A NEW AND IMPROVED MACHINE POR SETTING AND DISTRIBUTING TYPES
Year: 1866

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Clark, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County
of Middlesex, Engineer and Patent Agent, for the Invention of "A
NEW AND IMPROVED MACHINE POR SETTING AND DISTRIBUTING TYPES."-A
communication from abroad by John Abercrombie Gray and Samuel
Worcester Green, both of New York City, United States of America.
Sealed the 19th February 1867, and dated the 21st September 1866.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Clark at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
21st September 1866.
I, WILLIAM CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex,
Engineer and Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of the said
Invention for "A NEW AND IMPROVED MACHINE FOR SETTING AND DISTRIBUTING
TYPES," to be as follows:-
These improvements consist, 1st, in the peculiar mechanism employed for
lifting up the successive lines of type, whereby the construction of the machine
is simplified and its operation improved.
2ndly, in the arrangement of a lip on the lifting gate in combination with
reciprocating slides under the bottom of the galley in such a manner that in
distributing leaded matter the leads are separated from the succeeding lines
A

page_text: by the action of the projecting lip on the gate, and by the slide the said leads
are prevented from dropping down prematurely.
3rdly, in the peculiar means employed for separating each type from the
line by the combined action of a gradually receding slide and an oscillating
hammer, which loosens the type from the line and separates it therefrom as
soon as the slide has opened a sufficient distance to allow the said type to pass
into the first compartment of the trial rack.
4thly, in the arrangement of a detached comb in combination with the
forwarding and trial rack in such a manner that the operation of transferring
the types from the type channel to the proper niche in the trial rack is
rendered sure.
5thly, in making the plungers in the forwarding rack yielding, so that the
same can accommodate themselves to the thickness of the type.
6thly, in the arrangement of a stop motion in combination with the re-
ciprocating comb, forwarding and trial racks, in such a manner that if the
comb fails to operate, the main shaft of the distributing mechanism is dis-
engaged from the driving power, and damage to the types or to the machinery
is avoided.
7thly, in the arrangement of an oscillating hammer in combination with
the forwarding and trial case in such a manner that by the action of the said
hammer those types which do stick in the trial rack are knocked down,
and the operation of the machine is not liable to be disturbed from that
cause.
8thly, in the arrangement of springs on the sides of the type cases for the
purpose of keeping the types in an upright position.
9thly, in the arrangement of two shuttles in combination with the clamp
which receives the types from the type cases in the type-setting mechanism,
and from which the said types are transferred to the type channel in such a
manner that the effect of that part of the machine is doubled and the
operation of setting types is materially facilitated.
10thly, in the arrangement of a spring clutch in combination with the cog
wheel and shaft, that serves to impart motion to the shuttles in such a
manner that in case one of the shuttles meets with an obstruction the
said cog wheel is disengaged from its shaft and damage to the machine is
avoided.
11thly, in the arrangement of a rising and falling cage in combination with
the toes, which are operated by depressing the keys in composing in such a
manner that the operation of raising the types from the type cases is effected
automatically by the machine instead of by hand as heretofore.

page_text: 12thly, in the arrangement of a spring protector in combination with the
type cases in such a manner that the types in the said cases are held down and
prevented from rising accidentally, which would cause a disturbance in the
correct operation of the machine, and at the same time by lifting the protector
the lines of type are free to pass under the same.
A frame made of cast iron or any other suitable material supports the
working parts of the distributing and of the setting mechanisms. The "dead
matter or page to be distributed is placed upon the galley, one side of which
may be made movable, so that it can be adjusted according to the width of
the
page or to the length of the lines to be distributed. The bottom of the
said galley extends near to the front end thereof, which rises above the galley
and forms one side of the type channel, the other side of which is formed by
a strip of sheet metal situated at the proper distance from the strip. In the
galley is fitted a plunger, which bears on the last line of type on the said galley,
and which serves to press the types forward against the front end. From the
plunger extends a rod which is guided in a suitable bracket, and a cord is
secured at one end to a spring fastened to the plunger, and at the opposite end
to a button which is attached to the end of the rod, and the said cord is
stretched round a pulley mounted on a shaft. To this shaft an intermittent
rotary motion is imparted by a ratchet wheel and pawl, which is pivoted to a
spring lever, and to which the required rising and falling motion is given by
the action of a cam. The spring serves to draw the cord tight round the
pulley, and as the shaft is revolved by the action of the pawl on the ratchet
wheel the plunger is pressed up against the mass of type on the galley. If
this mass is free to move on the galley the plunger presses the same forward,
but if it cannot move the cord slips on the pulley. Between the inner end of
the bottom of the galley and the front end thereof is a gap, through which
rises a lifter. This lifter is secured to a cross head which moves up and down
in suitable guides, and to which a rising and falling motion is imparted by a
cam taking effect on an elbow lever; the end of which is kept in contact with
the surface of the cam by a spring or weight. This cam is mounted on the
end of a shaft, and it is so shaped that the lifter which is held up in its highest
position while the said shaft remains stationary descends, and then rises up
again during the time the shaft is allowed to, make one revolution. As soon
as the lifter descends below the bottom of the galley the mass of types on the
said galley are advanced by the action of the plunger until the front, line

page_text: strikes the end piece, and if the plunger rises again it carries up the front line
into the type channel.
In order to make the machine available for distributing leaded matter the
lifter is provided with a lip, which catches over the leads as the same advance,
and carries the same down whenever the plunger descends; so that the said
plunger in rising carries up the line of type, and the leads do not produce a
disturbance. To prevent the lead which bears against the lifter while the
same is stationary from dropping down permaturely a sliding gate or sluice
is fitted to the bottom of the galley. This gate is subjected to the action of a
spring, which has a tendency to force the same out towards the end piece. A
curved lever, to which an oscillating motion is imparted by a cam, serves to
open the gate whenever the lifter descends, and the leads are free to dis-
charge, being carried down by the lip on the lifter.
If the machine is to be used for the purpose of distributing unleaded matter
a metal plate equal in thickness to the leads in leaded matter is secured under
the lip before mentioned, to prevent the same from catching over the top edge
of the front line of types. Each line of type after having been lifted up in the
type channel is fed down in the same by the action of a pusher, which is
impelled by a weight or spring. As one type after the other is taken off from
the bottom end of the line of type the pusher descends in the type channel,
and when the last type of the line is taken out of the said type channel the
pusher is carried back to the upper end of the channel by the action of a cam
and lever, the upper end of which lever straddles a rod extending from the
pusher and acts on a stop, which is adjustable on the same rod. Another
stop is also adjustable on the same rod, which acts on a lever stop and governs
the motion of the first shaft in the following manner:-Motion is imparted to
the said shaft by means of a pulley which turns loosely thereon, the hub of
which pulley forms a ratchet which engages with a spring pawl secured to an
arm which is rigidly attached to the first shaft. When this pawl catches in
the ratchet the pulley is rendered rigid with the shaft, and the shaft revolves,
but as soon as the tail of the pawl comes in contact with the lever stop the
ratchet is disengaged and the pulley turns loosely on the shaft, and con-
tinues to do so until the lever stop is withdrawn and the pawl allowed
to engage with the ratchet. The lever stop is subjected to the action of
a weak spring, which keeps it in such a position that the tail of the
pawl will strike it until the last type in the type channel is discharged. At
that moment the stop strikes the lever stop and pushes the same back, thus
allowing the first shaft to revolve. By the revolution of this shaft the pusher
is carried back to the upper end of the type channel, the lever pawl re-assumes

page_text: its original position, and when the shaft has completed one revolution, the tail
of the pawl taking into the ratchet hub strikes the lever stop and the motion
of the shaft is arrested. By the revolution of the first shaft a new line of type
is lifted
up in the type channel, and the operation of the machine proceeds as
before. The bottom of the type channel is closed by a slide, the position of
which is governed by a toothed rack and cam; this cam is mounted on the
second shaft, which extends parallel to the first shaft, and to which second shaft
a continuous rotary motion is imparted by a belt running on the pulley. The
rack is forced up by the action of a spring, and it is retained in position by a
pawl which catches into its teeth. This pawl is made to release the rack once
for every revolution of the second shaft, and at that moment the rack is raised
one tooth, and as the rack rises the slide gradually recedes, each motion of
the said slide being equal to or less than the thickness of the thinnest type.
When the slide has receded far enough to let out the lowest type in the type
channel the said type is driven into the trial rack by the action of a hammer;
this hammer has a reciprocating motion imparted to it by a scolloped disc
which is mounted on the second shaft, and which acts on a lever connected with
the hammer. When the type has been knocked out of the type channel the
slide advances to its original position and opens again gradually for the next
succeeding type. Each type on being driven out of the type channel is
received by the first compartment of the trial rack, which is situated im-
mediately, beneath a bar; it consists of a floor upon which the types stand, and
from which rise a series of thin slats forming compartments or niches, each large
enough to receive a single type standing upon end. Projecting from the sile
of each niche is a combination of pins peculiar to itself, and corresponding to
nicks cut in the edges of the several types, so that each type is permitted to
pass through that one of the niches the pins of which correspond with the
nicks in the type. Each type on being received from the type channel is
presented successively to the various niches in the trial rack by the action of
the oscillating or forwarding rack, comb, and plungers mentioned. The
forwarding rack is secured to rods, which slide back and forth in suitable
The said
bearings in a frame to which the comb is rigidly connected.
forwarding rack is provided with plungers, and it receives a double motion
one transversely to the trial rack, which is produced by the action of a cam,.
and one parallel to the niches of the trial rack, which is produced by the
action of cains taking effect on levers to which the rods of the forwarding
rack are hinged. A separate pusher or plunger is secured to the top of the
forwarding rack near that end thereof which adjoins the type channel. The comb
is rigidly attached to the frame supporting the bearings in which the forwarding

page_text: rack rods slide, and partakes of the transverse motion imparted to it by the
cam as before mentioned. The niches in the trial rack are divided into two
parts by a transverse channel, which extends across the entire width of the said
rack, and each of the outer or lower compartments forms the guide for one of
the plungers which are subjected to the action of springs. Each of these
plungers is provided with a rod or tail, through the end of which passes a
pin, and this pin catches over the edge of a rod or plate to which an oscillating
motion is imparted by the action of cams on hinged levers, to the upper ends
of which the said rod or plate is secured. By these means all the plungers
are drawn out simultaneously, and at the same time each of the plungers is
free to adjust itself according to the varying thickness of the types. After a
type has been thrust from the type channel into the first niche of the trial
case the forwarding rack advances, and the type being clamped between the
two plungers in the first niche of the trial case is depressed into the first
recess of the comb, where it stands in the end of the transverse channel of the
trial rack. At that moment the transverse motion of the bearing frame
before mentioned begins, and by the action of the comb and forwarding rack
the type is carried opposite the second niche in the trial case; at that point
the forwarding rack recedes, and the type is forced against the trial pins in
the said niche by one of the plungers. If the nicks in the type correspond
to the trial pins in the niche the type passes through the said niche and drops
down into one of the cases, but if the nicks in the type do not correspond to
the trial pins in this first niche the said type is carried forward to the next
niche, and so on until it reaches that niche the trial pins of which correspond
to the nicks in the said type, and it is allowed to drop down into the
appropriate case below. If one of the types should stick in the back part of
the niche and not drop down freely, it is knocked down by the action of the
bammer, which is mounted on a rock shaft, and to which an oscillating motion
is imparted by the combined action of a cam and spring. The type cases are
situated under the trial rack, and they correspond in width and position to
the niches in the said rack, so that each type as it drops down from the trial
rack is received in its appropriate type case. The types are conducted down
to the type cases by an apron which rises so as to make room for the pushers.
These pushers receive a reciprocating motion by suitable cams, and they
serve to push the lines of type in the type cases back to make room for the
next succeeding type. After the pushers have receded the apron descends,
preventing the last types in the cases from tumbling over, and sufficient room
is left between the said apron and the ends of the cases to allow the types
to descend. The lines of type in the type cases are kept in an upright

page_text: position by springs which are secured to their sides. The driving pulley
before mentioned, which is mounted on the second shaft, and which serves to
impart motion to all the parts connected with the said shaft, is secured thereto
by a ratchet and spring pawl, the said pawl being pivoted to an arm which is
rigidly attached to the shaft; on the side of the said shaft rises a standard
which forms the bearing for a pivot on which swings a double hook catch.
This hook catch connects by a rod with a reciprocating bearing frame, and
as long as the motion of this frame continues in regular succession the
hooks of the hook catch are moved so that they clear the tail of the pawl
communicating between the said shaft and the driving pulley; but if from
some cause the reciprocating motion of the bearing frame is interrupted or
stopped the tail of the ratchet strikes against one of the hooks, and the said
pawl is disengaged from the ratchet. By these means the connection of the
driving pulley with the shaft is interrupted, and the shaft ceases to revolve
until the cause which stopped the motion of the bearing frame is removed.
When the cases are filled they are taken out and replaced by others. The
full cases are placed in-the composing part of the machine, and the plungers
in the said cases are exposed to the action of rods. To these rods are secured
cords which wind round a drum, and the said drum is mounted on a shaft
which also bears a ratchet wheel. With this ratchet wheel engages a spring
pawl, which is connected to an arm to which an oscillating motion is imparted
by the action of a cam or an elbow lever, which connects with the said arm by
a rod. This cam is mounted on a third shaft, to which a revolving motion
is imparted by means of a belt running on a suitable pulley. By this
arrangement the plungers are pressed against the lines of type in the cases,
and that line from the lower end of which a type has been taken off is
advanced in its case, while the cords corresponding to the remaining cases
slip on the drum and produce no further effect. The cases are provided at
their lower or first ends with small apertures right under the first type in each
line, and through these apertures pass up fingers which serve to raise the
types as indicated by keys into the slide way, while a plate holds the types in
the cases down. The fingers are connected with levers which are pivoted to
the main frame of the machine, and which are provided with extension pieces
or sliding toes; these toes are subjected to the action of springs, and by
these springs the lower projecting edges are pressed up against elbow levers
which connect with the keys. If the toes are drawn in their hook shaped ends
clear the lifting bar, which rises and fails in close proximity to them, and.
which is connected to two arms which extend from a rock shaft. This rock
shaft receives an oscillating motion by the action of a cam on an arm that is

page_text: held up against the surface of the cam by a spring. If one of the keys is
depressed the toe of the appropriate lever is moved out, and as the lifting bar
rises the letter corresponding to the depressed key is raised from the case into
the slideway. In front of the vertical arms of the elbow levers extends the
starting bar, which is secured to the ends of two rods reciprocating in suitable
guides attached to the main frame, and to which motion is imparted by a
rock shaft. This rock shaft receives its motion from a cam on the third shaft,
which acts on a tappet, and the shape of which is such that the bar is
From one
permitted to open and close quickly at the proper moments.
of the starting bar rods extends an arm, and as the starting bar is drawn out
the said arm strikes a lever stop and pushes the same out of the way of the
tail of a pawl which forms the connection between the driving pulley
and the third shaft. By this action the driving pulley is rendered rigid with
the shaft and the shaft completes one revolution, and the type indicated by
depressing one of the keys is raised into the slideway. If the starting bar
is not drawn out no key can be depressed, and the third shaft remains
stationary. The slideway is composed of a stationary jaw and a hinged
jaw, which connects by a suitable rod with a lever to which an oscillating
motion is imparted by the combined action of a cam and spring. By
these means the hinged jaw is opened at the proper intervals to receive
the types which are raised from the cases; and as it closes again by the
action of the spring it clamps the type tightly in the proper position to be
acted upon by one of two shuttles. Two such shuttles are employed, and
they are connected to cross heads, which move back and forth in suitable
guides on the sides of the slideway. The reciprocating motion of the cross
heads and shuttles is produced by a double crank shaft, with the crank of
which the cross heads connect by rods. This shaft has its bearings in suitable
boxes or brackets secured to the side of the main frame; and motion is
transmitted to it from the third shaft by means of an intermediate shaft, which
connects with the third shaft by bevil gear, and with the intermediate shaft by
two spur wheels. The spur wheel is placed loosely on the intermediate shaft,
and it is provided at the edge of its hub with two or more V-shaped notches,
which correspond to triangular teeth projecting from the edge of a shoulder
on the shaft. A spring forces the spur wheel up, and has a tendency to keep
the notches in the hub of the said wheel in gear with the said teeth. If the
intermediate shaft, or any part driven by the said shaft, however, meets with
a resistance whereby some part of the mechanism would be liable to get
broken or deranged, the notches in the hub of the spur or cog wheel slide
up on the inclined sides of the teeth, and the wheel forces back the spring

page_text: and turns freely on its sbaft; as soon as the obstruction is removed and the
hub of the wheel reaches the proper position the notches in the said hub
engage with the teeth, and the intermediate shaft resumes its motion. The
shuttles alternately drop down into the slideway, and they are provided with
lips which during the forward motion of the said shuttles pass through under
the spring guide, forcing the same open; but in going back the lips slide
upon the convex surface of the spring guide, and thereby the shuttles are alter-
nately raised, so that they do not interfere with each other in their motion in
the slideway. While passing out of the slideway the types are held in position
by a spring until they reach a stick. Into this stick each type is pushed by
the action of a slide, to which a reciprocating motion is imparted by the
combined action of a cam on the third shaft, a spring, and lever. The
motion of this slide is so timed that the same recedes to admit the type pushed
out of the slideway by the shuttles, and as soon as a type has been deposited
in the stick the slide advances. Each type is thus forced into the stick
against the action of a plunger, which is subjected to the action of a weight
or spring, or any other suitable device, and from which extends a rod which is
subjected to the action of a friction spring, whereby the plunger is prevented
from following the action of the weight or spring when the slide recedes.
When a sufficient number of types have been introduced in the stick to make
up a line a key is depressed; this key is mounted on the end of a rock shaft
which carries a stop; when the key is not depressed this stop occupies such a
position that it disengages the pawl from the driving pulley of a fourth shaft;
this shaft extends under the setting mechanism parallel to the third shaft, and
by its action the line of type is pushed from the stick to the galley. When
the key is depressed and the stop is withdrawn a fifth shaft is caused to
revolve, when a cam which is mounted on the said shaft acts on a lever,
causing a rule to rise, while by the action of another cam and lever a pusher
is brought forward, causing the line of the type to be forced from the stick
under the rule of the galley; at the same time, by the action of a cam on a
lever, the friction spring of the plunger in the stick is depressed, and the
plunger is allowed to return to the mouth of the stick. By the time the fifth
shaft has completed one revolution the rule and pusher return to their original
position, leaving the machine in condition to commence the composition of
another line. By this arrangement the operations of composing and distributing
types can be carried on simultaneously, the distributing mechanism being
entirely automatical, so that the same requires very little attention from the
operator.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Clark in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
20th March 1867.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
CLARK, of 53, Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer and
Patent Agent, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Ier Letters
Patent, bearing date the Twenty-first day of September, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, in the thirtieth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said William Clark, Her special licence that I, the said William
Clark, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I,
the said William Clark, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all
times thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully
might make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention
for "A NEW AND IMPROVED MACHINE FOR SETTING AND DISTRIBUTING TYPES,"
a communication to me from abroad by John Abercrombie Gray and Samuel
Worcester Green, both of New York City, United States of America,
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William Clark, my
executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their,
or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe and ascertain
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be
performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Clark, do hereby declare
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the fol-
lowing statement, reference being had to the four Sheets of Drawings hereunto
annexed, and to the letters and figures marked thereon (that is to say) :-
These improvements consist, first, in the peculiar mechanism employed for
lifting up the successive lines of type, whereby the construction of the machine
is simplified and its operation improved.
Secondly, in the arrangement of a lip on the lifting gate in combination
with reciprocating slides under the bottom of the galley in such a manner
that in distributing leaded matter the leads are separated from the succeeding

page_text: .
lines by the action of the projecting lip on the gate, and by the slide said leads
are prevented from dropping down prematurely.
Thirdly, in the peculiar means employed for separating each type from the
line by the combined action of a gradually receding slide and an oscillating
hammer, which loosens the type from the line and separates it therefrom as
soon as the slide has opened a sufficient distance to allow said type to pass
into the first compartment of the trial rack.
Fourthly, in the arrangement of a detached comb in combination with the
forwarding and trial rack in such a manner that the operation of transferring
the types from the type channel to the proper niche in the trial rack is
rendered sure.
Fifthly, in making the plungers in the forwarding rack yielding, so that the
same can accommodate themselves to the thickness of the type.
Sixthly, in the arrangement of a stop motion in combination with the
reciprocating comb, forwarding and trial rack, in such a manner that if the
comb fails to operate, the main shaft of the distributing mechanism is dis-
engaged from the driving power, and damage to the types or to the machinery
is avoided.
Seventhly, in the arrangement of an oscillating hammer in combination
with the forwarding and trial case in such a manner that by the action of
said hammer those types which do stick in the trial rack are knocked
down, and the operation of the machine is not liable to be disturbed from
that cause.
Eighthly, in the arrangement of springs on the sides of the type cases for
the purpose of keeping the types in an upright position.
Ninthly, in the arrangement of two shuttles in combination with the clamp
which receives the types from the type cases in the type-setting mechanism,
and from which said types are transferred to the type channel in such a
manner that the effect of that part of the machine is doubled and the operation
of setting types is materially facilitated.
Tenthly, in the arrangement of a spring clutch in combination with the cog
wheel and shaft that serves to impart motion to the shuttles in such a manner
that in case one of the shuttles meets with an obstruction said cog wheel is
disengaged from its shaft and damage to the machine is avoided.
Eleventhly, in the arrangement of a rising and falling cage in combination
with the toes, which are operated by depressing the keys in composing in
such a manner that the operation of raising the types from the type cases
is effected automatically by the machine instead of by hand as heretofore.
Twelfthly, in the arrangement of a spring protector in combination with
:

page_text: the type cases in such a manner that the types in said cases are held down
and prevented from rising accidentally, which would cause a disturbance in
the correct operation of the machine, and at the same time by lifting the
protector the lines of type are free to pass under the same.
Figure 1 of the annexed Drawings represents a plan or top view of this
machine; Figure 2 is a transverse vertical section of the distributing
mechanism taken in the plane indicated by the line x, x, Figure 1, and
looking in the direction of the arrows opposite to that line; Figure 3 is a
partial longitudinal section of the same, the line y, y, Figure 2, indicating
the plane of section, and looking in the direction of the arrows opposite to
that line; Figure 4 is a rear view of the same; Figure 5 is a sectional view
of the stop motion, the plane of section being indicated by the line 2, 2,
Figure 4; Figure 6 is a transverse vertical section of the distributing
mechanism taken in the plane indicated by the lines x, x¹, Figure 1;
Figure 7 is a plan of the forwarding and trial rack detached; Figure 8 is a
transverse vertical section of the mechanism for setting type, the plane of
section being indicated by the line y', y', Figure 1; Figure 8* is a horizontal
section taken in the plane indicated by the line y*, yx, Figure 8; Figure 9
is a partial longitudinal section of the same taken in the plane indicated by
the line 1, 2, Figure 8. Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding
parts.
A represents a frame made of cast iron or any other suitable material
which supports the working parts of the distributing and of the setting
mechanisms. The "dead matter" or page to be distributed is placed upon
the galley A, one side of which may be made movable, so that it can be
adjusted according to the width of the page or to the length of the lines to
be distributed. The bottom 6 of said galley extends near to the front end c
thereof, which rises above the galley and forms one side of the type channel d,
the other side of which is formed by a strip of sheet metal situated at the
proper distance from the strip c, as clearly shown in Figure 1 of the
Drawing. In the galley A is fitted a plunger B, which bears on the last
line of type on said galley, and which serves to press the types forward against
the front end c. From the plunger extends a rod e, which is guided in a
suitable bracket f, and a cord g is secured at one end to a spring h fastened
to the plunger, and at the opposite end to a button, which is attached to the
end of the rod e, and said cord is stretched round a pulley i that is mounted
on a shaft j. To this shaft an intermittent rotary motion is imparted by a
ratchet wheel k and by a pawl l, which is pivoted to a spring lever 1*, and to
which the required rising and falling motion is given by the action of a cam 1,

page_text: which is mounted on the end of the shaft C. The spring h serves to draw
the cord g tight round the pulley i, and as the shaft j is revolved by the action
of the pawl on the ratchet wheel k the plunger B is pressed up against the
mass of type on the galley. If this mass is free to move on the galley the
plunger presses the same forward, but if it cannot move the cord g slips on
the pulley i. Between the inner end of the bottom of the galley and the
front end c thereof is a gap through which rises the lifter D (see Figures 3
and 6); this lifter is secured to a cross head m, which moves up and down
in suitable guides, and to which a rising and falling motion is imparted by
the action of a cam n on an elbow lever o, the end of which is kept in contact
with the surface of the cam by a spring or weight. The cam n is mounted
on the end of the shaft C, and it is so shaped that the lifter, which is held up
in its highest position while said shaft remains stationary, descends and then
rises up again during the time the shaft is allowed to make one revolution.
As soon as the lifter descends below the bottom of the galley the mass of
types on said galley are advanced by the action of the plunger B until the
front line strikes the end piece c, and if the plunger rises again it carries up
the front line into the type channel d.
In order to make the machine available for distributing leaded matter
the lifter D is provided with a lip p, which catches over the leads as the same
advance and carries the same down whenever the plunger descends, so that
said plunger in rising carries up the line of type, and the leads do not produce
a disturbance; to prevent the lead which bears against the lifter while the
same is stationary from dropping down prematurely a gate is fitted to the
bottom of the galley, as seen in Figure 3. This gate is subjected to the
action of a spring r, which has a tendency to force the same out towards the
end piece e; a curved lever *, to which an oscillating motion is imparted by
a cam s on the shaft C, serves to open the gate whenever the lifter descends
and the leads are free to discharge, being carried down by the lip p on the
lifter. If the machine is to be used for the purpose of distributing unleaded
matter a metal plate t, equal in thickness, to the leads in leaded matter, is
secured under the lip p, to prevent the same from catching over the top edge
of the front line of types. Each line of type after having been lifted up in
the type channel d is fed down in the same by the action of a pusher u, which
is impelled by a weight or spring. As one type after the other is taken off
from the bottom end of the line of type the pusher descends in the type
channel, and when the last type of the line is taken out of said type channel
the pusher is carried back to the upper end of the channel by the action of
a cam vand lever w, the upper end of which straddles a rod a¹ extending

page_text: from the pusher, and acts on a stop 6', which is adjustable on said rod.
Another stop c', which is also adjustable on the rod a', and which acts on a
lever stop d', governs the motion of the shaft C in the following manner :-
Motion is imparted to said shaft by means of a pulley e', which turns loosely
thereon, and the hub of which forms a ratchet f, which engages with a spring
pawl g' secured to an arm h', which is rigidly attached to the shaft C. When
the pawl g¹ catches in the ratchet f¹ the pulley is rendered rigid with the
shaft and the shaft revolves, but as soon as the tail of the pawl comes in.
contact with the lever stop d¹ the ratchet f is disengaged and the pulley
turns loosely on the shaft, and continues to do so until the lever stop is
withdrawn and the pawl allowed to engage with the ratchet. The lever stop
is subjected to the action of a weak spring (see Figure 6), which keeps it
in such a position that the tail of the pawl will strike it until the last type in
the channel d is discharged; at that moment the stop c' strikes the lever
stop d¹ and pushes the same back, thus allowing the shaft C to revolve.
By the revolution of the shaft the pusher u is carried back to the upper
end of the type channel, the lever pawl re-assumes its originial position, and
when the shaft has completed one revolution the tail of the pawl g¹ strikes
the lever stop and the motion of the shaft is arrested. By the revolution of
the shaft C a new line of type is lifted up in the type channel, and the
operation of the machine proceeds as before. The bottom of the type
channel d is closed by a slide j', the position of which is governed by a
toothed rack and cam t, this cam is mounted on the shaft E, which extends
parallel to the shaft C, and to which a continuous rotary motion is imparted
by a belt running on the pulley m². The rack k¹ is forced up by the
action of a spring n¹, and it is retained in position by a pawl o¹, which
catches into its teeth, as clearly shown in Figures 4 and 6. This pawl is
made to release the rack once for every revolution of the shaft E, and at
that moment the rack is raised one tooth, and as the rack rises the slide j
gradually recedes, each motion of said slide being equal to or less than
the thickness of the thinnest type. When the slide has receded far enough
to let out the lowest type in the type channel d, said type is driven into
the trial rack F by the action of a hammer o*: This hammer has a
reciprocating motion imparted to it by a scolloped disc p, which is mounted
on the shaft E (see Figure 1), and which acts on a lever q¹ that connects
with the hammer. When the type has been knocked out of the type
channel the slide advances to its original position and opens again
gradually for the next succeeding type. Each type on being driven out of the
type channel is received by the first compartment of the trial rack F, which

page_text: is situated immediately beneath the bar G. It consists of a floor upon which
the types stand, and from which rise a series of thin slats r³, forming com-
partments or niches each large enough to receive a single type standing upon
end. Projecting from the side of each niche is a combination of pins peculiar
to itself, and corresponding to nicks cut in the edges of the several types, so
that each type is permitted to pass through that one of the niches the pins of
which correspond with the nicks in the type. Each type on being received
from the type channel is presented successively to the various niches in
the trial rack by the action of the oscillating or forwarding rack E, comb I,
and plungers s¹, t. The forwarding rack is secured to rods u', which
slide back and forth in suitable bearings in a frame J, to which the
comb I is rigidly connected; said forwarding rack is provided with plungers s',
and it receives a double motion, one transversely to the trial rack, which is
produced by the action of a cam v³, and one parallel to the niches of the trial
rack, which is produced by the action of cams-w¹ on levers a³, to which the
rods u¹ are hinged. A separate pusher or plunger 8* is secured to the top of
the forwarding rack, near that end thereof which adjoins the type channel d.
The comb I being rigidly attached to the frame J partakes of the transverse
motion imparted to it by the cam v¹. The niches in the trial rack are divided
in two parts by a transverse channel which extends across the entire width of
said rack, and each of the outer or lower compartments forms the guide for
one of the plungers t¹, which are subjected to the action of springs d. Each
of these plungers is provided with a rod or tail, through the end of which
passes a pin, and this pin catches over the end of a rod or plate f%, to
which an oscillating motion is imparted by the action of cams 92 on hinged
levers h², to the upper ends of which the plate f' is secured. By these means
all the plungers are drawn out simultaneously, and at the same time each
of the plungers is free to adjust itself according to the varying thickness of the
types. After a type has been thrust from the type channel into the first niche
of the trial case the forwarding rack H advances, and the type being clamped
between the plunger s* and the plunger t' in the first niche of the trial case
is depressed into the first recess of the comb I, where it stands in the end of
the transverse channel of the trial rack. At that moment the transverse
motion of the frame J begins, and by the action of the comb and forwarding
rack the type is carried opposite the second niche in the trial case. At that
point the rack H recedes, and the type is forced against the trial pins in said
niche by the plunger t¹. If the nicks in the type correspond to the trial
pins in the niche the type passes through said niche and drops down into
one of the cases K, but if the nicks in the type do not correspond to the

page_text: trial pins in this first niche said type is carried forward to the next niche,
and so on until it reaches that niche the trial pins of which correspond
to the nicks in said type and allow it to drop down into the appropriate
case below. If one of the types should stick in the back part of the
niche and not drop down freely, it is knocked down by the action of a
hammer L, which is mounted on a rock shaft, and to which an oscillating
motion is imparted by the combined action of a cam and spring (see
Figure 2). The type cases K are situated under the trial rack, and they
correspond in width and position to the niches in side rack, so that each type
as it drops down from the trial rack is received in its appropriate type case.
The types are conducted down to the type cases by an apron, which
rises so as to make room for the pushers m². These pushers receive a
reciprocating motion by suitable cams, and they serve to push the lines of
type in the type cases back to make room for the next succeeding type.
After the pushers have receded the apron & descends, preventing the last types
in the cases from tumbling over, and sufficient room is left between said apron
and the ends of the cases to allow the types to descend. The lines of type in the
type cases are kept in an upright position by springs n³, which are secured to
their sides. The driving pulley m¹ which is mounted on the shaft E, and
which serves to impart motion to all the parts connected with said shaft, is
secured thereto by a ratchet o² and spring pawl på (see Figure 5), said pawl
being pivoted to an arm q2, which is rigidly attached to the shaft; on the
side of said shaft rises a standard, which forms the bearing for a pivot s³, on
which swings a double hook catch t; this hook catch connects by a
rod u with the reciprocating frame J, and as long as the motion of this frame
continues in regular succession the hooks of the hook catch t2 are moved so
that they clear the tail of the pawl p³; but if from some cause the recipro-
cating motion of the frame J is interrupted or stopped the tail of the ratchet
strikes against one of the hooks t2, and the said pawl is disengaged from the
ratchet; by these means the connection of the pulley m¹ with the shaft E is
interrupted, and the shaft ceases to revolve until the cause which stopped the
motion of the frame J is removed. When the cases K are filled they are
taken out and replaced by others; the full cases are placed in the composing,
part of the machine, and the plungers ³ in said cases are exposed to the action
of rods w³. To these rods are secured cords ³, which wind round a drum y²,
as clearly shown in Figures 1 and 8, and said drum is mounted on a shaft 23,
which also bears a ratchet wheel a; with this ratchet wheel engages a
spring pawl 68, which is connected to an arm to which an oscillating motion
is imparted by the action of a came³ or an elbow lever c³, which connects with

page_text: said arm by a rod d³; the cam is mounted on a shaft L, to which a
revolving motion is imparted by means of a belt running on a suitable pulley f³.
By this arrangement the plungers are pressed against the lines of type in
the cases K, and that line from the lower end of which a type has been taken
off is advanced in its case, while the cords a², corresponding to the remaining
cases, slip on the drum y³, and produce no further effect. The cases K are
provided at their lower or first ends with small apertures g³ right under the
first type in each line, and through these apertures pass up the fingers h³, which
serve to raise the types, as indicated by the keys M, into the slide way i³, and a
plate holds the types in the cases down. The fingers h³ are connected
with levers, which are pivoted to the main frame of the machine, and
which are provided with extension pieces or sliding toes ³; these toes
are subjected to the action of springs P, and by these springs the lower
projecting edges are pressed up against the elbow levers m³, which cou-
nect with the keys M, as shown in Figure 8. If the toes are drawn in
their hook-shaped ends clear the lifting bar n³, which rises and falls in
close proximity to them in points, and which is connected to two arms o³,
which extend from a rock shaft p³. This rock. shaft receives an oscillating
motion by the action of a cam g³, which is mounted on the shaft L, and acts
on an arm, that is held up against the surface of the cam by a spring ³.
If one of the keys is depressed the toe of the appropriate lever j³ is moved
out, and as the lifting bar 3 rises, the letter corresponding to the depressed
key is raised from the case into the slideway . In front of the vertical arms
of the elbow levers m³ extends the starting bar t³, which is secured to the
ends of two rods u³, which reciprocate in suitable guides attached to the main
frame, and to which motion is imparted by a rock shaft, that connects with
the rods 3 by means of arms w³; this rock shaft receives its motion from a
cam on the shaft L, which acts on a tappet ³, and the shape of which is such
that the bar is permitted to open and close quickly at the proper- moments.
From one of the rods 3 extends an arm y³, and as the starting bar is drawn
out said arm strikes a lever stop 23 (see Figure 8), and pushes the same out of
the way of the tail of a pawl which forms the connection between the driving
pulley f and the shaft L. By this action the driving pulley is rendered
rigid with the shaft and the shaft completes one revolution, and the type in
dicated depressing one of the keys is raised into the slideway 23. If the
starting bar is not drawn out no key can be depressed, and the shaft L remains
stationary. The slideway is composed of a stationary jaw a and a hinged
jaw b, which connects by a suitable rod with a lever d', Figure 1, to which
an oscillating motion is imparted by the combined action of a cam e' and
B

page_text: spring f. By these means the hinged jaw is opened at the proper intervals
to receive the types, which are raised from the cases K, and as it closes
again by the action of the spring fit clamps the type tightly in the proper
position to be acted upon by one of the shuttles N. Two such shuttles are
employed, and they are connected to cross heads g', which move back and
forth in suitable guides h' on the sides of the slideway, as shown particularly
in Figure 1. The reciprocating motion of the cross heads and shuttles is
produced by a double crank shaft i", with the crank of which the cross heads
connect by rods j. This shaft has its bearings in suitable boxes or
brackets secured to the side of the main frame, and motion is transmitted to it
from the shaft L by means of an intermediate shaft k, which connects with the
shaft L by a bevil gear, and with the shaft by two cog wheels m*, nt. The
cog wheel n is placed loosely on the shaft it, and it is provided in the edge of
its hub with two or more V-shaped notches, which correspond to triangular
teeth o projecting from the edge of the shoulder on the shaft. A spring p
forces the wheel n* up, and has a tendency to keep the notches in the hub of
said wheel in gear with the teeth o*. If the shaft it, or any part driven by said
shaft, however meets with a resistance whereby some part of the mechanism
would be liable to get broken or deranged, the notches in the hub of the
cog wheel n slide up on the inclined sides of the teeth o', and the wheel
forces back the spring p' and turns freely on its shaft. As soon as the
obstruction is removed and the hub of the wheel reaches the proper position
the notches in said hub engage with the teeth o' and the shaft i re-assumes
its motion. The shuttles N alternately drop down into the slideway ³,
and they are provided with lips g', which during the forward motion of
said shuttles pass through under the spring guide, forcing the same open;
but in going back the lips slide upon the convex surface of the
spring guide, and thereby the shuttles are alternately raised, so that they do
not interfere with each other in their motion in the slideway. While passing
out of the slideway the types are held in position by a spring f until they
reach the stick O. Into this stick each type is pushed by the action of a
slide t', to which a reciprocating motion is imparted by the combined action of
a cam on the shaft L, a spring us, and lever v, see Figure 1. The motion
of this slide is so timed that the same recedes to admit the type pushed out
of the slideway by the shuttles N, and as soon as a type has been deposited in
the stick the slide advances; each type is thus forced into the stick against
the action of a plunger w', which is subjected to the action of a weight or
spring, or any other suitable device, and from which extends a rod w, which
is subjected to the action of a friction spring we, whereby the plunger w' is

page_text: prevented from following the action of the weight or spring when the slide
recedes. When a sufficient number of types have been introduced in the
stick to make up a line the key is depressed'; this key is mounted on the
end of a rock shaft y', which bears the stop. When the key is not depressed
this stop occupies such a position that it disengages the pawl as from the
driving pulley of the shaft O. This shaft. extends under the setting
mechanism parallel to the shaft L, and by its action the line of type is pushed
from the stick to the galley.P. When the key r is depressed and the
stop is withdrawn, so that the shaft Q revolves, a cam c³, which is mounted
on said shaft and acts on a lever d³, causes the rule e³ to rise, and by the
action of another cam f and lever g³ the pusher h³ is brought forward and
the line of the type is forced from the stick under the rule on the galley. At
the same time by the action of a cam on a lever the friction spring w
of the plunger win the stick is depressed,. and the plunger is allowed to
return to the mouth of the stick O. By the time the shaft Q has completed
one revolution the rule e and pusher ho return to their original position, leaving
the machine in condition to commence the composition of another line. By
this arrangement the operations of composing and distributing types can be
carried on simultaneously, the distributing mechanism being entirely auto-
matical, so that the same requires very little attention from the operator.
Having described the nature of this Invention, and the manner of performing
the same, I declare that what I claim as the Invention to be protected by the
herein-before in part recited Letters Patent is,
First, the means described of operating the lifter D, consisting of the loose
pulley on the shaft C, provided with a self-regulating clutch in combination
with the stop c¹ and stop lever d', constructing and operating substantially as
and for the purpose described.
g
Secondly, the lip p on the lifter D in combination with the slide under
the galley, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Thirdly, the method herein described of separating each type from the line,
consisting in the toothed rack k¹, pawl o', and hammer o*, constructed and
operating substantially as and for the purpose specified.
Fourthly, the detached comb I, in combination with the trial rack F and
forwarding rack H, constructed and operating substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
Fifthly, making the plungers S¹ in the forwarding rack yielding, substan-
tially as and for the purpose described.
Sixthly, the stop motion t, p², o, in combination with the reciprocating

page_text: frame J, rack H, and comb I, constructed and operating substantially as and
for the purpose set forth.
• Seventhly, the hammer L in combination with the racks F, H, constructed
and operating substantially as and for the purpose described.
Eighthly, the springs n in the type cases K, constructed and operating.
substantially as and for the purpose described.
Ninthly, the spring guide in combination with two or more shuttles N
and with the guideway 23, constructed and operating substantially as and for
the purpose described.
Tenthly, the spring clutch p', o', and wheel n', in combination with the
double crank shaft, and shuttles N, constructed and operating substantially
as and for the purpose, set forth.
Eleventhly, the method herein described of lifting the type automatically.
by the combination of the keys M, tongs ; lifting bar n³, fingers h³, and
Ishaft L, constructed and operating substantially as and for the purpose
*described.
Twelfthly, the starting bar t³ in combination with the keys M and shaft L,
constructed and operating substantially as, and for the purpose set forth.
...Thirteenthly, giving the spring protector i* a rising and falling motion,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Clark, bave hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twentieth day of March, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven...
Witness,
JAMES DAISH,
53, Chancery Lane,
.London.
W. CLARK. (L.S:)