MPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR PRODUCING STEREOTYPE MATRIOES AND FOR PRINTING
Year: 1884

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (AMENDED).
1 OTTMAR MERGENTHALER of Baltimore, County of Baltimore and State of
Maryland one of the United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby declare
the nature of my invention for 1MPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR PRODUCING
STEREOTYPE MATRIOES AND FOR PRINTING" 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 that class of power driven machines which are
controlled in their action by a series of finger keys for the purpose of indenting
or printing letters or characters in or upon a continuous strip of papier maché or
like material.
The invention consists in various mechanisms and combinations of mechanisms
hereinafter described in detail, but more particularly in the combination of a rotary
type wheel having fixed peripheral letters or characters thereon with a pressure
dovice or mechanism to force and hold the paper against the face of the type, the
pressure device arranged to move when in action in a path concentric with that of
the type; and in a particular form of such device consisting in rods arranged
to move both end wise and radially in a cylinder at the end of which the type
wheel is located.
It also consists in a pressure wheel of peculiar construction to force the extended
rods or other pressure devices towards the type to cause their action upon the
intermediate strip which is to be indented or printed.
It also consists in a pivoted dog or pressure piece introduced between the
sliding rod and pressure wheel for the purpose of imparting motion from one to
the other.
It also consists in a series of loose rings encircling the type wheel adjacent to
the type for the purpose of forcing the paper or matrix strip therefrom after the
indentation or impression has been completed.
It also consists of a spring guide of peculiar form arranged to hold the strip in
the proper position in relation to the type; and in means for relieving the strip
automatically from the pressure of said device previous to its being fed or moved
forward. It also consists in various additional features hereinafter explained.
Referring to the accompanying drawings,
Fig. 1. represents a top plan view of my improved machine, the central portion
of the key board and cylinder being removed to reduce the size of the figure.

page_text: Fig. 1.
4; represents a longitudal vertical section of my machine on the me
Fig. 3. is a cross section of the machine on the line y, y.
Fig. 4. is a perspective viow showing the form and relative arrangement of the
various parts which have a direct cooperation to effect the printing action.
Fig. 5. in a cross section on the line = 2.
Referring to the drawings, A, represents the frame or bed plate of the machine,
and B, a horizontal rotary longitudinally grooved cylinder mounted in suitable
bearings above the bed plate A, and provided at the end with a pulley c³, or
equivalent dovico by which it may receive motion from a motor or driving
mechanism of any suitable character. "Sliding rod," "rod," and "slide" are used
in this Specification as convertible terms referring to the same part of the apparatus.
C, represents a series of sliding rods which serve as pressure devices to apply
the paper against the face of the type, mounted independently in the grooves of
the cylinder and arranged to move endwise therein so as to protrude beyond the
end of the cylinder, and also arranged to have a slight radial movement at their
outer ends, the slides being either made elastic or operated by springs c, as
shown in such manner that while protruding, their outer ends may be moved
slightly inward to the centre, and that when released they will immediately spring
outward to their original positions. At their inner ends these rods are provided
each with a stud or projection a, the sories of studs standing when drawn
backward into the cylinder in a spiral line around the latter as shown in Fig. 1.
Drepresents-a-series-of-finger-keys-designed to effect the end wise movement of
the slides. Those keys are arranged-in-a-bank-or-series-in-number corresponding to
the number of slides in the cylinder. They are mounted upon horizontal pivots
and have their rear ends provided with beveled or laterally inclined surfaces b,
located in line with each other immediately beneath the cylinder in such position
that whon elevated they will encounter the projecting studs upon the respective
slides, cach-key acting always-in-connection-with-the-same-slide..
Springs acting beneath the forward ends of the keys hold their rear ends
normally in a depressed position out of the path of the projections a, in which
position of the parts the cylinder and red rods are free to rotate without being affected
by the keys.
When the operator depresses the forward end of either key, its rear end is
clevated in such manner that as the stud of the corresponding slide is advanced by
the rotation of the cylinder, the end of the stud will encounter the beveled end of
the koy and be acted upon thereby in such manner that the slide will move
forward in the cylinder and project its end beyond the same, this projection of the
slide occurring without interrupting the rotary notion of the cylinder.
It will be observed that the series of keys are arranged in the same line
longitudinally below the cylinder, and that consequently the projection of each
slide occurs while it is in its lowermost position, or, in other words, at the
underside of the cylinder, and also that the arrangement causes the various slides
to be projected successively one after another. The return of the slides lengthwise
to the cylinder is effected by means of a fixed plate C, having a beveled or inclined
edgo d, as clearly represented in Figs. 1. 2. and 4, against which the projecting
ends of the slides act as they are advanced by the cylinder.
It will be seen from tho foregoing that the depression of a particular finger key
causes a particular slide to be thrust outward beyond the edge of the cylinder
when on the under side, and that by means of the beveled plate the slide is
immediately returned to the cylinder preparatory to the projection of the next
slide, and
so on successively and continuosly, the slides being projected suc-
cossively one at a time, although a number of keys may be projected depressed at
the same timo.
Inasmuch as the slides encounter the keys only at the lower side of the cylinder
and in succession it becomes desirable for the rapid operation of the machine that
the keys after being operated by hand shall be locked up in the path of the slides

page_text: during the remainder of the revolution of the cylinder to the end that the operator
may meanwhile preparo to operate other keys. This locking of the keys in an
operative position is effected by arranging at the rear and of the series upon
supporting arms i a bar or plate G which by means of spring h, is caused to rido
under the ends of those keys which may be elevated.
An arm-i-extending The extensions of the arms upward from this plate is are acted
upon at each revolution of the cylinder by an cams or eccentrics j, in on the latter, as
shown in Figs. 1 and 5. At each revolution of the cylinder the plate G is moved
backward by the action of the cam, and those koys which are at the time subjected to
the operator's fingers are permitted to pass above the plate, which being released by
the cam, immediately rides under them locking them in their elevated position, so
that they are compelled to operate the corresponding slides.
At the completion of the cylinders rotation the cams again move the plate
backward thereby releasing the keys and permitting them to resume their original
position. The operator will be required to exercise his judgment in the manipulation
of the keys, and in so doing depress at one time only the keys representing such
letters as succeed each other on the wheel in the same order that they are to be
printed, and also that he will not release from pressure any key which will bo
unlocked by the automatic device previous to the printing of each letter.
In practice it is found that a short experience will enable the operator to thus
manipulate the keys without difficulty.
The arrangement above described admits of the operator depressing a number of
keys at the one time and securing the action of all of them although ho may
immediately remove his hands to operate the other keys. This locking device for
the keys is not a necessary feature and it is not made the subject of a special claim
herein.
It is manifest that the order in which the letters succeed each other on tho
wheel, and the respective position of the various keys or finger pieces in the bank
or key board may he such as is found most convenient and best calculated to
permit the rapid operation of the machine. If found desirable any particular
letter or character may be used at two or more points in the type wheel in
connection with a corresponding slide to increase the printing speed of the
inachine.
At or within the cylinder B, concentric therewith, I mount a type wheel or
series of type wheels H, arranged to rotate in unison therewith, and each having
upon the periphery fixed letters or type arranged in circumferential lines and also
in line with the respective slides of the cylinder so that each slide upon being
projected beyond the end of the cylinder will extend directly over or opposite a
corresponding type in the type wheel for the purpose of forcing the paper thereon,
as hereinafter explained.
There may be one or more of the series of type differing in form, style or size,
in order to adapt the machine for printing in different styles."
Each series will contain a complete alphabet and such additional characters
as are ordinarily employed in connection therewith, and will be arranged in a
circumferential line be on the wheel. In the accompanying drawings I have for the
sake of convenience illustrated four series or lines of type.
In order that one or another of these series may be brought into action at will,
the type wheel is male movable upon its axis in the direction of the length of
the cylinder, so that one or another of the series of type may be brought into line
to cooperate with the protruding ends of the slides. The arrangement of the
wheel to move sidewise to present different styles of type to the bars is not mado
the special subject of claim herein.
The strip of material which is to be printed or indented is passed beneath the
type wheel in such position that the protruding slides will be extended beneath the
strip in position to be acted upon by the slides from beneath and thrust upward
thereby against the corresponding type.
For the purpose of thus forcing upward the extended slides I m unt beneath

page_text: Life by pe wheel upon a nxed pivot a dog or presser bar 1, as clearly shown in
Figs. 2, 3 and 4, the free end of this dog being in such position that each slide is
projected directly above it.
Beneath this dog I mount a large rotary pressure or feed wheel J, having at its
periphery a series of teeth e, to act upon the dog I, and force the same upward
against the under side of the extended slide, thereby forcing the slide entupward and
causing it to press the paper strip against the corresponding type as plainly
represented in Figs. 3 and 4.
The general action is as follows:-
The strip being passed between the type wheel as shown in Fig. 3 and a
particular fetter key, D, being depressed, the key causes the corresponding slide C,
when beneath the cylinder to move outward beneath the strip below and opposite
the corresponding type of the typo wheel just previous to the end of the slide
riding upon the end of the dog 1.
As soon as the slide passes up on the dog as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the
appropriate tooth, e of the feed wheocl J, acts beneath the dog I, and forces the
same upward, causing it in turn to force the end of the slide C, upward and press
the strip against or upon the type.
As soon as the tooth of the wheel J, passes the end of the dog 1, the latter falls
and the slide is immediately forced back within the cylinder.
The next slide which is projected operates in like manner and so on repeatedly.
It will be noted that the strip is clamped and held between the type and slide,
and that as they move forward in concentric or parallel paths they serve to carry
the-strip forward_preparatory to the indentation or impression-of_the_next_letter,
the type and slides thus arranged, serving as a feeding mechanism-and-dispensing
with the special dovices ordinarily used in machines of this class for that purpose.
It will also be noted that as the type and the pressure slides move forward
together and without changing their relative positions that a square, direct, and
positive pressure is obtained upon the strip; that the parts have no tendency
to make the impression deeper on one side than on the other as would be the case
were the pressure to be applied by means of surfaces revolving about different
contres.
In order that the-cylinder,-the-typo_wheel_and_the_pressure or cam wheel may
move in perfect accord, a gear wheel L, is secured upon the cylinder and arranged
to engage with a corresponding wheel M, secured to the side of the pressure or cam
wheel.
In order to apply a gradual and powerful pressure to force the strip upon the
type and at the same time secure an easy action of the machine, the teeth e,e of the
pressure wheel are beveled or inclined for a portion of their length as shown in
detail in Figure 6, so that they act with a wedge like or cam action to force the dog
and slide upward.
The length of time for which the slide is forced up against the strip in printing
each letter depends upon the circumferential length of the face of the corresponding
teeth of the pressure wheel J. These teeth are made of a length corresponding to
the width of the corresponding letter, the wide letters being printed by means of
correspondingly wide teeth on the pressure plate wheel.
This variation of the width of the pressure teeth admits of the teeth which
caused the impression of the wide letters being given a longer and moro gradual
inclination than those which print the narrow letters, and consequently the machine
is enabled to apply the heavy pressure required for the indentation of the wide
letters with the same case and smoothness that it causes the indentation of the
narrow letters.
In order to properly hold and guide the strip being printed, and prevent it from
being accidentally moved during the intervals between the impressions,-L pass the
strip over the surface of the fixed plate C¹, before referred to and apply thereto a
spring guide N, such as clearly represented in Figs. 3, 7. and 8, the guide consisting
of a flat elastic finger fastened at one end and extended beneath the face of tho

page_text: type wheel, being cut away at the centre in order that the wheel may work down
through the same, and being provided on opposite edges with depending projecting
edges a', to engage over and guide the edges of the strip.
At one edge the guide is provided with a depending lip 6, in position to be acted
upon by each of the slides C, as the latter is are respectively elevated to cause the
printing operation as clearly represented in Fig. 7.
Immediately previous to the commencement of the printing operation as the
slido C, is elevated to clamp the paper against the type, tho end of the slide acting
upon the lip 6, lifts the spring N, from the paper strip releasing the latter previous
to the impression and retains it in this position until after the completion of the
impression, thus releasing the strip and permitting the same to move forward with
freedom. The instant, however, that the slide passes the lip b, the spring guido
falls, and retains the strip in position so as to prevent it from being removed until
the next type and slide come into action thereon. In order to force the strip after
the indentation of each charactor therein squarely and directly off from the type
without danger of marring or injuring the matrix, and also to prevent the strip
from accidentally feoding too far, I mount around and at each side of the typo
wheel, or of each line of typo, a loose ring O, capable of slight radial movement,
and above the wheel I mount a fixed spring P, which bears upon and forces said
ring upward downward.
As such slide is forced upward to cause an impression or indentation it acts upon
the rings and forces them upward in order that the strips may pass freely from tho
type, but as the slide falls the rings releived relieved from their its action, are
forced downward by the spring P, and caused to force the strip squarely off from
the type.
As before stated the type wheel is provided with several lines or series of
characters of different styles and made movable in the direction of its axis in
order that one or another of these series may be brought into action. To secure
the proper action of these different type, it is necessary that there shall be a
corresponding number of pressure wheels or a corresponding series of projections
upon the one pressure wheel, as represented in the drawings.
It is to be understood that for each type or character upon the type wheel, a tooth
or projection of corresponding form and length is provided on the cam or pressuro
wheel.
As each series of type is brought into action, it is necessary that the corresponding
series of cams upon the type wheel shall also be brought into action. It is therefore
necessary that the pressure wheel shall have a lateral movement corresponding with
that of the type wheel, and that it shall be shifted in unison therewith. This may
be accomplished by appliances of any suitable character.
In the present instance the arrangement for shifting the type and pressure wheels
simultaneously is constructed as follows; A spiral spring m, applied to the axis of
the type wheel assists to move the same to the right. The pressure wheel is
mounted upon a shaft n, movable lengthwise in its bearings and acted upon at its
inner end by a spiral spring o, mounted in a fixed casing which tends to move the
wheel to the right. A vertical rock shaft Q, mounted at the outer end of the
machine is provided at its lower end with an arm or lever R, acting upon a swiveled
cap or connection at one end of the pressure wheel shaft n, and also provided at
its upper end with a hand levers, acting upon a yoke t, which bears loosely against
the outer end of the type wheel.
The rock shaft Q, causes the two levers R and s, to move in unison so that upon
moving the band lever to the right the type wheel and pressure wheel are moved
under the action of the springs to the right.
In this manner it will be perceived that the type and pressure wheels may be
moved instantly and the machine adjusted to print one or another style of character
as may be required.
While the best results are secured when the pressure devico or dog I is used
between the sliding bars and the pressure wheel and while there are several advantages

page_text: consequent upon this use of the-dog, it may be dispensed with and the pressure or
feed wheel arranged to act directly upon the slides to force them toward the type.
The details of construction shown in the drawings are considered tho best that
can be employed, but the machine may be varied in many minor points without
changing the principle of action or departing from the limits of my invention.
I believe myself to be the first to construct a printing or indenting machine in
which the type and the devices which sustain the paper or other material against
the pressure or impression of the type advanced in concentric rotary paths.
I believe myself also to be the first to combine a wheel the teeth of which have
concentric extremities but are of different lengths on the circumference with a
printing or indenting action of the type.
The above features I claim broadly and irrespective of the peculiar form, size or
arrangement of the minor parts or details. believo myself to be the first to
combine with a wheel having type fixed peripherally thereon or therein, a series of
slides revolving in unison with the wheel and arranged to be protruded beyond or
opposite the faces of the respective type.
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. The combination of a rotary type wheel provided with fixed peripheral type
a rotary cylinder concentric with said type wheel and a series of longitudinal
sliding rods mounted in said cylinder and arranged to be extended endwise there-
-from-opposite-the-respective type._.
2. The combination substantially as described and shown, of a rotary type wheel,
rotary presser devices to sustain the paper against tho type and supporting and
operating means substantially as described to carry the presser devices during
their action in a path parallel with that of the typo.
-3. The combination_of_a_rotary_wheel,_and_type sustained by said wheel and
facing radially a presser device opposed to the face of the type and operating
mechanism substantially as described, which permits the type and presser devices
to move in parallel concentric paths.
1. The combination of a rotary wheel-provided-with-fixed-typo,-a-rotary cylinder
or carrier concentric with and rotating in unison with the wheel, radially movable
presser devices carried by the cylinder and opposed to the faces of the type, and
means substantially as described for forcing the presser devices toward the type,
during the rotary motion, whereby the presser devices are caused to advance with
the type while holding the paper thereon.
5. In combination with mechanism substantially as described for supporting
and operating the same, a rotary wheel having fixed type and presser devices
opposite to the faces of the type and having both a rotating movement about
the axis of the wheel and a movement to and from the faces of the type during
such rotation.
6. In combination with the rotary cylinder provided with a type wheel or wheels, the
slides arranged to protrude end wise therefrom, the keys operating directly on the
slides to project the same, and the cam plate located at the front of the cylinder and
acting to push the rods and slides inward.
7. The combination of the type wheel and the cylinder provided with the
end wise moving slides, and a toothed pressure wheel arranged to force the rods
upon the type directly or indirectly substantially as shown.
8. The combination of the type wheel, the cylinder B, the sliding and radially
moving rods, the dog 1, and the toothed wheel J.
9. In a printing or indenting machine, the combination of the rotary type wheel,
one or more encircling rings O, and a spring or equivalent device arranged to act
upon the springs substantially as and for the purpose described.
10. In combination with the type wheel provided with fixed type, the cylinder B,
slides C, and pressure devices arranged to act upon said slides, the pressure devico N,

page_text: and a device substantially as shown arranged to raise said guide from the strip
previous to each impression or indentation.
11. In combination with the type wheel and an intermediate pressure device
substantially as shown, a pressure wheel J, having teeth c, inclinod or beveled,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
12. In combination with the wheel having fixed type, a cylinder concentric
therewith, and slides mounted in the cylinder and cach capable of moving both
end wise and radially in relation to the cylinder in order to operate in conjunction
with the faces of the type, substantially as described and shown.
13. The combination in a printing or indenting machine of an impression device
acting upon or against tho type, and a wheel to operate said device, provided with
teeth having concentric extremities but of different lengths in the circumference.
14. In combination with a wheel provided with a series of fixed type, means
substantially as described for sustaining the paper against the type, and a pressure
wheel to cause the impression having teeth with concentric extremities but of
varying length on the circumference.
15. The combined pressure and feed wheel having the teeth with concentric ends
but of varying widths and inclinations on the circumference.
1001
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
I OTTMAR MERGENTHALER of Baltimore, County of Baltimore and State of
Maryland one of the United States of America, Gentleman, do hereby declare
the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS IN MACHINES FOR PRODUCING
STEREOTYPE MATRICES AND FOR PRINTING" 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 that class of power driven machines which are
controlled in their action by a series of finger keys for the purpose of indenting
or printing letters or characters in or upon a continuous strip of papier maché or
like material.
The invention consists in various mechanisms and combinations of mechanisms
hereinafter described in detail, but more particularly in the combination of a rotary
type wheel having fixed peripheral letters or characters thereon with a pressure
device or mechanisin to force and hold the paper against the face of the type, the
pressure device arranged to move when in action in a path concentric with that of
the type; and in a particular form of such device consisting in rods arranged
to move both endwise and radially in a cylinder at the end of which the type
wheel is located.
It also consists in a pressure wheel of peculiar construction to force the extended
rods or other pressure devices towards the type to cause their action upon the
intermediate strip which is to be indented or printed.
It also consists in a pivoted dog or pressure piece introduced between the
sliding rod and pressure wheel for the purpose of imparting motion from one to
the other.
It also consists in a series of loose rings encircling the type wheel adjacent to
the type for the purpose of forcing the paper or matrix strip therefrom after the
indentation or impression has been completed.
It also consists of a spring guide of peculiar form arranged to hold the strip in
the proper position in relation to the type; and in means for relieving the strip
automatically from the pressure of said device previous to its being fed or moved
forward, It also consists in various additional features hereinafter explained.
Referring to the accompanying drawings,
Fig. 1. represents a top plan view of my improved machine, the central portion
of the key board and cylinder being removed to reduce the size of the figure,

page_text: may meanwhile prepare to operate other keys. This locking of the keys in an
operative position is effected by arranging at the rear end of the series upon
supporting arms a bar or plate i, which by means of a spring h, is caused to ride
under the ends of those keys which may be elevated.
An arm i extending upward from this plate is acted upon at each revolution of
the cylinder by an eccentric j, in the latter, as shown in Figs 1 and 5. At each
revolution of the cylinder the plate g is moved backward by the action of the cam,
and those keys which are at the time subjected to the operators fingers are
permitted to pass above the plate, which being released by the cam, immediately
rides under them locking then in their clevated position, so that they are compelled
to operate the corresponding slides.
At the completion of the cylinders rotation the cams again move the plate
backward thereby releasing the keys and permitting them to resume their original
position. The operator will be required to exercise his judgment in the manipulation
of the keys, and in so doing depress at one time only the koys representing such
letters ns succeed each other on the wheel in the same order that they are to be
printed, and also that he will not release from pressure any key which will be
unlocked by the automatic device previous to the printing of each letter.
In practice it is found that a short experience will enable the operator to thus
manipulate the keys without difficulty.
The arrangement above described admits of the operator depressing a number of
keys at the one time and securing the action of all of them although he may
immediately remove his hands to operate the other keys. This locking device for
the keys is not a necessary feature and it is not made the subject of a special claim
herein.
It is manifest that the order in which the letters succeed each other on the
wheel, and the respective position of the various keys or finger pieces in the bank
or key board may be such as is found most convenient and best calculated to
permit the rapid operation of the machine. If found desirable any particular
letter or character may be used at two or more points in the type wheel in
connection with a corresponding slide to increase the printing speed of the
machine.
At or within the cylinder B, concentric therewith, I mount a type wheel or
series of type wheels H, arranged to rotate in unison therewith, and each having
upon the periphery fixed letters or type arranged in circumferential lines and also
in line with the respective slides of the cylinder so that each slide upon being
projected beyond the end of the cylinder will extend directly over or opposite a
corresponding type in the type wheel for the purpose of forcing the paper thereon,
as hereinafter explained.
There may be one or more of the series of type differing in form, style or size,
in order to adapt the machine for printing in different styles.
Each series will contain a complete alphabet and such additional characters
as are ordinarily employed in connection therewith, and will be arranged in a
circumferential line by the wheel. In the accompanying drawings I have for the
sake of convenience illustrated four series or lines of type.
In order that one or another of these series may be brought into action at will,
the type wheel is made movable upon its axis in the direction of the length of
the cylinder, so that one or another of the series of type may be brought into line
to cooperate with the protruding ends of the slides. The arrangement of the
wheel to move sidewise to present different styles of type to the bars is not ma lo
the special subject of claim herein.
The strip of material which is to be printed or indente is passed beneath the
type wheel in such position that the protrading slides will be extended beneath the
strip in position to be acted upon by the slides from beneath and thrust upward
thereby against the corresponding type.
For the purpose of thus forcing upward the extended slides I mount beneath
the typo wheel upon a fixed pivot a dog or presser bar I, as clearly shown in

page_text: Figs. 2, 3 and 4, the free end of this dog being in such position that each slide is
projected directly above it.
Beneath this dog I mount a large rotary pressure or feed wheel J, having at its
periphery a series of teeth e, to act upon the dog I, and force the same upward
against the under side of the extended slide, thereby forcing the slide outward and
causing it to press the paper strip against the corresponding type as plainly
represented in Figs. 3 and 4.
The general action is as follows:-
The strip being passed between the type wheel as shown in Fig. 3 and a
particular letter key, D, being depressed, the key causes the corresponding slide C,
when beneath the cylinder to move outward beneath the strip below and opposite
the corresponding type of the type wheel just previous to the end of the slide
riding upon the end of the dog I.
As soon as the slide passes up on the dog as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the
appropriate tooth c, of the feed wheel J, acts beneath the dog I, and forces the
same upward, causing it in turn to force the end of the slide C, upward and press
the strip against or upon the type.
As soon as the tooth of the wheel J, passes the end of the dog I, the latter falls
and the slide is immediately forced back within the cylinder.
The next slide which is projected operates in like manner and so on repeatedly.
It will be noted that the strip is clamped and held between the type and slide,
_and_that_as they move forward in concentric or parallel paths they serve to carry
-the-strip-forward preparatory to the indentation or impression-of-the-next letter,
the type and slides thus arranged, serving as a feeding mechanism-and-dispensing-
with the special devices ordinarily used in machines of this class for that purpose.
It will also be noted that as the type and the pressure slides move forward
together and without changing their relative positions that a square, direct, and
positive-pressure-is-obtained_upon_the_strip; that the parts have no tendency
to make the impression deeper on one side than on the other as would-be-the-case-
were the pressure to be applied by means-of-surfaces revolving about different
centres.
may
In order that the cylinder, the type wheel-and-the-pressure_or_cam_wheel
move in perfect accord, a gear wheel L, is secured upon the cylinder and arranged
to engage with a corresponding wheel M, secured to the side of the pressure or cam
wheel.
In order to apply a gradual and powerful pressure to force the strip upon the
type and at the same time secure an easy action of the machine, the teeth c, of the
pressure wheel are beveled or inclined for a portion of their length as shown in
detail in Figure 6, so that they act with a wedge like or cam action to force the dog
and slide upward.
The length of time for which the slide is forced up against the strip in printing
each letter depends upon the circumferential length of the face of the corresponding
teeth of the pressure wheel J. These teeth are made of a length corresponding to
the width of the corresponding letter, the wide letters being printed by means of
corresponding wide teeth on the pressure plate.
This variation of the width of the pressure teeth admits of the teeth which
caused the impression of the wide letters being given a longer and more gradual
inclination than those which print the narrow letters, and consequently the machine
is enabled to apply the heavy pressure required for the indentation of the wide
letters with the same ease and smoothness that it causes the indentation of the
narrow letters.
In order to properly hold and guide the strip being printed, and prevent it from
being accidentally moved during the intervals between the impressions, I pass the
strip over the surface of the fixed plate C', before referred to and apply thereto a
spring guide N, such as clearly represented in Figs. 3, 7. and 8, the guide consisting
of a flat elastic finger fastened at one end and extended beneath the face of the
type wheel, being cut away at the centre in order that the wheel may work down

page_text: through the same, and being provided on opposite edges with depending edges a¹,
to engage over and guide the edges of the strip.
At one edge the guide is provided with a depending lip b, in position to be acted
upon by each of the slides C, as the latter is elevated to cause the printing operation
as clearly represented in Fig. 7.
Immediately previous to the commencement of the printing operation as tho
slide C, is elevated to clamp the paper against the type, the end of the slide acting
upon the lip b, lifts the spring N, from the paper strip releasing the latter previous
to the impression and retains it in this position until after the completion of the
impression, thus releasing the strip and permitting the same to move forward with
freedom. The instant, however, that the slide passes the lip b, the spring guide
falls, and retains the strip in position so as to prevent it from being removed until
the next type and slide come into action thereon. In order to force the strip after
the indentation of each character therein squarely and directly off from the type
without danger of marring or injuring the matrix, and also to prevent the strip
from accidentally feeding too far, I mount around and at each side of the type
wheel, or of each line of type, a loose ring O, capable of slight radial movement,
and above the wheel I mount a fixed spring P, which bears upon and forces said
ring upward.
As such slide is forced upward to cause an impression or indentation it acts upon
the rings and forces them upward in order that the strips may pass freely from the
type, but as the slide falls the rings releived from their action, are forced downward
by the spring P, and caused to force the strip squarely off from the type.
'
As before stated the type wheel is provided with several lines or series of
characters of different styles and made movable in the direction of its axis in
order that one or another of these series may be brought into action. To secure
the proper action of these different type, it is necessary that there shall be a
corresponding number of pressure wheels or a corresponding series of projections
upon the one pressure wheel, as represented in the drawings.
It is to be understood that for each type or character upon the type wheel, a tooth
or projection of corresponding form and length is provided on the cam or pressure
wheel.
As each series of type is brought into action, it is necessary that the corresponding
series of cams upon the type wheel shall also be brought into action. It is therefore
necessary that the pressure wheel shall have a lateral movement corresponding with
that of the type wheel, and that it shall be shifted in unison therewith. This may
be accomplished by appliances of any suitable character.
In the present instance the arrangement for shifting the type and pressure wheels
simultaneously is constructed as follows; A spiral spring m, applied to the axis of
the type wheel assists to move the same to the right. The pressure wheel is
mounted upon a shaft n, movable lengthwise in its bearings and acted upon at its
inner end by a spiral spring o, mounted in a fixed casing which tends to move the
wheel to the right. A vertical rock shaft Q, mounted at the outer end of the
machine is provided at its lower end with an arm or lever R, acting upon a swiveled
cap or connection at one end of the pressure wheel shaft n, and also provided at
its upper end with a band lever 8, acting upon a yoke t, which bears loosely against
the outer end of the type wheel.
The rock shaft Q, causes the two levers R and 8, to move in unison so that upon
moving the hand lever to the right the type wheel and pressure wheel are moved
under the action of the springs to the right.
In this manner it will be perceived that the type and pressure wheels may be
moved instantly and the machine adjusted to print one or another style of character
as may be required.
While the best results are secured when the pressure device or dog I is used
between the sliding bars and while there are several advantages consequent upon
this use of the dog, it may be dispensed with and the pressure or feed wheel
arranged to act directly upon the slides to force them toward the type.

page_text: The details of construction shown in the drawings are considered the best that
can be employed, but the machine may be varied in many minor points without
changing the principle of action or departing from the limits of my invention.
I believe myself to be the first to construct a printing or indenting machine in
which the type and the devices which sustain the paper or other material against
the pressure or impression of the type advanced in rotary paths.
I believe myself also to be the first to combine a wheel the teeth of which have
concentric extremities but are of different lengths on the circumference with a
printing or indenting action of the type.
The above features I claim broadly and irrespective of the peculiar form, size or
arrangement of the minor parts or details. I believe myself to be the first to
combine with a wheel having type fixed peripherally thereon or therein, a series of
slides revolving in unison with the wheel and arranged to be protruded beyond or
opposite the faces of the respective type.
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. The combination of a rotary type wheel provided with fixed-peripheral type.
a rotary cylinder concentric with said type wheel and a series of longitudinal
sliding rods mounted in said cylinder and arranged to be extended end wise there-
from opposite the respective type.
2. The combination substantially as described and shown, of a rotary type wheel,
rotary presser-devices-to-sustain the_paper_against the type-and-supporting and
operating means substantially as described to carry the presser devices-during-
their action in a path parallel with that of the type.
3. The combination of a rotary wheel, and type sustained by said wheel and
facing radially a presser device opposed to the face of the type and operating
meclianism substantially-as-described,-which permits the type and presser devices
to move in parallel concentric paths
4. The combination of a rotary whicel provided with fixed-type, a rotary cylinder
-or-carrier-concentric with and rotating in unison with the wheel, radially movable
presser devices carried by the cylinder and opposed to the faces-of-the type, and
means substantially as described for forcing the presser devices toward the type,
during the rotary motion, whereby the presser devices are caused to advance with
the type while holding the paper thereon.
5. In combination with mechanism substantially as described for supporting
and operating the same, a rotary wheel having fixed type and presser devices
opposite to the faces of the type and having both a rotating movement about
the axis of the wheel and a movement to and from the faces of the type during
such rotation.
6. In combination with the rotary cylinder, the slides arranged to protrude
end wise therefrom, the keys operating directly on the slides to project the same,
and the cam plate located at the front of the cylinder and acting to push the rods
and slides inward.
7. The combination of the type wheel and the cylinder provided with the
endwise moving slides, and a toothed pressure wheel arranged to force the rods
upon the type directly or indirectly substantially as shown.
8. The combination of the type wheel, the cylinder B, the sliding and radially
moving rods, the dog I, and the toothed wheel J.
9. In a printing or indenting machine, the combination of the rotary type wheel,
one or more encircling rings Ö, and a spring or equivalent device arranged to act
upon the springs substantially as and for the purpose described.
10. In combination with the type wheel provided with fixed type, the cylinder B,
slides C, and pressure devices arranged to act upon said slides, the pressure device N,
and a device substantially as shown arranged to raise said guide from the strip
previous to each impression or indentation.

page_text: 11. In combination with the type wheel and an intermediate pressure device
substantially as shown, a pressure wheel J, having teeth c, inclined or beveled,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
12. In combination with the wheel having fixed type, a cylinder concentric
therewith, and slides mounted in the cylinder and each capable of moving both
endwise and radially in relation to the cylinder in order to operate in conjunction
with the faces of the typo, substantially as described and shown.
13. The combination in a printing or indenting machine of an impression device
acting upon or against the type, and a wheel to operate said device, provided with
teeth having concentric extremities but of different lengths in the circumference.
14. In combination with a wheel provided with a series of fixed type, means
substantially as described for sustaining the paper against the type, and a pressure
wheel to cause the impression having teeth with concentric extremities but of
varying length on the circumference.
15. The combined pressure and feed wheel having the teeth with concentric ends
but of varying widths and inclinations on the circumference.
Dated the orth day of Aust 1QQA
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents.