magazine
from which they were originally delivered. If they were all from the upper
magazine, they will pursue their course directly to the upper distributor. If
they were delivered from the lower magazine, they will all be lifted to the upper
distributor and delivered through the guide to the lower distributor without
engaging the upper distributor bar. If the line was composed in part of matrices
from one magazine and in part of matrices from the other, the line will be sepa-
rated and the appropriate matrices carried forward directly into engagement
with the upper distributor, while the others are separated, released and dropped
through the intermediate guides to the lower distributor.
The essence of this invention in this connection resides in the employment of
two series or sets of matrices which are differentiated in form in any suitable
manner, and in the employment of devices which will operate from each other
the matrices belonging to the respective magazines and direct them to the corre-
sponding distributors."
It is manifest that the details may be widely modified without changing the
principle of action or passing beyond the scope of the invention. The upper and
the lower distributor bars may be identical as to the construction and arrange-
ment of their teeth, or in other words, as to permutations of their teeth, in which
case the matrices for the upper and lower magazines may be identical as to the
arrangement of their distributing teeth, the only difference between them being
in the width of the special slots or notches in their edges, or the two bars and
the matrices used in connection with them may differ as to the form and arrange-
ment of the distributing teeth.

page_text: The first plan is, however, highly advantageous, in that it permits the two dis-
tributing mechanisms to be alike in all essential particulars, so that they may
be cheaply constructed by one set of tools. It is also advantageous in that it
permits the utilisation of the commercial matrices, which are now in existence
in very large numbers, so that existing matrices for any two faces have only to
be notched in order to adapt them to run in the respective magazines. In this
way it becomes possible to practically and cheaply equip the machine with any
special combination of faces which may be necessary to meet the demands of
each office, the requirements of different offices, especially of book offices, varying
widely as to the combinations demanded.
As herein before indicated, any variation in form between the matrices of one
magazine and those of the other which will serve as a means of separating them
in advance of the distribution will answer the purpose in the present machine,
and in fact matrices have been made and successfully used having their distin-
guishing notches of different form and location from those shown at y-y', but
serving the same end.
Referring to Figures 15 and 18, inclusive, which represent a modified or alter-
native construction, it is to be noted primarily that the matrices Y, for the upper
magazine, are made in the ordinary form now in commercial use, without change
or alteration whatever, and that the matrices for the lower magazine differ from
those of the upper magazine only in having the single notch y10 formed in the
lower end, preferably, but not necessarily, in a central position.
The distributor bars are constructed and arranged as in the preceding examples,
but the intermediate guide or conductor is simply an inclined flattened tube
of suitable form and size to permit the matrices to descend singly one after
another, its upper end being widened or enlarged for the reception of the matrices
falling from the feed devices above.
The matrices are pushed forward on the ordinary supporting rails by the
usual slide or follower a, the foremost matrix being arrested in its advance by
shoulders on the rails, and being lifted, as heretofore, into contact with the car-
rier screws by which the matrices are advanced along the distributor bar. A
fixed horizontal rib or finger is arranged immediately under the end of the
upper distributor in the path of the matrices, as shown in Figure 15.
As the matrices of the upper distributor rest upon the rib they are sustained
thereby at such elevation that they will be carried along into engagement with
the teeth of the upper distributor bar, as shown in Figure 17.
On the other hand, the matrices intended for the lower magazine, by reason
of the notches in their lower end, are permitted to drop down astride of the
bar, as shown in Figure 18, so that their teeth will not engage the upper dis-
tributor bar; consequently these matrices will fall into the upper end of the
guide and pass down to the guide rails, by which they will be directed to
the lower distributor.
Having now particularly described and ascertained, the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is:
-
-
1. In a linotype machine, a combination of two independent escapements, a
finger-key, a single connection from said key for operating both escapements,
and means for preventing the action of either escapement at will, whereby the
single key is enabled to operate either escapement without disconnecting the parts
or changing the relations between the keyboard and escapements.
2. In a linotype machine, the combination of two magazines, each having a
series of escapement devices to release the matrices, a series of finger-keys, a
single bar operated by each key and connecting with the two escapements, one in
each magazine, and means for locking one series of escapements or the other
against movement at will.
3. In a linotvne machine, the fixed magazines, each having a series of escape-

page_text: ments to release the matrices singly therefrom, a fixed keyboard, connections
mounted in fixed supports and coupling each finger-key to two escapements, one.
in each magazine, springs tending to move the escapements in opposition to said
key connections, and locking devices acting in opposition to the springs and
arranged to hold the two series of escapements alternately out of action.
4. In a linotype machine, the two inclined magazines, each provided with a
series of escapements and springs to actuate the same, a key connection, as d³,
fixed in operative relation to two escapements, one in each magazine and fitted
for lost motion in relation thereto, and means substantially as shown for holding
the escapements of the two magazines alternately, substantially as described and
shown.
5. In a linotype machine, the two fixed inclined magazines and their escape-
ments for releasing the matrices, the springs tending to move said escapements,
each in one direction, the actuating bar, having the elongated grooves or open-
ings to engage two escapements, and locking devices and b, coupled together
and arranged to prevent the action of the respective series of escapements.
6. In a linotype machine, the combination of two fixed magazines, each having
a distributor, means for presenting a line of matrices from both magazines to the
distributor of one magazine, and means for separating the matrices when so pre-
sented and delivering those for the second magazine directly to its distributor,
whereby the matrices are separated and delivered to the respective distributors
without compelling those from one magazine to first traverse the distributor of
the other.
7. in a linotype machine, two magazines lying in parallel or substantially
parallel planes, and each provided at the upper end with a distributing mechanism,
in combination with means for presenting all of the matrices to the entrance of
one distributor and means for separating the matrices belonging to the other
magazine and delivering them directly to the entrance of its distributor, sub-
stantially as described and shown.
8. In a linotype machine, the two inclined magazines, one overlying the other,
and each provided with a distributor at the upper end, in combination with means
for presenting all the matrices to the upper distributor and means for separating
at such point of presentation the matrices belonging to the lower magazine and
delivering them by gravity to its distributor.
9. In a linotype machine, the upper and lower inclined magazines, each having
at its upper end a distributor bar and feed screws, substantially as described,
means for presenting all of the matrices to the upper distributor, means for sepa-
rating the matrices for the lower magazine from the remainder in advance of
distribution, and an upright guide through which the separated matrices are
directed to the feed devices of the lower distributor.
10. In a linotype machine, the two magazines, their distributor bars and screws,
in combination with the two series of matrices, having notches of different forms
in their edges, in combination with the upper side plates X, having lips 28 and
inclined ends to permit the separation of matrices for the lower magazine from
those for the upper magazine, the guide rails 12, adapted to arrest the lower ends
of the matrices and guide the latter in their descent, and the guides 14 and 15
and lift 16, whereby the descending matrices are presented to the lower dis-
tributor bar.
11. In a linotype machine, a series of matrices provided in opposite edges with
grooves or notches y y₁, those in certain matrices being wider than those in others,
whereby they are adapted to co-operate with separating devices, substantially as
described.
12. In a linotype machine and in combination with matrices having respec-
tively wide and narrow notches in their edges, the separating device consisting
of the upper distributor rail and side rails X, having lips 28, whereby certain
matrices are compelled to engage the distributing rail, while others are per-
mitted to escape and fall therefrom.

page_text: 13. In a linotype machine, the combination of two independent magazines,
each having a distributing mechanism for delivering matrices thereto and escape-
ment devices for releasing matrices therefrom, a single series of finger-keys,
connections from each key to escapements in the two magazines, means for lock-
ing the escapement devices of one magazine or another out of action at will, and
means for delivering the composed lines of matrices in part to one distributor
and in part to the other, whereby the machine is adapted to assemble matrices by
the single key-board from either or both magazines and to return the matrices
thereafter to the magazines from which they were delivered.
14. In a linotype machine, two independent magazines, having distributors
with like distributing combinations, two sets of matrices, one for each magazine,
having like distributing combinations, those of one set differentiated in form
from those of the other, substantially as described, for the purpose of preliminary
separation, and means for separating the matrices one at a time from the com-
posed lines on their way to the respective distributors.
15. In a composing machine, two magazines, each provided with an escape-
ment or type-delivering device, a finger-key and a single rod or connection,
through which it communicates motion to the two escapements, in combination
with an intermediate mechanism arranged to engage the escapements alternately
to lock one or the other out of action, said locking mechanism being independent.
of the finger-key connection through which the escapements are operated.
16. In a linotype machine, the combination of a distributor bar, carrier screws
for advancing the matrices along said bar, a matrix guide extending downward
and arranged to deliver the matrices one at a time to said carrier-screws, and
means for causing engagement of the matrices, one at a time, with the screws.
Dated this 22nd day of December 1899.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agent.