Improvements in Type Setting or Composing Machines.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Mar., 1891-Accepted, 13th June, 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Type Setting or Composing Machines.
We, EMMET CLARKSON STANDIFORD of 3659 Indiana Avenue and SAMUEL
AUGUSTUS HYERS, of 3556 Prairie Avenue both in Chicago, in the County of Cook,
State of Illinois, United States of America, Gentlemen, do hereby declare the
nature of our invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN TYPE SETTING OR COMPOSING
MACHINES, and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to improvements in that class of machines for composing or
setting types in which the types for the different characters are held in separate
files or cells and discharged therefrom in proper sequence by suitable keys and
complemental connections under the control of the operator. The types so
discharged being assembled into lines as they are discharged from the files or cells
and presented in convenient position for justification or further manipulation.
The object of the invention is to simplify the construction and operation of the
machine and at the same time increase the case, certainty and rapidity and correct-
ness of operation.
Broadly stated, the invention consists in arranging the files or cells at the side of
an inclined race-way which terminates in a type channel running at substantially"
right angles thereto and in or above which works a packer for forcing the types
into the type channel successively in the order in which they are discharged from
the cells, the packing and discharging mechanism for cach individual type being
controlled by suitable key levers preferably arranged in such relation to each other
as that each type key fever when operated, causes an operation of the packer,
thereby ensuring a clear way for the next succeeding type, no matter how rapidiy
the keys may be operated. The invention further cousists in arranging the files or
cells at an angle to the race-way whereby the type are impelled more or less in
their line of travel down the race way by the action of the discharging mechanism.
Further it consists in an improved form of type channel in which the portion
immediately adjacent the race-way is preferably straight and at substantially right
angles to the race-way, whereby the type are held in the same plane as the race-
way and cannot present any obstruction to succeeding type or themselves become
caught and jammed, said channel being then curved to the front so as to bring the
type into position for further manipulation preferably face up. Finally, the
invention consists in certain novel details of construction and combinations and
arrangements of parts to be hereinafter described and pointed out particularly in
the claims at the end of this Specification.
Referring to the accompanying drawings
Figure 1 is a side elevation of so much of the machine as is necessary for an
understanding of the invention.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the same with the overhanging portion of the files
or cells broken away.
Figure 3 is a section taken immediately in front of the packer showing said
packer and the line space key in elevation.
Figure 34 is a perspective view of one of the line spacers.
Figure 4 is a side elevation of the end of the type channel showing the line
indicator.
Figure 5 is a section through the files or cells and race-way taken approximately
on the line ax, Figure 2.
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Figure 6 is a section of the race-way just above the packer and type channel.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the bottom of one of the blocks or files.
Figure 8 is a side elevation of a modified form of packer operating mechanism.

page_text: Figure 9 is an enlarged section of the type channel showing the position of a type
and line spacer therein.
Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views of the retainers preferably employed.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the race-way.
Figures 13 and 14 are views of another form of packer operating mechanism.
Similar letters of reference in the several figures indicate the same parts.
Referring particularly to Figure 1 it will be seen that the race-way A is inclined
at an angle of about 30° from the horizontal being supported in such position by
any preferred framing such as legs and cross pieces B. The type files or cells C,
of a construction to be hereinafter more particularly described, are mounted at each
side of the race-way, preferably resting directly thereon as shown in Figure 5, the
type being discharged therefrom by plungers D working in guides beneath the
plates D' and operated by bell-crank levers which engage pins 3, 3, thereon and
are connected with the key-bars E by means of the links
The race-way is in the preferred construction, depressed slightly at the center or
is of wide V-shape in cross-section with a center partition or rib a to prevent the
type from shooting clear across the race-way when they are discharged from the
files as will be readily understood. As the race-way approaches the lower end, it
gradually assumes a flat shape (see Figure 12) and at this point side guides a¹ are
provided which converge toward the bottom narrowing the race-way down to a
single channel immediately below the central partition.
The object in forming the race-way of the construction indicated is to ensure the
rapid descent of the types and at the same time cause them to assume a position as
near as possible, directly in line with the discharge opening and to overcome any
tendency the type may have toward working away from the center line, either by
reason of the rebound when they are discharged from the cells or from other cause
and also to present the type squarely to the type channel and with an idea of
further increasing the efficiency of the machine in the direction pointed out, the
files or cells are arranged at an angle to the race-way, that is to say, they point
diagonally downwards toward, and the type are discharged as near as possible in
the line of, the race-way so that the impetus given at the start is added to the force
of gravity in causing its rapid descent.
At the bottom or discharge end of the race-way, which is of such width as to
permit but one type at a time to pass out, is arranged the type channel F preferably
at substantially right angles to the bottom of the race-way, thus the type descending
the race-way, end first, will rest on a suitable retainer or the type already in
position without changing its direction of motion at all, in other words, the type
will be arrested by the stop in the same plane which it had previously occupied
in coming down the race-way. For a short distance downward the type channel is
straight and consequently maintains its proper angular position with relation to the
race-way, then, as shown clearly in Figure 1, it curves forward and finally terminates
or assumes an inclination slightly above the horizontal in order that the type in
the lower or forwardly extending portion of the channel may counterbalance the
weight of the type in the upper portion and thereby prevent their independent
downward movement and at the same time require but very little power to advance
the whole column within the channel, such upward inclination further preventing
any tendency of the type to fall forward.
In the rear side of the type channel and preferably at or near the upper end of
the curve is arranged a brush or equivalent retainer which serves as an additional
safe-guard to prevent the rear end of the type from dropping below the level of the
race-way, as would be the case if the curve started at the upper end. The front of
the type channel is preferably of a material which will not wear the face of the
type when they strike the stop or when passing around the curve in the channel,
such for instance as hard rubber, wood or raw hide as shown at ƒ³, Figure 1.
A packer is arranged immediately over the mouth of the type channel
preferably working in guides / in an upwardly extending projection or elongation
of the channel H and has a reciprocating movement of sufficient amplitude to

page_text: advance the column of type in the channel until the upper surface of the topmost
type is at or but very slightly below the level of the race-way.
The operating mechanism for this packer is preferably as follows:-In the
elongation or extension H are formed bearings at the sides of and similar to the
bearings in which works a reciprocating bar I elevated by means of a spring i
and having a latch or pawl I pivoted thereon, the shorter and lighter end of which
engages the stud or projection G' on the packer and the longer and heavier end of
which engages the adjustable stop I: the packer itself being elevated by a springg.
Now, it will be seen that the shorter arm of the latch I normally lies above the
projection G¹ on the packer and when the reciprocating bar is moved downward
the packer is moved correspondingly until the longer arm of the latch engages the
adjustable stop on the extension Hand throws the shorter arm out of engagement
with the said projection permitting the packer to instantly resume its normal
position under the influence of its spring. The extent of the movement of the
packer may be accurately gaged by incans of the adjustable stop 12 and consequently
it may be adjusted to carry the packer down to any desired point, either exactly
level with the race-way or slightly within the channel.
We prefer to operate the packer directly from the key levers by means of a
frame which is operated by any one of the series of the key levers, as shown for
instance in the drawings, wherein indicates a frame, which extends beneath all of
said levers and is connected to the lower end of the reciprocating rod 1 by means
of a link by which arrangement it will be seen that when any one of the key
levers are depressed the initial movement will cause the depression of the packer
and its release before the key lever has advanced far enough to discharge a type
into the race-way, the idea being to pack or advance the types previously movedl
into position in the channel immediately before releasing another type so that the
pause or interval between the depression of one key and the depression of the next
succeeding key will be available for permitting a type to slide down the race-way
and assume its proper position in the mouth of the type channel.
This mechanical arrangement while found to be very efficient is not necessarily
employed as it is obvious that equivalent means may be resorted to to accomplish
the end in view, such for instance as illustrated in Figure 8, wherein it will be seen
that an electro-magnet K is secured at the upper end of the extension H and the
armature of said magnet, preferably pivoted at bears on the upper end of the
reciprocating rod or packer, a simple contact spring K being arranged on
the fraine J in position to make contact with a co-operating stationary spring K
and so make and break the circuit controlling said magnet to throw the packer into
operation at the proper moment. Or, in lieu of the above described arrangement
the construction shown in Figures 13 and 14 may be employed, wherein it will be
seen, that the packer G is connected by a link with a crank pin on the end of a
shaft R journaled in bearings at the top of the extension H, and rotated by means
of the gear wheel r, pinion, and drum and weight connection R. The rotation
of the shaft R is controlled by a trip formed by the reciprocating bolt S and the
stops s, s, on the disk S' secured to the shaft R. The bolt S is controlled by the
key levers preferably through the medium of the frame and link j', the operation
being as follows:-
The weight and drum connection constantly tends to rotate the disk and shaft in
the direction indicated by the arrow and the rearward and innermost stop s normally
rests against the bolt S, the outer stops being in advance of the said bolt, whereby
when the holt is depressed by the key levers it is moved out of the path of the
rear stop, the disk and shaft being allowed to revolve until the outer stop comes in
contact with the bolt, which movement is sufficient to give substantially a complete
reciprocation to the packer. When the bolt resumes its normal position under the
influence of the spring S it passes out of engagement with the forward stop and
into engagement with the rear stop.
The advantages of these last packer operating mechanisms will be seen to lie in

page_text: the fact that they practically require no extra pressure on the key levers to operate
them.
For the purpose of dividing the column of type assembled in the type channel
into approximate lines, a series of line spacers are provided which are supported
on a shelf for rest at one side of the type channel and are adapted to be pushed
laterally in under the packer by means of a plunger m² operated by a special key
and connections similar to those described in connection with the type discharging
plungers D. These line spacers, one of which is shown in perspective Figure 34,
have a shank and an elongated split ring base ' which fits loosely around a guide
or rod M conforming in general shape at the bottom to the shape of the channel
and curving over at the top in any preferred manner as shown for instance in
Figure 1.
A hopper M, Figures 1 and 2, is provided for holding a pile of the line spacers
in position to be advanced beneath the packer and when so advanced the spacers
are packed in a manner similar to an ordinary type, the stem a passing out through
a slot in the side of the type channel and the slot in the base permitting the spacers
to pass the supports m of the continuous guide M.
As the insertion of the line spacers depends upon an independent movement by
the operator, it is desirable that some provision be made for indicating the number
of types which have been carried down into the type channel since the last spacer
was inserted or, in other words, to indicate an approximate line and in order to
accomplish this result a latch 0, Figure 4, which projects into the path of the
spacer stems is carried by an indicator frame O' sliding in hearings ( in front of
the type channel, said latch being adapted to be tripped by an adjustable stop o
when it has been carried by the spacer stem as far as necessary for a single line,
the latch and its frame being then immediately returned to normal position by a
very light spring o. An indicator o², Figure 3, is connected to the frame Q' and
passes around in front of the type channel in convenient position to be seen by the
operator.
In order to provide for the insertion of extra wide spaces or for the insertion
of a retainer by hand, the end g' of the packer G is pivoted so as to swing to one
side, when necessary a light spring serving to return it to normal position.
The files or cells for the type are preferably formed from a single block with the
diagonal recesses or cells proper C for the reception of the types themselves milled
therein, if desired, the longitudinal aperture at the outside being contracted to
prevent the escape of the type after they have been inserted but at the same time
permit a thin instrument to enter for the purpose of dislodging any type which
become caught. The number of recesses or cells is gaged by the number of
characters it is desired to employ, forty-six on a side heing the preferred number.
The blocks are removably secured in position upon the race way so as to enable
different files carrying different styles of type to be used, the escape of the types
when the tiles are so removed being prevented by a bottom plate C2 secured rigidly
thereon and made to conform to the race-way either by bringing the plate down to
a thin edge or by recessing the racc-way for the reception of the plate as will be
readily understood.
The plungers D, it will be noted, are made of a proper width and the files
or cells for the various sizes of the type are so located with relation to each
other as that no change is necessary when files or cells for different sizes or styles
of type are placed in position.
When in position, the bottom of the files or the plate C² rests down flat upon
the surface of the race-way, hence when the types are projected through the
apertures there is no jar or shock and the liability of turning the type over is
reduced to the minimum.
As the bottom type is forced out there is, of course, more or less friction exerted
on the type lying thereon and in order to prevent the latter from moving forward
and crowding into the exit opening or injuring its face, a pin c is inserted in one

page_text: side of each cell C' just above the position occupied
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the types are formed with a nick or notch to correspond with this pin, thus the pin
sustains the strain on the types and receives all the wear.
The operation is as follows:- Assuming that the files or cells have been filled
with the proper type, quads and other signs used in typographical printing and
secured firmly in position and that there are no type in the type channel the
operator inserts a retainer within the channel, such for instance as shown in
Figures 10 and 11 having friction pieces or springs at the side, then designates the
first character in the line by depressing the key corresponding thereto, the result
being that the packer is first operated pushing the retainer down to a suitable
point at or below the plane of the race-way, then the type bearing the indicated
character is shot out of its cell by the plunger and slides rapidly down the race-
way to its position in the mouth of the type channel immediately below the packer
and resting on the retainer. When the next character is indicated the sequence of
operation is the same and so on until the line indicator which is carried down by
the pin or the retainer is released, and indicates to the operator that it is time to
insert a line spacer. The key for inserting a line spacer is then operated and the
same manipulations gone through with to produce another line.
It will be here noted that the type are moved down the race-way first and con-
sequently when the column in the type channel has advanced around the curve into
the substantially horizontal open portion of the channel they are face up and the
approximate lines being separated by the line spacers, may be inspected, taken
out and justified or otherwise manipulated before being set up or imposed into forms.
When a number of the line spacers have accumulated at the bottom of the
guide M the operator, or an attendant, slides them on around the guide and
deposits them within the hopper M in position to be again pushed in beneath the
packer for the purpose before designated.
Each type setting machine is provided with a number of type files or cases for
different sized and styles of type cach having the proper number of cells for the
desired number of characters, said cases or tiles being made removable and inter-
changeable thus enabling a single machine to set or compose types of many different
sizes and styles. The files or cases are properly positioned and held by taper pins C³
and the plungers for discharging the type from individual cells are made narrow
enough to fit any of the sizes it being a simple matter to properly space the cells
for any of the sizes.
The preferred form of retainer for the first type inserted in the channel consists
of two blocks movably connected together and pressed apart by interposed springs,
as shown in Figure 11, a handle being provided for moving the device along
through the channel when desired.
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 machine of the character specified, the combination with the race-way,
type files or cells and key levers controlling the discharge of types from said files
or cells, of the type channel for receiving the assembled line and a reciprocating
packer, substantially as described, operated by the key levers during their down-
ward movements only and making a complete reciprocation during each of said
downward movements, whereby the packer is removed from the type channel before
the descent of the type; substantially as described.
2. In a machine of the character specified, the combination with the inclined
race-way,
the series of files and the series of key levers controlling the discharge
of type therefrom, of the type channel intersecting said race-way and curved forward
to present the assembled type, in convenient position for further manipulation and
the plunger controlled by the key levers and working in the mouth of the channel;
substantially as described.
3. In a machine of the character specified, the combination with the race-way,

page_text: the series of files and a series of key levers controlling the discharge of type theres
from, of the type channel intersecting said race-way at substantially right angles
and curving forwardly and upwardly whereby the weight of the type therein is
balanced and the assembled type presented in convenient position for further
manipulation and the packer controlled by the key levers working in the mouth of
said channel.
4. In a machine of the character specified, the combination of the race-way, the
series of files and the series of key levers controlling the discharge of type there-
from, of the type channel having the straight portion intersecting the race-way at
substantially right angles and the forwardly curved portion for bringing the
assembled types into convenient position for further manipulation and the packer
controlled by the key levers for advancing the type within the channel; substantially
as described.
5. In a machine of the character specified, the combination of the inclined race-
way, the series of files and the series of key levers controlling the discharge of
type therefrom, of the type channel having the straight portion intersecting the
race-way at substantially right angles and the forwardly curved and upwardly
inclined portion for bringing the assembled types into convenient position for further
manipulation and balancing the line and preventing the falling forward of individual
types and the packer controlled by the key levers for advancing the type within the
channel.
6. In a machine of the character specified the combination of the race-way, the
series of files and series of key levers for discharging type therefrom, of the type
channel intersecting said race-way and curved toward the front to present the face
of the type uppermost and the retarder for preventing the rear ends of the type from
dropping out of line; substantially as described.
7. In a type setting machine, the combination with the race-way, the files, key
levers for discharging the type therefrom and type channel in which the line is
assembled, of a packer working in said channel to advance the line being formed,
connections between said packer and key levers whereby the packer is operated by
any one of the key levers having a trip interposed therein for releasing the
packer before the key lever has completed its movement; substantially as
described.
8. In a type setting machine, the combination with the race-way, files, the key
levers controlling the discharge of type therefrom and type channel, of the packer
working in said channel to advance the line being formed, a trip or latch controlled
by sail key lovers and engaging the packer to depress the same and a stop for
throwing said latch out of engagement at a predetermined moment; substantially as
described.
9. In a type setting machine, the combination with the race-way, files, key levers
controlling the discharge of type therefrom and type channel, of the packer working
in said channel to advance the line being formed, a trip or latch controlled by said
key levers and engaging the packer to depress the same and an adjustable stop for
throwing said latch out of engagement at a predetermined moment; substantially
as described.
10. In a type setting machine, the combination with the race-way, files, key
levers controlling the discharge of type therefrom and type channel, of the spring
pressed packer working in said channel to advance the line being formed, a trip or
latch controlled by said key levers to depress the packer against the tension of its
spring and advance the line being assembled and a stop for throwing said latch out
of engagement substantially as described.
11. In a type setting machine, the combination with the race-way, files, key
levers, controlling the discharge of type therefrom and type channel, of the upright
guides and bearings over said channel, the spring pressed packer working in said
guides, the reciprocating bar controlled by the key levers, the latch pivoted on said
bar and engaging the packer to depress the same and a stop for releasing said latch;
substantially as described. .

page_text: 12. In a type setting machine, the combination with the race-way, files, key
levers controlling the discharge of types therefrom and type channel, of the two
parallel upright guides and bearings over said channel, the spring pressed packer
working in one of said guides, the reciprocating bar controlled by the key lever
working in the other guide, the latch pivoted on said bar and engaging the packer
to depress the same and an adjustable stop for releasing said latch; substantially
as described.
13. In a type setting machine, the combination with the race-way, files, key
levers controlling the discharge of type therefrom and type channel, of the upright
guide and bearings over said channel, the spring pressed packer working in one of
said guides, reciprocating bar, working in the other guide and having the latch
engaging a projection on the packer, a frame extending beneath the key levers and
a link connecting said frame and reciprocating bar.
14. In a type setting machine, the combination with the race-way, files, key
levers controlling the discharge of types therefrom and type channel, of the
reciprocating packer having the hinged lower end; substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
15. In a type setting machine, the combination with the race-way, files, key
levers controlling the discharge of type therefrom and type channel, of the spring
pressed reciprocating packer having the hinged spring pressed lower end and con-
trolled by the key levers; substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
16. In a type setting machine, the combination with the files and mechanism for
discharging the types therefrom, of the race-way down which said types are slidden,
having the depressed central portion whereby the tendency of the type to work
toward the edges is prevented substantially as described.
17. In a type setting machine, the combination with the files and mechanism for
discharging the types therefrom, of the race-way down which said types are slidden
having the substantially V-shaped upper portion and the flat lower portion sub-
stantially as described.
18. In a type setting machine, the combination with the files and mechanisms for
discharging the types therefrom, of the race-way down which the types are slidden
having the depressed center and the central partition or rib; substantially as
described.
19. In a type setting machine, the combination with the files, and the mechanism
for discharging the types therefrom, of the race-way down which the types are
slidden having the upper centrally depressed portion and flat lower portion, the
central partition and the converging guides at the lower end; substantially as
described.
20. In a type setting machine, the combination with the race-way, files, mechanism
for discharging the types therefrom, type channel for receiving said type and packer,
of the line spacers, line indicator moved thereby and the stop for releasing said
indicator.
21. In a type setting machine, of the character specified, the combination with
the type channel, packer and line spacers, of the movable indicator baving the
latch engaging said spacers, a stop for tripping said latch at the end of the line and
a spring for returning the indicator to first position.
22. In a type setting machine, of the character specified, the combination with
the type channel and packer; of the line spacers and the guide for said spacers
conforming to the general shape of the channel; substantially as described.
23. In a type setting machine of the character specified, the combination with
the type channel and packer, of the continuous line spacer guide conforming at the
bottom to the general shape of the channel and the line spacers mounted loosely ou
said guide.
24. In a type setting machine, the combination of the race-way, files, mechanism
for discharging the types therefrom and type channel intersecting said race-way, of
the laterally movable line spacers and the plunger and key lever for moving said

page_text: line spacers laterally into position in the mouth of the type channel; substantially
as described.
Dated this 24th day of March 1891
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicants.