Improvements in or relating to Justifying Mechanism for Matrix- making, Line-casting, Type-writing, Type-setting, and like Machines.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Nov., 1893-Accepted, 16th Dec., 1893
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Justifying Mechanism for Matrix-
making, Line-casting, Type-writing, Type-setting, and like
Machines.
A communication by CHARLES SEARS, of Cleveland, in the County of Cuyahoga
and State of Ohio, United States of America, Manufacturer.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors 6 Lord Street, Liverpool and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both
in the County of Lancaster and 323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex,
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :→
One serious obstacle to the practical success of mechanical type setters, matrix
assembling machines, and matrix making machines has been the want of satisfactory
mechanism for "justifying" the lines. Expanded spacers operated by wedges are,
so far as my correspondent is aware, the only means which have as yet been found
to answer the purpose in the matrix assembling machines; and the successful use
of these spacers involves the employment of more or less complicated operating-
mechanism which adds to the cost of the machines, and increases the necessary
labor of the operator. With mechanical type-setters, the justification, it is believed,
is still done by hand; and with the matrix impressing machines, it is only
accomplished by the more or less educated guess work of the operator.
The object of this invention is to provide a system or method of justifying matrix
lines and type lines and a very simple mechanical attachment for the machine for
assembling or making matrices, whereby, with comparatively little care on his
part, the operator may justify the line as he forms it; that is to say, may be able
to add as he goes along, the necessary extra spaces to make every line when
finished of the same standard length.
This method will be readily understood from the following description of the
same, and of the mechanism shown in the drawing by which it may be practised.
In the drawing,
Figure 1 is a front elevation of the assembling rail or trough, and parts adjacent
thereto, of a matrix assembling machine which is provided with the necessary
attachments for the practice of this invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the mechanism shown in Figure 1; and Figure 3 is
an end view of the same;
Figure 4 is a front view of the copy and the gauges showing their relative
position preparatory to beginning the formation of a matrix line.
Figure 5 is a side view of another variety of machine, viz., a matrix making or
type writing machine provided with the necessary attachments for the practice of
this invention ;
Figure 6 is a front view of the copy, copy carriage and gauges, showing the
relative position of these parts preparatory to beginning to form a matrix line;
Figure 7 is a front view of the copy and gauges showing their relative position
when the matrix line has been partly formed but wholly justified, and also showing
the matrix when in the condition described;
Figure 8 is a plan view of the differential spacing devices; and
Figure 9 is an enlarged front view of the differential spacing mechanism.
This method is equally applicable to the two principal types of machines which
are employed to make line matrices, viz., (1) those which assemble independent
matrices from their magazines to a common composing point; and, (2) those which
impress the letters, one at a time, into the matrix material. It is also applicable

page_text: to use with type setting machines which, so far as their relation to this invention is
concerned, differ from matrix assembling machines only in the character of the
type assembled.
It is also applicable to type-writing machines which, as they
relate to this invention, differ from matrix making machines only in that the letters
are impressed one by one onto instead of into suitable impression receiving material.
Indeed the form of machine illustrated in Figures 5 and 9 is rather a type writing
machine than a matrix making machine, and it was selected for the purpose of
illustrating the application of the invention to this general type of machine because
it could be shown in more simple form than could a matrix making machine. It
may be admitted that the practical utility of this invention when used in connection
with a type-writing machine is very slight, but that does not affect the fact that it
can be so used if desired; and the applicability of the invention to this class of
machine is as fully illustrated by the drawing as it would be, had a more complicated
matrix making machine been shown.
In order to simplify the following description, the term "matrix line" will be
used in speaking of a line of assembled matrices or type, as well as of a line formed
by impressing the letters one by one either on or into suitable material.
For the most successful practice of the invention, it is necessary that the type,
matrices or dies, as the case may be, shall be constructed on a unit system; that is
to say, in type or matrix assembling machines, each type or matrix and space shall
be equal in width to the selected unit or some multiple thereof, and, in matrix
impressing machines or type writers, the carriage which supports the impression
receiving material shall be moved in each feed movement a distance equal to the
selected unit or some multiple thereof. The standard line, that is the required
length of every line, will be some multiple of the selected unit. Therefore, if the
total number of units in the matter which is to appear in one line is not equal to
the total number of units in the standard line, the matrix, line can, if means are
provided for adding single unit spaces, be made of exactly standard length by the
addition of the required units of space.
It is also necessary that the copy which is provided for the operator of the
inachine shall be type written, and that each letter on this copy shall occupy
the same space which the corresponding type or matrix will occupy in the matrix
line to be made.
It is also necessary to provide two gauges which are separated from each
other a distance equal to the length of the standard line, and to place the copy
behind said gauges, and then to feed the copy forward simultaneously with each
increment in the length of the matrix line being assembled or made, and a distance
exactly equal to such increment. When the copy is placed behind the gauges, its
end, that is to say the last letter in the matter which will form one matrix line, is
placed against or in line with the right hand gauge. The distance between the
first letter in the line of copy and the left hand gauge represents exactly the amount
which the copy line is shorter than the standard; and consequently represents
exactly the amount of extra spacing which must be added to the matrix line to
make it standard length; and small extra spaces are added by the operator between
words as he forms the matrix line until the total extra spacing required has been
added. When each letter and space is added to the matrix line, the copy is moved
to the left, a distance equal to the width of such addition; consequently, with the
addition to the matrix line of each additional space, the letter on the copy
corresponding with the letter about to be added to the matrix line is, by so much,
brought nearer to the left hand gauge. Therefore, when, by the addition of extra
spaces, the left hand edge of the letter on the copy which corresponds to the letter
about to be added to the matrix line is opposite to or in line with the left
hand gauge, the operator knows that he has justified his matrix line, and he then
finishes it by merely adding the letters and the same spaces employed on the rest
of the copy:
The mechanism shown in the drawing will now be described, by means of which
this method of justifying may be practised.

page_text: A represents a movable copy-holding carriage which is placed at some convenient
point where the copy it carries may be readily seen by the operator. B represents
the copy, which is printed on suitable paper (preferably in form of a tape) with
letters which occupy the same space in the line which corresponding letters will
occupy in the matrix line; and the normal spaces between the words.
C C represent respectively vertical gauges which lie in front of the copy and at a
distance apart equal to the length of the standard line. In the form shown, these
gauges are the vertical edges of a slot in a plate c through which slot the copy may
be seen.
The plate is in parts one of which slides upon the other, whereby the
distances between the two gauges may be varied and thereby adapted to use when
it is desired to change the length of the matrix line. The screws c' which pass
through slots care provided for fastening the two parts together. The carriage has
two rolls D D', on one of which, D, a long tape containing considerable prepared copy
may be wound. The copy is wound up on the other D₁, as each line thereof is set
on the machine. In beginning the formation of a matrix line, the carriage A is
moved to the extreme right; the copy placed with the right hand letter of the
matter which will constitute a matrix line, opposite or in line with the right hand
gauge. The plate c, at the lower edge of the slot through which the copy shows,
is graduated, the unit of graduation being the unit upon which the matrices or
dies are made; and, when the copy is in position as described, the number of units
between the left hand letter and the left hand gauge C can be read by the
operator, who will know then how many extra units of space must be added to
justify the line. This graduated edge is not absolutely essential to the successful
practice of the invention, but it is obviously of great advantage to the operator to
know beforehand how many units he must add to the line, because he can calculate
on adding about the same amount of extra space between all words in the line.
To complete the specific description of the mechanism shown in the drawing, it
will be necessary to refer separately to the two forms thereof illustrated. In the
form shown in Figure 1, the carriage A moves backward and forward on the
guiding bar F, which is supported in a substantially_horizontal position by any
suitable means. The plate c is attached to the spout H out of which the matrices
drop into the assembling trough G. On the left hand end of the carriage, an arm I
is pivoted, the end of which enters a slot in the rear wall of the trough G, whereby
its end may lie against the foremost matrix in the line. N represents a plunger
which lies in the trough and is moved back and forth, after each matrix and space
is dropped into the trough, by the rocking of lever n, which is rocked through a
definite path by the revolution of the crank shaft n'. A crank pin n on this shaft
enters a slot in the lever as shown. The plunger therefore moves forward to the
same point in every movement. Preparatory to beginning the forming of a matrix
line, the carriage is moved to the right until the arm I is at the point which the
plunger reaches in its forward movement. Then the matrices and spacers are
dropped from the spout H one by one. The plunger moves forward after the fall
of every matrix and spacer, thereby moving it and all of the other matrices and
spacers which have been assembled in the line, the arm I, the carriage A and
copy B forward a distance equal to the width of the said matrix. After each word,
the operator adds a spacer wider than a normal space, thereby, by so much,
bringing the first letter of that word on the copy which is about to be added to the
matrix line nearer to the left hand gauge C. And this addition of extra space is
continued until the justification is completed; and this is shown to have been
accomplished when the letter on the copy about to be added is in line with the left
hand gauge C.
Although it has been stated that the copy moves to the left while the left hand
gauge remains stationary, it is clear that it is the relative movement of these two
parts which is material. Mechanism has also been shown for moving the matrix
line after each letter and space is added, but, since the extra spaces are always
added between words, the desired result can be accomplished if the matrix line is
moved forward after the completion of each word and the addition of the spaces

page_text: which immediately follow it. Then, when the line is justified, the fact will appear
when the first letter of the word next to be added is in the line with the left hand
gauging edge.
"
The operation of the invention will be illustrated by particular reference to the
drawing. Figure 4 shows the copy line "if in a wide experience with men
behind the plate c and in position to begin the formation of a matrix line. Each
of the letters on the copy occupies the same space in the line that corresponding
matrix letters will occupy, and the spaces between words are two units wide. The
last "n" in the copy line is in line with the right hand gauge. From the graduated
edge of the slot in the plate, it appears that the copy line is six units short of
standard length. A glance shows that there are more than six words in the line,
therefore the operator forming the matrix line adds after each word an extra unit
of space; that is, he uses spaces three units wide, until after he has set up "if in a
wide experience with "and has added the three unit space after "with" he sees
that the first letter in the next word "men is in line with the left hand gauge.
From this fact he knows he has completed his justification; and, in completing his
matrix line, he puts between the words "men and in "a two unit space the same
as in the copy.
"
"
The arm is pivoted to the carriage, and, when the matrix line is completed,
this arm may be swung out of the way and said matrix line pushed along the
trough to another part of the machine.
In the form of the matrix making machine shown in Figures 5 to 9 inclusive,
each letter and the normal space occupy just four space units. One of the machines
already invented having differential letter spacing mechanism could as well be
employed, but the principle and mode of operation of the invention would be in no
wise affected. In the machine which is shown, means are provided for adding to
any desired place either a single unit space, or a double unit space, whereby there
may be added as desired as many extra units of space as are desirable.
.
The
In the drawing, the copy carriage A is shown attached to the platen carriage O,
and therefore the feed movement of both must be equal. The plate c.having the
gauging edges CC is rigidly fixed to the machine in suitable relation to the copy
carriage. On the carriage O is a rack R with which the pawls S S' engage.
pawls S S are fixed on a rock shaft T which is rocked by means of the arms t
rigidly connected therewith, the bar t³ which lies under all the keys and the links t³
which connect said bar and arms t. Therefore when any key is depressed the rock
shaft T is operated. The pawl S₁ is rigid, but the pawl S is pivoted to it on a
pivot at right angles to the axis of the rock shaft and is moved, when free to move,
by a spring. When the rock shaft is rocked by the depression of any key, the
rigid pawl engages with the rack, and the spring pawl S, released from such
engagement, is moved by its spring to the right a distance equal to four notches in
the rack. When the key is released, the rock shaft returns to its normal position
and the pawl S engages with the rack.
Immediately the spring or weight which operates the carriage moves said
carriage to the left until the pawl S comes into line with the pawl S¹, which
position is the limit of the movement of said pawl S to the left. So much of the
feeding mechanism as is above described is not new, being substantially the same as
the mechanism now in common use on the Remington type-writing machine, the
only difference being that the divisions on the rack are so small that the backward
movement of the pawl S is equal to four divisions in the rack instead of one as with
the Remington machine.
m represents a rod on which are pivoted two bell levers M and M. One arm of
the lever M is connected with the half space or two unit key P, and one arm of the
lever M¹ is connected with the quarter space or one unit key Pl When the key P
is depressed, the lever M is rocked and its upper end brought behind the pawl S.
When said pawl is released from the rack, it springs back and strikes said arm of
the lever M, and the backward movement is only equal to two divisions of the rack.
When the said key is released and the rock shaft returns to its normal position, the

page_text: carriage moves forward through two units of space. When the space key Pis
depressed, one arm of the lever M' is moved behind the pawl and acts as a stop to
prevent the said pawl from moving backward a distance greater than one division
on the rack., Therefore, when the said key is released, the carriage moves forward
a distance equal to one unit. Means are therefore provided for adding between
words extra spaces equal to either one or two units. And these extra spaces may
When a sufficient
be added with the same result as in the machine first described.
number of extra spaces have been added, the letter on the copy corresponding with
W " of " we as
the letter about to be added to the matrix line (which is the "
shown in Figure 7 of the drawing) is in line with the left hand gauge C, and the
operator knows his line is justified.
"
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The herein described method of justifying matrix lines, which consists in
(1) preparing a copy having letters which occupy the same space which corre-
sponding letters will occupy in the matrix line and having normal spaces between
words: (2) placing this copy behind two gauges which are separated a distance
equal to the desired length of the matrix line, with the last letter in the copy line
opposite or in line with the right hand gauge: (3) forming the matrix line letter
by letter and space by space: (4) moving the copy toward the left hand gauge
distances exactly equal to the increments in the length of the matrix line which is
being made, (5) adding extra spaces between words until the letter on the copy
corresponding with the letter about to be added to the matrix line is opposite or in
line with the left hand gauge and (6) finishing the matrix line without the addition
of extra spaces.
2. In machines for forming matrix lines, a copy holding carriage, two gauges
which are separated a distance equal to the length of the matrix line to be formed,
and are adapted to lie in front of the copy on said carriage, and means for moving
the said carriage to the left a distance exactly equal to the increment to the
length of the matrix line being formed, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
3. In machines for forming matrix lines, a movable copy holding carriage, a
plate c having a graduated edge, two stationary gauges which are separated a
distance equal to the length of the matrix line to be formed and are adapted to lie
in front of the copy on said carriage, and means for moving said carriage to the
left a distance exactly equal to the increment to the length of the matrix line being
formed, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
4. In machines for forming matrix lines, a movable copy-holding carriage, two
gauges adapted to lie in front of the copy on the copy-holding carriage, means for
varying the distance between said gauges, and mechanism for moving said carriage
to the left a distance exactly equal to the increment in the length of the matrix
line which is being formed, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
5. In machines for forming matrix lines, a movable copy-holding carriage, a
fixed plate adapted to lie in front of the copy on said carriage, and having a
horizontal slot through which the copy may be seen, graduations on one horizontal
edge of said slot, means for varying the length of said slot, and mechanism for
moving said carriage to the left a distance exactly equal to the increment in the
length of the matrix line which is being formed, substantially as and for the purposes
specified.
1 1
T
11000
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.